City launches proposal to eliminate cars on section of Grand Army Plaza
City officials say the goal is to make the space safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
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New York City officials have launched a proposal to eliminate cars on a section of Grand Army Plaza, creating a direct path from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Archway directly to Prospect Park.
As part of the plan, the roadways around the plaza would be converted from one-way streets to two-way streets.
City officials say the goal is to make the space safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
The proposal also includes the idea of streamlining bus routes that pass through the roadway.
News 12 previously reported that people were concerned about the design of the plaza.
Charlie Baker, a spokesperson for street safety advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, says the proposal would be a game-changer when it comes to safety.
"We shouldn't accept this status quo that there's going to be so many lanes of speeding traffic right next to hundreds of pedestrians who are all trying to cross the street and don't even have enough space to do so. Everybody is just trying to get to the park. Nobody should be risking their lives," said Baker.
The New York City Department of Transportation says the design will be finalized through a series of public workshops starting on April 23.
