Putting the park back in Park Avenue with proposed redesign in Midtown Manhattan

New York City hopes to finally put the park back in Park Avenue.

Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced a major step to revamp East 46th Street through East 57th Street on the famous avenue.

They plan to add greenery, public seating, concessions, and safer crossings for pedestrians.

"We want to redefine park as a greener safer and more welcoming corridor for all New Yorkers," Rodriguez said.

The effort comes as the city continues to work on its plan to permanently reimagine Fifth Avenue as a safer, less congested, pedestrian-centered boulevard.

"High-quality public spaces aren't just a luxury - they're a necessity, and they're a vital component of our vision to revitalize commercial corridors like Midtown and build a safer, more affordable, better city for all New Yorkers," Mayor Adams said. "Our ambitious project will ensure that as the MTA completes its underground structural work, the Park Avenue that goes back on top will be better than ever, with more space for people to enjoy the greatest city in the world."

"This street redesign is a key piece of a new vision for East Midtown, and we look forward to identifying a partner to make this vision a reality," Rodriguez said.

As the MTA completes its work repairing the Grand Central Terminal Train Shed, Park Avenue will be restored with an expanded median for pedestrians featuring verdant landscaping and seating.

The medians will be widened up to 20 feet, reclaiming space that was turned over to cars back in 1927.

It's an idea that people can really envision.

"I think bike paths and, you know, benches and lots of shade would be nice," said Mike Kenny, who works in the area. "It'd be a nice place to hang out instead of just walking through."

"Little areas, you can have a cup of tea or something like that," said Barbara Chamberlain, who also works in the area. "Yeah. I think it's a grand idea."

However, drivers may not like what the future holds.

"Well, it would be a mess. Already, most of the streets with bus lanes. Always trouble trying to use those lanes if they're making sure that night is going to be a lot more trouble," said one cab driver.

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