Image Credit: DCP.
On October 12, 2023, Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick announced that the NYC Street Map will now include access to the original street mapping of the City. Users can see the width, angles, and other dimensions of the City’s over 32,000 streets when utilizing the interactive map for requests to change their street, personal property interests, and to explore the history of the City.
By clicking on the street square grid, users can view the layout of any street in the City from its original mapping through all alterations to present day. The oldest street map dates back to the start of the 20th century and the paper maps accessible are over a combined total of 8,000 documents. Other benefits of the map include: finding public areas named to honor notable community members, to find the City’s 56 public “step streets”, find parks, views private or unmapped streets, and see if a home or business is in a federally-designated flood zone.
Dan Garodnick, Department of City Planning Director and Chair of the City Planning Commission, said, “Word on the street is that this update will give the public all they need to know about New York City’s roads, avenues, boulevards, and corridors. As we work to streamline housing and job development and make our city greener, this tool will help those looking to make changes to their property save time and money by making this info readily available. It’s a great example of how we’re increasing transparency and putting data at New Yorkers’ fingertips.”
New York City Economic Development (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball said, “The NYC Street Map tool is an exciting and innovative example of how the city government is leveraging technology to unlock potential for businesses, real estate developers, and curious citizens alike. With a comprehensive history of New York City available at a click of button, New Yorkers across the five boroughs can play an active role in civic participation continuing to make New York City a great place to live, work, play, and learn.”
Council Member James Gennaro said, “The Department of City Planning’s update to the NYC Street Map is a triumph of historical preservation and accessibility. By including the original mapping and rich history of New York City streets, this interactive tool empowers New Yorkers with a deeper connection to our city’s vibrant past. DCP’s update to NYC Street Map will also be a useful tool for New Yorkers to gather important data about streets, making it easier than ever to plan for alterations and changes to their properties.”
By: Meg Beauregard (Meg is the CityLaw intern, and a New York Law School student, Class of 2024).
Department of City Planning: “For the First Time, Historical Record of NYC’s Original and Altered Streets Available in One Place via City Planning’s “NYC Street Map” Tool” (Oct. 12, 2023).