Image Credit: New York City Department of Transportation
On January 4, 2024, the Department of Transportation announced the completion of new plaza space and pedestrian safety enhancements in Inwood. The upgrades were made along Post Avenue between West 207th Street and 10th Avenue.
The changes included converting the block of Post Avenue to a one-way street, which allowed the agency to add over 9,400 square feet of available pedestrian space and make a new plaza. The agency installed a “shared street” with a five-mile-per-hour speed limit. Curb extensions at two adjacent intersections will help shorten the time it takes to cross the street, which in turn makes pedestrians safer and helps calm turning vehicles.
The Department of Transportation is partnering with the Inwood Merchant Association to maintain the public plaza and handle snow and litter removal, maintenance, programming and events in the plaza. Community outreach for the project started in 2018 with preliminary meetings with community groups.
Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated, “”Every New Yorker deserves safe streets and welcoming spaces where they can meet with family and friends or enjoy public events that help build community with their neighbors. “This great project dramatically expands space for pedestrians and calms traffic at three nearby intersections. We thank Mayor Adams for his support in expanding the installation of these spaces across the city and for the Inwood Merch ant Association for their partnership at this location.”
Gwen Martinez, Executive Director of the Inwood Merchants Association, stated, “”The inauguration of the 207 plaza marks a significant milestone for our community. This space is more than just an open area; it’s a testament to our collective commitment to revitalizing and enriching our neighborhood. It’s a place where local culture and commerce can flourish side by side, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among residents. This plaza isn’t just a physical space; it’s a reflection of our neighborhood’s spirit and resilience.”
By: Veronica Rose (Veronica is the Editor of CityLand and a New York Law School graduate, Class of 2018.)