Frequently Asked Questions

NYC Plaza Program

NYC Plaza Program
Applying

How does the city decide where new plazas will go?

Plazas are built only where there is a community request and where there is also substantial additional support from local Community Boards and elected officials and where they determined to be feasible. Every site in the NYC Plaza Program is the result of a application from the community. The City does not propose sites itself and will not move forward on community requests without local support.

Where are the plazas?

DOT seeks to enhance public spaces throughout the city and are actively seeking community partners in every borough. More than half of the plazas (24 of 42) created in the NYC Plaza Program are outside of Manhattan. If you know of a good community partner in your district, please encourage them to apply for to the NYC Plaza Program.
As of May, 2011:

• Nine plazas are being planned.
• Thirteen plazas are currently in design.
• Three plazas are in construction.
• Seventeen plazas have been completed.

How many plazas are supported by communities?

All plazas receive letters of support from Community Boards an application won't move forward without them. Most have letters from Council Members as well and many also include letters of support from borough presidents, state legislators and local neighborhood and civic associations.
See sample letters of support (pdf).

Who takes care of the plazas?

The Community organization that proposes the plaza must agree to clean and maintain the plaza so that the site is kept in a state of good repair and at no additional cost to the public.

What percentage of DOT's capital budget include plazas?

About 1 percent

What is the community outreach process for the plaza program?

DOT informs the public about Plaza Program opportunities via the City record, Web site, social media, information sessions in each borough and presentations to borough boards and at district service and cabinet meetings. DOT also contacts housing, environmental, business, cultural, and health organizations and nonprofits, as well as all business improvement districts citywide.
Check the DOT Events Calendar for upcoming information sessions.

How is the public involved in the design of public spaces that are part of the Plaza Program?

DOT holds public visioning workshops that are open to everyone to solicit input that helps to form the basis for all plaza designs.

What’s the minimum size of a plaza?

Sites less than 2,000 square feet are not encouraged.

What will the plazas look like?

Each plaza will be designed to reflect the character and context of the neighborhood. Plazas may include movable or fixed seating, trees and plants, lighting, paving, information and wayfinding signage, concessions, public art (temporary and permanent), bicycle parking and water fountains.

Can public art be incorporated into the plaza?

Yes, public art can be incorporated in plazas on either a permanent or temporary (under 11 months) basis. All permanent public art would be coordinated through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Percent for Art Program and would require submission and approval from the NYC Public Design Commission. Permanent art may be completely integrated and functional (e.g. benches or tables), or it may be stand-alone art (e.g. a sculpture). Temporary art can be installed as a one-time project or cycled through on a temporary basis at a designated space in the plaza, such as on a foundation block that would allow different temporary sculptures.
 Learn more about DOT's public art programs.

Can events and fairs be held in the plaza?

Yes. The Partner may hold events and fairs as outlined in the Master Concession Agreement. Nevertheless, a Street Activity Permit would still be required and would be applied for through the Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management.

Will advertising be permitted?

No. Advertising will not be permitted in the plazas. Banners on light poles, however, may be installed in accordance with the DOT Banner Permit Program. In general, the banners must promote cultural exhibits and events or public or historical events which foster tourism and/or enhance the image of the City (see section 14 of the City's Highway Rules).
Learn more about Banner Permits.

When is the application period for the current round of the Plaza Program?

The application process for round four of the Plaza Program began in April 2011. The deadline is Thursday, June 30, 2011.

Do plazas generate income?

Community partners may enter into an agreement that gives them opportunities to generate income from sub-concessions, limited sponsorships and commercial events. All revenue must go back into the maintenance, management, and operation of the plazas.

Must the organization be registered with the Vendor Information Exchange System (VENDEX) with New York City prior to applying to the Plaza Program?

No. Nevertheless, VENDEX submittal is required prior to executing the Master Concession Agreement.
 Visit www.nyc.gov/vendex.

How has the Plaza Program affected parking?

In some cases a new plaza has a very limited effect on parking. DOT relies on community stakeholders to determine how best to use the streets and can support feasible requests. All plazas go through a review process requiring DOT to evaluate parking impacts and potentially identifying new spaces.

Does reclaiming streets for plazas cause traffic congestion?

In some parts of the city, there is excess road space. In such places, a portion of the road can be reclaimed for pedestrian use without significantly affecting traffic. In other areas, reclaiming street space can have potential impacts on traffic, in which case a traffic analysis would be required. Nevertheless, as a general rule, the Plaza Program will not pursue proposals that would produce significant adverse impacts on traffic.

Does DOT conduct a traffic analysis for plazas?

DOT conducts the same types of analysis for plazas that it conducts for other projects. Analysis may include traffic and pedestrian counts, crash data, parking impacts, nearby bicycle, bus, or truck route impacts, surrounding land uses and access to transit and open space. In some cases, a full traffic study may be required.

How are plazas evaluated?

After plazas are completed, DOT and its partners conduct studies to determine the results. Studies include pedestrian and vehicle counts, accident data, reports from the nonprofit partners and surveys targeted to get feedback from the public, businesses and landlords.

What if the community has concerns about a plaza after its built?

If a community has issues with a plaza that has been built, DOT works closely with area residents, business-owners, elected officials and Community Board to define the issues and make changes to make the project work better.