Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2024
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
NYC DOT Completes New Plaza Space, Shared Street on Post Avenue in Inwood
Redesign of northernmost block of Post Avenue includes new plaza space, ‘Shared Street’ to calm traffic
New pedestrian space installed at intersections to reduce crossing times and enhance safety
NEW YORK — New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez joined elected officials to celebrate the completion of a new plaza space and pedestrian safety enhancements on Post Avenue, between West 207th Street and 10th Avenue in Inwood. By converting the block of Post Avenue into a one-way street, NYC DOT was able to dramatically expand the pedestrian space to create a new plaza and calm traffic on the block with the installation of a "Shared Street" with a 5 MPH speed limit.
"Street by street and plaza by plaza, this administration is making real inroads on delivering quality green space and pedestrian safety enhancements right outside of New Yorker's front doors," said Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi. "Many thanks to the Department of Transportation for delivering this project, supporting Inwood residents to take advantage of outdoor space for connection and relaxation and feel safer on their streets."
"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," said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "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."
The project was completed as part of NYC DOT’s record-setting 2023, where it installed more than 580,000 square feet of new pedestrian space—more than any prior year on record. Through the installation of curb extensions at two adjacent intersections of 10th Avenue, NYC DOT has dramatically shortened the time it takes to cross three intersections in the area, enhancing pedestrian safety and calming turning vehicles. Through the new plaza space and sidewalk extensions, NYC DOT added more than 9,400 square feet of new pedestrian space to the area.
NYC DOT conducted years of outreach ahead of the project installation, beginning in 2018 with preliminary meetings with community groups. The Inwood Merchant Association will serve as NYC DOT’s public space partner at this location and will be responsible for maintenance, including litter removal, snow clearance, furniture maintenance, programming, events, and horticultural care.
"The creation of this new plaza on 207 and Post Avenue provides a space where residents can gather and connect with one another, strengthening the bonds within our community," said Congressmember Adriano Espaillat. "The additional pedestrian space is crucial to ensuring the safety of our neighbors from life-threatening accidents, and my office worked relentlessly to make this a reality for our community. I commend NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez and all who worked collaboratively to ensure completion of this project and public space for families across my district."
"Inwood's Post Avenue transformation is a testament to what a community can achieve when it comes together," said State Senator Robert Jackson. "By prioritizing pedestrians, safety, and shared spaces, the NYC DOT, the Inwood Merchant Association, and surrounding street vendors not only created a plaza but also woven a stronger social fabric where neighbors can gather, learn, and grow. This is a symbol of progress and unity for Inwood."
"I commend Commissioner Rodriguez and the city on this achievement in making our streets more safe and more friendly to pedestrians," said Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos.
"Plazas and shared streets have become places to foster community and prioritize safe, walkable streets," said Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa. "We are proud to not only introduce a new open space for Uptown but to entrust the oversight to one of our many community-oriented organizations, the Inwood Merchants Association. We look forward to the productive and positive use of the space and the many health and safety benefits it will bring to our Inwood residents."
"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," said Gwen Martinez, executive director of the Inwood Merchants Association. "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."
"Reclaiming public space for pedestrians and cyclists leads to calmer traffic and safer roads, and we applaud DOT for completing this exciting public pedestrian plaza," said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. "Inwood is a neighborhood in desperate need of public investment, and it’s no surprise that under Commissioner Rodriguez’s leadership, this important project finally crossed the finish line."
"New year, new public space! These street improvements represent an investment in a happier, healthier future for Inwood and the entire city," said Jackson Chabot, director of advocacy and organizing at Open Plans. "Shorter street crossing and slower vehicle speeds will save lives, and new sidewalk and plaza space creates new opportunities to build community connections. Added together, these changes help transform our city streets into people-centered spaces that enrich, rather than endanger, every New Yorkers’ life."
"Creating car-free public plazas unlocks vibrant community spaces, while protecting New Yorkers from traffic violence. This project on Post Avenue is a model for building public space in neighborhoods around New York City," said Jada Yeboah, Bronx/uptown organizer for Transportation Alternatives. "We're glad to see Commissioner Rodriguez and DOT open 9,400 new square feet of pedestrian space in Inwood and look forward to cutting the ribbon on even more public space in 2024."