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Hudson Square plaza plan wins board backing amid parking, trash and commercialization concerns
Summary
DOT and the Hudson Square BID proposed pedestrianizing one block of Little Sixth Avenue as a DOT Plaza, funded in part by a nearly $750,000 New York Forward grant. Committee members voted to support the plaza but urged limits on commercialization, attention to trash and lighting, and clearer plans for emergency access and parking impacts.
DOT plaza staff and Hudson Square BID representatives presented a temporary plaza plan for Little Sixth Avenue between Spring and Dominic Streets that would pedestrianize the block, add movable furnishings, two parklets, greening, an asphalt ground mural and a programming schedule funded in part by a New York Forward grant of roughly $750,000.
Klay Greyel, DOT plaza program manager, described the Plaza Program’s goals to reclaim roadway for pedestrian public space and said DOT typically permits interim plazas for 11 months with the option to move to capital reconstruction later. Jake McN. and Madu from the Hudson Square BID explained community outreach (student workshops, pop‑ups and an online survey) and showed a zoned layout that places active, student‑oriented programming at the southern end and more flexible civic space to the north. The BID said it would act as the plaza partner and maintenance operator; DOT noted that concession revenue, if any, must be reinvested in maintenance and operations.
Speakers raised several concerns: loss of curbside parking in the block’s parking lane; how emergency vehicle access would be preserved; nighttime use and public‑safety staffing; trash and vermin control; and the potential for overcommercialization through concession sub‑agreements. DOT and the BID said the design preserves an emergency access lane, that installation will use movable furnishings and delineators to preserve vehicle access when needed, and that concession arrangements (including any alcohol service) would require separate approvals and likely community‑board review.
The committee voted to support the plaza project with recommendations that the BID and DOT address trash management (adequate receptacles and “big‑belly” bins), lighting and sightlines for safety, a plan for overnight monitoring/maintenance and strong limits on concession size and commercial monopolization. The project timeline calls for DOT to close the block in early spring, milling and paving the street, an asphalt mural and phased furniture installation with a targeted full opening by early summer.
The committee praised the conversion of roadway to public space while reserving judgment on some details; members asked the BID to continue outreach with nearby schools, businesses and residents as designs are finalized.
