A stretch of Park Row that’s been closed since 9/11 will not reopen to private vehicular traffic, but police parking there will now be restricted, according to the city’s Economic Development Corporation, which briefed community members on the decision Wednesday night.
The resolution is part of an Adams administration effort to redesign Chinatown’s Kimlau Square and its five-way intersection at Park Row’s northern end.
“Last year, we announced a historic $56 million-dollar public realm investment in Chinatown that will make much-needed traffic safety improvements at Chatham/Kimlau Square, expand the public plaza footprint, and beautify the Park Row connection to Chinatown,” Meera Joshi, the city’s deputy mayor for operations said in a statement.
“Our work with the Chinatown community and all who live, work, and visit the area continues as we move the next phase of design forward to bring this neglected space back to families, businesses and workers,” Joshi said.
Security concerns around the road’s proximity to NYPD headquarters — as well as other federal law enforcement and judiciary buildings — have kept it on lockdown for more than 23 years, with manned checkpoints at Worth St. and Frankfort St.
Then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg loosened restrictions in 2018, allowing pedestrian and bus traffic, but keeping the thoroughfare closed to private cars. For the past two decades, the road has largely served as parking for law enforcement officers.
The road plan announced Wednesday, however, will aim to improve pedestrian safety by removing all NYPD parking spaces along the east side of the street, EDC officials said.
The two-decade road closure has been a contentious issue for area residents, with at least one coalition of locals calling for the full reopening of the street as a way to reconnect neighborhood businesses with the Financial District.
The Adams’ administration plans to invest $55 Million in nearby Kimalu Square in an effort to encourage safer foot-traffic through the neighborhood.
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