‘It Doesn’t Just Magically Happen’: Major Effort to Make a Public Plaza Work

 

By Mark Chiusano

What the visitor to Bogardus Plaza sees is the welcoming kiosk selling pasteis de nata, the tables and egg-shaped seats, and the raised platform that hosts a dog show, one of 8-10 events in the plaza each year. The passerby may notice the elegant paving stones, the antique 17-foot cast-iron clock, and the way that this plaza carves some public recreational space out of what used to be part of Hudson <Read More>


Democratic Mayoral Candidates Talk Parks Priorities

By Mark Chiusano

New York City’s parks are touchstones for all residents – including candidates for mayor. 

Among those 30,000 acres are “where my kids learned to walk,” said Comptroller Brad Lander, and where State Senator Zellnor Myrie biked and got a “reprieve” from his asthma. Former comptroller Scott Stringer’s children practically “live in the parks,” he said, summing up the prevailing view: “The way our parks will go will define how our city goes.”<Read More>


‘If You Build It, They Will Come’: City’s Chief Public Realm Officer Outlines Progress, Priorities

By Mark Chiusano

Ya-Ting Liu was appointed New York City’s inaugural chief public realm officer two years ago this month. How has the realm changed so far during her tenure? 

That was the subject of Liu’s talk at New York Law School’s 196th CityLaw Breakfast on Wednesday, during which she described well-used public space as “the secret sauce of cities” and how she thinks pedestrians should be “the main character” in New York City design. <Read More>


City Council Passes Two Bills Aimed to Help Cultural Sector Access Public Spaces

The program follows the concept of the Open Restaurants program. On December 10, 2020, the City Council passed two bills designed to provide arts and cultural institutions across the city with more access to public spaces in response to the damage to the City’s cultural sector because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 


COMPLETE VIDEO – Open Space Dialogues: From Vacant to Vibrant

On November 19, 2018, New York Law School hosted New Yorkers for Parks for their Open Space Dialogues: From Vacant to VibrantThis installment of the Open Space Dialogues explored the ways New Yorkers have and want to, create nontraditional open spaces in unusual places, from a single lot or tunnel to entire neighborhoods and whole islands. The event was kicked off by Center for New York City Law Associate Director Brian Kaszuba, who … <Read More>


EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT – Open Dialogues: From New Perspectives to Action

 

Join us Tuesday, April 10th, for Open Space Dialogues: From New Perspectives to Action, an evening of provocative presentations and discussion created by New Yorkers for Parks and WXY architecture + urban design. Following events focusing on open space value, design, development, policy, and financing, we have a panel of leading parks practitioners, decision-makers, activists, and stakeholders. Space is limited; register to reserve your spot.

 RSVP online today!