Department of Transportation Application for Seventh Avenue Pedestrian Improvements
WHEREAS, The Department of Transportation is planning to make permanent pedestrian safety improvements to 7th Avenue between 31st and 34th Streets; and
WHEREAS, The improvements include creating neck downs (also called curb extensions) in the following locations:
the northwest, northeast and southeast corners of 34th Street and 7th Avenue
the northeast and southeast corners of 33rd Street and 7th Avenue
the northeast and southeast corners of 32nd Street and 7th Avenue
the northeast, northwest and southeast corners of 31st Street and 7th Avenue; and
WHEREAS, The improvements also include:
expanding the curb line on the east side of 7th Avenue between 31st and 32nd Streets by 10 feet
expanding the curb line on the west side of 7th Avenue in front of Pennsylvania Station, between 31st and 33rd Streets by 6 feet
expanding the curb line between 33rd and 34th Streets by 2 feet; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Transportation has conducted several traffic studies of the area to determine that the changes will not adversely affect current bus or taxi flow or stops; and
WHEREAS, These changes will enlarge the curbs and sidewalks for pedestrians, creating a safer travel environment; and
WHEREAS, Community Board Five request that no vendors be allowed to sell on the sidewalk; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Transportation has agreed to explore the possibility of adding a neck down on the southwest corner of 34th Street and 7th Avenue; therefore be it
WHEREAS, Community Board Five continues to be concerned about the proliferation of street vendors and wants to ensure that any new sidewalk expansion in this area is made available to pedestrians and is not utilized by vendors; and
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the application to create Pedestrian Safety Improvements along 7th Avenue.