Advocating For Speed Camera Renewal, Gay Street Signs Dropped For Pride Month, Pershing Square Redesign: NYC DOT

Advocating For Speed Camera Renewal, Gay Street Signs Dropped For Pride Month, Pershing Square Redesign: NYC DOT

Editor’s note: We shared a recent study detailing the success of the automated enforcement program in deterring speeding behaviors.  In areas where the speed cameras are installed, the tickets start being generated, but over the course of a short time, the number of tickets generated drops by about 94% on average.  This indicates that much of the speeding is being performed by residents or frequent visitors of a given community.  It also means that in order to keep generating revenue from the program, new cameras have to be continually installed in different locations. We previously covered several of  the DOT’s sign drops, including those celebrating baseball’s opening day, comic legend Stan Lee signs, and district signs for the Wu Tang Clan District. 

NYC DOT JOINS FAMILY OF VICTIM KILLED BY SPEEDING DRIVER TO ADVOCATE FOR RENEWAL OF SPEED CAMERA PROGRAM, ‘SUPER SPEEDERS’ LEGISLATION

New Analysis Shows Severe Traffic Injuries Declined Nearly 30 Percent at Recently Installed Speed Camera Locations

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today joined advocates and elected officials to call for the renewal of the city’s speed camera program and the passage of ‘Super Speeders’ legislation to install speed limiters in the vehicles of the most dangerous drivers on our streets. City data shows speed cameras dramatically reduce speeding at locations where they are installed, and new analysis released today shows that severe traffic injuries declined nearly 30 percent at locations where speed cameras were recently installed. NYC DOT held the rally at the intersection of West 66^th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, where a nearby speed camera has led to a 75 percent reduction in speeding since it was installed in 2022.

While the vast majority of drivers change their behavior and do not receive more than one or two speed camera violations, a small number of ‘Super Speeders’ who recklessly rack up high numbers of automated violations are statistically far more likely to be involved in a crash causing death or severe injury. Vehicles that receive more than 20 speed camera violations are five times as likely to be involved in a fatal or severe injury crash. Vehicles with 30 or more speed camera violations are over 50 times as likely to be involved in a fatal or severe injury crash.

“Speed cameras keep all New Yorkers safe on our streets by changing driver behavior and deterring speeding from happening in the first place,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “While we know most drivers stop speeding after their first or second ticket, an extremely reckless few continue to endanger themselves and everyone around them. That’s why we are working with our colleagues in Albany to pass ‘Super Speeders’ legislation that would require the worst offenders to have technology installed on their vehicles to prevent it from exceeding the speed limit. I thank the family of Dwight Downer for turning their pain into purpose in advocating for these important legislative efforts.”

Speed Camera Renewal 

New York City operates roughly 2,200 speed cameras in 750 school zones. Without the passage of new legislation in Albany, the program will expire on July 1, robbing the city of an extremely effective tool to keep New Yorkers safe on our streets. New analysis released today shows that even newly installed speed cameras show dramatic results, emphasizing the continued need for this program. Locations with speed cameras installed in 2023 saw a dramatic, nearly 30 percent, reduction in severe injury crashes after one year compared to nearby locations.

NYC DOT is supporting S7336/A7997, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Deborah Glick, that would reauthorize the use of speed cameras in New York City for five years.

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Limiting ‘Super Speeders’

Speed cameras have dramatically reduced speeding and changed driver behavior where they are installed. Yet a small subset drivers continue to speed regardless of how many violations they receive—and data shows these ‘Super Speeders’ are far more likely to be involved in major collisions that result in severe injury or death.

A driver that has received 16 speed camera violations in a year is twice as likely to be involved in a crash that causes severe injury or death; a driver that has received more than 20 violations is five times as likely to be involved in such a crash; and drivers with 30 or more violations are 50 times as likely to be involved in such a crash.

To hold these ‘Super Speeders’ accountable, NYC DOT and the Adams administration are supporting S4045/A2299 sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher that would require the installation of technology on the vehicles of ‘Super Speeders’ that prevent the vehicle from going faster than the speed limit. The City of New York, through its Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), is piloting this technology, known as intelligent speed assist, in the municipal vehicle fleet. The installation of the technology in city vehicles has virtually eliminated speeding among fleet vehicle drivers.

“Speed cameras are vital for making streets safer and lowering speeds, so it’s imperative that the legislature reauthorizes the City’s use of these cameras. And bills addressing super speeders will ensure that we are cracking down on drivers who speed frequently and put lives at risk,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “I urge the legislature to pass both bills so that New Yorkers are safer on our streets.”

“It is undeniable that speed cameras in school zones save lives,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler. “The evidence clearly shows that the presence of cameras along with the threat of speed infractions encourage safe driving in school zones, and force drivers to slow down. Unfortunately, unless reauthorized this legislative session speed cameras in NYC will have to be turned off on July 1st. The legislature must reauthorize speed cameras in New York City now before the end of legislative session. Additionally, I fully support legislation to reign in ‘super speeders’. Anyone who receive six speed or red-light cameras tickets in a six-month period belong to a small group of reckless drivers who continue to speed regardless of how many violations they receive are far more likely to be involved in major collisions that result in severe injury or death. We must hold these super speeders accountable and install speed limiters in their vehicle to safeguard our community and streets.”

“At this point, there are no questions, just facts: speeding kills, and speed cameras save lives,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “No New Yorker should fear for their life while traveling on our streets. The speed camera program works—where there are cameras, drivers slow down and speeding plummets. And for the remaining few who refuse to drive safely no matter how many tickets they receive, my Stop Super Speeders Act ensures accountability. If we’re serious about tackling the crisis of traffic violence on our streets, we need to pass these two bills this year.”

“I am sick of learning about senseless tragedies that occur because we are unable or unwilling to curb the behavior of our most reckless drivers. There is an abundance of evidence that shows that slowing down drivers saves lives,” said State Assemblymember Emily Gallagher. “I sponsor the speed limiter bill in the Assembly because we know that 20 percent of all fatalities from vehicle crashes are caused by just 1.5 percent of drivers. I am thrilled to rally alongside my colleagues, transit advocates, and the NYC DOT to call for the passage of both of these important bills, which we know will help to create essential safeguards to protect New Yorkers.”

“New York City’s school zone speed camera program has been incredibly successful in slowing motorists down and drastically reducing injuries and deaths in the streets around our schools,” said State Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick. “The focus of this life-saving program is making motorists mindful of their speed in these sensitive areas where children, faculty, and other community members are at risk, and every measured metric – from decreased crashes to low recidivism – confirms their success. I will ensure that this critical program is renewed so that these cameras can continue to keep dangerous drivers on notice that reckless driving will not be tolerated.”

“Slower speeds save lives,” said State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), sponsor of Sammy’s Law. “New Yorkers who use our streets as their own personal raceway must be held accountable for their reckless actions. This session, we have an opportunity to do just that by passing two critical bills: speed camera reauthorization and the Super Speeders bill. By requiring that incalcitrant drivers install speed limiters in their vehicles, as well as reauthorizing the city’s speed camera program, we will protect New Yorkers from some of the most dangerous drivers on our streets. I, along with my colleagues, will continue to fight to get these two common-sense bills over the finish line.”

“Speed cameras save lives. To keep New Yorkers safe, Albany needs to renew this essential program, and to pass the Stop Super Speeders bill. For the vast majority of speeders, tickets work to deter them, making our neighborhoods safer,” said Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Ben Furnas. “But for the small number of repeat offenders that aren’t deterred, this bill is needed — speed limiter technology installed in their cars will physically slow their vehicles down to the speed limit, so they can’t continue to terrorize our neighborhoods.”

NYC DOT RELEASES LIMITED BATCH OF GAY STREET SIGNS TO CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH AND THE WEST VILLAGE’S HISTORY IN THE LGBTQ+ RIGHTS MOVEMENT

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced a limited number of authentic street signs commemorating Gay Street in Manhattan’s West Village, located less than two blocks from the Stonewall National Monument between Christopher Street and Waverly Place. Signs include a batch of traditional Greenwich Village Historic District Gay Street signs, and a batch with a special Pride flag inspired trim along the bottom. Today’s release is part of the agency’s monthly ‘sign drops,’ pulled from the wide range of hand-made signs from the NYC DOT Sign Shop, which produces over 70,000 signs each year. NYC DOT launched its ‘sign drops’ last June with the inaugural release of Christopher Street/Stonewall Place in honor of Pride Month 2024.

“Pride Month in New York City is a spectacular celebration of diversity, solidarity, and our city’s rich history fighting for equality,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This month’s ‘sign drop’ celebrates the historic West Village and its unique role in LGBTQ+ history and the identity of our city’s LGBTQ+ community.”

“New York City thrives on its diverse communities, and the newly released Gay Street sign is a powerful symbol of our commitment to celebrating all identities and experiences,” said DCAS Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “This street, rich in history, carries a sign that honors our past while looking boldly to the future – this sign drop is an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to take a piece of that history and solidarity home with them.”

“We are proud to see our city’s history and the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community recognized in such a meaningful and tangible way. These street signs serve as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that remains in achieving full equality for all,” said Sarah Feller & Esau Reyes-Pesante, Co-Chairs; John Napolitano, Treasurer; Aramael Peña-Alcantara, Secretary; Jordan Solano-Reed, Events Coordinator; Sean Quinn, Executive Sponsor – LGBTQ+@DOT

Gay Street is historically understood to be named for a family who owned land or resided in the area during colonial times, yet has nonetheless been embraced by the local LGBTQ+ community. The short street, originally a stable alley, was later widened in 1833 and was eventually known to be the residence of African-American musicians who were associated with the community’s bohemian vibe, and over 100 years later, would make appearances in pop culture, such as the movie A Night to Remember (1942),Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” music video (1982), and Sheryl Crow’s “A Change Would Do You Good” music video (1996). In fact, Sheryl Crow appears on Gay Street for the entirety of the video, at one point throwing her belongings from an upper floor window onto the street. Both Sheryl Crow and Cyndi Lauper are regarded as LGBTQ advocates and icons.

A limited release of 100 signs will be sold online for $100 each and are available one per customer. All signs will be sold via the CityStore, the Official Store of the City of New York, and proceeds will benefit the city’s general fund. This signage offers a bit of nostalgia and a literal piece of the city’s infrastructure.

Monthly sign drops from NYC DOT feature signs for iconic New York City streets, commemorations of famous New Yorkers, celebrations of special occasions, and other custom releases. NYC DOT began its monthly drops in June 2024, with the release of Christopher Street/Stonewall Place street signs to commemorate Pride Month.

Other recent sign drops include:

• Wall Street
• Leaving Brooklyn: Fughgeddaboudit

• East 161st Street and Shea Road in honor of baseball’s opening day
• Love Lane to recognize Valentine’s Day
• Broadway in celebration of Broadway Week.
• Cornelia Street to honor the street’s prominence among pop music fans.

About the NYC DOT Sign Shop

The New York City DOT Sign Shop is in Maspeth, Queens and manufactures over 70,000 signs each year. A team of 32 Sign Shop employees hand-make street signs, highway signs, directional signs, parking signs, and more. There are about one million NYC DOT signs in use across the 6,000 miles of streets in New York City.

The monthly sign drops are the latest iteration of sales that have historically been available from the Sign Shop.

About the CityStore

CityStore is the Official store of the City of New York. CityStore is operated by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services. One hundred percent of sales benefit the City of New York.

CityStore is similar to a museum store, which complements the museum by highlighting the treasures within while serving as a stand-alone retail entity for wonderful gifts, collectables and research materials. A museum store is a revenue source for the museum and reinforces and protects the integrity of the museum brand. CityStore is the ‘museum store’ for the entire City of New York.

CITY COMPLETES FINAL PHASE OF PERSHING SQUARE PLAZA, PROVIDING LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE PEDESTRIAN AREA NEAR GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

The City’s Newest Pedestrian Plaza Creates a Welcoming Gateway in East Midtown

The $16.7 Million Investment by the East Midtown Governing Group Brings Chairs, Tables, Sustainability Features, and Other Amenities to Plaza

Pershing Square East overlooking Grand Central Terminal. Image Credit – NYC DOT

NEW YORK – The NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today announced the completion of the final phase of Pershing Square Plaza, creating a new multi-purpose public space that invites pedestrian activity and supports local businesses. The project was built in two phases, Pershing Square East and Pershing Square West, for a total investment of $16.7 million. DDC managed the project for DOT and DEP.

The Pershing Square East project is one of the first projects funded from the East Midtown Governing Group as a result of the East Midtown rezoning. The governing group voted to fund this project as one of their highest priorities, and the city responded by delivering this priority public space.

“Our streets and sidewalks make up 80 percent of New York City’s public space and by building public plazas, we are also building a better city through new jobs, new local partnerships, and new spaces that benefit all who work, visit, and live in East Midtown,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We thank our sister agencies, local community partners, and elected officials for their efforts to ease pedestrian congestion in the heart of Manhattan’s business and commerce while creating welcoming public spaces for all.”

“This transformation of Pershing Square Plaza has created a vibrant public space in one of Manhattan’s busiest corridors,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Thanks to smart and coordinated urban planning, DEP was able to take advantage of this streetscape project to update critical underground infrastructure. These upgrades will bolster the water delivery system, improve stormwater drainage, and enhance fire protection – creating a more resilient and safer East Midtown.”

“From Times Square to Pershing Square, DDC is proud to build public plazas that beautify our city,” said DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley. “Our designers ensured that the plaza shares the unique architectural character of the surrounding area, including iconic locations like Grand Central Terminal, Park Avenue Viaduct, and the Pershing Square Building. We also upgraded the area’s storm sewers for better storm management. Thanks to our city partners, local community members and businesses, as well as our DDC team, the plaza will be a beautiful, calming space that visitors will enjoy for years to come.”

“The Pershing Square Plaza is a great example of how smart planning can leverage private investment to deliver significant public benefits,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. “The Greater East Midtown Plan continues to pay off for New Yorkers, from transit improvements to sustainability upgrades, to high-quality public spaces like this one.”

The new Pershing Square East, which accounts for $5 million of the total $16.7 million Pershing Square, is 10,000-square-feet on Park Avenue East between 41^st and 42^nd streets. It is equipped with 18 tables with chairs, a metal louvre fence and gate, and a Citi Bike station. The project installed 900 square yards of asphalt, six ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps, nearly 6,000 square feet of sidewalk, 550 square feet of granite pavers, 53 security bollards, and five trees.

The project also added wayfinding signage, new pedestrian signals, and upgraded streetlights and traffic signals. Additionally, nearly 300 feet of water and storm sewer pipes were upgraded, and four catch basins were installed. Construction of Pershing Square East began in January 2022.

Pershing Square West on the other side of the Viaduct includes tables, chairs, a raised patio for dining, and a river bench for additional seating. The plaza also includes over 450 plants and several trees. Image Credit – NYC DOT

Pershing Square West, an $11.7 million project located on Park Avenue West between 41^st and 42^nd Streets, adds another 13 tables for public use. At the heart of the 12,150-square-foot plaza is a raised patio, designed to serve as an outdoor dining area for The Pershing Square Café. Surrounding the perimeter of the raised patio is a continuous trench drain system integrated into the paving that directs stormwater to a new rain garden for natural absorption. Additionally, a custom-designed river bench at both the northern and southern edge of the raised patio offers continuous seating, guiding the eye and foot traffic toward key features like the dining area and new planted spaces.

Pershing Square West has three trees and 465 plants, including 235 ornamental grasses and 230 perennials. Crews also installed 8,000 square yards of asphalt, nearly 700 feet of sidewalk and over 400 feet of curb. Over 4,000 feet of water main and approximately 350 feet of storm sewers were upgraded. Three catch basins, 21 fire hydrants and six ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps were replaced or installed. The project received a Gold Award for Engineering Excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York. Construction of Pershing Square West began in 2014 and ended in 2020.

Pershing Square West, which received a Gold Award for Engineering Excellence from ACEC NY, was designed to complement the area’s unique architectural profile. The plaza is near Grand Central Station, Park Avenue Viaduct, and the Pershing Square Building. Image Credit – NYC DOT

The effort to create a plaza at the site began in 2013 when Community Board 5 endorsed the temporary termination of vehicular traffic in the northbound lanes of Park Avenue between East 41st and East 42nd Streets. The transformation of the temporary eastern plaza to a permanent installation was done under the NYC Plaza Program. Funding for the plaza was part of East Midtown rezoning and the plaza will be maintained by the Grand Central Partnership.

Commissioner in Your Borough

Today’s ribbon cutting is part of NYC DOT’s Commissioner in Your Borough Day in Manhattan. The Commissioner in Your Borough series allows Commissioner Rodriguez to engage with residents and community leaders in each borough to discuss transportation needs. Since 2022, NYC DOT has held 19 Commissioner in Your Borough events.

“I’m thrilled to see the newly completed Pershing Square Plaza come to life, delivering on the promise of making this public space safer and more accessible for pedestrians while bringing much needed benefits to local businesses,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “I encourage everyone visiting the area to enjoy the new seating, dining area, and green space in this incredible new public plaza.”

“The brand new Pershing Square is a beautiful public plaza that today welcomes a new section on the eastern side of Park Avenue,” said Councilmember Keith Powers. “The publicly accessible area will now provide space for New Yorkers to dine and spend time outside all while admiring the iconic Grand Central Station rising before them. I’m proud to have engaged with the East Midtown Governing Group, who prioritized this project, to fund this new public space.”

“Today’s ribbon cutting is very special because it brings to a close a nearly four decade effort by Grand Central Partnership working with the city and our stakeholders to transform these adjoining parts of Park Avenue into a vibrant open space here at the doorstep to iconic Grand Central Terminal that welcomes visitors, commuters and residents to our Midtown East community,” said Grand Central Partnership President and CEO Fred Cerullo. “And with the generous support of the city, our stakeholders, community boards, and elected officials, Pershing Square Plaza East and West are now home to a thriving restaurant and outdoor cafe, the city’s largest bike share docking station, open seating for the general public and regular programming featuring local musicians.”

“Pershing Square East is yet another powerful example of how strategic investment in great public spaces can transform our streetscape and enliven our business districts,” said “New” New York Executive Director B.J. Jones. “Congratulations to DDC, DOT, and the Grand Central Partnership for enhancements and activations that help make Midtown a vibrant global hub.”

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About the NYC Department of Transportation

The New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents. NYC DOT’s staff manage an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion and a ten-year $33 billion capital program, along with 6,300 miles of streets and highways, over 12,000 miles of sidewalk, and approximately 800 bridges and tunnels, including the iconic East River bridges. NYC DOT’s staff also installs and maintains nearly one million street signs, 13,250 signalized intersections, over 315,000 street lights, and over 350 million linear feet of markings.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $29 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $33 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.

Banner Image: Pershing Square West on the other side of the Viaduct includes tables, chairs, a raised patio for dining, and a river bench for additional seating. The plaza also includes over 450 plants and several trees. Image Credit – NYC DOT