Staten Island Received Part Of Citywide Pothole Blitz, Staten Island Ferry Alcohol Returns, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Pedestrian Connections for Brooklyn Bridge, NOHO, East Village, Prospect Park Upgrades: NYC DOT

Staten Island Received Part Of Citywide Pothole Blitz, Staten Island Ferry Alcohol Returns, Electric Vehicle Charging Station, Pedestrian Connections for Brooklyn Bridge, NOHO, East Village, Prospect Park Upgrades: NYC DOT

Editor’s note: See our most recent update rundown for the NYC DOT here.  Staten Island was also part of the last pothold blitz from a couple of weeks ago that filled more than 7,000 potholes across the city.  Readers recently learned about the differences between beer, wine coolers, and spirits.  Canned cocktails have about twice the alcohol content of beer and wine coolers.

NYC DOT LAUNCHES THIRD CONSECUTIVE WEEKEND POTHOLE BLITZ, CONTINUING MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION’S AGGRESSIVE REPAIR EFFORTS

Last weekend’s blitz repaired more than 8,000 potholes—roughly a week’s worth—in a single day

More than 80,000 potholes filled citywide since January 1

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced a third consecutive weekend Pothole Blitz, set for Saturday, March 28, with crews deployed across all five boroughs beginning at 6 a.m. The effort follows a harsh winter marked by heavy snowfall and sustained cold that accelerated pothole formation.

Last Saturday’s Pothole Blitz repaired more than 8,000 potholes—roughly a week’s worth—in a single day. NYC DOT has now repaired more than 80,000 potholes since January 1, including more than 15,000 during the first two Pothole Blitzes. In addition, the agency expects to pave more than 1,150 lane miles this year.

“New Yorkers deserve safe, smooth streets—and under Mayor Mamdani, we’re delivering excellence in government to get the job done,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We filled more than 8,000 potholes in a single day last Saturday and over 80,000 already this year. This weekend, we’re back at it for a third straight Pothole Blitz—and we’re not slowing down.”

New Yorkers are encouraged to report potholes to 311 or by visiting nyc.gov/FixMyPothole. Prime pothole season begins in the spring due to freeze-thaw cycles that damage roadways.

New Yorkers may experience minor travel delays on Saturday as crews complete repairs across the city.

RAISE A GLASS: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES RETURN TO THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY

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Sales of beer, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails begin this Friday, March 27

NEW YORK—New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) Interim President and CEO Jeanny Pak today announced the return of alcoholic beverage sales aboard the Staten Island Ferry, beginning Friday, March 27. Beer, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails will be available for the first time since 2019, alongside expanded snack offerings including pretzels and popcorn. The new drink offerings will be available this Friday on the MV SSG Michael H. Ollis and expand to the Sandy Ground and Dorothy Day ferries in the coming weeks.

NYC DOT resumed onboard food service in December 2024, when vessels began offering coffee and snacks. The expanded menu will further enhance the rider experience.

“The Staten Island Ferry is already one of the best—and most scenic—rides in the world, and now it’s even better,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Whether you’re commuting or just taking in the skyline, riders of the original fast and free transit service can once again enjoy their choice of a piping hot coffee or an iced cold brew.”

“Whether you’re a Staten Islander commuting home after a long workday or a visitor taking in the harbor views, the Staten Island Ferry is not just a critical piece of city infrastructure; it is an experience,” said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. “Following the successful return of onboard concessions, NYCEDC is proud to celebrate another milestone with our partners at NYC DOT as alcohol sales return to the ferry, continuing to elevate the rider experience for the more than 16 million passengers it serves each year.”

The Staten Island Ferry is the busiest municipal ferry service in the country, serving approximately 45,000 passengers on an average weekday and more than 16 million riders annually.

“Concessions on the Staten Island Ferry have long been popular with riders looking to unwind after a long day of work,” said U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis. “Their return is a welcome addition for commuters.”

“Countless Staten Island residents and visitors utilize the ferry daily, and the return of on-board alcoholic beverage sales is a great initiative to get riders excited about utilizing this transportation service, helping increase ridership and generating revenue for a Staten Island staple,” said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “Thank you to all who played a role in the return of this long-awaited service. I’m looking forward to enjoying a cold beer to partake in a time-honored tradition.”

“After a long week, there’s nothing that tastes quite as good as that first Friday night beer on the way home. It doesn’t just taste like beer, it tastes like the weekend,” said Council Member Frank Morano. “I’ve always tried to stay focused on the business of governing, but I’d be lying if I said this won’t factor into my decision the next time I’m choosing between the ferry and the express bus.”

“It is great to see the return of full concessions on the Staten Island Ferry. These were long-standing amenities that were part of the ferry experience, and their return enhances the experience for the thousands who use the ferry every day,” said Council Member Kamillah Hanks. “I appreciate NYC DOT and NYCEDC for bringing these offerings back while prioritizing safety and accessibility.”

MAMDANI ADMINISTRATION OPENS ELECTRIC VEHICLE FAST CHARGING STATION IN DOWNTOWN FLUSHING, QUEENS

Station to dramatically expand access to affordable public charging in Queens

Fast chargers will serve an area where many TLC-licensed drivers live, supporting City’s plan to make all for-hire vehicle trips zero-emission or wheelchair accessible by 2030

Eight new electric vehicle fast chargers now online at NYC DOT’s municipal lot in downtown Flushing, Queens

NEW YORK — Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced an expansion of the City’s network of public electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers with the opening of a new eight-unit station at NYC DOT’s municipal lot in downtown Flushing, Queens (135-23 39th Avenue). This location is the first of 10 scheduled to come online over the next year through a partnership between NYC DOT and the Power Authority, which operates 300 fast chargers in its EVolve NY network throughout New York State.

The new fast charging station will support the City’s commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The station was sited in a community with limited access to affordable charging and a high concentration of drivers licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Fast charging customers will not be subject to additional parking fees on site. The station features eight 360kW chargers, capable of providing an 80% charge in 10-15 minutes.

“Clean energy infrastructure is the foundation of our City’s green future,” said Mayor Mamdani. “We’re bringing safe charging hubs where they’re needed the most: the neighborhoods our for-hire drivers call home. This Flushing hub will deliver affordability and sustainability, and I look forward to the continued expansion of our green energy network across the city.”

“Building EV chargers in neighborhoods where many working drivers live will make it easier to encourage a switch to electric vehicles and help for-hire vehicle drivers spend more time fulfilling rides, not searching for a charge,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “These chargers will also be available to the public and help serve communities with few affordable charging options. Achieving a greener transportation future is only possible if our city makes equitable investments in every neighborhood, for every New Yorker.”

“The new downtown Flushing Evolve NY fast chargers will provide ride-share drivers and local EV owners with quick, convenient and reliable charging right in their neighborhood.” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “Expanding EV fast charging infrastructure across the five boroughs is essential as we accelerate our transition to clean transportation. Expansion of electric vehicles, supported by fast charging infrastructure, means cleaner air for New York City residents.”

“Equitable access to electric vehicle charging infrastructure ensures that working-class New Yorkers can participate in the city’s clean transportation future, making the shift to electric vehicles both accessible and fair while supporting our broader climate commitments,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung. “Expanding electric vehicle charging to communities that have never had access is a concrete step to make sustainable transportation attainable for all.”

“These fast chargers are a boon for the city’s taxi and for-hire drivers who are leading us to a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said TLC Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Community Affairs James DiGiovanni. “With over a third of TLC drivers calling Queens home, charger locations like this are essential to keeping them — and our city — moving, and I thank DOT and NYPA for continuing to prioritize infrastructure for our hardworking drivers.”

NYPA is installing fast charging stations with multiple fast chargers at six additional NYC DOT municipal parking lots in Queens. Locations in Bayside at 214-32 41st Avenue and Rosedale at 13913 Francis Lewis Boulevard are expected come online in the next few weeks. Additionally, 12 chargers are now online at LaGuardia airport for rideshare drivers.

In total, 66 EVolve NY fast chargers will be available at 10 NYC DOT municipal parking facilities across Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.

The following locations are scheduled to open throughout 2026 and early 2027:

• Jerome-190th St Municipal Parking Garage  
• Brighton Beach Municipal Parking Field  
• Canarsie Municipal Parking Field  
• Ditmars #2 Municipal Parking Field  
• Rockaway Park Municipal Parking Field  
• Steinway #1 Municipal Parking Field  
• Sunnyside Municipal Parking Field  

These new fast chargers add to the City’s growing network of public charging stations. NYC DOT operates five fast-charging stations:

• Queens Borough Hall municipal garage in Queens  
• Court Square municipal garage in Queens  
• The Delancey/Essex municipal garage in Lower Manhattan  
• White Plains Road Municipal Parking Field in the Bronx  
• Bensonhurst #1 Municipal Parking Field in Brooklyn  

NYC DOT is also advancing fast charging stations at three other lots, expected to be completed in 2026-2027 under NYPA’s project management. In addition to these hubs, the agency operates 92 curbside on-street Level 2 chargers, installed by the NYC DOT in partnership with Con Edison, helping New York City spearhead the recent growth in EVs in the state. As of January 2026, more than 79,000 EVs are registered in NYC, representing 25% of all EVs registered in New York State and a year-over-year increase of 14% over 2024.

“I am glad to see our city expanding its network of EV chargers and doing so in my congressional district,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng. “These new stations will go a long way towards making EV ownership more practical for my constituents while ensuring a cleaner future in New York City. Thank you to the New York City Department of Transportation and New York Power Authority for working to increase our charging infrastructure.”

“The installation of fast electric vehicle chargers in more working-class neighborhoods is essential. This is a welcomed addition in The Bronx for drivers who like me, have made the transition from a fossil fuel vehicle to an electric vehicle,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “This expanded access will not only incentivize more New Yorkers to make that transition but will help our City move the needle in addressing environmental justice and our zero emissions goals.”

“As more New Yorkers see the environmental and economic benefits of going electric, it is important that we provide the infrastructure necessary to keep up with the demand and ensure accessibility,” said State Senator John Liu. “These new stations here in the heart of downtown Flushing and across Queens are an important step in the right direction, offering fast and affordable charging that allows drivers to reduce their emissions and make EV ownership a more practical option for all New Yorkers. I am looking forward to building on this progress with even more public charging options in the near future.”

“I applaud the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York Power Authority for expanding our city’s network of public EV fast chargers, including the new station opening in downtown Flushing and the additional sites planned for Queens throughout 2026,” said State Senator James Sanders Jr. “This investment moves us closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future while addressing a real need in communities that have historically lacked access to affordable charging options. Queens is home to thousands of working families, professional drivers, and small business owners who will benefit from faster, more reliable charging — without added parking fees. As we push toward New York City’s goal of net‑zero emissions by 2050, it is essential that every neighborhood, especially those long overlooked, has the infrastructure to participate in the green economy. I look forward to welcoming these new sites to our district and ensuring that Southeast Queens continues to be part of the city’s progress. I thank NYC DOT and NYPA for their partnership and commitment to environmental justice, innovation, and equitable access for all New Yorkers.”

“This new fast-charging station in Flushing is a critical step toward building a cleaner, more equitable transportation future for New York City. By expanding access to affordable, high-speed EV charging in communities with limited infrastructure and a high concentration of TLC drivers, we are making it easier for working New Yorkers to transition to electric vehicles while reducing harmful emissions,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. “Investments like this bring us closer to our climate goals and ensure that the benefits of a greener economy are shared across all of our neighborhoods.”

“Queens is firmly on the frontlines of the fight against climate change, and leading that charge means fostering New York City’s transition to clean energy. We’re proud to be doing just that with today’s announcement of a new electric vehicle charging station in Flushing, with multiple other stations to come across Queens later in 2026,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Thank you to our friends at NYC DOT and the New York Power Authority for their partnership in getting these chargers installed, and I look forward to building out this critical infrastructure throughout The World’s Borough in the months ahead.”

“The transition away from fossil fuels will not happen on its own, rather it requires real investment in the infrastructure that makes cleaner alternatives practical and accessible for everyday New Yorkers,” said City Council Deputy Leader Sandra Ung. “That’s why the opening of this new fast-charging station in Flushing is so important. By providing drivers with a convenient, reliable and rapid way to charge their vehicles, we are removing one of the biggest barriers to wider EV adoption. This location is especially impactful in a community with many TLC-licensed drivers, who depend on their vehicles to make a living and need fast and affordable charging options. I look forward to seeing additional sites come online as we continue building a cleaner, more sustainable future for our city.”

“By expanding EV fast chargers in Sunnyside under the 7 train on Queens Boulevard, drivers and constituents will have access to affordable and rapid EV charging right in our neighborhood,” said Council Member Julie Won. “Thank you to Commissioner Flynn and the New York Power Authority for making this direct investment in working-class New Yorkers, while working toward a greener, more equitable Queens.”

“NYLCV applauds Mayor Mamdani and DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn for expanding fast, reliable EV charging, which is essential to making New York’s clean transportation future a reality,” said Alia Soomro, Deputy Director of NYC Policy, New York League of Conservation Voters. “By prioritizing professional drivers and bringing high-speed chargers to underserved neighborhoods like Flushing, NYC DOT and NYPA are helping ensure that the benefits of electrification are both practical and equitable while moving the city closer to its net-zero goals.”

MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES REDESIGNED BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION TO BROOKLYN BRIDGE AHEAD OF WORLD CUP 

Street redesign will permanently expand access to the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan and improve safety ahead of World Cup surge in visitors

Current (T) and future (B) design of the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian and cyclist entrance in Manhattan. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn announced that the City will begin a critical street redesign project this spring to permanently improve bike and pedestrian access to the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan. The new design builds on prior Mamdani administration efforts to expand accessibility and strengthen infrastructure ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The project will add a new, dedicated bike connection to the bridge along Centre Street at its Manhattan entrance, creating fully separate bike and pedestrian access for the first time. Work will begin in the coming weeks and be completed ahead of the tournament’s June start, dramatically improving access to one of the City’s most congested areas.

“Since taking office, our administration has been guided by a simple promise: streets that are safe and accessible for every New Yorker,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Whether you’re driving, walking or biking across the Brooklyn Bridge, you deserve to get where you’re going with ease and without fear. This new design will better protect cyclists and pedestrians as we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup — and show that our streets truly reflect the best of New York City.”

“Separating bike and pedestrian traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge has been an unmitigated success. But cyclists and pedestrians are still forced to navigate around each other as they enter and exit the bridge in Manhattan — and that disorder would only get worse this summer when we expect a massive increase in visitors to this iconic landmark,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “This redesign will build on the success of the bridge’s protected bike lane and greatly improve the experience for pedestrians and cyclists visiting the Brooklyn Bridge, creating more organized access ahead of the surge in visitors this summer for the World Cup.”

“As we prepare for millions of visitors this summer for the World Cup, New Yorkers can expect a number of permanent improvements to our streetscapes that will make our streets safer and more accessible long after the tournament ends,” said World Cup Czar Maya Handa. “Our goal is to ensure that whether it’s through improved streets or neighborhood activations throughout the summer, all New Yorkers benefit from the World Cup.”

Pedestrians queuing across both bike and pedestrian access points to the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan. Under the new design, this crosswalk will be widened to reflect pedestrians access to both ramps. Credit: NYC DOT

Nearly 30,000 pedestrians and more than 5,600 cyclists use the Brooklyn Bridge on an average day. In 2021, NYC DOT separated bike and pedestrian traffic on the bridge by installing dedicated, two-way bike lanes on the Manhattan-bound roadway. The remarkably successful project transformed the pedestrian experience while significantly increasing cycling volumes. Daily ridership has more than doubled — from 2,652 daily cyclists in 2021 to 5,625 in 2025 — while cycling volumes have remained steady or increased across other East River bridge.

This entry redesign builds on that success by fully separating pedestrians and cyclists at the Manhattan approach, where they are currently required to share space. As part of the project, NYC DOT will double the width of the southern crosswalk between the bridge and City Hall Park, creating additional space for pedestrians.

The Brooklyn Bridge entrance upgrade is the latest in a series of street redesign projects the Mamdani administration is prioritizing ahead of the World Cup. NYC DOT also plans to deliver a redesign of Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen by widening its congested sidewalks, expanding bike lanes and extending the  bus lane north of 50th Street. Additional improvements will better connect Lower Manhattan to Union Square, including upgrading cycling infrastructure along  Lafayette Street and widening sidewalks near Union Square. Most upgrades are expected to be announced and installed this spring.

“For years, the Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge has been a chaotic and dangerous intersection for cyclists and pedestrians,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “I am grateful that Mayor Mamdani and DOT are implementing an immediate redesign to separate the bike and pedestrian entrances. This fix will not only improve safety during the surge of visitors this summer but will help protect commuters and local residents for years to come.”

“Every day, thousands of Manhattan residents, workers and visitors rely on the Brooklyn Bridge, but current conditions have created avoidable safety risks and congestion at its Manhattan entrance,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “This redesign is a smart, long-overdue investment that will make this critical gateway into Lower Manhattan safer and more accessible for everyone. I’m grateful to Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn for advancing a project that prioritizes safety and improves how we move through one of the busiest corridors in our borough. As we prepare to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup, these improvements will help ensure Manhattan is ready.”

“The Brooklyn Bridge is a New York icon, and it’s past time that getting to it by bike or on foot is safe and straightforward,” said Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu. “This project will deliver much needed infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians in one of the most congested corridors in the city. With the FIFA World Cup bringing millions of visitors to New York this summer, the timing couldn’t be better.”

“I cycle in this area almost daily, so I know firsthand how crowded and chaotic the Manhattan entrance can be,” said Council Member Chris Marte. “For too long, pedestrians and cyclists have been forced into the same congested space at one of the busiest points in Lower Manhattan. This redesign is a commonsense step that will finally create safer, clearer access to the bridge and make it easier for the thousands of people who rely on it every day. With even more visitors expected this summer, these improvements are arriving not a moment too soon.”

“Credit to DOT for safely redesigning access for cyclists to the Brooklyn Bridge from Park Row,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “The dedicated protected bike lane on the Brooklyn Bridge has phenomenally increased ridership — but it is treacherous for cyclists coming from or heading south of the Brooklyn Bridge. Creating a safe path for cyclists will make this entire area safer for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists alike.”

“The Brooklyn Bridge is both a vital transportation link and an iconic landmark destination — a Times Square in the sky with more than 10 million annual visitors,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “Giving pedestrians and cyclists separate lanes on the bridge was a major step forward, but they were still competing for space at the bridge’s entrance. The redesign being announced today will finally fix that issue, allowing New Yorkers on bikes to get on and off the bridge easily, and in turn giving pedestrians more room to walk. This project is a win-win, and it’s wise to complete it ahead of the World Cup, when there will be even more people on the bridge — both on two feet and two wheels.”

“Every New Yorker who has walked or biked across the Brooklyn Bridge has experienced the frustrating bottleneck at its entrance,” said Sara Lind, Co-Executive Director of Open Plans. “This path has been a free-for-all for decades, with pedestrians, tourists and cyclists jostling for limited space. These much-needed improvements are in line with the volume of bike use the bridge sees every day. We’re delighted that one of New York’s great public works will get the upgrade it deserves before the World Cup.”

“The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic and heavily traveled corridors in New York City, and this redesign is long overdue,” said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. “Creating safe, dedicated space for cyclists and pedestrians will reduce conflicts, improve safety and better reflect how New Yorkers and visitors should be moving through our city — safely, efficiently and sustainably. This is the most significant improvement to bike and pedestrian access to the bridge since the City reclaimed space from cars in 2021 to create a two-way protected bike lane. It’s exactly the kind of bold, people-first investment we need for a safer, more accessible and more sustainable New York City.”

“We’re really happy to see this planned redesign of the Brooklyn Bridge’s Manhattan entrance, which has always seemed to suffer from too many people trying to fit into too small a space,” said Eric McClure, Executive Director, StreetsPAC. “Providing separate access points for both people on foot and people on bikes will make navigating the entrance easier and safer for everyone, and we’re excited to see that the new configuration will be implemented so quickly. Kudos to the Mayor and Commissioner for making this work a priority.”

NYC DOT ANNOUNCES BIKE NETWORK UPGRADE, PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS FOR NOHO, EAST VILLAGE, UNION SQUARE

Bike network upgrades, sidewalk expansions will improve safety, create new north-south bike connections between SoHo and Union Square

Planned improvements will help meet expected increase in visitors to popular Manhattan destinations during World Cup tournament this summer

Map of pedestrian and cycling safety upgrades presented to Community Board 2 Tuesday evening to help prepare for World Cup crowds at popular destinations like Union Square and Astor Place. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced the agency would immediately begin a suite of bike lane and pedestrian space upgrades from SoHo and the East Village to Union Square this spring. The planned changes will expand sidewalks near Union Square and improve safety for everyone on the street, while also bringing upgrades to the area’s bike lane network to create continuous, north-south connections from the Brooklyn Bridge to Astor Place and Union Square. Key improvements will be completed ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer, when the already high volumes of visitors in these areas are expected to increase. (See the plan presented to Manhattan’s Community Board 2 on Tuesday evening).

“These world-renowned destinations draw thousands of visitors on a given day and are expected to see increases this summer as the World Cup begins,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “This plan will deliver a host of upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists from the East Village to Madison Square, improving safety and creating a more welcoming experience for pedestrians. Mayor Mamdani has tasked us with acting with urgency, and we’ll be taking advantage of our upcoming paving schedules in these neighborhoods to redesign our streets and put people first.”

This World Cup-related effort follows NYC DOT’s announcement last week that the agency will be delivering a permanent redesign of Ninth Avenue, in Hell’s Kitchen, to also help prepare for crowds related to the tournament.

NEW BIKE CONNECTIONS

NYC DOT will deliver a continuous parking protected two-way bike lane between Prince Street, in SoHo, and 15^th Street, in Union Square, along Lafayette Street and as the street becomes Fourth Avenue, where there is currently just a one-way northbound lane. The agency will expand the current five-foot lane to 11 feet to accommodate two-way cycling traffic. As part of the redesign, NYC DOT will also relocate an existing Citi Bike station on the heavily trafficked sidewalk of Lafayette, between Eighth Street and Ninth Street, into the roadway nearby to expand pedestrian space and reduce sidewalk riding.

The upgrades will create a two-way bike connection from the Brooklyn Bridge up to the Flatiron District, via Lafayette and Centre streets and as Fourth Avenue flows up into Broadway.

Similar street redesigns have shown to improve safety by reducing traffic deaths and serious injuries by 30 percent for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and those traveling by car.

By expanding the bike lane, the design reduces the time it takes pedestrians to cross vehicular traffic, and such changes are event more beneficial for pedestrian safety, reducing deaths and serious injuries for pedestrians by 31.7 percent.

Lafayette Street is already a popular northbound route, with two Citi Bike stations along the route in the East Village serving more than 26,000 riders per month.

CROSSTOWN UPGRADES

NYC DOT will also be adding a two-way bike lane on a block of Astor Place, between Broadway and Lafayette, to better connect cyclists traveling in lanes on Broadway and Lafayette Street, and add standard bike lanes on East Eighth Street for riders continuing east.

Later in the year, NYC DOT will harden the existing westbound protected bike lane on 13th Street, between Broadway and Greenwich Avenue, with a new concrete curb to address chronic bike lane blocking, with more hardening to come.

PEDESTRIAN UPGRADES

As part of the redesigns, NYC DOT will relocate an existing Citi Bike station on the heavily trafficked sidewalk of Lafayette Street, between Eighth Street and Ninth Street, into the roadway nearby, expanding pedestrian space and reduce sidewalk riding.

The agency will expand pedestrian space on the east side of Fourth Avenue, below 14th Street, where it will add painted sidewalk extensions along several blocks of a heavily congested area near Union Square. Later in 2026 and in 2027, the agency will add new concrete pedestrian islands between Spring Street and East 14th along Lafayette Street and Fourth Avenue.

NYC DOT developed the projects to align with existing street repaving schedules, optimizing operations to improve safety, support cycling and help the city prepare for the World Cup.

“I appreciate Commissioner Flynn and NYC DOT’s continued commitment to safer, more accessible streets in Manhattan,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “These upgrades including expanded sidewalks near Union Square and strengthened north-south bike connections will help improve safety and better accommodate the thousands of New Yorkers and visitors who travel through this corridor each day, particularly as the city prepares for increased activity surrounding the World Cup.”

“Upgrading our bike-lane network will help countless New Yorkers get where they’re going faster and safer,” said Assembly Member Keith Powers. “I’m thrilled DOT is taking this next step toward improving our bike lane and pedestrian space infrastructure in the heart of downtown Manhattan so that New Yorkers can continue to take advantage of alternate modes of transportation. We know that pedestrian plazas, shared streets, and bike lanes dramatically increase foot traffic, help our small businesses thrive, and significantly improve quality of life for residents, visitors and workers alike. I look forward to seeing these improvements come to fruition.”

“District 1 is one of the busiest, most heavily walked and biked parts of New York City, and these upgrades will make a real difference for the people who move through Lower Manhattan every day,” said Council Member Christopher Marte. “Creating safer, more connected north-south bike routes from the Brooklyn Bridge up through SoHo and beyond, while also improving pedestrian space, is exactly the kind of street design our neighborhoods need. As visitor traffic increases this summer, we have to make sure our streets are safer, calmer, and work better for everyone.”

“The NoHo Business Improvement District is excited to see Lafayette Street, in the heart of our neighborhood, modernized and adapted to meet the needs of our changing district,” said Cordelia Persen, executive director, NoHo BID. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen record pedestrian foot traffic and increased numbers of bikes, and a streetscape that reflects this growth will be a great change for the area.”

“The Village Alliance welcomes the safety improvements to Astor Place and the surrounding streets announced today. Expanding accessible connections for pedestrians and cyclists builds on what already makes this neighborhood special: streets that beg for a stroll to take in the exquisite architecture and one-of-a-kind character,” said Scott Hobbs, executive director, Village Alliance. “These upgrades align with our own efforts to make the district more inviting for residents and the hundreds of thousands of visitors we receive each year.”

“Upgrading bike lanes and pedestrian space ahead of the World Cup is smart and sensible and will help New York City efficiently accommodate increased activity,” said Kate Slevin, executive vice president, Regional Plan Association. “Regional Plan Association has long emphasized that connected, protected bike networks and expanded pedestrian space are essential to safer streets, reduced congestion, and a more vibrant city. We anticipate over a million visitors for the World Cup and these improvements will help keep people moving, make our streets safer and offer enhanced accessibility well after the final match.”

“For too long, there has been a gaping hole in Manhattan’s network of protected bike lanes, with no safe way to travel south below 14th Street in the middle of the island. Thanks to the project being announced today, New Yorkers will finally be able to safely bike from Union Square all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge,” said Ben Furnas, executive director, Transportation Alternatives. “The redesign will also bring significantly more pedestrian space — sorely needed ahead of this summer’s World Cup! Rolling all of the work into the repaving schedule is an efficient way to get the job done in time for this massive influx of people to an already busy area. This ambition and forward momentum is a sign that the Mamdani administration is serious about making our streets ‘the envy of the world,’ and we look forward to much more to come.”

“Places like SoHo, the East Village, and Union Square already see more people than the streets were built to handle.  With the influx of visitors we are expecting for the World Cup, that pressure is only going to grow,” said Sara Lind, co-executive director, Open Plans. “Expanding sidewalks, improving bike connections, and investing in the public realm are all essential to making our streets more functional and welcoming spaces. How wonderful that the World Cup is an inflection point for making these much-needed improvements.  New Yorkers will benefit from these investments for many years after the final whistle is blown.”

“These upgrades are exactly the kind of forward-thinking investments New York City needs, and we commend Commissioner Flynn and DOT for their leadership,” said Ken Podziba, CEO, Bike New York. “By expanding and connecting bike infrastructure while improving pedestrian space, DOT is making it safer and easier to move through Lower Manhattan—just as the city prepares for an influx of visitors during the FIFA World Cup this summer.”

NYC DOT, PROSPECT PARK ALLIANCE BREAK GROUND ON TRANSFORMATIVE UPGRADES TO PARK’S EAST SIDE PERIMETER

Project will transform east side of Prospect Park along Ocean and Parkside avenues with expanded pedestrian space and protected bike lanes

A redesigned entrance will feature new pedestrian plaza and new monument to Brooklyn Trailblazer Shirley Chisholm

NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn, Prospect Park Alliance President and NYC Parks Administrator Morgan Monaco today broke ground on a transformative project to restore and upgrade the Prospect Park perimeter along Ocean and Parkside Avenues, from Empire Boulevard to Parade Place. This $15.5 million project, overseen by the Alliance, the nonprofit that operates the park in partnership with the city, will add a sidewalk-grade, two-way protected bike lane along the Ocean Avenue park perimeter, and completely redesign the entrance to Prospect Park at Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue, creating a new pedestrian plaza featuring a monument to Brooklyn trailblazer Shirley Chisholm. This project extends the improvements to the park’s eastern perimeter begun in 2020 with the restoration of the Flatbush Avenue perimeter, which created two new entrances to the park, the first since the 1940s.

“Having safe access to Prospect Park is a priority for everyone who calls Brooklyn home. Families from across the city walk and bike to Brooklyn’s backyard, and with so much foot traffic, the park’s adjacent streets must be calm and focused on people,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “Since we’ve removed private vehicles from Prospect Park in 2018, the results have been transformative—and allow us to deliver a brand-new pedestrian-friendly entrance at Ocean and Parkside with a new monument honoring Brooklyn’s own Shirley Chisholm.”

“Across the five boroughs, our public parks and greenways form a vital living infrastructure network, helping New Yorkers connect with nature and travel safely throughout the city. This project is an example of how investing in our parks makes our city healthier, more welcoming, and more accessible,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “I’m grateful to our partners at NYC DOT, DCLA, and the Prospect Park Alliance for their collaboration as we work to improve ‘Brooklyn’s Backyard’ for all New Yorkers.”

“Given the success of our restoration of the Flatbush Avenue perimeter, we are thrilled to be partnering with the NYC DOT on the restoration of the Ocean Avenue perimeter, including the new protected bike lane, as well as with the DCLA to bring this landmark monument to Shirley Chisholm to our Parkside entrance,” said Morgan Monaco, Prospect Park Alliance president and NYC Parks administrator.

NEW PLAZA AND PUBLIC ART

The redesigned entrance of Prospect Park at Ocean and Parkside avenues. Credit: Prospect Park Alliance

The perimeter restoration will establish a new plaza at the entrance of Prospect Park at Ocean Avenue and Parkside Avenue, and new bike connections between the two streets and the Park Drive. The redesigned space will formally close the park entrance to motorized vehicle traffic–reflecting that non-essential vehicles were banned from the park in 2018–allowing for the creation of the new plaza. As part of the next phase of the project, the city will install a new public artwork in the space, a monument honoring Shirley Chisholm, a Brooklyn-born daughter of immigrant parents from Barbados and Guyana, who became the first African American woman to serve in Congress as well as run for U.S. President.

The Alliance will also be transforming a disused building near the entrance into the Shirley Chisholm Pavilion, which will feature restrooms and exhibit panels, and is funded through the New York City Council and Assembly Member Brian Cunningham. This project is currently in the design phase, and is slated for construction in 2027.

IMPROVEMENTS FOR CYCLING, SIDEWALKS, SEATING, AND MORE

The current and future design for Ocean Avenue, from Parkside Avenue to Empire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue. Credit: Prospect Park Alliance

The project will also restore the park perimeter from Empire Boulevard to Parade Place, and includes the installation of a two-way, sidewalk-grade protected bike lane along the park side of Ocean Avenue, where there is currently no cycling infrastructure. The lane will provide a critical link to the parking-protected bike lanes already in place along Flatbush and Parkside avenues and will connect to the Prospect Park Drive, a popular recreational destination. The perimeter restoration will feature reconstructed sidewalks bordered by an allée of trees, and new historic lighting, seating, and trash cans. Future improvements along Parkside Avenue will take place in the near future through $1 million in funding from Council Member Rita Joseph, who also allocated funding for the restoration of a pergola at the entrance.

The phasing plan for reconstructing Ocean Avenue and the Prospect Park entrance at Ocean and Parkside avenues. Credit: Prospect Park Alliance

The project includes $8.2 million in funding from NYC DOT, $1.25 million from the Department of Cultural Affairs, and $1 million from NYC Parks. The Brooklyn Borough President’s office has contributed $3.5 million, and City Council District 40 has contributed $1.6 million.

The project will take about 18 months to complete. Prospect Park Alliance will implement the restoration in six, 800-foot phases, beginning at the Empire Boulevard terminus at Ocean Avenue and also in tandem at Parkside Avenue, with the pedestrian plaza at the Parkside Avenue entrance and new monument as the final phase. Learn more at prospectpark.org/ocean-parkside.

“Upgrading the entrance to Prospect Park at Ocean and Parkside Avenues is an investment for Brooklyn communities,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Prospect Park is our backyard, and every Brooklynite deserves to access it safely and with pride. Honoring Shirley Chisholm at this gateway is a powerful reminder of the legacy rooted right here in our borough. Thank you to the Mayor’s Office, NYC Parks, NYC DOT, and the Prospect Park Alliance for working with the community and making sure this vision reflects the people it serves.”

“This groundbreaking marks a powerful investment in the future of our city. I am proud to have invested $1.6 million to help transform the perimeter of Prospect Park into a safer, more accessible space for pedestrians, cyclists, and families. Investing in infrastructure, especially around our parks, is an investment in public health, safety, and the well-being of our communities,” said Council Member Rita Joseph. “This project not only enhances connectivity and equity along Ocean and Parkside Avenues, but also honors the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, a Brooklyn trailblazer whose impact continues to inspire us all. This is what it looks like when we build a city that prioritizes people, celebrates history, and creates spaces where everyone belongs.”

Banner Image:  Pedestrians queuing across both bike and pedestrian access points to the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan. Under the new design, this crosswalk will be widened to reflect pedestrians access to both ramps. Image Credit: NYC DOT