connect
Rethinking Freeman Plaza
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010
Did you know the green space located at the entrance to the Holland Tunnel is called Freeman Plaza? As part of an effort to link Freeman Plaza to the rest of the community, we have asked the Regional Plan Association (RPA), an independent not-for-profit regional planning organization, to develop alternative designs and possible development models of the area.
One of the most-travelled spots in and enduring images of New York City is about to get a makeover. A study is now underway that could lead to the transformation of Freeman Plaza, the empty and underutilized spaces at the entrance of the Holland Tunnel. The goal: turn the unused traffic islands into a green pedestrian-friendly respite.
The Hudson Square Connection is on a mission to make the neighborhood’s public spaces environmentally, socially and economically sustainable for workers, residents and visitors. Freeman Plaza, which sits in the Southern portion of the business improvement district, is part of that neighborhood plan.
“Freeman Plaza’s high-visibility location at the Holland Tunnel’s entrance presents a great opportunity to start thinking about how we can better integrate this regional transportation landmark into the Hudson Square neighborhood in a way that aligns with our mission,” says Ellen Baer, president of the Connection.
Hudson Square Connection and the Regional Plan Association began the four-month study earlier this month, with funding support from Atlantic Philanthropies and the Fund for the City of New York. With the results, the Connection plans to approach government agencies and other stakeholders to engage them in the creation of a long-term plan for the plaza’s reuse.
“The Holland Tunnel is a critical piece of our region’s infrastructure but should be designed in a way that is sensitive to its context. Good public spaces bring neighborhoods together; Freeman Plaza could be used for so much more than staging tunnel traffic,” says Juliette Michaelson, senior transportation planner for RPA.
This project was made possible by a generous grant of the The Atlantic Philanthrophies (USA), and a grant from the Fund For the City of New York.
| Tagged: In the Works | On the Horizon |
|
Comments
Leave a comment:
If it hasn’t been thought of already, one comment I hear a lot from my fellow commuters from Canal St is that crossing traffic as a pedestrian is a daily risk at that particular intersection with the tunnel entrance. Wondering if an above-traffic walkway is being considered as part of this project to make the passage safer. Thanks!