Streetfilms: The New Madison Square
Taking advantage of the beautiful mid-week weather, the Streetfilms crew headed over to Madison Square to find scores of New Yorkers enjoying a newly transformed public space. They also managed to catch up with the city staffers and community folks who made it happen. Writes Clarence:
By
Brad Aaron
11:21 AM EST on February 13, 2009
Taking advantage of the beautiful mid-week weather, the Streetfilms crew headed over to Madison Square to find scores of New Yorkers enjoying a newly transformed public space. They also managed to catch up with the city staffers and community folks who made it happen. Writes Clarence:
I’ve started to forget what an ugly nightmare that nexus of Broadway
& 23rd used to look like. Chances are you have too, so here is a
reminder of the great work NYC DOT has done there. Take a gander, then
go out in your community or city and spread the word that well designed
public spaces work.
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
Mamdani Will Upgrade Brooklyn Bridge Manhattan-Side Entrance By June
DOT will begin start construction in April of the Adams-era proposal to give cyclists and pedestrians their own entrances to the bridge.
March 27, 2026
Cycle of Rage: One Driver’s Convenience, One Woman’s Death
How can we rein in drivers when the whole system is set up for them?
March 27, 2026
Friday Video: Buenos Aires Will Challenge Everything You Think You Know About Buses
The Paris of South America has an amazing bus system — but it doesn't run like North American ones at all.
March 27, 2026
New York City Cannot Repeat Boston’s Big Dig Mistake
The city must learn from its neighbor to the north.
March 27, 2026
Friday’s Headlines: Mayor on a Citi Bike Edition
People and mayors who get around on foot, on bikes or on transit have a greater appreciation for our city. Plus other news.
March 27, 2026
Comments Are Temporarily Disabled
Streetsblog is in the process of migrating our commenting system. During this transition, commenting is temporarily unavailable.
Once the migration is complete, you will be able to log back in and will have full access to your comment history. We appreciate your patience and look forward to having you back in the conversation soon.