Eyes on the Street: New Pedestrian Spaces Pop in Financial District

Clarence snapped these photos of painted sidewalk expansions on Water Street, where DOT and the Downtown Alliance are working to revitalize street life in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The top photo shows one end of the newly car-free Coentis Slip, between Water and Pearl Street.

A couple of weeks ago the City Council cleared the way for privately owned public spaces (POPS) on Water Street to host public events (markets, concerts, etc.) and amenities (like plazas) without requiring the approval of the City Planning Commission chair. The zoning text amendment will be in effect until January 1, 2014, after which the results will be evaluated by property owners, people who use the spaces, and Community Board 1.