SoHo Broadway Public Realm Framework + Vision Plan Update

SoHo Broadway Community: Urban Design Forum video, latest press and ongoing engagement efforts for Plan

In October, the Initiative was pleased to publish the SoHo Broadway Public Realm Framework + Vision Plan, which aims to create a more people-centric public realm, one that solves the District’s ongoing operational challenges while also creating a physical setting befitting of the neighborhood’s historical and cultural significance.

The Plan’s framework calls for reducing through traffic and providing much more usable public space. Bolstered by Strategic Initiatives, Tactical Projects, and Supporting Actions, the Plan’s Four Key Moves will deliver on the goal to create the most compelling and inclusive street life in New York City.

Developed by Street Plans in collaboration with Karp Strategies, Initiative staff and Board members, and community and government stakeholders, the full Plan is available for reading or direct download below.

As an initial Tactical Project in concert with the Plan release, the Initiative implemented “Little Prince Plaza,” a temporary demonstration plaza via NYC DOT Open Streets on Prince Street between Broadway and Mercer Street during four Saturdays in October. Read more here.

Last month, we shared coverage by media outlets including Gothamist, Public Square, PIX11 News, and Real Estate Weekly. The Plan has continued to appear in the press:

• Opinion: Redesigning SoHo’s Streets for People and Community (City Limits)
• Op-Ed | SoHo charting a public space vision for people and economic recovery (amNewYork)
• Public Space, Private Initiative: As the city dithers, Business Improvement Districts are creating great places (Streetsblog NYC)

On October 29th, the Initiative and our project team presented the Plan at the Urban Design Forum. We thank the over 100 attendees who joined to learn more about the Plan and thank our hosts and fellow panelists for the high quality of discussion! For those unable to attend, a recording of the event is now available on YouTube:

On November 4th, we also presented at a joint meeting of Community Board 2’s Traffic & Transportation and Parks & Waterfront committees. To answer questions, we also hosted small-group Q&A sessions on three consecutive Fridays in November for small groups via Zoom. Look for more opportunities to learn about the Plan, ask questions, and offer feedback in the new year in our next newsletter!

Download the Plan:
Low-Resolution PDF | High-Resolution PDF | Low-Resolution Summary Deck