Diversity Plaza

Capital Project

Diversity Plaza was originally implemented as the result of a neighborhood-wide transportation study. Diversity’s implementation simplified a complex intersection and eased access to the 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue train station. Initially implemented in interim materials, the pedestrian plaza was later built out with permanent materials and fixtures, further enhancing its pedestrian safety benefits.

Diversity Plaza as a permanent pedestrian plaza: Queens
Prior to Capital project completion, Diversity Plaza was constructed using temporary materials: Queens

Purpose

  • Enhance pedestrian safety
  • Provide more open space and amenities

Location

  • The plaza is located on 37th Road between Broadway and 74th Street and on 73rd Street between Broadway and Roosevelt Avenue in a dense commercial district in Jackson Heights, Queens.

Context

  • The surrounding area is characterized primarily by high-density, street-level retail as well as other commercial and residential uses
  • Low-rise buildings house mostly small retail businesses and offices on both sides of Diversity Plaza, while the north side of the plaza features an entrance to the 74th Street-Roosevelt Avenue elevated subway station
  • Multiple bus lines, including the Q70 SBS to LaGuardia Airport, serve the area immediately adjacent to the plaza

Project Origination

  • In 2011 DOT completed a transportation study that, among other things, included a recommendation for the closure of 37th Road to vehicular traffic as a means to make a safer intersection at 73rd Street and Broadway and to accommodate community requests for more open space
  • DOT created an interim plaza at this location in fall 2012
  • Diversity Plaza eventually became a Capital project and was reconstructed in permanent materials, opening again to the public in the summer of 2018

Planning and Design

  • Before and after creating the interim plaza, DOT conducted extensive community outreach and technical analyses, including an Environmental Assessment Study (EAS). This work included a study of the impacts of the closure on traffic operations, pedestrian volumes, and deliveries
  • Scoping for the permanent plaza was completed and transmitted to DDC in May 2013
  • DOT engaged local stakeholders throughout the design process through public workshops and coordination with local elected officials
  • Durable permanent materials were employed to reduce maintenance needs
  • Large above-ground planters allow for robust plantings while enhancing pedestrian safety
  • The layout of the space, with moveable tables and chairs, prioritizes flexibility to allow for easy circulation and promote a wide variety of community events

Implementation

  • Capital construction began in spring 2017 and was completed in summer 2018

Results

  • Administered by DOT along with community partners SUKHI NY and The Friends of Diversity Plaza, the pedestrian plaza provides public seating, landscaping, and ample opportunity for community-based events all year round
  • Daily maintenance, seasonal plantings, and other services are provided by the Horticultural Society of New York through a contract with DOT as part of the OneNYC Plaza Equity Program
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