Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Department of City Planning

City Planning Preserves Sidewalks, But Reinforces Parking Minimums

By Ben Fried | Nov 24, 2009 | 3 Comments

The Department of City Planning proposed new rules last week that should keep sidewalks safer and reduce conflicts between pedestrians and cars. The zoning regs, if approved, would also cut down on the proliferation of "parking pads" — off-street spaces paved over front yards — in some parts of the city. Overall, the amendment includes […]

In Third Term, Bloomberg Must Align All Agencies With PlaNYC

By Ron Shiffman | Nov 19, 2009 | 2 Comments

We continue our series on the next four years of New York City transportation and planning policy with today’s essay by Ron Shiffman. Co-founder of the Pratt Center for Community Development and a professor at the Pratt Institute’s Graduate Center for Planning, Shiffman served on the City Planning Commission from 1990 to 1996. Read previous […]

See Queens, Shop in Queens — on Your Bike

By Ben Fried | May 28, 2009 | 8 Comments

Last week the Department of City Planning released the "Queens Around the World Guide," a map to help cyclists see the sights, sample the cuisine, and frequent the merchants of the city’s biggest borough. The Queens guide subtly delivers the message that attracting cyclists means attracting business — a nice little counterpoint to those who […]

Bike-Friendly Zoning Amendment Clears City Council

By Ben Fried | Apr 23, 2009 | 6 Comments

Photo: Department of City Planning [PDF]. Yesterday the City Council approved a zoning change that mandates secure bike parking in new construction, putting the rule into effect. The amendment will help cyclists avoid the risks of locking up on-street by requiring new apartment buildings and offices to provide space for people to put their rides. […]

Bigger Sidewalks But No Protected Bike Lane for Houston Street

By Ben Fried | Apr 3, 2009 | 14 Comments

A photosim of the East Houston Street plan; existing condition shown inset. Image: DCP. The reconstruction of East Houston Street will include wider medians, bigger sidewalks, fewer traffic lanes, and a new bike lane. But instead of installing a physically protected path for cyclists, the city plans to paint a buffered, Class 2 lane. The […]

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