NEW YORK — Fifth Avenue, renowned for its luxury shopping, is set to undergo a significant transformation.
City officials recently announced plans aimed at converting a central section of this iconic thoroughfare, located between Bryant Park and Central Park, into a more pedestrian-friendly space.
The proposed changes include expanding sidewalks, cutting down traffic lanes from five to three, and introducing additional seating areas along with hundreds of trees and planters to enhance the environment.
This initiative aspires to replicate the charm of world-famous shopping streets, akin to the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
“As we mark the 200th anniversary of one of the most famous streets in the world, New Yorkers can anticipate a revitalized Fifth Avenue that will restore the street to its original status as a pedestrian-friendly boulevard,” stated Madelyn Wils, the interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association.
She emphasized that this innovative design seeks to prioritize pedestrians over vehicles, aiming to turn the congested avenue into a spacious and green haven for shoppers, workers, visitors, and the city’s residents.
Funding for the project is estimated to exceed $350 million, with a combination of public and private resources, as reported by Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, along with the Future of Fifth Partnership.
Officials indicated that this redesign would be the first substantial update for Fifth Avenue and could potentially recoup costs through increased revenue from property and sales taxes within five years.
However, some advocates for public transport have expressed worries, highlighting that the plan may not sufficiently address the requirements of the public bus system and the city’s cyclists.
Public engagement on this initiative will take place in a meeting scheduled for later this month, with construction anticipated to start in 2028.
Currently, Fifth Avenue spans approximately 100 feet in width yet features merely two sidewalks, each 23 feet wide, despite estimates that about 70% of the traffic comprises pedestrians.
On average, around 5,500 pedestrians navigate this avenue every hour, and this figure can surge to 23,000 during the busy holiday season.
“Fifth Avenue is globally recognized as a premier destination for shopping and walking,” remarked Meera Joshi, the city’s deputy mayor for operations.
She noted that the overwhelming pedestrian traffic at peak times exceeds the capacity that would typically be found at venues like Madison Square Garden.
The proposed changes for Fifth Avenue were part of a series of ambitious plans disclosed by city officials this week, including the idea of capping sections of the Cross Bronx Expressway.
This major highway, which traverses the Bronx, would have parks and green spaces developed on top of it, aiming to revitalize urban neighborhoods that have suffered due to the expansion of the highway system and suburban growth.
Joshi commented, “This presents a historic opportunity to rectify past mistakes and reconnect communities once more.”