Dear [first-name],
There’s a process underway on the Upper West Side that aims to tackle a vexing inequity and inefficiency on New York City streets, and we’re pretty excited about its potential. The NYC DOT is conducting a Smart Curbs Pilot with the goal of rebalancing curb use to benefit all New Yorkers, not just the minority who own cars. This is especially important in densely populated neighborhoods like the UWS, but promises a compelling way forward in neighborhoods across the whole city.
Our experience at two recent Smart Curbs public workshops has been encouraging. Despite some bad faith (and obviously false) rumors that the DOT was out to eliminate curbside parking altogether, most of the conversations we observed were measured and empathetic. We witnessed opposing views soften as facts and experiences were shared. We heard thoughtful ideas for uses at the curb that might make the neighborhood a more livable place. Most of all, we saw neighbors talking—and listening—to neighbors.
The potential impact of this pilot is profound, and not just for the UWS. By testing new ways of deploying both new and existing tools in the DOT toolkit, based on-the-ground data and meaningful community feedback, the city can learn what works, what needs some minor tweaks, and what should be rethought altogether. One size doesn’t fit all—whether from block to block or neighborhood to neighborhood—and the lessons from this pilot will help DOT better implement effective and equitable curb solutions in every corner of the five boroughs. If we listen to each other and stay open to new possibilities, we can build a better city for all of us.
See you on the streets! Carl Mahaney Director of StreetopiaUWS |
