January 20, 2015
Ribbon Cutting

Fordham Plaza Redesign Brings Pedestrian Safety Upgrade to the Bronx

The Bronx had reason to celebrate today, as the OneNYC Plaza Equity Program continues to revitalize public space throughout each of New York City’s boroughs. DDC Commissioner Peña-Mora joined DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg to cut the ribbon on the redesign of Fordham Plaza, one of the busiest hubs in the Bronx. The plaza sits at the intersection of twelve bus lines, the fourth-busiest Metro North train station, and Fordham University’s Rose Hill Campus and Roosevelt Educational Campus.

The redesign supports Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to Vision Zero, an initiative the works to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. Improvements include: shortened pedestrian crosswalks, new direct crossings to deter jaywalking, and a 25 percent expansion of pedestrian space. Other improvements include:

• Increased car traffic circulation
• A redesigned bus loop for improved passenger pick-up and drop-off
• Planted areas for shade with new seating areas
• Plaza lighting
• Automatic public restrooms
• Wayfinding signage
• Increased vendor space
• A new market canopy with kiosks and a new café
• New ticket machines

“The new Fordham Plaza will enhance the vibrancy and efficiency of the Bronx’s largest retail and shopping corridors, with improved transit and vehicular circulation, additional public space, comfortable seating, new kiosks and landscaping features, “said DDC Commissioner Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora. “With the feedback of our sister agency, DOT, and our stakeholders, we designed and built a safe plaza that meets the needs of the local community to enhance this borough for years to come.”

The NYC Plaza Program has 69 plazas citywide that are in planning, design, construction, or complete. Currently, 53 plazas are open to the public.