Tourist-Clogged Wall Street Could Get A Redesign

WALL STREET, NY — A group of community stakeholders proposed a massive overhaul of the New York Stock Exchange District to make it more pedestrian-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

In a new report released on Monday, the Alliance for Downtown New York suggested updating the district that encompasses the New York Stock Exchange, which attracts thousands of visitors a day but includes unseemly and difficult-to-navigate design on the street level. The NYSE District is bordered by Pine Street, Beaver Street, William Street and Broadway.

The report outlined myriad issues with the current design in the area: "What we have is a jumble of competing, unsightly design elements...There is no sense of place. The paving is mismatched and hasn’t been maintained. It’s hard to navigate the area, which lacks seating and greenery."

After a nine-month process that included research from local businesses and residents, plus input from the NYPD, the Downtown Alliance is proposing complete redesign that would make the area more pleasant for pedestrians — both tourists and daily commuters alike — and maintain the NYPD's safety standards for the area. The report recommends ridding the district of elevated sidewalks altogether, and creating curb-less shared streets for traffic in the area, where pedestrians outnumber cars 26-to-one.

Right now, an estimated 2,316 pedestrians walk through Broad Street past the NYSE every hour, 45 percent more than the next busiest location in Lower Manhattan, according to the report. The neighborhood, where vehicle access is strictly limited, is confusing and difficult to navigate for pedestrians, thanks largely to the street design.

Some of the current design elements were implemented after 9/11 when the NYPD increased security in the area.

"Given the historic buildings and iconic importance of the district, and the modern day realities of protecting our city, the New York Police Department mobilized quickly after September 11, 2001 to secure the area, with an understandable emphasis on protection, not pedestrian circulation or aesthetics," according to the report.

Other proposed changes include more lighting, a new delivery center for the entire neighborhood, and more seating and planting beds.

City officials have expressed willingness to begin the redesign process.

Alicia Glen, the city's deputy mayor for housing and economic development, said in a statement that the administration appreciated the Downtown Alliance's partnership.

"These are thoughtful plans and proposals that will inform our efforts, and align with our shared goals of making this a dynamic streetscape that welcomes workers, residents and visitors alike," Glen said.

Image credit: Rendering courtesy of the Downtown Alliance