Abstract
This research focuses on the uses and management of the streets operated by the ‘Plaza Program’ in New York City. Plaza Program is one of the local governmental policies of New York City which has created more than 60 pedestrianized spaces for its neighborhoods and citizens since 2008.
The Study aims to clarify how the past policies on streets influences the contents of the Program and to analyze the effects and issues of the current management system organized by both of public and private sectors from the view of community vitalization. As results, it points out the key factors for realizing the implementation of large numbers of plazas in a short term and advantages of Plaza Program compared with other means of pedestrianization such as construction of malls.
This research was conducted with field surveys, document reviews, and interviews with the New York City Department of Transportation, non-profit organizations concerned with the Program and local private sector such as Business Improvement Districts.
Consequently, the paper points out the key factors for implementation of plazas and their management: 1) the non-profit organizations with experts on place making and job training fosters the uses and maintenance of the streets by various types of local private organizations, by giving the technical supports and human resources, 2) cross-departmental teamwork inside the city government office and 3) comprehensive special planning of the plazas with efficient uses of existing facilities along the streets.
Additionally, the research suggests the advantages of the Plaza Program system in the points of 1) small sized pedestrianization lightens the burden of private sectors with no experience of management, 2) flexible furniture and plans for visitors and event uses, 3) giving priority to the communities which are ready for pedestrianization and 4) clear role-sharing between public and private sectors.
