Department of Transportation Public Space Evaluation Toolkit Project
CityGAP created a Public Space Evaluation Toolkit for a partner/client: the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Public Realm Team. The DOT asked our participants to design a comprehensive evaluation of their expanding public space programs, including Plazas, Open Streets, Shared Streets, Comfortable Connections, and Super Sidewalks. CityGAP participants conducted countless site visits to DOT public spaces of different types across the boroughs, and met with many community stakeholders and organizations. The participants gained a deep and extensive understanding of the current and evolving state, impact, and needs of each public realm typology.
The final Toolkit provides a methodology for DOT to conduct an annual analysis of each typology using desktop research, observation, and interviews, under the indicators of: Social Life and Programming, Public Health and Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Resilience and Maintenance, Accessibility Inclusion and Equity, Neighborhood Context and Impact, Design Aesthetics and Public Art, and Transportation Benefit and Safety. The participants also evaluated Morrison Plaza in the Bronx with the Toolkit as a case study. The Toolkit will inform future efforts by community partners and the DOT Public Realm Unit as they continue to develop and expand their pedestrianization programs.