By Jessica Easthope
Imagine Grand Army Plaza with no cars. That’s what New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani may be proposing.
The mayor’s office and Department of Transportation have laid out a complete redesign of Grand Army Plaza.
It’s the place where the Diocese of Brooklyn displays its Christmas tree and Nativity scene every year for more than a decade — under the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, which plays a big role in the redesign.
Grand Army Plaza has also been the starting point for processions throughout the years.
The plan is to connect the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch and Bailey Fountain to the northern entrance of Prospect Park.
This would mean more cars driving in the roundabout in that area. Officials say it prioritizes pedestrian and cyclist safety, expands public space, and simplifies the flow of traffic.
It would basically restore the Arch as the formal entrance to Prospect Park.
While there is still plenty to work out — like how traffic will be rerouted and where sidewalks will go — the city wants to hear from residents. Support in past New York City surveys about this redesign has been really strong for prioritizing pedestrian access.
The Grand Army Plaza redesign proposal is in the public review and design refinement phase.
The Department of Transportation is hosting public workshops starting April 23 in person in Grand Army Plaza.
An online community feedback survey launches with the workshops and will run through May 31.
The city says the proposal is subject to public input and final approval.
For more information on how to give your input — visit nyc.gov/grandarmyplaza.