Through its Public Improvement Program, the BID seeks to enhance the physical environment and aesthetics of the Flatiron district by coordinating and implementing a variety of streetscape and beautification initiatives.
District Beautification
The Flatiron Partnership has implemented several projects that enhance the area's visual appeal. The projects are part of Phase I of the Master Plan for Streetscape and Beautification and include hanging flower baskets; custom tree-pit guards with the BID logo and tree-pit plantings; planting of the Park Avenue South malls; and plantings in the Public Plazas. Through a contract with Frank Bulfamante & Sons, a landscaping firm, the BID is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of these projects.
Flatiron Public Plazas
The Public Plazas were opened in August 2008, complete with a reconfiguration of traffic patterns at the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street. This project creates safer conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Additional pedestrian space, new crosswalks and bike lanes and simplified patterns for vehicular traffic knit the neighborhood together and provide a more enjoyable experience for the people who live, work, do business in, and visit the area.
The BID maintains the three plazas between 22nd and 24th Streets. Amenities in the plazas include 90 chairs, 30 tables, 131 planters, 28 granite blocks, and during the warmer months, 24 umbrellas. In addition, the BID information cart is stationed on the center plaza, and provides maps and other useful pieces of BID collateral.
To view a press release of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Executive Director Jennifer Brown unveiling the public space click here.
To view a PowerPoint presentation of this project click here.
Public Plazas #1; Public Plazas #2; Public Plazas #3; Public Plazas #4; Public Plazas #5; Public Plazas #6; Public Plazas #7; Public Plazas #8
Park Avenue South Malls
The BID has "adopted" the Park Avenue South median malls from 21st to 28th Streets and is providing seasonal planting and maintenance. The Park Avenue South beautification efforts are generously sponsored by New York Life Insurance, ABS Partners, Con Edison, FirstService Williams, Madison Green Condominium Association, Meringoff Properties, Kiamie Windsor Management, and GFI Development.
Park Ave. South malls #1; Park Ave. South malls #2
Tree-Pit Guards / Tree-Pit Plantings
The BID has placed 40 tree guards around trees in the district. The guards, which display the BID logo, are installed along 23rd Street, Broadway, Madison Avenue and Park Avenue South. The BID plants and maintains the tree-pits and tree-guards, and may expand the program to include the side streets.
Tree Guard 1; Tree Guard 2 ; Tree Guard 3
Hanging Baskets
The BID has installed 40 hanging baskets along 23rd Street, Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Park Avenue South.
Hanging Basket 1; Hanging Basket 2
Greening the District
The BID has spearheaded several projects aimed at “greening” and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the district. These projects include hanging flower baskets, custom tree-pit guards and tree-pit plantings, and ongoing seasonal plantings in the Public Plazas at the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street. Two sponsorship levels are available, Gold Leaf ($5,000) and Green Leaf ($2,500), with funds going towards ongoing projects as well as the expansion of the BID’s efforts to other parts of the district.
The BID wishes to thank the current Green Leaf sponsors Colliers International and Con Edison for their participation and support.
- Gold Leaf Sponsor ($5,000): None
- Green Leaf Sponsor ($2,500): Colliers International, Con Edison
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Tree-Planting Initiative
The BID continues to coordinate a district-wide tree-planting initiative through the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation's MillionTreesNYC program, which plants trees free of charge on sidewalks in front of homes, apartment buildings and businesses throughout the City.
To date, 39 trees have been planted as a result of requests submitted by the BID.
Any property owner may request a street tree by clicking here. For a street tree fact sheet with instructions for planting trees, tree-planting permits, and tree species, click here.
For more information, contact the BID office at (212) 741-2323 or by e-mail at info@flatironbid.org.
Free Bike Racks Through CITYRACKS Program
CITYRACKS is a program run by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) that provides free bicycle parking racks on City-owned sidewalks to encourage cycling for commuting, short trips and errands.
Businesses can expand their client base and improve customer satisfaction by providing convenient bike parking with properly placed racks, according to DOT. In addition, the availability of bike racks discourages cyclists from chaining their bikes to mailboxes, parking meters, trees, and other sidewalk structures.
To date, over 15 bike racks have been installed in the district from requests submitted by the BID. If you are an interested property owner, please contact the Flatiron Partnership at (212) 741-2323, or by e-mail at info@flatironbid.org. The BID will forward requests to DOT and monitor their progress. For more information about the program and to learn whether your location qualifies, click here.
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Master Plan for Streetscape and Beautification Projects
In 2008, the BID hired Starr Whitehouse to conduct a comprehensive master planning process for streetscape and beautification projects. Working with the BID’s Streetscape and Capital Projects committee, Starr Whitehouse conducted an analysis of the district and prepared numerous recommendations.
In September 2008, the BID Board of Directors approved the Master Plan. It serves as a blueprint for potential short- and long-range projects contingent on budget availability, Board approval, and City agency/Community Board approvals as applicable. Additional streetscape projects for future implementation include more street trees, wayfinding and signage, and lighting.
To view the full Streetscape and Beautification Master Plan for the Flatiron district, click here.
