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; and ongoing seasonal plantings in the Public Plazas at the intersection of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street. These projects are evident in the Public Plazas and along 23rd Street between Third and Sixth Avenues.
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, and Meringoff Properties.
Over time, the Flatiron Partnership may expand the Phase I initiatives to other parts of the neighborhood. Through a contract with Frank Bulfamante & Sons, a landscaping firm, the BID is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of these projects.
To view pictures of these projects, click on the links below:
Hanging Basket 1;
Hanging Basket 2
Tree Guard 1;
Tree Guard 2
Public Plaza 1;
Public Plaza 2
Flatiron Public Plazas
The Flatiron district 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.
To view a press release of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and Executive Director Jennifer Brown unveiling the new public space click here.
To view a PowerPoint presentation of this project click here.
Click on the following links to view pictures public plazas:
Public Plazas #1; Public Plazas #2 ; Public Plazas #3
Public Plazas #4; Public Plazas #5; Public Plazas #6
Public Plazas #7; Public Plazas #8; Public Plazas #9
Tree Planting Initiative
The BID is coordinating 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.
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. DOT will target installations in areas where multiple requests have been received. The location must meet certain criteria.
To date, over 5,000 bike racks have been installed throughout the City. 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.
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, lighting, and paving.
To view the full Streetscape and Beautification Master Plan for the Flatiron district, click here.
