OFFICERS Statement to Manhattan Community Board Five Regarding Proposed

CHAIR
Streetscape Changes along West 32nd Street
SECRETARY
TREASURER
GENERAL
January 23, 2017
COUNSEL
To The Transportation and Environment Committee of Manhattan Community Board Five:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS) has been advocating for excellence in
urban design, planning, historic preservation, and community engagement since 1893.
MAS has long campaigned for a comprehensive district and infrastructure plan for West
Midtown, including improvements to Penn Station and the surrounding area.

In 2015, MAS supported the closure of West 33rd Street as an incremental but much needed
step towards improving the inhospitable pedestrian conditions in the area and tonight we
express our support of the proposed streetscape changes on West 32nd Street.

The proposed changes for West 32nd Street include the relocation of M4 and Q32 bus lines
to either West 30th Street or West 32nd Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues,
decommissioning a parking lane to widen the pedestrian pathway, and the installation of
streetscape furniture such as plantings and/or seating.

As demonstrated by the success of the pilot project in summer 2015, MAS believes these
small improvements will go a long way to increasing pedestrian flow, reducing
pedestrian/vehicular conflicts, and enhancing the overall pedestrian experience in this area.

DIRECTORS EMERITI
However, we offer the following recommendations for the West 32nd Street proposal. First,
MAS commends the participatory process for the 33rd Street closure and hopes that this
effort will be replicated or broadened for 32nd Street. Second, because of the proposed
change in location of the M4 and Q32 bus lines, coordination between stakeholders, the
city, MTA, and other involved agencies is necessary to widely publicize the relocation of
the bus stops facilitating a smooth transition for commuters. Third, we encourage Vornado
and stakeholders to explore other options for seating and planters including, but not limited
to, the reuse of the street furniture design for the 33rd Street closure.

As was the case in 2015, MAS believes that the proposal is an effort that could result in
dramatic public benefits that will not impede the larger, long-term changes needed in the
area regarding Penn Station, Moynihan Station, and the new trans-Hudson tunnels.

MAS will continue to advocate for a long-term vision for Penn Station and West Midtown,
while welcoming the kind of immediate improvements discussed tonight.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal.