Description: The Future of Fifth partnership will advance the transformation of the Fifth Avenue corridor from Bryant Park to Central Park through street and public realm improvements that prioritize pedestrians by widening sidewalks and incorporating seating, trees, plantings, sustainability measures, and spaces for gathering, community interaction and public space activation.
Fifth Avenue is an iconic New York City destination, one of the city’s key business districts, and an economic engine for the metropolitan region.
In May 2022, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul launched the “New” New York Panel to examine the future of New York City and the region’s economy. In December 2022, the Panel released the Making New York Work for Everyone Action Plan to guide the city’s path to equitable economic recovery and resurgence.
One of the Action Plan’s proposals is to “create a world-class network of public space in Midtown” that will increase the area’s value as a destination that spurs economic growth. To this end, the proposal recommended “making Fifth Avenue from Bryant Park to Central Park a vibrant corridor for pedestrians by expanding sidewalks, improving lighting, and adding more seating.”