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WORLD CLASS STREETSDOT has created 59 new81%public plazas since 2007of people surveyedhad a positive opinionof Times Square PlazaSt Nicholas and Amsterdam AvenuesA third, ancillary type of public oropen space is often created by DOTas a result of safety improvementsto roadways. When undertakingreconfigurations of streets, DOToften adds or increases the size ofpedestrian islands or adds paintedsidewalk extensions. Where thereis room, public seating and otherstreet furniture can also be addedto these spaces.DOT partnered with theColumbus Ave BusinessImprovement District to designand improve the streetscapealong Columbus Ave. The projectincludes a new landscaped area, sixCityBenches, 26 in–ground solarpowered LED lights, a new solar–powered trash compactor, DOT’srepurposed parking meter bicycleracks, enlarged and newly plantedtree beds along the curb, andManhattan’s first next–generationbioswale. Overall, the design helpsenliven a once uninviting block andprovides some great new amenitiesfor Columbus Avenue.Columbus Ave between 75th and 76th StreetSustainable Streets: 2013 and Beyond123