Temporary 71st Avenue Plaza Likely to Become Permanent Fixture in Ridgewood

Earlier this week the Ridgewood community met with the Department of Transportation about a long-term redesign for the 71st Avenue plaza. DOT had originally installed the triangular plaza, at the the intersection of 71st Avenue at Stephen Street and Myrtle Avenue, on a temporary basis last year. DOT is moving forward to make the plaza permanent — they have collected community feedback on plantings, pedestrian lighting and other design-related matters. According to an agency rep, DOT is now reviewing that feedback and will present an updated plan to the community board next week. The permanent plaza will feature lots of fun stuff the temporary one doesn’t have: stone block seating, expanded planting areas, new concrete, a drinking fountain, two permanent chess tables, bike racks, and a rain garden. You can see DOT’s full proposal here. If the community board gives its blessing to the project, DOT will seek approval from the Public Design Commission and then move forward with construction.