City Unveils Design Concepts for Reimagined Chatham Square With More Pedestrian Space, Simplified Intersection – NYC.gov

Report on the Proposed Redesign of Chatham Square in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview and Objectives

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) have presented a design proposal for the comprehensive redesign of Chatham Square. This initiative is a key component of the “Chinatown Connections” plan, a $55 million capital project aimed at enhancing the public realm and economic vitality of Chinatown. The primary objectives of the redesign are to improve multimodal circulation, expand pedestrian-friendly public space, and celebrate the cultural heritage of the community, directly contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Analysis of Existing Conditions

The current configuration of Chatham Square presents significant challenges to urban sustainability and safety. These issues are contrary to the principles of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• Complex Intersection: A five-point intersection creates numerous conflict points, endangering pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
• Pedestrian Safety Deficiencies: Pedestrians, who constitute nearly 80% of users, face long crossing distances and high exposure to turning vehicles, undermining SDG Target 3.6 (halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents).
• Inadequate Public Space: The existing public space is limited, exposed to traffic noise, and insufficient for community cultural events, failing to meet SDG Target 11.7 (provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces).
• Inefficient Traffic Flow: The complicated layout necessitates traffic enforcement agents and forces indirect routes for vehicles.

Proposed Design and Contribution to SDGs

The proposed redesign addresses the existing deficiencies through strategic infrastructure improvements that align with a sustainable urban development framework.

1. Simplified Intersection: The transformation into a standard four-way intersection will streamline traffic flow and significantly reduce conflict points. This directly supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by creating more efficient and resilient urban infrastructure.
2. Expanded and Enhanced Public Space: The project will dramatically increase pedestrian space, including within Kimlau Square. The addition of trees and greenery will beautify the area and contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) through urban cooling and carbon sequestration.
3. Improved Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility: By shortening crossing distances, the design enhances safety and accessibility, particularly for seniors and children. This is a direct contribution to SDG 11.2 (provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
4. Cultural and Economic Revitalization: The redesign aims to create a more welcoming gateway to Chinatown, supporting local businesses and preserving cultural heritage. This fosters inclusive economic growth in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and strengthens community identity, a key aspect of SDG 11.

Governance, Partnership, and Implementation

The project exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through its collaborative approach.

• Lead Agencies: NYCEDC and NYC DOT are spearheading the project.
• Design Team: Marvel has been procured to lead a multidisciplinary team.
• Community Engagement: Development of the design was informed by a robust community engagement process, including consultations with the Chinatown Connections Working Group and public surveys, ensuring the project aligns with SDG 11.3 (enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization).
• Timeline: Final design and construction are scheduled for 2027.

Conclusion: Advancing Sustainable Urban Development

The Chatham Square redesign project is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient urban environment in New York City. By prioritizing pedestrian safety, expanding green public space, and supporting local culture and economy, the initiative provides a tangible example of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals at the municipal level, particularly SDG 11, to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Chatham Square Redesign Project

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article’s primary focus on improving safety by redesigning a complex and dangerous intersection directly relates to preventing injuries and deaths from road traffic accidents.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The project aims to support local economic development by making Chinatown a more welcoming and vibrant destination for residents and visitors, which can bolster local businesses.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This is the most relevant SDG, as the project is a comprehensive urban redesign effort. It focuses on creating safe, inclusive, accessible, and green public spaces, improving transport systems, and safeguarding cultural heritage within an urban community.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article highlights the collaborative effort between multiple city and state agencies (NYC DOT, NYCEDC, NYC Parks, New York State) and the local community to achieve the project’s goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.6: Halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents. The article states the current intersection has “many conflict points that endanger drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.” The redesign aims to create a “safer, more pedestrian-friendly” space by simplifying the intersection and shortening crossing distances.
• Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products. The project is part of the “Chinatown Connections” plan intended to “support local economic development” and make the area a “vibrant destination for local residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety. The redesign focuses on improving “multimodal circulation,” making crossings “safer for pedestrians,” and increasing “accessibility, especially for seniors and children.”
• Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. The project explicitly aims to “celebrate the cultural heritage of Chinatown” and “honor the cultural legacy of this neighborhood.” It maintains the location of the Kimlau Memorial Arch and includes a new “Chinatown Welcome Gateway.”
• Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. The core of the proposal is to “dramatically expand pedestrian space,” “plant trees and greenery to beautify and expand available public space,” and create a “welcoming, inclusive space.”
• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The project is a result of a partnership between NYC DOT, NYCEDC, NYC Parks, and New York State, and was developed through a “robust community engagement process” with the “Chinatown Connections Working Group.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 3.6: An implied indicator is the reduction in the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities at the Chatham Square intersection. The article mentions the current design has “many conflict points,” which the new design aims to eliminate.
• For Target 8.9: An implied indicator is the increase in economic activity or foot traffic in the area. The goal to “support local economic development” and create a “vibrant destination” suggests that success could be measured by the health of local businesses.
• For Target 11.2: A direct indicator is the reduction in pedestrian crossing distances, as the proposal explicitly “shortens pedestrian crossing distances.” Another indicator is the number of pedestrians using the intersection, which the article notes is nearly 10,000 during peak hours, providing a baseline for future measurement.
• For Target 11.4: A direct indicator is the successful implementation and preservation of cultural landmarks, such as the maintained Kimlau Memorial Arch and the creation of the new Chinatown Welcome Gateway.
• For Target 11.7: A direct indicator is the increase in the total area of public and green space. The article states the redesign will “dramatically expand pedestrian space” and “plant trees and greenery.”
• For Target 17.17: An indicator of successful partnership is the level of community participation. The article mentions a “robust community engagement process” that gathered “nearly 350 comments on a visual survey,” demonstrating a measure of civil society involvement.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nyc.gov