City workers in New York City have removed a 329-foot-long plywood passageway that had been encasing a sidewalk in Kips Bay for over a decade. This removal marks a small victory in the battle against the city’s vast network of sidewalk sheds. The green structure had been erected in 2009 and local leaders celebrated its demolition with a press conference.
New York City has around 2.1 million feet of sidewalk sheds, put in place for safety reasons. Buildings over six stories tall must undergo inspections every five years, and if any issues are found, a sidewalk shed must be erected to protect pedestrians from falling debris.
While sidewalk sheds are necessary for safety, they can become an eyesore and hinder businesses. Mayor Eric Adams has launched a “Get Sheds Down” initiative to remove long-standing sheds that have been up for over five years. The city is also targeting sheds on public municipal buildings for repairs and removal.
Everyday New Yorkers can report long-standing sheds to 311 to have them inspected and potentially removed. A recent city study showed that businesses surrounded by scaffolding saw a decrease in spending, indicating the negative impact these structures can have on local economies.
Sidewalk sheds in New York City are required to be painted hunter green, according to Department of Buildings rules. However, more modern designs, like Urban Umbrellas, offer a more elegant alternative to traditional green sheds.
Overall, efforts are being made to address the issue of long-standing sidewalk sheds in New York City, with the hope of improving public spaces and neighborhoods throughout the city.
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Photo credit gothamist.com