A proposed pedestrian plaza may be placed in Glendale, but not before plans are processed by pols and the public.
The proposal from the Ridgewood Local Development Corporation would turn 70th Street between Myrtle and Cooper Avenues into a pedestrian plaza. The street runs next to famed German restaurant Zum Stammtisch — which said it would maintain the outdoor seating area and provide camera security, according to the DOT — and adjacent to the Glendale Veterans Triangle.
As is often the case when a street is closed, traffic was one of the first issues broached by locals.
“This street is dangerous as it is, I’m not sure how closing it would help,” said local Maureen Wiles.
Potential traffic is also among the concerns of the local community board.
While Community Board 5 District Manager Gary Giordano said the plan is still very early in the process, he wants to see traffic counts for 70th Street and determine if emergency vehicles’ response time would be affected by the street closure. These two questions must be resolved before the community board supports the plan, he said.
Before any plans, which are still in the review stage, are finalized, the area’s councilmember also wants to make sure residents’ concerns and opinions are heard.
“The creation of a new plaza in Glendale must include public input and be welcomed by the community,” Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley said. “As future plans for the plaza are discussed, I’ll continue to work closely with Ted Renz of the Ridgewood Local Development Corp. and the Department of Transportation to ensure that any concerns from the Glendale community are answered.”
The DOT assured that there will be workshops and other opportunities for the local community to provide feedback, according to a spokesperson.
Renz and the local business group proposed the plan, which has yet to be rendered. Renz could not be contacted as of press time.
Some locals are already imagining the space’s potential.
“As long as it would not disrupt the traffic in the area, I think it’s a great idea,” said resident Mark Potts.
Senator Joseph Addabbo also supports the plaza, calling it a “wonderful addition to this community,” in a letter to the DOT.
“An outdoor space seems like it would liven up the area, especially on nice days” said Vic Owens, a Ridgewood resident who frequents the neighborhood. “I’m for it.”
