Dyckman Street in Upper Manhattan has undergone a significant transformation with the inauguration of Dyckman Plaza, a former Open Street now converted into a permanent public space. New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Hank Gutman and City Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez officially opened the plaza, highlighting its role in supporting local businesses and community engagement. The event also marked a milestone for New York City’s bike-sharing program, Citi Bike, with the unveiling of a new station that extends bike-share access to all of Manhattan, including Dyckman Street and the Inwood neighborhood.
Commissioner Gutman emphasized the importance of reclaiming street space for public use, stating, “Dyckman Plaza is a shining example of how reclaiming space from cars can transform our neighborhoods.” He hailed the conversion of the Open Street into a permanent plaza as a “historic day,” ensuring a lasting community space for generations in the Dyckman Street area. The Commissioner also celebrated the expanded Citi Bike access, encouraging Inwood residents to embrace cycling as a sustainable and healthy transportation option throughout Manhattan.
Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, a key advocate for the project, shared his vision for Dyckman Plaza, which is also being co-named Quisqueya Plaza. “Quisqueya Plaza will become a place where local residents can gather and feel welcomed,” Rodriguez stated, envisioning a vibrant hub for community events and programs in the heart of Dyckman Street. He expressed enthusiasm for the continued expansion of public plazas across the city, celebrating New York’s diverse immigrant cultures and enhancing streetscapes.
Laura Fox, General Manager for Citi Bike at Lyft, highlighted the significance of the new station near Dyckman Street, completing Citi Bike’s expansion across Manhattan. “With the last station of our Manhattan expansion in place, riders can pick up a bike to get to work, run errands, visit friends, connect to transit, exercise, and experience the city from every corner of the borough,” Fox explained. She noted the program’s record ridership, with over 27 million rides taken by more than 1.25 million New Yorkers in the past year, underscoring the growing popularity of bike-sharing as a dependable transportation mode in areas like Dyckman Street and beyond.
The Dyckman Plaza opening celebration was a lively community event, featuring a musical performance and food offerings from local Dyckman Street restaurants Mama Sushi and Papasito. Commissioner Gutman engaged with local restaurant and business owners, discussing the positive impacts of the plaza on their businesses and the Dyckman Street neighborhood.
Dyckman Plaza: A Neighborhood Haven
Located on Dyckman Street between Broadway and Seaman Avenue, Dyckman Plaza emerged as a vital neighborhood space during the pandemic. Its transformation from an Open Street allowed seven restaurants on this Dyckman Street block to expand outdoor dining services, providing crucial support during challenging times. Dyckman Plaza is the first Open Street to become a permanent plaza, joining NYC DOT’s extensive network of 85 pedestrian plazas citywide. This initiative reflects the city’s commitment to creating accessible public spaces that enhance local commerce, community bonds, and cultural activities, especially along vibrant streets like Dyckman Street.
NYC DOT is collaborating closely with Dyckman Gardens, a group comprising local restaurants and community stakeholders, to ensure the plaza’s continued success. This partnership underscores a community-driven approach to managing and nurturing public spaces along Dyckman Street and similar areas.
The plaza also incorporates a new two-way bike connection, seamlessly linking to the protected bicycle lane on Dyckman Street, which was installed in 2019. This bike lane has already improved safety and serves approximately 500 cyclists daily, including many commuting along Dyckman Street and through Inwood.
Quisqueya Plaza: Honoring Community Identity
Reflecting the community’s cultural identity, Councilmember Rodriguez and Inwood residents are working to officially co-name Dyckman Plaza as “Quisqueya Plaza.” Legislation for this name change was passed by the City Council on December 15, 2021, recognizing the significant Dominican presence in the Inwood neighborhood and along Dyckman Street.
Citi Bike Expansion: Connecting Manhattan
The new Citi Bike station at Riverside Drive and Broadway, near Dyckman Street, marks the completion of Citi Bike’s expansion to serve all of Manhattan. This station is part of Citi Bike’s Phase 3 expansion, extending bike-share services to Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. While Manhattan-wide coverage is now achieved, further station deployments are planned to densify the network in established areas. By the end of 2024, Citi Bike aims to serve over half of all New Yorkers and operate a fleet of 40,000 bikes, enhancing sustainable transportation options throughout the city, including key areas like Dyckman Street.
The transformation of Dyckman Street with Dyckman Plaza and enhanced Citi Bike access represents a significant investment in public space and sustainable transportation. These improvements promise to enhance community life, support local businesses, and foster a more vibrant and accessible environment on Dyckman Street and throughout Inwood. Congressman Adriano Espaillat noted the plaza’s positive impact during the pandemic, stating, “Throughout the pandemic, Dyckman Plaza served as a thriving neighborhood haven amidst great uncertainty – providing our constituents with restaurants to dine in, neighbors to enjoy safe and distanced company, and a renewed sense of community.” State Senator Robert Jackson and Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer also lauded the project, emphasizing its contribution to community building and improved urban spaces in the Dyckman Street area.
