The City of New York has completed a $12 million reconstruction of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square in Hunts Point, The Bronx. The project was a joint effort by NYC Parks, the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Managed by DDC, the initiative transformed the high-traffic plaza into a safer, more accessible public space and was completed on time and nearly 20 percent under its $14.8 million allocated budget. The square is located at the intersection of Bruckner Boulevard, East 163rd Street, and Hunts Point Avenue.
Members of the various city agencies responsible for the project joined local leaders for a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 8.
Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square. Photo: City of New York
The redesign addressed longstanding pedestrian safety concerns by realigning roadways to reduce traffic, adding a new traffic lane, and improving signage. The upgrades also included 30 ADA-compliant ramps, 35,000 square feet of sidewalk, 3,500 feet of curb, and new asphalt paving, along with connections to the city’s bike lane network.
Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square. Photo: City of New York
Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square. Photo: City of New York
New amenities were also installed within the plaza, such as seating, bike racks, movable planters, and a water fountain. Improvements to infrastructure included upgraded lighting, a new bus shelter, drainage enhancements with new catch basins, and replacement water mains. Community artwork created by local students was also installed along the site’s fencing during construction.
The closest subway from Del Valle Square is the 6 train at the Hunts Point Avenue station. Several MTA bus lines have stops nearby, including the Bx6 and Bx19.
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This thing will end up just like Roberto Clementa Plaza, full of homeless and junkies. I used to live in Hunts Point. I know.
You are right, we should just shut down the whole city, because a homeless person might use it. /s
This plaza has long existed and that wasn’t a major issue before like ast Roberto Clemente Plaza. This was just a necessary modernization.
The key is for the city to send homeless outreach soon as complaints are filed for long term loitering and harassment. The slow reaction at Roberto Clemente Plaza made it get out of control.
You might be right. I don’t see any seating or places for them to lie down. Its just a bad neighborhood, again I lived there, it hasn’t improved. I hope the annoying street preachers and junkies don’t ruin it.
Looks great and hope it stays that way. Bike lane under the highway has too much garbage.
I wish they had added more trees for shade cover in the hot summer days. That plaza could be a good resting spot on my biking rides
The renovation looks great but the plaza definitely needs more trees and inviting features.