Press Release

Downtown Street Design Guidelines: Learn from the Best

(Boonton, NJ, September 1, 2009) — The New York City Street Design Manual provides policies and design guidelines for the improvement of streets and sidewalks throughout the five boroughs of the Big Apple.

There are seven overall goals presented in the manual, which are good guidelines for all downtowns to follow:

1. Design for safety: Move all people and goods safely.
2. Design for access and mobility: Accommodate all street users, giving priority to the most energy- and space-efficient modes.
3. Design for context: Respond to neighborhood character.
4. Design for livability: Create a vibrant public realm with high-quality public spaces.
5. Design for sustainability: Contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.
6. Design for visual excellence: Create coherent and harmonious streetscapes.
7. Design for cost-effectiveness: Provide the greatest possible value to the public.

To see the entire 236 page document visit the Downtown Research & Development Center website at: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com/web_extras.php.

About Downtown Idea Exchange

Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter is published by the Downtown Research & Development Center. For more than 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has provided a forum for exchanging news, information and ideas on how to rebuild the hearts of our cities.

Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com