Dream Come True: Columbus Avenue BID Gets its Green Fence
Long-Awaited Project for Architecturally-Designed Fence Surrounding
IS44 Schoolyard on Columbus between 76/77 Streets Garners Necessary Funding
Financing Acquired through Efforts of NYS Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal
Dem., Upper West Side and Funds Raised by BID-sponsored New Taste of the UWS Annual Events
NEW YORK (January 26, 2010) – After more than seven years of planning one of the most significant capital improvement projects along Columbus Avenue, the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) has received $350,000 in funding for a sustainable, block-wide fence thanks to the efforts of New York State Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, of Assembly District 67, who has arranged a major capital grant. The new enclosure will replace the unsightly chain link fence that borders Columbus Avenue between West 76th and 77th Streets, and extends halfway up each block to surround three schools.
The new fence, which was designed by renowned New York architects Richard Dattner and William Stein, principals of Dattner Architects, will be composed of an architectural grid in a uniquely sculpted design with undulations at the top and bottom. Live plants will be placed along the base in designated areas that will grow vertically up the fence façade. The prestigious architecture firm is best known on the Upper West Side for its contextual cutting-edge design of the West 72nd Street Subway Station and Plaza. Other renowned municipal projects include sections of Hudson River Park, the Con Edison East 16th Street Service Center, the Bronx Library Center and the USS Intrepid Museum Master Plan.
“We are thrilled that this is finally coming to fruition,” says Barbara Adler, executive director of the Columbus Avenue BID. “The fence has gone through so many iterations over the years and this sustainable green fence will really make a great difference on the Columbus Avenue streetscape. Moreover, it will make a much more attractive play space for the kids at the school. The current fence has been an eyesore in the BID’s district and we are very happy that it will soon be gone.”
The history of the fence originates with a more elaborate version, with designs submitted by Dattner Architects that were produced by several architects in their offices. The initial project featured small permanent medallions utilizing artwork by students from the neighboring schools, and a photovoltaic element that made small lights twinkle at night. But escalating costs over the years required cutbacks that necessitated a simpler design.
Between permits, applications and material costs fluctuating over the years, the fence was temporarily “fenced” until resurrected by the first New Taste of the Upper West Side in 2008, which provided $50,000 in start-up funds that were escrowed for the fence project.
“The Board of Directors of the Columbus Avenue BID is very grateful to our generous Assemblywoman,” added Ms. Adler. “She recognized how much of a difference this fence surrounding the block would make, and we thank her for this and for the legacy she will leave to the neighborhood.”
The Columbus Avenue BID will be responsible for the balance of the cost of the fence, which is estimated at nearly $500,000, overall. Funds are being raised primarily through its popular gourmet restaurant event, New Taste of the Upper West Side. For the third year, the event will be held under a massive tent that covers a major portion the IS44 schoolyard. The 2010 New Taste of the Upper West Side is featuring three separate events on Friday, May 21st and Saturday, May 22nd, with tickets available at www.NewTasteUWS.com, starting February 1, 2010.
About the Columbus Avenue BID
The Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District represents merchants and property owners along Columbus Avenue, from West 67th to 82ndStreets. Formed in the landmark district in 1999, its membership includes a diverse range of retailers, restaurateurs and commercial and mixed-use property owners, comprising all of the commercial establishments. The Columbus Avenue BID’s district also includes the American Museum of Natural History, Theodore Roosevelt Park, The New-York Historical Society and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
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