JACKSON HEIGHTS — Officials on Friday morning broke ground on a $4.45 million project to make Diversity Plaza, which opened in 2012, a permanent public space.
Mayor Bill de Blasio, as part of his week in Queens, joined Councilman Danny Dromm, Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and NYC Department of Design and Construction Acting Commissioner Ana Barrio for the ceremonial ground breaking.
“Diversity Plaza is an epicenter of culture, community, and vibrancy within New York City’s most diverse borough, Queens,” de Blasio said.
The project will add new trees and raised planters to the two block plaza on 37th Road between 74th Street and Broadway, along with bike racks, moveable furniture and new signage.
There will also be an open space for performances.
A site plan for Diversity Plaza renovations.
The capital funds will also cover infrastructure upgrades to neighboring streets.
Since its creation five years ago, the plaza has became a gathering spot for the neighborhood's multiple communities. There have been protests, rallies and memorials held at Diversity Plaza.
"This major upgrade is great news for Jackson Heights," said Dromm, who helped create and fund the plaza. "I applaud this progress and remain committed to bringing additional improvements to this invaluable public space."
The plaza's upkeep will be maintained under the DOT's One NYC Plaza Equity Program through a contract with the Horticultural Society of New York.
It is expected to be completed by summer 2018, officials said.