The new public art project from Kim Sillen is not the only change at the Division Street triangle. Last week, the Lower East Side Business Improvement District outlined several enhancements planned at the emerging pedestrian plaza alongside Ludlow Street. Tim Laughlin, the BID’s executive director, got an initial okay from Community Board 3’s executive committee. The full board is expected to give final approval tonight.
There’s already one bench at the edge of the triangle. The BID wants to add three more, as well as two small tables, umbrellas, planters and bike racks. Laughlin said the idea is to make the plaza a more pleasant and a safer place for pedestrians. Since the mural was completed last month, bicyclists and skate boarders have been cutting through the triangle. The BID hopes to discourage that practice with the new furniture.
Pending approval from the city, the BID plans to hire the Neighborhood Plaza Partnership to maintain the Division triangle, as well as the other spaces it manages on the Lower East Side. The improvements will hopefully be in place by the end of the summer.
