The revitalization of Westchester Square continues as plans are revealed for phase 2 of Owen Dolen Plaza.
On Monday, October 19 the Department of Parks and Recreation presented the preliminary design for phase 2 of the Owen Dolen reconstruction to the Parks and Recreation Committee of Community Board 10.
“It’s a really good plan and when it is complete it will provide Westchester Square with a wonderful park everybody can enjoy,” said Ken Kearns, district manager of CB10. “It will really be something, a big positive change.”
According to Parks the new design includes a paved plaza, increased accessibility to the green spaces, ADA ramp to the upper plaza, new landscaping, fencing and benches.
“Gus Frindt and Jim Mitzis, who were the guys in charge of the redesign, did an excellent job coordinating the desires and needs of the merchants and the community into a place that can be the center of the Westchester Square Business District,” said John Bonizio, president of the Merchant and Business Professionals of Westchester Square.
Sandi Lusk, of the Westchester Square – Zerega Improvement Organization, explained that with all the new features, the space would become a venue for a variety of organizations and events.
“The idea is to be able to have outdoor art exhibits, festivals, and concerts. A space that would lend itself to those kind of events, and in the back there is even an area for a theater space,” said Lusk. “It’s really a state-of-the-art design, it’s brilliant. They listened and took all of the community input and opinions.”
The CB10 committee passed a resolution to support the proposed design, which will be put to a full board vote in November. Parks is in the process of receiving full approval for the plans.
“We will seek approval from the Design Commission as well as approval from DOT/MTA for the bus stop and sidewalk aspects,” said a spokesperson for Parks. “Commissioner Adrian Benepe is supportive of the design, which is still being finalized.”
Parks hopes to begin the project by the summer of 2010 and estimates it will take about a year to complete.
Phase 2 of the Owen Dolen project possible through $4.5 million in funding from Councilman Jimmy Vacca and $500,000 from Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“When I first became Councilman we envisioned this park as a linchpin of activity on Westchester Square, something to bring people to Westchester Square for arts and cultural activities,” said Vacca. “I’m looking forward to this project, I think the plans for the park are going to make a night and day difference.”
