Project team

Head: Mt. Pleasant NOW Development Corp.

Partners: The Street Club on E. 139th St.

Project description and goals

The project intends to develop ecologically friendly parking for those residents with little off-street parking.  By leveraging local amenities in an area with potential for development, the project’s goal is to turn the eyesore that the vacant lot is currently into an asset as an attempt to further better the Model Block. The project ties in with a complimentary greenspace and public art project planned for an adjacent lot.

Existing conditions

The lot (Parcel # 130-12-099), located at 3420 E. 139th, is in between two four-unit apartment buildings, with an additional four-unit building to the north. The lot is also adjacent to another plot of vacant land where greenspace development is in the works.

Proposed interventions

Off-street parking will be added for the benefit of the nearby residents, with the additional effect of clearing up space on the street. The project includes site clearing and grading, and the installation of pavement and drainage materials, with the latter being provided by a gravel- and shrub-filled water run-off drain at the edge of the lot. Also, plantings will be included to add a measure of street beautification.

Site maintenance

The parking lot will involve both snow-removal and maintenance of the landscaped areas.  Nearby building owners have agreed to steward the lot, with schedules to be devised as needed. Watering will be available via the nearby buildings.