Goodbye to scaffolding eyesores: City unveils 6 new designs
Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo unveiled six new designs for sidewalk sheds.
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The ugly green structures that plague city sidewalks, also known as scaffolding and sidewalk sheds, are getting a much-needed revamp.
Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo unveiled six new designs for sidewalk sheds.
Architects created design structures that encompass multiple different needs, from emergency repairs to long-term builds and facade repair or window specific replacement projects. Some of the transparent designs aim to blend functionality and safety with urban aesthetics.
"For too long, scaffolding and outdated and cumbersome sidewalk sheds have blocked sunlight, hurt small businesses, and cluttered our neighborhoods, but today marks a major step forward in our mission to reimagine New York City’s streetscape,” said Mayor Adams.
On Gerard Avenue in Highbridge, scaffolding covers blocks of businesses, shielding businesses from sunlight and foot traffic. Signs are blocked by wooden planks and storefronts are jammed between metal poles.
"It's dark, it's ugly, it's rusty, it just does not create an attractive environment," said Camelia Tepelus, executive director of the Morris Park Business Improvement District.
On East Tremont Avenue in Throggs Neck, a strip of scaffolding has been up for six months blocking retail stores, a deli and barbershop.
"We have a vinyl sign up on the scaffolding so that allows us some visibility, we are super excited to get the visibility back, we are on the corner of east Tremont and Randall its prime real estate. We are super excited for it to come down, put our barber pole up and light up sign " said Jesus Ramos, who manages Uptown Fresh Barbershop.
Currently, there are more than 8,400 active sidewalks shed permits citywide, according to city data. The average timeframe that they are up is over 500 days. Mayor Adams says the city is working to update the current Facade Inspection and Safety Program that could potentially reduce the need for sidewalk sheds altogether, while maintaining safety.
“These new shed designs are leaps and bounds above what we see on sidewalks today and coupled with scientific evidence-based reforms of the city’s façade inspection regulations, they will help us unclog pedestrian spaces for our fellow New Yorkers,” said DOB Commissioner Jimmy Oddo.
New enforcement measures that will hold property owners accountable for timely construction work include monthly penalties of up to $6,000 for sheds up for longer than 180 days, milestone penalties for owners of FISP buildings who miss repair deadlines are set to begin in 2026.
Sidewalk shed permits will be reduced from one year to 90 days, requiring quarterly permit renewals with proof of progress on repair work.
