The federal government plans to construct an eight-foot-high metal fence around a pedestrian plaza in Lower Manhattan, reinforcing existing barriers around federal courthouses. The installation aims to limit public access to daylight hours, driven by NYPD requirements. Residents worry that such measures threaten community connectivity and public space. Civic activist Jan Lee pointed out a troubling pattern where public plazas gradually become fortified, transitioning from open spaces to restricted areas with metal gates and locks. The surrounding area has faced heightened security measures since 9/11, making it less conducive to public use.
The federal General Services Administration plans to install an eight-foot-tall metal fence around a pedestrian plaza between two federal courthouses in Manhattan. This fence will make permanent the existing barricades, restricting public access to daylight hours, driven by NYPD directives.
Residents of the area express concern over losing access to crucial community spaces. Civic activist Jan Lee highlighted a historical trend of public plazas being enclosed, stating metal gates evolve to permanent fixtures with lock mechanisms.
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