Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Roosevelt Avenue

Queens

NY

USA

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
May 15, 2015
May 1, 2024

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Lots of NYC streets have street vendors, but Roosevelt Avenue is exceptional. As the regular location for popular food vendors like the famous Arepas Lady, Roosevelt Avenue brings New Yorkers and tourists alike to the heart of Queens to experience some of the city’s most unique sights, smells and flavors. It is the city’s largest night market with a great mix of varied food. Between the street vendors peddling goods until two in the morning and the 7 train constantly rumbling above, the street is never a quiet scene. The vibrancy of the street has encouraged increased foot traffic under the rails over the years, increasing pedestrians safety and allowing the street to become a place for the community to get together to eat, chat, and catch up with familiar vendors.

A new addition to Roosevelt Avenue just off 104th street is Corona Plaza, a pedestrian oasis complete with garbage bins and movable tables and chairs. It has improved the condition of the main thoroughfare by offering diners places to sit and relax off the bustling thoroughfare.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Roosevelt Avenue is the main thoroughfare of the diverse, middle-class neighborhood of Jackson Heights in Queens, NY, and runs directly under the tracks of the 7 train. Named one of “America’s Tastiest Streets” by Good Magazine, the avenue is well-known for its tortas, tamales, and wonton soup. Named after U.S. Presidents Theodore and Franklin D. Roosevelt, in recent years the street has undergone dramatic transformations to increase the safety of people who walk and bike.

Related Links & Sources

Image credits: doug turetsky via Flickr, Susan Sermoneta via Flickr, Gary Stevens via Flickr, Ian Westcott via Flickr, Mumu Matryoshka via Flickr , Susan Sermoneta via Flickr

Roosevelt Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue
Roosevelt Avenue

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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