Library Lane Master Plan

For decades, Coles Lane, a neglected, steeply pitched alleyway that attracts illegal dumping, graffiti and illicit activities, has been an insult to its neighbors in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx. Although the New Bronx Central Library was completed in 2005, this eyesore is the focal point of all major views from the library's reading rooms. At the request of the Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation (FBHC), CCAC has developed a design for Coles Lane to contain a plaza and ramped gardens and walkway through the lane, adjoining intersections with Kingsbridge Road and Poe Place. The plan proposes a fully accessible, security conscious ramped plaza with passive recreation areas and plantings. Hazardous conditions for children and adults crossing East Kingsbridge to reach the new library would be alleviated by adding crosswalks, an island and signals at this key intersection with Briggs Avenue. Phase I is under construction by NYC DOT, and CCAC continues to collaborate to see "Library Lane" realized.