Coinciding with the decision to implement artistic scaffolding across Manhattan, New York City will soon be getting even prettier. Solid metal gates covering store fronts in New York will soon become a thing of the past as they have been banned by Mayor Bloomberg and the city council of New York. The ban will go into effect gradually over a fifteen year period starting in 2011 and culminating by 2026.
Solid chain gates, while offering a good level of security to store owners, are a frequent target for graffiti and generally don’t add any aesthetic value to city streets. Rolling or sliding gates, which allow people to see inside the store, will still be allowed as necessary security measures. By July 2011 the bill will require all new and replacement gates to allow at least 70 % visibility of what’s behind it.
The bill will affect two types of storefronts; class B which includes banks, salons, and copy shops and class M which covers retail, department, and drug stores. Overall the bill will probably improve New York City aesthetics, but on the other hand we will miss out on seeing stores like this.
