Corona Plaza: a bustling hub & a portal to New York’s iconic cultural & culinary diversity
The iconic Corona Plaza has become far more than a mere paved space or collection of food vendors — it is a cultural hub and destination for Queens and the city at-large. Consistently named on lists of New York bests, including the New York Times Top 100 Restaurants list, Corona Plaza is a place like no other.
But has taken hard work and collaboration to develop and evolve this important cultural space. Last year, La Asociación de Vendedores Ambulantes, the Street Vendor Project, and the Queens Economic Development Corporation came together with resilience, collaboration, and tireless organizing to establish a new system for Corona Plaza’s vendors that would allow them to continue to thrive. By coalescing alongside residents, advocates, and elected officials, these advocates brought an innovative management strategy to this burgeoning public space. Their work has shined a spotlight on the Plaza’s inherent promise of community and opportunity — and ensured that New Yorkers everywhere can continue to enjoy the truly unique Corona Plaza for years to come.
Their hard work is why we are awarding La Asociación de Vendedores Ambulantes, the Street Vendor Project, and the Queens Economic Development Corporation the Most Innovative Model for Public Space Management award at our 2024 Public Space Awards! We can’t wait to raise a glass to these New Yorkers on Thursday, February 29th. In the meantime, travel to Corona Plaza with us in this video where we speak with the vendors who make the space the special place it is.
There’s still time to join these advocates, Open Plans, and many other fascinating New Yorkers at the Public Space Awards! Get your ticket now and join us on Thursday, February 29th for a night celebrating the city’s unmatched public realm - and the people who make it so.
If you are interested in learning more about the Street Vendor Project and the Queens Economic Development Corporation, check out their website and socials below.
Street Vendor Project
Queens Economic Development Corporation
