“Hunts Point blooms.” That’s what the students of Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education and The Point Community Development Corporation seem to say through their art, right here at Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square.
Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square stands at the crossroads of Southern Boulevard, Hunts Point Avenue and East 163rd Street. It is more than just an intersection. It’s a testament to community, art, and revitalization.
Monsignor Raul Del Valle, for whom this square is named, fled Cuba in 1961. He arrived in the Bronx and revitalized local parishes. He became a beloved local activist. Monsignor Raul Del Valle set up homeless shelters and food stations.
Right now, Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square is undergoing a $14.8 million transformation. It will be a versatile public space. The transformation should calm traffic. It will enhance pedestrian safety features. The project is managed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction for DOT and NYC Parks. The project should be completed by the end of 2025.
But even amidst construction, art flourishes. A 176-foot-long construction fence showcases the talent of local students. Fourteen artworks adorn the fence. Students aged 8 to 16 created them. Their art represents their community. The students felt the elements best represented their community.
These artworks beautify Del Valle Square. They celebrate the Hunts Point community.
The square’s reconstruction will realign the roadway. This will reduce traffic flow on East 163rd Street. A new traffic lane will be installed on Hunts Point Avenue. These changes will make the area safer for everyone.
New roadway upgrades and a bus shelter are coming to Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square. These additions should ease bus traffic. They will create smoother transfers for riders. Access to the Hunts Point Avenue subway station will be easier.
Street and traffic lighting will be upgraded too. DOT wayfinding signage will be added. ADA-compliant pedestrian curbs will be installed. Sidewalks will be renovated. The project provides connections to the area’s bike lane network.
Inside Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square, there will be even more improvements. New light poles, seating, and a stage for community events are planned. A bottle filler, a drinking water fountain, and bike racks are on the way. Movable planters will add greenery. The project includes upgrades to water mains and fire hydrants. Catch basins and underground utilities will be improved.
These upgrades address traffic issues. They enhance driver and pedestrian safety.
This revitalization of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square is a collaborative effort. NYC Parks, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the NYC Department of Design and Construction are partners. Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education and The Point Community Development Corporation contribute too.
The transformation of Monsignor Raul Del Valle Square is more than construction. It’s a celebration of community. It’s a tribute to Monsignor Raul Del Valle’s legacy. It’s a canvas for the dreams of young artists.