NYSP+ Freeform Meetup: A Photo Walk Along 6 1/2 Avenue

Join with other members of NYSP+ for a casual street photography meetup on 6 1/2 Avenue in Manhattan. This is a freeform event without a dedicated host, designed for members to connect, explore, and capture the unique character of this often-overlooked pedestrian thoroughfare at their own pace. There will be no dedicated host, encouraging independent shooting and organic interactions among attendees.

Date: Monday, July 21st, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: 6 1/2 Avenue (accessible via mid-block passages between 51st and 57th Streets, connecting 6th and 7th Avenues). We suggest meeting in front of 155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019 (Le Bernardin)

Description:
6 1/2 Avenue is a unique pedestrian pathway in Midtown Manhattan, running between West 51st and West 57th Streets, nestled between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. It's not a typical street, but a series of interconnected, privately owned public spaces (POPS) like lobbies and arcades. It offers a quieter alternative for pedestrians, complete with designated crosswalks, mid-block stop signs, and "6 1/2 AV" street signs.

History:
The avenue evolved from New York City's 1961 Zoning Resolution, which encouraged developers to create public spaces. These individual POPS were formally linked and recognized in 2012 by the NYC Department of Transportation. This project involved adding signage and crosswalks, officially transforming a previously "secret" route into a known public thoroughfare, a rare change to Manhattan's grid.

Attendees should reach out to each other before meeting. Do this in the discussions or messages here on Meetup.