NYC DOT Names New Washington Heights Plaza Alianza Dominicana Plaza, Honoring Dominican Cultural Institution in Washington Heights

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December 26, 2025  
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NYC DOT Names New Washington Heights Plaza Alianza Dominicana Plaza, Honoring Dominican Cultural Institution in Washington Heights

Plaza Naming Celebrates Alianza Dominicana's Decades of Service, Culture, and Community Leadership in the Neighborhood

NYC DOT allocates $15 Million For Future Public Space Upgrades

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today joined community leaders, elected officials, and residents to celebrate the naming of a new Washington Heights plaza Alianza Dominicana Plaza, honoring Alianza Dominicana, the nonprofit organization that operates the adjacent building and has long served as a cornerstone of Dominican culture, advocacy, and community in Northern Manhattan. The plaza naming ceremony coincides with the celebration of a new asphalt art mural, De Lo Mio, by artist Talisa Almonte, and the recent completion of the permanent pedestrian plaza on Audubon Avenue between West 165th and West 166th Streets. The plaza brings 10,890 square feet of new pedestrian space to the neighborhood, transforming the roadway into a vibrant public gathering place with seating, public art, and room for community programming. The agency also announced it is committing $15 million in funding for a future capital project to bring permanent upgrades to the plaza in the years to come.

"Naming this space Alianza Dominicana Plaza recognizes the deep cultural roots and enduring impact of an institution that has uplifted generations of Washington Heights residents," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "This plaza reflects the spirit of the neighborhood: community-led, culturally rich, and welcoming-while honoring Alianza Dominicana's decades of leadership in education, arts, and advocacy."

Honoring a Cultural Anchor in Washington Heights

Founded in 1981, Alianza Dominicana has played a vital role in preserving Dominican heritage, advancing immigrant rights, and providing educational, cultural, and social services to the Washington Heights community. The naming of the plaza formally acknowledges the organization's support and its close relationship to this public space. Public plazas like Alianza Dominicana Plaza not only improve pedestrian safety and walkability but also serve as a vital space for cultural expression, neighborhood gatherings, and local commerce. The plaza builds on the success of the Audubon Avenue Open Street and reflects NYC DOT's commitment to creating people-centered streets that celebrate neighborhood identity.

Public Art Celebrating Dominican Culture

Alianza Dominicana Plaza features De Lo Mio, an asphalt art mural by Washington Heights-based artist Talisa Almonte. Inspired by Dominican traditions and community life, the mural pays tribute to the neighborhood's vibrant Dominican identity. Plátanos and sweeping leaves reference the flavors of Dominican kitchens, while dominoes evoke games that are played by the people who often use the plaza. De Lo Mio is the 157th temporary public art installation completed under the Adams Administration, marking a record high for a single, four-year period since NYC DOT launched its art program in 2008.

"I proudly salute the official dedication of Dominican Alliance Plaza, a space that honors the history, culture, and contributions of our community in New York," said U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat. "The inauguration of this plaza symbolizes unity, pride, and belonging. It is a recognition of the invaluable contributions of the Dominican community to the social, cultural, and economic development of the city, and a gathering place to celebrate our living history, our traditions, and our shared future."

"I commend Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez's initiative and celebrate with profound pride the official naming of Dominican Alliance Plaza, a space that pays tribute to an emblematic institution founded by the distinguished Dr. Rafael Lantigua, whose tireless commitment to the well-being, dignity, and comprehensive development of our Dominican community has left an indelible mark on this city," said Jesus Vasquez Martinez, Consul of the Dominican Republic in New York.

"I want to thank Commissioner Rodriguez for his leadership in bringing this plaza to life. This plaza represents more than a physical space; it is an investment in the health, culture, and future of our Washington Heights community," said Sandra Harris, Vice President for Community Affairs and Partnership Engagement at Columbia University. "As Vice President for Community Partnerships at Columbia and a proud Alianza Dominicana alum, I look forward to partnering with community organizations and neighbors to activate this plaza through health fairs, youth programming, and cultural celebrations that reflect the vibrancy, resilience, and joy of our community."