Haven Plaza - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Haven Plaza is a public space located between Haven Avenue and Fort Washington Avenue and West 168th Street and West 169th Street. Haven Plaza is part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYCDOT) Plaza Program. Pedestrian Plazas across the five boroughs are open daily for everyone to enjoy. Community events and programming may be held in plazas with a permit from NYC’s Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO).

Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) is the Haven Plaza Partner with NYCDOT. As a Plaza Partner, CUIMC manages, maintains, and operates Haven Plaza with the goal of fostering a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space for the entire community to enjoy.

Haven Plaza welcomes free, public events that promote education, health and wellness, culture, and community engagement. Examples include: 

• Arts & Culture: Performances, workshops, cultural celebrations 

• Health & Wellness: Fitness classes, cycling/micro-mobility activities, health fairs 

• Learning & Education: Storytelling, reading, outdoor instructional activities 

• Community Gatherings: Student organization events and public celebrations 

All events must be open to the public, appropriate for the community, and consistent with NYC plaza guidelines. The guidelines require that events have permits.  

• CUIMC and affiliates: Please complete the Haven Plaza Space Request with event details (date, time, purpose, estimated attendance, equipment needs). Because CUIMC is the Plaza Partner, it has a modified permitting process and does not need to pay any usage fees.  Please understand that CUIMC will only support events consistent with the NYC plaza guidelines set forth above. 

• Non-CUIMC events/organizations: Visit Plaza Events – CECM for more information and to learn how to apply for a permit.  

The plaza is a free, open space for the enjoyment of the entire community. 

NYCDOT and NYC rules determine when permits are required. Informal gatherings may not require a permit. However, an NYC SAPO permit is required for all organized programming, events and activities. Certain activities — such as amplified sound, large gatherings, or food distribution — may also require additional permits from NYC agencies. 

CUIMC’s Office of Academic and Community Partnerships (OACP) can help guide you through this process. However, it is the responsibility of the event organizer to understand when permits are required and to complete the necessary steps to obtain all required approvals. 

Event requests should be submitted a minimum of 4 weeks in advance of the event date to allow time for review and permit coordination with NYCDOT. 

• CUIMC/affiliate-sponsored events: There is a $25 permit fee to the NYC Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO). 

• Other potential costs: Costs for external vendors, special equipment, or additional city permits, may apply. 

Yes, all food distribution must comply with NYC Department of Health guidelines and alcohol is not permitted at Haven Plaza. 

Haven Plaza is equipped with tables and seating. Additional furniture or equipment must be requested separately through CUIMC Facilities. 

You may begin promoting your event only after the city permit has been approved. 

When submitting your event request, all flyers and promotional materials must be included as part of the permitting process.  

Like any public space, users of the space, including those organizing events, are responsible for their own safety. While CUIMC Public Safety may check the area as it is in close proximity to CUIMC’s campus and is operated by CUIMC, the NYPD ultimately addresses safety concerns or violations, including failure to obtain proper permits or meet associated requirements.  

Because of the use of Haven Plaza by patients during patient care hours, CUIMC will not submit affiliate permit requests to SAPO for demonstration/protest or vigils on Haven Plaza during patient care hours (7am to 7pm Monday-Friday). Students are encouraged to utilize designated University spaces for vigils and should follow the relevant policy.  Events outside of the CUIMC/affiliate-sponsored event request process are overseen directly by the NYCDOT and NYC. 

University rules and policies, including the Rules of University Conduct, apply during CUIMC/affiliate-sponsored events and activities on Haven Plaza. University rules and policies do not apply to non CUIMC/affiliate sponsored events and activities on Haven Plaza. 

CUIMC requests that all University affiliates respect Haven Plaza’s role as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space for the entire community to enjoy. Haven Plaza is frequently used by patients entering campus for medical care. CUIMC therefore urges all affiliates to give them adequate space, interact respectfully, and help maintain a considerate environment.