NYC’s Dyckman Plaza in Inwood renamed Quisqueya Plaza in honor of Dominican Republic Independence Day

Mayor Adams and top city officials celebrated the renaming of Quisqueya Plaza in Inwood official Monday with the unveiling of a new street sign honoring the neighborhood’s largely Dominican population and an announcement that the city will pour $7 million into improving the plaza.

The new name for Dyckman Plaza is of particular significance to the Dominican community — it means “the mother of all islands” in Taino, the indigenous language of people native to several Caribbean islands.

The announcement coincides with Dominican Republic Independence Day celebrated Feb. 27.

The $7 million in city funding will go to upgrading the plaza on the corner of Broadway and Dyckman Ave. Expected improvements include the addition of plants, a raised sidewalk on a part of the plaza that’s now at street level and new curbs.