Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
“Open Streets was one of the few bright spots of the pandemic, and I am proud that we have found a way to support more streets in more diverse communities in every borough that can be part of this incredible and permanent program,” DOT Commissioner Rodriguez said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Over 300 blocks participated in the Open Streets program in 2022, just one of the highlights of this year’s Earth Day celebration in NYC.
On Friday, the evening prior to Saturday’s festivities, Mayor Eric Adams City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez lauded 2022 Earth Day NYC’s plans.
New York City is home to the nation’s largest Open Streets program. This year’s expansion adds an additional 21 new Open Streets for a total of 156 locations covering over 300 city blocks operating throughout the 5 boroughs, all of which will be operating by summer 2022. Over eighty of the partners will be operating and/or have car-free programming in place by this weekend’s Car-Free Earth Day celebrations.
“This weekend, we will celebrate Car-Free Earth Day in New York City, but I want to thank the dozens of community partners who will be celebrating the spirit of Earth Day for the many months ahead,” said Rodriguez. “Open Streets was one of the few bright spots of the pandemic, and I am proud that we have found a way to support more streets in more diverse communities in every borough that can be part of this incredible and permanent program.”
“On Earth Day and every day, we are showing the nation how to re-imagine our public space at scale and build a greener, healthier, and safer city,” Adams said. “My administration’s commitment to the Open Streets program remains steadfast. As we work hand-in-hand with our partners on the ground to give communities the space and programming they need, I look forward to all they will offer their neighbors and our city.”
New York City’s Open Streets first launched in April 2020 as a way to make the city’s streets car-free. The Open Streets initiative has allowed New Yorkers to reclaim and repurpose city streets for alternative uses. Through DOT’s new Public Space Programming initiative, this season will feature free activities in public spaces like plazas and Open Streets. Working together, these two programs help connect community organizations with local residents bringing arts, culture, fitness, and educational experiences to neighborhoods most in need. In 2021, the City Council voted to make the Open Streets program permanent, and DOT announced new investment in supporting community groups who wished to host an Open Street.
Over the last year, DOT has worked with elected officials, community partners, and local residents to identify both new and established locations where an Open Street would have greatest impact. This year, 156 Open Streets and over 300 New York City blocks are set to open for New Yorkers to enjoy.
“Open Streets bring local residents together, providing valuable public space for community-building activities and opportunities that strengthen our neighborhoods,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council’s legislative efforts to expand this initiative permanently represent one way the City achieved long-term positive outcomes for New Yorkers during the unprecedented and challenging conditions forced upon us by the pandemic. We look forward to continuing to work with local communities and our colleagues in government to make this program more effective, enjoyable, and equitable.”
