By Forum Staff
City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced on Wednesday that applications are now open for 2024 Open Streets and Public Space Programming partners. Last year, NYC DOT was proud to operate over 200 Open Streets at locations throughout the city to provide more public space for New Yorkers to ride bikes, walk, and safely enjoy a wide range of activities on their streets. NYC DOT’s Public Space Programming initiative brings free activities to public spaces, such as plazas and Open Streets. Both the Open Streets and Public Space Programming applications are available online and easy to complete.
Open Streets Application
NYC DOT works with community-based organizations, educational institutions, and business groups to execute Open Streets citywide. In coordination with community partners, NYC DOT can also help to develop operational plans to manage the street for multiple uses, including outdoor dining, programming, and outdoor learning/recreation for schools. NYC DOT works with partners and local stakeholders to ensure loading, deliveries, and emergency access is coordinated as part of the Open Streets’ operations. The Open Streets application is for partners that want to manage their own Open Street. Returning partners may use previously submitted data based on their application ID for an even more streamlined application process. New partners must submit a full application.
The 2024 application features important deadlines partners should consider before applying:
For Open Streets launching on or before June 30, 2024, the application deadline is Jan. 31, 2024.
For Open Streets launching on or after July 1, 2024, the deadline is March 1, 2024, which is also the deadline is also for any school applying for the 2024-2025 academic year.
For more information visit nyc.gov/OpenStreets.
Public Space Programming Application
The Public Space Programming initiative connects public spaces such as pedestrian plazas and Open Streets with local organizations that can provide positive, enriching programming and activities of all kinds. Public Space Programming brings arts, culture, fitness, and educational experiences to neighborhoods in need. This program is mainly focused on historically underserved areas and populations, known as Priority Investment Areas in the NYC Streets Plan. Programming may also be provided to other NYC DOT property and events. This program does not provide services to locations that are not on NYC DOT property, including but not limited to parks, schools, and private spaces. This application is only meant for organizations that can provide programming to DOT public spaces, not for partners to request programming for the public spaces they manage (e.g. Open Streets or plazas).
The deadline to apply for the program is Jan. 31, 2024.
For more information visit nyc.gov/PublicSpaceProgramming.
“Open Streets and other public space programming make our streets more vibrant and help support neighborhood small businesses,” Rodriguez said. “Dedicated community partners keep these spaces safe, active, and entertaining and we welcome all who are interested in applying. Our goal is to put equity front and center by providing Open Streets and public space programming in neighborhoods in every part of our city.”
