Behind the scenes of Summer Streets' recent expansions
Open Plans, Inc.
Founded in 1999, Open Plans promotes civic engagement for livable streets.
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Back in 2022, we had an idea.?What if Summer Streets, the widely popular program that had been delighting New Yorkers since 2008, went beyond Manhattan??We made it our mission, and teamed up with Brooklyn and Queens Borough Presidents Antonio Reynoso and Donovan Richards, who both?wrote letters to DOT asking for Summer Streets to move across the East River.
The next year, DOT did us one better! For the 2023 season, they?expanded to all five boroughs and extended Manhattan Summer Streets into Harlem. To celebrate, Borough President Mark Levine joined us in Harlem on their new car-free street.
We didn’t stop there! We asked what you wanted to see next, and the answer was clear: longer hours each weekend. We went looking for elected officials who agreed, and sent ten more letters to DOT.
And that’s why this year,?you can enjoy a Summer Street, in any borough, until 3pm! We’re proud and grateful for this collaboration between local leaders and DOT, which has responded to everyday New Yorkers' hopes for the beloved program.
Which leads us to the obvious question -?what’s next??What do you want to see from Summer Streets next year? Submit this form and?let DOT know! They’re listening! And in the meantime, we hope to see you out for the remaining three weekends in Manhattan (August 10) and Brooklyn and the Bronx (August 17 and 24).
Streetfilm: More Hours, 20 Miles & Even More People!
New Yorkers tell Streetfilms that Summer Streets are better than ever with longer hours. And we want more!
Tell DOT you ?? Summer Streets
Advocate for extended hours and even more weekends of Summer Streets fun.
Work with us!?
Open Plans is hiring! We are seeking enthusiastic, mission-driven candidates to join our team for two new positions: Senior Organizer and Social Media Associate. Applications are open through September 3.
?? You can join Ridgewood Rides for a 10-mile bike ride tonight, August 8th, which will end with a sweet stop at Eddie’s Sweet Shop, NYC's oldest ice cream parlor. Meet at the Field of Rosemary (Woodbine St & Fairview Ave).?
?? Learn to shred with the pro team from Skate Everything School! They are offering free lessons for youth at Tompkins Square Park tomorrow Friday, August 9th & at the Vanderbilt Open Street on Saturday, August 10th.
?? Celebrate summer with YiuYiu & Gia Fu this Sunday, August 10th from 4:30-8:30 PM at Mott & Mosco. Don’t miss Think Chinatown’s final block party of the season & the vibrant “With Flying Colors” art installation!
?? Head to the Amsterdam Avenue Open Street on Saturday, August 10th from 11am to 7pm and Sunday, August 11th from 11am to 6pm for live music, bike lessons & more! Amsterdam Avenue between 106th and 110th.?
?? Summer Streets is back with new extended hours! The 2024 season continues on Saturday, August 10th with car-free fun in Manhattan from 7AM to 3PM. ??? You can shop ‘til you drop this Saturday and Sunday, August 10-11 at the vintage market at the Bedford Slip hosted by Tired Thrift & their friends. Enjoy over 10 vendors, tarot readings, ice cream, music & more! ????♀? Urban Design Forums' local center teams are launching installations all over the city to reclaiming public spaces for the people:
?? The “Gateway to Sunnyside” lighting installation by di Domenico + Partners will be at Sabba Park in Queens this Friday, August 9th from 6-9 PM.
?? Growhouse NYC’s “Brooklyn. Black. Utopia.” installation will reclaim black spaces at the Flatbush African Burial Ground on Saturday,?August 10th from 2-7 PM.
?? The 161st Street BID will activate Lou Gehrig Plaza in the Bronx starting Tuesday, August 20th.
?? The Soapbox Presents is taking back to the block to celebrate New Jack Swing & all things Harlem with the Mixtape Stoop Sessions Vol. III this Saturday, August 10th on 119th St between Lenox Ave & Adam Clayton Powell.
?? Q Gardens hosts a free cookout on Sunday, August 11th from 3pm to 7pm! Bring utensils, dishware, & food to grill to 58 East 18th Street (behind the Church Avenue Q Station) & enjoy the company of the Q Gardens community!
?? Bindlestiff Family Cirkus is rolling their Flatbed Follies show to an Open Street near you! Check their July & August show dates to find out where this grand spectacle will be next.
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