Breaking the law, breaking the law | Our leaders see livability as optional
Open Plans, Inc.
Founded in 1999, Open Plans promotes civic engagement for livable streets.
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Did you know Mayor Adams pledged to create 150 miles of new bus lanes within four years while he was campaigning for your vote, but, at the end of the third year, is on track to accomplish around just 30 miles?
This week's installment of the New York Times Street Wars series explored the Adams administration's failure to make good on this desperately needed boost to top-side transit. And these 150 miles are more than a mere promise, they are legally mandated by the Streets Plan, passed by City Council in 2019. Every weekday, three million bus rides crawl through congested, chaotic streets while our elected officials break promises and laws meant to make our lives better.
Adams isn't the only one. Governor Kathy Hochul chose to "indefinitely pause" congestion pricing in June - a move that she's not legally authorized to make. And one that is now damning New Yorkers to an ongoing crisis of escalating gridlock, pollution, and traffic violence.
Every day that our elected officials treat these legally mandated projects as optional, New Yorkers suffer. When our bus service is dismal, people opt to drive. That driving creates more congestion and chaos on the street (even further delaying buses). More chaos and congestion make neighborhoods feel less welcoming and hamper New Yorker's ability to build community near their homes. It also deters many New Yorkers - especially vulnerable riders - from choosing cycling as a mode of transportation, which would get some people out of cars and help alleviate congestion. It's a never-ending, compounding cycle of harm and car dependence that our leaders are actively catalyzing.?
These laws are passed for a reason and flouting them has real and dire consequences. We need leaders who acknowledge and boldly address the harms that cars cause to walkability, safety, active transportation, and public space. We'll keep advocating at Open Plans, but advocates can only do so much. Our elected officials have a responsibility - and mandate - to follow these laws and make these changes. It's time they get on board.
Death of outdoor dining
It couldn't be clearer - the new seasonal outdoor dining program has effectively dismantled the program, wildly popular since its inception in 2020. Streetfilms shows the sad transformation - from vibrant dining cafe to car storage - at our city's curbs.
Intern projects
This month our interns presented their final projects, representing a summer of research, networking & (we hope!) having fun. From toolkits for schools' public space to studies on creating a Low Traffic Neighborhood, you'll want to see what these bright minds came up with.
领英推荐
Community bike ride
Join the Make McGuinness Safe advocates on Tuesday, 8/27 for a community bike ride in support of the desperately needed, life-saving design changes to Brooklyn's McGuinness Boulevard that the Adams administration has repeatedly delayed and watered down.
Work with us!?
Open Plans is hiring! We are seeking enthusiastic, mission-driven candidates to join our team for two new positions: Senior Organizer & Social Media Associate. Learn more and apply at the button below. Applications are open through September 3.
Things to do
?? Volunteer registration for this year’s Open House New York Weekend, October 18-20, is now open.?
?? The Office of the Queens BP is now accepting intern applications for fall 2024. High school seniors and college students interested in public service—this one's for you! Applications are due by September 3.
?? The Chinatown Night Market by Think!Chinatown is back at Forsyth Plaza this Friday, August 23 from 8:00 to 11:45 PM for one last time this summer. Celebrate with an incredible lineup of food, artisan goods, cultural performances & live music!
?? It's the final weekend of Summer Streets this Saturday, August 24! Walk, run roll & embrace the sunshine as NYCDOT brings this massive car-free celebration to Brooklyn & the Bronx. Don’t miss your last chance to enjoy this pedestrian extravaganza!
?? The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus brings their mobile art & magic to West 120th Marcus Meets Malcolm Open Street this Saturday, August 24, at 3:00 PM.?
?? State Senator Zellnor Myrie’s office is hosting the Annual Back to School Block Party this Saturday, August 24, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Lincoln Road. Enjoy good food, great tunes, family activities & a backpack & supply giveaway.?
To get our biweekly newsletter straight to your inbox, subscribe here.