NYC DOT ANNOUNCES APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2025 OPEN STREETS PARTNERS
Community-Based Organizations, Schools, Businesses, and Other Partners Are Invited To Join New York City’s Program to Reimagine the Use of Streets As Public Spaces
Editor’s note: Staten Islander News has covered Open Streets in the past, including its recent expansion of open streets at schools.
A vibrant asphalt art mural, titled Magnify! Legacy! Triumph!, on the new pedestrian plaza at the Murdock Avenue Open Street in Addisleigh Park, Queens. Image Credit: NYC DOT
NEW YORK — New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced that applications are now open for 2025 Open Streets partners. NYC DOT operates roughly 200 Open Streets at locations throughout the city, including a record number at schools, to provide more public space for New Yorkers to promote economic development, support schools, facilitate pedestrian and bike mobility, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. The Open Streets application is and easy to complete.
“Open Streets is a great way to celebrate your neighborhood and support local businesses,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We are grateful for our community partners who work to keep these spaces safe, active, and entertaining, and we welcome all who are interested in applying. We continue to develop more resources for our partners to equitably expand our program in neighborhoods across the city.”
Through NYC DOT’s commitment to equity, the agency has allocated $30 million in expanded resources to support public spaces like plazas and Open Streets in underserved communities. As part of that commitment, nearly half of 2024 Open Streets—44 percent—are located in areas with the greatest need.
The agency is also committed to permanently redesigning existing Open Streets to better prioritize cyclists and pedestrians and create world-class public spaces. This year’s redesigns include:
- Jennings Open Street, Bronx
- West Ninth Open Street, Brooklyn (new Street Seat)
- Watkins Open Street, Brooklyn
- Murdock Open Street, Queens
- 31st Ave Open Street, Queens
- 34th Ave Open Street, Queens
- Columbus Ave Open Street, Manhattan (new Street Seat)
The Open Streets umbrella also includes temporary, holiday-specific Open Streets such as the forthcoming Halloween-themed Trick-Or-Streets events through October. A full list of Trick-or-Streets events taking place this month, along with a map of car-free streets for Halloween, will be published online at nyc.gov/trickorstreets.
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 assist in developing operational plans to manage streets 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 2025 application features important deadlines partners should consider before applying:
- For Open Streets launching on or before June 30, 2025, the application deadline is January 31, 2025.
- For Open Streets launching on or after July 1, 2025, the deadline is March 31, 2025, which is also the deadline for any school applying for the 2025-2026 academic year.
For more information visit nyc.gov/OpenStreets
Applications should be submitted online through the Open Streets 2025 Application.
“The Open Streets program empowers New Yorkers with safer streets, cultural programming, and stronger community ties,” said Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks Powers. “We must ensure that this vital public program provides opportunities to underserved communities across our city. I look forward to working closely with the Department of Transportation to advance equity through the Open Streets initiative.”
“Today is a great day to celebrate open streets. I applaud the NYC DOT for all their work and efforts in once again making Open Streets a reality,” said Councilmember Alexa Avilés. “Open Streets is a program that returns some of our public spaces back to pedestrians, and I look forward to visiting some in my district later this year.”
Banner Image: A vibrant asphalt art mural, titled Magnify! Legacy! Triumph!, on the new pedestrian plaza at the Murdock Avenue Open Street in Addisleigh Park, Queens. Image Credit: NYC DOT
NYC DOT
The New York City Department of Transportation’s (NYC DOT) mission is to provide for the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible movement of people and goods in the City of New York and to maintain and enhance the transportation infrastructure crucial to the economic vitality and quality of life of our primary customers, City residents.