Image Credit: NYC DOT.
On December 5, 2022, the Department of Transportation announced the availability of online applications for the 2023 Open Streets program. Through the Open Streets program, the Department of Transportation works with community organizations, schools, and businesses to provide activities in public space created by closing roads to vehicular traffic.
The program, which was established in 2020 and made permanent in 2021, saw hundreds of Open Street locations in 2022 and looks forward to expanding even further with additional partners, resources, and experience. For more of Cityland‘s prior coverage, click here.
Along with facilitating street closures, the Department of Transportation will provide participating groups with signage, barriers, and movable furniture. Non-profit organizations can also apply for funding to cover costs such as those of operations and materials.
Applications can be submitted online at nyc.gov/openstreets#apply. The deadline for submissions is January 31st, 2023, for Open Street location to launch on or before June 30th, 2023; for all other submissions, including schools applying for the 2023-2024 academic year, the deadline is April 14th, 2023.
The Department of Transportation will conduct a virtual seminar on Friday, December 9th, 2022 from 1pm to 3pm, discussing details of the application process, advice on managing Open Streets locations, and more. Both new and returning partners are welcome to register online at bit.ly/OSwebinar23.
“New York City is proud to operate the largest Open Street Program in the nation, thanks to our dedicated and devoted community partners that help us keep these spaces safe, active, and entertaining. With the new application available today, DOT is committing to growing and enhancing the Open Streets program to continue reimagining our streets to more and more neighborhoods to every corner of the city,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
By: Kyle Hunt (Kyle is a CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2024.)