Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22, 2022
Contact: press@dot.nyc.gov, (212) 839-4850

Earth Week: NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez Announces 2022 Citywide Open Streets Program to Include Over 150 Street Locations Totaling More Than 300 City Blocks

Working with a wide network of community partners, NYC will build on the nation’s largest Open Streets Program that reclaims street space for pedestrians and cyclists and promotes the use of streets as public space;

This year’s Open Streets program includes 21 new locations, all set to begin by the summer

NEW YORK - NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today unveiled over 300 blocks that are slated to participate in the Open Streets program in 2022. New York City is home to the nation’s largest Open Streets program. This year’s expansion adds an additional 21 new Open Streets for a total of 156 locations covering over 300 city blocks operating throughout the 5 boroughs, all of which will be operating by summer 2022.  Over eighty of the partners will be operating and/or have car-free programming in place by this weekend’s Car-Free Earth Day celebrations.

“This weekend, we will celebrate Car-Free Earth Day in New York City, but I want to thank the dozens of community partners who will be celebrating the spirit of Earth Day for the many months ahead,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez.  “Open Streets was one of the few bright spots of the pandemic, and I am proud that we have found a way to support more streets in more diverse communities in every borough that can be part of this incredible and permanent program.”

“On Earth Day and every day, we are showing the nation how to reimagine our public space at scale and build a greener, healthier, and safer city,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “My administration’s commitment to the Open Streets program remains steadfast. As we work hand-in-hand with our partners on the ground to give communities the space and programming they need, I look forward to all they will offer their neighbors and our city.”

New York City’s Open Streets first launched in April 2020 as a way to make the city’s streets car-free. The Open Streets initiative has allowed New Yorkers to reclaim and repurpose city streets for alternative uses. Through DOT’s new Public Space Programming initiative, this season will feature free activities in public spaces like plazas and Open Streets. Working together, these two programs help connect community organizations with local residents bringing arts, culture, fitness, and educational experiences to neighborhoods most in need.  In 2021, the City Council voted to make the Open Streets program permanent, and DOT announced new investment in supporting community groups who wished to host an Open Street.

Over the last year, DOT has worked with elected officials, community partners, and local residents to identify both new and established locations where an Open Street would have greatest impact. This year, 156 Open Streets and over 300 New York City blocks are set to open for New Yorkers to enjoy. This accomplishment is building on the nation’s largest Open Streets program with additional locations to be announced in the summer. DOT is still accepting applications for new potential Open Streets, interested stakeholders can apply on our website.

As part of the current budget, DOT received resources to help non-profit organizations wishing to establish Open Streets programming, covering costs including operations or materials, providing funding up to $20,000, and coordinating with those partners to receive the tools they need to succeed, such as metal barriers, traffic signs, programming, and movable furniture. Through a partnership with the Horticultural Society of New York, DOT has additionally provided over 20 Open Streets partners with a full suite of management services, including barrier operations, sanitation support, and horticultural care.  

New** Open Street Locations:

Manhattan

  • West 158th Street: Broadway to Amsterdam Avenue
  • Forsyth Street: East Broadway to Division Street
  • West 188th Street: Amsterdam Avenue to Audubon Avenue
  • West 115th Street: St Nicholas Avenue to Lenox Avenue
  • *East 115th Street: Park Avenue to Park Avenue (5/28)
  • *La Salle Street: Broadway to Claremont Avenue (4/28)
  • *West 196th Street: Broadway to Ellwood Street (4/25)
  • *East 115th Street: Pleasant Avenue to 1st Avenue (9/10)

Brooklyn

  • Watkins Street: Street End to Belmont Avenue
  • North 15 Street: Nassau Avenue to Banker Street
  • South 1 Street: Berry Street to Wythe Avenue
  • *Buffalo Avenue: St Marks Avenue to Bergen Street (6/18)
  • *West 12 Street: Surf Avenue to Street End (5/21)
  • *Lewis Avenue: Fulton to Hancock Street (6/4)
  • *Graham Avenue: Scholes Street to Montrose Avenue (4/29)
  • *Chauncey Street: Howard Avenue to Saratoga Avenue (7/2)
  • *Benson Avenue: Bay 19 Street to 18th Avenue (7/11)
  • *Duffield St: Metrotech Center to Willoughby St (4/25)

Queens

  • Murdock Avenue: 180th Street to Street End 

Bronx

  • Longfellow Avenue: Freeman Street to Jennings Street  
  • *Kelly Street: East 163rd Street to Intervale Avenue (7/11)

Returning Open Street:

Manhattan

  • Broome Street: Forsyth Street to Eldridge Street    
  • Lafayette Street: Spring Street to Kenmare Street  
  • Spring Street: Thompson Street to West Broadway
  • Morton Street: 7th Avenue South to Bleecker Street           
  • Canal Street: Essex Street to Orchard Street
  • Doyers Street: Chatham Square to Pell Street
  • Pell Street: Bowery to Mott Street
  • Columbus Avenue: Cathedral Parkway to West 107th Street
  • Montgomery Street: Henry Street to East Broadway
  • Broadway: West 25th Street to West 27th Street
  • West 22nd Street: 5th Avenue to Avenue of the Americas
  • East 18th Street: Park Avenue South to Irving Place
  • Avenue of the Americas: Spring Street to Dominick Street
  • King Street: Hudson Street to Greenwich Street     
  • Bond Street: Lafayette Street to Bowery
  • Christopher Street: Waverly Place to 7th Avenue South
  • Duane Street: Hudson Street to West Broadway
  • Hester Street: Mott Street to Mulberry Street
  • Mulberry Street: Hester Street to Broome Street
  • Spring Street: Mott Street to Elizabeth Street 
  • 9th Avenue: West 15th Street to West 14th Street
  • Gansevoort Street: Hudson Street to 10th Avenue
  • Little West 12th Street: Washington Street to 9th Avenue
  • West 13th Street: Hudson Street to Washington Street        
  • East 7th Street: Avenue A and the 1st Avenue          
  • Elizabeth Street: Spring Street and Prince Street
  • East 20th Street: Park Avenue South to Broadway
  • Rivington Street: Norfolk Street to Essex Street
  • Rivington Street: Eldridge Street to Allen Street
  • Spring Street: Thompson Street to Sullivan Street
  • Stone Street: Hanover Square to Coenties Alley
  • Bleeker Street: Mott Street to Bowery
  • Amsterdam Avenue: Cathedral Parkway to West 111th Street
  • East 82nd Street: Madison Avenue to 5th Avenue    
  • East 119th Street: Street End to Pleasant Avenue
  • East 81st Street: Park Avenue to Madison Avenue
  • Bedford Street: Grove Street to Christopher Street
  • Grove Street: Hudson Street to Bedford Street
  • East 78th Street: Lexington Avenue to Park Avenue
  • West 120th Street: Lenox Avenue to Mt Morris Park West
  • West 22nd Street: 7th Avenue to 8th Avenue
  • Avenue of the Americas: Spring Street to Dominick Street
  • Hudson Boulevard East: West 35th Street to West 36th Street
  • Hudson Boulevard West: West 35th Street to West 36th Street      
  • Rivington Street: Eldridge Street to Forsyth Street
  • Avenue B: East 6th Street to East 14th Street
  • Broome Street: Allen Street to Ludlow Street
  • Ludlow Street: Stanton Street to Rivington Street
  • Orchard Street: Grand Street to Delancey Street
  • Rivington Street: Allen Street to Ludlow Street
  • Stanton Street: Allen Street to Ludlow Street
  • Jefferson Street: East Broadway to Madison Street
  • West 103rd Street: Riverside Drive Broadway
  • West 21st Street: 10th Avenue to 9th Avenue
  • *East 90th Street: Madison Avenue to 5th Avenue (5/1)
  • *Amsterdam Avenue: Cathedral Parkway to West 106th Street (3/13)
  • *Columbus Avenue: West 68th Street to West 77th Street (5/15)
  • *Academy Street: Broadway to Vermilyea Avenue (7/11)
  • *West 159th Street: Broadway to Amsterdam Avenue (7/11)
  • *West 164th Street: Edgecombe avenue to Amsterdam Avenue (7/11)
  • *East 91st Street: Park Avenue to Madison Avenue (8/29)
  • *East 91st Street: Madison Avenue to 5th Avenue (9/6)
  • *East 93rd Street: Park Avenue to Madison Avenue (8/29)
  • *East 92nd Street: 5th Avenue to Madison Avenue (9/5)
  • *East 4th Street: Bowery to 2nd Avenue (4/21)
  • *East 16th Street: 3rd Avenue to Rutherford Place (9/9)
  • *Rutherford Place: East 15th Street to East 17th Street (9/9)
  • *West 182nd Street: Amsterdam Avenue to Audubon Avenue (4/15)
  • *East 10th Street: Broadway to 4th Avenue (9/6)
  • *Nassau Street: Wall Street to Pine Street (9/5)
  • *Hester Street: Orchard Street to Ludlow Street (9/1)
  • *East 73rd Street: Lexington Avenue to Park Avenue (9/12) 
  • *West 74th Street: Columbus Avenue to Central Park West (7/1)
  • *Peck Slip: Pearl Street to Water Street (9/1)
  • *Staple Street: Duane Street to Jay Street (7/1)
  • *East 100th Street: Park Avenue to 3rd Avenue (5/28)
  • *East 101st Street: Park Avenue to 3rd Avenue (5/28)

Brooklyn

  • Hoyt Street: Atlantic Avenue to State Street
  • Rapelye Street: Henry Street to Hicks Street
  • Pearl Street: Fulton Street to Street End
  • Willoughby Street: Pearl Street to Jay Street
  • Washington Street: Front Street to Water Street     
  • Randolph Street: Gardner Avenue to Scott Avenue
  • South Portland Avenue: Dekalb Avenue to Lafayette Avenue
  • Willoughby Avenue: Washington Park to Hall Street
  • Howard Avenue: Macon Street to Halsey Street 
  • Hall Street: Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue 
  • Reed Street: Van Brunt Street to Conover Street
  • Berry Street: Broadway North to 12th Street 
  • Pacific Street: Underhill Avenue to Vanderbilt Avenue 
  • Underhill Avenue: Atlantic Avenue to St Johns Place
  • Vanderbilt Avenue: Atlantic Avenue to Park Place
  • West 9th Street: Henry Street to Hicks Street
  • Jefferson Avenue: Malcolm X Boulevard to Patchen Avenue
  • Joralemon Street: Furman Street to Hicks Street
  • *State Street: Smith Street to Nevins Street (4/16)
  • *Wyckoff Street: Hoyt Street to Bond Street (4/16)
  • *Tompkins Avenue: Gates Avenue to Halsey Street (5/1)
  • *Livingston Street: Court Street to Clinton Street (9/6)
  • *5th Avenue: 45th Street to 47th Street (5/7)
  • *5th Avenue: 57th Street to 59th Street (5/7)
  • *5th Avenue: 38th Street to 42nd Street (5/7)
  • *5th Avenue: Bergen Street to Prospect Place (4/23)
  • *5th Avenue: Sterling Place to Union Street (4/23)
  • *5th Avenue: President Street to 4th Street (4/23)
  • *Albemarle Road: McDonald Avenue to Dahill Road (9/6)
  • *Eckford Street: Norman Avenue to Meserole Avenue (9/6)
  • *4th Street: 5th Avenue to Street End (4/23)
  • *Aitken Place: Sidney Place to Clinton Street (9/6)
  • *Summit Street: Henry Street to Hicks Street (9/6)
  • *Montague Street: Clinton Street to Pierrepont Place (4/22)
  • *Grand Street: Marcy Avenue to Havemeyer Street (4/29)
  • *Newkirk Avenue: Coney Island Avenue to East 16th Street (7/10)
  • *Decatur Street: Howard Avenue to Saratoga Avenue (5/27)

Queens

  • Barton Avenue: 149th Place to 150th Street
  • 37th Avenue: Broadway to 31st Street 
  • 160th Street: 76th Road to 77th Avenue 
  • Catalpa Avenue: Woodward Avenue to Onderdonk Avenue
  • 34th Avenue: 69th Street to Junction Boulevard 
  • Reads Lanes: Empire Avenue to Meehan Avenue   
  • *31st Avenue: 33rd Street tot 35th Street (4/2)
  • *37th Street: Bradley Avenue to Starr Avenue (6/1) 
  • *98th Street: Roosevelt Avenue to 41st Avenue (9/7)
  • *50th Avenue: 99th Street to 98th Street (9/6)
  • *87th Street: 37th Avenue to 35th Avenue (9/8)
  • *72nd Street: Woodside Avenue to 43rd (9/1)
  • *94th Street: 55th Avenue to 56th Avenue (9/5)
  • *Woodside Avenue: 75th Street to 79th Street (4/15)

The Bronx

  • Alexander Avenue: Bruckner Boulevard to East 134th Street
  • Willis Avenue: East 147th Street to 148th Street
  • *Arthur Avenue: East 186th to Crescent Avenue (5/6)
  • *Jennings Street: Prospect Avenue to Chisholm Street (4/9)

Staten Island

  • 9th Street: New Dorp Lane to Rose Avenue
  • Minthorne Street: Victory Boulevard to Bay Street
  • *Water Street: Beach Street to Wright Street (6/4) 

Not Yet Active: *

"Open Streets bring local residents together, providing valuable public space for community-building activities and opportunities that strengthen our neighborhoods," said Speaker Adrienne Adams. "The Council’s legislative efforts to expand this initiative permanently represent one way the City achieved long-term positive outcomes for New Yorkers during the unprecedented and challenging conditions forced upon us by the pandemic. We look forward to continuing to work with local communities and our colleagues in government to make this program more effective, enjoyable, and equitable."

“Open Streets were vital to small businesses and the wellbeing of New Yorkers who needed spaces to thrive during the pandemic. The expansion of this year’s program is proof that NYC’s neighborhoods can reimagine its streets for community enjoyment and economic activity. See you at an Open Street this summer!” said NYC Comptroller Brad Lander

“As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is fantastic to see the DOT double down on the successful Open Streets program,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “As we work to fight climate change, improve public health, and increase access to alternative modes of transit, it is imperative that we continue opening up new streets to those who walk, bike, scoot, have limited mobility, or move around by any means other than a car. I am happy to see cornerstone Manhattan Open Streets like Avenue B continue under this program and to see upper Manhattan get more love.”

“Expanding Open Streets is necessary for the City’s economic recovery and helps in democratizing access to our street space” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’ve said this since I proposed the law to legalize the emergency Open Restaurants program and these two programs have made huge strides in our City’s efforts to reclaim our streets for the people. Thank you to DOT for the work to expand the program and provide a stronger lifeline to businesses and open space to under resourced communities.”

“The addition of Longfellow Avenue and Kelly Street as Open Street locations is a win for the Bronx and for many of our residents and families seeking safe, recreational spaces in our borough,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “During my time in the City Council, I supported this initiative, and advocated for our residents in the Bronx to have equitable access to Open Streets in their neighborhoods. Today’s announcement is a significant step forward towards ensuring all New Yorkers, regardless of their zip code, have access to this program, and can take full advantage of its cultural, educational, and fitness benefits. Thank you to Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for their work on this project and I look forward to seeing Bronxites take full advantage of both current and new Open Streets this summer.”

“The Open Streets Initiative has been successful in providing new public spaces for neighbors to meet and interact as a community without the obstruction of vehicles,” said NYS Senator Roxanne J. Persaud. “I am glad that DOT is adding additional locations in communities across the city but particularly in my district. It will be a great summer experience for all.”

NYS Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “The expansion of Open Streets in our community is great news! Having spaces outside that are safely protected from vehicles to gather and play in our neighborhoods is crucial, especially as we head into the warmer weather.”

NYS Senator Brad Hoylman said, “There is perhaps no better way of getting New Yorkers outside, out of their cars, and contributing to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods than with the Open Streets program. It is always a delight to see children and families coming together to enjoy our city’s public spaces and celebrate the summertime outside. I commend Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for adding 21 streets to this already expansive program. The ongoing success of Open Streets gives me hope for a more equitable, communal, and sustainable New York.”

NYS Senator Luis Sepúlveda said: “I am honored to be a part of the initiatives set forth by the Department of Transportation such as #CarFreeDay and Open Streets. The Open Street Program is a great opportunity for community members to come together to support small businesses, to safely enjoy the outdoors through activities and performances, and bring consciousness about the environment.”

NYS Senator Robert Jackson said, “As a bike rider myself, I celebrate the Open Streets initiative, which puts people ahead of cars, promoting the needs of pedestrians and cyclists by hosting free public art installations, performances, and other activities for our communities. It allows neighbors to come together and reclaim spaces from cars while promoting educational and cultural activities in a way that is safe and protected from vehicle traffic. I also want to thank the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) for transforming some of our streets in Northern Manhattan for a couple of days, showing what's possible by bringing performances and bike education workshops to the community!”

NYS Senator Jose Serrano said, “The Open Streets program builds community, protects the environment, and gives New Yorkers a cleaner and safer space to enjoy their neighborhood. Many thanks to Mayor Adams and NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez for expanding this valuable program and allowing even more New Yorkers to get outside.”

NYS Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos said, "Thank you Commissioner Rodriguez for continuing to organize Car Free Earth Day. Today's Open Streets and Public Space programming is a great way to demonstrate how our city can thrive with fewer cars on the street."

NYS Assembly Member Chantel Jackson said, “I recall being a kid and looking forward to the one day a year my block was closed off to traffic. It warms my heart to know the expansion of open streets will include two more locations in the Bronx, bringing the total to six. I have faith that this year’s program will bring growth to local businesses, keep our youth safe and inspire memories for us all.”

“Open Streets make New York City a healthier and more livable urban environment, and encourage New Yorkers to envision a city in which people, not cars, are the top priority in our streetscapes," said NYS Assembly Member Richard Gottfried. We need more streets dedicated to walking, running, playing, cycling, and other free, carbon-neutral activities for people of all ages.  Open Streets encourage us to imagine a city less reliant on automobiles and the traffic congestion and air pollution they cause.”

"At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Open Streets provided New Yorkers a unique opportunity for socialization and access to car-free recreational and educational activities on our streets," said NYC Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "Open-air pavilions offer residents respite from the daily grind of life in New York. I applaud Commissioner Rodriguez for his commitment to expand the Open Streets Program - the nation’s largest Open Streets program – which will now serve an additional 21 new open streets, increasing to 156 locations covering 300 city blocks, with future plans to increase locations."

“When we opened our streets to people, they became our community centers, playgrounds, gyms, and classrooms.” said Council Member Carlina Rivera. “I am so proud to join Commissioner Rodriguez and the Department of Transportation in announcing this year’s 156 Open Streets locations, both new and returning. This expansion is an exciting step forward in our efforts to bring permanent, equitable Open Streets to every community in every borough.”

Council Member Keith Powers said, "The Open Streets program transformed our city’s streetscape and gave New Yorkers a new, exciting way to dine, socialize, and boost local business. With Spring around the corner, I’m thrilled that the Department of Transportation has expanded the program to include even more open streets for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy. I commend Commissioner Rodriguez for his commitment to this program, and look forward to spending more time on our city’s streets!"

Council Member Tiffany Cabán said, "Throughout the pandemic, the 31st Ave. Open Street has been an enormous boon for District 22, enabling residents to breathe, decompress, and protect the health and safety of our most vulnerable neighbors. I am delighted that we'll be keeping that vital asset, and hopeful that we'll be able to scale up this tremendously successful program. I'm particularly excited for the potential Open Streets has to allow us to invest further in creating green spaces, which would only improve the quality of life in our district."

“I am thrilled to see the Department of Transportation expand the Open Streets program. In my district, from 5th Avenue to East 2nd Street, Open Streets are undoubtedly the most popular and most innovative City program in decades,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “Open Streets allow New Yorkers to reclaim important public space, and I am a steadfast supporter of its expansion. I am also encouraged that many of the new Open Streets are in underserved communities that lack green space, allowing the program to help tackle environmental racism and give open space to communities that need it most.”

Council Member Rita Joseph said, "I'm thrilled to see the return and expansion of Open Streets in New York City. We need to reclaim our streets for people, rather than private cars. In future years, I am really looking forward to seeing more Open streets come to Central Brooklyn!"

Council Member Althea Stevens said, "The expansion of the Open Streets program provides more New Yorkers with the opportunity to re-engage residents into their community. Engaging our residents at full capacity is important, as many communities are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Actively supporting our community in these collective spaces can work to decrease many issues that are negatively impacting New Yorkers everywhere. "

“As Manhattan Borough President, I published a report called “The Future of Open Streets” that highlighted program successes and room for improvement. I commend Commissioner Rodriguez and the Department of Transportation for continuing and expanding the program in a way that increases access for all New Yorkers. Opening our streets to the people has been a major benefit for residents looking for extra open space and for struggling restaurants and small businesses,” said Council Member Gale A. Brewer.

“I’m thrilled to see the return of Open Streets across NYC, and especially in District 34. It’s so important for our communities to have the opportunity to safely convene outdoors, and reclaim space for people, instead of cars,” said Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, “I’m proud to have my district participating, and I’m grateful to Commissioner Rodriguez for expanding the program and recognizing how critical it is to invest in community and environmental health.”

Council Member Shekar Krishnan said, "Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the 34th Avenue Open Street has turned what used to be car-filled pavement into the beating heart of the community and a vital resource for our working-class, immigrant families in Jackson Heights. I’m proud to host the gold standard open street here in our neighborhood, and I thank Mayor Adams and Commissioner Rodriguez for supporting the movement to re-imagine our public streets across the city."

Council Member Carmen De La Rosa said, "As we celebrate Earth Day, I am excited to see the largest Open Streets program in the world come uptown! I applaud the DOT in announcing the 21 new Open Streets locations for a total of 156 locations across the city. The Open Streets Program and all the collaborating non-profit organizations and partners merit our appreciation and support for reimagining and repurposing our city streets. I encourage all our neighbors to enjoy these pedestrian areas and continue to build community while promoting clean transportation alternatives."

Council Member Kamillah Hanks said, "The Open Streets program on Water Street and on Minthorne Street have already proven to be successful and welcome additions to our communities on the North Shore. It’s great for our children and families to be able to enjoy car-free programming and outdoor spaces, especially as the days of lockdown are still so fresh to many of us. I hope that residents and non-profit organizations interested in bringing Open Streets to their neighborhoods will apply!"

"As it enters its third season, RPA is pleased to see the Open Streets program back and bigger than ever," said Maulin Mehta, New York Director, Regional Plan Association. "The Open Streets program is an important initiative for ensuring our neighborhoods are safe for all and a great way to reimagine our public realm as a place for more than just cars. It's important we continue to expand the program to more communities in need, especially those with limited access to open space."

Andrew Bennett, CEO & Founder of Good Co Bike Club said, “Good Co Bike Club is extremely excited New York City is continuing to support the Open-Street initiative. The vibes it brought in 2020 felt nostalgic of when it was safe to hang out on the block, socialize with your neighbors and neighborhood...all without the hazards of car & street traffic. We will 100% be taking advantage of open streets, in particular with our Mobile Block Party:II. Last year we had our inaugural Mobile Block Party cycling from open Block to open Block to hang out for about 20 minutes each location to explore new neighborhoods in Brooklyn, all while soliciting local businesses.”