[browser link available in email]

Dear [first-name],

Lots of New Yorkers don't quite understand what City of Yes for Housing Opportunity will do - or what it won't do. Throughout the recent public hearing process, we heard misconceptions about how the zoning reforms will effect neighborhoods.

Here are three ways to (nicely!) correct a New Yorker who has City of Yes all wrong:

Them:
"We can't eliminate parking mandates because some buildings in
my neighborhood do need parking spots."

You:

Lifting parking mandates won't ban new parking from being built! Builders have testified before City Council that when it makes sense, they'll still create parking in their buildings. They just won't be forced to waste space with parking that isn't needed or wanted. 

Them:

"City of Yes for Housing Opportunity will create chaos in my neighborhood"

You:

Lifting parking mandates in City of Yes will actually help alleviate the chaos caused by cars. In denser neighborhoods with more vibrant streetscapes, New Yorkers can walk or bike more often, visit with neighbors, and enjoy less traffic noise. It will be a much less hectic and dangerous environment. 

Them:
"Eliminating parking mandates in City of Yes will make it harder on families who need cars to transport kids."

You:

Lifting parking mandates will actually make it easier on families by lowering rents and reducing car dependence, which is costly and keeps our streets congested and unsafe.

Talk to your neighbors about parking mandates! And show the City that everyday New Yorkers support this policy by sending a letter to decision makers at the button below.

We’re a month into Governor Hochul’s illegal congestion pricing “pause,” and it’s already causing chaos: MTA has suspended $16.5B in new transit projects. Join Riders Alliance at MTA HQ on Wednesday, July 31st, to remind Governor Hochul we’re here to stay until the cameras are on.

The call to unpause congestion pricing is coming to Summer Streets! Join the People Over Cars rally on Thursday, August 3rd at 11AM as they take Vanderbilt Avenue Plaza, at 42nd Street, to demand that Kathy Hochul reverse her mistake and allow the program to start as planned!

Ghuncha Shaheed - photographer, architect, placemaker, and Open Plans summer intern - took her camera to West 72nd Street to document the beauty & "humanness" on the corridor, even the midst of car-centric design that attempts to dehumanize and isolate us.

🌞 Summer Streets is back with new extended hours! The 2024 season kicks off on Saturday, July 27th with car-free fun in Queens and Staten Island from 7AM to 3PM. 

❓ Columbus Avenue BID wants to know about your experience on the Open Street this summer! What did you like? What can be improved? Let them know!

🛝 Do you know a perfect city location for a new playground? Play:groundNYC is seeking suggestions for a second location to add to their flagship site on Governors Island. Help them build more spaces for transformative play!

🎪 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.

🤸🏽 A 20-station obstacle course, bounce house, face painting, arts & crafts, street games & discover zone await kids on July 26th at E 106th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue. The fun lasts from 12pm to 4pm.

🍽 Deadline for applications for permanent outdoor dining is August 3.

Open Plans |  377 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013-3907

[browser link available in email] | unsubscribe