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Dear [first-name],

Halloween has to be one of our most public space-y holidays, right? It's all about strolling your neighborhood, seeing and being seen, soaking up the festival atmosphere as you visit with fellow revelers. This tradition hinges on having a walkable community where people aren't too far apart, you know the folks who live next door, and the sidewalks and streets are safe for kids to wander at night. In other words - it hinges on livability.

We know that's become rare in this country; the dreaded "Trunk or Treat" is a perfect representation of what car culture takes from us. Kids deserve the thrill of independence as they navigate their neighborhood on their own. We should all experience the coziness of greeting neighbors at their doorstep, the smell of hot cider wafting from inside. Moments and traditions like these build community.

Which is why we love to see DOT encourage the communal spirit with Trick-or-Streets. Tonight, 147 streets across the city will be pedestrianized. And many more went car-free throughout October, hosting pumpkin carving, live music, face painting, and more. Our streets can be places of joy, culture, and community if we want it! If it works for Halloween, it can work for Thanksgiving potlucks, spring festivals, Memorial Day barbecues — or just any old day because we know that reliable access to public space keeps us happier and healthier. Here's to a future where open streets are a strategic, ongoing, and commonplace practice across the five boroughs.

Happy Halloween! 🎃

The Open Plans team

Each year The Longest Table grows, & so does the community & magic created around it. Co-founders Maryam & Andy shared with us how a desire to connect with their neighbors led to a growing movement with real impact. 

Well-managed public space is crucial to our commerce, health & happiness. Our latest report gives practical recommendations for how the City can plan & care for people-centered public space in every neighborhood. 

Street fairs get a tiny fraction of the budget - despite being essential to our communities & many small businesses. A City committed to its public realm must find a way to prioritize people-centered space.

The push to lift parking mandates is down to the wire! Join a virtual meeting with your Council Member ASAP to tell them you support safer, more walkable streets. Sign up now & we’ll give you everything you need to advocate effectively.

🎃 Lots of fun Halloween events happening tonight!

• La Salle Open Street Halloween Parade | Thursday, October 31, 4-9PM
• Trick or Treat at Newkirk Plaza | Thursday, October 31, 4-6:30PM
  
• Trick-or-Streets at Decatur Avenue | Thursday, October 31, 2:30-9:30PM
• Trick-or-Streets at Marcy Plaza | Thursday, October 31, 3-7PM
• Cobble Hill Halloween Parade | Thursday, October 31, 4-4:30PM
• Trick-or-Streets at Newkirk Plaza | Thursday, October 31, 4-6:30PM
• Mcghoulrick Halloween | Thursday, October 31, 3PM
• Trick-or-Streets at Park Place & Underhill Ave | Thursday, October 31, 5-8 PM
• Trick-or-Streets on Broome Street | Thursday, October 31, 3-6PM
• Halloween 2024 at Marcus Meets Malcolm | October 31, 3:30-7PM

🗳️ 5 more days until Election Day on November 5! Early voting is now open until November 3. Locate your poll site and hours now to ensure you're ready to participate.

🤝 Calling all NYC community board members! Join Open Plans on Thursday, December 5, 6-8 PM to connect with fellow neighborhood leaders. Share experiences and build partnerships across boroughs at this evening meetup.

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

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