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New Yorkers, famously, never agree on anything. There are no shortage of opinions in this city, especially when it comes to how we use our streets and public space. But when we asked New Yorkers to tell us what they think needs improving about DOT's Summer Streets program, the majority of people just said they wanted MORE.

• 91% of respondents want Summer Streets to happen more often
• 77% would like to see Summer Streets hours extended
• 75% favor expanding the current routes to cover more city streets

These are the results of a survey we've been asking New Yorkers across the city to complete. What else do New Yorkers want to add to Summer Streets? Additional bathrooms, water stations, and food vendors top the list.

Summer Streets is SUCH a popular way to use our city streets that it's got the majority of New Yorkers in agreement! Sounds like something that's certainly worth celebrating and expanding. The lineup isn't out yet for this year but you can count on us being there each weekend to enjoy the car-free fun. Join us and show DOT that more Summer Streets is what New York City needs! 

You asked, we answered! Last week, Talya Schwartz, our senior strategist and Doug Gordon of The War on Cars, fielded questions about LTNs on r/MicromobilityNYC. Misconceptions, advocacy strategies, low-cost treatment examples, and more.

We're still advocating for Int.1138 to make our city's streets safer and more livable for everyone—universal daylighting will do just that. Take two minutes and send a letter now to get Council Member Won’s bill passed!

What happens when a city prioritizes its people? Manhattan's 14th Street is a great example of how a busway makes commutes and emergency response times faster, and how a sidewalk extension allows more people to enjoy a busy street.

♿ Close the gaps in New York's Complete Streets Law! While the current law requires considering all road users in some projects, too many state and federally funded transportation improvements still ignore pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities. Bills S.131/A.324 and S.915/A.1077 in Albany would strengthen protections and ensure complete streets statewide. Tell your lawmakers that every New Yorker deserves safe, accessible transportation options!

🚌 Get the facts about Jamaica Bus Terminal's temporary relocation! Join Queens BP Donovan Richards Jr. and local electeds for a virtual forum with MTA Thursday, May 29th at 6PM. This is your chance to hear directly from the agency about their plans and ask questions about how the move will impact riders and the community. Essential info for anyone who relies on this major transit hub!

🏗 Ever wondered how NYC gets water from the Catskills or why manholes overflow during storms? CityWorks, New York Hall of Science’s groundbreaking 6,000-square-foot exhibit, reveals the invisible systems keeping cities alive. Drive a bus, flush toilets to see combined sewers in action, and explore how natural and built systems intersect. Opens daily in Queens - admission $22 adults/$19 kids includes full access!

🌟 Make Thursday afternoons special at Brownsville Open Streets! From now through November 6, Bristol Street opens up for community fun every Thursday, 2-4PM. Find games, books, bike safety tips, and health resources at 259 Bristol St between Blake and Dumont. Limited car access means more space for neighbors to connect, play, and thrive together!

🎉 Celebrate 20 years of Long Island City's growth at LIC Springs! This free street festival takes over Vernon Blvd on Saturday, May 31, 12-5PM with 130+ local businesses offering live performances, art workshops, fitness classes, and interactive games.Iit's your chance to experience all of LIC in one afternoon. Free and family-friendly!

💃 Dance into summer at La Marqueta's Block Party! Saturday, May 31st, 12-7PM transforms 115th & Park Avenue into a lively community celebration with live salsa bands, DJs, food vendors, and poetry. Bring the whole family for games and activities at this historic market – free fun that brings East Harlem neighbors together to kick off the season!

💪 The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition has a successful track record of organizing for equity at the Kingsbridge Armory – and they're doing it again! Join the prep meeting Saturday, May 31st, 11AM at Mary Mitchell Center (lunch and childcare provided) then show up for the CB7 hearing Tuesday, June 3rd, 6:30PM at KIPP Elementary. This is the start of the public review process for the Armory redevelopment, and your voice matters in securing good jobs and environmental sustainability.

🚫 Protect the Bronx River from another highway expansion! The Bronx deserves green space, not more asphalt over Starlight Park. Join Thursday, June 5th – 5PM for press conference, 6PM for NYS DOT meeting at 1071 Tremont Ave as the Stop the Cross Bronx Expansion Coalition confronts NYS DOT's plans for another massive roadway.

🌳 Tired of Conduit Avenue splitting your neighborhood? NYC DOT wants to reconnect communities along the Conduit Corridor from Brooklyn to Queens. Voice your ideas for safer crossings, better transit, and usable open space at kickoff workshops: Tuesday, June 10, 7-8:30PM at Robert H. Goddard JHS 202 or online Thursday, June 12, 7-8:30PM. Register by May 23 for accessibility needs.

🍃 Have a say in New York City's first Urban Forest Plan! Help the Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice and NYC Parks determine how to equitably expand our tree canopy from streets to parks to yards. Your feedback will guide strategies for cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, and climate resilience. Survey open until June 16, 2025.

Beloved neighborhood restaurants are forced to close their streeteries under restrictive seasonal rules. We're pushing for an equitable, year-round program that works for small businesses citywide—not just wealthy areas. Your donation gets MATCHED dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000! Back this street revolution and show City Hall that public space belongs to everyone.

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

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