It’s time to bring Universal Daylighting to a vote. Int. 1138 would require the City to daylight every intersection — reallocating the curb spaces closest to corners to improve visibility and save lives. It’s one of the simplest, most cost-effective safety measures we can take, and data, common sense, and overwhelming public support back it. Twenty-three community boards across New York City, more than 170 community-based organizations, and over 90 elected officials at every level of government have endorsed this proposal. So what’s the holdup?

New Yorkers are ready for safer streets — even if some Council Members have lost their nerve. Last week, Council Member Gale Brewer quietly removed her name from the bill, even though all three of her community boards — 4, 5, and 7 — voted in support of Universal Daylighting. It’s disappointing to see a proven, common-sense safety measure get caught in political hesitation while crashes continue to happen at blocked intersections across the city. Visibility saves lives, and New Yorkers deserve leaders who stand by that truth. Please call or email CM Brewer's office to share your dismay: 212-873-0282 or district6@council.nyc.gov. If you don’t live in her district, send your elected official an email using this easy form.

We’re also calling on Speaker Adrienne Adams to act. With strong Council backing, support from advocates, and mounting public demand, this bill deserves a vote. The Speaker can demonstrate real leadership by bringing Int. 1138 to the floor — saving lives, preventing injuries, and proving that Vision Zero is more than just words. Every day we delay, more New Yorkers are put at risk. Call Speaker Adams’ office at 212-482-6731 today and tell her you want Int. 1138 brought to a vote. Let’s make our intersections safe for everyone.

Free tomorrow at lunch? Join us at City Hall to let Council Members know we want universal daylighting now. RSVP here.

The DOT has made progress on curb management, but Mayor Adams recently reversed a UWS pilot to create much needed commercial parking—despite a year of planning and outreach. This isn't the first or only time the administration has gotten in DOT's way.

We met with Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso at RAS Plant Based in Brooklyn and talked about his experience working in food service, what equity in outdoor dining means, and how the current program can change to benefit more business.

This London intersection has it all: a modal filter, bike priority, outdoor dining, new brick pavers, camera-enforcement, bioswales & seating. A great example of people-first streets that can serve as inspiration for our own city.

🕯️ Light the Night Manhattan Volunteers Needed | Sign up by Mon, Oct 14
Help bring light to the darkness of blood cancer at South Street Seaport on Thursday, Oct 23. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society needs volunteers for three shifts: event setup (1-4 PM), on-site assistance during the walk (4-9 PM), or cleanup (9-11 PM). This 1.5-mile walk celebrates survivors, honors those we've lost, and raises funds for life-saving research. Registration closes October 14.

📢 Rally for Affordable Housing | Wed, Oct 15 | 12 PM

Props 2, 3, 4, & 5 this November could be game-changers for housing affordability, but voters need to know to flip over their ballots. Show up to City Hall Park with Open New York and city leaders to fight for a New York with homes for everyone and make sure these popular measures actually pass.

🍂 Newkirk Ave Fall Festival & Movie Night | Sat, Oct 18 | 2-8 PM

Six hours of car-free fun between Marlborough Rd and Coney Island Ave! This open street pop-up brings bounce houses, giveaways, community resources, and a movie under the stars at 6:15 PM. Cast your vote by Oct 9 to choose between three iconic '93 Halloween films—then bring your blanket and settle in for the show.

⚠️ 10 Days Left for the W103 Shared Street Survey

Are you a stakeholder in the W. 103rd St. Shared Street? Attended an event or helped paint the street? Here’s a survey the Block Association put out, primarily for residents, but stakeholders are also invited. Please fill out their survey and share why you 🧡 love the Shared Street!

🗺️ Greater Greenways Expansion Survey

The city's building on the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway success with plans to create connected, car-free routes throughout NYC. This is your chance to influence where they go and what features they include. Share how you'd use greenways in your neighborhood through a 5-minute survey and interactive mapping tool.

🎃 Trick-or-Streets Returns | Oct 17-31

DOT's turning Open Streets and plazas into two weeks of car-free Halloween fun across all five boroughs! Expect live music, interactive performances, harvest activities, seasonal crafts, and festive photo ops at neighborhood celebrations. Each partner event has its own vibe. Check the full map and calendar to find spooky happenings near you throughout the festival.

🏞️ Support Parks 2030 Platform

Families in lower-income neighborhoods have 38% less park space, and the Parks Department has faced years of disinvestment. Parks 2030 is a comprehensive platform calling for fully staffed maintenance crews in every park, dedicated funding instead of annual budget battles, new 20-acre parks in each borough, and parks as climate solutions with expanded tree canopy. Sign on to tell City Council and the Administration that our parks deserve better.

🎭 The Longest Table at Gotham Park | Sat, Oct 18 | 12-3:30 PM

What's better than a potluck? A potluck with opera! Bring something to share and join neighbors for an afternoon of food and conversation, followed by Teatro Grattacielo's performance. Perfect excuse to finally make that recipe you've been meaning to try and meet the people who live around you.

🚴 Bike the Block Brooklyn | Sat, Oct 18 | 11 AM-3 PM

Brownsville's getting a bike party! Whether you're finally learning to ride or just want a free bike rental and guided tour, Bike the Block has something for everyone. Bike New York teaches kids and adults, Get Women Cycling does safety checks, and there's music all afternoon. Swing by our table to chat about our campaigns while you're there.

📚 Life After Cars Book Launch | Tue, Oct 21 | 8-9 PM

The hosts of The War on Cars podcast are here with their new book! Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon present a searing look at how cars ruin everything—and actionable ways to fight back. Perfect for anyone ready to help create more sustainable, livable communities beyond car dependency.

🗳️ 2025 November General Election | Tue, Nov 4

New York's electing a mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough presidents, city council members, and voting on ballot proposals that could reshape housing in our city. Make your plan to vote whether that's early, by mail, or on Election Day.

• Sat, Oct 25 – Voter registration deadline & early voting begins
• Sat, Oct 25 – Last day to request mail ballot online
• Mon, Nov 3 – Last day to request mail ballot in person
• Sat, Oct 25-Sun, Nov 2 – Early voting period
• Tue, Nov 4 – Election Day

Open Plans
PO Box 1009
New York, NY 10013

Copyright © 2025 Open Plans Inc. All rights reserved.

[browser link available in email] | unsubscribe