The proposed closure of a block for the Open Streets program has sparked concerns among residents and business owners, who fear it will disrupt their lives and livelihoods.
Marie Stareck, a senior resident on the block, expressed her opposition, stating that the closure would hinder access for cars, cabs, and ambulances, finally benefiting “the privileged few” while hurting tax-paying citizens.
The block’s location poses a particular challenge, as it is frequently used by ambulances en route to Lenox Hill Hospital, located just two blocks west. Additionally, the block is flanked by construction sites, which are already causing traffic congestion.
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A Local School’s Excitement Meets Community Resistance
Astride Riche, chief of staff at a nearby K-12 school, expressed enthusiasm for the Open Streets program, citing the school’s limited outdoor recreational space.
Riche emphasized the importance of allowing students to play together and enjoy fresh air. However, Riche also acknowledged that vehicles would be permitted on the block “as needed” for deliveries and pickups.
Despite Riche’s assurances, the Manhattan Community Board 8 voted 36-2 in favor of a non-binding resolution opposing the application.
Board member Michele Birnbaum argued that parents could take their children to nearby parks instead of inconveniencing residents, businesses, and a major hospital.
A Program with a Complicated History
The Open Streets program was initially introduced in April 2020 as a temporary measure to facilitate safe outdoor gatherings during the pandemic.
The City Council made the program permanent in 2021, and Mayor Adams has since expanded it to approximately 200 sites, aiming to reduce car usage.
However, the program is facing a pending federal lawsuit, which alleges that Open Streets discriminates against people with disabilities who rely on vehicles for transportation