We interview Kenneth Mbonu, who cares for community and public space in his position with the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District - our winner for Neighborhood Champion at this year’s Public Space Awards on February 29th.

February probably isn't most people's favorite time of year. It's been cold for so long and spring seems so far off. One of few holidays is Valentine's Day? Which is not universally loved. But these days I love February and those late-winter feels, because that's when we hold our annual Public Space Awards at Open Plans.

Not only did Open Plans meet its goal to raise public support from 350 donors in the year end season, this awesome community stepped up above and beyond for our best year-end fundraising campaign ever!

As a nonprofit organization, nearly all of Open Plans’ income is from our community of generous donors; a community that has continued to evolve and expand, much like our impact on the city.

Each and every day, we talk to New Yorkers about their experiences living, working, and playing in this city. And, each and every day, we fight to make those experiences more connective, joyful, beautiful, and safe.

Streetfilms producer Clarence Eckerson shares videos from 20 years of documenting daylighting in New York City. Daylighting is having a moment right now - but these videos show that its benefits have always been on display in certain areas.

Do you hear that in the distance? Is it sleigh bells? The tinkling piano of a holiday party? No, actually, it’s 40% more delivery trucks circling our city blocks looking for a place to unload holiday freight - and not finding one. Online shopping skyrockets this time of year, bringing many more trucks to the streets. But the problems don’t stop with increased congestion.

Intern turned fulltime team member Sabina Unni talks about her early career development at Open Plans, and the impact of her work that she sees and hears everyday as she works with schools across New York City.

Tape becomes a tool for community building, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking in artist Kuki Go’s life-size street murals.

From successful advocacy outcomes to newfound freedoms in public spaces, 2023 has been an eventful year. In this edition of the newsletter, the Open Plans team looks back and shares their thanksgiving tidings.

This month, finishing touches were put on a Street Improvement Project years in the making. Using 5 mph signs, beautifully painted curb extensions, planters, and safety stones, West 103rd Street between Amsterdam and West End Avenue in Manhattan has been transformed into a people-centered space.

Asking people how they met their favorite people is infinitely interesting. Woven through these stories are shared values, shared vision, sometimes a shared love of food or books. In our case, it’s our shared love of New York City and the streets in our neighborhood.

Make your voice heard and let the City know that daylighting intersections across New York City make our streets safer. Physically daylit intersections in New York City will contribute to safer, more livable neighborhoods for all residents.

Holidays are more fun on people-centered streets. The magic of people-centered streets was on full display this fall. Thanks to DOT expanding on last year's first-ever Trick or Streets program, over 100 streets went car free in late October. Across the 5 boroughs, communities held costume parades, live music, candy giveaways, and Dia De Los Muertos altars.

Join the Open Plans community on Thursday, February 29th (leap day!) for a festive celebration of the people behind our city’s defining public spaces. From neighborhood-level ingenuity to citywide stewardship, the second annual Public Space Awards cheers the leaders and groups that nurture daily life in New York City’s public forum. Save the date and add it to your calendar!