Statement Applauding NYC DOT for Expanding Summer Streets to Five Boroughs

Program doubles in size to 20 car-free miles 

Announcement follows years of advocacy for equitable, well-managed public space

New York, NY – The Department of Transportation announced today that the popular Summer Streets program will expand to all five boroughs over five Saturdays, marking a significant new investment in car-free space across New York City.

The announcement comes after years of tenacious advocacy for more city investment in Open Streets and Summer Streets. Most recently, Open Plans connected Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. to discuss supporting a Summer Streets expansion to their boroughs. The local leaders sent a joint letter to DOT in fall 2022 requesting the program expand to Brooklyn and Queens that summer.

Statement from Jackson Chabot, Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Open Plans:

“This is such a victory for New Yorkers everywhere. For over a decade, Summer Streets has brought joy and energy to Manhattan -- now New Yorkers across the city can enjoy the same in their own boroughs. The immense popularity of Summer Streets, and the diversity of programming, shows that car-free street space is for everyone.”

We know that vibrant, safe street space is good for the city. For three years now, Open Streets managers have taken the Summer Streets model and adapted it into smaller, locally-led space. Open Streets create community, bring new customers to small businesses, and enliven neighborhood streets. These spaces make neighborhoods better, and with this expansion, the city has acknowledged that New Yorkers in every borough are entitled to joyful, car-free streets. This is the kind of investment in public space that will catapult New York into a healthier, happier future.”