There’s a process underway on the Upper West Side that aims to tackle a vexing inequity and inefficiency on New York City streets, and we’re pretty excited about its potential. The NYC DOT is conducting a Smart Curbs Pilot with the goal of rebalancing curb use to benefit all New Yorkers, not just the minority who own cars.

DOT’s Summer Streets gave NYC our first look at large-scale people-centered streets; the 2023 expansion to all five boroughs and more weekends is why DOT is our Citywide Transformation award winner!

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.