Open Plans’ Impact Clear in New Solutions for Livability, Recovery
Advocacy results in first-ever Director of the Public Realm appointment
The impact of Open Plans’ vision and advocacy is unmistakable in the release of the new Making New York Work for Everyone report. Released Wednesday morning by the New New York panel, the report centers livability and placemaking as key philosophies for economic recovery. This is exactly the approach Open Plans has been advancing for years. Among the report’s forty bold commitments are several key solutions introduced or championed by Open Plans:
Make Open Restaurants permanent and DOT-managed
Appoint a Director of the Public Realm
Commit to strategic maintenance of public spaces
Expand the Open Streets program
Enliven public space with cultural programming
Reimagine waste containerization and collection
Reduce demand for cars and trucks
Increase bus speeds
Reform the curb with a comprehensive management plan
Develop protected bikeway infrastructure and bike storage
Firmly support congestion pricing
Remove/reduce parking minimums citywide
Each of these solutions will have a profound effect on the lives of New Yorkers. Of course, the devil is in the details and Open Plans already has detailed plans for implementing many of these commitments. From advocating for public space management and co-leading a coalition calling for a Director of the Public Realm, to being a thought leader on curb management and leading the charge to eliminate parking minimums citywide, Open Plans is at the forefront. Our practical, people-centered solutions
Recent reports from the DOT and PDC show that people-centered streets are catalysts for thriving commerce, health, and wellness. The verdict is clear - New Yorkers need streets designed for walking, playing and dining. It is this people-first approach that Open Plans has persistently pushed forward.
Now is the time to be bold, progressive, and clear headed. We have a once in a generation moment to create the New York City that we all deserve. We’re energized to see the City begin to take the first steps toward developing a more interconnected, well-managed public realm but this first step is just the beginning of a long road. To truly reshape our future, we’ll need a continued commitment from the City to center people and placemaking. We’ll need leaders to allocate the resources needed to develop, manage and program our public spaces. And we’ll need every New Yorker to rethink our harmful, car–first approach to transportation and public space. On those issues, Open Plans will continue to push the envelope — our future as a city depends on it. We look forward to working with the Director of the Public Realm, Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, elected officials, and our fellow advocates on shaping the future of the city to be community-based, people-centered, and pioneering.
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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Chelsea Dowell
347-439-1596
chelsea@openplans.org