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OPEN STREETS, PARKS/ STAKEHOLDERS Marina Iodice Daniella Vlakancic Lianna Moze
Open Streets is a community initiative that took into affect in 2020 to provide residents with additional outdoor space during the pandemic. The Department of Transportation formulated a plan to have a linear space free of cars. But after some time, the agency planned to establish pedestrian plazas from 69th Street to Junction Boulevard. Despite these efforts, those in favor of a car-free space are still not satisfied with the proposal, as they don’t see these portable barricades as the most safe nor efficient. Likewise, those who are against the limitations of parking space and blockage of roads are not satisfied either. Some of the challenges asides from parking availability include the inability to make deliveries, as truck drivers are hesitant on having to move the barriers. However, Open Streets has provided beneficial and much needed safe space for pedestrians to engage in activites outdoors, such as walk their dogs, dancing, parades, and outdoor vendor businessses. Parrot, Max. “Dot Unveils Plan for 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights, Includes Pedestrian Plazas and Car Access.”
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