Discover Open Streets NYC: Transforming New York City, Block by Block

New York City is constantly evolving, and one of its most exciting transformations is the Open Streets program. Imagine streets not just for cars, but vibrant public spaces buzzing with community activity. That’s the vision of Open Streets Nyc, an initiative that redefines how New Yorkers experience their city, fostering economic growth, supporting local schools, and promoting healthier, more connected neighborhoods. These car-free zones become canvases for cultural programming, pedestrian and cyclist havens, and vital community hubs.

The NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) collaborates with a diverse network of community partners to bring Open Streets to life across the five boroughs. These partners include grassroots organizations, business improvement districts, educational institutions, merchant groups, and faith-based organizations – all working together to unlock the potential of our streets. Through initiatives like Public Realm Programming, NYC DOT curates engaging, free activities in these newly reclaimed public spaces, accessible to everyone regardless of age or ability. Furthermore, the Public Space Equity Program (PSEP) specifically targets under-resourced communities, providing crucial support to local partners in maintaining high-quality Open Streets.

Navigating Open Streets NYC: Rules and Regulations

To ensure the smooth operation and accessibility of Open Streets for everyone, NYC DOT has established clear guidelines. Officially codified in 2024, these Open Streets Rules outline the application process, program requirements, and eligibility criteria for partners and street corridors. This regulatory framework ensures the program is well-managed and benefits all New Yorkers. It’s essential for both returning and new partners to understand these rules to successfully participate in the program.

Become an Open Streets Partner: Application Information for 2025

Excited to bring Open Streets to your neighborhood in 2025? The application process is now open for both returning and new partners. Whether you’re looking to continue your successful Open Street or launch a new one, applying is the first step. Returning partners benefit from a streamlined application using their 2024 ID, while new partners will complete a full application to detail their vision.

Key Application Deadline:

For Open Streets launching on or after July 1, 2025, including schools applying for the 2025-2026 academic year, the application deadline is March 31, 2025.

Have questions or need guidance? NYC DOT encourages prospective partners to contact their team online to schedule a meeting before applying. They can assist with any queries and help you navigate the application process. Language assistance is also available; reach out online for support in other languages.

Ready to apply? Access the NYC Open Streets Information & Application portal to begin your journey in transforming your street.

Image alt text: Tompkins Avenue Open Street scene, showcasing community engagement on a car-free street in NYC.

Exploring the Diverse Types of Open Streets

Open Streets NYC isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. To cater to different community needs and street characteristics, there are three distinct types of Open Streets:

1. Limited Local Access Open Streets

Image alt text: NYC Open Streets Limited Local Access program logo, emphasizing shared street space.

These Open Streets are designed to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists while still accommodating essential local vehicle access. During designated hours and days, these streets become pedestrian and cyclist havens, perfect for leisurely strolls and bike rides. However, local vehicle traffic is permitted for specific purposes such as parking, passenger drop-off/pick-up, deliveries, Access-A-Ride, and emergency vehicles. A crucial rule for drivers in these zones is to maintain a speed of no more than 5 MPH, ensuring pedestrian safety.

2. Full Closure Open Streets

Image alt text: NYC Open Streets Full Closure program logo, highlighting a completely car-free environment.

Full Closure Open Streets offer a complete transformation, temporarily closing streets to vehicle traffic to create truly car-free public spaces. This type allows for a wide array of activities that benefit local businesses, community groups, and schools, turning streets into vibrant gathering places for the public. While car-free, these zones always maintain a clear emergency lane for immediate access by emergency vehicles, ensuring safety remains a priority.

3. Full Closure: Schools Open Streets

Image alt text: NYC Open Streets Full Closure: Schools program logo, focusing on creating safer school zones.

Specifically designed to support schools, Full Closure: Schools Open Streets temporarily restrict vehicle access to enhance school-related activities. These streets become safer zones for student drop-off and pick-up, outdoor recess, and even outdoor learning opportunities. By creating car-free environments around schools, NYC DOT prioritizes the safety and well-being of students and the school community.

Finding Your Nearest Open Streets: Locations and Hours Across NYC

Open Streets NYC spans across all five boroughs, offering numerous locations to explore. It’s important to note that Open Streets hours can change and may include time for setup and breakdown. For the most up-to-date information, a comprehensive list of Open Street locations is available for download on NYC Open Data. Please be aware that there might be a slight delay in updates to the Open Data files.

For a quick overview, here’s a glimpse into some Open Streets locations categorized by borough:

Bronx Open Streets Locations:

Open Street From To Type Location or Partner
Andrews Avenue South West Burnside Avenue West 179 Street Full Closure: Schools Middle School 390
Bathgate Avenue East 182 Street East 181 Street Full Closure: Schools Street Lab
Beaumont Avenue East 183 Street Grote Street Full Closure: Schools P.S. 32 The Belmont School
Beck Street Leggett Avenue Avenue St John Full Closure Salsa Stories
Bolton Avenue Lafayette Avenue Story Avenue Full Closure Frontline Nutrition Services
Decatur Avenue East 194 Street East 195 Street Full Closure Decatur Block Association
East 150 Street Concord Avenue Wales Avenue Full Closure: Schools PS/MS 5 Port Morris School of Community Leadership
East 212 Street White Plains Road White Plains Road Full Closure Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project
Evelyn Place Grand Avenue Aqueduct Avenue East Full Closure I AM MY COMMUNITY INC
Field Place Creston Avenue Morris Avenue Full Closure: Schools Public School 363 (10X363/APLE)
Goble Place Jerome Avenue Inwood Avenue Full Closure New Settlement
Grand Avenue West Burnside Avenue West Tremont Avenue Full Closure Bright Leaders Group Family Day Care Inc.
Harrod Place Westchester Avenue Morrison Avenue Full Closure Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, Inc.
Jennings Street Prospect Avenue Chisholm Street Full Closure Caldwell Enrichment Program Inc.
Longfellow Avenue Lafayette Avenue Spofford Avenue Full Closure: Schools Leaders In Our Neighborhood Charter School
Morris Avenue Mount Hope Place East 176 Street Full Closure: Schools IS 117: Joseph H. Wade School
Mount Hope Place Monroe Avenue Anthony Avenue Full Closure: Schools Street Lab
Palisade Place Popham Avenue Popham Avenue Full Closure: Schools Street Lab
Rae Street St Anns Avenue Dead End Full Closure I Challenge Myself
Rae Street Dead End St Anns Avenue Limited Local Access I Challenge Myself
Rhinelander Avenue Bogart Avenue Radcliff Avenue Full Closure: Schools P.S. 83 The Donald Hertz School
Simpson Street East 163 Street Fox Street Full Closure Banana Kelly Community Improvement Association, Inc.
Walton Avenue East 167 Street East 168 Street Full Closure WHEDCo/P.S./I.S. 218

Brooklyn Open Streets Locations:

Open Street From To Type Location or Partner
18 Street 7 Avenue 6 Avenue Full Closure: Schools Middle School 88
18 Street 5 Avenue 4 Avenue Full Closure: Schools Hellenic Classical Charter Schools
3 Avenue 68 Street 82 Street Full Closure Merchants Of third Avenue Civic Improvement assoc. Inc
3 Avenue 82 Street Marine Avenue Full Closure Merchants of third Avenue Civic improvement assoc, inc
4 Street 5 Avenue Dead End Full Closure Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID
43 Street 8 Avenue 7 Avenue Full Closure: Schools PS 169 Sunset Park School
5 Avenue President Street 2 Street Full Closure 5th Avenue Open Streets Merchants Association
7 Street 4 Avenue 5 Avenue Full Closure: Schools PS 118
7 Street 8 Avenue Prospect Park West Full Closure: Schools Saint Saviour Catholic Academy
71 Street 6 Avenue 7 Avenue Full Closure: Schools PS 170K The Ralph A. Fabrizio School
Benson Avenue Bay 19 Street 18 Avenue Full Closure Federation of Italian American Organizations
Berry Street Broadway North 12 Street Limited Local Access North Brooklyn Open Streets Community Coalition (NBK OSCC)
Bristol Street Dumont Avenue Blake Avenue Limited Local Access NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Chauncey Street Howard Avenue Saratoga Avenue Limited Local Access Chauncey Street Block & Tenants Association
Chester Avenue Church Avenue Louisa Street Full Closure MASJID NUR AL ISLAM
Columbia Street Hamilton Avenue Woodhull Street Full Closure Living Traditions Inc.
Decatur Street Howard Avenue Saratoga Avenue Limited Local Access DHS Block Association
Dock Street Front Street Water Street Full Closure: Schools NYC DOE
East 23 Street Campus Road Glenwood Road Full Closure: Schools PS 152
Graham Avenue Scholes Street Meserole Street Full Closure Pizzette
Hall Street Park Avenue Myrtle Avenue Limited Local Access Hall Street Block Association
Hanover Place Fulton Street Livingston Street Full Closure: Schools Brooklyn RISE Charter School
Hoyt Street Atlantic Avenue State Street Full Closure Atlantic Avenue BID
Jefferson Avenue Malcolm X Boulevard Patchen Avenue Full Closure The 700 Jefferson Avenue Block Association
Joralemon Street Hicks Street Furman Street Limited Local Access The Willowtown Assocation
Lexington Avenue Classon Avenue Grand Avenue Full Closure The Brooklyn Bazaar Festival Inc.
Marcy Avenue Fulton Street Mac Donough Street Full Closure Bedford Stuyvesant Gateway District Management Association, Inc.
Martense Street Bedford Avenue Flatbush Avenue Full Closure GrowHouse Community Design + Development Group
Maspeth Avenue Humboldt Street Woodpoint Road Full Closure Friends of Cooper Park
Montague Street Clinton Street Hicks Street Full Closure MONTAGUE ST BID
Newkirk Avenue East 17 Street Coney Island Avenue Full Closure Flatbush Development Corporation
Pearl Street Fulton Street Dead End Full Closure Downtown Brooklyn Partnership
Polhemus Place Carroll Street Garfield Place Limited Local Access Polhemus Place Block Association
Prospect Place Classon Avenue Grand Avenue Full Closure Prospect Place Block Association 2.0
Rapelye Street Hicks Street Henry Street Full Closure: Schools Brooklyn New School, PS 146
Reed Street Conover Street Van Brunt Street Full Closure Hometown Bar B Que
Sharon Street Olive Street Morgan Avenue Limited Local Access Sharon Street Block Association
Strauss Street Riverdale Avenue Newport Street Full Closure: Schools Street Lab
Thatford Avenue Belmont Avenue Dead End Full Closure Justice Innovation Inc. d/b/a Center for Justice Innovation (Brownsville Community Justice Center)
Tompkins Avenue Gates Avenue Halsey Street Full Closure Bridge Street Development Corporation
Troutman Street Irving Avenue St Nicholas Avenue Full Closure Troutman Street Open Street Coalition
Vanderbilt Avenue Atlantic Avenue Park Place Full Closure Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council
Washington Street Front Street Water Street Full Closure Dumbo Improvement District
Watkins Street Belmont Avenue Dead End Full Closure Justice Innovation Inc. d/b/a Center for Justice Innovation (Brownsville Community Justice Center)
West 12 Street Surf Avenue Bowery Full Closure Alliance for Coney Island
West 9 Street Henry Street Hicks Street Full Closure Red Hook Initiative
Willoughby Avenue Washington Park Washington Avenue Limited Local Access NYC Department of Transportation
Willoughby Street Pearl Street Jay Street Full Closure Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

Manhattan Open Streets Locations:

Open Street From To Type Location or Partner
5 Avenue East 48 Street East 55 Street Full Closure Fifth Avenue Association
9 Avenue West 14 Street West 15 Street Full Closure Meatpacking District Management Association
Academy Street Broadway Vermilyea Avenue Full Closure Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)
Academy Street Broadway Vermilyea Avenue Full Closure: Schools Muscota New School/Amistad
Amsterdam Avenue Cathedral Parkway West 111 Street Full Closure West 111th Street Block Association
Amsterdam Avenue West 106 Street Cathedral Parkway Full Closure Lenape Bloemendael DMA dba Columbus Amsterdam Business Improvement District
Audubon Avenue West 189 Street West 190 Street Full Closure Connectemonos
Avenue B East 7 Street East 10 Street Limited Local Access Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition
Bedford Street Christopher Street Grove Street Full Closure: Schools PS3 Charrette
Bleecker Street Mott Street Bowery Full Closure Von Design Ltd
Bond Street Lafayette Street Bowery Full Closure il Buco
Broadway East 20 Street East 19 Street Full Closure: Schools Ballet Tech Foundation
Broome Street Essex Street Norfolk Street Full Closure Lower East Side Partnership
Broome Street Allen Street Ludlow Street Full Closure Lower East Side Partnership
Canal Street Essex Street Orchard Street Full Closure Cervo’s
Christopher Street Waverly Place 7 Avenue South Full Closure Kettle of Fish/Christopher Street
Clarkson Street Varick Street Hudson Street Full Closure: Schools City-As School: High School M560
Columbus Avenue West 68 Street West 77 Street Full Closure Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District
Columbus Avenue West 68 Street West 77 Street Full Closure Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District
Cooper Street West 207 Street Isham Street Full Closure: Schools School in the Square
Duane Street Hudson Street West Broadway Full Closure KioRestaurant, LLC
East 101 Street Park Avenue Lexington Avenue Full Closure Uptown Grand Central
East 115 Street Pleasant Avenue 1 Avenue Full Closure Salsa Stories
East 123 Street 2 Avenue 3 Avenue Full Closure Boriken Neighborhood Health Center/ East Harlem Council for Human Services, Inc.
East 22 Street Park Avenue South Lexington Avenue Full Closure: Schools The �cole
East 4 Street 2 Avenue Bowery Full Closure Fourth Arts Block (aka FABnyc)
East 5 Street Avenue C Dead End Full Closure: Schools Public School 64 Manhattan
East 73 Street Lexington Avenue Park Avenue Full Closure: Schools The Buckley School
East 78 Street Park Avenue Lexington Avenue Full Closure: Schools The Allen-Stevenson School
East 82 Street 2 Avenue 1 Avenue Full Closure: Schools PS 290 The Manhattan New School
East 89 Street 5 Avenue Madison Avenue Full Closure: Schools Saint David’s School
East 91 Street Park Avenue Madison Avenue Full Closure: Schools The Dalton School
East 92 Street 5 Avenue Madison Avenue Full Closure: Schools The Nightingale Bamford School
Elizabeth Street Prince Street Spring Street Full Closure Peasant
Forsyth Street East Broadway Division Street Full Closure Chinatown District Management Association, Inc. (aka Chinatown BID)
Frederick Douglass Boulevard West 112 Street West 121 Street Full Closure Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance
Gansevoort Street Hudson Street 10 Avenue Full Closure Meatpacking District Management Association
Grove Street Bleecker Street 7 Avenue South Full Closure Via Carota
Grove Street Hudson Street Bedford Street Full Closure: Schools PS3 Charrette School
Hester Street Mulberry Street Mott Street Full Closure Little Italy Merchant Association
Hester Street Orchard Street Ludlow Street Full Closure: Schools PS 42M
Hudson Boulevard East West 35 Street West 36 Street Limited Local Access Hudson Yards Hell’s Kitchen Alliance
Irving Place East 16 Street East 17 Street Full Closure: Schools NYCDOE/Washington Irving Educational Campus
Jane Street Hudson Street 8 Avenue Full Closure JST Restaurant Corp
Jefferson Street East Broadway Henry Street Full Closure Office Ho Jonot
La Salle Street Claremont Avenue Broadway Full Closure Morningside Area Alliance
Little West 12 Street 9 Avenue Washington Street Full Closure Meatpacking District Management Association
Mulberry Street Broome Street Canal Street Full Closure Little Italy Merchants Association
Orchard Street Delancey Street East Houston Street Full Closure Lower East Side Partnership
Orchard Street Grand Street Delancey Street Full Closure Lower East Side Partnership
Peck Slip Water Street Pearl Street Full Closure: Schools Peck Slip School
Pell Street Mott Street Bowery Full Closure Chinatown District Management Association, Inc. (aka Chinatown BID)
Rivington Street Allen Street Allen Street Full Closure SONNYBOY
Rutherford Place East 17 Street East 15 Street Full Closure: Schools Friends Seminary
Spring Street Thompson Street West Broadway Full Closure RDK Restaurant Corp dba Bistro Les Amis
St Marks Place 1 Avenue Avenue A Full Closure St. Marks Business Coalition
Stanton Street Essex Street Norfolk Street Full Closure More Gardens! Fund
Suffolk Street Rivington Street Delancey Street Full Closure Salsa Stories
Wadsworth Avenue West 182 Street West 183 Street Full Closure: Schools PS 528: Bea Fuller Rogers School
Washington Place Avenue Of The Americas Barrow Street Full Closure: Schools Academy of St. Joseph
Waverly Place 7 Avenue South Christopher Street Full Closure Jeffrey’s Grocery
West 108 Street Amsterdam Avenue Broadway Full Closure: Schools West Prep Academy, Public School 03M421, NYCPS
West 120 Street Lenox Avenue Mount Morris Park West Limited Local Access 120 Marcus Meets Malcolm, Inc
West 124 Street Mount Morris Park West Lenox Avenue Full Closure The Police Athletic League
West 128 Street Frederick Douglass Boulevard St Nicholas Avenue Full Closure Harlem Mothers Stop Another Violent End
West 13 Street 9 Avenue Washington Street Full Closure Meatpacking District Management Association
West 142 Street Amsterdam Avenue Hamilton Place Full Closure Harlem One Stop Inc
West 142 Street Chisum Place 5 Avenue Full Closure: Schools Global Community Charter School
West 158 Street Broadway Amsterdam Avenue Full Closure: Schools NYC DoE – Community Health Academy of the Heights
West 159 Street Broadway Amsterdam Avenue Full Closure Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)
West 164 Street Amsterdam Avenue Edgecombe Avenue Full Closure Community League of the Heights (CLOTH)
West 182 Street Amsterdam Avenue Audubon Avenue Full Closure: Schools Futures Ignite
West 21 Street 9 Avenue 10 Avenue Limited Local Access West 21 Street Open Street Coalition
West 75 Street West End Avenue Riverside Drive Full Closure: Schools Manhattan Day School

Queens Open Streets Locations:

Open Street From To Type Location or Partner
109 Avenue 159 Street 160 Street Full Closure Family Unity in Our Community Incorporated
109 Avenue 203 Street 204 Street Full Closure: Schools PS 134Q: Langston Hughes School
110 Avenue 180 Street Dead End Full Closure ADDISLEIGH PARK CIVIC ORGANIZATION
110 Street 34 Avenue Northern Boulevard Full Closure: Schools Helen M. Marshall
113 Street 34 Avenue 37 Avenue Full Closure: Schools PS143Q The Louis Armstrong Elementary School
136 Street 58 Avenue 58 Road Full Closure: Schools P.S. 120 Queens
141 Street 109 Avenue Lakewood Avenue Full Closure JAMROCK JERK LLC
155 Street 65 Avenue Dead End Full Closure: Schools PS201Q
156 Street 108 Avenue 107 Avenue Limited Local Access HOOD WORKS INC.
165 Street Jamaica Avenue 89 Avenue Full Closure Downtown Jamaica Partnership
23 Street Newtown Avenue Astoria Boulevard Full Closure: Schools The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria
235 Street 120 Avenue 121 Avenue Full Closure: Schools P.S. 176 The Cambria Heights School
29 Street 47 Avenue Skillman Avenue Full Closure LaGuardia Community College
31 Avenue 33 Street 35 Street Full Closure 31st Ave Open Street Collective
34 Avenue 69 Street Junction Boulevard Limited Local Access 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition A Program of Together We Can
37 Street 36 Avenue 35 Avenue Full Closure: Schools Our World Neighborhood Charter School
41 Avenue 75 Street 76 Street Full Closure: Schools NYCDOE Mosaic 3K/Pre-k Center 24Q331 @ Q364
47 Avenue 109 Street 111 Street Full Closure: Schools P.S.28Q The Thomas Emanuel Early Childhood Center
50 Avenue 99 Street 98 Street Full Closure: Schools I.S.61Q
62 Street Woodside Avenue Dead End Full Closure Korean Art Forum, Inc (aka. Korea Art Forum)
72 Street Woodside Avenue 43 Avenue Full Closure: Schools Q012
84 Avenue 168 Street 164 Place Full Closure: Schools Thomas A. Edison CTE High School
88 Avenue 102 Street 104 Street Full Closure: Schools Public School 273Q
9 Avenue 128 Street 129 Street Full Closure: Schools PS 129
94 Street Benham Street 40 Drive Full Closure: Schools Moving Up Children Center
Barton Avenue 149 Place 150 Street Full Closure Asian American Federation
Britton Avenue Hampton Street Gleane Street Full Closure: Schools PS89Q: The Jose Peralta School of Dreamers (24Q089)
Murdock Avenue 180 Street Dead End Full Closure Addisleigh Park Civic Organization
Newtown Avenue 23 Street Crescent Street Full Closure: Schools The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria
Otis Avenue Van Doren Street 108 Street Full Closure: Schools PS14Q Fairview School
Reads Lane Cornaga Avenue Meehan Avenue Limited Local Access Kesher Bridging Communities
Van Doren Street Otis Avenue Martense Avenue Full Closure: Schools PS14Q Fairview School
Woodside Avenue 76 Street 79 Street Full Closure Thai Community USA NYC

Staten Island Open Streets Locations:

Open Street From To Type Location or Partner
9 Street Rose Avenue New Dorp Lane Full Closure New Dorp Lane Management Association
Deisius Street Kingdom Avenue Stecher Street Full Closure: Schools 31R005
Minthorne Street Bay Street Victory Boulevard Full Closure Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc. / The Angiuli Group, LLC
Suffolk Avenue Harold Street Queen Street Full Closure Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island, a project of the Igud Harabonim of America Inc
Vermont Court Gansevoort Boulevard Suffolk Avenue Full Closure Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island, a project of the Igud Harabonim of America Inc
Water Street Beach Street Canal Street Full Closure Van Duzer Civic Association

Stay Connected and Share Your Open Streets Experience

Your feedback is valuable in shaping the future of Open Streets NYC. Please share your thoughts and experiences by contacting your NYC DOT Borough Commissioner’s office.

For partners with specific questions about their Open Street or application, reach out to NYC DOT online for direct assistance.

Image alt text: Enthusiastic participants creating chalk art at an Open Streets NYC event, expressing community love for open streets.

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