New York City's open streets program is experiencing a significant decline, with operating days and hours reducing over the past years. From a peak of 326 open streets in 2021, the number dropped to 232 in 2024, with expectations for just 127 this year. City Comptroller Brad Lander emphasized that without increased resources and support, volunteer groups cannot sustain the operations. His report suggests expanding the program citywide and introducing a consistent funding source to help sustain neighborhood efforts, framing the proposed $48 million funding request as a worthwhile investment in community safety and beautification.
Volunteer groups cannot sustain the work to successfully operate open streets without more resources, support, and clear guidelines from the city.
The average length of city open streets dropped by nearly a third (32 percent) between its peak in 2020 and 2024, and operating hours per week fell by 40 percent.
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