Greenpoint community to hear more arguments about McGuiness Blvd traffic changes on June 15 brooklyneagle.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from brooklyneagle.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Opinions on the BQE? brooklyneagle.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from brooklyneagle.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
arrow A bike rider passes a group of Queens residents marching for compromise on the 34th Avenue Open Street Afia Eama/Gothamist
When the New York City Council voted last month to codify Open Streets into city law, making barricaded, traffic-free roadways permanent, it became clear the program had moved beyond its initial purpose: giving cooped up New Yorkers extra space outdoors while remaining socially distanced during the pandemic.
Under the new legislation, which passed 40 to 8 and was signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio, the existing 235 Open Streets locations will be allowed to use curbside parking spots for programming, and they’ll have the option to keep the streets closed to through traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, the Department of Transportation will be responsible for adding and maintaining 20 Open Streets locations in areas “underserved” by the program.