Open Streets Season Starts Across NYC

New York City’s Department of Transportation launched the 2026 Open Streets season on May 21, saying more than 150 initial locations are operating across the five boroughs. Commissioner Mike Flynn said the program turns roadways into public space for cultural programming, community events, walking and biking. The agency said applications will remain open through the season, with a separate June 10 deadline for schools seeking decisions before the 2026-27 academic year. NYC DOT also said it is partnering with CitizensNYC to speed funding for community groups running the sites. ### How many Open Streets are operating now? NYC DOT said more than 150 initial Open Streets are operating across the city at the start of the 2026 season. The locations are run with community-based organizations, schools, businesses and other local partners, according to the agency’s May 21 release. The city’s Open Streets page says the program transforms streets into public space open to all and is designed to support economic development, schools, pedestrian and bike mobility, cultural programming and community-building. (nyc.gov) The same page directs residents to a city map and list of locations and hours. ### What did city officials say the program is for? Commissioner Mike Flynn said Open Streets “provide an opportunity to showcase neighborhoods and strengthen local businesses” by turning roadways into spaces for connection and community engagement. (nyc.gov) He also thanked community partners for helping keep the spaces “safe, lively, and welcoming” while expanding the program across neighborhoods. (nyc.gov) NYC DOT said the program provides public space for New Yorkers to promote economic development, support schools and create new ways for residents to gather outdoors. The agency described the sites as places for free public activity open to people of all ages and abilities. ### Who runs these streets on the ground? Community groups, educational institutions, merchant groups and houses of worship can serve as Open Streets partners, according to NYC DOT’s program page. (nyc.gov) The city said it works with a diverse set of partners to implement the program across the five boroughs. CitizensNYC, which DOT described as one of the city’s oldest microgrant-making organizations, is part of a new funding arrangement for 2026. (nyc.gov) DOT said the partnership creates a streamlined payment process so Open Streets community partners can access funding faster and with less administrative burden. ### Which streets are being redesigned this year? Avenue B in Manhattan is one of the corridors NYC DOT said it is redesigning this year. (nyc.gov) The agency said the project, covering East 4th Street to East 12th Street, builds on an Open Street launched in 2020 and aims to improve safety near schools, formalize two-way cycling and calm vehicle traffic. Decatur Avenue in the Bronx is another redesign site named by DOT. (nyc.gov) The agency said a raised midblock crossing and curb extensions are planned there to improve pedestrian safety, reduce vehicle speeds and support Open Street programming. ### Where can residents check locations and what comes next? NYC DOT said residents can see locations and program hours at nyc.gov/OpenStreets. (nyc.gov) The agency’s Open Streets page says applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Schools have a nearer deadline. NYC DOT said applications from educational institutions must be received by June 10, 2026, to receive an application decision by the start of the academic year in September 2026, and all applications require at least 90 days for review. (nyc.gov) (nyc.gov)