Why Don't We Do It In The Road: Hoboken's 'Summer Streets' Return

HOBOKEN, NJ — The city of Hoboken and Hoboken Business Alliance this week announced the return of the popular Summer Streets program for 2021 — a program in which certain roads are closed to cars so people can dine, bike, play, and mingle.

Summer Streets — incorporating both Slow Streets (allowing some vehicles) and Open Streets — returns for its second year after the city received 1,472 responses to a survey in April.

The program was started last year amid the pandemic.

Due to construction at Stevens, Sinatra Drive was not an option for Summer Streets for 2021.

The city said in a release, "The results of that survey indicated overwhelming popularity for the return of last year’s Open/Slow Streets program with some modifications."

According to the survey results:

• 79 percent of people wanted the program to return this summer and fall, on streets in residential areas
• 51 percent wanted the new program to occur on weekends only
• 61 percent preferred locations that rotate around the city

Respondents indicated that providing additional space for recreation and socialization and improving safety and comfort for pedestrians were their top two priorities for this year’s program.

To improve pedestrian safety, Summer Streets blocks will be closed to through traffic. Curbside parking will remain in place for all Summer Streets locations except 14th Street.

The following location will be closed to traffic for expanded outdoor dining:

14th Street between Bloomfield Street and Hudson Street on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates:

June 12-13

June 26-27

July 10-11

July 24-25

August 7-8

August 21-22

Participating restaurants include The Madison Bar and Grill, Urban Coal House, Hudson Tavern, City Bistro, Baja, and others, which will provide outdoor dining options on 14th Street.

“For businesses like mine hit hard during the pandemic, Summer Streets were a lifeline that turned out to be a big hit with our customers,” said Dave Carney, owner of Madison Bar and Grill. “We are looking forward to summer streets once again returning to 14th Street and thank Mayor Bhalla and the council for providing this space for outdoor dining.”

The following streets will be closed to through traffic during the dates and times listed below, but cross streets will remain open.

Residents are invited to utilize the following streets for recreation activities including biking, jogging or walking. Residents of the following blocks that require access to their residence or vehicle will be permitted to enter and exit.

10th Street between Hudson Street and Grand Street will be closed to traffic on weekends between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the following dates.

• June 12-13
• June 19-20
• June 26-27

5th Street between Jackson Street and Sinatra Drive on weekends between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the following dates:

• July 10-11
• July 17-18
• July 24-25
• July 31-Aug. 1

Jackson Street between 2nd Street and 7th Street on weekends between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the following dates:

• Aug. 7-8
• Aug. 14-15
• Aug. 21-22
• Aug. 28-29

Park Avenue between 5th Street and 10th Street and 10th Street between Park Avenue and Grand Street on weekends between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on the following dates:

• Sept. 4-5
• Sept. 11-12
• Sept. 18-19
• Sept. 25-26

“Our community comes alive when we open streets up to their true potential,” said Chris Adair, President of Bike Hoboken. “From seniors strolling to parents teaching their children how to ride a bike, Open Streets unlock the real potential of our streets, and it’s wonderful to see.”

“I’m excited to once again see our streets transform into active, public spaces where our residents can enjoy recreation activities and dine at our popular restaurants,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on last year’s Summer Streets, which made it clear that there was overwhelming support to bring it back this year.”

“The partnership between the Hoboken Business Alliance and the city of Hoboken has provided a substantial benefit to many businesses in Hoboken, and we are proud to continue Summer Streets as we slowly come out of a tough year,” said Greg Dell’Aquila, President of the Hoboken Business Alliance. “Summer Streets will continue to assist our restaurants who were impacted during the pandemic with additional spaces for outdoor dining, and we are proud to build on last year’s success with the city.”

For more information on Summer Streets including a map and schedule, please visit https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/summer-streets.

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