Part Of Astoria's 31st Avenue Will Be Closed To Cars This Summer

ASTORIA, QUEENS — A two-block stretch of Astoria streets will soon be closed to cars and parking during the weekend, as part of the city’s now-permanent Open Streets program.

Starting June 5, 31st Avenue from 33rd and 35th Street will be only open to pedestrians and cyclists on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 11 p.m., according to the 31st Ave Open Street Collective — a community-led group that’s overseen the avenue’s Open Streets program since last July.

During the fall and spring, local car traffic and resident parking was allowed on the streets even when they were partially closed, but as of the first weekend in June no car traffic or parking will be allowed.

According to one local, the decision to totally shut down the street is supported by local businesses on the blocks, and was prompted by organizers who felt like the “access-only model was being disregarded.”

The 31st Ave Open Street Collective wrote on Instagram that the temporary full closure “will offer safer space for outdoor dining, programming and other fun community activities!”

Throughout the past year, the group has routinely organized food drop offs, outdoor exercise classes, and movie-showings on the avenue.

“We’re hoping the new setup can encourage a more inclusive, safe, and dynamic environment for everyone,” the collective added on Instagram.

This announcement comes a couple of weeks after nearby Ditmars Boulevard was deemed an “Open Boulevard,” as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s “supercharged” Open Streets program, which remains minimally defined, but is also aimed at creating a pedestrian-friendly space in the street.

Find out more about the 31st Ave Open Street Collective on Instagram or online.