Popular Harlem Open Street Could Be A Model For NYC, BP Says

EAST HARLEM, NY — A popular Open Street that formed last fall in East Harlem could serve as a model as the city looks to make the program last, according to a new report from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer's office.

The Pleasant Avenue Open Street runs between East 118th and 120th streets. It was a late addition to the program, which began last spring when the city closed dozens of streets to car traffic, creating more space for pedestrians to walk, eat and socialize during the pandemic.

Many of the streets were successful, but others have struggled due to a lack of upkeep and programming, and the fact that they do not connect to other pedestrianized spaces.

"While some streets have become true neighborhood amenities, the unfortunate story of the Open Streets program is that many more have been plagued by different issues and have failed to realize their full potential," Brewer wrote in the report, titled "The Future of Open Streets."

"The best open street in the city"

Enter Pleasant Avenue, which Brewer praised as "arguably the best Open Street in the city."

Not one of the initial sites chosen by the city last spring, it was added in October "after sustained advocacy from the local community and my office," Brewer wrote.

Led by Uptown Grand Central and the other community groups that managed the Open Street, Pleasant Avenue was transformed into a community gathering place, hosting weekly movie nights, art-making sessions, outdoor dining, kids' activities and more.

But maintaining those programs was expensive: the Pleasant Avenue Open Street and another on East 101st Street cost nearly $10,000, according to Uptown Grand Central director Carey King.

"We're not going to be able to keep it going much longer without some dedicated city support," King told Patch last week, joining a push for dedicated funding for Open Streets.

Pleasant Avenue as a model

Now, as Open Streets ramp up again for a second summer, Brewer's office says Pleasant Avenue's status as a "community hub" should be built upon.

The Department of Transportation could extend the shared street further south to East 114th Street, blending into Thomas Jefferson Park. Playground equipment could be put on the street, while vehicles could still be allowed on for deliveries and local traffic, Brewer proposes.

"A Pleasant Ave. shared street would amplify the positive effects of this already immensely successful Open Street," she wrote.

On Monday, a coalition of 63 community groups wrote to Mayor Bill de Blasio, urging him to bolster the Open Streets program by making them 24/7, connecting them, reducing speed limits and expanding them to under-served neighborhoods, among other changes.

Related coverage:

• Create 24/7 'Open Streets' In NYC, Groups Tell De Blasio
• Stimulus Means More Funding For NYC's 'Open Streets,' Mayor Says
• East Harlem Open Streets Still Thriving As Summer Ends