For many residents who live near 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights, being able to use this open space has been very helpful.
“I feel good that the space is open because it is good for everyone,” says Luis Jiménez, a Jackson Heights resident.
“This way the children are distributed better, some stay playing here, they distribute themselves and they are not very crowded,” he adds.
Last year, DOT operated more than 230 Open Streets, extending space for outdoor activities throughout the city.
Ydanis Rodriguez, the commissioner of the city’s transportation department, announced new rules to manage this program that converts streets into public spaces.
These regulations have been improved by suggestions given by New Yorkers in 2023, and have evolved to guarantee equality and more public spaces in the city.
They are between them:
• Clarify that, in addition to an emergency lane, there must be access, at all times, for emergency vehicles.
• DOT will provide a 45-day public notice period for locations that were approved to be part of the “Open Streets” program.
• They allow chairs but prohibit placing tables or carts on any open street.
The DOT further clarifies that Open Street partners are not required to enforce requirements related to public behavior on Open Street.
Cinthia Gutiérrez, works in the area:
“It’s good to have it open like this,” he says.
On the other hand, some residents are not in favor of the initiative, arguing that it has limited parking options and worsened traffic in the area.
“I also agree that when people come home from work tired, I find a parking lot to go and rest,” adds Hector Taveras, a resident of Jackson Heights.
Altagracia Mayi, Jackson Heights resident:
“So when you go to take this street, which is 34, it is so inconvenient. For you to be able to take the bridge because imagine Northern Boulevard is an avenue that is quite congested, so here on 34 they do the same, everyone has to turn at Junction Boulevard, this is chaos. This absolutely has to change.”
For more information about the program and the new rules you can visit the NYC.GOV/DOT website.
2024-03-02 23:27:00
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