Here are the official local Open Streets for 2023

This past Earth Day weekend, city officials unveiled the list of 2023 Open Streets, 160 locations that equal nearly 300 blocks in the five boroughs...

This year’s new Open Streets feature locations across the five boroughs, including in Bushwick & Brownsville, #Brooklyn; South Jamaica, #Queens; & Soundview, #theBronx. More Open Streets are being finalized, with anticipated launches on/after 7/1. Details: https://t.co/Cvz8Quf16F

— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) April 22, 2023

The Open Streets initiative launched in the spring of 2020 to give pandemic-weary residents more space to take in the outdoors. 

Only some people are enamored by the program. Per Gothamist: "Opponents of the program have complained about losing valuable parking spots, and argue that Open Streets inhibit emergency vehicles and hinder residents with limited mobility."

Here are the local Open Streets...

• Avenue B, Sixth Street to 14th Street (limited local access)

Hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Partner: The Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition

• Bleecker Street, Mott to the Bowery (full closure)

Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Partner: Von Design Ltd 

• Bond Street, Lafayette to the Bowery (full closure)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 4:30-11 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Partner: il Buco 

• Fourth Street, the Bowery to Second Avenue (full closure)

Hours: Thursdays, 4-9 p.m.

Partner: Fourth Arts Block (aka FABnyc) 

• Seventh Street, Avenue A to First Avenue (full closure)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-11 p.m.

Partner: Overthrow Hospitality 

Top photo on Avenue B via @loisaida_oscc

The Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition looking for a few good volunteers

As we move further into fall, the Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition is seeking volunteers to help set up barricades in the mornings/evenings along Avenue B between Sixth Street and 14th Street. 

If you're interested in volunteering to be an Avenue B Open Streets Ambassador, then you can find a sign-up sheet here. 

The group, described as "a community-led program providing safe, socially distanced recreation for our neighborhood," formed back in the summer, and have led efforts to paint and repair the colorful barriers seen along the Avenue...

The group also has a Twitter and Instagram account that you can monitor for updates.

The city announced the Open Street plan in late May to help residents safely get some fresh air while social distancing.

Photos courtesy of the Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition