Piloting New Public Spaces in New York City

Street Lab is working with NYC Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) and communities across New York City to pilot new Open Streets, plazas, and other public spaces in neighborhoods lacking these amenities. To help these spaces succeed, we’re offering free programming and extensive support with logistics, outreach, partnerships, and community engagement.

Map of 2022 Public Space Pilots

In 2021, we piloted 10 new Open Streets and plazas in nine high-need neighborhoods:

  • Jamaica, Queens
  • Queens Village, Queens
  • Hollis, Queens
  • Ozone Park, Queens
  • Far Rockaway, Queens
  • Corona, Queens
  • Concourse, Bronx
  • Bushwick, Brooklyn

In 2022, we piloted 12 new Open Streets and plazas in six high-need neighborhoods:

  • Murray Hill, Queens
  • Brownsville, Brooklyn
  • Kensington, Brooklyn
  • Fordham, Bronx
  • Mott Haven, Bronx
  • Belmont, Bronx

Street Lab is helping by:

  • Obtaining permits
  • Community engagement: outreach, workshops, surveys
  • Staffing to support operations
  • Regular activation with Street Lab’s pop-up programs
  • Hiring local organizations, artists, and small businesses to provide activities
  • Inviting libraries and local groups to participate
  • Photography, evaluation, and documentation

BronxNet coverage of Street Lab at PS23 Open Street

Nov 23, 2022

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Here’s the schedule of activities at new Open Streets supported under this initiative in 2022:

E 141st St between Willis Ave and Alexander Ave in Mott Haven (Bronx):

Five streets in Brownsville (Brooklyn):

Beverley Rd between Church Ave and E 2nd Ave in Kensington (Brooklyn)

Barton Ave between 149th Pl and 150th St in Murray Hill (Queens)

E 196th St between Bainbridge Ave and Briggs Ave in Fordham (Bronx)