DOT outlines Open Streets application process; community raises safety, staffing and storage concerns

The Department of Transportation on Thursday briefed Manhattan Community Board 2’s Traffic & Transportation Committee on its new Open Streets program, explaining how neighborhood groups can apply and what responsibilities the city will expect of local partners.

DOT planner Jennifer Leung said the program is intended to “allow pedestrians and cyclists to use the road as an additional space for social distancing,” while preserving local vehicle access for deliveries, emergency vehicles and resident pickups. Leung said DOT will review applications on a rolling basis and coordinate with NYPD, FDNY and other agencies case by case.

The overview was followed by more than an hour of questions from committee members and residents about application mechanics and on-the-ground details. Janet Liff, a committee member, asked whether there were two application links circulating; Leung said DOT’s official application is a single SurveyMonkey form but acknowledged some people had emailed DOT directly and said she would investigate conflicting links. Eric Boccia, a representative from the Speaker’s office who joined the briefing, said his office would share contact information to help residents who want assistance applying.

Why it matters: the Open Streets effort lets neighborhoods create more space for walking while the city is operating under public-health restrictions. The program shifts many day-to-day operational tasks to local partners, raising questions about who will manage barricades, signage and volunteers.

Key details from DOT

- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no application fee. DOT said groups may apply through a SurveyMonkey link or by emailing DOT (both methods have been used in practice). - DOT prefers not to place Open Streets on bus routes, truck routes or hospital corridors; those locations may still be considered with additional engineering or outreach. Construction zones are not recommended for Open Streets, DOT staff said in response to a question from a resident about a work zone on Bleecker Street. - Applicants should identify a partner organization with capacity to manage closures and provide a staffing plan; DOT said a bid (business improvement district) or other neighborhood organization is ideal but volunteers from block associations can be considered. - DOT said it can supply some barricades, sawhorses or planters and will work with partners on signage that typically reads “Local access only” and “5 mph.” Partners are responsible for placing and removing barriers, monitoring the closure and reporting problems to DOT and NYPD. - Hours are flexible. DOT prefers at least six hours per activation but said it will consider shorter pilots; contrary to circulating rumors, DOT said closures are not intended to run 24/7. - Emergency vehicles and local deliveries are permitted. DOT told the committee that Open Streets must allow ambulance and FDNY access at all times.

Concerns from board members and residents

Many participants said the program’s success depends on operational details DOT has not finalized. Committee members and residents raised repeated concerns about:

- Volunteer staffing and safety: multiple attendees asked whether unpaid volunteers should be expected to man barricades for long periods and whether DOT would provide a training checklist or walkie‑talkies. DOT said it would raise the request for written volunteer guidance with its team. - Storage and handling of barricades: residents worried that temporary barriers left on sidewalks after an event could obstruct pedestrians; DOT said barriers would generally be stored at the curb or intersection and that partners should avoid blocking crosswalks. - Bicycles and mobility devices: several speakers asked whether bicycles, electric scooters and skateboards should be allowed. Leung said the program is intended to be shared by pedestrians and cyclists and that DOT has asked users to travel at low speeds. Several residents urged DOT to consider options that require cyclists to dismount on particularly narrow blocks. - Emergency access and un‑manned closures: attendees asked whether an unmanned barrier could slow an ambulance. DOT reiterated that emergency vehicles always retain access and said manned closures are preferred but that NYPD could be asked to provide support at locations without partners.

Process questions and outreach

Leung said DOT will post approved Open Streets on its website and is working on a map of active closures. She encouraged residents to contact their community board, elected officials or local BID if they want assistance with an application. DOT staff also said they will follow up on reports that two different application links circulated.

What’s next

The committee agreed to share DOT’s published guidelines with the community and to circulate a committee summary of the meeting’s practical questions (volunteer roles, barricade storage, signage and emergency protocols). DOT staff said it would circulate the official application link and follow up on requests for standard signs and volunteer guidance.

The public comment and Q&A portion of the meeting included dozens of raised hands and detailed operational questions; DOT representatives said they expect to tweak procedures as the program is piloted in neighborhoods.