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CB2 discusses open streets, small-business outreach and school 'play streets' as part of reopening plans
Summary
Community Board 2 committee chairs reported retailer support for open streets and asked Small Business Services (SBS) and landlords to help coordinate reopening; schools and education committee plans to push for school play streets to provide outdoor space if buildings reopen on a reduced schedule.
Committee chairs and board members discussed neighborhood reopening plans tied to open streets, business outreach and school needs as the city contemplates moving to Phase 2.
Janet, chair of the Economic Development Committee, said retailers expressed broad support for open streets as a way to attract customers and increase perceived safety. Committee members discussed parking tradeoffs, onboarding merchants onto city listings, and landlord-tenant negotiations that affect business survival.
"There's unanimous feeling about needing open streets to get things going," Janet reported. She said the committee plans follow-up with Small Business Services (SBS) and outreach to landlords to explore rent and marketing strategies.
School and Education committee members said schools will need additional outdoor space if in-person instruction resumes at reduced capacity. Janine and transportation/parks members proposed pursuing Play Streets or other open-space arrangements for school recess and physical distancing. Board members pointed to local precedents where small blocks are closed for school use.
Shirley, speaking for the Traffic Committee, said DOT has not yet issued comprehensive guidance and will likely develop details as programs roll out. The committee discussed signage, barriers and enforcement for open-street implementations.
The executive committee agreed to schedule webinars called "Restarting Together" (organized by the Reopening Working Group) and to coordinate with SBS and schools. Board members asked staff to push SBS for neighborhood-focused open-business listings and to engage landlords in discussions about tenant needs.
No formal board vote was recorded; committees will continue outreach and plan follow-up meetings to refine proposals and coordinate with city agencies.
