NEW SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Future Streets
New York City introduced the Open Streets program in the summer of 2020 as an emergency response to create more space for social distancing and to help restaurants survive through the pandemic. This created a unique opportunity to reclaim public space from traffic and reimagine our streets. The reaction and the success grew in participants’ imaginations to offer an idea of what city streets could be: a place to enjoy an evening stroll or a fun day out with family; a shared “living room” for neighbors to meet up or just run into each other; and a way to build community in and across neighborhoods. Owing to its success and popularity, in 2021, the City Council voted to make the Open Streets program permanent.
In addition to providing new space for people to enjoy, the Open Streets program also makes our streets safer. A truly permanent reimagining of our public space could be transformative for Prospect Heights. That’s why the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council has been working with the New York City Department of Transportation to engage the Prospect Heights community, and together develop a vision for the future of our streets. On this page you will find a recap of what we have done thus far, and updates on next steps in this process.
More than 5,000 petition signers support Streets for People in Prospect Heights
Two years ago, we launched a petition to show support for the Open Street on Vanderbilt Ave and the Underhill Bike Boulevard. Within 3 days, thousands of people had signed to voice their support. Years later, the petition continues to thrive, with more than 5,000 signers, the majority of them locals.
Report: Bike counts and the implications for future permanent infrastructure on Vanderbilt Avenue
The Vanderbilt Open Streets program effectively creates a two-way protected bike lane during its operating hours, in an area that is lacking a safe north-south connection, on a key route from north Brooklyn to Prospect Park and beyond. To assess the impact of and demand for a permanent protected cycling route on Vanderbilt Avenue, we counted bike lane users during Open Street operations and compared these with counts on regular weekdays when the Open Street was not operating.
Vanderbilt merch store has opened!
Treat yourself with an item from the brand new Vanderbilt Open Streets merch store!
We’re thrilled to announce several items available for purchase, featuring a design by local cartoonist Katie Brookoff! Rep your support for Vanderbilt Open Streets with exclusive tees, sweatshirts and totes — styles for both adults and kiddos!
Sign our petition for a fully funded Open Streets program!
We’re only a few days away from the start of the 2025 Open Streets season on Vanderbilt Avenue! The start of the season is always exciting and reminds us why we do the hard work of running the Open Street — the benefits are incredible when it all comes to life!
Open streets organizers, elected officials rally to save popular program
Today Open Streets organizers, elected officials, and advocates gathered on the popular Vanderbilt Open Street to demand the City provide sustainable funding for the Open Streets program. Rally organizers and elected officials are asking the City for a renewed investment in the popular program, totaling $48 million over three years; they warn that without a sustainable funding model, the Open Streets will not survive.
Events
Events
More than 5,000 petition signers support Streets for People in Prospect Heights
Two years ago, we launched a petition to show support for the Open Street on Vanderbilt Ave and the Underhill Bike Boulevard. Within 3 days, thousands of people had signed to voice their support. Years later, the petition continues to thrive, with more than 5,000 signers, the majority of them locals.
Report: Bike counts and the implications for future permanent infrastructure on Vanderbilt Avenue
The Vanderbilt Open Streets program effectively creates a two-way protected bike lane during its operating hours, in an area that is lacking a safe north-south connection, on a key route from north Brooklyn to Prospect Park and beyond. To assess the impact of and demand for a permanent protected cycling route on Vanderbilt Avenue, we counted bike lane users during Open Street operations and compared these with counts on regular weekdays when the Open Street was not operating.
Vanderbilt merch store has opened!
Treat yourself with an item from the brand new Vanderbilt Open Streets merch store!
We’re thrilled to announce several items available for purchase, featuring a design by local cartoonist Katie Brookoff! Rep your support for Vanderbilt Open Streets with exclusive tees, sweatshirts and totes — styles for both adults and kiddos!
Sign our petition for a fully funded Open Streets program!
We’re only a few days away from the start of the 2025 Open Streets season on Vanderbilt Avenue! The start of the season is always exciting and reminds us why we do the hard work of running the Open Street — the benefits are incredible when it all comes to life!
Open streets organizers, elected officials rally to save popular program
Today Open Streets organizers, elected officials, and advocates gathered on the popular Vanderbilt Open Street to demand the City provide sustainable funding for the Open Streets program. Rally organizers and elected officials are asking the City for a renewed investment in the popular program, totaling $48 million over three years; they warn that without a sustainable funding model, the Open Streets will not survive.