First Place looking towards Smith Street
First Place at Smith Street, next to PS58
First Place looking towards Court Street
Intersection of First Place and Court Street
4th Place at Court Street looking towards Henry Street
As of today, several stretched of street in Carroll Gardens have been closed as part of New York City's "Open Streets" campaign. Barriers across these streets have been erected:
1st Place: Smith Street to Henry Street
2nd Place: Smith Street to Henry Street
4th Place: Smith Street to Henry Street
(* note that 3rd Place is NOT included)
2nd Place: Smith Street to Henry Street
4th Place: Smith Street to Henry Street
(* note that 3rd Place is NOT included)
The streets will remain closed to traffic from 8 am to 8 pm so that pedestrians and cyclists can maintain the proper 6 feet distance while walking through the neighborhood.
Please see New York City's statement below.
One resident already asked fellow members of an online Carroll Gardens group if one could still park on those blocks or if one needs to move one's car during the closure hours.
Apparently, local traffic at 5 mph is allowed. Drivers can also move the barriers to park on these blocks. The expectation is that the barriers will be moved back by the driver after parking.
Here is the statement from New York City
Please see New York City's statement below.
One resident already asked fellow members of an online Carroll Gardens group if one could still park on those blocks or if one needs to move one's car during the closure hours.
Apparently, local traffic at 5 mph is allowed. Drivers can also move the barriers to park on these blocks. The expectation is that the barriers will be moved back by the driver after parking.
Here is the statement from New York City
New York City is opening 40 miles of streets to allow for greater social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis, with a plan to expand to a total of 100 miles.
Open Streets are available daily, 8 am to 8 pm (unless otherwise noted) for pedestrians and cyclists to use the roadbed of the street while maintaining at least six feet of distance from others. Opening hours may vary by location due to NYPD staffing.
No through traffic permitted while Open Streets are in effect. Vehicle traffic is limited to local deliveries, pick-ups/drop-offs, necessary city service vehicles, utility vehicles and emergency vehicles only. These drivers are advised to be extremely cautious and to drive 5 MPH or slower.
Members of the public and organizations wishing to have other New York City streets considered for the Open Streets program may fill out an online survey. NYC DOT, NYPD and others will evaluate all suggestions for viability. If you have questions, please contact your NYC DOT Borough Commissioner's office.
***UPDATE***
No through traffic permitted while Open Streets are in effect. Vehicle traffic is limited to local deliveries, pick-ups/drop-offs, necessary city service vehicles, utility vehicles and emergency vehicles only. These drivers are advised to be extremely cautious and to drive 5 MPH or slower.
Members of the public and organizations wishing to have other New York City streets considered for the Open Streets program may fill out an online survey. NYC DOT, NYPD and others will evaluate all suggestions for viability. If you have questions, please contact your NYC DOT Borough Commissioner's office.
***UPDATE***
Reader Stella F. reached out to the 76th Precinct for clarifications and was kind enough to share with PMFA. See the Precinct's response below.
What happens for alternate side next week?
ReplyDeleteI guess they are still figuring everything out.
DeleteTeaching kids it's ok to play and walk in the street will set forth bad habits for children to learn how to start clear of traffic when street reopens.
ReplyDeletei have great faith in kids and their ability to quickly adapt to whatever changes comes their way. they've been remarkably resilient AND inventive so far. therefore, not worried about possible bad habits. instead, let's focus on what is gained: space and calm.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure kids are able to tell a car from not a car in the coming months. This is a good thing for them being able to stretch their legs during a tough time.
ReplyDelete7 days a week and for that many hours a day is too long.
ReplyDeleteNot fair to the people who use cars.
People who use cars. It's so not fair. They have to walk more. That's not fair.
ReplyDeleteThey have to get out of their cars to move the barrier, then get back in the car to drive forward ten feet, then get out of the car again to move the barrier, and then get back in the car. It's not fair.
And then they have to parallel park. Life is tough for people who use cars.
The rest of us just have to enjoy choking on their fumes.
Hahah. The place streets aren’t exactly Court or Union streets. People with cars can just suck it up. No one keeps social distancing here with or without a pandemic. I think it’s a great idea. And kids aren’t stupid. Be thankful you are not sick and in a hospital.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I'd be much more confident about returning to work if there were a safe bike lane between Carroll Gdns and Beooklyn Bridge and I could bike to lower Manhattan
ReplyDeletePeople use cars because they are needed. At least for myself it is. I have health issues and need a car to do shopping trips and laundry.
ReplyDeleteThey need to be considerate to those people as well and having the streets closed 12 hours a day is not helpful to those who need their car.
The open streets aren't meant to be a hang out either. Which I've seen happen already.
I also had a delivery issues yesterday. UPS didn't deliver my package because they couldn't get through. I hope it comes today.
Anyone who wants to express their concerns or have complaints can email
ReplyDeleteOpenstreets@dot.nyc.gov
Also, according to the Brooklyn Commissioners office residents are allowed to move the barricades to drive through and park. So those walking and biking be careful.
Given that these shared streets are available for local pickup and drop off, I don't see it being a problem for people who genuinely need a car, just drive carefully or drive a couple of blocks out of the way if you're not making a local stop.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who owns a car in the neighborhood, who also walks and bikes around the city extensively, I think these shared streets are a fantastic idea and not at all 'unfair'. The city dedicates an immense amount of public space (some of the most expensive land in the world!) to the free storage and use of private cars which are owned by a minority of households.