What is Open Streets? 什么是开放街道？
Open Streets in other neighborhoods
Open Streets in Dimes Square
Open Streets is a pandemic-era DOT program that allows bars and restaurants to seat an unlimited amount of outdoor tables on 2 blocks of Canal Street in Chinatown, in an area known as “Dimes Square.” This happens daily, until 10pm, creating an out-of-control zone where impromptu parties and drunken fights break out, while residents have no say over hours of operation.
Since 2020, the permit holder has been Cervo’s, and requests to minimize their days, hours, or even amount of outdoor seating have not been honored or even considered, demonstrating that they are unwilling to work with residents and the community.
We now ask our elected officials and the DOT to work with the residents and non-hospitality small businesses for a fairer and more equitable Open Streets program for ALL.
“NYC DOT works with a diverse set of partners to implement Open Streets citywide, including: Formal or informal community-based organizations (such as block associations, business improvement districts, civic groups, non-profits, etc.) Educational institutions (such as schools (pre-K to 12), colleges, or universities) Groups of businesses (merchant groups, neighboring entities, etc.) Houses of worship”
Source
In the case of Dimes Square, the permit does not sit with a community based organization or school - but with Cervo’s, representing bars and restaurants, many of whom are highly successful serial entrepreneurs.
Open Streets in areas with higher income see more reasonable hours than in Dimes Square, which is home to primarily low-income, non english speaking households.
NYC DOT’s Public Realm Programming effort helps bring engaging activities to public spaces throughout the city. All activities are free and open to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities.
Source.
In the case of Dimes Square, there is no public programming to speak of, and all tables and chairs are private and belong to the restaurants. New Yorkers of all ages and abilities must be able to afford a $16 cocktail in order to utilize this public space.
Dimes Square is located on the Eastern end of Chinatown, where 28% of the population lives below poverty line. The bars and restaurants that profit from Open Streets do not serve the residents.
Contact the DOT:
Phone Number: (212) 839-6210
openstreets@dot.nyc.gov
Ed Pincar
DOT Borough Commissioner, Manhattan
epincar@dot.nyc.gov
Kyle Gorman
DOT Public Realm
KGorman@dot.nyc.gov