In 2024, we saw Canal Open Streets in constant violation of its own rules. The DOT continues to fail our neighborhood - we must protect our own community by documenting and reporting any violations to 311 and the Community Board.

311 Quick Links
Always add “Canal Open Streets” to your complaints so they are associated with the Program.

Follow up on any ongoing 311s by emailing your complaints to the Community Board at mn03@cb.nyc.gov

For unpermitted block parties, illegal BBQs, or large gatherings, call 911 and ask them to send an NYPD Squad Car.

Open Streets FAQ

What are the Hours of Operation for Canal Open Streets?
3pm-10pm, Thursday - Sunday. Restaurant and Bar service must end by 10pm, with the street re-opened to traffic by 10:30pm. If you see table service at 10:01, take a picture or video and email it to us.

Who’s responsible? What are they responsible for?
Canal Open Streets is a DOT program managed by Nialls Fallon of the Canal Street Merchants, and owner of Cervo’s at 43 Canal Street.

Open Streets Partner is responsible for:
- Moving barricades for emergency response.
- Ensuring Canal Street is clean and free of trash.
- Reporting any emergencies or incidents to NYPD & DOT.


What can I do if I see violations?
Take a picture or video, and submit a 311 via the mobile app or web browser. Email your 311 receipt to us and the Community Board .

What are the Rules for Open Streets?
Open Streets Rules can be found here.

- No Smoking at outdoor dining tables.
- Sidewalks, including pedestrian ramps and curb cuts, must be free of obstruction. That means no crowds in front of restaurants.
- No illegal BBQs, unpermitted block parties, amplified sound, or illegal gatherings.
- No motorized vehicles in the Open Street.
- No selling / vending
- No open container drinking.
- An emergency access lane must be available at all times.

Why doesnt NYPD do anything?
Under Mayor Adams, “The Nightlife Mayor”, NYPD is no longer allowed to enforce Nightlife violations via unannounced, nighttime, multi-agency inspections. Rather, they must first engage in problematic operators via the CURE program - which “requires a series of steps to be taken at the precinct level in coordination with ONL [the NYC Office of Nightlife], before inspections can be approved by the NYPD's Patrol Services Bureau, including in-person daytime visits, written documentation of incidents of concern, and in-person meetings between business owners and local precinct officials.

Adam’s CURE program puts the onus of enforcement on residents and communities, while giving bad operators endless runway to continuing being bad actors.

Source


How does 311 work? Why are they important?
311 reports complaints to the NYPD, and may or may not prompt and immediate response. The more 311s are put in, the more likely NYPD is to respond. Encourage your neighbors to actively use this tool.

More importantly, 311s establish a pattern of behavior with data to back it up. Keep logging the 311s and Email your receipts to us and the community Board to escalate any ongoing issues.