Bed-Stuy Gets 2 New Open Streets In 2022 Season: What To Know

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — Neighbors in Bed-Stuy will have six options for enjoying some car-free time outdoors this summer, according to a list of 2022 Open Street locations unveiled Friday.

Two stretches on Chauncey Street and Lewis Avenue are among 21 new locations added this year to the city's Open Streets program, which started in the pandemic as a way to give more room for pedestrians, cyclists and outdoor activities.

The new Bed-Stuy spots will join four other existing Open Streets in the neighborhood.

At least one of the new spots has already generated buzz in the neighborhood — and not all for good reason.

Some neighbors and business owners surrounding the four-block stretch of the Lewis Avenue Open Street — which will close on select Saturdays starting in June — have contended the program will exacerbate rodent, trash and traffic problems in the surrounding blocks.

Organizers with the Bridge Street Development Corporation have said the Open Street is aimed at helping increase foot traffic to local businesses, as it did in a similar set up on Tompkins Avenue.

The Tompkins Avenue Open Street, known as "TAMA Sundays," was chosen as one of the best outdoor programs across the city after its debut in 2021. Tompkins Avenue is slated to hostBrooklyn's Car-Free Earth Day this weekend.

The rest of the Bed-Stuy Open Streets include largely residential blocks that will be open for limited local access during their weekend closures.

Here's a look at where each of them will be:

• Chauncey Street (starts July 2)
  • Between Howard and Saratoga avenues
  • Limited local access
  • Saturdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Run by: Chauncey Street Block & Tenants Association
• Decatur Street
• Between Howard and Saratoga avenues
• Limited Local Access
• Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Run by: DHS Block Association
• Howard Avenue
• Between Macon and Halsey streets
• Full Closure
• Fridays 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Run by: Friends of Saratoga Park Bed-Stuy + LLTCRN
• Jefferson Avenue
• Between Malcolm X Boulevard and Patchen Avenue
• Limited Local Access
• Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Run by: The 700 Jefferson Avenue Block Association
• Lewis Avenue (Starts June 4)
• Between Fulton and Hancock streets
• Full Closure
• Saturdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Run by: Bridge Street Development Corporation
• Tompkins Avenue
  • Between Gates Avenue and Halsey Street
  • Full Closure
  • Sundays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Run by: Bridge Street Development Corporation

In total, 300 blocks across the five boroughs will be set up as Open Streets this year.

"Open Streets was one of the few bright spots of the pandemic, and I am proud that we have found a way to support more streets in more diverse communities in every borough that can be part of this incredible and permanent program," Rodriguez said in a news release on Friday.

The DOT added that it helped provide local nonprofits and organizations with funding for metal barriers, traffic signs, programming, and movable furniture. The exact hours for each uptown Open Street are not yet set.

"On Earth Day and every day, we are showing the nation how to reimagine our public space at scale and build a greener, healthier, and safer city," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a news release. "My administration's commitment to the Open Streets program remains steadfast."

You can find out more about Open Streets on the city's website.