4 Upper West Side Open Streets Returning This Season: What To Know

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — As the weather warms up, New Yorkers are heading outside — and Upper West Siders will have a slew of pedestrianized streets to enjoy this spring and summer, according to a new announcement.

The city on Friday announced more than 300 blocks participating in this year's Open Street program — the third season of the pandemic initiative that has since become permanent.

While 21 new streets around the city have been added to this season's list, the Upper West side's open streets are all returners, according to the Department of Transportation. Additionally, one former open street in the neighborhood seems to have been scrapped.

Amsterdam Avenue: Cathedral Parkway to West 111th Street

• Fridays, 7 to 11 p.m., Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Partner: West 111th Street Block Association

West 103rd Street: Riverside Drive Broadway

• Monday through Sunday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Partner: The West 103 Open Streets Community Coalition

Amsterdam Avenue: Cathedral Parkway to West 106th Street

• Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Partner: Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District

Columbus Avenue: West 68th Street to West 77th Street

• Sundays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Partner: Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District

At least one previous open street appears to have been discontinued this season, the West End segment, which ran from West 87th to 96th streets.

The Upper West Side got no new open street locations.

"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," Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement.

Streets around the city have been transformed over the past two years thanks to the program — even amid complaints that leaders were neglecting open streets in neighborhoods of color. And despite complaints from car owners who say they pose an inconvenience, polling has shown strong support for the program.

Patch reporter Nick Garber contributed to this report.