Mamdani Administration Delivers Permanent Upgrades to Manhattan’s Avenue B Open Street, With New Pedestrian Space and Bike Safety Upgrades

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 13, 2026
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Mamdani Administration Delivers Permanent Upgrades to Manhattan's Avenue B Open Street, With New Pedestrian Space and Bike Safety Upgrades

Redesign of popular East Village Open Street brings expanded pedestrian space, safety upgrades at intersections, dedicated vehicle loading zones, and calm, comfortable cycling experience for riders of all abilities

Project redesigned intersections to improve visibility and expand pedestrian space

Mamdani administration launches the 2027 Open Streets application

Cyclists and vehicles traveling along the redesigned Avenue B in the East Village, Manhattan. Credit: NYC DOT

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced the Mamdani administration has finished construction on the redesign of the Avenue B Open Street with expanded pedestrian space, cycling improvements, and safety upgrades for everyone from East Fourth Street to East 14th Street in Manhattan's East Village. The street redesign builds on the success of the existing, popular Avenue B Open Street with permanent upgrades to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety near Tompkins Square Park and several schools.

"Our streets belong to all New Yorkers, and with the completion of the Avenue B Open Street, we are giving more public space back to the people of our city to bike, walk and enjoy," said Mayor Mamdani. "This permanent redesign will expand pedestrian space, provide much-needed cycling improvements and make the entire area safer for everyone."

"The Avenue B Open Street has shown how dedicating our public spaces for people can bring a neighborhood together and make our streets safer and more welcoming for everyone," said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "The Mamdani administration is proud to celebrate the completion of this permanent redesign alongside the community partners who made it possible for residents, students, and visitors to enjoy safer, more vibrant streets for years to come."

NYC DOT redesigned intersections, added new loading zones, and implemented a series of one-way vehicle traffic reversals. The project will naturally reduce vehicle volumes along Avenue B, creating a welcoming pedestrian corridor and a high-comfort two-way cycling experience.

The design converts vehicle traffic to the northbound direction for a portion of the project area from East Seventh Street to East 10th Street. This naturally reduces traffic volumes to only necessary local access. Emergency vehicles and other city vehicles, like sanitation trucks, can still access Avenue B under the new design.

The agency has redesigned every intersection in the project area with new pedestrian curb extensions that are protected with planters, bike corrals, granite blocks, or other elements. These sidewalk expansions provide the triple benefit of creating more public space for pedestrians and shortening crossing distances while also improving visibility between crossing pedestrians and other road users.

The agency also installed neighborhood loading zones at the start and end of every block to help reduce large truck traffic on the corridor. Vans are permitted to use the corridor for deliveries, loading, and unloading. Pedestrians are encouraged to continue using Avenue B during Open Street hours, which remain in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The 2027 Open Streets application is now open

New Yorkers interested in bringing an Open Street to their neighborhood can start planning now. Community organizations, schools, business groups, and other eligible partners can apply to transform their streets into vibrant public spaces that enhance safety, support recreation, community programming and more. Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 Open Streets season. Application deadlines vary based on the type of Open Street and its proposed launch date. Each application requires a minimum of 90 days of review before NYC DOT approves or rejects an application. Some applications may require more than 90 days of review.

For more information, visit nyc.gov/openstreets.

This season, NYC DOT has expanded what's available to Open Streets partners: a simpler partner payment process for Full Closure and Limited Local Access Open Streets, new concession agreement options for Full Closure Open Streets, and added support for Open Street Schools.

Schools that are operating as a historic "Play Street" are required to apply to the Open Streets: Schools program, as the "Play Street" program is now defunct.

There are different application deadlines depending on the type of Open Street.

Full Closure Open Streets Featuring Concession Seating

• Partners who are planning Concession Seating on their Full Closure Open Street during the 2027 Open Streets season must apply by November 13, 2026. This will require a concession agreement with NYC DOT.
• Concession Seating is an area within a Full Closure Open Street designated for exclusive use by participating restaurants and their customers. Through a concession agreement with NYC DOT, Open Streets partners may offer Concession Seating to participating restaurants during approved Open Streets days and hours of operation. Participating restaurants may then use these areas to place tables and chairs in the roadbed for customer use.

Limited Local Access and Full Closure Open Streets

• Any Open Street proposing to launch in the Spring of 2027 as a Limited Local Access or Full Closure Open Street must apply by December 31, 2026.

Full Closure: School Open Streets

• An Open Street proposed to launch during the Spring of 2027, before the start of the 2027- 2028 academic year, must apply by December 31, 2026.
• An Open Street proposed to launch at the beginning of the 2027- 2028 academic year must apply by May 7, 2027.

"I'm elated to celebrate the completion of Avenue B's Open Street redesign, which provides expanded pedestrian space, improved cycling amenities, and safety upgrades for East Village and Alphabet City residents," said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. "I'm grateful to Commissioner Flynn, DOT, and Council Member Epstein for their leadership and commitment to improving the pedestrian and cycling experience for Manhattanites, while also implementing prerequisite safety measures to keep us safe. I'm also pleased that DOT has opened applications for its 2027 Open Streets program, and encourage interested Manhattanites to apply."

"I'm thrilled to see Avenue B getting improvements that will make it safer and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists alike," said Assembly Member Keith Powers. "The addition of planters, bike corrals, and other safety features will help create a more inviting streetscape while expanding public space for neighbors to enjoy. These improvements will enhance safety around Tompkins Square Park and the surrounding community. It's a true win-win for the neighborhood."

"Making our streets safer is a top priority, and the completed Avenue B street redesign does that while strengthening a community space that serves neighbors every day with safer walks to school, better rides for cyclists, and more room to spend time outside," said New York City Council Majority Leader and Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Shaun Abreu. "With the Open Streets application open for 2027, I encourage neighborhoods to take advantage of the program and bring safer, more vibrant streets to their communities. Thank you to Mayor Mamdani and Commissioner Flynn for their commitment to this high-impact program."

"As one of many New Yorkers who regularly bikes, I am proud to support the redesign of the Avenue B Open Street that improves street safety for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers," said Council Member Harvey Epstein. "This project will improve visibility and accessibility for pedestrians while keeping traffic moving efficiently. I welcome this public safety expansion particularly after so many fatal e-bike accidents in our community and across our city."

"The redesigned Avenue B is an incredible project that reflects a bold vision for streets that better meet the needs of our communities. Our roads are the city's most ubiquitous public space, and we're thrilled that the DOT is working hard to make them safe, activated spaces that improve New Yorkers' quality of life," said Open Plans Co-Executive Director Sara Lind. "By adding enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, using one-ways strategically to reduce cut-through traffic, and reutilizing curb space as loading zones, this project implements successful mobility concepts from around the world, and it's only the beginning of the work to create safe, low-traffic neighborhoods across New York."

"We applaud Mayor Mamdani and DOT for delivering a safer, more welcoming Avenue B that puts people first. With expanded pedestrian space, safer intersections, and improved biking connections for the neighborhood, this redesign builds on the success of the existing Open Street while making sure the corridor is safer for everyone who uses it," said Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Ben Furnas. "This transformation is also a testament to years of tireless advocacy by Transportation Alternatives' Manhattan Activist Committee, which worked alongside neighborhood organizations, community partners, and local residents to make this vision a reality. Avenue B shows what's possible when the city listens to communities and invests in streets that prioritize New Yorkers and their safety. We hope this project inspires more neighborhoods to reimagine what their streets can look like."

"Open Streets are critical community hubs, expanding access to local public space for social connection, supporting small businesses, and improving traffic safety," said Design Trust for Public Space Executive Director Matthew Clarke. "We are encouraged to see the Mamdani Administration and NYC DOT recognize and invest in the communal potential of city streets with permanent resources and intentional pedestrian design for Avenue B, and we look forward to seeing these kind of improvements across the five boroughs."