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Author Topic: 34th Avenue "Open Street"  (Read 9200 times)

Offline fillmorep

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34th Avenue "Open Street"
« on: March 27, 2020, 03:08:36 PM »
Today seems to be the first day of the closing of 34th between 80th and 73rd, to traffic. I just went power walking on this lovely day, and there were squads of traffic police at each intersection. I also saw some news cameras. The crowds were thin, given that this is just getting underway. But the kids and their parents out in the sunshine were squealing with delight.

I know this may be a hardship for drivers, but for walkers and cyclists, it's a joy.
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Offline carrefour_ny

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Re: 34th Avenue Closing
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2020, 03:12:07 PM »
I did the same and I agree -- this is sheer joy! I'm going to be get used to these small quality-of-life improvements...
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Offline abcdefghijk

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Re: 34th Avenue Closing
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2020, 06:20:55 PM »
If there weren't an epidemic raging all around...what with the flowering trees and all...today promenading down 34th Ave, you'd swear you were in Paris in the Spring.
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Offline Donna

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Re: 34th Avenue Closing
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2020, 04:48:08 PM »
So much for sheltering in place.
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Offline dssjh

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Re: 34th Avenue Closing
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2020, 05:19:17 PM »
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Offline JHResident

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Re: 34th Avenue Closing
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2020, 09:07:12 PM »
With no access to my street now between the closing of 34th Ave and 78th St I was nervous about getting deliveries, but it looks like they're letting people drive North on 78th St. while 34th Ave is closed. Be aware tomorrow that 79th St. will probably be closed for the greenmarket, so you might want to avoid driving anywhere near 79th St.
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Offline pgoat

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Re: 34th Avenue Closing
« Reply #6 on: April 04, 2020, 11:36:29 AM »
This appears to have been extended through Sunday April 5th, but wondering whether that will be updated, as the virus news regarding staying home changes daily. Any reliable updates are welcome here. This was the latest I could find:

https://jacksonheightspost.com/nyc-extends-closure-of-stretch-of-34th-avenue-to-promote-social-distancing
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Offline JackM

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34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2020, 08:16:29 AM »
I have to say, I'm enjoying the quiet streets.  I haven't heard a car honking in weeks.  And the closing of a few blocks of 34th Ave. on weekends adds a new dimension.  This quiet prompted me to think of our neighborhood and our quality of life.   I think it's time for our City Council person and Community Board to consider how we can improve our neighborhood in a visionary way.  Here's a radical (or maybe not so radical) idea:  Can we close 37th Avenue between say 74 St and 90th Street and also closing 82nd Street between 35 Ave and Roosevelt Ave -- allowing only deliveries and emergency vehicles?  These are the most commercial streets and most congested streets in JH.  To make them pedestrian only would both enhance the quality of life here (remember, we are underserved by parks) eliminating traffic noise and danger to pedestrians, and it would also enhance businesses.  For example, restaurants could expand outdoor seating.  Trees and greenery could be planted along the pedestrian mall etc.  Anyway, I believe this would be a good time to start considering how to remodel and upgrade our neighborhood.  This pandemic has given us an opportunity to reimagine our neighborhood. 
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Offline carrefour_ny

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Re: 34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2020, 10:34:37 AM »
I am totally with you on this. I love how quiet and people-oriented the neighborhood feels, now that traffic is reduced and streets are closed. It really gives me a sense of what our neighborhood could be like. That's definitely a cause I'm willing to work for.
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Offline Chingwa

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Re: 34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2020, 12:20:02 PM »
Our neighborhood can only be like this if you get rid of the majority of the people.  I think few are in favor of that.  And no, we cannot close 37th ave.  Just enjoy these benefits while you can while this situation lasts.
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Offline Matt

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Re: 34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2020, 02:03:39 PM »
The closure of 34th Ave was a pilot program which has ended as not enough people were making use of it to justify the number of police needed. As most of us are staying at home, I'm not sure why this was not anticipated.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-gives-up-on-street-closures-for-open-space-as-nypd-sick-calls-rise/2361617/

I liked this as well and I think it would be great if this could be incorporated into our neighborhood either permanently or once a week.

Madrid permanently made many streets open to pedestrians only and Mexico City closes many streets on Sundays for bicyclists and pedestrians. I've experienced both and they are fantastic ways to enjoy both cities. I don't see any reason why this could not work here. It's not people, but cars that you need to get rid of to make this happen.

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/an-inside-and-outside-look-at-madrid

http://cdmxtravel.com/en/top-experiences/on-sundays-zumba-and-bikes-in-reforma.html
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Offline Chingwa

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Re: 34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2020, 03:17:29 PM »
Closing one street does not magically make the cars go away, it just offloads them onto other more residential streets.  I'd rather keep that traffic on commercial streets.
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Offline JackM

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Re: 34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #12 on: April 09, 2020, 04:52:31 PM »
As for cars going to side streets -- that would not be an issue because the residential streets do not have commercial businesses.  Most thru traffic, I believe, will be diverted to Northern Blvd which can best handle it.  I've been to many cities in Europe and most have these pedestrian only areas.  Barcelona, for instance has a wonderful pedestrian thruway with stores and restaurants.  It's quite long.  We need to think about pedestrians and our quality of life.  Somehow, over the years, the needs of cars has been the priority.  We have pedestrians crowded on sidewalks.  This is not about reducing the number of people in our neighborhood but opening space for them.  And this is not only about opening space for people but improving their experience as they shop, seek entertainment, or just walk. 
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Offline Beherenow

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Re: 34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #13 on: April 09, 2020, 05:04:17 PM »
Quote from: JackM on April 09, 2020, 08:16:29 AM
Can we close 37th Avenue between say 74 St and 90th Street and also closing 82nd Street between 35 Ave and Roosevelt Ave -- allowing only deliveries and emergency vehicles?

I've appreciate quiet, too. But how could trucks make deliveries to all the stores without disrupting all the pedestrians you envision?
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Offline Jeffsayyes

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Re: 34th Avenue "Open Street"
« Reply #14 on: April 09, 2020, 06:39:05 PM »
I think they should close 74th street and eliminate a lot of parking so trucks can make more deliveries
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