With so few people actually using the 34th Ave Open Street in many hours of the day, even on some of the nicer days, closing the street from 8am- 8pm seems like a big ask from the city and not exactly strategic. When it's crowded, it's busy but there are many hours of the day now when it's super quiet and the sidewalks are even empty.
Google data or other analytics will be able to show when the need or desire to use the street is highest and I would go for those hours which might just be some of the weekend, rather than ask for the 12hour, all volunteer set up that is currently in use. It's just not working for enough people and it would be great to pivot towards getting a community center that is year round and has programs for youth, seniors and the whole population. Being in the street has helped during the pandemic but going forward we need a more significant social space.
Those that love all of it have been the most vocal but there are plenty of others who see big problems with the current state of things on 34th Ave. Discuss the electric bikes, lighting for when it's dark out, having a cleanup crew, use city workers to help with the barriers(lots are missing) and ask the community for ways to proceed. Let's have a democratic process here.