Navigating Change on 34th Avenue: Balancing Community Needs with a Permanent open Street
For over three years,34th Avenue in Jackson Heights,queens,has been a focal point in New York City’s evolving approach to public space. Initially launched as a pandemic-era response, the 34th Avenue Open street – a 26-block stretch largely closed to vehicular traffic – has become permanent, sparking both enthusiasm and concern amongst residents.Recent community feedback, spearheaded by Selfhelp Community Services and supported by AARP, highlights the complexities of balancing accessibility, safety, and the diverse needs of a vibrant neighborhood. As the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT) embarks on a meaningful redesign project, understanding these perspectives is crucial for ensuring the Open Street truly serves all who call Jackson Heights home.
From Pandemic Lifeline to Permanent Fixture: A Look Back
The story of 34th Avenue’s conversion began in 2020, when the city’s Open Streets program sought to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists as indoor gatherings were restricted. The program’s success led to a 2021 City Council bill solidifying 34th Avenue’s Open Street status, allowing local car traffic only between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. The intention was clear: prioritize pedestrian safety and create a community hub.however, the transition to permanence wasn’t universally welcomed, and a recent audit reveals a disconnect between initial planning and the lived experiences of some residents, particularly older adults.
A Voice for the Often-Overlooked: The Selfhelp Audit & AARP collaboration
Selfhelp Community Services, a leading organization serving older adults, recognized a critical gap in the conversation.many seniors felt excluded from the initial discussions, largely conducted online during social distancing. “When the street became permanent, it was a very big surprise to a lot of our older adults who would’ve believed that they would’ve been notified about these things and had not been,” explains Karen Taylor, NORC’s program director at Selfhelp.
To address this, Selfhelp secured an AARP walk-audit grant, empowering older residents to directly assess the Open Street’s functionality. Equipped with AARP’s observation toolkits, participants meticulously documented their experiences, identifying areas for betterment.This grassroots approach provided invaluable, nuanced feedback that might otherwise have been missed.
Key Concerns Raised: Parking,Bike Lane Consistency,and Amenities
The audit walks revealed a range of concerns. While residents generally appreciate the increased pedestrian safety, the scale of the Open Street – 26 blocks – was questioned. One resident succinctly put it: “I like the idea that people have space to walk safely… I don’t know that it has to be 26 blocks.” The loss of parking along the avenue remains a significant issue for many, particularly those with limited mobility.
Beyond parking,the audit highlighted inconsistencies in the bike lane design. Fluctuating lane placement - sometimes in the middle of the street, sometimes at the curb – and inconsistent markings (green paint appearing and disappearing) created confusion and potential hazards. Participants also called for increased amenities,specifically more trash bins,benches,and improved landscaping of existing medians. concerns were raised regarding the use of motorized bikes and mopeds on the pedestrianized street.
DOT Responds: Safety Improvements and Future Plans
The Department of Transportation acknowledges the community’s feedback and points to demonstrable safety improvements. according to DOT spokesperson Will Livingston, crashes involving pedestrians on 34th Avenue between August 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023, decreased by a remarkable 60%.
The DOT is currently undertaking a capital project to further refine the Open Street’s design. this project, actively seeking community input through public workshops, aims to simplify the corridor, enhance landscaping, and construct permanent plazas. The DOT has expressed appreciation for Selfhelp’s recommendations and pledged to incorporate them into the redesign process.
A Street Safety Advocate’s Perspective: The Value of Diverse Input
Jim Burke, a cofounder of the 34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition, participated in the selfhelp walks and found them profoundly insightful. “We make assumptions,right? ‘Well,everybody knows that the bike lane is plain in green or everybody knows where it’s located’ – that wasn’t the case,” he admitted. Burke’s experience underscores the importance of actively seeking perspectives from all segments of the community, particularly those who may be less vocal or digitally connected
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