West End Open Streets Is Returning To The Upper West Side

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The section of streets blocked off to traffic is coming back almost a month after the Department of Transportation (DOT) unexpectedly closed down the Open Streets on West End Avenue.

The West End section of blocks from West 87th to 96th Streets became a source of controversy as residents consistently got upset about the steady stream of cars that would completely ignore the barriers and drive down the closed streets.

While the DOT never specified its reasoning for ending the Open Streets program, it is not a stretch to think it revolved around the lack of oversight in enforcing the barriers and making it clear to drivers that might not be from the city the section of streets should be closed off.

However, a group of Upper West Side neighbors is bringing back the Open Streets section on the Upper West Side.

Residents who enjoyed using the West End Open Streets recently formed the West End Avenue Open Street Community Coalition group. The group worked with Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal to become an official community partner with the Department of Transportation.

Rosenthal was a vocal critic of the DOT's decision to shutter the West End Open Streets section instead of "working with the community to address concerns."

The group will be in charge of setting up and taking down the barricades each day, coordinating volunteer schedules, and taking pictures for social media. You can put your name down for the sign-up sheet here.

The Open Streets section won't stretch the exact same blocks as the original section. Instead of going from 87th to 96th Streets on West End, it will now go from 88th to 95th on West End.

The West End Avenue Open Street Community Coalition was hoping to reopen the streets on Saturday, but it has been indefinitely delayed due to an unfavorable weather forecast, according to ILoveTheUpperWestSide.