In partnership with NYPD and the NYC Department of Transportation, the Open Streets initiative aims to provide safe open spaces for community gathering, play, and local commerce by temporarily closing roads to vehicular traffic. Since its inauguration in 2020, BSDC and its partners have been able to successfully operate and manage the Open Streets event on Tompkins Avenue from 12-6pm.  

It is with great disappointment that Bridge Street Development Corporation (BSDC) and the Tompkins Avenue Merchants Association (TAMA) will suspend Open Streets on Tompkins Avenue until further notice.  

Following the conclusion of BSDC’s operational responsibilities at 6pm on Sunday, 6/9, large crowds –many fueled by viral social media posts—refused to clear the streets when required to allow traffic flow. Long after Open Streets ended, excessive and illegal public drinking, public urination, noise, illegal vending, and double-parking became quality-of-life issues for the community.

We do not condone disregard for basic rules of the program and disrespect of our neighbors and their property. The 79th Precinct has recommended that the Tompkins Avenue Open Streets be suspended indefinitely. We are awaiting final decisions by our City Partners. To that end, it is with great regret that we must suspend the Open Streets program until further notice.  

Thank you again for your support and feedback. We will keep you informed as more information becomes available.