PETITION: Oppose the Open Streets Program for  on 23rd Avenue, Astoria
To: Destination Ditmars Merchant Association, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, City Council Member Tiffany Caban, Queens Community Board 1, or all of the above.]

From: Concerned Residents and Businesses of 23rd Avenue, Astoria

Date: July 11, 2025

Subject: Request to terminate the consideration of the Open Streets Program on, 23rd Avenue in Astoria

We, the undersigned residents and businesses  of 23rd Avenue in Astoria, are writing to express our strong opposition to the implementation of the Open Streets program in our neighborhood.

While we understand the intention behind creating public spaces, the current program is having significant and detrimental impacts on  local communities, specifically:

1. Negative Impact on Local Businesses: The closure of these streets to vehicular traffic and the reduction of available parking will severely hamper the ability of local businesses to operate effectively. Customers will struggle to access stores, deliveries are becoming more difficult, and foot traffic is not translating into increased sales for ANY establishments. This program is directly undermining the economic vitality of our commercial corridor. And it is disruptive to the residents.

2. Severe Parking Shortages: Our neighborhood already faces significant challenges with parking availability. The Open Streets program exacerbates this problem by eliminating crucial parking spots, forcing residents and visitors to spend excessive time searching for parking, often times they give up and completely leave to change their destination or, they are forced to park far from their destinations or their businesses or residents. This inconvenience discourages patronage of local businesses and creates unnecessary frustration for residents needing to travel. Many businesses have chosen to close rather than incur the inconvenience of not being able to function properly. Some of our locan businesses Cater to large parties  &  Events (This Is Mostly On The Weekends) Events are pre booked and it is VITAL to have direct access to these businesses for many reasons.

Increased traffic on adjacent streets: Drivers are rerouting, leading to congestion and pollution on other residential roads not designed for such volume. We are one block away from the RFK Bridge . 29th street is a one way street to the entrance. This could be extremely hazardous .
Accessibility issues: For residents with mobility challenges, seniors, or those with young children, reduced vehicle access and parking can make it difficult to navigate the area. We have 6 Driveways that back into the Avenue between 28th & 29th Street.

Safety concerns : If the Open Street blocks access it  leads to increased activity that feels unsafe at certain times, We believe that the  Open Streets program, on 23rd Avenue, will do more harm than good for our community. It is essential that the needs and concerns of residents and local businesses are prioritized.

THE AFFECTED RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
Therefore, we respectfully demand that the NYC Department of Transportation and relevant city officials immediately:

Revoke Conversations for Open Streets designation on  23rd Avenue.
Engage in meaningful dialogue with affected businesses and residents to find a solution that supports both public space and economic well-being.
Explore alternative locations for Open Streets We urge you to consider the severe consequences this program will have on our livelihoods and daily lives. 
We are committed to working collaboratively to find solutions that benefit all members of our community.
Sincerely,

The Undersigned Residents and Businesses of 23rd Avenue, Astoria

Attention: 
NYC Department of Transportation (DOT)
OUR  City Council Member:  Tiffany Caban 22nd district Queens.
Queens Community Board 1:   Attention All Members
Destination Ditmars Merchants Association

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We Have Countless Examples of how Open Streets Have Done Much Harm To Neighborhoods
We Have a wonderful Astoria Park Where people are free to roam as they wish.  Our businesses and residents do not need the chaos of an open streets program here.