We are concerned about CCNY’s decision to close streets and restrict access to the campus. This decision breaks DOT rules and harms our community.

Main Problems:

 • Breaking the Rules: The “DO NOT ENTER” signs only apply to cars from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Pedestrians should not be blocked.
 • Excluding the Community: This decision stops community members from using these streets for commuting and parking, making us feel excluded.
 • Health Impact: The campus is important for exercise and mental health. Blocking access hurts our well-being.
 • Parking and Traffic: Closing these streets makes parking harder and increases traffic, leading to more pollution in our neighborhood.

What We Want: 

We ask Mayor Eric Adams, Chancellor Matos Rodríguez and CCNY  to remove the barriers and let us use the campus streets again.

Who to Contact:

Vincent Boudreau- CCNY President
Phone: 212.650.7285 Fax: 212.650.7680 email: president@ccny.cuny.edu

Council Member Yusef Salaam:
 • Email: District9@council.nyc.gov
 • District Office: 163 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10026. Phone: 212-678-4505
 • Legislative Office: 250 Broadway, Suite 1776, New York, NY 10007. Phone: 212-788-7397

CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez:
 • Email: chancellor@cuny.edu
 • 205 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017. Phone: 646-664-9100

Tony M. Liss- CCNY Provost
Phone: 212-650-8261 or 212-650-6638
Fax 212-650-5068 Email: tliss@ccny.cuny.edu

Mayor Eric Adams:
 • City Hall, New York, NY 10007. Phone: 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (outside NYC)

Sign this petition to support reopening streets and making sure the community can access CCNY.

Thank you for your support.

 

 

 

Comprehensive version below ⤵️:
We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the recent actions taken by the City College of New York (CCNY) administration to close streets and restrict access to campus areas. These actions are in direct violation of the current Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and have been implemented without proper communication or consideration of the impact on our community.

Key Issues:

 1. Violation of DOT Rules:
 • The DOT clearly indicates that the “DO NOT ENTER” restrictions apply strictly to vehicles from 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, with an exception for buses. These rules do not extend to pedestrian traffic.
 • Despite this, CCNY has erected barriers and signs prohibiting entry to pedestrians who do not possess a CCNY ID or written permission. This is a clear overreach and not aligned with the intended DOT regulations.
 2. Exclusion and Disconnection:
 • This unilateral decision by the CCNY administration disregards the rights and needs of community members who use this space for daily commuting and parking during the hours of 6 PM to 8 AM.
 • By restricting access, CCNY is creating physical and social barriers, fostering an atmosphere of exclusion and disconnection within our community.
 3. Impact on Community Cohesion:
 • These actions have far-reaching consequences, contributing to a sense of division and mistrust among community members who have long viewed this campus as an integral part of their neighborhood.
 • Many community members now feel like outsiders in their own community, undermining the very fabric of our neighborhood.
 4. Health and Social Determinants of Health:
 • The closure of these spaces exacerbates the social determinants of health in our community. Public spaces like the CCNY campus are essential for physical activity, mental health, and overall well-being.
 • Community members use this space to walk, exercise, and take mental breaks, which are critical for maintaining physical and mental health. The restriction of access to these spaces reduces opportunities for exercise, social interaction, and stress relief, negatively impacting public health.
 5. Exacerbation of Parking and Traffic Issues:
 • The closure of campus streets has worsened the parking situation for community residents, who already face limited parking options. This has led to increased traffic congestion as drivers circle the area looking for parking.
 • Convent Avenue, previously used by residents for easier access and parking, is now restricted, contributing to traffic bottlenecks in surrounding streets.
 • Increased traffic congestion also worsens air pollution in our community, which already suffers from environmental disparities. The additional pollution exacerbates health issues, particularly respiratory conditions, among residents.
 6. Misalignment with CUNY’s Mission and Vision:
 • The exclusionary policy implemented by CCNY does not align with the City University of New York’s (CUNY) mission and vision, which emphasize inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement.
 • CUNY’s commitment to serving the residents of New York City is being undermined by these actions, which contradict the values of public institutions.

Background:

On April 30, 2024, CCNY President Vincent Boudreau issued a letter addressing an emergency campus closing due to an encampment of demonstrators on the quad. The administration cited safety concerns due to the presence of unaffiliated external individuals and the contentious and violent nature of the demonstration as reasons for the closure. President Boudreau emphasized that the response to this particular threat does not override the college’s commitment to free speech, academic freedom, or the right to peacefully protest in compliance with CCNY and CUNY regulations. However, the measures taken have resulted in significant disruption and exclusion of the broader community.

Additionally, a notice from Tony Liss, Provost of CCNY, dated April 30, 2024, indicated that as of May 1, 2024, all classes and college functions would move to remote operations, and campus buildings would be closed to everyone except essential personnel. This has further exacerbated the disconnection and exclusion experienced by the community.

Accountability:

We hold Mayor Eric Adams and CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez responsible for allowing this closure and occupation to persist. Their lack of action in addressing this issue has directly contributed to the ongoing exclusion and disruption faced by our community. We demand that they take immediate steps to ensure that CCNY respects the rights and needs of the community and reopens access to the campus.

Our Demands:

 • We urge our elected officials, including Mayor Eric Adams and Chancellor Matos Rodríguez, to reach out to the CCNY administration to address and rectify this situation immediately.
 • We call for the removal of barriers and signs that restrict pedestrian access, allowing community members to enjoy the campus as they have in the past.
 • We demand that CCNY respects the rights of the people who live and work in this area and ensures that public spaces remain open and accessible to all.
 • We request that the administration engages in transparent communication with the community regarding any future changes that might affect public access to campus areas.

Call to Action:

We call upon all community members to sign this petition to advocate for our community and our rights. We are not silent partners; we have a voice, and our concerns must be heard. Let us stand together to ensure that our public spaces remain open and accessible to all. We are the taxpayers who fund this institution and other public spaces in our city.

Additionally, we urge you to contact our Council Member Yusef Salaam to express your concerns:

 • Email: District9@council.nyc.gov
 • District Office: 163 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10026. Phone: 212-678-4505
 • Legislative Office: 250 Broadway, Suite 1776, New York, NY 10007. Phone: 212-788-7397

We also encourage you to reach out to CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez to express your concerns:

 • Email: chancellor@cuny.edu
 • Office Address: 205 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017
 • Phone: 646-664-9100
 • Fax: 646-664-3868

And to contact Mayor Eric Adams:

 • Postal Mail: Mayor Eric Adams, City Hall, New York, NY 10007
 • Phone: 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (outside NYC)

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our community remains inclusive, connected, and respected.

Sign this petition to support the reopening of streets and ensure community access at CCNY.

Thank you for your support.