Inwood and Washington Heights, two vibrant residential neighborhoods in New York City, are facing significant challenges due to the current implementation of the Summer Streets program. As a resident, I have firsthand experience of how the restrictions are causing undue stress and disruption for our community.

The Summer Streets program, while well-intentioned in promoting pedestrian spaces, has inadvertently left a large number of local auto owners struggling. Our neighborhoods are unique, largely residential with a considerable amount of car owners. We essentially rely on one principal exit, the George Washington Bridge. The road closures divert all traffic to peripheral arterial highways and the limited remaining cross streets, which are crucial for accessing the bridge. This situation escalates traffic congestion and makes essential travel incredibly challenging for residents. Traffic on the Henry Hudson Parkway southbound is frequently backed up from the bridge all the way back to Riverdale in the Bronx. Access from Dyckman Street is frequently backed up down Riverside Drive. People with plans for leisure, necessary appointments, and employment outside the city are unfairly inconvenienced with now excessive traffic congestion on the weekends causing them to forego plans altogether or factor in additional travel time to avoid being late. Not to mention the many senior citizens adversely affected by rerouted bus routes.

Every Friday night, car owners are forced to scour the streets at ungodly hours just to find legal parking. It’s not just inconvenient; it's become a weekly marathon. This frenetic search leads to frustration, but more alarmingly, it stretches our already limited NYPD resources thin as they’re tasked with relocating cars that are parked in restricted zones and standing by to enforce the temporary No Parking regulations. Our community deserves a solution that respects both our needs and the spirit of the Summer Streets initiative.

I propose a more balanced approach—scaling back some of the restrictions in our neighborhoods without compromising the essence of pedestrian safety and recreational space. By selectively implementing measures that accommodate the needs of drivers and maintaining crucial traffic flow, we can find a middle ground that benefits everyone. An ideal solution would be to scale back the upper limits of the Broadway closure to 168th Street.

This petition calls upon city officials to reconsider the current scope of the Summer Streets program in Inwood and Washington Heights. Let us work together to create a plan that truly serves all residents, respects our way of life, and ensures that essential and emergency services can operate efficiently.

Please sign this petition to urge a fair reassessment of the Summer Streets program. Together, we can foster a community that is equitable and thriving for all its residents.