When: Summer
Where: 52nd St to 56nd St, 5th Ave
Check out new photos from this years Summer Plazas! We uploaded photos from the July 18 Summer Plaza. 2010 Photos >
In 2008, NYC DOT began a pilot program called Summer Streets, with only 3 locations. The Sunset Park BID is proud to have been chosen to be part this program in 2009 as it expanded to 14 locations. We hosted our own 4-block “Summer Plazas on 5th Avenue” for 3 consecutive Sundays, July 19, July 26 and August 2. During those dates, 5th Avenue was closed to vehicular traffic from 48th Street to 52nd Street while cross streets remained open.
Sunset Park BID businesses were encouraged to offer bargains and place displays on the entire sidewalks in front of their stores, while pedestrians could take back the streets, strolling, browsing, meeting friends and just relaxing. The BID planned programs for throughout the day. We had volunteers through the Time Bank program with the Visiting Nurse Services of NY who did arts and crafts with the children. There were performances by Young Dancers in Repertory and United Tae Kwon Do, a magic show by King Henry and Ronald McDonald made a guest appearance at our McDonald’s on 52nd Street.
Chairs and tables were made available through NYC DOT. Residents were encouraged to bring their own chairs. Local organizations were invited to distribute literature and information about their services at designated locations.
The reaction from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Local residents and pedestrians loved the atmosphere the Summer Plazas created on the avenue. Check back here or call our office to find out if the Summer Plazas will be returning next year.