Decatur Open Streets 2024
Summer Saturday's on Decatur Street in Brooklyn allow neighbors the chance to connect and enjoy the summer together in a car free space.
Leader
Brie Gordon
Location
Decatur Street between Howard and Saratoga Brooklyn, NY 11233
About the project
The DHS Block Association has been in existence since the 1960's. It has always been the purpose of this organization to connect the people living on the block. The organization has evolved and changed over the years. According to a long time block resident, the association used to plan trips to roller skating rinks, baseball games and host block parties in the basement of one of the brownstones (one for the kids and one for the grown ups). There are some current members who still remember those old times who have generously spent time helping the newcomers to navigate the established ways.
By partnering with the Open Streets Program over the last several years, there has been an additional opportunity provided for DHS Block Association to foster the connection between neighbors on the block. The car free time on Saturday tends to bring kids and adults outside to play chess, ride bikes or have a chat.
The Steps
Open Streets 2024!
Hire a Operations Manager to provide ease of access for all block residents
Spread the word regarding dates and times for Open Streets 2024
Lock in our dates for free programming
Why we‘re doing it
Our partnership with DOT began during COVID and has evolved in small and positive ways over the years. We are now able to pay a block resident to manage the accessibility aspects of the program, offer some free entertainment (thank you Bindlestiff Family Circus!) and support block beautification efforts. Our block association does not currently have 501c status and because of this, we are grateful to partner with IOBY to receive DOT funds.