It Already Works
Car-free streets and plazas are working across New York City and beyond.
At Grand Army Plaza
Greenmarket
The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket operates year-round, every Saturday. Vendors and shoppers fill the plaza weekly, demonstrating consistent demand for walkable, programmable public space at this location.
New Year’s Eve
Every December 31, thousands gather at Grand Army Plaza for Brooklyn’s official New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks. The Arch provides a dramatic backdrop, and the crowd fills the space safely.
Summer Streets
NYC’s Summer Streets program closes Eastern Parkway from Grand Army Plaza eastward to Buffalo Ave one Saturday each summer. The route fills with runners, cyclists, and neighbors. (Note: The plaza itself serves as the starting point but isn’t fully closed during this event.)
Learn more about Summer Streets →
In the Neighborhood
Vanderbilt Ave Open Street
Just blocks away, Vanderbilt Avenue operates as a car-free open street on weekends. The program has community and business support, with the street transforming into a gathering place for dining and socializing.
Underhill Plaza
In 2023, DOT opened Underhill Plaza — the first permanent open-street-to-plaza conversion in Prospect Heights. What started as a pandemic-era open street is now a permanent public space with furniture and plantings. Crashes on Underhill dropped 39% after the conversion.
Around New York City
Times Square
What began as a temporary pedestrian experiment in 2009 became a permanent redesign after data showed it worked: fewer crashes, increased foot traffic, and business support.
Car-Free Central Park & Prospect Park
Both parks went permanently car-free in recent years. The results: safer conditions for park users, more space for recreation, and no traffic problems on surrounding streets.
Beyond New York
Barcelona Superblocks
The Spanish city is reorganizing entire neighborhoods around “superblocks” that redirect through-traffic and reclaim streets for people. Health studies project significant benefits from reduced pollution and increased walking.
Seoul Cheonggyecheon
In 2005, Seoul removed an elevated highway and restored the stream underneath. The result transformed a traffic corridor into a popular public space, with measurable improvements in air quality and temperature.
Car-Free Market Street (SF)
San Francisco’s main commercial street has been progressively removing private vehicle access since 2020. Evaluations show improved transit reliability and safety.
Recent Investments at Grand Army Plaza
Arch Restoration (2025)
The Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Memorial Arch just completed an $8.9 million restoration: new roof, structural and masonry repairs, interior metalwork, and upgraded lighting.
Brooklyn Public Library Renovation
The Central Library at Grand Army Plaza is in Phase 2 of a $95 million renovation, expanding public-facing spaces and creating new community areas. Expected completion: 2027.
The pieces are in place. The Arch is restored. The Library is expanding. The neighborhood has embraced open streets. Now is the time to complete the vision.