Adams kicks off ‘Summer of Possibility’
New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday kicked off the city’s “Summer of Possibility”, a celebration of what he described as New York City’s “unrivaled summer offerings” at a time when crime is down, jobs are up, and the city is “more livable” than when the Adams administration came into office.
The Adams administration launched the starting with an event hosted by New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner, Ydanis Rodriguez to announce the city’s largest-ever Summer Streets program, with expanded operating hours in all five boroughs for the first time since the program’s launch in 2008.
This year, Adams said nearly 20 miles of Summer Streets corridors will be open to pedestrians and cyclists for eight hours (from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM) — a 33 percent expansion from previous years.
The mayor said the extended time represents his administration’s continued commitment to the beloved summer program, building on the 2023 expansion that, for the first time, brought Summer Streets to all five boroughs after operating exclusively in Manhattan.
From the largest-ever summer streets and open restaurants programs to expanded Summer Rising hours, new cooling centers, and investments in pools across the city, Adams said his administration is continuing to ensure that there has never been a better time to enjoy summer in New York City.
He said New Yorkers can visit the for more information on free cultural and parks events, open beaches and pools, as well as hiring halls, apprenticeships, volunteer opportunities, and more.
“New York City is back — and with our Summer of Possibility — there has never been a better time to enjoy the five boroughs,” said Mayor Adams. “Whether you want to find a new job, enjoy a summer concert, enjoy our largest-ever summer streets program, or take part in so much more our city has to offer, our administration is working every day to ensure our city is working to give you the summer you want and deserve. This city is full of possibilities!”
“Summer Streets shows New Yorkers how joyful and pleasant our streets become when we reallocate just a portion of our roads for people to stroll, bike, and play. Under the Adams administration, we’ve been working to make Summer Streets better and better with expansions year after year,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “We thank our sister agencies, program, partners, elected officials, and advocates for their support behind these historic expansions.”
Nothing beats summertime in New York City. From outdoor dining to open streets and countless free outdoor events, it’s the best time to celebrate the city’s collective energy, which is best felt and enjoyed in our public spaces,” said New York City Chief Public Realm Officer, Ya-Ting Liu. “We hope to see you all outside enjoying a New York City summer!”
Adams said more than 500,000 people walked, ran, cycled, or played on Summer Streets last year, in the program’s first year operating in all five boroughs.
He said this year’s program will represent the most ambitious version of Summer Streets since its launch in 2008 and brings a continued focus on spreading programming out equitably throughout the city.
Adams said Summer Streets will return for five Saturdays from July 27 through Aug. 24. Car-free routes remain the same for the five boroughs — with the exception of a new route launching on Staten Island.
This year, DOT released an open call to select up to two pieces of dynamic and engaging artwork along the Summer Streets route to be installed as one-day activations throughout all five event dates. More details on each route can be found below and online.
Saturday, July 27: Queens and Staten Island: Queens: Summer Streets will run along Vernon Boulevard, from 44th Drive to 30th Drive. The program will allow users to enjoy the entire Queens waterfront in Long Island City and Astoria.
Staten Island: Summer Streets will run along Broadway from Richmond Terrace to Clove Road. This new location will run through West Brighton, connecting attendees from Clove Lakes Park to Corporal Thompson Park.
Saturday, Aug. 3, 10, and 17: Manhattan: Summer Streets will run from the Brooklyn Bridge all the way into Harlem, traveling along Lafayette Street and Park Avenue up to 109th Street; on Central Park North from Fifth Avenue to Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard; and along Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard from 110th Street to 125th Street.
Saturday, Aug. 24: Bronx and Brooklyn: Bronx: Summer Streets will run along Grand Concourse from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway. This program will open a major car-free corridor to people from the west Bronx to the north Bronx.
Brooklyn: Summer Streets will run along Eastern Parkway, from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue. It will connect Prospect Heights and Brownsville along the same route as the Labor Day Caribbean Day Parade — one of the city’s most popular annual events.
Adams said organizations interested in hosting activities, performances, or other programming during Summer Streets should complete DOT’s Summer Streets 2024 Partner Application.
