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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Charlie Guthrie, Member of the Public, on Open Streets Program Funding
6:14:57
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Charlie Guthrie, a member of the public, testifies about the importance of the Open Streets program in New York City and advocates for increased funding. He shares personal experiences and compares New York's program to Montreal's, urging the council to allocate $48 million over three years to strengthen city support for Open Streets.
- Describes the safety benefits of Open Streets for families and children
- Highlights the program's positive impact on community gathering and local businesses
- Emphasizes the current reliance on volunteers and the risk of losing the program due to lack of funds
- Compares New York's program to Montreal's $12 million investment in pedestrianized streets
Charlie Guthrie
6:14:57
Hi, Chair Brooks Powers.
6:14:59
Thank you for having me.
6:15:00
I've never been here.
6:15:01
This is a beautiful place.
6:15:03
I so I have to watch my two daughters closely when we walk down any sidewalk in this city because one wrong step into the street can be fatal.
6:15:11
So it's such a vacation when I can let them roam freely and safely in an open street.
6:15:16
I live on Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn which has been the site of a wonderful open streets program, but and like other open streets it's transformed our avenue into a neighborhood gathering place, improving safety, and supporting local businesses.
6:15:29
However, the program has relied on dwindling volunteer organizers who stretch very small reimbursement grants and put in hundreds of hours of unpaid labor.
6:15:36
So due to lack of funds we're now at risk of losing it completely.
6:15:40
Other cities invest far more.
6:15:42
Montreal for example dedicates $12,000,000 to pedestrianized streets over three years with up to $700,000 available per program.
6:15:50
A similar investment in New York City would yield incredible benefits boosting local economies, reducing traffic injuries, improving air quality, and expanding community programs.
6:15:59
So please fully fund Open Streets by allocating $48,000,000 over the next three years to strengthen city support and directly fund the organizations running Thank you.