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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Jackson Chabot, Director of Advocacy and Organizing at Open Plans, on Open Streets Program Funding
6:01:21
·
69 sec
Jackson Chabot from Open Plans testified about the need for increased funding for the Open Streets program. He argued that the current DOT allocation of $2.1 million is insufficient and advocated for $48 million over three years to sustain and expand the program citywide.
- Highlighted the financial struggles of current Open Streets, mentioning Vanderbilt Avenue having to pay for their own cones and solicit donations
- Emphasized the importance of Open Streets in providing public space, especially in neighborhoods with limited park access
- Supported previous testimony from other Open Streets advocates calling for increased funding
Jackson Chabot
6:01:21
Good afternoon.
6:01:21
My name is Jackson Chibault.
6:01:23
I'm also off the bus here, so I can give any of the background noise.
6:01:26
Today, I'm, testifying on behalf of OpenPlans, and we're a nonprofit that advocates for livable streets.
6:01:32
I'm here to reiterate what you've heard from Saskia and from Brent among other OpenStreet advocates.
6:01:39
Right now, the DOT will probably be claiming that they have fully funded OpenStreet with their $2,100,000 allocation.
6:01:46
The fact of the matter is this is simply not enough to ensure that the program has the robust amount of resources.
6:01:52
And for Christ's sake, in fact, that Vanderbilt had to pay for their own cones and solicit donations for it is clear enough example of the financial status that we're currently facing for the Open Streets program.
6:02:04
We recommend additionally what Saskia said earlier that 48,000,000 over three years will ensure that the program both has the sustainability to sustain the current level of open streets as well as to grow to council districts across the city.
6:02:18
Because everyone deserves a an open street like 30 Fourth Avenue.
6:02:22
Everyone deserves to have space next to them.
6:02:24
And especially in neighborhoods where there's very little access to park space.
6:02:28
Thank you so much.
6:02:29
Have a great afternoon.