Season 7 - Week 4
It’s been a busy week…
Where to even begin!
If you’re traveling around 31st Street, you may have noticed some paint :) yes, folks, the life-saving street redesign for one of Queens’ most dangerous corridors—you know, the one that was temporarily paused by a lawsuit but then revived and tripled in size by the former-Astorian-in-chief—is officially underway! Send us your photos if you’ve got ‘em! We’ll share updates here.
The same day that construction began on 31st Street, we got some more news from the City about 31st Ave. (Sorry, Queens address problems.) The bike boulevard that transformed our Open Street into a shared pedestrian space last year is extending east this summer, finally connecting the waterfront to Woodside with a full east-west calmed corridor. Plus, we’re getting some nifty upgrades to the existing boulevard, and a first-of-its-kind-in-NYC roundabout at the six-point intersection on 43rd Street. Queens is the future, folks. More details here.
And finally, if you care about all of this stuff—livable streets, better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, thriving public space—you and your friends should come to our ‘Nerd Night’ on Monday night that we’re co-hosting with Open Plans and the 34th Ave Open Street Coalition. We’re gonna talk all about low-traffic neighborhoods (the next level we’re hoping to get to) and much more. RSVP here.
Okay, folks — that was a lot. Ladies and gentlemen, the weekend…
The Clips
‘Soccer Streets’ are coming to schools everywhere ahead of the World Cup. And maybe Western Queens, too ;) (amNY)
Speaking of World Cup: who else wants to eat around the world (read: Queens) with us? (QNS)
So exciting to see this new public school for students with disabilities open in Astoria! (CBS News)
Weekend Plans
SATURDAY
Q300 Plant Sale 12:30pm-5pm
Gathering Signatures for Street Co-Naming for Amanda Servedio 12:30pm-5:30pm
Astoria Food Pantry Tabling 12:30pm-5pm
Indivisible Western Queens 1pm-3pm
Astoria Fiber Club 1pm-4pm
Astoria Reading Party 4pm-5pm
SUNDAY
Q300 Plant Sale 12:30pm-4:30pm
Plant Swap 12:30pm-2:30pm
Violin Petting Zoo 12:30pm-5:30pm
Astoria Food Pantry Tabling 12:30pm-5pm
Henna for Gaza 12:30pm-5:30pm
The People’s Pop-Up Cafe 12:30pm-4pm
Indivisible Western Queens 1pm-3pm
Japanese Calligraphy Experience with Taisan Tanaka 1pm-2pm
Queens Shut it Down Tabling & MECA Fundraising 1pm-5pm
Civic Pulse Low-Traffic Neighborhood Outreach 1:30pm-4:30pm
For more information and the most up to date schedule, including with weather cancellations, see our events page.
Special Events
Let’s 👏 try 👏 this 👏 again!
In partnership with @CentralAstoriaLDC, we’re propping up a new public space tomorrow (!) just around the corner from the Open Street. We’re transforming the slip lane off 30th Ave (the one by Dunkin’ Donuts!) with family-friendly activities, plenty of outdoor seating, music, and more! Come on by and enjoy the sunshine 🙂
Applications to participate in Tikkun BBQ’s annual block party series—the Community Cookouts—close TODAY, Friday, May 15, at midnight.
This is your last chance to get involved this summer as:
A volunteer
A vendor or activation partner
A sponsor
A photographer or videographer
A band or DJ
This year’s series already includes groups and businesses such as Righteous Eats, Long Island City Kleaners (LICK), Almonte Studio, Caryn Cast, Party Right Here Astoria, Queens Rugby, Burlap & Barrel, Roads & Kingdoms, Loveday Vintage, Diamond Dogs, Ghost Busters NYC, and many more.
Interested in joining us? Please fill out the appropriate form ASAP:
• Sponsors / Businesses / Activations / Bands / DJs → click here
• Join the BBQ crew (grill, smoke, feed the people) → click here
Applications for both forms close tonight, May 15, at midnight.
Questions? Reach out ASAP:
info@tikkunbbq.com
732-740-1679
Please note: we cannot guarantee that late applications or inquiries submitted after the deadline will be reviewed or accommodated.
See you in the streets this summer. (edited)
Upcoming Markets
If you’re interested in selling on the Open Street, read our FAQs first here to learn more.
Saturday, May 30th: AAPI Market
Sunday, May 31st: Astoria Farmers Market
Support the Open Street
It takes a lot to run the 31st Ave Open Street, such as renting storage space, paying for insurance, or buying supplies like extra chairs, sidewalk chalk, and trash bags to keep our street clean.
We list a few of the materials that we are in frequent need of on our donation page. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we also take tax-deductible donations via our Givebutter campaign for those who would like to contribute financially.
Every bit helps and we appreciate your support in making 31st Ave a better place for all! Thank you!
Join Your Neighbors!
All are welcome and no prior experience is required
Drop by 31OS this weekend to talk with the 31OS crew to learn more about Setup, Tabling, or Breakdown shifts along with all the other ways people get involved!
The most help is needed 12pm-1pm and 7pm-8pm but shifts are available all day for anyone interested in keeping an eye on things, meeting neighbors, and talking with members of the community who may have questions.
Signing up is also not required! Dropping by the volunteer table anytime is the best way to find out what is happening.
For more info on the types of shifts, or to see what sign-ups are available, check out our Volunteer page.
If you want to help, but can’t make it to the street in person, there are lots of other tasks and projects we’re working on throughout the week. Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to share what you like to do and we’ll reach out if we have something!
Stay Connected
Want to stay in touch with 31OS and your neighbors even when the Open Street isn’t active?
Send us an email! Address is available on our homepage, 31OS.org
Share Your Feedback
We strive to make the Open Street a pleasant experience for all, so if you have any feedback that you’d like to share with the volunteers we’d love to hear it! Our Feedback form is available 24/7 for members of the community to send their thoughts directly to our team.
