Confusion around Bed-Stuy school's participation in DOT's 'Open Streets' Initiative

The New York City Department of Transportation added that it will be removing the school from the lists of schools participating in the initiative.

Julia Burns

Sep 9, 2024, 10:14 PM

Updated 36 days ago

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There has been some confusion about a Bed-Stuy school being on a list as participating in the New York City Department of Transportation's "Open Streets" initiative.
When News 12 showed up to P.S. 137 Rachel Jean Mitchell during the "Open Streets" hours on the New York City Department of Transportation's website, News 12 learned that it was not participating in the program.
A school staff member told News 12 it was supposed to be in the program but said due to things like construction and staffing, it didn't work out.
When News 12 followed up about this with the school, they referred News 12 to the Department of Education.
The Department of Education referred News 12 to the New York City Department of Transportation, which provided a prepared statement that said "Understanding PS 137 withdrew its application after last month’s announcement, we look forward to working with them in the future."
The New York City Department of Transportation added that it will be removing the school from the lists of schools participating in the initiative.
Parents of students at the school tell News 12 they would have liked to see the "Open Streets" initiative at the school's surrounding streets.
The goal of the program is to improve student's safety by blocking off streets to cars during drop-off and pick-up times.