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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced an expansion of the city's Open Streets program Tuesday.
The pedestrian-focused events closed three Boston streets to motor vehicle traffic on three different weekends last year: Dorchester Avenue, Centre Street in Jamaica Plain, and Blue Hill Avenue in Roxbury.
This year will add two more neighborhoods to the program: Harvard Avenue & Brighton Avenue in Allston-Brighton, and Meridian Street & Bennington Street in East Boston.
Open Streets temporarily closes the designated roadways to vehicular traffic to allow local businesses to expand into the street and safely provide a space for music, games, bicycling, and more.
Mayor Wu also announced that Open Newbury will return this year with expanded dates. Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only every Sunday, starting July 2 and running through Oct. 15.
"I’m so excited to see it grow this year," said Mayor Wu Tuesday. "Between the five events in neighborhoods, plus the more than doubling of Open Newbury that’s available, I hope we’ll see people taking the time to come to multiple of these, get to know your city. Each neighborhood is a destination that’s truly special and unique."
2023's Open Streets events will have streets close at 9:00 a.m. and have activities begin at 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
- Sunday, June 25: Centre Street (Jamaica Plain)
- Saturday, July 15: Blue Hill Avenue (Roxbury)
- Saturday, Aug. 19: Harvard Avenue & Brighton Avenue (Allston-Brighton)
- Sunday, Sept. 17: Dorchester Avenue (Dorchester)
- Sunday, Oct. 15: Meridian Street & Bennington Street (East Boston)
- The exact stretch of vehicular closure for Meridian Street & Bennington Street is still being finalized.
WBZ's Mike Macklin reports.
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