Starting on Earth Day, April 22, 2023, the newly created Troutman Open Streets initiative, in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation, is set to establish a car-free, pedestrian-friendly street on weekends, that runs from Troutman Street to Irving Avenue to St. Nicholas Avenue. This will run until October 31st, and is designed to illuminate the diversity of ethnicities, non-profits, business merchants, and artists that exist around Troutman Street, all in an open street setting with programming and performances.

Troutman Open Streets is the first initiative of its kind in Bushwick and aims to provide the public with an active experience that highlights the unique symbiosis of the neighborhood, between art groups like Bushwick Collective, industrial businesses, bars, shops, concert venues, and restaurants. Pedestrians can stroll and view the massive artworks that line Troutman and surrounding streets.

Although Troutman Open Streets is not yet permitted to facilitate vendors, the event promises a lot of fun activities. The Department of Transportation , The Hort (The Horticultural Society of New York), and The Department of Small Business Services are partnering with the initiative to bring much-needed attention to a vast array of non-profit community-driven services in and around Bushwick.

Courtesy of Troutman Open Streets

“We want to see this diverse neighborhood freely engage in an environmentally friendly public space where people can feel inspired by their neighbors and simply have a good time getting to know them,” said Patrick Noecker, one of the members of the Troutman Open Streets initiative, “and to know your local non-profits, businesses, artists, and all the good they’re up to strengthens the concept of community.”

The launch event of the Troutman Open Streets Initiative is on April 22 and 23, 2023, from 10 am to 9 pm. Then, every Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm until October, the car-free open streets will feature gigantic street art works, performances, DJ’s, public service tables, shopping, food, and beverages. The event is a collaborative effort of Troutman Open Streets in partnership with The Bushwick Foundation for Artists and Merchants, the New York City Department of Transportation , The Department of Small Business Services, Bushwick Collective, The Horticultural Society of New York (The Hort), and The Queens Botanical Garden.

The event schedule starts at 10 am with tabling at Irving and Troutman, featuring Dream Factory, Parks Wildlife, 511 Rideshare, Empire Clean Cities, and Horticultural Society of New York. From 1 to 3:15 pm, DJ Ayanna Heaven and St. Nic Side will take the stage, followed by L Train Brass Band from 3:30 to 4 pm. L Train Brass Band w Bindlestiff Mimes will continue on for another hour while DJ Duane Harriott spins on the Irving side from 4:30 to 5 pm. The event’s closing hours feature DJ Duane Harriot on the Irving side from 5 to 7 pm, and DJ Carter Van Pelt on the St. Nic Side from 5 to 7 pm. 


Top taken from the L Train Brass Band’s instagram page.

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