Open Streets (Franklin: 2015, closing, cost)

[Kevin1813]

For those that were not able to experience it, I just wanted to pass on how incredible having so much access to the city streets was. The energy was absolutely electric. I hope that the city will be able to host some open streets events in the future. Certainly, the scope of these events shouldn't be as large as what happened this weekend, but there's little reason not to be able to have a yearly or quarterly event where for instance, a quadrant of town is shut down to traffic or having several blocks of Broad, Spruce, or Pine shut down for a weekend.

[cpomp]

The Ben Franklin was awesome too. That is probably a once in a lifetime experience.
But I agree, maybe a yearly event, with a different chunk of Center City closed off each year. However, the planning and logistics behind that would like hinder it from happening, unless its for the pope.

[LoriNJ]

I am sorry I didn't walk across the Ben Franklin. I heard it was kind of a street festival atmosphere. I've walked on the pedestrian crosswalk, but never in the middle of the traffic lanes. LOL

[FrankInPhilly]

Originally Posted by Kevin1813

For those that were not able to experience it, I just wanted to pass on how incredible having so much access to the city streets was. The energy was absolutely electric. I hope that the city will be able to host some open streets events in the future. Certainly, the scope of these events shouldn't be as large as what happened this weekend, but there's little reason not to be able to have a yearly or quarterly event where for instance, a quadrant of town is shut down to traffic or having several blocks of Broad, Spruce, or Pine shut down for a weekend.

You're in good company: Inga Saffron likes the idea, too (although not at the level you're describing): Papal Weekend: Closing the streets opened up the town

[Kevin1813]

Originally Posted by cpomp

The Ben Franklin was awesome too. That is probably a once in a lifetime experience.
But I agree, maybe a yearly event, with a different chunk of Center City closed off each year. However, the planning and logistics behind that would like hinder it from happening, unless its for the pope.

I don't think it would take much in the area of additional planning or logistics. Signage and bollards really aren't that cost prohibitive. There might need to be some work arounds regarding interstate entrances or exits, but that could be worked through.

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by FrankInPhilly

You're in good company: Inga Saffron likes the idea, too (although not at the level you're describing): Papal Weekend: Closing the streets opened up the town

Creating a "restricted" vehicle zone in Times Sq has really worked. I didn't think that would ever work; it has.
As long as we don't repeat the mistakes made wrt the old Chestnut St Transit, I like the idea.

[mancat100]

No. If there's a festival or event that's fine, but not just so people can play in the streets. These closures are a real inconvenience to many people. Go to Fairmount Park and play.