Streetfilms: It’s Block Party Time
By
Brad Aaron
5:01 PM EDT on May 29, 2009
Once a common occurrence, the New York City block party suffered a period of near-extinction. But now it’s poised for a comeback. Last year’s launch of Block Party NYC made it easier for New Yorkers to plan their own events or locate parties already in the works, and even provides small grants to help out (apply now — the 2009 deadline is next Monday, June 1).
As we celebrate the liberation of Times Square for human activity, this
epic Streetfilm from Elizabeth Press nicely explains the historical and
present-day significance of the traditional block party, which allows
residents across the city to enjoy the benefits of car-freedom right in
their own neighborhoods.
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York's dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.
Read More:
More from Streetsblog New York City
City to Close Bus-Clogged Lane on the Manhattan Bridge
Buses love to block the lane, but it’s an opportunity to think much bigger.
November 12, 2026
As NYC Debates Amazon’s Delivery Model, Its Partner Fires 200 E-Bike Workers
Just as the City Council debates reining in Amazon's business practices, the delivery giant threw workers of the job after canceling its contract with a Manhattan subcontractor.
November 12, 2026
Brooklyn’s New Bike Boulevards Will Benefit the 90 Percent of Residents Who Don’t Drive To Work
Nine out of ten Brooklynites living around the proposed bike route commute to work without a car, but lazy reporters would rather write a "neighborhood divided" piece with no context.
November 12, 2026
GET OUT: E-Bike Battery Fires are a Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore
New York City must confiscate sub-standard ebike batteries that cause deadly fires. A surcharge could pay for the sweep.
November 12, 2026
Thursday’s Headlines: Let’s Talk BQE Edition
Now's your chance to speak out against the mayor's plan to keep the BQE in place for another half-century. Plus the news.
November 12, 2026
