BOERUM HILL — The largest-ever Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day event took place the afternoon of Saturday, April 26, in honor of Earth Day’s 55th anniversary. More than 50 car-free streets in the five boroughs — including nearly 20 in Brooklyn — boasted expanded events, including art, music and sustainable activities. 

Open Streets is also slated to promote activism, climate change awareness and sustainable transportation methods. 

One of the streets, Hoyt, between State Street and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, kicked off its third annual Open Streets programming. Sponsored by the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation, it will take place every weekend through October: Fridays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Kelly Carroll, executive director of the Atlantic Avenue BID, told the Brooklyn Eagle, “Earth Day should be every day.”  

“Car-Free Earth Day is so important,” she said. “To close just a tiny piece of roadway and give this neighborhood, which doesn’t really have a park unless you go all the way to the waterfront, a little space to just breathe is ideal.”  

Carroll pointed out that Hoyt Street, between State Street and Atlantic Avenue, is “the perfect block,” noting that there is a concentration of businesses there, especially dining establishments. 

“Other side streets don’t have such a cluster of eateries; it’s really the perfect mix of everything,” said Carroll. 

The first Earth Day was held in 1970, sparked by growing concerns about environmental damage and pollution. It is observed in over 193 countries and engages over a billion people worldwide, making it a truly global event. Earth Day motivates people to take concrete steps to protect the environment, such as reducing waste, conserving energy and advocating for policy changes. It aims to educate the public about environmental issues and encourage a sense of responsibility for the planet.

The Atlantic Avenue BID represents more than 300 small businesses along a 1.2 mile stretch in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. The BID helps promote the businesses and catalyze their growth. The BID’s main prongs, according to Carroll, are beautification, sanitation, marketing and advocacy.