As 1 Staten Island neighborhood pushes back on street closures, another says bring it on

""I believe an event like that would be a great idea, as it allows the Port Richmond area an opportunity to showcase all the wonderful businesses that call it home," Lopez said. "We've had street closures on Port Richmond Avenue in the past-for the Mexican Independence Day parade and for a Summer Streets event-and they went off without a hitch. The only thing I would suggest is that they give us ample time to prepare.""

""My problem is that whenever they close the street for a parade like Our Lady of Guadalupe the whole avenue shuts down and no one can get near us," he said. "You could close one block, but you can't close all of Port Richmond Avenue. That would be insane.""

Planning is underway for the 2026 Summer Streets event on Forest Avenue, prompting early conversations among city officials, business owners, and neighborhood groups. Port Richmond merchants express conditional support if organizers provide adequate time, advance notice, and operational support to accommodate deliveries and access. Some businesses recall past street closures that proceeded smoothly when planned, while others fear full-avenue shutdowns would block customer and delivery access, harming restaurant operations. Concerns center on coordination, communication, and leadership to mitigate negative impacts. Planners are urged to show sensitivity to how restaurants operate and to coordinate with delivery platforms and merchants.

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