Special Events Street Closures

Lawrence Street

In partnership with Frew Management LLC, Corsair Apartments, Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith, and a committee of residents, we are organizing a third, multi-month street closure of Lawrence Street between State Street and Mechanic Street. Building on the success of similar closures which have taken place in 2024 and 2025, the goals for this year are to (1) Increase pedestrian and traffic safety on Lawrence Street, (2) Create an activated, positive shared space in the neighborhood, and (3) Seek involvement from a wider array of local community and business organizations, including nearby restaurants, cafes, museums, and schools. \n\nActivation elements will include (1) Picnic tables and signage towards the curb near the Memorial Park, (2) A community build day to clean up and landscape the park and install temporary planters, barriers, and other furniture, (3) A marquee event on September 19th organized in collaboration with East Rock PorchFest that will feature live music performed by local bands, and (4) Additional weekly or twice-weekly community events organized in collaboration with local businesses and organizations, with potential partners including Crooked Goat, Alisa's House of Salsa, Ekow Body, Spruce Coffee, mActivity Fitness Center, New Haven Museum, Peabody Museum, East Rock Magnet School, Yale Urban Resources Initiative, and Yale Schwarzman Center. \n\nIn addition to the traditional police barricades, additional safety elements will include traffic drums and movable planters placed at the entrance on State Street. \n\nOur aim is to host the closure from July 15, 2026, though January 31, 2027.

General contractor