Close Encounters Documentary w/ Clarence Eckerson Jr.
The 34th Avenue open street in Jackson Heights, Queens—once a pandemic emergency response—has evolved into a vibrant, community-driven linear park spanning 26 blocks, now celebrated as the longest open street in New York City. In his first full-length documentary, Clarence Eckerson Jr. captures its transformation from a temporary fix into a permanent cultural and social hub, where families, children, artists, and volunteers have reclaimed public space. The film, titled *Close Encounters*, draws a powerful parallel to the 1977 sci-fi classic, symbolizing how this street became a place of wonder, connection, and joy—where a discarded tire became a neighborhood mascot, children ride scooters in the middle of the road, and Santa Claus rides through on a bike. Eckerson, a longtime urbanist filmmaker, made the documentary during his shoulder recovery, using years of footage and 50 interviews to craft a story not just about infrastructure, but about community resilience, equity, and the quiet revolution of reclaiming streets for people. The film’s message is clear: when cities prioritize people over cars, magic happens—literally, in the form of spontaneous festivals, school streets, and a 50th birthday celebration on the longest table ever built on a city street. The documentary is not just a celebration—it’s a blueprint. It reveals how a mix of grassroots activism, political will, and urban design can create lasting change.
34th Avenue in Jackson Heights is the longest open street in NYC—26 blocks long, 1.3 miles each way, with no cars and zero traffic fatalities in six years.
The open street began as a pandemic emergency response but became a permanent community space due to grassroots activism and volunteer power.
The documentary *Close Encounters* was made by Clarence Eckerson Jr. during his shoulder recovery, using 50 interviews and years of footage to tell a story of community resilience.
The street now hosts school drop-offs, Zumba classes, Halloween parades, Santa Claus bike rides, and the 'Longest Table' potluck—proving that people thrive when streets are designed for them, not cars.
A discarded tire named Robert became a neighborhood mascot, symbolizing how simple, unplanned joy can emerge when streets are open and safe.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Rise of 34th Avenue: A People-Powered Street
John Simmerman introduces the episode, highlighting the explosive growth of bicycling in Jackson Heights and the transformation of 34th Avenue into a protected, car-free corridor stretching from Sunnyside to Long Island City.
Clarence Eckerson Jr.: The Filmmaker Behind the Movement
Clarence introduces himself as a veteran urbanist filmmaker with over 1,200 short films under the Street Films banner, explaining how his work with Open Plans has long supported active mobility and street safety advocacy.
From Short Films to a Full-Length Documentary
Clarence reveals his journey from making short-form urban films to creating his first feature-length documentary, driven by his shoulder surgery and the need to stay productive during recovery.
The Birth of an Open Street: A Pandemic Response
“It allows people to move around at their speed. Whether you want to just slowly walk down the street, bring your family or push grandma down the street.”
The Power of Community: From School Streets to School Streets
“The reason that this street is so important is because the... dismissal is amazing. They just come out on the street and they, you know, see, they play ball. They talk, they do a little roughing house.”
“It allows people to move around at their speed. Whether you want to just slowly walk down the street, bring your family or push grandma down the street.”
“He's one second from learning. The kid back here also learned. I have a target to learn by and go with their family bike trip on Saturday.”
“So we're composting everything that we can? Wow! Oh, very nice. That's dedication.”
Host
Guest
34th Avenue
place
Jackson Heights
place
Clarence Eckerson Jr.
person
Street Films
organization
Close Encounters
media
John Simmerman
person
Open Plans
organization
Robert the Tire
other
Paseo Park
place
Santa Claus Ride
other
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