Meet Open Plans’ 2026 summer interns!
Every summer we host a talented group of interns who join us from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but share a passion for our city's streetscape and a dedication to making NYC streets safer and more joyful for everyone.
This summer we're happy to be joined by Cree, Liam, and Abigail, and we're excited to benefit from their curiosity and energy as they work alongside our staff on a variety of campaigns and projects!
Learn a bit more about each intern below and join us in welcoming them for the summer!
Cree Long
Graduate student at NYU Wagner, studying Urban Planning, with a concentration in City and Community Planning
Favorite way to get around the city?
Walking
Favorite public space?
St. Nicholas Park
Which OP campaign excites you the most?
Our School Streets Campaign because it is inspiring to see how excited students, faculty, and families are when their street is transformed into a space that’s open for them to play, gather, and simply exist without the burden of traffic. It allows them to experience their school and surrounding neighborhood differently, not just as a place for education, but as a public space for connection, recreation, and community. Having the chance to see this transformation firsthand further reinforces how thoughtful street design can improve everyday life.
If you could change one thing about NYC, what would it be?
More summer and open streets in transit-deserted areas and areas that are heavily impacted by environmental injustices throughout the city.
Bucket list items for the summer?
Bike on one of the Summer Streets with Open Plans and add at least 10 more CDs to my collection by the end of the summer!
Liam Heng
Graduate student at NYU Wagner, studying Urban Planning.
Favorite way to get around the city?
The ferry!
Favorite public space?
McCarren Park, specifically McCarren Parkhouse
Which OP campaign excites you the most?
Low Traffic Neighborhoods! I love how adaptive they are. With relatively small changes and infrastructure investments, the balance of traffic on a street can be totally transformed. It helps redefine our understanding of "streets" from full of cars to full of life.
If you could change one thing about NYC, what would it be?
I would somehow get rid of bus lane violators!
Bucket list items for the summer?
I'm very excited to take the ferry to Staten Island for Summer Streets tabling! And I'm new to biking in New York, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of the city that way.
Abigail Taveras
Graduate student at Hunter College, studying Urban Planning.
Favorite way to get around the city?
I love taking the bus!
Favorite public space?
The New York Botanical Garden
Which OP campaign excites you the most?
Curbside Management because I’m interested in how we can redesign streets to better balance the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and residents. The curb is a limited public space, and thoughtful management can make streets more accessible and create a sense of belonging.
If you could change one thing about NYC, what would it be?
I would improve connectivity between parks by creating safer pedestrian connections, such as overhead bridges or redesigned crossings in areas like Bronx Park East, where major roads divide green spaces and make it harder for communities to access them.
Bucket list items for the summer?
I want to gain more experience in community development and learn how planning projects engage with residents and communities. And I want to learn new cooking recipes for dinner.
Image Credits
New York Botanical Garden photo: King of Hearts via Wikimedia Commons (October 23, 2016)
St. Nicholas Park photo: Sideways NYC (Manhattan Sideways)
McCarren Park photo: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation
