Downtown Brooklyn Is Getting A Complete Redesign
Over the next decade, Downtown Brooklyn will enact a series of "transformative measures" to improve the neighborhood for pedestrian use.
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, along with design firms Bjarke Ingels Group and WXY architecture + urban design have devised a new vision for the streetscapes of Downtown Brooklyn within the next decade.
According to Downtown Brooklyn Public Realm Action, one of the reasons for the redesign is to “meet the needs of its primary users — pedestrians, cyclists, and mass transit riders.”
“The pandemic has underscored the need to follow through on our public realm vision for a downtown that prioritizes people over cars and quality green spaces,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership…This plan positions Downtown Brooklyn as a model for converting outdated infrastructure that no longer serves its constituents, and we are moving forward with our partners at the City to make our vision a reality.”
The redesign is intended to tackle Downtown Brooklyn’s current lack of lack of green space, multi-modal conflict and vehicular congestion, narrow and substandard sidewalks. placard parking abuse, disorienting street grids, and inconsistent streetscape + identity, as shared on their website.
Similar to the Meatpacking District’s initiative, their plan is to “transform the public realm of Downtown Brooklyn by reclaiming its streets for greater pedestrian use and creating attractive, accessible public spaces that prioritize people and the environment.”
The newly designed roadmap will focus on transforming the streets between Willoughby and Schermerhorn Streets north and south of the Fulton Mall from a central business district, to a downtown for people.
The area has seen extensive growth over the past few years and DBP’s plan is intended to accommodate this growth in order to make “Downtown Brooklyn a signature destination and a more livable neighborhood for all.”
Brooklynites can expect improved bike connectivity, an increase in safety, reduced bus congestion, 1,000 newly planted trees, and a more walkable downtown.
Learn more about what to expect on their website here.