A pedestrian plaza that opened in Williamsburg this year is getting mixed reviews from the public.

Back in May, the point where Union Avenue meets North Tenth Street became home to a 6,900 square-foot pedestrian plaza. Since then, it has received a lukewarm reception.

"I think it's a nice little area together," says resident Ken Eakin. "[It] could be really great in the summer, spring, fall."

Even if too many people don't use the area as a community gathering space, the plaza does serve another purpose. The New York City Department of Transportation says it's also a traffic-calming measure, a major boost for pedestrian safety.

A spokesperson for the agency says it serves to shorten pedestrian crossing distances, reduce vehicular speeding and create simpler, safer left turns.