Petition calls for permanent pedestrian plaza in Greenpoint; some businesses are strongly opposed

For the past three years, a group of Brooklyn residents has been campaigning for the Bedford Slip to be converted into a pedestrian plaza, free of vehicle traffic.

Faith Graham

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Aug 12, 2024, 5:12 PM

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Updated 81 days ago

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As the final phase of the G train shutdown begins, some Greenpoint residents are advocating for a temporary pedestrian plaza created during phase two of the service disruption to become a permanent fixture. However, not everyone in the community is in favor of the proposal.

For the past three years, a group of Brooklyn residents has been campaigning for the Bedford Slip to be converted into a pedestrian plaza, free of vehicle traffic.

“This place was basically being used for seven metered parking spaces and a left-hand turn onto Manhattan Avenue. We basically said, ‘Hey, let’s move the left-hand turn onto Nassau. Make this a space for people," said Kevin Lacherra, an organizer of the petition

Their wish was partially granted on June 28 when the Bedford Slip closed to traffic for six weeks due to the G train shutdown.

Some people who live in the neighborhood say the closure has served as an asset.

“It’s been fantastic since they closed it earlier this summer to traffic,” said Jon Orcutt, a Greenpoint resident.

With the plaza set to reopen, the petition has resurfaced, urging the Department of Transportation to make the pedestrian plaza permanent. More than 3,300 people have signed it.

Rep. Nydia Velázquez and state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez have both expressed support for the proposal in letters to city officials.

Despite the enthusiasm, the proposal faces opposition. Local businesses, such as Billy's Locksmith & Security Service and ID Menswear, both tell News 12 they've noticed a significant drop in revenue due to loss of street traffic and parking.

“For the past six weeks, our business has been down 40%,” said Billy Essling, the owner Billy's Locksmith & Security Service.

Some residents agree.

“It’s just an inconvenience and it seems like it’s not based on what the locals and the businesses want,” said Lacy Lancaster.

The Bedford Slip plaza is scheduled to reopen to traffic Tuesday.

News 12 reached out to the Department of Transportation for comment and they released a statement saying:

The community clearly embraced temporarily opening the Bedford slip lane to pedestrians to improve bus service during the first phase of the G train shutdown. We are working with residents to develop a longer-term vision for this block through the Open Streets program.

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