Plan for Breathing Life into Downtown Ghost Parks
In a Times profile of Project for Public Spaces founder founder Fred Kent, the urban anthropologist calls the half-mile stretch of parks running north of Borough Hall a prime example of public space that could be better utilized. According to Kent, the frequently deserted parks could be transformed into a lively pedestrian market like Las…
In a Times profile of Project for Public Spaces founder founder Fred Kent, the urban anthropologist calls the half-mile stretch of parks running north of Borough Hall a prime example of public space that could be better utilized. According to Kent, the frequently deserted parks could be transformed into a lively pedestrian market like Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Kent envisions a market dotted with art stalls and produce stands that connects to the Brooklyn Bridge walkway, resulting in what could be the best approach to the waterfront in the United States. And Kent says the cost to develop the market would be less than $2 million, with rents from the market paying off the outlay within a couple of years. Seems like a great idea to us. Think it’s realistic?
Brooklyn Borough Hall [NY Times]
Addendum: I’ll let the bad writing stand, but add that I meant one or two people PER BENCH in the veterans plaza.
What (I think, from experience) you always have to keep in mind whenever Fred Kent or PPS pops off is that their definition of success is crowds and activity. If you don’t have a zillion people doing a bunch of stuff, then your place is a failure. As several people expressed above, some people prefer a more sedate experience, at least some of the time. During the lunch hours (in good weather), you will find one or two people having a quiet lunch in the Korean War Veterans Plaza. It’s a nice place to decompress not too far off the beaten track. Could it be more lively? Absolutely. Need it be? Judgement call, although I know how PPS would answer.
Several people call for a farmers market, which makes me ask, ‘forget about Las Ramblas, have you ever been to Columbus Park?’ There has been a greenmarket three days a week in front of Borough Hall for years. And as for a venders market, there was one (Fridays in good weather) and it was not financially successful, despite being run by an experienced operator. Maybe it needs to be just, say, three times a year and advertised, especially if it is going to have higher quality goods, as several people suggested. A seasonal fair like the Christmas fair in Union Square has been considered by the parks department but has never gotten happened.
Another idea proposed by the agency is to issue a request for proposals for a food concession in the building at the corner of Cadman Plaza West and Tillary Street. Competitive bidding, so no guarantee of a Shake Shack. For an informal recreation space, the newly renovated area in front of the War Memorial gets a decent amount of use from the local schools and pick-up games.
I agree with 3:32, who said it in fewer words and opined, “This is a solution in search of a problem.” Something else to remember about PPS: they are consultants and their pronouncements–as much as they sound like public service–are advertisements for hiring their services.
Hmmm; I live nearby what I and my 2 year old call Cadman Plaza Park and we like it the way it is. I work part time, so we’re not there every day, but at least a couple of days a week we make a point of walking through. In the northernmost part of the park (the part north of Tillary), my son loves to walk around, point out the flowers, see who’s playing what sports (and we almost always see what look to be teams playing there not just a few folks — often a couple of “games” going at a time). There are always other parents and nannies there with kids, hanging out and having snacks and lunch. Since the renovation was completed, it’s always struck me as a nice, not-too-crowded, well utilized area.
I’m with 3:32pm. The only part that’s underutilized is the part near the war memorial and the post office. On greenmarket days (Tuesdays and Saturdays . . . and Thursdays for part of the year, I think), the Borough Hall Plaza is hopping.
Kent basically called Washington Sq Park the greatest in NYC. Anyone with that sort of aesthetic shouldn’t be relied upon.
Brenda from Flatbush,
Beat your kids and enjoy your shake. Your eyes will dialate and your hands will tremble once again as you dine on the green baloney and stale bread served in Central Booking as Big Shiela snatches you up and tries to suck that shake back out of your mouth while she kisses you and tells you that you can call her “boo”.
“a market dotted with art stalls and produce stands”
— Don’t we have ENOUGH of these all over the city? Not to mention the every-block-has-one-in-the-summertime street fairs? How much of this crap are we supposed to buy, anyway?
The problem is the premise is WRONG – the areaparks are very well utilised especially now that the fieldturf was put down in front of the war memorial (where are all those skeptics admitting they were wrong) – the only section that isnt properly utilised is the Korean War memorial section in front of the post office – Otherwise there are greenmarkets, flea markets etc, etc, etc.
This is a solution is search of a problem
A weekend green market would be wonderful! Outside the Ferry Building in San Francisco might be a better goal to emulate than Las Ramblas. M-F there are local artists (yes, some with T-shirts, but a lot with photography, drawings and jewelry) and weekends a green market is added to the mix. Always nice to stroll through.
When the Brooklyn Book Festival was held here just a few weeks ago, I realized it was the first I had used the park after living in Brooklyn since 1984. The publisher and bookseller tables were all located due north of Borough Hall. I’d like to see more amenities to draw people to the park.