The Transformation of Fourth Avenue
Watch out, 4th Avenue. Marty Markowitz has a dream: “I have imagined this bleak stretch of road transformed into something reminiscent of the beautiful, tree-lined portion of Park Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. And my hope is that this community-based process will lay the groundwork for a stunning thoroughfare reaching from Atlantic Avenue to…
Watch out, 4th Avenue. Marty Markowitz has a dream: “I have imagined this bleak stretch of road transformed into something reminiscent of the beautiful, tree-lined portion of Park Avenue on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. And my hope is that this community-based process will lay the groundwork for a stunning thoroughfare reaching from Atlantic Avenue to the Atlantic Ocean.” The Borough President enlisted urban planning students from NYU Wagner to help create the Vision Plan for the Fourth Avenue Corridor, which involves “traffic-calming measures, streetscaping, placemaking and wayfinding improvements, and community partnerships” — that could eventually transform the industrial avenue into “Brooklyn Boulevard.” Any thoughts on this?
Vision Plan for the 4th Avenue Corridor [Brooklyn Borough President’s Office]
Cucina was one of the first upscale restuarants in PS. They used to give you a free bottle of wine if you showed them your ticket from any BAM Opera event.
Landscaping…A few million tulip bulbs should take care of everything.
Must say, Vanderbuilt Avenue in PH is looking better every day.
I agree, 4th Avenue is a thoroughfare. That’s why you should live in one of these new big buildings with triple-glazed windows and central air… or in one of the higher floors. That’s the trade-off.
I think 4th Avenue “flows” quite well. Of course there are jerkies that drive 65+ mph and weaving in and out dangerously… but then that’s why there are supposed to be police pulling people over. Perhaps Marty could chat with the police about actually enforcing basic traffic laws?
On that note, it is still REALLY surprising to me that no one turns right on red. Blowing through “stale” red lights and stop signs, driving 2x the speed limit, cutting people off like nutjobs…. but no one turns right on red. It’s amazing.
Let me just add – that these ‘traffic calming’ sidewalk extensions are truly asinine – and if Marty puts them on 4th Ave he is a moron. Park Avenue, Eastern Parkway, Grand Concourse and virtually every other attractive roadway do not have these concrete tumors,
Just plant some trees Marty and dont over think it.
The columbia st waterfront is a much better candidate.
4th Avenue is officially designated as a truck route as far south as 39th Street. This is one of the streets where you specifically want to facilitate vehicular movement, not slow it down and make it even more expensive to move goods around the city.
I second the tree planting idea – if they planted trees on either side of 4th avenue it would prettify the nabe
Interesting collection of data – but really underestimates the impact of Atlantic Yards (probably instructed not to talk about it)
Sticter enforcement of double parking regs on 4th – as well as no sidewalk parking (around “flat fix” areas) would also be some quick fixes. Planting trees has an instant traffic calming effect.
It is really simple – REALLY
There is one problem with 4th Ave – its ugly – otherwise its fine. Just make the medians consistent (width) and then plant them all as well as street trees on either side. It shouldnt even be that expensive since the City has already budgeted money for Bloombergs 1M tree program.
The traffic is fine (in fact it generally moves too slow – sync more of the lights), its ugly – and if you landscape it, it will be fairly attractive – add some more handsome street lights and it will be gorgeous. It really isnt that complicated Marty. Landscaping hides virtually all sins.
Speed up the traffic by coordinating the lights so we can get to the parking lots behind the arena Marty supported. Marty, how’s that charity doin’? Forgetaboutit…