Brooklyn is undergoing significant infrastructure changes this summer, affecting various neighborhoods and enhancing public spaces across the borough.
From safety upgrades in DUMBO to new improvements in Brooklyn Heights and Greenpoint, these upgrades aim to boost quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
One of the key initiatives involves safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians in DUMBO. The NYC DOT is working on enhancing the busy intersection of Jay Street and Sands Street, which acts as a critical entry point to the Manhattan Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians.
This development includes the addition of a new sidewalk extension that offers more space, along with dedicated ramps for both cyclists and pedestrians for each crosswalk, replacing the current shared ramps.
Furthermore, the plan entails the removal of an iron fence near the fire hydrant close to the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge bike ramp, aimed at increasing visibility and access.
In addition, Brooklyn Heights will also see improvements with the addition of a new crosswalk and stop sign at Squibb Park’s entrance. This busy access point to Brooklyn Bridge Park serves as a vital area for pedestrians, particularly families with young children.
The management of Squibb Park has shifted from NYC Parks Department to Brooklyn Bridge Park, promising better upkeep and amenities like new garbage cans to enhance the park experience.
Another notable transformation is taking place beneath the BQE in Brooklyn Heights at the Atlantic Avenue underpass. The area is being adorned with two vibrant murals produced in collaboration with Thrive Collective, highlighting Brooklyn’s rich history and culture.
These artistic enhancements are supplemented by new lighting, which improves visibility and safety for pedestrians traversing the underpass,
Moreover, Montague Street, a bustling thoroughfare in Brooklyn Heights, is set to receive several upgrades designed to enhance pedestrian safety, allow for outdoor dining, and make the street more accessible.
Improvements will include curb extensions at Hicks, Henry, and Clinton Streets to lower traffic speed and shorten pedestrian crossings, with additional mid-block extensions planned.
Modifications to parking and loading regulations are also forthcoming to benefit commercial deliveries and reduce issues with double parking.
The street will welcome new public seating, on-street bike corrals, planters, and protective granite blocks to enhance pedestrian areas, with work scheduled to take place throughout July and August.
Beyond immediate neighborhood enhancements, the NYC Ferry network is also undergoing significant proposed system-wide changes aimed at expediting service and broadening access to more New York City destinations.
The changes, which are the first of their kind in the ferry system’s eight-year history, may include the introduction of two separate East River routes, a new connection from Bay Ridge to Staten Island, and an extension of the South Brooklyn route to East 34th St. in Manhattan.
Additionally, the Soundview and Rockaway routes may be combined to provide improved service between Queens and the Bronx, with a public survey open through September 1 for New Yorkers to share their input.
A webinar is scheduled for July 21 where attendees can learn more about the proposed changes and their implications for local communities.
In a significant move, the concrete recycling plant located on the Columbia Street waterfront will be shut down in August following significant local protests.
The facility has faced criticism due to complaints regarding dust, noise, and heavy truck traffic since it was relocated from Sunset Park to the Brooklyn Marine Terminal.
Many community members and local officials consider the plant’s closure to be overdue and have expressed relief over the decision.
Looking ahead, a much-anticipated vote on the Brooklyn Marine Terminal vision plan is slated for July 24, after several delays in the decision-making process.
This vision plan has been met with strong opposition from neighbors and concerns from some task force members, despite overwhelming support for the proposed redevelopments.
The current proposal outlines a vision for a modernized port alongside mixed-use developments, which would include 6,000 housing units—2,400 of which will be designated as affordable housing—along with expansive parks, public spaces, and improved transportation options.
Highlighting the focus on sustainability, the plan also incorporates storm resiliency measures to protect the area against rising sea levels.
In a win for accessibility, the Bay Ridge–95th Street subway station has become fully ADA accessible for the first time due to the installation of two new elevators that opened on July 8.
One elevator connects the street level with the mezzanine, while the second connects the mezzanine to the platform, facilitating easier access for all riders.
Aside from the elevators, the station has received significant upgrades including improved staircases, ADA boarding areas on the platform, and new communications and electrical systems to enhance rider experience.
In the Greenpoint neighborhood, the NYC DOT has made strides to improve safety with the installation of a new midblock crosswalk on Bedford Avenue, between North 12th Street and Lorimer Street.
This upgrade aims to slow down traffic and create a safer entrance to McCarren Park located between Automotive High School and the park’s tennis courts.
Additionally, ongoing signal upgrades on the G train between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand Avenue will result in weeknight work from 9:45pm to 5am, along with weekend shutdowns from 9:45pm Fridays through 5am Mondays, continuing until August 18.
Lastly, after nearly 15 years of development, the +POOL project—a floating, self-filtering swimming pool in the East River—is entering its construction and testing phase.
A rectangular pilot version, a quarter of the desired plus-shaped design, has been transported to a shipyard in Red Hook for testing to ensure that its filtration system can effectively clean river water for swimming.
Upon passing inspections by city and state agencies, the pool is set to be installed near Pier 35, with an expected opening date in May 2026.
Designed to provide various zones for swimming, lounging, and recreational activities, the +POOL project aims to filter and provide access to over one million gallons of river water daily, enhancing public interaction with New York’s waterways.
Brooklyn’s transformative summer promises to enhance various community spaces as well as improve accessibility while addressing environmental concerns and bolstering local infrastructure.
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