Public Takes to Plazas in East New York and Fort Greene

This weekend, three Brooklyn plazas became hubs of neighborhood activity.

In East New York, Saturday evening saw a community tree lighting, along with local performers and community organizations, at New Lots Triangle on Livonia Avenue. In prior years, the tree was situated in a tiny patch of asphalt between three streets, but in 2011 DOT expanded the plaza by reclaiming a small section of Ashford Street from motor vehicle traffic.

"The street was a real hazard for people," said Catherine Green, founder and executive director of Arts East New York, which organized the evening's events with Soul of Brooklyn and other partners. She added that the plaza has "changed the mindset of people in the neighborhood."

After hosting a presentation and open house Thursday night, the Fulton Area Business Alliance BID set up shop in two public plazas -- Fowler Square Plaza in Fort Greene on Saturday and Putnam Plaza in Clinton Hill on Sunday -- to solicit input on a conceptual plan to revamp 26 blocks of Fulton Street in the BID service area.

Staff from architecture firms working pro bono through non-profit desigNYC joined the BID to get feedback from people walking past. Based on the responses it receives, FAB Alliance will adjust the plan, which focuses on street furniture, public space and redevelopment of key sites on Fulton Street.

"It's a public plaza and this is a public process," FAB Alliance manager Phillip Kellogg said. "What better way to engage people?"

FAB Alliance is planning a Christmas concert by the Lafayette Avenue Inspirational Ensemble gospel choir in Fowler Square Plaza on Saturday, December 15, at 2:00 p.m.

DOT hosted a planning session for New Lots Triangle in August, and is scheduled to present results from business surveys regarding Fowler Square Plaza to the Community Board 2 transportation committee on December 18. Permanent plaza reconstructions are proposed for both locations.