Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Clarence Eckerson

Streetfilm: The Transformation of Willoughby Street

IMG_1445.jpg

This spring, the DOT transformed the corner of Willoughby and Adams Streets in downtown Brooklyn from a dull gray, little-used automobile pass-through (above) into a pedestrian space complete with chairs, benches, plants, tables and sun umbrellas.  But would the people come? Filmmaker Clarence Eckerson took his video camera to the corner to find out. The result is a 1-minute, 26-second Streetfilm on the Willoughby Street transformation.  He quotes Streetsblog's own Ethan Kent:

They've created a destination for downtown office workers, for people from all over Brooklyn, to come and spend some time in a way they hadn't been able to before. The great thing about this is they just went ahead and did this. It wasn't a lot of studies. It wasn't a long plan. They just said, "Hey, let's try it. Let's experiment, see if it's possible."

Streetfilms, which you've seen here and elsewhere on the Internet, is coming to its big screen debut with a screening this coming Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Two Boots Pioneer Theater, East 3rd Street between Avenues A and B.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Lawmakers Raise Doubts About Hochul’s Insurance Proposal

The governor's Uber-backed insurance plan is leaving state lawmakers unsure of its effect on crash victims and high auto premiums.

February 27, 2026

‘Broadway Vision’: City Will Revamp Six More Blocks By 2031

The facelift will cost more than $150 million.

February 27, 2026

Mamdani Falls Short of Campaign Pledge to Expand Open Streets Funding Amid Budget Crunch

The mayor's proposed budget does not expand Open Streets — and raises lots of questions.

February 27, 2026

Friday Video: Why Everyone Drives SUVs

Rollie Williams at Climate Town is back, this time explaining the "light-truck loophole."

February 27, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Undermined at Every Turn Edition

Does the mayor run NYPD and FDNY, or is it the other way around? Plus more news.

February 27, 2026

Mamdani’s FDNY Spews Anti-Street Safety Talking Points at Bizarre Council Hearing

FDNY and DOT were at cross-purposes during a bikelash Council hearing.

February 26, 2026
See all posts