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

‘Travel Hack’: Port Authority Pushes Airport Driving to Avoid Its Pricey AirTrain Fare

Use this trick to undermine our own service, the Port Authority says.

November 25, 2024

The Year-End Appeal: Why We Ask for Help

Every year at this time, we take stock of our achievements over the previous 12 months ... and kindly beg for contributions. Thanks.

November 25, 2024

The Emissions Data GOP Pols Don’t Want Americans To See

Dozens of red states sued to stop the release of their state transportation emissions data. A new report gives a glimpse into what they were trying to hide.

November 25, 2024

Monday’s Headlines: This Culture War is Driving Us Mad Edition

Obviously, drivers will do anything to deflect the effect that all their driving causes. Plus other news.

November 25, 2024

DOT E-Bike Charging Pilot is a Success as City Plans More

"The goal should be to increase e-bike usage and to make sure battery charging and storage is done outside of dangerous areas," one charging advocate said.

November 25, 2024
See all posts