Emil Choski has given his Car-Free Bedford Avenue project a serious face lift. The 22-year-old freelance graphic designer and community organizer's new web site includes a three dimensional "flyby" visualization accompanied by some very un-Williamsburgy classical music. With apologies to the Meatpacking District and Ninth Avenue, Emil's project has to be my favorite grassroots livable streets initiative going right now. When is Dan Doctoroff going to wake up and give this kid a job at the Economic Development Corporation?! Choski writes:
The plan calls for the complete banning of automobiles on the stretchof Bedford Ave starting at Metropolitan Avenue and passing through andending at McCarren park. The cross streets would be left open to carsand trucks in order to allow for necessary deliveries. The currenttraffic as well as the B61 bus will be rerouted to parallel avenuesincluding Driggs Ave and Berry St. Emergency vehicles will continue tohave access to Bedford Ave.
What will replace the cars is a thriving pedestrian community, moreoutdoor seating for restaurants, islands of greenery, public sculpture,and anything else that makes the community more alive and beautiful.