Neighborhood advocates came together to push for change. Their efforts were bolstered by our photo-simulations showing how abandoned places can be made to thrive, Streetfilms' videos about public space transformations and Streetsblog's daily coverage that built a case for pilot projects as pathways to larger public space reclamations.
Pearl Street in DUMBO: Before and After
In 2007, DOT responded with a plan to replace car storage with tables and plants, turning this concrete triangle into an oasis. To do so, DOT partnered with the local business improvement district. Surrounding businesses chip in to cover the park's maintenance, as they directly benefit from this thriving plaza. Now sunny days bring scores of people to the Pearl Street plaza, which has become a neighborhood destination.
Pearl Street was the pilot project for the DOT’s citywide Public Plaza Initiative. Streetfilms responded with a short video designed to help neighborhood advocates in other places win support for better use of precious community space.
