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Home , Brooklyn Navy Yard, Commodore Barry Park, Farragut Houses, Fort Greene Park, Joan Millman, Martin Connor

BROOKLYNWATERFRONT GREENWAY

a plan for community boards 2 & 6 DRAFT 02.01.05 Waterfront Greenway will be a safe, landscaped, off-street route linking people to the waterfront, nature, neighborhoods, workplaces, and history, providing a means for healthy exercise while promoting the revitalization of Brooklyn's waterfront.

About the Authors

This plan was produced by Brooklyn Greenway Initiative and Regional Plan Association. Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is a local greenway advocacy and planning organization established in 2004 specifically to build and sustain the political, public, civic, and government partnerships necessary to create a continuous 14 mile waterfront greenway from Greenpoint to Bay Ridge. The Greenway Initiative grew out of earlier efforts by the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Task Force to support the 4.7 mile Brooklyn Waterfront Trail proposed by the City in the Columbia Street and Red Hook neighborhoods.

Regional Plan Association (RPA) is an independent, not-for-profit regional planning organization that improves the quality of life and the economic competitiveness of the 31-county -New Jersey-Connecticut region through research, planning, and advocacy. In the 1996 Third Regional Plan, A Region at Risk, RPA identified the New York/New Jersey Harbor as one of 12 region-shaping open spaces. RPA sees the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway as one of the key investments the City and State must make in order to realize the full potential of the harbor and its adjacent communities.

Funding

This conceptual plan was prepared for the New York State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund with the sponsorship of the Brooklyn Borough President's Office. Funding has also been provided by Association, Con Edison, Independence Community Foundation, JM Kaplan Fund, Merck Family Fund, The Environmental Fund, and The New York Community Trust.

1 Community Boards 2 & 6 Origins of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan

In 1866, Fredrick Law Olmstead proposed the page of this report. A number of private foundations country's first greenway along Ocean in have also contributed to this effort. Brooklyn to connect Prospect to . Olmsted believed that a connected system of , This plan proposes planning principles and guidelines open water, and residential neighborhoods provide and a physical route for the Greenway in Community people with meaningful connections to nature that no Boards 2 and 6; covering the waterfront from Division singular park could, no matter how large. Olmsted Avenue in South Williamsburg to the Hamilton Avenue would not be surprised to know that, a century and Bridge over the . The Plan also half later, there would be a groundswell of local identifies the many public and private partnerships support for another Brooklyn greenway. and actions that will be needed for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway to be realized. The diverse The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway intention parallels neighborhoods and uses that distinguish Brooklyn's Olmsted's original vision. A safe, landscaped, off- waterfront also means that a multitude of public and street route along Brooklyn's waterfront will provide private stakeholders will need to review, comment, healthful recreation, transportation and waterfront and ultimately adopt the ideas presented here as access for all New Yorkers. It will also connect their own. This draft plan is a step in that process. neighborhoods to their waterfronts and the many current and planned amenities that dot Brooklyn's The development of this plan was advanced by a waterfront. public workshop on November 9, 2004 at St. Frances College in . The purpose of the The planning of a Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway workshop was to elicit what recreational or other began in 1993 when the Department of City Planning experiences the greenway should enable and where (DCP) identified the Brooklyn Waterfront Trail the greenway should be located. Over 100 Greenway as a priority route among the 350 miles of participants attended the three hour workshop, trails described in the Greenway Plan for New York representing diverse local, city, and regional interests. City. In 1998, DCP released its Preliminary Design (The full summary of the public workshop detailing and Summary Report for the 4.7-mile Brooklyn participants' suggestions can be found at Waterfront Trail. www.brooklyngreenway.org.). This draft plan combines participants' suggestions with the results of Building from these original proposals, waterfront our inventory, smaller meetings with a number of residents, elected officials, and other greenway public and private stakeholders, and design analysis. advocates started a campaign first to realize, and The Technical Advisory Committee has helped guide then to expand this proposal. Today the Brooklyn and shape the plan as well. Waterfront Greenway is envisioned as a 14 mile multi- use trail crossing Community Boards 1, 2, 6 & 7 from This draft plan is being presented to the public and Greenpoint through Sunset Park and connecting the public agencies, starting with a public meeting on proposed waterfront greenway with Brooklyn's February 1, 2005 at St. Frances College, with the goal Shore Parkway Esplanade. The Brooklyn Greenway of soliciting further public comment and review. A Initiative was incorporated specifically to advocate for revised plan will be released in the Spring of 2005. this larger vision. Complementary Efforts A Draft Plan for Community Boards 2 and 6 Regional Plan Association and Brooklyn Greenway This draft plan has been developed by Regional Plan Initiative's work in Community Boards 2 and 6 is being Association (RPA) and Brooklyn Greenway Initiative complemented by other planning studies now (BGI) with the support of the Department of State's underway in adjacent Community Boards 1 and 7. The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Greenpoint Waterfront Association for Parks & sponsored by the Brooklyn Borough President's office. Planning and the Trust for Public Land have The plan has been developed with input from a developed an open space plan that includes the Technical Advisory Committee which includes city and greenway in CB1 (Greenpoint and Williamsburg) and state agencies, elected officials, consultants and UPROSE and Pratt Institute Center for Community and other official stakeholders. The members of the Environmental Development are working in CB7 Technical Advisory Committee are listed on the final (Sunset Park).

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 2 Inventory of Existing Conditions

RPA and BGI surveyed existing conditions along the Physical conditions: The existing physical conditions waterfront in community Boards 2 and 6 as they present a variety of constraints and opportunities. The relate to identification of the greenway route and cobblestone streets in Vinegar Hill and Red Hook planning and design. The inventory, incorporated into require that we think about how to preserve a geographic information system (GIS) database, is community character while providing a safe and divided into the following categories. enjoyable route and surface for the greenway. Street trees line some stretches of the greenway, while many Land use and zoning: The waterfront has historically sections are absent of any greenery. Also, because of been a place of maritime and industrial uses. The the historic industrial nature of the waterfront, the greenway is an opportunity to increase waterfront greenway in many areas runs parallel to truck routes. access and for New Yorkers to view a working Good design, however, can help minimize the conflict waterfront. between trucks and people riding or walking along the greenway. Density and concentrations of poverty, elderly and young: The greenway is an opportunity to improve the Travel patterns: The greenway will offer residents of health of adjacent communities by providing them Brooklyn's waterfront an alternative mode of with the infrastructure needed to increase physical transportation. U.S. Census travel to work data shows activity. Communities along the greenway that may that there is great potential for the greenway to impact especially benefit are densely populated travel along the waterfront and greenway neighborhoods with minimal open space and neighborhoods and . People who make neighborhoods with concentrations of lower income these trips could use the greenway for all or part of households, young and elderly populations, which are their commute. more susceptible to obesity related illnesses. Such For instance, Red Hook, which is known for its communities, like the and Red Hook lack of public transportation, has approximately Houses, stand to greatly benefit from the recreational 35,000 people who travel to . The opportunities provided by the greenway. neighborhoods around the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges have 10,000 people who both work and live in Proposed developments: New and proposed the area and nearly 50% of them drive. The greenway developments along the waterfront include new ferry is one way daily commutes can be made more stops, evolving maritime areas like the cruise ship healthful and environmentally friendly. terminal, new waterfront parks like Brooklyn and , and the conversion of Summary of opportunities and constraints: All of the industrial properties into commercial and residential above information has been synthesized to create the uses. These projects present the opportunity to adjacent map. incorporate the greenway into the overall Opportunities: The greenway will provide a unique redevelopment of the waterfront. recreational experience where new recreational space sits side by side with the working waterfront. It will Views: All along the greenway there are interesting connect the clusters of natural, historic, and cultural and breathtaking views of the waterfront, city skyline, attractions of DUMBO and Red Hook as well as the and Brooklyn's historic neighborhoods and maritime many parks and open spaces that exist all along the industrial areas. Views range from corridors that act waterfront in Community Boards 2 and 6, many of as a means to draw people to the greenway or along it which provide waterfront access and stunning views. to vistas that reveal the expansiveness of the harbor The greenway will not only connect the waterfront and Manhattan's skyline. communities but will also accommodate residents of inland neighborhoods. Gateways are where greenway Points of interest: Along the route there are a number users can easily make the connection to and from of destinations and attractions including historic upland areas. Interpretive and way-finding signage at districts and landmarks, cultural attractions, and the key access points will help educate and orient waterfront access points for fishing and boating. users. Challenges: Greenway design will minimize the Access: People are going to be entering the greenway impact of adjacent vehicular traffic as there are many from upland communities, connecting greenways, places where the greenway follows local truck routes. ferries, and other transit. Gateways are areas that will Ongoing planning efforts will work to gain the handle the largest volumes of people; need to be necessary width so that all users can safely enjoy the inviting, orient people, absorb volumes, and minimize entire route. conflicts. 3 Community Boards 2 & 6 Opportunities & Challenges

Manhattan greenways Williamsburg/ Greenpoint & Queens

Broadway

Old Fulton s s e c c a t n o r f r e t a Jay w

Flushing

Navy

Atlantic

Congress/Kane Legend

proposed route

insufficient right-of-way

trucks & route crossings

panoramic views

w a connections to other greenways t e Columbia r f r o n t a upland connections c c e s s Smith & waterfront access Hamilton existing & future public waterfront

existing and future large parks

primary access points

historic and cultural areas

ess 1,600 Feet Sunset Park & waterfront acc Shore Parkway

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 4 Planning Principles

The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway should be more than a simple sidewalk or bicycling route. It should provide the means to connect, celebrate, restore, and explore Brooklyn's diverse waterfront its neighborhoods and residents, recreational and industrial users, and its unique environment.

The following principles generated by the participants at our Public Workshop are a framework for how the Greenway can accomplish this. They underlie the physical and programming recommendations that follow:

CREATE a healthy green edge on the Brooklyn waterfront. Establish public access to the Harbor waterfront and waters. Improve public health in communities that line this historically industrial waterfront by providing improved recreational amenities and programs. Restore and enhance ecological functions in the shoreline environment.

CONNECT the waterfront neighborhoods with each other, the rest of Brooklyn, and neighboring bikeways in Queens, , and Manhattan. Knit together regional and community parks, unique neighborhood attractions, and the transit system.

EXPLORE the complex and rich urban landscape along the Brooklyn waterfront and its neighborhoods. Respect the needs of Brooklyn's successful maritime industries while increasing the public's understanding. Provide a variety of experiences that reflect this dynamic and changing landscape.

CELEBRATE the diversity of Brooklyn. Showcase neighborhoods, natural environments, culture, art, and industry. Accommodate the needs of a wide variety of people from local residents to destination-oriented visitors.

Images from the November 9, 2004 public workshop. Clockwise from top left: A group of participants working out the route in CB2; a drawing of one group's idea to link the greenway with Governors Island; illustration of Vanderbilt and Washington Avenues as primary connections between the greenway and Fort Greene and Clinton Hill; a group's suggestion to split cyclists and pedestrians in Vinegar Hill; a recommendation to connect and the greenway at Fulton Ferry Landing.

5 Community Boards 2 & 6 Design Objectives

To ensure continuity and the safety of its visitors, the Greenway should meet certain consistent parameters throughout its route. These can be accomplished in a variety of ways that also meet the objectives and standards of individual landowners and implementing agencies.

OFF-STREET so it is family friendly, safe and inviting.

SEPARATED bike and pedestrian paths to accomodate a diversity of users.

GREEN so it provides relief from paved, hard surfaces and reveals and restores ecological functions wherever possible.

AMPLY BUILT to handle the volumes of users that will result from build out of the Brooklyn waterfront and from full connection to the wider network of bike and pedestrian facilities. The right-of-way needs to be 30 feet wide to safely and enjoyably accommodate the diversity of users; a minimum of 18 feet at pinch points.

CONTINUOUS so that users can reach waterfront destinations and attractions in a singul, connected experience.

Off-street greenways around New York City. From left to right: Brooklyn's Shore Parkway (Transportation Alternatives); the multi-use path in Gateway National Park; Hudson River Greenway.

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 6 Conceptual Plan: A Green Edge for Brooklyn

With Brooklyn's waterfront communities, maritime activities, and local history as a backdrop, the greenway will offer a great experience for both local families and curious visitors. Families, commuters, tourists, and weekend athletes will all find space on the greenway and the attractions along its route.

While the greenway along the waterfront will undoubtedly be a regional attraction, it has the potential to change the every day lives of those who live adjacent to it. By providing a path for walking, cycling, and skating it will enable people to increase their opportunities to engage in healthful exercise. Numerous studies have established that the construction of such active recreation facilities results in more people engaging in healthful recreation. The greenway will also connect the many recreational facilities that already exist on the waterfront, greatly increasing access to, and use of, these amenities.

All of this, side by side with a working waterfront will illuminate the extensive range of Brooklyn's cultural, historic, and environmental legacy.

Brooklyn's waterfront communities are already working steadily to create a clean, green waterfront.

7 Community Boards 2 & 6 Now

A Vision for the Future

The former Con Edison site could be transformed into an ecologically functioning recreational environment that includes a vegetated buffer, permeable walking surface, water access to Buttermilk Basin, as well as separated walking and biking paths.

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 8 A Trip Along the Greenway

A trip along the greenway in Community Boards 2 and 6 Bridge bike lane to this section of the greenway and is just a portion of what one would experience if they provides access for the residents of the Farragut Houses traveled the entire Brooklyn Greenway from Greenpoint across the street. 10 Just beyond the gate, Navy Street to Sunset Park. This is portion of the greenway gains elevation. A viewing platform or portholes into the connects to Community Board 1 and the neighborhoods Navy Yard offers people a sweeping view of business of Williamsburg and Greenpoint just north of the activity and historic structures, revealing much of the . To the south, just beyond the activity behind the walls without jeopardizing security. Gowanus Canal, the greenway enters Sunset Park eventually meeting up with Brooklyn's Shore Parkway. 11 Navy Street flows into Hudson Avenue and the greenway enters quaint and historic Vinegar Hill. 1 Starting north and moving south, we begin at the 12 A "local" pedestrian oriented route winds through former Con Edison site just north of the Navy Yard. Vinegar Hill's narrow, cobblestone streets (Hudson, Anticipated new development here will yield a waterfront Evans, and Little) to view the neighborhood's signature route right along Buttermilk Basin and a glimpse of the row houses as well as the historic and grand Admiral's Brooklyn Navy Yard's piers, ships, cranes and historic Mansion. 13 Bicyclists continue on the "thru" route down structures. 2 The greenway then runs along Kent Front Street for a block, then onto Gold Street, meeting Avenue, a long, straight-a-way separating residential up again with the "local" route at the intersection of Gold apartments and the Navy Yard's . Street and John Street. Interpretive signage throughout 3 Following the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, it runs this section of the greenway gives visitors a glimpse of along a newly restored Burial Grounds Memorial site of Vinegar Hill's history. 14 Con Edison's transformer fields perpetually protected open space. 4 A quick stop in are a unique and intriguing sight on a formerly closed Steuben Playground and one can find handball games section of the street. and other recreational opportunities. The greenway turns and climbs up an interior road along the edge of the Navy 15 At John and Jay Streets a new boardwalk over the Yard Hospital grounds then descends to continue along inlet flows directly into the northern most end of Brooklyn the edge of the Yard. 5 The Navy Bridge Park. This provides the capacity needed for the Yard's historic stone wall acts as a median between greenway to accommodate the great number of people cyclists and pedestrians while a new fence separates the who enter the park at this juncture, including bicylists and greenway and the Navy Yard property. While this industrial others taking Jay Street to and from the Manhattan "reserve" must continue to provide a high level of security Bridge bike path and the York Street subway station. The to its tenants, the new fence engages greenway users greenway within Park, now being with an interpretive display, illustrating the Navy Yard's designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, will be rich industrial past and current industrial, manufacturing, a park and greenway experience like no other in the city. and filmmaking activities. The mixed use park contains restored wetlands and habitats, floating walkways, numerous recreational 6 Intersections with Washington and Vanderbilt facilities, and commercial uses. 16 The park interprets Avenues are designed as gateways with signage and Brooklyn's extraordinary industrial heritage side by side directions to the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill with restored ecosystems. neighborhoods. Signage provides useful information about exploring these historic neighborhoods and 17 Signage and urban design along Old commercial areas. 7 Further down Flushing Avenue, it and Cadman Plaza accommodate and orient the many passes the pool and ball fields users who will be making this transition. People also and a new pocket park indented into the Navy Yard connect to New York Water Taxi ferries. 18 Atlantic offering a direct line of sight to the Avenue is a new multi-modal gateway where buses, cars, memorial tower. 8 At the intersection of Flushing water taxis, pedestrians and bikes intersect at the Avenue and Navy Street, the greenway turns right and southern entrance of the park with opportunities to follows the edge of Navy Street toward the river. explore businesses and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue and Columbia Street and in the Brooklyn Heights and 9 The intersection of Navy Street and Sands Street is a Cobble Hill neighborhoods. key gateway. Sands Street connects the Manhattan

9 Community Boards 2 & 6 ken

CB2 river st

williamsburg/ manhattan greenways greenpoint & queens

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1 15 15 14 local

hudson

john glod 12 17 plymouth 16 13 evanslittle 2 old fulton front st 11 kent av thru viewing e

10 platform: williamsburg st historic bldgs, york st dry docks 3

sands st 9

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will burg pl Navy St 7 flushing ave 8 5 4

van 6 washington a

derbilt av

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furman st

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18 fort fort greene & antica a greene clinton hill ve park neighborhood & 19 commerce 21

QUEENS Legend

Greenpoint

MANHATTAN interpretive area park

Williamsburg connection to existing and proposed greenways

existing water taxi stop DUMBO Navy Yard Brooklyn proposed water taxi stop Heights Fort Clinton Hill Greene small boating Cobble Hill Carroll primary connection to inland commerce Gardens BROOKLYN

Red Gowanus primary connection to bridges or subways Hook existing first class bike lane

S subway station

Sunset Park greenway gateway navy yard entrance

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 10 19 The southern gateway of marina and public access facilities on Atlantic Basin. takes in a portion of Pier 7 to enable views to and 28 At Atlantic Basin, water taxis and small boats from the park and minimize traffic conflicts with connect the Brooklyn waterfront to Governors Island Atlantic Avenue. Beyond the park, the greenway and the Harbor. 29 Passing the cruise terminal, the follows Columbia Street south toward the Red Hook greenway hugs the edge of Buttermilk Channel waterfront passing active shipping docks, historic offering views of the , , residential blocks, parks and piers with panoramic the New Jersey bridges and container ports. harbor views. 20 At Atlantic Avenue the greenway passes Van Voorhees Park's ballfield, courts and Crossing the uplands of Valentino Park, the greenway playground. 21 Kane and Congress streets offer offers a choice between a "local" walking route 30 connections inland to Cobble Hill's residential along the scenic landscaped waterfront between Pier neighborhood and businesses. 22 On the water side 41 and Beard Street Piers where the Waterfront of the greenway the Red Hook Container Port's giant Museum is docked, 31 and a "thru" route that allows cranes and container ships offer views of the working cyclists and others to keep moving toward Erie Basin. waterfront. 23 After Kane Street, the greenway 32 The greenway runs along the waters edge at Erie widens into a new neighborhood park extending to basin through the site of the old Revere Sugar refinery Degraw Street. This former "diverter site" provides to the IKEA waterfront park. 33 The greenway meets greenway users and local residents a shady place to up with the Columbia Street Esplanade which relax. 24 At the corner of Van Brunt and Degraw the extending to the very end nearly encircles Erie Basin, greenway circles the Seamen's Center on three sides 34 then traverses along existing and where a community center, restrooms, café and new paths through to Court Street. Red Hook Park is a rooftop deck offer a chance to stop, rest and primary recreational destination along the route with experience the harbor up close. 25 A pedestrian its pool, popular playing fields, track, and Added path from the Center leads to a green shoreline park Value's urban farm. 35 The greenway follows Halleck at Pier 10 offering access to the water. Historic Street and Smith Street to join up with Hamilton Governors Island is a stone's throw across Buttermilk Avenue under the Brooklyn Queens expressway. Here, Channel and the Jersey City and Manhattan skylines it continues across the Gowanus Canal into Sunset rise in the background. Park. At Smith and Hamilton, signage provides information on exploring the Gowanus Canal, Carroll 26 The greenway continues along the inland edge of Gardens, Park Slope and . From here, Pier 10 parallel to Van Brunt Street. 27 Turning west, users can keep moving along the greenway into the greenway enters Pier 11's uplands along the new Sunset Park and visit destinations in Community access road to the cruise ship terminal passing a new Board 7 and beyond.

11 Community Boards 2 & 6 18

antica ave governors 19 20 island 21 congress st CB6

22 kane st S 25 24 23 28 cobble hill commerce

van brunt neighborhood &

26 columbia st

summit st 27

S pioneer 29 wolcott imlay st

ferris st 3rd st commerce 31 30 smith & court st conover st beard st

S

columbia st 9th st

dwight st

edd hookh hohooo court st park 35 34 prospect par 32 hamilton ave

halleck st smith st k 3333

sunset park & shore parkway

QUEENS Legend

Greenpoint

MANHATTAN interpretive area

park Williamsburg connection to existing and proposed greenways

DUMBO Navy existing water taxi stop Yard Brooklyn Heights Fort Clinton proposed water taxi stop Greene Hill Cobble Hill small boating Carroll Gardens BROOKLYN primary connection to inland commerce Red Gowanus Hook primary connection to bridges or subways Park Slope existing first class bike lane

S subway station Sunset Park greenway gateway

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 12 Partnerships for Implementation

Establishing the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway will NYC Economic Development Corporation only be possible through the effective collaboration of a number of public agencies. This draft plan reflects 1. Public access across pier 11 uplands for the the longstanding constructive engagement of these interim greenway from Bowne to Ferris Street agencies, including the designation of greenway right 2. Incorporation of the permanent greenway in the of way. It is through these existing and proposed design and construction of the permanent cruise ship partnerships that a concrete strategy for terminal implementation can be developed. 3. Implementation of the greenway on the inland perimeter of Pier 10 if that property is leased or Special acknowledgement is in order for the interest acquired from the Port Authority by EDC and contributions of NYC Department of 4. Implementation of the items listed below under Transportation (NYC DOT), NYC Economic Port Authority if EDC acquires control of Piers 7 Development Corporation (NYC EDC), NYC Parks & through 9B Recreation (NYC DPR), Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, NYC Department of City Port Authority of NY/NJ Planning (NYC DCP) and the Port Authority of New York & NJ (PA) and Brooklyn Bridge Park Development 1. Fence movement of 17 ft. on Columbia Street north Corporation. For a complete list of participating public of Congress at Pier 7 in an easement directly from the agencies, please see the list of Advisory Committee Port Authority members on the last page of this plan. 2. Fence movement of 26 ft on south side on Atlantic Avenue at Pier 7 in an easement directly from the The following actions have been identified as Port Authority priorities for completing the assemblage of right-of- 3. Fence movement of 19 ft. on Degraw Street (5-8 ft way and implementing the greenway. at power unit) 4. Fence movement of 24 ft. on Van Brunt Street edge NYC Department of Transportation of the terminal (including around the private buildings between Sackett and Union) in an easement directly 1. Implementation of the interim greenway throughout from the Port Authority route 5. Fence movement around the Seamen's Center 2. Transfer of former truck diverter site to Parks & creating a 24 ft public access easement around the Recreation at the conclusion of the Columbia Street building reconstruction project 6. Public access to the Seamen's Center that is 3. Agreement to a curb extension on Kent Avenue compatible with and enhances existing use from Rodney to Hewes Streets along the Brinks 7. Creation of an open space between the Seamen's property Center and the natural shoreline on the north edge of 4. Agreement to a curb extension on Flushing Avenue pier 10 in the event that Pier 10 is leased or from Vanderbilt to Carlton Avenues along the Navy transferred to the NYC EDC for cruise terminal Yard operations 5. Agreement to a curb extension on Navy Street from Sands Street to Hudson Avenue along the Navy Yard NYC Parks & Recreation 6. Agreement to a curb extension at Atlantic Avenue from Columbia Street to Marine terminal entrance 1. Addition of a 2-lane asphalt bicycle path in Red along Pier 7 uplands Hook Park from Columbia Street to Clinton Street 7. Agreement to greenway related redesign of Gold 2. Creation of the greenway in the closed roadbed of and John Streets in Vinegar Hill Halleck Street (between Court and Clinton Streets) 8. Dedication of Jay Street street-end for greenway with a 2-lane asphalt bicycle path and a physically entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park separated asphalt pedestrian/jogging path 3. Addition of a bike path on the Valentino Pier uplands from Ferris and Coffey Street to the Van Dike street end

13 Community Boards 2 & 6 4. Sponsorship of engineering studies and schematic Brooklyn Bridge Park design at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Vinegar Hill 5. Establishing a new neighborhood park at the corner of 1. Incorporate the greenway entrance from John and Jay Columbia and Degraw Street in Red Hook at the site of Streets into the park design via a decking structure. the former proposed truck diverter 2. Improve accommodation of bicycle and pedestrian traffic along Old Fulton Street and from the Brooklyn Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Bridge at Fulton Ferry Landing. 3. Provide a location for the bike path that does not 1. Route greenway along the edge of the barge basin at conflict with routine operations of commercial buildings development site coming back out to Kent Avenue at on Furman Street. Clymer Street. If the barge basin site becomes an outward 4. Create a green gateway to the park at Atlantic Avenue facing retail development, this would be ideal for while accomplishing economic development objectives greenway users and would result in fewer conflicts for the necessary to create a well maintained, self-sustaining greenway. park. 2. Use the interior road along Flushing Avenue at the hospital site. Removable fencing would be put in place NYC Department of City Planning when there is filming requires the use of the road and gate house. 1. Incorporate the greenway into the waterfront access 3. Create views of the Navy Yard's activities and historic plans for private properties on Erie Basin, Buttermilk structures through platforms or portholes through the wall Channel and Buttermilk Basin in South Williamsburg as on Navy Street where the street gains elevation. well as private properties on Red Hook's waterfront. 4. Fence and wall movements on Flushing Avenue (Please see maps below for specific parcels.) 5. Fence setback of 20-ft along Kent Avenue at the Auto 2. Provide zoning incentives for private owners to enter Auction development site public private partnerships at the identified properties 7. Additions to the sidewalk right-of-way around the providing shared capital and maintenance costs. (Please Officers' Quarters development site see maps below.)

The redevelopment of key privately held parcels, highlighted below, offers an opportunity to integrate the greenway into the approval process.

key private parcels

Navy Yard development sites

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 14 Implementation Strategy

On one hand, establishing the Brooklyn Waterfront interim basis in 2005 with greenway signage and Greenway involves unique challenges. First, the route other modest treatments has already been prepared comprises a difficult property assemblage involving and presented to NYC DOT and Parks & Recreation. It five public property owners and several private has gained the support of most community boards. property owners, creating a new right of way through The interim greenway will establish the identity of the the existing urban grid. Second, the many property route in the minds of the public and help owners and diverse uses along the route will require communicate the vision for the permanent greenway. coordinated design and management. Third, the greenway is a capital project. And while parks pay for Complete right-of-way dedication. themselves by attracting and retaining jobs and residents over the long run, the greenway will have to This plan proposes establishing the Greenway's right- compete for scarce budget resources in the short of-way though a series of distinct actions by public term. and private property owners. On-going conversations about these actions need to continue and be On the other hand, the array of current plans for the finalized. In addition, there are gaps in Red Hook and redevelopment of the Brooklyn waterfront creates a in South Williamsburg north of the Navy Yard where unique opportunity to implement the greenway now. agreements with private property owners are needed These plans include the implementation of the to finalize route selection. These agreements are Brooklyn Navy Yard Master Plan, development of likely to be the result of redevelopment proposals by Brooklyn Bridge Park, the creation of the Brooklyn the private owners. Cruise Ship Terminal and numerous other public and private waterfront projects. This draft plan reflects on- Determine how rights will be held. going conversations with the numerous public and private planners and developers now engaged in Key questions about the legal status of the right-of- projects across the seven miles of waterfront in way remain. Should easements or other formal rights Community Boards 2 and 6. Moreover, the be secured from some or all public and private implementation of the greenway is seen not as a property owners? Easements would be for perpetual separate, distinct project, but as a collaborative effort public access and may involve commissioning a that advances largely through the completion of these survey of right-of-way. If rights are secured, what entity many distinct waterfront revitalization efforts. should hold them -- an existing City agency or a new stewardship entity? These current opportunities suggest that establishing the Greenway is best accomplished by tackling the Identify a stewardship structure. largest segments first. Completion of the greenway at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Bridge Park, A permanent stewardship entity such as a Columbia Street, Red Hook Marine Terminal and Red conservancy or park improvement district (PID) will be Hook Park would result is a 5-plus-mile critical mass necessary to assure that the greenway is maintained that will catalyze implementation of unfinished in a coordinated way and at an appropriate standard segments. While the proposed interim route can serve over the long term. The leadership of such an entity to connect the pieces for the immediate future, should include public agencies, property owners, civic smaller segments, such as the Vinegar Hill area will organizations and community representatives. need to be scheduled in the capital program for future years. Establish sources of long-term maintenance and operating funding. The following strategies have emerged for advancing implementation of the greenway in the most cost The source of long term maintenance and operating effective and timeliest manner. revenues must be established. These may include PID assessments, payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT), Implement the interim greenway. private funding through partnerships with private developers, concession rental and lease revenue from A proposal for implementing the greenway on an facilities owned by the stewardship entity, as well as

15 Community Boards 2 & 6 public funding and in-kind support.

Include the greenway in all waterfront capital programs along the route.

This plan envisions that the greenway will be built through a number of incremental and coordinated investments as capital programs are executed along the route. These include all NYC DOT street reconstructions, Brooklyn Bridge Park, EDC's proposal for a cruise ship terminal and private waterfront developments. To ensure that this happens, City Hall and the Borough President's office will have to adopt the policy of including the greenway in all capital programs along the route.

Complete engineering analysis and cost estimating for the balance of route.

Where design and construction of the greenway is not completely covered by a larger capital project, separate grant and appropriation requests will be required. Probable costs will be determined through engineering and conceptual design studies. Possible sources of funding for additional engineering studies include federal DOT requests and funding provided by state and city legislators.

Complete a plan for capital funding.

The engineering analysis will help determine prioritize elements for completion of the route. This will be the basis determining additional capital investment and matching up funding gaps with potential sources of funding. Elected officials, together with City and State agencies will have to submit grant applications and appropriation requests to appropriate federal, state, and city sources.

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 16 17 Community Boards 2 & 6 Acknowledgements & Credits

The plan and workshop were produced by Robert Pirani, RPA Milton Puryear, BGI Amy Montgomery, RPA Brian McCormick, BGI Meg Fellerath, BGI Jennifer Cox, RPA Ella Smith, RPA

Workshop Facilitators, November 9, 2004 Alfred A. Chiodo, Hunter College; Krista Berry, Hunter College; Meta Brunzema, Meta Brunzema Architects, P.C.; Noah Budnick, Transportation Alternatives; Curtis Cravens, NYS Department of State Division of Coastal Resources; Rex Curry, Curry Consulting; Matt Dockery, New York Institute of Technology; Jeff Ferzoco, RPA; Cara Griffin, RPA; Jonas Hagen, Hunter College; Susan Hillberg, New York Institute of Technology; Robert Lane, RPA; Scott Lundberg, Make Product Development, Inc; Alan Mukamal; Paul Proulx; Nicholas Ronderos, RPA; Joshua Slingerland, Partnership for Parks; Erica Svendsen, USDA Forest Service; Janice Tosto, Hunter College; Joe Vance, Joseph Vance Architects

Workshop Participants, November 9, 2004 Murray Adams, Cobble Hill Association; Tia Adler; Samar Al-Bulushi; David Alquist, Park Slope Civic Council; Mark Baker, New York Water Taxi; Ludger K. Balan, Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy; Sandy Balboza, Atlantic Ave. Betterment Association; John Benguiat, Brooklyn Borough President's Office; Adoracion Bercerec; Justin Bloom, Urban Green; Linda Blyer, Families First; Leroy Branch, Brooklyn Community Board 6; Barbara Brice, 1st Columbia Terrace Condominiums; Barbara Brookhart, 1st Place Tri- Block & Summitt Assoc.; Diane D. Buxbaum, Sierra Club New York City Group; Keino Carty; Tom Chittenden, Brooklyn Heights Association; Bernard Condon; Denise Connors; Alex Coveleski; Judith Dailey, Community Board 6; Mary D'Ambrosio; Vincent DiFusco, Matthews Nielsen Landscape Architects, PC; Lisa Diller, Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc.; Omar Divina; Laura Drawbaugh; Hillary Ellison; Joel Farber, ReHo; Owen Foote, Gowanus Dredgers; Alan Gentile, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance; Hugh Gilmore; Jenny Golden; Howard Gottlieb; Frank Grillo, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz; Kristin Guild, Department of City Planning; Alex Gurvich; Holly Haff, Department of Transportation; Mikki Halpin; Laura Hansen, JM Kaplan Fund; Jeff Henigson; Laura Hoffman, Community Board 1 Rezoning Task Force; Mike Hoffman; Jennifer Hoppa, NYC Parks and Recreation; Jack Hoyt, NYS Sierra Club; Tim Kennerly; Scott Kolber; Steve LaMorte; Annette Lang; Sherman Lau; Pauline Lauterbach, GIPEC; Linda LaViolette, Public Place Alliance; Ann Link; David Lowin, Brooklyn Navy Yard Dev. Corp.; Marty Maher, NYC Parks and Recreation; E. Makariw; Kerci Marcello, Council Member ; Larry McAuliffe, NYMTC; Lisa Michener; Thomas Miskel, Park Slope Civic Council; Steven Moll; John C. Muir; Mitsue Nagase Balan, Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy; Margaret Nelson, Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation; Christy Nyberg, DUMBO Neighborhood Association; Bill Orme; Tom Outerbridge, Hugo Neu Corp.; Chin- a Panaceione, Assemblywoman Joan L. Millman; Uri Perrin, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy; Rob Perris, CB2 District Manager; Michael Pierre; Marissa Riebstein, Facing History and Ourselves; Carolyn Sanders-James, Mayor's Office; Adam J. Schwartz; Jessica Shapiro, Senator ; Tammy Shaw, Brenton Realty; Robin Simmen, Brooklyn Greenbridge, ; ; Pat Sones, Red Hook GAGS; Darcy Soper, DUMBO Neighborhood Association; Marcella Spruce; Arlene Stimmel; Larry Sykes, Brooklyn Bridge Park Dev. Corp.; Dave Tabler; Loren Talbot, Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance; Lucrecia Tam; Eric Thomann; Julie Tudor; Gary Vanderputten, Fulton Ferry Landing Assn; Michael Weiss, Fulton Mall Improvement/Metrotech Bid; Rebecca White; Sue Wolfe, Association

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Technical Advisory Committee Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy; Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation; Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation; Community Board 2; Community Board 6; NYC Department of City Planning; Downtown Brooklyn Waterfront Development Corporation; NYC Department of Transportation; NYC Economic Development Corporation; NYC Parks and Recreation; NY Metropolitan Transportation Council; NYS Department of State; NYS Department of Transportation; Philip Habib & Associates; Port Authority of NY&NJ; Sam Schwartz LLC; Trust For Public Land; and the offices of Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff, Brooklyn Borough President , Senator Charles Schumer, Senator , Congressperson Edolphus Towns, Congressperson Nydia Velasquez, Councilperson David Yassky, Councilperson Sara Gonzalez, State Senator Martin Connor, Assemblyperson , Assemblyperson Joseph Lentol

Special Thanks New York Institute of Technology School of Architecture and Design Community Design Studio Hunter College Department of Urban Affairs and Planning Urban Development Workshop Lisa Diller, Hill-Holiday

Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Plan 18