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Atlantic Avenue Master Plan

Atlantic Avenue Atlantic Avenue Atlantic Avenue between and the East Life on Atlantic Avenue River is one of the great streets of . It is home Atlantic Avenue is ... to people of various cultural backgrounds, vibrant and • a healthy and vibrant commercial corridor; Master Plan successful businesses, long standing institutions, and rich • a unique mix of businesses, retail shops, restaurants, architectural character. This 1.5 mile stretch of Atlantic residences, and institutions; Avenue knits together the established neighborhoods • a street with tremendous energy and momentum; of Heights, Cobble Hill, , and a major thoroughfare for automobiles and trucks; . • • a neighborhood street with many unique goods and The avenue serves as both a major transportation services including food markets, laundromats, dry corridor and a vibrant neighborhood street. It is a cleaners, car services, pet shops, bicycle shops, and major east west connection through Brooklyn, as well as the like; a local connection between neighborhoods, destinations, • a destination for shopping and dining; and activities. The renaissance of Downtown Brooklyn, the surrounding neighborhoods, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), and the Brooklyn waterfront have infl uenced the uses and activities of the Avenue.

The scale and length of the Avenue, its relationship to well-established communities, and the connection to strong anchor uses at either end presents an opportunity for Atlantic Avenue to become a grand urban street. With creative rethinking of the existing street, emphasizing relationships and connections, and a focus on emerging uses, the functional requirements of the Avenue can be balanced and leveraged to build a great boulevard.

Community members provided input at a series of public and Leadership Conference meetings

Atlantic Avenue is the seam between well established brownstone neighborhoods and Downtown • a place to buy antique, new, and unique home Brooklyn. Anchored on the east by and furnishings; on the west by the river, it is the primary commercial • diverse in its architecture and scale with historic and transportation corridor connecting these buildings and store fronts, three to fi ve story neighborhoods and uses. buildings, and a few buildings up to twelve stories; The Master Plan was developed through an open public • a diverse mix of culture and history, and; process engaging business owners, tenants, neighbors, • a sampling of foods of the world, particularly the and agencies through one-on-one interviews, Leadership Middle Eastern fl avors Conference meetings, and public meetings. “The future of Brooklyn is being The diversity of Atlantic Avenue is one of its greatest written on Atlantic Avenue...” This brochure is a summary of the most important results assets and should be preserved and enhanced while of this process. For more information, please view on- achieving new business and real estate investment. Marty Markowitz line at www.atlanticave.org Atlantic Avenue Local Local Avenue Atlantic Corporation Development Avenue Atlantic 494 11217 NY Brooklyn, www.atlanticave.org 718.875.8993 ph. Brooklyn Borough President yoes + weisz Conference people and LLC, business Leadership Pauls Avenue Robert residents, and LLC, Atlantic for: persons Schwartz Sam Council Prepared Inc., local Civitas by: President, area Prepared Borough Avenue Brooklyn The Atlantic By: the of Funded organizations community and

Parking Improvements Goals Master Plan Implementation Shop Shop Shop Shop Shop A major issue for the merchants on the Avenue is the lack of parking and the reduction of parking due to peak hour parking regulations. A primary focus of the master Strengthen connections to existing and Recommendations Priorities Merchant Zone Merchant Zone plan was identifying areas for improvement of the emerging attractions and communities parking regulations. Three primary improvements are Atlantic Avenue is anchored by the East River and future Accent Improve connections Redevelopment of the Brooklyn Men’s House Paving recommended. First is the installation of Muni-Meters Park on the west and BAM to the east. The There are many connections along and across the Avenue that of Detention on the Avenue, second is increasing 1-hour meters to Avenue is also surrounded by great neighborhoods, Downtown need to be improved. Specifi cally, the intersections of Furman/ The House of Detention has been temporarily closed. It is still 2-hour meters, and third is the reduction and potential Brooklyn, restaurants, and retail establishments. Connections Columbia, Henry, Court, Boerum, Smith, Bond, Third, and a Department of Corrections asset. Steps should be taken to elimination of peak hour parking regulations. are important both along and across the Avenue. Fourth. secure the site for redevelopment as a mixed use development Parking Parking project with retail on the ground fl oor and residential above. Muni-Meters • Muni-Meters will add 15-20% more spaces to the Increase walkability of the street Create development opportunities Locate seating Bike racks placed near Street lights: pedestrian While Atlantic Avenue is walkable today, improvements can be adjacent to trees lighting for safety and scale, with a consistent Avenue (approximately 35-50 spaces) The neighborhoods surrounding Atlantic Avenue are Streetscape implementation made to increase pedestrian safety and enhance the pedestrian effi ciency design and spacing • NYCDOT reports that the Avenue will be among the underserved by retail. The current vacancy rate is about Infi ll street trees and pedestrian lights, relamp existing light experience both along and crossing the Avenue. fi rst Brooklyn neighborhoods to receive muni-meters 5%, or roughly 37,000 square feet, comprised of several fi xtures, add trash receptacles, bike racks, wayfi nding signage, Drive Lane (1-2 years) small spaces. With the surrounding neighborhoods having and benches. Desirable storefront, signage and window treatments Identify new development opportunities tremendous spending power, the challenge for new 1-hour to 2-hour Meters Atlantic Avenue is a mature corridor with very few development is not market, but rather availability of space. Boerum place zoning analysis • 2-hour meters will allow shoppers and diners more undeveloped sites available for development. The The master plan focuses on identifying prime development and A detailed zoning analysis for the Boerum Place opportunity Organize the Public Realm time on the Avenue neighborhoods surrounding Atlantic Avenue have tremendous redevelopment sites that with appropriate incentives serve as Streetscape Elements Impact Capacity to Implement sites should be completed with the City Planning Department. Street Trees/pits • Infi ll ‘No Standing’ areas and add meters to the side spending power and are signifi cantly under served from a retail catalysts for change. This effort should capitalize on existing community support, Streetscape Improvements Planters and Tree Guards streets perspective. There is pent up market demand and limited Infi ll Lighting (Pedestrian & Auto) adjacent redevelopment, and the ongoing efforts in There are many areas of Atlantic Avenue that have • NYCDOT reports that 2-hour meters will be space on the Avenue. The goal is identifying viable sites and beautifully developed streetscape elements. However, Building/Storefront Lighting Key Create gateways to the avenue Downtown Brooklyn. Sidewalk Paving implemented for most of the Avenue, except the necessary tools and incentives to enhance redevelopment the Avenue has many gaps in the streetscape. High Most people fi rst experience Atlantic Avenue through one Benches/Seating Medium between Boerum Place and Clinton Street and reinvestment on the Avenue. Opportunities have been identifi ed for streetscape Banners/Flags/Signage of three major gateways; the Brooklyn Expressway Low Flatbush Avenue improvements within the public realm of Atlantic Trash Receptacles (BQE) and future Brooklyn Bridge Park on the East River, Relamp Existing Pedestrian Lights Peak Hour Regulations A detailed study addressing the full range of pedestrian Avenue. As illustrated above, an organization of Achieve consensus on traffi c management Boerum Place from the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Fourth Transparent Window Shutters • Reduce or eliminate PM peak hour parking and transportation circulation for Flatbush/Atlantic Avenues sidewalk elements provides a clear area for pedestrians policies needed to accomplish the vision of Avenue/Flatbush Avenue intersection at . Each of Building/Store Signage regulations on the south side from Boerum Place to and associated intersections is critical. This study should be to walk, a merchant zone for outdoor display or seating, Bike Racks the Avenue as a great street these locations has the opportunity to provide a unique arrival coordinated with ongoing development efforts in Downtown and a defi ned area for street trees, furniture, and other Neck-downs at Intersections Atlantic Avenue is a major transportation corridor and experience to Atlantic Avenue. • Eliminate AM peak hour parking regulations on the Brooklyn, BAM, and the Atlantic Terminal. amenities. This organization and grouping also allows will continue as one for the foreseeable future. Traffi c south side from Hicks Street to Clinton Street for uninterrupted pedestrian movement from vehicles to management issues range from traffi c speed and volume Organize the public realm/streetscape Boerum Place intersection improvements storefronts. Existing on-street parking condition during off-peak hours to peak hour parking regulations. The goal is to balance There are many areas of the Avenue that have beautifully Desirable streetscape treatment and public realm organization the functional needs of the Avenue with the pedestrian and A detailed study and preliminary design should be pursued for developed streetscape elements. However, the Avenue Improvements to the overall streetscape character and business needs of the community. Boerum Place between Atlantic Avenue and Joralemon Street. suffers from gaps in the streetscape amenities. Specifi cally, image can be accomplished by infi lling these gaps. New gaps between streets trees and street/pedestrian lighting. trees and tree pits should be planted where possible, Organize for effective implementation Improvements to the overall streetscape character and image Intersection improvements at Columbia and keeping in consideration the underground vaults below Implementation of the Master Plan is likely to be a multi- can be accomplished by infi lling these gaps. Furman Streets and the BQE the sidewalks. year process that will not occur in the absence of sustained Extend Atlantic Avenue to the East River and provide a strong advocacy. The Leadership Conference is envisioned as the Improve parking pedestrian connection to the future Brooklyn Bridge Park. Many smaller scale streetscape improvements such as Coordinate these improvements with the Brooklyn Bridge Park means by which the host of community organizations, A major issue for the merchants on the Avenue is the lack bike racks, trash receptacles, banners and signage can be design team. businesses, and individuals who care about the Avenue can of parking and the negative impacts of peak hour parking accomplished by individual merchants or business and develop and advance the advocacy position. The vision of the regulations. A primary focus of the master plan was neighborhood organizations on an incremental basis. Master Plan must be achievable by a coalition of organizations identifying areas for improvement with the parking regulations. Parking improvements in an incremental fashion. Reduce peak hour parking regulations on the south side of For recommendations on specifi c streetscape items, Implement priorities Atlantic Avenue from Boerum Place to Third Avenue. Install please contact the Atlantic Avenue Local Development ‘muni-meters’, and increase parking time limit from one hour Corporation at 718-875-8993. The consultant team, with guidance from the Leadership to two hours. Conference, established seven implementation priorities as a result of this master plan. Livingston St.

Boerum Place To Brooklyn Livingston St.... To Brooklyn BAM Bridge Bikeway Bridge Bikeway Existing Watchtower Boerum Place Building Brooklyn Bridge to Atlantic Avenue The majority of people fi rst experience Atlantic Avenue by arriving from the Brooklyn Bridge at Boerum Place. Today this gateway consists of the Brooklyn Men’s House of Detention, two service stations, and a parking lot. Often referred to as “The Gap,” this area is a major focus of the master plan as a catalyst for development, roadway, and pedestrian improvements. Schermerhorn St... Schermerhorn St... Atlantic • Reduce the Boerum Place cross section by two travel lanes providing excess land area

Boerum Pl. Boerum Pl. Terminal within the public right of way that may be utilized for streetscape and pedestrian improvements • Enhance the pedestrian connection from Downtown Brooklyn to Atlantic Avenue Atlantic Avenue • Enhance the pedestrian and bicycle connection from the Brooklyn Bridge 4th Avenue • Design options include wider landscaped sidewalks, public plaza space, a landscaped Flatbush Avenue median, or combinations of each Conceptual redevelopment of Pier 6 as a mixed-use extension of Atlantic Avenue to the waterfront and future Brooklyn Bridge Park State St... State St...

Development Opportunity Sites Atlantic Pier 6 Four primary opportunity sites were identifi ed at the Boerum Gateway. Each of the sites Avenue Primary pedestrian connections between Atlantic Avenue, BAM Gateway & Development Opportunity has the potential to become a signature mixed-use building identifying the entry to Atlantic and Atlantic Terminal Atlantic Avenue is the southern gateway to Brooklyn Bridge Park. With the park and Piers 6 through 12 in the early Avenue. Site 1, the Saint Vincents parking lot, is currently zoned C6-2A. The current zoning, stages of planning, there is a great opportunity for the redevelopment of Pier 6 as a mixed-use extension of Atlantic which defi nes development criteria including allowable uses, height and bulk, is adequate Flatbush Avenue Avenue. The redevelopment of Pier 6 can provide a mix of retail shops, food and entertainment, galleries, studios, for a viable redevelopment. However, the service station sites and adjacent vacant lots (sites Atlantic Ave. Atlantic Ave. and Flatbush Avenue transit activities (such as bus and future ferry terminal) and complementary residential development. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 4) will require some upzoning, allowing greater height and bulk, to entice The intersection of Fourth, Atlantic, and Flatbush developers to make the sites fi nancially feasible for redevelopment. Avenues serves as the gateway to most of Brooklyn’s BQE/Columbia/Furman Intersection • Upzoning from R6A to R7A is the minimum change necessary to create the land values to neighborhoods. The new development above Due to increased pedestrian activity on the west end of the Avenue, it will be critical to improve these intersections. entice redevelopment the Atlantic Terminal and the existing and future • Realign Columbia and Furman Streets to eliminate the offset and provide shorter and safer pedestrian crossings • A contextual zoning approach should be implemented, allowing taller buildings on development at BAM has created an identity at the (this alignment allows for either a one-way or two-way Furman Street) Atlantic Avenue (85 ft.) while preserving the lower scale brownstone character on Pacifi c eastern end of the Avenue. Strengthening physical and • Eliminate the free right movement from the BQE exit ramp to eastbound Atlantic Avenue to reduce traffi c speeds Street with three and four story townhome development visual connections between these facilities and the and decrease pedestrian crossing distance • R7A is consistent with the zoning on the north side of Atlantic Avenue east of Smith Street Boerum Place improvements- Boerum Place improvements- Avenue is an important improvement. • Tighten the turning radii for the northbound BQE ramp to reduce travel speeds and decrease pedestrian crossing Option 1: Wider landscaped Option 2: Wider east sidewalk • Improve Fourth Avenue providing a direct and safe median with bike lanes with bike lanes and landscaped distance pedestrian crossing from the Atlantic Terminal, BAM, median and the adjacent neighborhoods Diagram of Atlantic Avenue, Pier 6 and Brooklyn Bridge Park Proposed BQE ramps, Columbia/Furman Streets realignment Conceptual mixed-use redevelopment of the service station sites at Conceptual townhome development along Pacifi c Street addressing • Provide wayfi nding signage to direct pedestrians Development opportunity sites connection and interface diagram Boerum Place and Atlantic Avenue neighborhood scale and context • Construct a physical landmark at Atlantic and Fourth Avenues to identify the start of Atlantic Avenue • Study a series of Flatbush Avenue intersections Brooklyn between Livingston and Pacifi c Streets to resolve the Bridge traffi c circulation confl icts Park • Evaluate a parallel circulator for traffi c and transit to

Pier 5 Boerum Place alleviate congestion on the Avenue BQE Entrance Parallel couplet and intersections requiring further study

Atlantic Avenue Atlantic Avenue Flatbush Ave. Furman Street Furman

BQE Existing to be Livingston St. Vacated

Pier 6 Proposed Exit BQE Schermerhorn St...

Re-alignment

Hicks Street Hicks Columbia Street Columbia BQE BQE

Boerum PL. Boerum Atlantic Avenue Potential Ferry Stop Atlantic Avenue

BAM Flatbush Avenue Schermerhorn Street Future Brooklyn Bridge Park To Brooklyn To BAM and

Bridge Smith Street Fort Greene Hoyt Street

Third Avenue Bond Street

Nevins Street

Court Street Court

Clinton Street Clinton

Sidney Place Sidney

Henry Street Henry

Garden Place Garden

Furman Street Furman Hicks Street Hicks Columbia Place Columbia

Willow Place Willow State Street BQE Atlantic Avenue To Brooklyn R.R. Terminal Pier 6 Neighborhoods Atlantic Avenue Pacifi c Street

Potential Ferry Stop Boerum Place Gateway Flatbush Avenue Gateway To East River Dean Street

Amity Street

Pier 6 Gateway Bergen Street

Congress Street Boerum Place Fourth Avenue Pier 6 Gateway House of Detention Fourth Avenue The BQE is a visual and perceived barrier between Atlantic Avenue and Although the House of Detention is still a Department of Fourth Avenue streetscape the waterfront. There is a need for a visual cue from Atlantic Avenue that Corrections facility, the recent temporary closing creates possibly improvements strengthen attracts people to the future park, development, and activities beyond the greatest development opportunity on the Avenue. Located at the physical and visual the BQE. The Master Plan recommends that improvements be made to one of the busiest corners on the Avenue, this 63,000 square foot connection between the BQE structure, such as a grand statement of civic architecture that site provides a large parcel in the heart of the Avenue. The site Atlantic Avenue and identifi es the gateway connection between Atlantic Avenue, Pier 6, and is currently zoned C6-2A, consistent with the zoning of adjacent BAM while signifying the the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The gesture should be visible from Atlantic developing parcels. This existing zoning makes redevelopment of Proposed Boerum Place arrival to Atlantic Avenue. House of Detention potential streetscape/gateway Avenue while preserving views to the waterfront. mixed-use redevelopment this site fi nancially feasible for the private development community. improvements

At nine fl oors and approximately 200,000 square feet, the existing building contains only one-half of the available density and bulk allowed on the site. If the site were secured for redevelopment, the structure may be able to be renovated with additions or new structures to maximize the allowable fl oor area ratio as illustrated. Another approach is to demolish the existing structure and construct a new mixed-use project on the site.

Boerum Place Gateway A reconfi gured Boerum Place with streetscape improvements strengthens the connection from the Brooklyn Bridge and Downtown Brooklyn to Atlantic Avenue. New development will signify the arrival to Atlantic Avenue.

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