New Pedestrian Plaza Could Become Permanent After Summer, BID Says

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Park Slopers hoping to see a neighborhood cul-de-sac permanently pedestrianized could have their dreams become a reality after this summer.

A small stretch of Fourth Street near Fifth Avenue — aptly dubbed the Fourth Street Plaza — is set to become closed to traffic 24/7 from July 8 through Labor Day, but the pedestrianized space could become permanent soon after, said Joanna Tallantire, executive director of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District.

In a news release, the BID leader said the goal is to make the plaza abutting J.J. Byrne Playground and the Old Stone House permanent after this so-called trial run.

"In partnership of the Old Stone House, community partners and the DOT, we’re looking to expand the feeling of the town square already created by Washington Park so there is more room to play and program," she said.

Already on the docket for this summer are movie nights on the first three Friday evenings in July, street games and parties, organizers said. The plaza will also have public chairs and tables available daily.

"We’re looking forward to recapturing the space, creating a safer, well-activated environment for students, park users and the community at large," said Kim Maier, executive director of the Old Stone House and Washington Park.

Maier noted that the roadway, which dead ends at M.S. 51 William Alexander, has been used for parking amid a school construction project, but that most neighbors want to see it go permanently car-free.

"A permanent plaza has been a long-term goal for 4th Street that has tremendous support from the community," she said.

A proposal to permanently cordon the area off to cars originated during the pandemic, as neighbors imagined what it would be like for the street to become a "play space" for neighborhood children.

Thus the Park Slope Play Street Pedestrian Plaza proposal, a neighbor-led campaign that's reportedly garnered support from nearly 600 locals, was born.

Many neighbors saw plans to temporarily pedestrianize the roadway, announced last month, as a step in the right direction towards the goal of a permanent play space.

"Neighbors who want a permanent ped plaza here are ready to support, promote and enjoy the interim plaza," said Kathy Park Price at the time, a Brooklyn organizer for Transportation Alternatives, the street safety non-profit leading the charge for the street's permanent pedestrianization.

"We will also continue to generate excitement about the proposed permanent plaza," she said.

Related Article: Make 'Play Street' Permanent, Park Slopers Plead