New pedestrian plaza adjacent to Lowry Triangle is the first step in the evolution of Prospect Heights’ Open Streets to permanent public spaces

BROOKLYN, NY, January 21, 2023: In Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, popular neighborhood Open Streets have made their first step in a transition to permanent public spaces and calmer traffic. Today, a group of community organizers, neighbors, elected representatives and officials with the New York City Department of Transportation met to celebrate the opening of Underhill Plaza, a one-block stretch of Underhill Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street that has been closed to traffic in favor of creating new public space. After volunteers painted the roadbed a bright teal blue, planters and granite blocks were placed at each end of the new plaza, and moveable furniture was set up. Unseasonably warm winter weather has helped to make the plaza an instant hit with residents.

“I am proud to build on the success of our flourishing Open Streets program by cutting the ribbon on Underhill Plaza, a great example of how we’re developing our program locations with permanent designs that create safer, more vibrant community spaces,” said NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “This expansion of Lowry Triangle marks the first step in transforming Underhill Avenue into a Bike Boulevard that calms traffic by prioritizing cyclists and pedestrians—all without the need of moveable barriers. I thank Mayor Adams, our dedicated staff, and the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council (PHNDC)  for their hard work in making this vision a reality.”

Said PHNDC Chair Gib Veconi, “Underhill Plaza is more than a public amenity and venue for what have proven to be popular programs on the Open Street. Because of Prospect Heights’ location in the crook of Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway, streets like Underhill Avenue get more than their share of through traffic. DOT recorded 136 injuries on Underhill Avenue between 2016 and 2020 due to vehicle accidents. The initial Open Streets program on Underhill Avenue has been very effective in keeping residents from getting hurt. Both Underhill Plaza and the additional street improvements to come are permanent safety features that will protect pedestrians, cyclists, and children at our local public school and playground.”

“Getting to this moment took the tireless work and commitment of our neighbors in Prospect Heights and their earnest partnership with the Department of Transportation,” said Council Member Crystal Hudson. “The Underhill Plaza is a great example of what is possible when neighborhoods partner with City government to create opportunities for new, accessible public space for all to enjoy.”

“Our streets belong to all of us, which includes those who do not own a car,” said State Senator Jabari Brisport. “Today we celebrate a new community gathering place in Prospect Heights, safer streets for everyone, and a vision for more sustainable and equitable use of the streets in this neighborhood moving forward.”

“The transformation of Underhill Plaza into a permanent public space is a reminder that this city belongs to the people who call it home – the kids who play on the sidewalk, the families who walk our streets, and the communities that have opened up businesses, restaurants, and more,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’m so excited for Prospect Heights residents and visitors to enjoy this wonderful community plaza, and I’m so grateful to DOT, PHNDC, my fellow elected officials, and all the Brooklynites who came together to transform Underhill Avenue for all to enjoy.”

“I’ve had the pleasure of representing Prospect Heights in the City Council, as Public Advocate, and now as Attorney General,” said New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “So much change has taken place during that time. I’m delighted to see this neighborhood come together in a common purpose to improve its quality of life and foster an even stronger sense of community.”

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About PHNDC: Since its founding in 2004, the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council (PHNDC) has been the leading civic organization providing advocacy for neighborhood-wide issues on behalf of the residents and businesses of Prospect Heights. Its programs have engaged and received the support of thousands of community members in Prospect Heights and its environs. For more information, visit http://www.phndc.org/about. 

About NYC Open Streets Program: New York City’s Open Streets program transforms streets into public space open to all. These transformations allow for a range of activities that promote economic development, support schools, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. 

About NYC Plaza Program: NYC DOT works with selected organizations to create neighborhood plazas throughout the City to transform underused streets into vibrant, social public spaces. The NYC Plaza Program is a key part of the City’s effort to ensure that all New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk of quality open space. Eligible organizations can propose new plaza sites for their neighborhoods through a competitive application process.