Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens Resource Guide

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During and post pandemic, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill were bursting with what we call social hubs. Corners, sidewalks, and intersections came to life with outdoor eateries and seating areas, attracting the community to gather and connect. These lively social hubs alloweed the neighborhoods to transition from restraint in public spaces to a spirit of experimentation and social life.

The Foster Building in Cobble Hill has been an example of adapting spaces to fit our changing needs. Prior to the pandemic, there were very few outdoor cafés, mostly because of oppressive regulations and difficulty in getting approvals. During COVID-19, café seating was permitted in front of restaurants. The restaurant Darna led the way by adding umbrellas, tables, and café seating to the sidewalk and street. Its success inspired businesses along the block to do the same, bringing the whole area to life. With this "inside out design" the Foster building became a vibrant social hub and community gathering place.

Critiques

SHAME - What New Yorkers Have Lost: Dining Sheds That Supported Vibrant Sidewalk Life

A wonderful new trend emerged in New York during the pandemic that transformed sidewalks into major social gathering hubs. “Dining sheds” and sidewalk seating areas popped up all over the city, expanding the areas where we could gather, connect, and enjoy life. These places became truly wonderful hangout spots for all members of the community and revitalized the streets of our city.

Unfortunately, these places have been removed. Because of new rules that put a number of costs and restrictions on street dining with the goal of returning space to cars and control to the government, the majority of these great places have been taken down. So much more than outdoor dining is being lost. What we are losing is social life, community connection, and the very soul of the city.

Four Iconic Waterfronts – Three of the World's Best and One That is could become the one of the best waterfront in the world

The waterfronts of Paris, Porto, London and Brooklyn offer important insights about what makes a place beloved by those who live, work and play there—and what doesn't. The secret is paying attention to how people actually use waterfront spaces. Below we show what sparks social activity and interaction in Paris and Porto— and how limited the options are in Brooklyn Bridge Park by comparison.

A New Vision

Discussion: A New Vision for the Brooklyn Waterfront

The city's and state's vision planning process for the Brooklyn Maritime District presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reconnect our historic Brooklyn neighborhoods to the waterfront and create a significant community destination. This article is intended to inspire the local Brooklyn community to see the full potential of our waterfront as a vibrant, active destination. The vision includes pedestrian promenades and public piers that catalyze local economic development with markets, maker spaces, cultural uses, and other income-generating activities.

Let's Create the Heart of Brooklyn at Borough Hall and Cadman Plaza

Brooklyn's rebirth is defined by the vast array of different cultures that call it home. Cadman Plaza should respect and showcase this diversity. This central area of Brooklyn is also very historic, but there is little to showcase that either. ‌‌Taking the time to tap into the unique and dynamic qualities of Brooklyn can lay the foundation for Cadman Plaza's transformation.

Creating the Heart of Brooklyn – Brooklyn Borough Hall, Court House, Cadman Plaza down to Fulton Landing

Together, Brooklyn Borough Hall, the Court House, and Cadman Plaza could easily become parts of a central square and evolve into the main gathering place for all of Brooklyn. Linking to Fulton Landing, these spaces could also be transformed into an esplanade, drawing people from the center of this part of the Brooklyn to the waterfront.

These spaces are close to the DUMBO neighborhood and to the iconic bridges connecting Brooklyn to Manhattan. Their location is a major asset that needs to be taken advantage of. The opportunity to revitalize the area is only emphasized by the fact that much of the Brooklyn waterfront is underutilized and not living up to its potential.

Activating The Brooklyn Heights Promenade represents an enormous opportunity to add some small features that give it a richness to make it even more special. A few small kiosks, or cafe could make it a strong gathering place for the Brooklyn Heights Community and enhance the experience for visitors and residents alike.

Montague Street Activation

Montague Street has multiple empty storefronts, uncared for buildings, limited outdoor seating, few places to gather, weak entranceways, few outdoor cafes, and a limited restaurant presence. All this was greatly impacted by the pandemic which exposed and heightened its flaws. This is an important street in a key historic district of New York that should enjoy abundant foot traffic and social life. In this article we suggest ways this can be achieved.

The mission of the Social Life Project is to incite a renaissance of community connection in public spaces around the globe. Through our online publication, presentations, campaigns, and catalytic projects, we can create transformative impact on communities everywhere. Our work grows out of more than 50 years devoted to building the global placemaking movement. It is an initiative of the Placemaking Fund, along with PlacemakingX — a global network of leaders who together accelerate placemaking as a way to create healthy, inclusive, and beloved communities.

If you are interested in collaborating (articles, presentations, exhibits, projects, and more) or supporting the cause contact us.