About NYC DOT

Grand Army Plaza

NYC DOT is conducting a study to re-envision the public space around Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn. This study builds upon past work around Grand Army Plaza and will shape a capital project that seeks to create a world-class public space by improving pedestrian connections and making it easier to travel around and through the Plaza.

Two lanes of pedestrian and cyclist traffic go in and out of a park leading to a circle of vehicular traffic around the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch in Grand Army Plaza.
Grand Army Plaza in 2018 when vehicles were banned from driving through Prospect Park.

Share Your Feedback

Link to survey and outreach materials coming soon!

Public Workshops

  • Thursday, April 23 from 4pm to 6pm: Visit our tent south of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch in Grand Army Plaza. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Grand Lobby of the Brooklyn Public Library. Please use main entrance.
  • Saturday, April 25 from 10am to 1pm: Visit our tent south of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch in Grand Army Plaza. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Civic Commons area of the Brooklyn Public Library. Please use Flatbush Avenue Entrance.
  • Wednesday, April 29 from 6pm to 7:30pm on Zoom: Register for the April 29 virtual workshop in advance via Zoom.
People talk at tables and informational boards at a public gathering outside
Photo from 2024 outreach at Grand Army Plaza.

About the Project

This study is part of the Capital Project Scope Development Process (CPSD) and will shape a future capital project.

Capital Project Scope Development (CPSD) Process

NYC’s CPSD program is a way for agencies to clearly determine project scope, cost, and other key factors before construction capital dollars are committed. It is typically reserved for large-scale projects with substantial unknowns, which may influence cost and feasibility.

The study process includes:

  • Conceptual Design
  • Initial traffic and operations analysis
  • Community and stakeholder outreach
  • Construction cost estimates

Capital Project Overview

This capital project will include reconstructing the roadway and the introduction of new street design materials. The capital project will also convert future pedestrian areas to typical sidewalk height, adding public space furnishings and lighting fixtures, in-ground plantings and new trees.

A three part photo montage to show the past, transition, and current streetscape design for Pearl Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn. The past photo shows cars parked in a large triangular asphalt area. The transition photo shows that the triangular space painted green and converted to a pedestrian plaza with tables, chairs, and planters. The current photo shows the triangle converted to a permanent plaza raised to sidewalk height with permanent seating structures.
Example project at Pearl Street in Dumbo: NYC DOT first converted parking area to a painted pedestrian plaza in 2007 with our Street Improvement Project process. In 2025, construction of a permanent plaza was completed, building on the original project and expanding the plaza into the roadway.

Timeline

  • April 2026: Public Workshops
  • May 2026: Community Board 6 and 8 Presentation
  • Summer 2026: Initial Landmarks Preservation and Public Design Commission Review
  • Summer 2026: Complete CPSD Study
  • Post Study:
    • Explore options for reconstruction
    • Continue Vanderbilt Avenue and Underhill Avenue design discussions as part of Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP)

History

  • 1873: Majority of Prospect Park open to the public
  • 1892: Memorial Arch constructed
  • 1932: Bailey Fountain constructed
  • 1989: Greenmarket founded at Grand Army Plaza
  • 2000: Vehicle hours reduced in Prospect Park
  • 2002: Concrete triangle at Public Library installed
  • 2004: One-way bike lanes added to three new concrete triangles at Plaza South
  • 2008: Design Trust for Public Space study
  • 2010 to 2012: Additional concrete pedestrian islands installed with plantings
  • 2012: Two-way bike lane installed on Plaza Street
  • 2012: Reconstruction of Eastern Parkway median between Plaza and Washington
  • 2017: Car-free pilot in Prospect Park
  • 2018: Prospect Park became permanently car-free
  • 2022: Curb extensions and bike parking added to Plaza Street intersections; Initial Outreach for Grand Army Plaza CPSD; Workshop and survey summary
  • 2024: Update to Community Boards 6, 8, and 9 and second round of outreach for Grand Army Plaza CPSD