Sixth Avenue Triangle Opened in Brooklyn as City Nears Completion of Flatbush Avenue Street and Infrastructure Improvements

October 20, 2018

Contacts: 
DDC: Ian Michaels
718-391-1589
DOT: Lolita Avila
212-839-4850

Brooklyn, NY - The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) joined the North Flatbush Business Improvement District (NFBID) and local officials today to announce the completion of improvements to the traffic triangle at Sixth Avenue and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, part of a $10 million capital project that is bringing safety enhancements plus new infrastructure to eleven locations on Flatbush Avenue from Fifth to Eighth avenues.

The project, scheduled to be completed by November, is being managed by DDC for DOT. The opening of the Sixth Avenue triangle was marked by a ribbon cutting at the site, coinciding with the NFBID’s annual Fall Fest.

Under the project, three existing traffic triangles along Flatbush Avenue – at Sixth Avenue, Seventh Avenue and Carlton Avenue – are being redesigned and re-landscaped, with new pavement, fencing, plantings and benches.

Seven sidewalk “bumpouts” are being installed in the area to calm traffic and reduce the distance pedestrians need to walk to cross the street. Over 2,000 feet of curb and more than 18,000 square feet of sidewalk are also being reconstructed.

The project is also replacing nine older fire hydrants and 3,270 feet of water mains, and installing 12 new catch basins to improve street drainage.

“This project makes one of the City’s busiest corridors safer and more inviting for pedestrians, with new public spaces served by improved infrastructure,” said DDC Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “DDC works with DOT in every neighborhood to implement Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero enhancements, which enrich the quality of life while calming traffic and improving safety.”

“As a northern Park Slope resident, count me among all the neighbors excited about the new and improved 6th Avenue Triangle Park,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “On this high-traffic portion of Flatbush Avenue, the improved curbs and sidewalks will shorten pedestrian crossings and making this enhanced open space even safer and more welcoming. We know that with extensive infrastructure work still going on along Flatbush, we thank everyone for their patience. For now, I would like to thank NYC DDC and the North Flatbush BID for their undeniable passion for this critical project.”

“The North Flatbush BID is one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant commercial corridors, connecting the neighborhood of Park Slope and Prospect Heights with a diverse array of dining, entertainment, and retail opportunities,” said Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams. “Reconstructing the triangle parks has been a labor of love for this community, as well as for the small businesses who care about quality-of-life enhancements and investments in critical infrastructure. These open spaces will be focal points along our streetscape where families and friends connect, advancing a safer and greener Flatbush Avenue for all. I thank everyone who put in the hard work that brought this project from concept to reality.”

“I am thrilled at the completion of the North Flatbush 6th Avenue Triangle,” said Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo. “This open space is so critical to the enrichment of our neighborhood. It strengthens our businesses and encourages community building. We will see the impact of this tremendous work for generations to come!”

“I’m excited that the newly renovated 6th Avenue Triangle Park has been completed, offering pedestrians safer, greener, and more welcoming street infrastructure,” said Council Member Brad Lander.

“In 1887, one would have had to pay a toll to traverse the Flatbush Avenue but today we invite you to ‘stroll and sit a while’! This project is the culmination of more than ten years of advocacy for an enhanced pedestrian experience. The redesign itself is a generational shift from a design catering to the motorist to pedestrians featuring shortened crosswalks, benches and horticultural amenities. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating our makeover,” said Regina Cahill, North Flatbush BID Board Chair.

“Brooklyn neighborhoods are in constant flux,” said James Ellis, Executive Director of NFBID. “The North Flatbush BID has spent countless hours over the years advocating for district improvements to respond to the community’s desires for improved pedestrian access and usable public space. As we ‘open’ the 6th Avenue triangle, we look forward to safer streets and dynamic spaces to host events like the NFBID Fall Fest.”
 

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $14 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.