The Future of 4th Avenue

An Opportunity for You To Help Shape the Future of 4th Avenue

Fourth Avenue is a traffic artery, a key element in the down-zoning of the rest of Park Slope, a place where people live, and a location for exciting new coffeehouses, restaurants and bars. It is a street of contradictions and transitions, with more changes certain to come from Atlantic Yards.

Even in an uncertain economy, new buildings and construction sites dot the landscape - with more to come as the economy improves. More people walk the avenue, cross it and use its subway stations. With the lull in activity, we have a real opportunity to weigh in and help build a community in which we can all thrive. Write us to find out how you can get involved.
 
The Park Slope Civic Council has long been advocating for 4th Avenue:

1. Eliminating the left turn lane from northbound 4th Avenue to Union Street. The Civic Council, with the enthusiastic support of Assemblywoman Joan Millman, got the NYCDOT to fill in this left turn lane to create a pedestrian refuge, providing safety for those crossing this busy intersection, to and from the Union Street R train station.
2. The Lot Atop Shaft 22B: We have requested that the long-vacant lot at Fourth Avenue and Sackett Street, which provides access to the City's Third Water Tunnel, be immediately co-purposed to include a public garden. This request was made many years ago, and we continue to advocate for this. Read the Civic News article about the garden planned for the site--way back in 1999!
3. PS 133 and the Baltic Street Community Garden. The Civic Council passed a resolution calling for the preservation of the school (a landmark) and the garden (precious green space on a barren avenue). Both, sadly, are being plowed under. Read the Civic News article about the history of the Baltic Street block.
4. Trees: We submitted a grant application to the Citizen's Committee of NY for money to plant trees on 4th Avenue, which was not funded. This continues to be a priority for us.
5. The F-Train Station: We have submitted plans to NYCT, and continue to advocate, for reopening a long-closed entrance to the F subway station on the east side of Fourth Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets and to restore long-closed, adjacent retail space. The community would benefit in several ways:

• The number of people having to cross this very busy intersection to enter the subway station would be significantly reduced, thereby increasing safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
• The NYCTA would earn needed income by renting the retail space. There are numerous possible uses including a coffee or bagel shop, newsstand, dry cleaner, supermarket or grocery store, and other business likely to be patronized by daily commuters.
• Increase safety and beautify the streetscape under what is presently a dark, dingy underpass.