Shaping Fort Greene’s Future: Community Input Sought for New Fowler Square Plaza

Exciting developments are underway in the vibrant Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, as plans for a transformative new public plaza at the intersection of Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue gather momentum. This ambitious project aims to convert an existing underutilized space, known as Fowler Square, into a dynamic hub for community life, fostering connection, commerce, and culture. Crucially, the success of this endeavor hinges on the active participation and invaluable insights of local residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB Alliance), a leading force in local urban development and community engagement, is spearheading a series of interactive workshops designed to solicit direct input from those who know Fort Greene best: its people. These workshops represent a pivotal opportunity for community members to contribute their vision, ideas, and aspirations for what this new public space at Fowler Square will look like and, more importantly, what kind of programming and activities will animate it.

Your Voice Matters: Community Workshops for Fowler Square Plaza

The creation of a successful public plaza is a collaborative process, one that thrives on the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of the community it serves. Recognizing this, FAB Alliance is extending an open invitation to all Fort Greene and surrounding neighborhood residents to participate in upcoming design and programming workshops. These sessions are not merely informational; they are interactive platforms where your suggestions can directly influence the design, amenities, and future use of this significant urban space.

Imagine a plaza that reflects the unique character and needs of Fort Greene – perhaps a place for outdoor markets, live music performances, public art installations, or simply a serene spot for reflection and relaxation amidst the urban bustle. This vision can only materialize with the creative input of its future users. Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas for seating arrangements, landscaping, public art, event types, and any other features that would enhance the plaza’s utility and appeal.

Workshop Details: Mark Your Calendars!

To ensure maximum participation, two distinct workshop dates have been scheduled:

• Tuesday, June 28th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Wednesday, June 29th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Both workshops will take place in the welcoming atmosphere of the community room at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, conveniently located at 85 South Oxford Street, precisely between Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue. This central location ensures accessibility for many residents interested in contributing to this exciting local project. Attendees will have the chance to engage with urban planners, designers, and community organizers, presenting their thoughts and seeing them considered for integration into the final design proposals.

The Vision for Fowler Square: A New Urban Landmark in Fort Greene

Fowler Square, situated at the dynamic nexus of Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue, holds immense potential. Currently, the space is primarily an intersection, but with careful planning and community-driven design, it can be transformed into a vibrant public realm that enhances pedestrian experience, calms traffic, and offers much-needed green space. Public plazas are vital components of healthy urban ecosystems, serving multiple functions that contribute to the overall quality of life in a neighborhood.

A well-designed public plaza acts as a genuine living room for the community. It provides a dedicated space for social interaction, serendipitous encounters, and organized events. For local businesses, a bustling plaza can mean increased foot traffic and enhanced economic vitality. For residents, it offers a sanctuary from the concrete jungle, a place to gather, relax, and connect with neighbors, fostering a stronger sense of community identity and belonging.

Benefits of a Revitalized Public Plaza: More Than Just a Space

The development of the Fowler Square plaza promises a multitude of benefits for Fort Greene:

• Enhanced Community Cohesion: Creating a central gathering spot where people can meet, socialize, and participate in shared experiences.
• Economic Revitalization: Attracting visitors and customers to local shops and restaurants, boosting the local economy.
• Increased Green Space: Introducing trees, planters, and other greenery to improve air quality, provide shade, and enhance aesthetic appeal.
• Improved Pedestrian Safety and Experience: Redesigning the intersection to prioritize pedestrians, making it safer and more enjoyable to navigate.
• Cultural and Recreational Hub: Providing a venue for diverse programming, including art exhibitions, musical performances, farmers’ markets, and fitness classes.
• Place-Making: Creating a distinct and memorable landmark that reinforces Fort Greene’s unique identity and charm.
• Environmental Benefits: Incorporating sustainable design elements like permeable paving for stormwater management and native plantings.

Funding Urban Transformation: The NYC Plaza Program

The transformation of Fowler Square is made possible through the generous support of the NYC Plaza Program. This innovative initiative, run by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), is dedicated to creating dynamic public spaces in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. The program works to identify underutilized street space and convert it into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly plazas, often in partnership with local community organizations like FAB Alliance.

The NYC Plaza Program is a testament to the city’s commitment to enhancing the public realm, promoting sustainable transportation, and improving urban quality of life. Since its inception, the program has successfully delivered numerous plazas that have become cherished community assets, demonstrating how strategic interventions can dramatically reshape urban landscapes for the better. The funding provided ensures that these projects are not only envisioned but also brought to fruition with the necessary resources and expertise, transforming asphalt into vibrant public gathering places.

FAB Alliance: A Driving Force for Fort Greene’s Prosperity

The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB Alliance) plays a critical role in the ongoing development and prosperity of the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods. As a Business Improvement District (BID) and local development corporation, FAB Alliance is committed to fostering a thriving commercial district, promoting the unique cultural heritage of the area, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

FAB Alliance’s work encompasses a wide range of initiatives, from streetscape improvements and sanitation services to local business support and community programming. Their involvement in the Fowler Square Plaza project underscores their dedication to creating truly public spaces that serve the diverse needs and desires of the community. Their expertise in project management, community engagement, and partnership building makes them the ideal lead organization for this significant undertaking. By actively soliciting community input, FAB Alliance ensures that the plaza will be a truly representative and beloved asset for years to come.

Imagining Fowler Square: Potential for Programming and Design

With the community’s input, the new Fowler Square Plaza could host a diverse array of activities and feature thoughtful design elements. Picture a dynamic schedule throughout the year:

• Seasonal Markets: From farmers’ markets offering fresh produce to artisanal craft fairs during holidays.
• Performing Arts: Open-air concerts, theater performances, and dance showcases celebrating local talent.
• Fitness and Wellness: Outdoor yoga classes, tai chi sessions, and community fitness boot camps.
• Children’s Activities: Storytelling hours, puppet shows, and interactive play areas for families.
• Public Art Installations: Rotating sculptures or murals that add aesthetic value and cultural depth.
• Flexible Seating Areas: Movable chairs and tables that allow for adaptable social configurations, alongside permanent benches.
• Green Infrastructure: Extensive tree planting, rain gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscaping to enhance biodiversity and environmental resilience.

The design possibilities are endless, ranging from elegant hardscapes with integrated lighting to lush green oases. The workshops will be crucial in distilling these myriad ideas into a cohesive and functional design that is both beautiful and highly practical for the Fort Greene community.

Be a Part of Fort Greene’s Transformation

The opportunity to shape a major public space like the Fowler Square Plaza is rare and incredibly impactful. The outcome of this project will directly influence the daily lives of residents, the vibrancy of local businesses, and the overall character of Fort Greene for generations. Your participation in these upcoming workshops is not just an invitation; it’s a call to civic action, an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on your neighborhood.

Make your voice heard and contribute to the creation of a truly outstanding public plaza at Fowler Square. Join your neighbors, share your vision, and help build a more connected, beautiful, and dynamic Fort Greene. We look forward to seeing you at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church on June 28th or 29th. Your ideas are the foundation upon which this exciting new chapter for Fort Greene will be built.