A new city proposal could close a busy stretch of roadway at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza and transform it into expanded public space connected to Prospect Park.
The plan, unveiled by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city’s Department of Transportation on Monday, would link the plaza’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch directly to the park.
What You Need To Know
The city has unveiled a proposal to close a busy stretch of roadway at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza and transform it into expanded public space connected to Prospect Park
The plan would link the plaza’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch directly to the park
The city said the project has the potential to “create a world-class public space and dramatically improve pedestrian and cyclist safety” at the chaotic intersection
The city said the project has the potential to “create a world-class public space and dramatically improve pedestrian and cyclist safety” at the chaotic intersection.
“Grand Army Plaza is the gateway to Brooklyn’s backyard, Prospect Park — and it should welcome New Yorkers with street design that puts safety first,” Mamdani said in a statement. “Anyone who’s tried to cross here knows how dangerous and chaotic the streets can be. This redesign is long overdue and will provide a sense of ease and enjoyment to one of Brooklyn’s most important public spaces.”
The current design, right, and the proposed design, left. (Courtesy of City Hall)
In addition to improving pedestrian and cyclist safety at the plaza, the proposal aims to make it easier for drivers to navigate the area.
The city said the proposal would improve service on the B41 and B6 bus routes, which carry more than 30,000 riders daily.
DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said similar changes in the past have proven successful.
“Every time NYC DOT has provided more space to pedestrians at the park, it’s been an instant success, and it becomes impossible to think of how the space could have functioned before,” he said in a statement. “The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch is an iconic symbol of Brooklyn, and we’re ready to take the next big step to create a public space all of Brooklyn will be proud of and enjoy.”
According to City Hall, the project will build on previous community outreach. More than 85% of 3,600 people surveyed during workshops held in 2024 said they supported a redesign that would connect Prospect Park to the Memorial Arch and Bailey Fountain, which is at the center of Grand Army Plaza.
The city will start holding virtual and in-person public sessions to gather community input about the proposal later this month, with a plan to set up a tent at the plaza on Thursday, April 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A virtual forum will be held Wednesday, April 29 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, and an online survey will be available to fill out through May 31.