Press Release from the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership:

BROOKLYN (July 22, 2008) – Downtown Brooklyn’s revitalization reached another milestone today as the Boerum Place extension project was officially completed.  The multifaceted initiative along the quarter-mile stretch of "Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard" creates a vibrant, engaging connection between the downtown core and the surrounding neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill.  This is the first completed project in a series of City-funded streetscape improvements targeted towards improving Downtown Brooklyn’s public realm and pedestrian experience.

The $4.1 million project extends the planted median along Boerum Place from Fulton Street to Atlantic Avenue, and also resurfaces the roadway.  Under the plan, a series of pedestrian friendly enhancements and traffic calming measures were implemented, including new sidewalks, sidewalk extensions, safer crosswalks and vehicle channelization. The initiative, which began in September 2007, was made possible through the Bloomberg Administration’s investment of $3.1 million and Borough President Marty Markowitz’s commitment of $970,000.  The median contains more than 500 plantings, including a variety of small shrubs, roses, and Hawthorne and Kwanzan Cherry trees.  The design and construction team, composed of Urbitran, HDR/Daniel Frankfurt, and ADC, Inc., was overseen by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).

The Bloomberg Administration has committed over $40 million in capital funds for a series of streetscape projects that will beautify the area, and improve conditions for pedestrians and traffic.  Beginning in August, Flatbush Avenue, known as the borough’s gateway, will undergo a $20 million facelift from Tillary Street to Hanson Place, and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.  This fall, work will also commence on a $15 million modernization of Fulton Street Mall, Brooklyn’s retail strip that attracts over 100,000 shoppers daily. This project involves the installation of new streetlights, bus shelters, sidewalks and the creation of a public square.

“As our revitalized Downtown Brooklyn continues to bloom and flourish, the Boerum Place project is a colorful reminder that, as in all the great cities of the world, our vibrant urban thoroughfares are more than just concrete and asphalt—they are living symbols of movement and progress,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz.  “I commend the Mayor, the EDC and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership for their ongoing vision, and I’m proud that my office has been able to support this beautiful streetscape, which will serve as an inviting gateway for residents and visitors to our great borough, and make what is already a wonderful experience—entering Brooklyn—even better!”

“The Boerum Place project represents another great step towards the transformation of Downtown Brooklyn," said NYCEDC President Seth W. Pinsky.  "This is about creating people-friendly streets, improving quality of life, and connecting vibrant neighborhoods. It's a win all around for Brooklyn."

“Thanks to the Mayor, EDC and the Borough President, this project will have a notable impact on the revitalization of Downtown Brooklyn,” said Joe Chan, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.  “This vibrant new streetscape enhances the environment for private investment, creates an attractive entrance to the district from the south and makes a pedestrian friendly connection between residential neighborhoods and the commercial core.”

Maintenance and oversight of the planted median will be managed by the Court–Livingston-Schermerhorn Business Improvement District (CLS BID).  Approved in July 2007 by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the CLS BID marks its first anniversary with the completion of the median extension.

“The Court-Livingston-Schermerhorn Business Improvement District (CLS BID) appreciates, and looks forward to, maintaining this wonderfully landscaped median,” said Steven Mirones, Treasurer of the CLS BID. “Already, we have heard many positive comments about the median from passers-by and businesses in the area. On behalf of all the members of the CLS BID, we extend our gratitude to the City, Borough President, and citizens for making this part of Downtown Brooklyn a much more beautiful place.”

About NYCEDC

New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities.

About the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership is a non-profit, local development corporation created to foster the continued growth of the city’s third-largest business district.  Its core mission is to enhance the environment for investment in Downtown Brooklyn and bolster the district’s position as a vibrant business center, retail destination and world-class cultural hub.  Spearheaded by the area’s key stakeholders – the business community, academic institutions and cultural organizations, in conjunction with city government – the Partnership harnesses the resources of both the public and private sectors.  In addition, the organization works with the City to build public open space, revitalize area streetscapes and coordinate other infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.dbpartnership.org.

About the Court-Livingston-Schermerhorn Business Improvement District (CLS BID)

Established in 2007, the CLS BID serves nearly 200 properties in Downtown Brooklyn. The goals of the CLS BID are to improve the overall quality of life for its constituents, and to stimulate economic activity for local businesses. To achieve these goals, a range of programs and services are being implemented, including: sanitation, public safety, marketing, capital improvements, streetscape beautification, landscaping, small business assistance, advocacy and outreach.  For more information, visit www.clsbid.org.