In the first video of a 4 part series, TreeHugger founder Graham Hill discusses with Ben Harper the transformation of a parking area in the Pearl Street Triangle into a pedestrian ‘oasis’. The response to the reimagined triangle was met with both praise and criticism for its lack of a permanent ‘solution’ for pedestrians with in ground trees and the lack of a cafe. Reopening of the Manhattan Bridge archway should make the triangle more accessible as a pedestrian park. The triangle was the first of about 31 plaza projects to be completed by 2009. The Dumbo Improvement District contributed $25,000 to the project, and the city $20,000.

The Dumbo Improvement District is currently cleaning up the triangle for the spring season. They are also hosting an Earth Day celebration at Jan Larsen Art at the Pearl Street Triangle next Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30-8:30pm as part of their SEED program. “Learn about how Dumbo has gotten “greener” this spring, what’s in store for the neighborhood, & meet your new “green” neighbors!” Drinks & light refreshments will be served. RSVP to jane@dumbonyc.org. More info on their website (dumbonyc.org).

GREEN DEETS 016: Ben Harper 01 from George Spyros on Vimeo.

{Ben Harper — Pearl Street Triangle Re-imagined, 14Apr2008, TreeHugger}
{New Sculptures at Pearl St Triangle, 31Aug07}
{Streetfilms Coverage of Pearl St Triangle, 15Aug07}
{Pearl Street Triangle Unveiling Press Conference, 07Aug07}
{Pearl Street Triangle Moving Quickly, 28Jun07}
{Pearl Street Triangle Plaza Begins Work, 25Jun07}