Dumbo Improvement District's Anchorage Place Proposal

The Dumbo Improvement District, with NYC Department of Transportation are proposing the designation of Anchorage Place between Plymouth Street and Pearl Street as a “Restricted Use Street”, permanently closing it to public vehicle traffic, in order to create one unified plaza space flowing from the Pearl Street Triangle into the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge. In accordance with Local Law 24 of 2005, a public hearing on this proposed action will be held on July 11 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at the DUMBO Loft, 155 Water Street, Brooklyn 11201. Also, NYCDOT will host a public workshop to gather community input on the permanent design of the plaza spaces on July 17, 2012 at 155 Water Street 111 Front Street, Room 216.

Per the Dumbo Improvement District:

Restricting vehicular traffic and pedestrianizing Anchorage Place will enhance safety as pedestrians flow between the Archway and the Pearl Street Triangle. It will also allow the DUMBO Improvement District to increase programming in the plaza spaces by offering a larger area for public seating and for staging of events and art. This pedestrianization proposal received the endorsement of Community Board 2 following a presentation to the Transportation Committee on June 19. 8 retail businesses along Pearl Street and Anchorage Place have signed letters of support.

Details of the proposal:

  • The closure would go into effect sometime this summer.
  • The closure would be implemented through signage and temporary barriers such as movable planters at either end of Anchorage Place (at Plymouth Street and at Pearl Street).
  • Anchorage Place will remain accessible to emergency vehicles at all times.
  • Southbound traffic on Anchorage Place would be rerouted to Pearl Street.
  • To mitigate the loss of 24 parking spaces along Anchorage Place, the NYCDOT Borough Engineer will modify existing parking regulations to create approximately 20-30 new parking spaces in the neighborhood.

A note on the permanent build out of the plaza spaces: This proposed action to designate Anchorage Place as a Restricted Use Street is separate and distinct from the capital construction of the plaza spaces, which is anticipated to begin in 2014 as part of a $20 million reconstruction of DUMBO’s Belgian Block streets. There are no permanent physical changes proposed as part of this action. However, if the proposed action to designate Anchorage Place as a Restricted Use Street is adopted, the permanent design of Anchorage Place in the capital construction project would reflect this designation accordingly. As part of the initiation of the capital design process, NYCDOT will host a public workshop to gather community input on the permanent design of the plaza spaces on July 17, 2012 at 155 Water Street 111 Front Street, Room 216. The proposed design(s) for the capital project will be presented to the Community Board by the Department of Design and Construction at a later date when those design(s) are available.

What do people think about this proposed change?

(Photo courtesy of Dumbo Improvement District)

34 Comment

  • If this means that the workers from Guttman’s shop on Anchorage won’t be welding on the sidewalk and the street anymore, I’m all for it. They treat those spaces like their own private property. Not fun to walk by on a daily basis.

  • If this means that the workers from Guttman’s shop on Anchorage won’t be welding on the sidewalk and the street anymore, I’m all for it. They treat those spaces like their own private property. Not fun to walk by on a daily basis.

  • i’m all with ya…all the leftover junk on the sidewalk/street from their welding…the nasty grease everywhere. the broken down dumpsters laying out there. i’m all for construction places, but this place is an absolute hazard.

    next step…get that garbage truck to stop blocking the pearl street road and sidewalk when it loads all the junk from next to pearl/front, and drops drywall and screws/scraps in the street and sidewalk.

  • i’m all with ya…all the leftover junk on the sidewalk/street from their welding…the nasty grease everywhere. the broken down dumpsters laying out there. i’m all for construction places, but this place is an absolute hazard.

    next step…get that garbage truck to stop blocking the pearl street road and sidewalk when it loads all the junk from next to pearl/front, and drops drywall and screws/scraps in the street and sidewalk.

  • Dumbo has so much potential that has yet to be realized and initiatives like this will only help. All this gentrification comes at a price, of course. When I moved here 7 years ago people were saying that Dumbo had already lost its true flavor, it’s edge, it’s artistic culture. All that is an ancient memory now. But the inherently unique aspects and values of this neighborhood will remain, not only because of the enormously helpful Landmarks designation but because the water, the bridges, the access — even the BQE, which effectively sets the neighborhood apart — are not going anywhere. Hey, even globally rising water levels make this the right side of the river to be on.

  • Dumbo has so much potential that has yet to be realized and initiatives like this will only help. All this gentrification comes at a price, of course. When I moved here 7 years ago people were saying that Dumbo had already lost its true flavor, it’s edge, it’s artistic culture. All that is an ancient memory now. But the inherently unique aspects and values of this neighborhood will remain, not only because of the enormously helpful Landmarks designation but because the water, the bridges, the access — even the BQE, which effectively sets the neighborhood apart — are not going anywhere. Hey, even globally rising water levels make this the right side of the river to be on.

  • Case you haven’t noticed the Guttman’s garage as an entrance on Pearl Street. Sorry for the neighbors on that side. They do have the right to use the street as they have been.

  • Case you haven’t noticed the Guttman’s garage as an entrance on Pearl Street. Sorry for the neighbors on that side. They do have the right to use the street as they have been.

  • Pingback: Closing Bell: Anchorage Place Meeting is Tomorrow – insiderater.com

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  • I’m all for this proposal for a few reasons not the least of which is that cars coming up Anchorage always seem to just plow through the intersection with Pearl without looking despite Pearl having the right of way. I’m concerned about Guttman’s use of the street though. Are we creating a vehicle free work space for him or as suggested will his welding operation just move to the much narrower Pearl Street and cause egress and eyesore issues there? LS, I’m curious why you think they have a right to use the street as they have been? There are actually laws prohibiting the repairs of vehicles in the street, one would think that would extend to welding sanitation containers as well. I’m of the opinion, although I could be wrong, that all that work is legally confined to inside his garage. Thoughts anyone?

  • I’m all for this proposal for a few reasons not the least of which is that cars coming up Anchorage always seem to just plow through the intersection with Pearl without looking despite Pearl having the right of way. I’m concerned about Guttman’s use of the street though. Are we creating a vehicle free work space for him or as suggested will his welding operation just move to the much narrower Pearl Street and cause egress and eyesore issues there? LS, I’m curious why you think they have a right to use the street as they have been? There are actually laws prohibiting the repairs of vehicles in the street, one would think that would extend to welding sanitation containers as well. I’m of the opinion, although I could be wrong, that all that work is legally confined to inside his garage. Thoughts anyone?

  • I would find it hard to believe that welding is allowed on a public street and/or sidewalk.

    Also, as for their garbage truck on the sidewalk at Pearl/Front–completely illegal. Nothing these guys do is legal.

    I also second the concern that they’ll just move their operations out into more of the street than they currently use up.

    I can’t make it to the meeting tonight, but I hope these concerns are raised by those of you who can attend. Please report back!

    Thanks!

  • I would find it hard to believe that welding is allowed on a public street and/or sidewalk.

    Also, as for their garbage truck on the sidewalk at Pearl/Front–completely illegal. Nothing these guys do is legal.

    I also second the concern that they’ll just move their operations out into more of the street than they currently use up.

    I can’t make it to the meeting tonight, but I hope these concerns are raised by those of you who can attend. Please report back!

    Thanks!

  • Regarding Guttman’s dumpsters. He, contrary to everyone else I’ve seen actually applied and received from the DOT a 3 month permit for $50 to put a dumpster on the street. There are obligatory rules posted that you can look down your nose at regarding the use thereof. I don’t know why you think a 30 yard dumpster is a vehicle. Not sure what part of the world you’re coming from though. Welding can be done anywhere, public or private. You need a license in NYC proper. I wouldn’t do it in a gasoline storage tank. Google OSHA for gratuitous safety rules.
    But really there’s a bigger question here. It’s the same old question. Why the craven need to Disneyfy a neighborhood? Why such snootiness at the likes of a grimy repair shop? (I know, 2 questions) Please don’t tell me it’s dangerous, I haven’t seen a child under 12 who still isn’t riding in a stroller. I hear “eyesore”, “not fun to walk by”. Such delicate people.
    You might consider all the hand ringing around here for “mixed-income housing” yet no tolerance for the dirty proletariat who probably couldn’t afford them anyway.

  • Regarding Guttman’s dumpsters. He, contrary to everyone else I’ve seen actually applied and received from the DOT a 3 month permit for $50 to put a dumpster on the street. There are obligatory rules posted that you can look down your nose at regarding the use thereof. I don’t know why you think a 30 yard dumpster is a vehicle. Not sure what part of the world you’re coming from though. Welding can be done anywhere, public or private. You need a license in NYC proper. I wouldn’t do it in a gasoline storage tank. Google OSHA for gratuitous safety rules.
    But really there’s a bigger question here. It’s the same old question. Why the craven need to Disneyfy a neighborhood? Why such snootiness at the likes of a grimy repair shop? (I know, 2 questions) Please don’t tell me it’s dangerous, I haven’t seen a child under 12 who still isn’t riding in a stroller. I hear “eyesore”, “not fun to walk by”. Such delicate people.
    You might consider all the hand ringing around here for “mixed-income housing” yet no tolerance for the dirty proletariat who probably couldn’t afford them anyway.

  • The part of the world I come from is Brooklyn born and raised and 21 years with the NYPD. The intention of “a 3 month permit for $50 to put a dumpster on the street” is for the removal of construction debris for an ongoing project not for the purpose of making repairs to containers in the street. I wasn’t suggesting a container was a vehicle, I was only pointing out that it’s illegal to repair a vehicle on the street, it would stand to reason that repairing a container would be equally as frowned upon. I don’t see how the closing of a little used street to create a pedestrian space is “Disneyfying” when the city has closed major Manhattan streets for the same purpose (not saying I agree with those)

  • The part of the world I come from is Brooklyn born and raised and 21 years with the NYPD. The intention of “a 3 month permit for $50 to put a dumpster on the street” is for the removal of construction debris for an ongoing project not for the purpose of making repairs to containers in the street. I wasn’t suggesting a container was a vehicle, I was only pointing out that it’s illegal to repair a vehicle on the street, it would stand to reason that repairing a container would be equally as frowned upon. I don’t see how the closing of a little used street to create a pedestrian space is “Disneyfying” when the city has closed major Manhattan streets for the same purpose (not saying I agree with those)

  • No where in the DOT regulations for putting a dumpster on the street does it say you have to fill it with construction debris. The DOT wouldn’t even be the legal authority as to what you put in it or not put in it only where you put it.
    N.Y. ADC. LAW § 16-122 : NY Code – Section 16-122: Vehicles and other movable property: The intent of the law was to deal with the “ever increasing number of abandoned cars in the City” not dumpsters. Frown all you want but the law only references motor vehicles and does not preclude or prohibit the making of lawful repairs on public streets. If you’ve truly been involved in the NYPD for 21 years you would know a term like “frowned” is a tad too ambiguous to be used legally. You might have a case if they were advertising dumpster repair contrary to zoning or C of O but that’s not the case here. Only the repair of personal property.
    I could care less if they closed the street. I was only expanding the thread to something I find more interesting. My point was, the bigger question, was the lack of tolerance for business models not up to the image of the current residents. If you will, the narrow-mindedness of the newly arrived, basking in their artist Shangri La. Really, is there any difference between the mild chaos that may force a minute detour at Guttman’s garage and the roping off of public space (for weeks) so “The Artist” can roll out his angst in public? The presumption that one deserves to be put to death over the other is the height of intolerance.

  • No where in the DOT regulations for putting a dumpster on the street does it say you have to fill it with construction debris. The DOT wouldn’t even be the legal authority as to what you put in it or not put in it only where you put it.
    N.Y. ADC. LAW § 16-122 : NY Code – Section 16-122: Vehicles and other movable property: The intent of the law was to deal with the “ever increasing number of abandoned cars in the City” not dumpsters. Frown all you want but the law only references motor vehicles and does not preclude or prohibit the making of lawful repairs on public streets. If you’ve truly been involved in the NYPD for 21 years you would know a term like “frowned” is a tad too ambiguous to be used legally. You might have a case if they were advertising dumpster repair contrary to zoning or C of O but that’s not the case here. Only the repair of personal property.
    I could care less if they closed the street. I was only expanding the thread to something I find more interesting. My point was, the bigger question, was the lack of tolerance for business models not up to the image of the current residents. If you will, the narrow-mindedness of the newly arrived, basking in their artist Shangri La. Really, is there any difference between the mild chaos that may force a minute detour at Guttman’s garage and the roping off of public space (for weeks) so “The Artist” can roll out his angst in public? The presumption that one deserves to be put to death over the other is the height of intolerance.

  • I actually agree with you on the bigger question and your point which is well taken regarding newcomers and a lack of tolerance. The painting of the triangle was a collosal waste of money to feed someone’s or many someone’s ego. As for my use of “frowned upon” I was not trying to give a legal definition but simply stating that since the repair of the containers in the street is an eyesore at best and you have to admit there is grease, oil and other things accumulating in that area, that there is likely some sort of provision that could be enforced to prevent it. (I’m not standing behind the phony safety issue for passers by but there is something to say about the fluids left behind) Some of our laws are ambiguous just for that reason. The intention of the law regarding the containers, I can assure you, was not for the use being done here. Does he simply renew it in perpetuity? Does he even have one? I live in one of his buildings, I doubt it. LOL
    I’d feel the same way about container repair in the street if it was any neighborhood. Work like that should be done in an enclosed yard.

  • I actually agree with you on the bigger question and your point which is well taken regarding newcomers and a lack of tolerance. The painting of the triangle was a collosal waste of money to feed someone’s or many someone’s ego. As for my use of “frowned upon” I was not trying to give a legal definition but simply stating that since the repair of the containers in the street is an eyesore at best and you have to admit there is grease, oil and other things accumulating in that area, that there is likely some sort of provision that could be enforced to prevent it. (I’m not standing behind the phony safety issue for passers by but there is something to say about the fluids left behind) Some of our laws are ambiguous just for that reason. The intention of the law regarding the containers, I can assure you, was not for the use being done here. Does he simply renew it in perpetuity? Does he even have one? I live in one of his buildings, I doubt it. LOL
    I’d feel the same way about container repair in the street if it was any neighborhood. Work like that should be done in an enclosed yard.

  • By the way,if you read the law you’ll note that the “lawful repairs” involve a car that is disabled, not a sidewalk repair shop. (Again, I agree this isn’t intended for dumpsters, just making a point)

  • By the way,if you read the law you’ll note that the “lawful repairs” involve a car that is disabled, not a sidewalk repair shop. (Again, I agree this isn’t intended for dumpsters, just making a point)

  • Love this idea. The continuity from the arch into the triangle will be great.

  • Love this idea. The continuity from the arch into the triangle will be great.

  • I love how people complain NYC and dumbo is losing its grit yet they compassion about a grimy welding shop that had always been in the neighborhood. Let’s replace it with a whine Bar.

  • I love how people complain NYC and dumbo is losing its grit yet they compassion about a grimy welding shop that had always been in the neighborhood. Let’s replace it with a whine Bar.

  • Swype sucks. Compassion = complain

  • Swype sucks. Compassion = complain

  • Always been there legally? Fine with me. Knowing Gutman though somehow I doubt legally applies…

  • Always been there legally? Fine with me. Knowing Gutman though somehow I doubt legally applies…

  • We should really strive to avoid making Dumbo a theme park rather than a working neighborhood. Closing streets and pedestrian malls tend to create artificiality and block commerce and art; the buildings along that street need to get materials in and out, for example.

    We have no shortage of parks in this neighborhood. And very simple solutions — like tables and chairs a la the medians in the city — really go a long way: Let people organize themselves in the space, not be prodded by rigid design.

  • We should really strive to avoid making Dumbo a theme park rather than a working neighborhood. Closing streets and pedestrian malls tend to create artificiality and block commerce and art; the buildings along that street need to get materials in and out, for example.

    We have no shortage of parks in this neighborhood. And very simple solutions — like tables and chairs a la the medians in the city — really go a long way: Let people organize themselves in the space, not be prodded by rigid design.