Grand Army Plaza Design Update — Outreach Boards, April 2026
Grand Army Plaza Design Update — Outreach Boards, April 2026
CPSD Study Timeline
| Period | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2022–2025 | Traffic study, design development, outreach |
| Spring/Summer 2026 | Design development, outreach, CB presentation |
| Fall 2026 | CPSD Study Report + Presentation to OMB |
| Post-study | Initiate GAP capital project; continue AAMUP |
City Initiatives in the Neighborhood
Related projects: Underhill Ave, Vanderbilt Ave, Flatbush Ave Bus Priority Project, Atlantic Ave Capital Project, Atlantic Ave Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP) Rezoning, Washington Ave Capital Project, Bedford Ave (future study), Grant Gore (future study), Bergen + Dean (future study).
2024 Outreach Summary
1,624 survey responses:
- 86% chose Option B (Unified Public Spaces)
- 12% chose Option A (Consolidated Flatbush Ave)
- 2% chose Neither
Design Updates Based on Community Feedback
- New crossings to Bailey Fountain
- Shortened crossings at Flatbush Ave and Vanderbilt Ave
- Accessible path on west side of Bailey Fountain
- Bike path shifted north and number of roadway crossings reduced
- Plaza St bike lane is parking protected and raised
- Direct bike lane from Prospect Park W to Vanderbilt Ave west side of plaza
- Loading zone on 8th Ave at St Johns
Main Plaza Concepts
Three design styles under consideration:
- Plaza Concept 1: Radial — Modern, open flexible space
- Plaza Concept 2: Diagonal Grove — Consistent tree canopy
- Plaza Concept 3: Open Axis — Historic character, builds on Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch
Design references include Brooklyn Museum Plaza, World Trade Center Memorial, Bogardus Plaza, Pearl Street Plaza (DUMBO), Brooklyn Bridge Park, Central Park, Domino Square, Bailey Plaza at Cornell.
Programming Elements
- Large-scale events, parades, sports events
- Greenmarket and seasonal markets
- Small gatherings, informal meetups
- Kids play, fitness, music/live performance
Operations + Outcomes
Current Conditions (Morning Peak Hour)
- 3,083 pedestrians
- 766 bus riders (B41 Local/Limited and B69)
- 350 cyclists
- 2,831 vehicles
- 35% of vehicles pass between the arch and park entrance
Proposed Design Improvements
- Public space increased by 42%
- Bicycle space increased by 122%
- Crosswalks: 24 → 12
- Intersections: 11 → 3
- All vehicle trips remain within the Plaza Loop
Pedestrian Crossing Analysis
- Pedestrians can cross from the library to the plaza in one signal phase (currently must wait on island)
Bus Operations
- Current cumulative B41/B69 rider delay (AM peak): 80 hours
- Proposed delay: 41 hours (41% decrease)
- Bus stops generally remain in existing locations
- Flatbush Avenue can accommodate future Bus Priority Infrastructure
Travel Time Analysis
- Union St → Eastern Parkway/Flatbush: Max waiting time drops from 85 seconds to 25 seconds
- Vanderbilt/Flatbush → Eastern Parkway/Flatbush: Cumulative travel time decreases 45% (96→66 hours); Union St route increases 22%
Safety Data
Flatbush Ave, Eastern Parkway, and St. Johns Place are Vision Zero Priority Corridors.
Grand Army Plaza Injury Summary, 2020–2025 (5 years)
| Category | Total Injuries | Severe | Fatalities | KSI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedestrian | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Bicyclists | 14 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Motor Vehicle Occupant | 184 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Motorized Two-Wheelers | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 219 | 4 | 0 | 4 |