> **April 2026: [Mayor Mamdani approved the redesign](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-unveils-proposal-for-transformational-redesign-of-)** — connecting the Arch to Prospect Park and eliminating the dangerous road between them. The [New York Times called it](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-prospect-park-brooklyn.html) the end of "one of the borough's most iconic, and hazardous, landmarks." DOT is [finalizing the design now](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/grandarmyplaza.shtml) — survey open through May 31. [Read our full coverage →](/news/)
## Recent Press (2026)
- 2026-05-03 · *NY Daily News* — **[Making Grand Army Plaza grand: Bring the arch into Prospect Park](https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/05/03/making-grand-army-plaza-grand-bring-the-arch-into-prospect-park/)** (op-ed)
- 2026-05-02 · *The New York Times* — **[How Mamdani Would Change Grand Army Plaza for Walkers, Bikers and Drivers](https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/05/02/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-nyc-redesign-mamdani.html)** (interactive) ⭐
- 2026-04-30 · *Streetsblog NYC* — **[What do NYers want from a Grand Army Plaza redesign?](https://youtu.be/YsOH22OvR8U)** (video, 2 mins)
- 2026-04-24 · *Kelley MacDonald / Substack* — **[I Asked Neighbors What They Think About the Grand Army Plaza Redesign](https://kelleymacdonald.substack.com/p/grand-army-plaza-redesign-proposal-opinions)**
- 2026-04-24 · *USA Today* — **[Why Mamdani wants to change Grand Army Plaza](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/04/13/grand-army-plaza-redesign-plan-revealed-by-mamdani-why-its-changing/89590780007/)**
- 2026-04-24 · *Reddit / r/NYCbike* — **[Please Tell NYC DOT you support the Grand Army Plaza redesign!](https://www.reddit.com/r/NYCbike/comments/1suo073/please_tell_nyc_dot_you_support_the_grand_army/)**
- 2026-04-19 · *The New York Times* — **[New Yorkers Warm to Mamdani's Redesign Plan for Iconic Brooklyn Plaza](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/19/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-mamdani-brooklyn.html)**
- 2026-04-15 · *WNYC / The Brian Lehrer Show* — **[A Pedestrian-Friendly Grand Army Plaza?](https://www.wnyc.org/story/a-pedestrianfriendly-grand-army-plaza/)** (27 mins)
- 2026-04-13 · *NYC Mayor's Office* — **[Mayor Mamdani Unveils Proposal for Transformational Redesign of Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-unveils-proposal-for-transformational-redesign-of-)** ⭐
- 2026-04-13 · *The New York Times* — **[Can This Chaotic Brooklyn Plaza Be Car-Free? Mamdani Says Yes.](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-prospect-park-brooklyn.html)** ⭐
- 2026-04-13 · *Streetsblog NYC* — **[Mamdani Embraces 20-Year-Old Plan to Create A Car-Free Link Between Prospect Park And Grand Army Plaza](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/04/13/mamdani-embraces-20-year-old-plan-to-connect-grand-army-plaza-to-prospect-park)**
- 2026-04-13 · *Spectrum News NY1* — **[Mamdani proposes 'long overdue' redesign of Grand Army Plaza](https://ny1.com/nyc/brooklyn/news/2026/04/13/mamdani-proposes--long-overdue--redesign-of-grand-army-plaza)**
- 2026-04-13 · *CBS New York* — **[Brooklyn Grand Army Plaza redesign would link Prospect Park to Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/brooklyn-grand-army-plaza-redesign/)**
- 2026-04-13 · *CBS New York* — **[NYC unveils Brooklyn Grand Army Plaza redesign](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bXEgK1DYks)** (video, 2.5 mins)
- 2026-04-13 · *@bradlander on Twitter/X* — **["This is FANTASTIC news. A street redesign that connects Grand Army Plaza to Prospect Park will be a huge win for a safer & a more livable Brooklyn."](https://x.com/bradlander/status/2043796013971046608)**
- 2026-04-13 · *@NYC_DOT on Twitter/X* — **["Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza is ready for a transformation."](https://x.com/NYC_DOT/status/2043758753485341158)**
- 2026-04-13 · *Reddit / r/nyc* — **[Discussion: Can This Chaotic Brooklyn Plaza Be Car-Free? Mamdani Says Yes.](https://www.reddit.com/r/nyc/comments/1sk6k15/can_this_chaotic_brooklyn_plaza_be_carfree/)** (170+ upvotes, 60+ comments)
- 2026-04-13 · *Reddit / r/nyc* — **[Discussion: Mayor Mamdani Unveils Proposal for Transformational Redesign of Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza](https://www.reddit.com/r/nyc/comments/1ski6gw/mayor_mamdani_unveils_proposal_for/)** (160+ upvotes, 35+ comments)
- 2026-03-18 · *News 12* — **[Park Slope Residents Push City to Fix 'Dangerous' Grand Army Plaza](https://longisland.news12.com/park-slope-residents-push-city-to-fix-dangerous-grand-army-plaza)**
- 2026-03-18 · *BoroPark24* — **[Advocacy Groups: Grand Army Plaza Becoming Safety Concern for Drivers and Pedestrians](https://www.boropark24.com/news/advocacy-groups-grand-army-plaza-becoming-safety-concern-for-drivers-and-pedestrians)**
- 2026-03-13 · *Streetsblog NYC* — **[Friday's Headlines: Close the GAP Edition](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/03/13/fridays-headlines-close-the-gap-edition)**
- 2026-03-11 · *Grand Army Gazette* — **[Can Anyone Fix Grand Army Plaza? A New Group Thinks So](https://grandarmygazette.substack.com/p/can-anyone-fix-grand-army-plaza-a)**
- 2026-03 · *Hoodline* — **[Park Slope Rages Over Death Trap Grand Army Plaza](https://hoodline.com/2026/03/park-slope-rages-over-death-trap-grand-army-plaza/)**
- 2026-02 · *The Stuyvesant Spectator* — **[Reimagining Grand Army Plaza](https://stuyspec.com/article/reimagining-grand-army-plaza)**
**Want to help?** Sign our petition → | Join the TA #SaferGrandArmy campaign →
---
## Advocates & Experts
### Doug Gordon, War on Cars Podcast
> "This is huge news. Depending on how it shakes out it could be the biggest and best change to Brooklyn streets in decades."
*[Via Twitter/X, November 2022](https://www.amny.com/new-york/brooklyn/dot-car-free-redesign-grand-army-plaza/)*
### Transportation Alternatives
> "We don't have to accept the status quo as normal — we can build streets for all by prioritizing people, not cars. We look forward to working with DOT as they begin this outreach process."
— Juan Restrepo, Senior Organizer
*[Via Transportation Alternatives](https://transalt.org/newsletter/november-18-world-day-of-remembrance-safer-grand-army-plaza-jobs-at-ta)*
### Ben Furnas, Executive Director, Transportation Alternatives
> "It's totally weird that this beautiful public space is on the far side of multiple lanes of zooming traffic. It's just so obvious that this should be a pedestrian space."
*[Via The New York Times, April 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-prospect-park-brooklyn.html)*
> "We're ecstatic that New York City will be connecting Grand Army Plaza's arch to the rest of Prospect Park. This is a major step forward for everyone who visits Brooklyn's backyard, and a restoration of Olmsted's original vision for his favorite park."
*[Via NYC Mayor's Office, April 2026](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-unveils-proposal-for-transformational-redesign-of-)*
### Steve Flack, Transportation Alternatives Volunteer
> "We just want people to enjoy this area again."
*[Via The New York Times, April 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/19/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-mamdani-brooklyn.html)*
### Kathy Park Price, Transportation Alternatives Brooklyn Organizer
> "There is a major safety gap at GAP and the current design doesn't serve anyone."
> "Grand Army Plaza is one of New York City's most iconic and busiest public spaces, and residents have spoken clearly: After decades of car-centric planning, it's time to return Grand Army Plaza to people. With bold action, Grand Army Plaza can truly become an extension of Prospect Park and a public space worthy of Brooklyn."
*[Via Streetsblog NYC](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2022/05/11/brooklyn-pols-fix-grand-army-plaza-and-make-it-safer)*
### Liz Carollo, GrowNYC Greenmarket Director
> "The actual space itself, bordering Prospect Park, across the street from the library, the museum, the Botanic Garden, the zoo, is truly the heart of Brooklyn."
*[Via The Park Slope Reader](https://www.psreader.com/the-heart-of-brooklyn-park-slope-farmers-market/)*
### Morgan Monaco, President, Prospect Park Alliance
> "Grand Army Plaza was always envisioned as the formal entrance to Prospect Park and has served as one of Brooklyn's premier gathering spaces for the past 150 years. This project will advance our work in creating safe, inviting and accessible public space and also greatly enhance the plaza's role as Brooklyn's 'town square' and one of its most democratic spaces."
*[Via NYC Mayor's Office, April 2026](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-unveils-proposal-for-transformational-redesign-of-)*
### Alexa Sledge, Transportation Alternatives
> "They'll be putting this arch finally back into Prospect Park and connecting it so it's one larger green space that people can enjoy."
*[Via CBS New York, April 2026](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/brooklyn-grand-army-plaza-redesign/)*
### Mike Racioppo, Community Board 6
> "Cities should be designed with prioritization of pedestrians and street safety, and that is what this plan would do."
*[Via CBS New York, April 2026](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/brooklyn-grand-army-plaza-redesign/)*
### George Surovov, Landscape Architect
> "I think it's a valiant effort to connect these two spaces. There isn't one perfect solution. There's going to be people who are upset no matter what we do."
> "I'm a cyclist. I have a child. But I also drive a car for work, so I'm a multi-pronged user. You have a lot of tension between all those user groups. This is just like the bottleneck of that tension."
*[Via Spectrum News NY1, April 2026](https://ny1.com/nyc/brooklyn/news/2026/04/13/mamdani-proposes--long-overdue--redesign-of-grand-army-plaza)*
### Jonathan Timm, Brooklyn Resident & Transportation Advocate
> "Grand Army Plaza is one of the great civic spaces of New York. Together, its soaring arch and Prospect Park form Brooklyn's answer to Washington Square."
> "Now, Grand Army Plaza is ready for its moment. We cannot afford to let budget pressures or opponents slow-walk a project that should have happened years ago."
*[Via NY Daily News op-ed, May 2026](https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/05/03/making-grand-army-plaza-grand-bring-the-arch-into-prospect-park/)*
---
## Elected Officials
### Mayor Zohran Mamdani
> "Anyone who's tried to cross here knows how dangerous and chaotic the streets can be. This redesign is long overdue."
*[Via Streetsblog NYC, April 2026](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/04/13/mamdani-embraces-20-year-old-plan-to-connect-grand-army-plaza-to-prospect-park)*
### DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn
> "Every time N.Y.C. D.O.T. 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."
*[Via The New York Times, April 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-prospect-park-brooklyn.html)*
### Deputy Mayor Julia Kerson
> "This restoration will breathe new life into one of Brooklyn's most historic spaces, bringing critical improvements that will make the plaza safer and more accessible for everyone."
*[Via USA Today, April 2026](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/04/13/grand-army-plaza-redesign-plan-revealed-by-mamdani-why-its-changing/89590780007/)*
### Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso
> "The days of New Yorkers having to navigate a labyrinth of roads and intersections just to get to Prospect Park are finally numbered. Thanks to Mayor Mamdani and the DOT, Grand Army Plaza will soon function as a world-class gateway to a world-class park, streamlining traffic and delivering much-needed pedestrian and cyclist safety improvements."
*[Via NYC Mayor's Office, April 2026](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/04/mayor-mamdani-unveils-proposal-for-transformational-redesign-of-)*
### Brad Lander, NYC Comptroller
> "This is FANTASTIC news. A street redesign that connects Grand Army Plaza to Prospect Park will be a huge win for a safer & a more livable Brooklyn."
*[Via @bradlander on Twitter/X, April 2026](https://x.com/bradlander/status/2043796013971046608)*
### Council Members Crystal Hudson & Shahana Hanif
In May 2022, the two council members whose districts overlap at Grand Army Plaza wrote to DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez:
> "The area is in a state of disrepair — defined by endless traffic, poor sidewalk conditions, broken benches, and overflowing trash cans and litter. Our offices have received multiple calls and emails in recent months about injuries resulting from the poor conditions."
> "The site has seen numerous pedestrian injuries and crashes in recent years, including a 2021 incident in which a woman and her 1-year-old son were hit by a car at the intersection of Plaza Street West and Berkeley Place."
*[Via Streetsblog NYC, May 2022](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2022/05/11/brooklyn-pols-fix-grand-army-plaza-and-make-it-safer)*
### Former DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan
> "For too long, Grand Army Plaza has been an 11-acre vicious circle of traffic."
*[Via Streetsblog NYC, 2011](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2011/11/09/you-can-finally-walk-to-grand-army-plaza-without-fear)*
---
## Community Workshop Voices
These quotes come from DOT community workshops and listening sessions held in 2022-2024.
### Parents & Families
> "I'm a parent with young kids. My kids like the fountain, but it's terrifying to get to it. [We] need much safer crossings and fewer cars."
*[Via BKReader, June 2022](https://www.bkreader.com/featured-news/grand-army-capital-vision-6550211)*
### General Consensus
> "The current layout doesn't work for anyone."
> "Confusing, complex and dangerous."
> "Past changes have made things much better, but more is needed."
> "The complexity of the existing plaza make it uncomfortable to navigate on foot."
> "The pedestrian experience is frustrating."
*[Via NYC DOT Workshop Summary, November 2022](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/grand-army-plaza-nov2022.pdf)*
### On the Design Options
When shown a modest "build it out in permanent materials" option vs. unifying the public spaces:
> "This would make the spaces look better, but not feel better."
> "We can dream bigger than this."
> "Option three is the only one worth studying."
> "Connecting the park and arch drastically improves the public space."
*[Via NYC DOT Workshop Summary, November 2022](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/grand-army-plaza-nov2022.pdf)*
### Accessibility Advocates
> "Simplify. Fewer intersections = fewer collisions, fewer crosswalks to navigate, better for differently abled. Prioritize. Pedestrians > Buses > bikes > cars."
*[Via BKReader](https://www.bkreader.com/featured-news/grand-army-capital-vision-6550211)*
### Climate & Car-Free Advocates
Several participants stressed climate concerns and advocated for a car-free future.
### Noise Concerns
A couple of people who live near the park expressed frustration with loud music and feared that expanding pedestrian spaces could worsen the noise.
### Pedestrian-Cyclist Tensions
Some participants said they felt "under threat" by cyclists while walking.
*[Via BKReader](https://www.bkreader.com/featured-news/grand-army-capital-vision-6550211)*
---
## Resident Reactions (2026)
### Egya Appiah, Grand Army Plaza Resident
> "We live on the plaza and I have children so the idea of them being able to move around a bit more freely without the danger of cars would be good."
> "It definitely to me feels like it's the central nervous system of transportation for this part of Brooklyn."
*[Via The New York Times, April 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/19/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-mamdani-brooklyn.html)*
### Zara Kerr, Francesca's Bakery / Greenmarket Vendor
> "It would bring more foot traffic and there would be less cars passing through."
*[Via The New York Times, April 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/19/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-mamdani-brooklyn.html)*
### Michael Eikim, 93, Resident Since 1992
> "I guess it could be nice."
*[Via The New York Times, April 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/19/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-mamdani-brooklyn.html)*
### Joseph Alexiou, Prospect Heights Historian & Resident
> "Unlike the people who are sitting here, thinking, 'This could be better for when I visit Grand Army Plaza,' I live in Grand Army Plaza."
*[Via CBS New York, April 2026](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/brooklyn-grand-army-plaza-redesign/)*
### Sophie Alfieri, Park Slope Resident (6 years)
> "It's a great proposal that will bring space to the Saturday Greenmarket and make crossing into the park far safer."
### Hannah Berman, Park Slope Resident (17 years)
> "As someone who has found herself confused about getting from the arch to the park, it feels like a natural conclusion."
### Jack Neary, Carroll Gardens Resident (4 years)
> "I love the emphasis on safety for pedestrians and cyclists. I will be more likely to walk or bike to the park."
### Nikki R. Thomas, Park Slope Resident (12 years)
> "Some disruptions are worth the end result. Pedestrian friendly areas are what people want and need."
*[All via Kelley MacDonald / Substack, April 2026](https://kelleymacdonald.substack.com/p/grand-army-plaza-redesign-proposal-opinions)*
---
## Resident Reactions (2024)
### Karen Miller, Park Slope
> "I walk to work. I get my steps in. I feel good when I get to work."
*[Via NY1, July 2024](https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/07/25/residents-weigh-in-on-potential-redesign-plans-for-grand-army-plaza)*
### Rachel Wong, Area Resident
> "I would love it to be more pedestrian friendly, but I feel like the drivers would get so pissed off at us."
*[Via NY1, July 2024](https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/07/25/residents-weigh-in-on-potential-redesign-plans-for-grand-army-plaza)*
### Edan Saltz, Downtown Brooklyn
> "If you are going to take streets to convert them into pedestrian, while it is great for pedestrians, it might impede on those who are making deliveries and drivers and how it will affect the traffic pattern."
On one-way conversions:
> "I saw what happened in Manhattan in terms of converting the streets to one-way, that's actually a wonderful idea."
*[Via NY1, July 2024](https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/07/25/residents-weigh-in-on-potential-redesign-plans-for-grand-army-plaza)*
### Nat Nickels, Long-time Resident
> "Be a participant, something that looks good on paper may not work out for someone that lives here, works here, has to travel, do business and has to exist in this environment."
*[Via local news coverage](https://brooklyn.news12.com/survey-to-close-for-publics-input-on-grand-army-plaza-redesign)*
### Anonymous Resident (Vanderbilt Ave concerns)
One woman expressed concern that converting Vanderbilt Avenue to one-way would be "bizarre."
*[Via NY1, July 2024](https://ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2024/07/25/residents-weigh-in-on-potential-redesign-plans-for-grand-army-plaza)*
---
## Survey Results
### 2022 DOT Survey
**2,077 people** participated in the Grand Army Plaza Public Realm survey — **91% Brooklyn residents**, with **77% daily or weekly users** of the plaza.
Key findings:
- **78%** want additional protected pedestrian space
- **78%** dislike interaction points with vehicles
- **74%** find traffic patterns confusing
- **72%** want protected bike lanes
- **62%** experience long waits to cross the street
- **87%** walk to Grand Army Plaza; **63%** bike
- **79%** said programming like the Greenmarket is the best thing about the plaza — even in today's dangerous conditions
In open-ended responses, **886 comments called for change** vs. just **60 for no change** — a 15:1 ratio:
- **445** (the largest group) requested **large-scale changes**
- **215+** explicitly asked for a **car-free plaza**
- **441** supported some changes while maintaining vehicle access
*[Via NYC DOT Workshop Summary, November 2022](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/grand-army-plaza-nov2022.pdf)*
### 2022 DOT Workshop Poll
At the November 2022 workshop (~270 attendees), participants were asked which concept best fit their vision:
- **60%** chose **"Unify Public Space"** — the concept that became Option B
- **28%** said **another, even bolder concept** should be developed
- Only **5%** wanted to build out existing painted spaces (status quo)
**88% of attendees wanted significant changes.** Just 5% preferred keeping things roughly as they are.
*[Via NYC DOT Workshop Summary, November 2022](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/grand-army-plaza-nov2022.pdf)*
### 2024 DOT Outreach Survey
In the second round of community outreach, **1,624 people** responded — and the numbers got even stronger:
- **86%** chose **Option B** (Unified Public Spaces)
- **12%** chose Option A (Consolidated Flatbush Ave)
- **2%** chose neither
DOT incorporated community feedback into the refined design: new crossings to Bailey Fountain, shortened crossings at Flatbush and Vanderbilt, an accessible path on the west side of Bailey Fountain, a direct bike lane from Prospect Park West to Vanderbilt Ave, and a parking-protected raised bike lane on Plaza Street.
*[Via DOT Outreach Boards, April 2026 (PDF)](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/grand-army-plaza-outreach-boards-apr2026.pdf)*
### 2022 Poll (1,085 NYC Adults)
- **60%** supported pedestrianizing Grand Army Plaza
- **19%** opposed
- **21%** didn't know
After seeing a car-free vision rendering:
- Support shot up to **74%**
*[Via Gothamist, November 2022](https://gothamist.com/news/exclusive-dot-eyes-brooklyns-grand-army-plaza-as-nycs-next-car-free-space)*
### Petition Support
**2,000+ neighbors** signed the Transportation Alternatives #SaferGrandArmy petition.
*[Via Transportation Alternatives](https://act.transalt.org/a/safer-grand-army-plaza)*
---
## The "Hall of Shame" Designation
Project for Public Spaces included Grand Army Plaza in their "Hall of Shame" for failed public spaces:
> "Grand Army Plaza is one of the most car-oriented intersections in Brooklyn, a place most people try to avoid even though it links commercial Flatbush Avenue with Prospect Park."
> "The main reason behind Grand Army Plaza's failure as a public space is the excessive street capacity devoted to traffic. There are no more than two lanes going in either direction at any entry point, yet the road unnecessarily expands to six lanes in the middle of the plaza."
> "The crosswalks which exist from the inner plaza to the surrounding sidewalks leave one stranded in the middle, having to make a run across multiple lanes of traffic and hope for good luck!"
> "The inner plaza is isolated and feels a bit unsafe due to lack of people."
*[Via Project for Public Spaces](https://www.pps.org/places/grand-army-plaza)*
---
## Historical Voices
### "The Only Roulette Wheel in the World" (1955)
In 1955, one publication described the traffic circle at Grand Army Plaza as "the only concrete and asphalt roulette wheel in the world."
*[Via The New York Times, April 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/13/nyregion/grand-army-plaza-prospect-park-brooklyn.html)*
### The "Death-O-Meter" (1927)
Grand Army Plaza has been recognized as dangerous for nearly a century. In 1927, Brooklyn authorities installed a **"Death-O-Meter"** — a sign that tracked traffic injuries and fatalities at the plaza to discourage speeding.
*[Via Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Army_Plaza)*
### Aaron Naparstek, Streetsblog Founding Editor & GAPCO Member (2026)
> "This would have been our dream 20 years ago. It's kind of cool. It's hard for me not to see it as anything other than kind of amazing that it's happening."
*[Via Streetsblog NYC, April 2026](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/04/13/mamdani-embraces-20-year-old-plan-to-connect-grand-army-plaza-to-prospect-park)*
### Robert Witherwax, Grand Army Plaza Coalition (2010)
> "DOT is excellent about coming to the community, presenting to the community, working with the community, and getting the proper sign-offs from the community."
On the 2010-2011 redesign plan:
> "A huge step forward."
*[Via Streetsblog NYC, 2010](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2010/04/30/dots-grand-army-plaza-plan-bold-exciting-crowd-pleasing)*
### Terra Ishee, Director of DOT Pedestrian Unit (2022)
> "I've been working on Grand Army Plaza for 15 years. We've done all that we feel like we can do with the resources we have in-house, so we really need to bump it up and make it a full blown capital project."
*[Via Streetsblog NYC, November 2022](https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2022/11/13/dot-kicks-off-outreach-on-new-grand-army-plaza-fix-dream-big)*
---
## Visitor Reviews
### TripAdvisor & Yelp Highlights
> "Very impressive arch, its placement in the traffic circle allows it to dominate over the street."
> "It can be noisy at times because of all the cars on Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway."
> "What I love most is the energy. It's where Brooklyn shows off a little, but still feels grounded."
> "Like the neighborhood's front porch."
One visitor who "finally took the time to walk around" the monument noted:
> "Although Flatbush Avenue is incomparable to Champs Elysees, the surrounding is still quite remarkable and offers a sense of pomp and stateliness to Brooklyn."
*[Via TripAdvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60827-d637853-Reviews-Grand_Army_Plaza-Brooklyn_New_York.html) and [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/grand-army-plaza-brooklyn)*
---
## Media Coverage
### Gothamist (November 2022)
> "The Department of Transportation is considering remaking Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza as a car-free public space, in what would arguably be the Adams administration's biggest shakeup yet to the dominance of the automobile on the city's streets."
*[Read the full story →](https://gothamist.com/news/exclusive-dot-eyes-brooklyns-grand-army-plaza-as-nycs-next-car-free-space)*
### Brownstoner (November 2022)
> "The plaza, centered on the 50-foot-tall Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, sits at the northwestern tip of Prospect Park... The designers intended the elliptical plaza to be a majestic entrance to the park, an oasis away from the city's hustle and grime."
*[Read the full story →](https://www.brownstoner.com/brooklyn-life/grand-army-plaza-brooklyn-car-free-redesign-ped-safety/)*
### CBS New York
Headline: **"Should Grand Army Plaza go car-free? DOT, safe streets advocates ask neighbors to weigh in"**
*[Read the full story →](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/grand-army-plaza-car-free/)*
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## The Bottom Line
The voices are clear: **people want a safer, more accessible Grand Army Plaza.** Whether advocating for a fully car-free space or just asking for basic safety improvements, the consistent message is that the current design doesn't work.
219 injuries in five years (2020–2025). A "Hall of Shame" designation. Parents afraid to bring their kids to the fountain. It's time for change.
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## Add Your Voice
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*Have a quote or story to share? Email us at hello@grandarmyredesign.com*