$10M Downtown Brooklyn Revamp Brings Tech Center, Street Upgrades

DOWNTOWN, BROOKLYN — A new tech center, a revamped library and a long list of street upgrades are coming to transform Brooklyn's downtown, the governor announced on Thursday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo revealed six projects that will get the funding from his $10 million "Downtown Revitalization Initiative" grant, which the borough's downtown became a finalist for late last year.

The projects— including an upgrade to the Walt Whitman Library, the Ingersoll Houses and the Navy Yard — are meant to build on the growth the neighborhood has already seen while making it a more walkable, connected area to the neighborhoods around it, the governor's office said.

"This investment reflects our commitment to Brooklyn's continued growth and enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors alike," Cuomo said. "Downtown Brooklyn's transformation into a hub for culture, entertainment and economic opportunity is a remarkable success story, and the DRI will ensure that the trend continues."

Here's a look at the six projects:

• Streetscapes: One project the grant will take on is a series of street upgrades along the neighborhood's main corridor. This will include safe pedestrian crossings on St. Edwards Street and at the intersection of Tillary and Navy Street, with potential improvements including improved traffic configurations, wayfinding signs, bike lanes, seating, planters and drainage systems.
• Library upgrade: Although the Walt Whitman Library is technically in Fort Greene, it will get a facelift under the grant. The current circulation desk will be demolished and relocated, the community room will be renovated and the floors, furniture, shelves, electric systems and layout will be revamped. This is aimed at creating a "modern community hub" at the library.

• Commodore Barry Park upgrade: Also part of Fort Greene, Commodore Barry Park will see some changes with the governor's money. This will include improved access to modern play spaces and "building on" upgrades already coming through the city's project.

• New tech center: The Ingersoll Houses' Community Center will transform into a full digital lab and gathering space meant to bring job readiness training and arts programming. The grant will be used to relocate the server room and purchase equipment and furniture.

• The Brooklyn Navy Yard: The grant will seek to improve accessibility to the major jobs hub by improving sight lines at the Cumberland Street Gate, enabling multi-model access and creating a safer environment for pedestrians.

• Public Art and Placemaking Fund: Part of the money will be used to make a public art, peacemaking and cultural access grant "to create new opportunities for local artists and cultural organizations to expand their reach to residents, workers and visitors." Potential projects include art installations or accessibility improvements to cultural spaces.

Downtown Brooklyn was one of several communities to get money under the "Downtown Revitalization" grant. Cuomo also revealed projects for Central Islip and the Lake Ontario region on Thursday.