3rd Ave Brooklyn Street Re-Design: Existing Conditions Part 1

Street Design Project: Existing Conditions Part. 1 Sustainable Transportation & Cities Course Spring 2023

June Bee Skyler Lyu Daniel Lee

TABLE OF CONTEXTS Basic Site Information

Location Plan & Public Transit

June / Daniel / Skyler

Subway System

01

2

Map & Time Schedule

5

Ridership

6

Bus System Map & Time Schedule

7

Ridership

8

Cross Section

June / Skyler / Daniel

38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, Parking Regulations 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 Daniel

03

Signals Accident Data Traffic Count

Street Intersections Design Data Aerial Views - June Intersection Description - Skyler / June Street Design Features - Skyler Sidewalk Elements - June Tree Data - June

02

Atlantic Ave Pacific St.

12 14 16

Environmental Data

Vegetation

June/ Daniel

Bergen St.

18

St.Marks PI St.

20

Willie McDonald Wy St.

22

04

Stormwater

Baltic St. Butler St.

24 26

Drawings

Plan & Section View

Douglass St.

28

Degraw St.

30

Sackett St.

32

Union St.

34

Dean St.

37

Transportation System

Daniel

05

June, Skyler, Daniel

39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59,61 Daniel 62 - 73 June

74 -75 June/ Skyler/ Daniel

78, 79 June

80, 91 Daniel

106 Daniel

2

In this section, we did research on the public transportation location and schedule within our site based on the official MTA open data site.

01/ SITE INFORMATION

Through mapping out the information we collected (bike lanes, bus routes, bus stops, and subway station routes), we are able to do a preliminary analysis on how residents of the area commute to closer to Manhattan or Brooklyn center Atlantic ave. station).

3

1.2/ Subway System There are no subway stations on 3rd Ave. There closest subway stations are Atlantic Ave., Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center, and Union St. stations that are 12 blocks away from our site.

The annual ridership of the below metro stations: Atlantic Ave - Medium Flow Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center - High Flow Union St. - Low Flow

Figure A2 L Annual Ridership of Atlantic & Barclays & Union Subway Station - credited MTA Open Source

Figure A3 R green line shown are the bike lanes - credited MTA Open Source

4

Atlantic Ave - Barclays Center 520min)

Subway Schedule Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center with B,D,N,Q,R,2,3,4,5, lines stopping is the busiest out of the three stations. On the other side Atlantic Ave has L running; Union St. has R running. All these stations are easy access, 5 to 10 minutes walk from our site. This allows our site area have residents consist of young professionals accumulated over time.

Union St. (every 512 min)

Atlantic Ave. (every 8 min)

Figure A4 R, L, B, D, 2, N, 1, 4, 5 Metro Lines Map- credited MTA Open Source

5

Bus Stops B37 3rd Ave/Bergen St, 3 Ave/Warren St, 3 Ave/Baltic St, 3 Ave/Douglas St, 3 Ave/Degraw St, 3 Ave/Union St.

1.3/Bus System

B65 Atlantic Ave/3 Av, Bergen St/3 Av

B37 & B103 3 Av/Baltic St

There are two main bus routes that runs on 3rd Ave. regularly, which are line B37 and B103. At the intersection between Atlantic Ave. and 3rd Ave. as well as Bergen St. and 3rd. Ave. there are B65 bus stops too.

Bus Time Schedule B37 - Bay Ridge via 3rd Ave / 39th St Comes every 30 minutes 5:00 am to 12:30 am the next morning Running from Mon - Sun

B65 - Crown Heights via Bergen St & Dean St. comes every 30 minutes From 5:13 am to 12:57 am the next morning Running from Mon - Sun

B103 - Downtown Brooklyn Ltd Via Ave M / Ave H / 3Rd & 4Th Ave Comes every 20 - 50 minutes From 5:49 am to 2 am the next morning Running from Mon - Sun Figure A5 Top Metro Lines on 3rd Ave - credited MTA Open Source

Figure A6 Right B37, B65, B37, and B103 bus lines - credited MTA Open Source

6

Ridership

B103

The ridership of B37 and B103 is moderate compared to nearby bus routes on 4th Ave. and Atlantic Ave., while B65 has the lowest ridership out of all three bus routes.

Furthermore, the ridership of B103 and B65 has decreased by 7% to 11% in the past year 20202021. This may be due to the fact that both routes have fewer stops (with stops every 24 blocks) compared to B37, which has stops every 13 blocks. On the other hand, B37 has experienced a rise in ridership of 40% to 54% from 2020 to 2021.

Overall, these three routes have been impacted by the pandemic (in 2020) and have not fully recovered to their 2019 levels, which saw the highest ridership from 2016 to 2021.

B37

Figure A7 Top B37, B103, and B65 ridership data from 2016 to 2021 - credited MTA Open Source

B65

7

In this section, we have collected data of the existing conditions on the section of third ave. from Atlantic ave to Union st. and did preliminary analysis.

The data includes: Aerial Views - June / Skyler / Daniel Intersection Description - Skyler

02/

STREET INTERSECTION DATA

Street Design Features - Skyler Sidewalk Elements - June Tree Data - June

8

2.0/Total Count of Street Elements Bike Parking

Figure A1 Bicycle Racks - credited to NYC Open Data

Fire Hydrants

Bike parking is generally lacking on most of the street intersections on 3rd Ave. Atlantic has the most bike parking with six spots, while the other streets have little to no bike parking available. This lack of bike parking could discourage people from using their bikes as a mode of transportation in the area. In fact, this might be the impact from the bike lanes pavement fading away on the majority road of 3rd ave.

Without a place to securely park their bikes, people may be less likely to bike to their destination and instead opt for other modes of transportation such as cars or public transit.

There are varying numbers of fire hydrants along 3rd Ave. Atlantic has the most with three spots, while Dean has none.

Atlantic 6 Pacific 0 Dean 3 Bergen 2 St.Marks PI 0 Willie McDonald Wy 0 Baltic 0 Butler 0 Douglass 0 Degraw 0 Sackett 0 Union 1

Atlantic 3 Pacific 2 Dean 0 Bergen 1 St.Marks PI 1 Willie McDonald Wy 2 Baltic 1 Butler 2 Douglass 1 Degraw 1 Sackett 1 Union 1

Although most intersections have at least one hydrant, the lack of hydrants on some streets could slow down firefighters' response time in an emergency, as they would need to travel further to access a hydrant. This makes the availability of fire hydrants crucial for fire safety in the area, as easy access can help quickly extinguish fires and prevent further damage to surrounding property.

Figure A2 Fire Hydrants - credited to NYC Open Data

9

Police Call Boxes

Municipal seating/Benches There are very few police call boxes available on 3rd Ave. Only Bergen, Butler, and Degraw streets have one call box each, while the rest have none. This lack of call boxes could be a concern for the community as they are important for public safety. Call boxes provide an easy way to contact the police in case of an emergency and can increase the sense of security in an area. Without easy access to call boxes, people may feel less secure and be hesitant to report criminal activity or other emergency especially in such an open space as 3rd Ave with factories.

Atlantic 0 Pacific 0 Dean 0 Bergen 1 St.Marks PI 0 Willie McDonald Wy 0 Baltic 0 Butler 1 Douglass 0 Degraw 1 Sackett 0 Union 1

Figure A3 : Police Call Boxes & Municipal seating/ Benches data- credited to NYC Open Source

No municipal seating or benches are provided at any intersection along 3rd Ave. This lack of seating infrastructure may discourage people from spending time in public spaces and reduce the sense of community in the area. It may also create difficulty for some individuals, such as older adults, people with disabilities, or those with limited mobility, who may find it challenging to walk or stand for extended periods.

Atlantic 0 Pacific 0 Dean 0 Bergen 0 St.Marks PI 0 Willie McDonald Wy 0 Baltic 0 Butler 0 Douglass 0 Degraw 0 Sackett 0 Union 0

10

2.1/ Atlantic Ave - Aerial View

Figure B4 Atlantic & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

11

2.1/ Atlantic Ave - Street Analysis Street Description

🚗 Parked Cars : 💡Lights 🌳Trees 🧯Fire Hydrant 🟥Safety red bumps ☕ Cafe 🗑Trash can 📰News Rack

Roulette Intermedium, which is identified by the white building with a staircase on the right, is the starting point for our site. As we set off, we'll be moving in a horizontal direction, which corresponds to the 3rd Avenue.

The intersection is busy with both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as it is a major transportation hub. The Atlantic Avenue subway station, which serves several subway lines, is located just a few blocks away from the intersection. Additionally, the Long Island Rail Road's Atlantic Terminal is also located nearby, making it a popular spot for commuters.

At the intersection itself, there are several businesses, including a coffee shop, a pharmacy, and a convenience store. The surrounding streets are lined with brownstone homes, as well as newer apartment buildings.

Street Design Features

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022 Figure B5 Atlantic & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

Left turning on 3rd Avenue to the Mall near Barclays Center causes double parking especially at night, with school nearby, banning left turns (except City Buses) on the 3rd Avenue would facilitate traffic. A lot of cars right turn onto the 3rd Avenue instead of going straight on Atlantic Avenue 4 🚗 5💡8🌳3🧯 8 🟥

Figure B6 Turning Sign - picture taken by us

12

Atlantic Ave - Vegetation

4

Figure B8 NYC Trees West side of 3rd Ave

7 Listed/ 8 observed 3/10/2022

2

Trees are unhealthy with trash placed in planters area along with construction waste.

1

13 Figure B7 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Atlantic Ave - picture credited to NYC Tree

Figure B9 & B10 & B11 Atlantic & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to us

2.2/ Pacific St. - Aerial View

Figure C1 Pacific St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

14

2.2/ Pacific St. Street Description & Design Features

The intersection of Pacific Street and 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn is located in the neighborhood of Gowanus. The area is primarily residential, with a mix of apartment buildings, brownstones, and small businesses.

At the intersection, where there is illegal parking on both sides of the street, lies the Brooklyn High School of Arts, and Amazon trucks are seen

The intersection itself is

using park lanes to drop off goods, indicating the need for special lanes for

relatively quiet, with

business vehicles; additionally, the bike lane is 2.3 feet away from the

less foot and vehicular

curb, and an IPL Interactive Pedestrian Light) has been installed to control

traffic compared to

traffic; the neighbourhood also has a speed limit of 20 mph.

some other areas in Brooklyn. There are a few businesses at the intersection, including a small convenience store and a pizza restaurant.

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022 🚗 11 💡 2 🌳 3 🧯 2 🟥 8☕-🗑3📰15

Figure C2 & C3/C4  Brooklyn High School of Arts & Amazon Truck- picture taken by us

Pacific St.- Vegetation

2 5 Listed / 3 observed 3/10/2022 Trees are in good health and growing

3

tall till around the height og the church building beside it.

There are also multiple inspections within 2017 2018.

Figure C6 Top Brooklyn High School of Arts - credited to NYC Tree Figure C5 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Pacific Ave - picture credited to NYC Tree

Figure C7 Bottom The Temple of Restoration - photo taken by us

16

2.3/ Dean St. - Aerial View

Figure D1 Dean St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

2.3/

Dean St.

Street Design Features At the northwest corner of the intersection, you'll find the "Good

Street Description

morning Deli & Grocery," surrounded by a low-traffic flow and noise

This area is a mix of residential and commercial spaces, with several

level area, where a 6-foot bump out for curbs, a bike zone at the

small businesses and restaurants nearby.At the intersection, you'll

front, and an LPI Leading Pedestrian Interval) have been installed for

find a coffee shop, a small grocery store, and a pizza restaurant, as

better traffic control; however, the area's cleanliness is marred by

well as a hair salon and a dry cleaner. The surrounding streets are

discarded cigarettes on the curb and drawings on an electric pole.

lined with brownstone homes and newer apartment buildings.

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

🚗 10 💡3 🌳 9 3/6 🧯 4 2/2 🟥8 ☕🗑📰-

Figure D2: the “Good morning Deli & Groceryˮ store - picture taken by us

Figure D3 Bike lanes occupied by

cars

Figure D4 Trash nearby the electric

pole

18

Dean - Vegetation

1

1

1

3 Listed / 9 observed 3/10/2022

Figure D6 & D7 Bottom West side

Figure C8 Top

of 3rd Ave - photo taken by us

East Side of 3rd Ave - credited to NYC Tree

Figure D5 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Pacific Ave - picture credited to NYC Tree

19

2.4/ Bergen St. - Aerial View

Figure E1 Bergen St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

20

2.4/ Bergen St. Street Description The intersection itself is relatively quiet, with less foot and vehicular traffic. At the intersection, you'll find a residential building and gas stations. The area is well-connected to public transportation, with the Bergen Street subway station and several bus lines located nearby. The Gowanus Expressway, a major highway, is also just a few blocks away.

Figure E2 (a): Construction Site in front of gas station - picture taken by us

Street Design Features This area is construction heavy and parking was restricted to no parking at anytime on the street. However, many cars drive directly halfway onto the sidewalk to the gas station. As shown the place marked of red circle.) Cars should take strict 90 degree angles to the gas station on the peripheral of the sidewalk, and special routes directing traffic to the gas station should be designed.

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

🚗💡🌳 8 (planted) + 1(open) 🧯1 🟥2 ☕1 🗑1 📰1 Figure E2 (b): Gas station at the intersection - picture credited to Google Map

21

Bergen - Vegetation

3 Figure E4 West Side of 3rd - photo taken by us

2

Figure E3 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Bergen Ave - picture credited to NYC Tree

5 Listed / 5 observed 3/10/2022

Figure E5 Trash piling on

Figure E6 3rd Ave &

street trees - photo taken

Bergen Ave intersection -

by us

photo taken by us

22

2.5/ St.Marks Pl - Aerial View

Figure F1 St. Marks PL & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

23

2.5/ St.Marks Pl Street Description & Design Feature Coming to Wyckoff street which is also kown s St. Marks Pl St. The street has slowing becoming less busy and mostly residential area.

On the northwest corner of the intersection is a large brick building that houses the Brooklyn Boulders climbing gym. This is a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts and climbers, and it can be quite busy at times. Across the street from the climbing gym is a corner bodega, which is a convenient spot to grab a snack or a drink.

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

🚗💡🌳 8 (planted) + 1(open) 🧯1 🟥2 ☕1 🗑1 📰1 Figure F2 Speed Limit Sign at the intersection - picture taken by us

24

St. Marks Pl - Vegetation

1 2 Figure F4 West Side of 3rd Ave- credited to NYC Tree

7 Listed / 8 observed 3/10/2022

2

1

Figure F5 West Side of 3rd Ave

Figure F6 West Side

- picture taken by us

of 3rd Ave - picture taken by us

1 25 Figure F3 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & St. Marks Pl - picture credited to NYC Tree

2.6/ Warren St. - Aerial View

Figure G1 Warren St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

3

2.6/ Warren St.

2

Street Description Warren street is run west - east street that starts in half a block on the 3rd Ave where Wyckoff Gardens Colony South locats Street Design Features On the southeast corner of the intersection is a small convenience store, while on the northeast corner, there is a building that houses both residential apartments and commercial businesses. Across the street from this building is a larger commercial building that has several retail stores and a pharmacy.

In the southwest corner of the intersection is a small park with a playground, benches, and trees. The park provides a nice green space for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

🚗 1 💡 3 1/2 🌳3 🧯 2 1/1 🟥3 ☕🗑📰3

4

6 5 27 Figure G2 & 3 & 4 & 5 & 6 3rd Avenue current conditions after Warren Street - picture taken by us

Warren - Vegetation

1 Figure G8 West Side of 3rd Ave- credited to NYC Tree

7 Listed / 3 observed 3/10/2022

1 Figure G9 Under Figure G10 West Side of 3rd Ave Construction - photo taken - photo taken by us by us

5

Figure G7 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Warren - picture credited to NYC Tree

28

2.7/ Baltic St. - Aerial View

Figure H1 Baltic St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

29

2.7/ Baltic St.

Street Design Features

Street Description Coming to Baltic St., 3rd Ave has become more industrial area with

Amidst the scene of an excavator

factories and parking lots.

under work in the middle of the street, there is a "STOP" sign reminding drivers to slow down, faded bike lanes, and a temporary bike sign reading "Sharing the Figure H3 Road under construction further

Road," but also a blue car parked on

view - picture taken by us

the sidewalk obstructing pedestrians.

The sidewalks are wide, but there are no trees and planters along the way.

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022 Figure H4 Illegal parking on road - picture Figure H2 Road under construction - picture taken by us

taken by us

🚗 1 (blue car) 💡 2 🌳 2 🧯 2🟥4☕-🗑1📰30

Baltic - Vegetation

1 Figure H6 Red Brick Buildings - picture credited to NYC Tree

4 listed / 2 observed 3/10/2022

2

1 Figure H7 & H8 & H9 Construction Site on West side of 3rd - picture taken by us

Figure H5 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Baltic - picture credited to NYC Tree

31

2.8/ Butler St. - Aerial View

Figure I1 Butler St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

32

2.8/ Butler St. Street Description & Street Design Features At the intersection of Baltic St. and 3rd Ave. in Brooklyn, there is a "Respecting Pedestrian" sign on the wall, which serves as a poignant reminder of a tragic accident that occurred here. The sign commemorates James Rice, a 5-year-old boy who lost his life at this intersection. It also reminds drivers and cyclists that pedestrians always have the right of way.

The area is vibrant, creative energy, with many street murals and public art installations.

Additionally, a "No Parking" sign is posted at the same intersection, indicating that parking is prohibited from 300 am to 600 am on Mondays through Thursdays.

Figure I2 Parking Hours - picture taken by us

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

Figure I3 Transportation Sign - picture taken by us

🚗 -💡 2 🌳 -🧯 1 🟥 - ☕ - 🗑 - 📰 -

33

Butler - Vegetation

2 Figure I5 West side of 3rd Ave- picture credited to NYC Tree

5 listed / 0 observed 3/10/2022

1 Figure I6 & I7 & I8 Construction Site on West side of 3rd picture taken by us

2

Figure I4 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Butler - picture credited to NYC Tree

34

2.9/ Douglass St. - Aerial View

Figure J1 Douglass St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

35

Street Design Features

2.9/ Douglass St.

Due to ongoing construction, the middle crosswalk before the intersection is closed, while the remaining crosswalk at the intersection has been bumped upwards to remind pedestrians; additionally, there is a park area located to the right of the street.

Street Description The area has undergone significant development in recent years, with many new residential buildings and businesses opening up.

The neighborhood is known for its industrial past and still has several warehouses and factories in the area.

Figure J4  Park Area - picture taken by us

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

🚗 12 6/6 💡 4 1/3 🌳 84/4 🧯2 🟥 8 4/4 ☕🗑📰🚏1 Figure J2 & 3 Crosswalk under construction - picture taken by us

36 Figure J5

1

Douglass - Vegetation

1

Figure J7 West side of 3rd Ave- picture credited to NYC Tree

5 Listed / 8 observed 3/10/2022

2

1 Figure J6 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Douglass - picture credited to NYC Tree

Figure J8 East Side of the 3rd Ave - picture taken by us

37

2.10/ Degraw St. - Aerial View

Figure K1 Degraw St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

38

2.10/

Figure K2  Improper Planting - picture taken by us

Degraw St.

Street Description

Street Design Features

The intersection itself is busy with cars, buses, and pedestrians.

Despite the fact that the bike

There are crosswalks at each corner, and the sidewalks are wide

lanes and bump outs remained

enough to accommodate foot traffic. The streetlights are also

intact, there were issues with

well-placed, providing ample visibility for both drivers and

improper plant growth in the

pedestrians. Attached is the Google Map and real world

area when comparing the

comparison regarding bump outs designed for parking; bike lane

Google Map view to the real

designed for bikes. Both of the street designs are used as

world.

expected today. Just like the bike lanes on previous streets, no planters or solid barriers are constructed to protect the cyclists.

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

Google map Figure K3 Intersection view - picture credited to Google map

Real world Figure K4 Intersection view - picture taken by us

🚗 10 2/8 💡 3 1/2 🌳🧯1 🟥4 ☕🗑📰-

39

Degraw - Vegetation

1 1

Figure K6 West side of 3rd Ave- picture credited to NYC Tree

5 listed / 0 observed 3/10/2022

2

1 Figure K5 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Degraw St. - picture credited to NYC Tree

Figure K7 East Side of the 3rd Ave - picture taken by us

40

2.11/ Sackett St. - Aerial View

Figure L1 Sackett St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

41

5

2.11/ Sackett St.

Street Design Features A bike lane has been placed

Street Description

next to the sidewalk, but the

Despite its industrial feel, the neighborhood has a strong

entire block on the west is a

sense of community and is home to many young

construction site.

professionals and families. A temporary plastic barrier are used to protect the pedestrians, but it is susceptible to disformity by external forces. Based on Picture 4

2

3

4

Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

🚗 4 💡1 🌳3 🧯1 🟥8 4/4 ☕🗑📰🚏1 42

Figure L2 & 3 & 4 & 5 Road current conditions- picture taken by us

Sackett - Vegetation

2 Figure L7 West side of 3rd Ave- picture credited to NYC Tree

2 Listed / 3 observed 3/10/2022

This section of 3rd ave between Sackett and Union is under construction on both sides of the road

Figure L8 West Side of 3rd Ave Construction - picture taken by us

Figure L6 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Sackett St. - picture credited to NYC Tree

43

2.12/Union St. - Aerial View

Figure M1 Union St. & 3rd Ave Intersection - picture credited to Google Map

44

2.12/ Union St. Elements of Streetscape Counted on 3/10/2022

🚗💡2 🌳1 🧯🟥4 ☕1 🗑📰-

Figure M2 Clear Crosswalk Color & School Buses- picture taken by us

● ● ●

Crosswalk color clear Heavy traffic flow Union Cafe at the Southeast corner

Figure M3 Parking ban - picture taken by us

●

No parking anytime on Union Street Heavy traffic flow)

45

Union - Vegetation

1 1

Figure M5 East side of 3rd Ave- picture credited to NYC Tree

3 observed 3/10/2022

1 1 Figure M6 East Side of 3rd Ave - picture taken by us

2 Figure M4 Tree Data of 3rd Ave & Sackett St. - picture credited to NYC Tree

46

Please go to part 2 for more “3rd Ave Street Design Project: Existing Conditions Part 2ˮ