Reconstruction Work At Putnam Triangle Scheduled To Begin Next Week

CLINTON HILL – The NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC) has announced that reconstruction work at Putnam Triangle Plaza will begin “on or about Monday, March 26, 2018.”

The work to create a large, permanent public space where Putnam Avenue, Fulton Street, and Grand Avenue intersect began in 2011 when temporary materials were used to close off Putnam between Fulton Street and Grand. The closing off of the strip to vehicular traffic was seen as either a “much-needed urban oasis in the midst of a busy traffic intersection” or a “public nuisance that attracts drunks, junkies and prostitutes,” BKLYNER reported in 2015.

In April 2015, Community Board 2 approved plans presented by NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and Fulton Area Businesses (FAB Alliance) to permanently expand the plaza to 15,000 square feet. The year-long project was originally scheduled to begin in Summer 2016. Preliminary work began at the plaza in September 2015, however an official  start date had not yet been confirmed by the city at that time.

With construction now slated to begin next week, the project is currently estimated to be completed by Winter 2019.

The new plaza will create an open community space for locals and increase foot traffic for businesses, according to the DDC announcement. It will also include the planting of additional trees as well as the installation of benches, movable chairs and tables, trash receptacles, pedestrian wayfinding signs, and a bike share station.

The DDC notice, which FAB has been distributing to local business- and property-owners, states that construction hours will be Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm and Saturday from 8am to 6pm.

During construction hours, the community should expect:

• Increased levels of dust, noise, and heavy equipment in the area
• Possible street closures (warning signs will be posted in advance with information about lane closures and detours)
• Parking and driveway/loading dock restrictions (signs will be posted in the areas affected)
• Water service interruptions (advance notice will be given prior to planned interruptions. Service will be restored by the end of the work day.)

Emergency vehicle access as well as pedestrian access to buildings and sidewalks will be maintained at all times, according to the DDC announcement. The DDC will work with individuals with special needs who may be uniquely impacted by the project.

Anyone with questions or concerns about the project can contact the DDC Field Office at 718.638.1010 or hwkp2029@gmail.com. Reference project number HWKP2029.

Click here for the full DDC Community Advisory notice and go to nyc.gov to see the full Putnam Triangle Plaza presentation that DOT/FAB presented to CB2 in March 2015.