Trip No More

Belgian Block Restoration

Dumbo's Streets to be fixed! Read all about the plan to save the Belgian Blocks and improve biking and walking conditions around the neighborhood.

The Capital Project

Starting in 2019, the New York City Department of Design and Construction will rehabilitate Dumbo's beloved but beleaguered Belgian block streets - improving safety, replacing hundred year old water and sewer pipes, updating our sidewalks and bike lanes, adding crosswalks, and completing the transformation of the Pearl Street Triangle and Archway into a permanent public plaza.

The Dumbo Improvement District and Community Board 2 have been advocating for this project for more than a decade. It has been approved by CB2 and the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Many thanks to NYCDOT, NYCDEP, Councilmember Steve Levin and former Borough President Marty Markowitz for funding this critical infrastructure project, saving our Belgian blocks and making Dumbo a more pedestrian-friendly, bike-friendly, historic, charming and flood-resistant neighborhood.

Phase One: Complete

Phase One of this Capital Project to improve Dumbo’s streets and infrastructure while restoring the historic Belgian block was completed in 2011. Phase One included Washington Street from Plymouth St to York St, and Water Street from Adams St to Old Dock St.

Phase Two: In Process

Streets slated for rehabilitation include: Pearl Street, Water Street, John Street, parts of Front Street and Jay Street, Pearl Plaza (including Anchorage Place + the Archway), Adams Street, Plymouth Street and Main Street.

Here is a map of planned construction:

Get all constructions updates here.

Here is a look at the way the City will restore the Belgian blocks by keeping the old original stones and adding a granite bike lane. Smooth stones will also be put into crosswalks to ensure ADA accessibility. This design was endorsed by Community Board 2 and the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

A look at the future of Pearl Plaza - also included in the plan.

NEW STUDY REVEALS THE DETERIORATED STATE OF DUMBO STREETS

Spoiler alert: D+

Dumbo's streets are broken. Click here to read a report produced by Street Plans on the deteriorated state of DUMBO streets. Spoiler alert: we got a D+.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE.

APPENDIX ANALYSIS HERE.