What last year proved elusive the idea of creating a pedestrian piazza along a portion of Third Avenue for four Friday nights during the summer is one step closer to coming to fruition.
At its February meeting, Community Board 10 gave the green light to the Summer Stroll plan sponsored by the Merchants of Third Avenue, with the backing of local elected officials of both parties. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of recommending that the city go ahead with the proposal, which — if all goes as planned — would take place along the thoroughfare between 81st and 89th Streets from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 20 and 27, and August 10 and 17.
A total of 32 board members voted to support the plan, with one member voting no and one recusing herself.
I’m looking forward to bringing this unique event over four Fridays that hopefully will be a new tradition in Bay Ridge, said City Councilmember Vincent Gentile.
Robert Howe, the president of the merchants group, agreed. I think it’s going to be a wonderful event, hopefully for years to come. he said.
At the hearing previously held by the boards Traffic & Transportation Committee, the response to the plan was generally positive, though some residents who spoke expressed reservations about how it would be carried out.
The focus would be on cultural events, with local arts groups performing or displaying work, and businesses within the piazza area able to set up cafés or merchandise displays in the street. Unlike the Third Avenue Festival, there would be no amplified sound, no overhead cables, no outside vendors, no generators and bleachers, no open flames, no rides and no alcohol sales outside of restaurants.
There would also be a lane of at least 15 feet for emergency vehicles to pass through if needed. Bus stops for the B70 would temporarily be moved over to Fourth Avenue.
The Summer Stroll on 3rd is similar to existing Summer Streets and Weekend Walks programs in Manhattan and northern Brooklyn neighborhoods, with one difference it would take place in the evening; prior programs have occurred during daytime hours.
The citys Department of Transportation must still sign off on the plan.