[nkotsonis]

The city in it's infinite wisdom has revoked the permits we had for the planters along union street.
They have given us 30 days to remove the concrete planters.
The reason they gave was that there must be no obstructions on city property. Since the sidewalks are owned by the city, we must remove the planters that have been there for over 25 years.
So in 30 days, the planters from BHS all the way to Tasti-d-lite and the bench will be removed.
The planters across the street at 92-7th Avenue will also have to be removed, because they were on the same permit.
So say goodbye to the planters from Bank of America down to NuNu Gallery.
If anyone knows how to stop this, please do so. It's a shame that there will be no plant life allowed on these corners.

[caseopele]

That's bullshit. What are they obstructing? Those sidewalks are alot wider than most sidewalks, there's plenty of room to walk, and the planters add some green to that block. Did they not notice any of this or do they just not care as long as rules are followed to the letter of the law? Ridiculous.
_________________
A man needs a little madness, or else he never dares cut the rope and be free. -Nikos Kazantzakis

[new2hood]

Let me know what to sign and where, and I'll do it. That's absurd.

[dailyheights]

Request: Can anybody post a photo of the Union Street planters?

This does seem bizarre - the posting here may give the issue higher visibility:

http://www.dailyslope.com/2007/09/13/goodbye-.....or-union-street-planters/

[Livetotravel]

A good first step is to involve your local NYC Council person and start the process of raising hell through those channels.
_________________
But that's impossible.

http://unratedunfiltered.com/

[pitu]

Are they doing new sidewalks on that street? I noticed the sidewalk ripped out and curbs being redone by the Coop, just down the block.

You should apply for tree wells!
I think the city has been doing a bunch of site surveys around here (remember they were looking at going one way on the avenues, AND the city just installed bike racks on both sides of that street) so maybe they found congestion there. I can see that - it's a super busy corner. From the parks dept site, it looks like they frown on brick and concrete structures.
www.nycgovparks.org/.../images_and_pdfs/NYC-P.....Permit-and-Guidelines.pdf

But that stretch seriously needs green cover. Tree wells!

from http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_faqs/park_faqs.html#t2

[germfree!]

Those big concrete planters are ugly. Sorry, but the greenery within does not prevent them from being an eyesore. Hopefully you will be permitted to put trees in.

[8thandPrez]

Here's a Google StreetView that shows the planters:
http://tinyurl.com/2w4xss

[germfree!]

Told ya! You need crocs to manoeuver around those things without stubbing a toe. Can we have something a bit more chic? Something more in line with the new demographic of the area?

Restless Native?

[8thandPrez]

I agree that something in-ground would be more appealing. I'm think of the tree pits further down Union between 5th and 6th. That said, I applaud the property owner for doing _something_ to beautify the street... certainly better than a blank expanse of paving.

[dw438]

I would rather have the street trees. Planters attract trash and rodents.

[caseopele]

The planters certainly are better than nothing. That block could use some trees on the upper half, great idea pitu!
_________________
A man needs a little madness, or else he never dares cut the rope and be free. -Nikos Kazantzakis

[nkotsonis]

I thank everyone for their input.
A point of fact though, there cannot be any planted trees, because both of the corners are bus stops.
That was the reason why we had put the planters in the beginning, and was originally approved by the Koch administration.
If anyone has any othere alternatives, please feel free to tell me.
Thanks.

[daniel]

The planters look terrible - at least 1/3rd of the plants are completely brown, dead, and dried up. There are weeds growing out of the bases, and they're filled with garbage. They are an eyesore.

[Mamacita]

They are NOT brown and they add some green. It is the end of summer, unless you plant evergreens, shit changes and leaves die then bloom again.
Jesus people are whinny. If they were not there you'd be complaining that someone should put them in.
I, for one, am all pro-green. More shrubs/trees please. Anything is better that hot pavement.
_________________
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[pitu]

As I recall, the planters in question have an evergreen planted in . . . not anything else. At least on Union. But let's be honest and admit they won't help Union St win a Green Block contest - they are a little ratty looking, Mamacita.

BUMMER about tree wells and bustops.

nkotsonis, I'd still call DiBlasio's office.
And I'm wondering if the space west of the bench is treewell safe, enough out of bus range...

[daniel]

Mamcita - I live on the block and walk past them daily. Most of them are dead and all of them are ratty looking.

[pitu]

(sigh)
This would be the time of year they'd look their best, if they were well-planted and maintained.
But the city didn't tell you to move them because they're an eyesore, right? Or were there complaints?
I bet it's a space and traffic flow issue. That bit of Union St is relatively barren, with a long half a block of baked pavement.
_________________
"When fascism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag
and carrying a cross."

- Sinclair Lewis

[adamfhutton]

I'm a reporter at the Brooklyn Paper and I'm interested in doing a story on this. I'd like to hear from people who are for and against the planters, so if you feel strongly about this. Please reach out to hutton@brooklynpaper.com
_________________
Adam F. Hutton
The Brooklyn Paper
hutton@brooklynpaper.com

[nkotsonis]

I appreciate everyone's comments about the planters and the condition of the trees, by the way Pitu, there weren't any complaints.
In trying to keep this in a positive light. I would be perfectly willing to work with the community board and the area to solve this problem.
This could be a good time to have a BID like program to take care of the trees and planters in the area.
My father recently recalled how the trees along 6th avenue were planted back in 1963. Brooklyn in the fifties and early sixties barely had any trees. The old community in Park Slope, mostly Italian and Irish, actually fought against the trees being planted.
Anyway, any positive input would be greatly appreciated.

[dw438]