Fort Greene Park Restoration

guvna · February 2007

I was in the park yesterday for the first time in a few months and I wondered why there didnt seem to be much progress with the restoration/renovation project that started last year (which even then was delayed). See http://www.fortgreenepark.org/pages/eagles.htm

Today, I found out why: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/30/7/30_07ftgreenepark.html

seems the money was allocated, but not really? This is nuts, and a shame. From what I read last year, the plans included new landscaping, restoration of the cript, restoration of the monument - including re-lighting the torch at the top!

I know opinions about "the yards" are very strong, but to me it just feels like the politicians have their energies focused there at the expense of the park. Our park needs restoration.

anonymous · February 2007

I think there are some major errors in the Brooklyn Papers story. The restoration money you reference is in the parks dept. budget and being spent.

guvna · February 2007

Anonymous wrote: I think there are some major errors in the Brooklyn Papers story. The restoration money you reference is in the parks dept. budget and being spent.

Is http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=18820 where you got that from? If so, that was 3 years ago, and we havent seen much progress, which might suggest Brooklyn Papers may be onto something. The Parks department made it seem like a done deal 3 years ago, but we have yet to see "the urn . . . taken down by helicopter." In fact, the covering around the column is in disarray, and has been for quite some time, suggesting that nobody has been at work up there. Compare that to the covering around the top of the williamsburg savings bank. When that covering was blown loose by high winds it was secured with a matter of days.

tommyill · February 2007

They are 2 different things - monument restoration project and park master plan - and the restoration project is on schedule, it has always been scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2007 - you can read it on the sign on the fence next to the visitor's center.

Here is an update from the Fort Greene Conservatory's Charles Jarden (the guy quoted in the article about the park master plan) in their newsletter from Feb 12th:
<blockquote>
Greetings!

If you've visited the park recently, you've seen the progress being made on the restoration of the Prison Ship Martyr's Monument, thanks in part to funding secured by the Conservancy. As part of the restoration, which is expected to be completed by Fall of 2007, the flame in the bronze urn atop the monument will be restored. The original flame was gas lit but the new flame will be illuminated by optic cable. The panoramic view from the top of the monument shows that the flame will be seen throughout Fort Greene, downtown Brooklyn and Manhattan! Please consider making a contribution to the Conservancy to help us continue our mission to celebrate and improve the park.

Bundle up if youâ€™re in the park â€“ winter is finally here!

Charles Jarden, Chair,
Fort Greene Park Conservancy
</blockquote>

tommyill · February 2007

correction: when I said "always been scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2007" I meant since the project was started in March 2006, which was pushed back from September 2005, I don't know what the original completion date was to be.

guvna · February 2007

tommyill wrote: correction: when I said "always been scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2007" I meant since the project was started in March 2006, which was pushed back from September 2005, I don't know what the original completion date was to be.

Cheers Tommyill. Yeah, I was focused mainly on the restoration plan myself. I remain sceptical though

Maybe someone who is home during the day can take a stroll to the park and confirm whether anyone is actually working over there. It seems entire buildings have gone up faster elsewhere in the nabe.

nomdeplume · February 2007

Guvna wrote: [quote=tommyill]correction: when I said "always been scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2007" I meant since the project was started in March 2006, which was pushed back from September 2005, I don't know what the original completion date was to be.

Cheers Tommyill. Yeah, I was focused mainly on the restoration plan myself. I remain sceptical though

Maybe someone who is home during the day can take a stroll to the park and confirm whether anyone is actually working over there. It seems entire buildings have gone up faster elsewhere in the nabe.I have to go by there tomorrow during day, I'll take a peek and report back.

tommyill · February 2007

If it was a private developer doing the work, it would probably have been completed last year. But there would be luxury condos inside it.

One of the Park Rangers or the Park Manager, Jeff Sangrund, should be able to answer any questions you may have when you visit, Nomdeplume.

guvna · March 2007

I was there yesterday around 11:30am and saw no signs of life. Equipment is still there, along with materials, but the gate was locked and not a soul in sight. I wonder what the deal is?

guvna · October 2007

I think I'm obsessed about the park renovation, but it seems my instincts were right: WTF is going on in FG park?

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/30/40/30_40parkmoneylost.html

anonymous · October 2007

Subject: Park

clearly the same contractor is working on the park as is rebuilding the security booth on the north campus of our coops........3 month project my butt.........it's now going on 4 months and they barely have the shell of the new booth up!

guvna · October 2007

Subject: Re: Park

Clinton Hill Coop Owner wrote: clearly the same contractor is working on the park as is rebuilding the security booth on the north campus of our coops........3 month project my butt.........it's now going on 4 months and they barely have the shell of the new booth up!

Dont get me started on them. Do they work two days per week? I'd love that schedule. Maybe I should apply.

Fort Greene Park Restoration

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