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WORLD CLASS STREETSImprovements to Grand Army Plazadefined major new pedestrian areas,reduced crossing distances andadded crosswalks and bike lanesGRAND ARMY PLAZAGrand Army Plaza beforeDOT has worked for years withthe community groups and civicorganizations to develop a betterdesign for Brooklyn’s most iconicand busy traffic circle, Grand ArmyPlaza. The design of the circleand large traffic and pedestrianvolumes made the area extremelydangerous for pedestrians travelingto Prospect Park and the BrooklynPublic Library and discouragedvisitors to the fountain, making thearea more prone to crime.From 1999 to 2006, DOTmade modest improvements tothe traffic circle, including a largerpedestrian island and reducingauto access to Prospect Park. Butresidents still felt more neededto be done. Over the next fiveyears, a civic coalition—workingcollaboratively with governmentagencies—created a plan for thearea. DOT used the community planas a guidepost for real projects onthe street. In 2007, this includedconcrete islands to reduce crossingdistances, new crosswalks,new bike paths, beautificationelements and longer crossing timefor pedestrians. In 2011, DOTmade additional improvementsincluding a two way bike path onPlaza Street, gravel treatmentson the southern side of the plazaand additional beautification. Apedestrian wayfinding programwas added in 2013.The result of the multi–yearcommunity based planningeffort is a safer, more welcomingintersection and a model for civicand government partnership forlivable streets. Safety has improvedand the area is more accessibleand vibrant.128Chapter 9: Plazas, Public Space and Public Seating