Construction Begins on Permanent Improvements to Putnam Plaza in Clinton Hill

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Construction Begins on Permanent Improvements to Putnam Plaza in Clinton Hill

September 17, 2018

Contacts:
DDC: Ian Michaels
718-391-1589

(Brooklyn, NY – September 17, 2018) The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) announced today that construction has begun to bring permanent improvements to Putnam Plaza, at the intersection of Fulton Street and Grand Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The $2.7 million project is projected to be completed by summer 2019.

Managed by DDC for the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), the project will make permanent a 15,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza created in 2011 when DOT closed one block of Putnam Avenue, between Fulton Street and Grand Avenue, to traffic. The street closure brought almost 5,700 square feet of additional pedestrian space to the neighborhood, creating a vital community hub, and reduced crashes and injuries on surrounding streets.

An artist’s rendering of the completed Putnam Plaza

“Great cities are known for their great public plazas, flexible gathering spaces that can be used for a range of public events,” said DDC Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “The new Putnam Plaza beautifies the neighborhood, provides more open space for the community and makes the area safer by simplifying traffic patterns. We look forward to working with DOT to create more plazas throughout the City.”

The project will expand the sidewalk at one corner of the plaza, adding another 120 square feet of pedestrian space. New pavers will cover most of the area in dynamic patterns. Three raised planting areas will occupy 1,440 square feet of the plaza, and will includes new trees and seasonal vegetation. The plaza will include a new drinking fountain plus furniture such as movable tables, chairs and umbrellas.

The area as it appeared prior to the closure of one block of Putnam Avenue in 2011

The project was designed so that sight lines are maintained through the site, giving better visibility to passing pedestrians. New street lighting will be included and new drainage will be added to manage stormwater runoff. New bike racks will also be installed.

The contractor for the project is NY Asphalt Inc. of Staten Island. The designer of the project was Thomas Balsley Associates and engineering services are by SMARTEC Architecture and Engineering PC, a City-certified M/WBE firm.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $14 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.