The Columbia Waterfront District is hemmed in by the BQE on one side and the container port on the other, which makes every scrap of reclaimed street space count more here than in a park-rich neighborhood. Sackett Street near Van Brunt sits in that pocket, a short walk from the Red Hook waterfront and Brooklyn Bridge Park's southern piers. Come see one of the city's most isolated neighborhoods make its own public space.
What to expect
Come to the closed block, walk past the barricades and take the street as it is — open asphalt, neighbours out of their buildings, kids using the roadbed, and whatever tables or activities the organizers have arranged. It's informal rather than programd, and easy to fold into a longer walk toward Red Hook or the piers. Local vehicles still pass through slowly.
Good to know
- F or G to Carroll St, then a walk west under the BQE, or the B61 bus
- Free and open to anyone on the block
- Flat asphalt roadbed, easy for strollers, bikes and wheelchairs
- Red Hook, Valentino Pier and the Brooklyn Bridge Park piers are all walkable from here
- Bring water; the block's shade depends on its street trees
- Local access vehicles still use the block at low speed
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Common questions
Where is the Columbia Waterfront District?
The narrow Brooklyn neighborhood between the BQE and the harbor, north of Red Hook and west of Carroll Gardens.
Do I need to register?
No. Open Streets are free public space, open to anyone.
Is it stroller-friendly?
Very. The whole point is a flat, car-free roadbed.
