Brooklyn's Progress
August 2001

Standing on Emmons Avenue, with Sheepshead Bay as a backdrop, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz; Susan Doban of Susan Doban Architects, P.C.; Karen Young of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; and Peter Romeo, President of the Sheepshead Bay Beautification Program unveiled the design for the new streetlights that will be installed along Emmons Avenue and Sheepshead Bay Road. Also made public on July 20 were possible styles for street furniture that will also be installed. Doban was the project architect. The funding for both projects – part of the “Sheepshead Bay Esplanade at Emmons Avenue Project” – comes from State and City monies secured by Assemblyman Cymbrowitz. “Today’s event is the culmination of many months of meetings, research and collaboration among the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, a committee of local residents, shopkeepers and boat owners, the City and State Departments of Transportation and myself. The streetlight design that we are unveiling today is a monument to the dedication of these individuals and I want to thank them for their hard work and cooperation,” Cymbrowitz stated. “We are truly blessed to have such a beautiful natural resource as Sheepshead Bay in our community, so it is important that we do everything possible to enhance its natural beauty. We must be certain that the streetscape is equal to the seascape provided by the Bay,” Cymbrowitz said. “The streetlights will do more than just look good. They will provide improved lighting that will make walking and driving on Emmons Avenue and Sheepshead Bay Road safer.” “Emmons Avenue and Sheepshead Bay Road are unique areas in that they not only have stores and public transportation, but they also have a natural resource - Sheepshead Bay. That is why I am happy the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, which works with retail strips that have all the elements for success to develop them into unified, prosperous areas, has become a partner in the “Sheepshead Bay Esplanade at Emmons Avenue Project,” Cymbrowitz stated. “No one is saying that all it takes to make the Sheepshead Bay area more successful are new streetlights and some street furniture, however, it is an ongoing effort to improve the Avenue and a definite symbol of a commitment to this area. “This project is a wonderful example of making our waterfront more accessible and meaningful to the community,” said Herb Berman, Chairman of the Council's Finance Committee. “Sometimes it's easy to forget that underneath its urban sensibility, New York City is very much a harbor town. It is critical that we give our neighborhoods every opportunity to embrace the City's rich maritime heritage, and a great way to do it is by developing areas where people of all ages can gain better access to our waterways.” “The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz on the ‘Sheepshead Bay Esplanade at Emmons Avenue Project’. The streetscape project, which is modeled on a Main Street Initiative that we look forward to rolling out throughout the borough, was designed by Susan Doban, a Brooklyn-based architect and an active Chamber Member. We believe that by making the shopping areas successful we are also maintaining the viability of the surrounding communities,” Kenneth Adams, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce said. The streetlight design was selected by a committee of community residents, shopkeepers, boat owners and a representative from the New York City Department of Transportation that Cymbrowitz put together to work with the Sheepshead Bay Beautification Program. It was chaired by former State Senator Don Halperin and included Steve Barrison, Josie Bincks, John Nikas, Ann O’Driscoll, Pete Pampillio, George Richford, Peter & Carol Romeo and Michael Verra. “I wanted to be sure that the streetlights reflected the tastes of the community,” Cymbrowitz explained. “I am confident that the design this committee has selected will add to the beauty of the area.” The streetlights will be installed in 2002 and paid for with $1.2 million in State funding that Assemblyman Cymbrowitz obtained. The late Assemblywoman Lena Cymbrowitz who realized the need for the improvements laid the groundwork for this money. The various types of street furniture that could be installed on Emmons Avenue were also unveiled. Doban, the architect who developed the furniture proposal, provided a glimpse of the various styles of benches, flower pots and garbage receptacles that Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ committee of interested local individuals are considering. The committee, will work with the NYC Department of Transportation and will make its selection in the near future. Funding for the furniture comes from $500,000 that Assemblyman Cymbrowitz secured from the City Council through the efforts of City Councilman Herb Berman, Chairman of the Finance Committee and Councilman Michael Nelson.