FIRST LOOK: Park Slope 5th Avenue BID Unveils People-First Vision Plan
Community-led plan with WXY architecture + urban design outlines a safer, greener, and more vibrant future for Park Slope’s busiest street.
The Park Slope 5th Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) - representing 30 blocks of independently owned small businesses from Dean Street to 18th Street - has released a new strategic vision for the future of 5th Avenue.
Developed in partnership with WXY architecture + urban design, the report, “Putting People First on Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue – A Vision for the Public Realm,” lays out near-term improvements and long-term strategies to make the corridor safer, more welcoming, and more supportive of small businesses.
Background
In anticipation of future city investments along the corridor, the BID partnered with WXY, a New York- and Toronto-based architecture and urban design practice known for sustainable, community-focused work, to take a broader look at 5th Avenue’s future.
The plan was made possible in part through a community grant from New York-Presbyterian and developed through an inclusive engagement process that brought together residents, business owners, and community stakeholders from across Park Slope.
Through their 10-min Streetscape Survey (shared earlier this year on Park Slope Pulse and which received 500+ responses) and workshops, WXY gathered input on priorities such as pedestrian safety, outdoor dining, greenery, and public space - ensuring that the recommendations reflect the voices of the people who live, work, and shop along 5th Avenue every day.
The Six Major Goals
Improving the pedestrian experience with wider sidewalks, additional seating, and greenery.
Reducing conflicts between pedestrians and other modes at intersections.
Relieving traffic congestion for better bus movement and improved loading zones.
Creating safer bike routes and bike-related infrastructure.
Enhancing green spaces and water management infrastructure.
Maintaining 5th Avenue’s character and supporting its local businesses.
Together, these goals aim to create safer streets, strengthen small businesses, and introduce new public spaces that make 5th Avenue a more walkable and welcoming destination. The plan also provides a scalable model for how smaller BIDs can deliver meaningful public space improvements in other New York neighborhoods.
“This plan reflects the voices of our residents and businesses, who want 5th Avenue to remain a special place while also evolving to meet new needs. What began as a simple question about bike corrals quickly turned into a much bigger conversation: How do we make 5th Avenue safer, more welcoming, and more supportive of small businesses? Working with WXY, we now have a roadmap that balances near-term improvements with long-term vision — putting people first, strengthening local business, and ensuring this iconic Brooklyn street continues to thrive.”
- Joanna Tallantire, Executive Director of the Park Slope 5th Avenue BID
“At WXY, we see neighborhood commercial corridors as untapped opportunities to become true public spaces. This plan reimagines a street long defined by traffic as a place where people can gather, eat, shop, and feel safe. By pairing thoughtful design with a bold, community-driven approach, we’ve created a model that not only serves 5th Avenue but also sets a precedent for how New York streets can evolve into people-first spaces that support both community life and small businesses.”
- David Vega-Barachowitz, Associate Principal and Director of Urban Design at WXY
What’s Next
The report will inform upcoming City planning and capital investment efforts, ensuring that Park Slope’s community-driven priorities guide future improvements.
The Full Vision Plan documented by WXY breaks down the following near and long term improvements:
Phase 1 (2026-27): Catalyst projects
Phase 2 (2028-2030): Corridor Wide Street Improvement
Phase 3 (2030 onwards): Capital Reconstruction
Huge thanks to the tireless Park Slope 5th Avenue BID (Joanna Tallantire & Melisa Coburn) for continuing to drive these improvements in our community!
Read more about the Park Slope 5th Ave BID here and make sure to follow their Instagram account @theother5th for more developments.