What We Do
Building the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway
For over a decade, Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) has acted as the catalyst for the development, establishment and long-term stewardship of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, a 26-mile protected and landscaped route for pedestrians and cyclists that, when completed in 2021, will connect Brooklyn’s storied and iconic waterfront, parks and open space, commercial and cultural corridors, and new tech and innovation hubs for 2.65 million Brooklyn residents, over 1.1 million employees in Brooklyn, and 15 million annual visitors from across the City and around the world.
Stewarding the Greenway
Now that the Greenway is being implemented, BGI is planning for the long-term stewardship of the 26-mile route and numerous adjacent green spaces currently under development.
FAQ's
The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway is a 26-mile landscaped route for pedestrians, runners and cyclists and will connect neighborhood parks and open spaces from Greenpoint to Bay Ridge.
Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) is the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to the establishment, development and long-term stewardship of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. Founded in 2004, BGI works with community, business, and governmental partners to create and fulfill a comprehensive vision for the Greenway.
NYC DOT has identified 23 distinct capital projects along the Greenway. These projects will be implemented over time and as funding is made available and street reconstructions are scheduled. As DOT works to design, fund and construct the greenway route, Brooklyn Greenway Initiative and Regional Plan Association are working to create and improve new green spaces along the route and maximize the “green” in the Greenway.
Two green spaces adjacent to the Greenway have been designed, of which the Naval Cemetery Landscape will be the first to be completed in Spring of 2016, followed by Columbia Waterfront Park (an interim native grass planting was completed in Spring 2014). Additional sites along the route are being identified for future green space.
The 23 capital projects that comprise the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway range in estimated cost from $1M to $20M each. These projects will be implemented over time, as funding is made available and street reconstructions are scheduled. 5 miles of the Greenway are currently in use, and 4 additional segments are now in design and engineering.
BGI has already secured over $20M in federal funding allocated to construction of the Greenway, and we will continue to work to secure more. NYC DOT has committed to building the Greenway as funding is made available and street reconstructions are scheduled. BGI raises the funds for its own operating budget separately – you can help by donating to BGI today.
Yes, six miles of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway are already in place and include some of the most popular bicycle, running and pedestrian routes in the City. Altogether, this unique set of pathways, green spaces, and events taking place are transforming Brooklyn’s waterfront. View a map of the Greenway.