DOWN TOWN BROOKLYN
A Report to the Comptroller of the City of
New York on Sites for Public Buildings
and the Relocation of the Elevated
Railroad Tracks now in Lower
Fulton Street, Borough
of Brooklyn
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
MCMXIII
CONTENTS
LETTER FROM THE COMPTROLLER
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
First Plan
Second Plan
Third Plan
Fourth Plan
Fifth Plan
Sixth Plan
ADDITIONAL REPORT
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT
LETTER FROM THE COMPTROLLER
April 18th, 1913.
Dear Mr. Pratt:
It appears to me that the time has now arrived when some definitepolicy should be formulated regarding a number of needed improvementsin the Borough of Brooklyn, with particular reference to a settlementof the court house, bridge terminal and other questions. We have hadconsiderable discussion regarding these matters, and while thisdiscussion has developed, as it naturally would, many divergent views,I am confident that it has also served a most useful purpose becausenow we all have a much better idea of the work that has to beundertaken and the importance of intelligent and united actiongoverning it.
It is very necessary that some one should take the lead and I,therefore, suggest that you endeavor at the earliest possible time toeffect a meeting of those interested as citizens and officials indeveloping the best plan for Brooklyn's improvement, with a view tohaving a definite policy proposed and so determined at this time thatthe only thing necessary in the future will be the authorization ofthe funds to carry the plan into effect.
There should be a civic center in Brooklyn. We have a nucleus of sucha center in the present Borough Hall. We need a new terminal for theBrooklyn entrance of the Brooklyn Bridge, a better approach to thatbridge by the present elevated railroad lines, the removal of theelevated railroad tracks from lower Fulton Street, a new court house,-4-a new municipal building and a thorough improvement of that sectionrunning from the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Washington Streetto the terminal of the Brooklyn Bridge, using this improved sectionfor the purpose of carrying out a general beautification of theproposed civic center.
All of these things cannot be done at once, but they are all a part ofwhat should be a general plan. I believe that if the subject beapproached in a spirit of civic patriotism a general plan can bedeveloped which will mean the ultimate procurement of all thesemuch-needed improvements, and in such a way as to be of the greatestbenefit to Brooklyn as a borough.
Yours truly,
William A. Prendergast,
Comptroller
Mr. Frederic B. Pratt
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