West Street Story: Greenpoint’s Wooden Street Might Be in Trouble
Part of Greenpoint’s rich history is the wood-paved portion of West Street. Dating back to the mid-19th century, these wooden blocks were the norm, but they’ve all but vanished from today’s New York, and West Street is one of the last known exceptions. According to the historical recount from Greenpointers, by the late 1800s the wooden sidewalks were a New York Times-endorsed improvement to the stone streets, due to the way they suppressed the loud trotting of horse hooves.
Yet wooden-paved roads were not the great solution some believed they’d be. Not only were the wooden blocks more expensive, but because of traffic, they would rot and decay. The wood also had a tendency to absorb horse urine and rain, which combined with the decaying wood, released putrid smells that make our current complaints of that New York summer trash stench seem less warranted. Despite its rather rancid history, these wooden block roads (now minus the fresh horse excrement) are among the ever dwindling reminders of Brooklyn’s history.
The proposed construction, now awaiting approval at the Department of Transportation, includes a two-way bike path that would transform West Street into a wider, one-way northbound road. But not all Greenpoint residents are on board with the development, many voicing concerns about increased traffic speeds, negative effects on West Street businesses, and limited parking. Questions regarding the fate of the wooden-block sidewalks have been ignored by Greenpoint constituents and developers alike; the proposal failed to mention any construction on the antiquated sidewalks.
Plans for construction have not been officially finalized, but community members like transportation committee chair Wilfredo Florentino, are worried that DOT and the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) will continue with their plan, “regardless of the community’s position.” While the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway provides safer, more enjoyable travel for pedestrians and cyclists, it’s still uncertain if the sacrifices are worth the cause.
Preservation Greenpoint is looking for more information and opinions about the construction to West Street. You can contact them at info@preservationgreenpoint.org.