Hard as it may be to believe, the city is ahead of schedule on plans for pedestrian and public realm improvements on Montague Street. We have just learned work will be starting work tonight (weather permitting)!

What

Building on the success of Montague Open Streets, the BHA has been working with the Montague Street BID, NYC DOT and Council Member Restler’s office to bring improvements to Montague Street that will calm traffic, improve visibility and safety for vehicles and pedestrians, better manage commercial loading and delivery needs, and expand and improve public space for pedestrians and cyclists on Montague Street.

Why

Our goal is to make Montague Street a safer, more accessible, and vibrant destination for everyone—residents, workers, and visitors alike. By enhancing the pedestrian experience and our public spaces, we aim to increase foot traffic, support our local businesses, and foster a welcoming, lively atmosphere.

Years of public engagement and research conducted by the BHA, Montague BID, and DOT indicate a strong desire among users of Montague Street for a more “shared or slow street” experience. Specifically, we’ve heard that:

• Sidewalks can be narrow and get crowded
• People want more public space to enjoy and to bring the feel of Open Streets to everyday
• Frequent double parking on the corridor causes congestion
• Placard vehicles park in truck loading areas, causing trucks to double park or unload in front of hydrants.
• Intersections can feel dangerous and need daylighting

How

Starting this week, DOT will begin implementing a series of improvements to address the issues identified above.

This includes:

• New corner curb extensions at Hicks St., Henry St., and Clinton St.
• New mid-block curb extensions between Hicks St. and Clinton St.
• Updated parking and loading regulations between Clinton St. and Hicks St. to improve commercial loading and deliveries and reduce double parking.
• Additional public seating, bike corrals, and planters in the corner and mid-block curb extensions.

You can view the full plan as approved by Community Board 2 here.

When

DOT will start working this week to do the necessary removals, layout and markings, and deliver the gravel for the curb extensions. This work will occur during overnight hours between 11:00pm - 5:00am, but we are expecting it will not last more than 3-4 days weather permitting. There will be some noise associated with this work, but we have asked DOT to ensure as little noise and disruption as possible for residents. Overnight parking on Montague between Clinton and Hicks Streets will be restricted during these evenings.

This will be followed later in July by the installation of flexible delineators at the perimeter of the curb extensions which will demarcate the space from the vehicle travel lane. New curb regulation signs will also be installed.

The installation of the new seating and planters, along with the on-street bike corrals is planned for mid-August. Please watch for posted signs and placards denoting work zones. 

Questions? Please reach out to us at info@thebha.org.

We will be updating you regularly on this work so stay tuned!