Brooklyn Heights will get 109 historic streetlamps, also known as Bishop’s Crook poles, later this year. Bishop’s Crook streetlamps—beautifully curved cast-iron poles that date back to the early 1900s were once widespread across New York City’s streets.
This project dates all the way back to 2007 when our then Congressmember Nydia Velazquez secured an allocation of federal funding for the replacement of the non-historic lights. Since that time, we’ve also been fortunate to receive funding from former elected officials David Yassky & Steve Levin, and most recently Councilmember Lincoln Restler.
The poles will be installed along a section of central Brooklyn Heights, including Joralemon Street between Columbia Place and Garden Place, Remsen Street between the cul de sac and Henry Street, Montague Terrace and Pierrepont Place, Pierrepont Street between Columbia Heights, and Clinton Street, College Place, Hicks between Pierrepont and Clark Streets, and Henry between Pierrepont and Clark Streets.
In some places, the Bishop’s Crook poles will replace a current non-historic pole, while other locations will see additional poles added to the street to ensure adequate lighting for pedestrians and cars. The expectation is that DOT will begin the project within a few weeks and will complete the work before the end of the year.
We appreciate the efforts of all the elected officials past and present to bring this project to life as well as NYC DOT for working in collaboration with the BHA and CM Restler’s office. Hopefully, we can secure additional funding so that the whole of Brooklyn Heights can enjoy these beautiful lamps.
