Beloved Bed-Stuy Aquarium Removed After City Officials Pour Cement Around Leaky Hydrant

In a recent development, the makeshift “Bed-Stuy Aquarium” in Brooklyn, which had become a beloved landmark for residents and visitors, has been permanently removed. The aquarium was created by local residents after a leaky fire hydrant on the sidewalk at the intersection of Tompkins Avenue and Hancock Street formed a puddle. Over time, the puddle was transformed into a mini-ecosystem with goldfish, benches, a lending library, and decorative elements, earning it a designation on Google Maps as the “Brooklyn Aquarium.”

The aquarium had gained significant attention on social media and was seen as a community project that brought residents together. However, following an inspection by the fire department, it was determined that the hydrant was leaking and posed a risk of freezing and becoming nonfunctional during winter. In response, officials from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) poured cement around the hydrant to fix the leak and ensure pedestrian safety.

Despite efforts by residents to rebuild the aquarium after the initial inspection, the DEP’s actions resulted in the permanent elimination of the pond. Residents have expressed their disappointment and heartbreak over the removal, with some placing memorial candles and flowers at the site where the aquarium once stood.

The city has indicated a willingness to work with community members to find an alternative location for the aquarium, possibly in a community garden half a block away. However, for many residents, the new location would not be the same as the original spot on Hancock Street.

The removal of the aquarium has also sparked discussions about gentrification and community engagement in the historically Black neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Residents like Ms. Hralima and Mr. Irving have highlighted the community’s creativity and commitment to their neighborhood, while also expressing concerns about the rapid changes and lack of dialogue with city officials.