Most of the people I know who live in New York have never been to DUMBO. Of course, this area has been slowly transformed over the last two decades from a gritty, desolate warehouse district into an exciting mixed-use neighborhood. I understood the significance of this beautiful street when I saw that Google Maps labeled [Washington Street] it, “Manhattan Bridge Photo Spot.”
Google recognizes it as a tourist attraction, and it has five stars. People flock to Washington Street between Front and Water Streets to capture a picture that features the Manhattan Bridge Empire State Building looming in the background. The photo is striking – DUMBO’s quaint cobblestone streets contrast the metal accents above. The allure is so powerful, even the Time’s Square mascots have been observed working the corner – but that’s a problem for another day.
There is no shortage of amazing photo backgrounds in the neighborhood. Another trendy location is next to the water leaning on the rail, where you can smile at downtown Manhattan for the gram. The contrast between these scenes is that no cars are driving through the shot on the pier. This area is a well-preserved attraction, and the rails are never blocked by trash or parked vehicles. trying to weave between happy tourists while they take a selfie. The difference between the Manhattan Bridge photo spot and literally any other popular photo venue is the fact that this is a road, and cars and other commercial vehicles drive on it all day.
I’m not suggesting that we should deter the tourist or incentivize them to take their photos elsewhere. I’m suggesting the opposite; DUMBO should use its popularity and privilege to demand that Washington Street be made a pedestrian plaza. Why not lean into this issue as a neighborhood and use it to our advantage? Community events are already held there, and are an example of how this space could be utilized. Moreover, this is a unique, cost-effective attraction because it brings business to local establishments, encourages people to check out the ferry, is popularizing a recently refurbished neighborhood, and it’s free.
There is another profound reason to advocate for the creation of public space on Washington Street – this move can set an example for other areas in the city. The lie that we’re telling ourselves about this issue, is that narrow cobblestone streets are desirable to drive on. They’re not; Washington Street is annoying for both cars or commercial vehicles because it’s one way, and you have to dodge tourists to exit the street. This block proves there is strength in numbers – I’ve witnessed selfie stick-wielding tourists refusing to step to the side to let a car pass. The street is becoming a safety hazard to tourists, residents, and drivers alike.
It is in the city’s best interest to begin making modest, local changes to infrastructure to accommodate the broadening of environmentally friendly modes of transportation and address the worsening issue of congestion. This measure is noninvasive because there is rarely congestion on the streets parallel to Washington. DUMBO already offers many versatile spaces, and this location would be symbolic of pedestrians’ rights.
DUMBO is an architecturally innovative neighborhood, and the intentional preservation of this street is in line with the ideology of the community.
