The controversial Williamsburg Walks went down this weekend on Bedford Avenue. Bending to pressure from local merchants who felt the temporary pedestrian plaza was hurting their bottom lines, the Walks will only take place on one weekend this year, as opposed to multiple days in '08 and '09. But the tweak only made the street "happening" more focused and festive, and, unlike last year, there were no reports of marauding skateboarders harshing the mellow vibe. There was, however, a Death Parade.
There were lots of children-oriented events, a dozen public art installations on the topic of "rethinking public space," music, and "skillsharing": locals sharing their knowledge about things like how to sew, mix your own perfume, make your own "window farm," preserve your own pickles, and how to make an Adirondack chair with salvaged wood. The only thing missing was a tutorial on DIY nuclear fusion.
This weekend's festivities reminded us about the popular Summer Streets initiative which, for the past two years, has opened up a 6.9 mile stretch of street to pedestrians in Manhattan on Saturdays in August. We'll let you know when the Department of Transportation reveals this year's Summer Streets dates.
