In the bustling neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, a unique and controversial project has captured the attention of residents and city officials alike. What started as a simple idea between two longtime Brooklyn residents, Hajj-Malik Lovick and an unnamed partner, has now become a neighborhood attraction known as the „Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“
The project began when Lovick and his partner noticed a sidewalk tree pit that was often flooded by a leaky fire hydrant. They decided to transform this mundane space into something more interesting by adding fish. After fortifying the edges of the tree bed with rocks and bricks, they purchased 100 common goldfish from a pet store for a mere $16 and released them into the makeshift aquarium.
The sight of these peanut-sized fish swimming in the shallow basin quickly became a neighborhood curiosity, drawing visitors who marveled at the unexpected spectacle. Dubbed the „Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium,“ the project gained attention through videos and news stories circulating online.
However, not everyone was pleased with the makeshift aquarium. Concerns were raised by city officials and animal rights advocates about the welfare of the fish in such conditions. In response to these concerns, two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, took it upon themselves to carry out a rescue mission in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Using nets and plastic bags, they managed to save around 30 fish from the two-inch deep waters.
Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast with a background in aquaponics, defended the rescue mission as an effort to prevent the fish from suffering in inhumane conditions. However, the operation sparked a heated debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, where an influx of young white residents has been observed in recent years.
Despite the controversy surrounding the project, those involved in the sidewalk experiment maintain that they have enriched the neighborhood and provided a better life for the goldfish. They feed the fish three times a day, monitor the water quality, and ensure that the fire hydrant remains at a slow trickle to maintain the water level.
Supporters of the project have donated decorations and food for the fish, further enhancing the makeshift aquarium. The project has become a focal point for community engagement, with residents stopping by to admire the fish and interact with their neighbors.
While some have expressed concerns about the safety of the fish and the potential consequences of the project, others see it as a creative and lively addition to the neighborhood. The future of the „Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium“ remains uncertain, with plans to donate the fish to neighborhood children in the coming weeks.
As the debate continues to unfold, one thing is clear – the project has sparked conversations, brought people together, and added a touch of whimsy to the streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Whether it’s seen as a well-intentioned community initiative or a misguided endeavor, the makeshift aquarium has certainly made a splash in the neighborhood.
