In the heart of Brooklyn, a unique and unexpected sight has captured the attention of residents and passersby alike. What started as a simple idea between two longtime Brooklyn residents, Hajj-Malik Lovick and his companion, has blossomed into a makeshift aquarium nestled next to a leaky fire hydrant in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. The duo, lounging in the heat one day, decided to transform a sidewalk tree pit into a home for 100 common goldfish purchased from a local pet store for a mere $16.
The appearance of these peanut-sized fish swimming in the shallow basin quickly became a neighborhood attraction, earning the moniker „the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“ The project not only added a touch of whimsy to the area but also sparked conversations and brought the community together. However, as news of the fish pit spread online, it also drew concern from city officials and animal rights advocates.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, took it upon themselves to carry out a rescue mission. Using nets and plastic bags, they managed to save around 30 fish from the two-inch deep waters, citing concerns about the inhumane conditions the fish were living in. This act of compassion, however, ignited a heated debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, which has been experiencing an influx of young white residents in recent years.
Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast with a background in aquaponics, expressed her concerns about the fish suffocating in the stagnant water and their own waste. While she acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, she emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the fish. She took in the rescued fish, housing them in tanks inside her apartment while working to find them new homes.
On the other hand, Lovick and his group of pond monitors defended their project, claiming that they were providing a better life for the goldfish and enriching the neighborhood in the process. They diligently cared for the fish, feeding them three times a day and ensuring the fire hydrant remained at a slow trickle to maintain the water level. The community rallied around the makeshift aquarium, donating decorations and food to enhance the fish’s environment.
Despite the differing opinions and controversies surrounding the fish pit, one thing is clear – it has become a focal point in the neighborhood, sparking conversations and bringing people together. The project has not only added a touch of creativity to the area but has also created a sense of community among residents. As the debate rages on, with city officials expressing safety concerns about the leaking hydrant, the fish continue to swim in their makeshift home, serving as a symbol of unity and connection in a rapidly changing neighborhood.
