In the bustling Brooklyn borough of New York, a unique sight has captured the attention of residents and passersby alike. Fish swim in a pool of water next to a fire hydrant in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, creating a makeshift aquarium that has become a neighborhood attraction. This quirky idea was born out of a conversation between longtime residents who saw an opportunity to turn a leaky fire hydrant into something more interesting.
Hajj-Malik Lovick, a 47-year-old resident of Bedford-Stuyvesant, along with a friend, decided to enhance the tree pit often flooded by the fire hydrant by adding 100 common goldfish purchased from a local pet store. The sight of these peanut-sized fish swimming in the shallow basin quickly became a neighborhood curiosity, earning the nickname „the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“
However, as videos and news stories about the fish pit circulated online, the project drew concern from city officials and backlash from animal rights advocates. In response, two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, carried out a rescue mission to save about 30 fish from the two-inch deep waters, citing inhumane conditions.
The rescue operation sparked a debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, with Campbell acknowledging the sensitive nature of her actions as a white resident intervening in a community-led project. Despite the controversy, Campbell worked to rehome the rescued fish, keeping them in tanks inside her apartment while expressing concerns for the remaining fish in the pit.
On the other hand, supporters of the sidewalk aquarium project believe 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 the fire hydrant remains at a slow trickle to maintain the makeshift aquarium. The project has brought the community together, with residents donating decorations and food for the fish, creating a serene and communal space for neighbors to enjoy.
Despite differing opinions on the project, the makeshift aquarium has become a symbol of community engagement and creativity in the neighborhood. Visitors, including local workers, actors, and even young children, have been drawn to the unique sight, fostering conversations and connections among residents. The group behind the project plans to keep the fish in place for a few more weeks before donating them to neighborhood children, further spreading joy and curiosity in the community.
In the midst of the debate and controversy, the makeshift aquarium stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the ability to create beauty and connection in unexpected places. Whether viewed as a guerilla intervention or a potential safety hazard, the fish swimming next to a fire hydrant in Brooklyn serve as a reminder of the diverse perspectives and experiences that shape our urban landscapes.
