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 residents, Hajj-Malik Lovick and a friend, has now become known as the „Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“ The project involves turning a sidewalk tree pit, often flooded by a leaky fire hydrant, into a makeshift aquarium filled with common goldfish.
The concept behind the aquarium was born out of a desire to transform a mundane and often overlooked part of the neighborhood into something more engaging and interesting. After fortifying the edges of the tree bed with rocks and brick, Lovick and his friend purchased 100 goldfish from a local pet store and released them into the shallow basin. The sight of the small fish swimming in the makeshift aquarium quickly became a neighborhood attraction, drawing curious visitors and sparking conversations among residents.
However, as news of the fish pit spread online, the project faced criticism and backlash from city officials and animal rights advocates. Concerns were raised about the welfare of the fish and the conditions they were living in. In response, two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, took it upon themselves to rescue about 30 fish from the shallow waters using nets and plastic bags. This rescue mission ignited a debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, as Campbell, a white resident, acknowledged the sensitive nature of her actions in a community experiencing demographic shifts.
Despite the controversy surrounding the project, those involved in the aquarium experiment maintain that they are providing a better life for the goldfish and enriching the neighborhood in the process. They feed the fish regularly, 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 even donated decorations and food for the fish, further enhancing the makeshift aquarium.
The presence of the fish pit has brought together residents from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of community and shared experience. People stop by on their way to work to admire the fish, strike up conversations with their neighbors, and enjoy a moment of serenity in the midst of a bustling city. The project has sparked a sense of unity and connection among residents, with plans to eventually donate the fish to neighborhood children once the experiment concludes.
While the city’s Department of Environmental Protection has expressed concerns about the safety of leaking fire hydrants and the welfare of the fish, the aquarium project continues to thrive. As of now, dozens of fish still swim in the tree pit, serving as a symbol of creativity, community engagement, and the resilience of a neighborhood undergoing change. Whether viewed as a controversial intervention or a unique form of urban art, the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant.
