In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, a unique and unexpected sight caught the attention of passersby last week. What started as a casual conversation between two longtime residents, Hajj-Malik Lovick and his friend, turned into a creative project that would soon become a neighborhood sensation. As they lounged in the heat, staring at a sidewalk tree pit flooded by a leaky fire hydrant, the idea of a makeshift aquarium was born.
The duo decided to fortify the edges of the tree bed with rocks and bricks, transforming it into a shallow basin. They then purchased 100 common goldfish from a local pet store for a mere $16 and released them into their new aquatic home. The appearance of these peanut-sized fish swimming in the makeshift aquarium quickly became a neighborhood curiosity, earning the nickname „the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“
However, as videos and news stories about the fish pit began circulating online, the project drew concern from city officials and backlash from animal rights advocates. 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 about 30 fish from the 2-inch-deep water, citing concerns about the inhumane conditions the fish were living in.
The rescue operation sparked a heated debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, as Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast, faced criticism for her involvement in the project. Despite the controversy, Campbell worked to rehome the rescued fish, keeping many of them in tanks inside her apartment. Concerned residents reached out to her about the remaining fish still in the pit, expressing worries about their well-being.
Those involved in the sidewalk experiment defended their actions, stating that they had enriched the neighborhood and provided a better life for the goldfish. They took turns feeding the fish three times a day and monitoring the fire hydrant to ensure a slow trickle of water. Supporters of the project donated decorations and food for the fish, creating a sense of community around the makeshift aquarium.
While the future of the fish pit remains uncertain, with city officials expressing safety concerns about leaking hydrants, the project has undeniably sparked conversations and brought neighbors together. As visitors, including local grocery workers, an actor, and even a curious toddler, stopped by to admire the fish, the project was praised as a „beautiful guerilla intervention“ that brought life to the city.
Despite the differing opinions and controversies surrounding the project, one thing is clear – the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium has become a symbol of creativity, community, and unity in a neighborhood undergoing rapid change. Whether the fish find a new home or continue to swim in their sidewalk basin, their presence has left a lasting impact on the residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant.
