In the bustling neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, New York, a unique and unexpected sight has captured the attention of residents and visitors alike. What started as a simple idea between two longtime residents, Hajj-Malik Lovick and his friend, has turned into a makeshift aquarium in a tree pit next to a leaky fire hydrant. The concept was born out of a desire to transform a mundane sidewalk feature into something more engaging and intriguing.
The duo fortified the edges of the tree bed with rocks and bricks, creating a shallow basin that could hold water. They then purchased 100 common goldfish from a local pet store for a mere $16 and released them into their new aquatic home. The sight of these peanut-sized fish swimming around in the makeshift aquarium quickly became a neighborhood curiosity, earning the nickname „the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“
As news of the fish pit spread online, it garnered attention from city officials and animal rights advocates. Concerns were raised about the well-being of the fish and the safety implications of a leaky fire hydrant. In response to these concerns, 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 shallow water.
However, the rescue operation sparked a debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, as Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast, faced criticism for her involvement in the rescue. Despite the controversy, Campbell continued her efforts to rehome the rescued fish, keeping many of them in tanks inside her apartment.
The sidewalk experiment has not only enriched the neighborhood but also provided a better life for the goldfish, a breed typically sold as food for larger marine species. The group of residents involved in the project feeds the fish three times a day and takes shifts watching over them, ensuring the fire hydrant remains at a slow trickle to maintain the water level.
Supporters of the makeshift aquarium have come forward to donate decorations and food for the fish, further enhancing the community engagement around the project. The presence of the fish has sparked conversations among neighbors and passersby, creating a sense of unity and shared interest in the neighborhood.
While city officials have expressed safety concerns about the leaky hydrant and the presence of the fish, the residents involved in the project remain committed to providing a temporary home for the goldfish. They plan to keep the fish in place for a few more weeks before donating them to neighborhood children.
The Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium serves as a testament to the creativity and community spirit of the residents in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Despite the initial controversy and concerns, the project has brought people together, sparked conversations, and added a touch of whimsy to the neighborhood. As visitors stop by to admire the fish and engage in discussions, the makeshift aquarium continues to be a source of joy and connection in the bustling city of New York.
