Goldfish heist sparked by impromptu aquarium in tree bed

In the bustling neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant in 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 and controversial project – a makeshift aquarium in a tree pit flooded by a leaky fire hydrant.

The idea was simple yet innovative – why not add fish to the stagnant water in the tree pit to create something more interesting? After fortifying the edges of the tree bed with rocks and bricks, Lovick and his friend purchased 100 common goldfish from a local pet store for a mere $16 and released them into the shallow basin. The sight of these peanut-sized fish swimming around quickly became a neighborhood curiosity, earning the nickname „the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“

As news of the fish pit spread online, it garnered both admiration and concern. City officials and animal rights advocates expressed worries about the well-being of the fish in such conditions. In response, two neighborhood residents, Emily Campbell and Max David, took it upon themselves to carry out a rescue mission in the early hours of the morning. Using nets and plastic bags, they managed to save around 30 fish from the 2-inch-deep water, citing concerns about the inhumane conditions the fish were living in.

However, this act of goodwill sparked a heated debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, which has seen an influx of young white residents in recent years. Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast with a background in aquaponics, acknowledged the sensitive nature of the situation but emphasized the importance of ensuring the well-being of the fish. She took in many of the rescued fish, keeping them in tanks inside her apartment while working to find suitable homes for them.

Despite the controversy surrounding the project, those involved in the sidewalk experiment believe they have enriched the neighborhood and provided a better life for the goldfish. They feed the fish three times a day and take shifts watching over them, ensuring the fire hydrant remains at a slow trickle to maintain the water level. Supporters have even donated decorations and food for the fish, turning the tree pit into a community attraction where neighbors can gather and interact.

While the fate of the remaining fish in the pit remains uncertain, the group plans to keep them in place for a few more weeks before donating them to neighborhood children. The project has sparked conversations and brought people together, showcasing the power of creativity and community engagement in unexpected places. As visitors continue to flock to the „Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium,“ the neighborhood is alive with curiosity, compassion, and a touch of controversy.