Goldfish stolen from homemade aquarium in Brooklyn tree bed

In the bustling neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, a unique and unexpected sight has captured the attention of residents and passersby alike – a makeshift aquarium in a tree pit on Hancock Street. What started as a lighthearted idea between two longtime residents, Hajj-Malik Lovick and his friend, has now become a neighborhood attraction known as the „Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium.“

The concept behind the aquarium was simple yet innovative. Lovick and his friend noticed a tree pit that was often flooded by a leaky fire hydrant, creating a small pool of water. They decided to enhance this space by fortifying the edges with rocks and bricks, and then purchased 100 common goldfish from a local pet store to populate the basin. The sight of these peanut-sized fish swimming around in the shallow waters quickly piqued the curiosity of the neighborhood, drawing in visitors who marveled at the unexpected spectacle.

However, as videos and news stories about the fish pit began circulating online, the project faced criticism and concern from city officials and 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. Using nets and plastic bags, they managed to save around 30 fish from the shallow waters, citing concerns about the inhumane conditions in which the fish were living.

The rescue operation sparked a heated debate about gentrification in the historically Black neighborhood, as the influx of young white residents in recent years has raised questions about the motives behind the intervention. Campbell, a self-described fish enthusiast with a background in aquaponics, acknowledged the sensitive nature of the situation but emphasized her concern for the well-being of the fish. She took in the rescued fish, housing them in tanks inside her apartment while working to find them new homes.

Despite the controversy surrounding the project, those involved in the sidewalk experiment maintain that they have enriched the neighborhood and provided a better life for the goldfish. 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 have even donated decorations and food for the fish, further enhancing the makeshift aquarium and fostering a sense of community among residents.

As the debate rages on, with some expressing concerns about the safety of the fish and the potential consequences of the project, others see it as a creative and engaging way to bring the community together. The group behind the aquarium plans to keep the fish in place for a few more weeks before donating them to neighborhood children, ensuring that the fish find a suitable and caring home.

In the midst of differing opinions and conflicting viewpoints, one thing remains clear – the Hancock Street Bed-Stuy Aquarium has sparked conversations, brought people together, and added a touch of whimsy to the neighborhood. Whether it’s seen as a guerilla intervention or a well-intentioned project, the aquarium serves as a reminder of the power of community, creativity, and the unexpected beauty that can be found in the most unlikely of places.