Park Slope residents push city to fix 'dangerous' Grand Army Plaza
According to city data, more than 60 crashes were reported at Grand Army Plaza in 2025 alone, leaving at least 65 people injured.
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Grand Army Plaza, located at the main entrance to Prospect Park, is best known for its iconic Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch. But beyond its historic appeal, the busy traffic circle has become a growing safety concern, one that some advocates say is putting the community at risk.
According to city data, more than 60 crashes were reported at Grand Army Plaza in 2025 alone, leaving at least 65 people injured. For many residents of nearby neighborhoods like Prospect Heights and Park Slope, those numbers reflect a daily reality that feels increasingly unsafe.
“Trying to get from almost any part of Prospect Heights or Park Slope to Prospect Park can feel like an obstacle course,” said Alexa Sledge, Director of Communications at Transportation Alternatives. “And every single day, that’s dangerous for them.”
Residents say the plaza’s design, featuring multiple lanes and converging intersections, encourages speeding and unpredictable driving behavior. Justine Szfran described the area as chaotic. “All the lanes here, people are always going super-fast, and it doesn't feel safe whether you're on a bike or walking,” she said. “It's just kind of a disaster.”
While pedestrians face daily challenges navigating the plaza, cyclists report similar concerns.
Alicia Villarosa said the experience can be overwhelming. “It’s harrowing. Cars are very aggressive,” she explained. “There are two big intersections where traffic converges from three different directions, and people just routinely run the lights.”
In response, Transportation Alternatives has launched a campaign aimed at improving safety in the area. Advocates are calling for measures such as traffic calming, curb extensions, and synchronized traffic signals, changes they say could significantly reduce risks for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Commuters like Alexa support those proposals. “Re-routing or changing that traffic pattern, adding pedestrian bump-outs, crosswalks, and other proven safety techniques is going to make it much easier and much more pleasant to access the park,” he said.
A spokesperson for the New York City Department of Transportation says the agency is currently finalizing traffic analysis and design plans for the area, with public outreach expected to begin this spring.
As discussions continue, one thing is clear: for many who pass through Grand Army Plaza every day, change cannot come soon enough.
