Brooklyn, NY (August 21, 2023) – Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, BetaNYC, and North Brooklyn Parks Alliance teamed up to host a first-of-its-kind, innovative event, “Mapping the Public Realm,” which took place on Monday, August 21, in the Cooper Park area of East Williamsburg. The event engaged the community in an insightful exploration of urban spaces and public areas, while also fostering a sense of empowerment among residents, creating tangible and quantitative data that will be used to advocate for more investments in the North Brooklyn community.
This event marked the culmination of a year-long project between the Council Member and BetaNYC, which has been actively mapping the public realm across District 34 over the past year. The project has mapped 5,155 assets so far in public spaces such as Maria Hernandez Park and areas within the Industrial Business Zone – historically lacking in public resources and investments. This comprehensive initiative aimed to provide valuable insights and quantitative analysis into the use and enhancement of these spaces for the benefit of the community.
Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez has been a strong advocate for BetaNYC’s efforts, and her support has included securing council funding for the organization’s projects. Council Member Gutiérrez is invested in the use of data for decision making and transparency in her role as Chair of the Technology Committee of the New York City Council.
The event included interactive discussions, hands-on mapping exercises, and walking tours that highlighted various public spaces and their potential for community development. Attendees had the chance to connect with neighbors, share ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of the urban environment they inhabit.
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About North Brooklyn Parks Alliance (NBPA)
NBPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship, preservation, and enhancement of North Brooklyn’s parks and open spaces. Through community engagement and advocacy, NBPA strives to create welcoming and accessible green spaces for all residents.
About BetaNYC
BetaNYC is a civic organization that uses technology and data to empower individuals and communities in New York City. Through collaborative projects and initiatives, BetaNYC works to improve the city’s digital infrastructure and enhance civic participation. The organization’s year-long project to map the public realm across District 34 has culminated in the successful “Mapping the Public Realm” event, exemplifying their dedication to community-driven improvement.