More details regarding that Downtown Brooklyn streetscape makeover, including a fanciful (?) image of a rising walkway (and limited skyline) at Barclays Center plaza

I wrote 12/20/19 about a new Downtown Brooklyn streetscapes plan, from the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, which--according to a CityLab article--would deliver a multidirectional pedestrian crossing to the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush avenues.

I could get any more information on that, and it's absent from the official press release, dated 12/18/19 Downtown Brooklyn Partnership Unveils Sweeping Public Realm Vision to Pedestrianize Downtown Brooklyn.

But it does have an intriguing, perhaps fanciful image (below) looking north on Flatbush Avenue from the Barclays Center plaza, just outside the subway entrance.

What's this?

First, it seems an elevated walkway, perhaps leading to a peak, or perhaps simply looping toward Atlantic Avenue, is planned.

Second, the skyline is a little... empty. I think the very narrow, wedge-shaped tower on the horizon is 300 Ashland, but I'm not sure. 

Whether or not, the image does not come close to portraying the full present and likely future, including towers around and behind the Williamsburgh Savings Bank tower (One Hanson), as well as the two 80 Flatbush towers on the west side of Flatbush and the huge two-tower project planned for Site 5, currently home to P.C. Richard and Modell's.

From the press release

Recommendations include:

• Pedestrianize Downtown Brooklyn’s core by reducing vehicular access and reorienting streets to prioritize foot traffic – where there is more pedestrian traffic than vehicular traffic. This includes extending the Department of Transportation’s Shared Street program throughout the shopping district.
• Improve and/or create safer pedestrian crossings at key high traffic intersections, including between Jay Street and NYU’s 370 Jay to MetroTech; at Flatbush and Schermerhorn adjacent to 300 Ashland and 80 Flatbush; and along Flatbush Ave and Adams Street
• Improve safety for cyclists by adding bike lanes on Fulton Street, Flatbush Avenue, and Adams Street, as well as an eastbound bike lane on Schermerhorn Street.
• Improve bus routes and efficiency by implementing one-way bus traffic on Fulton Street, with the goal of moving eastbound buses from Fulton Street to Livingston Street to make room for a dedicated bike lane. (This route was used while Fulton Street was under construction.)
• Add parks and plazas as opportunities arise with new developments, and by redesigning underperforming spaces, such as Columbus Park at Borough Hall, and University Place, at LIU Brooklyn
• Create a more sustainable Downtown that mitigates rainwater runoff and urban heat island effect by adding approximately four miles of new green infrastructure and 230 percent increased permeability, with a variety of planting options, bioswales, and more than 900 new trees.
• Transform the public realm to create a vibrant, inspired Downtown – befitting the gateway to Brooklyn from its two major bridges. Create an engaging and captivating environment for pedestrians by designing and installing a series of signature street furniture, design elements, plantings, and lighting unique to the area.