Elizabeth Ernish presents Callahan Kelly park restoration plans to community board

The Brooklyn Borough Board meeting on June 3, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the redevelopment of the Callahan Kelly area, with a focus on public realm improvements at Broadway Junction. Elizabeth Ernish, a planner with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, presented details about the project, highlighting its historical context and future benefits.

Ernish, who has worked with the department for 12 years, expressed her excitement about the Callahan Kelly reconstruction, which was completed in 2023. She emphasized the importance of returning the area to public use after it had been repurposed in 1980. The project aims to relocate the police facilities currently occupying the space and transform it back into a park, a move that Ernish described as a significant investment in the community.

The meeting also included a response from Chairperson Lohmann, who noted that there had been numerous unanswered questions from the community regarding the project. This indicates ongoing community engagement and concern about the redevelopment efforts.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored the commitment to revitalizing public spaces in Brooklyn and addressing community needs through thoughtful urban planning. The next steps will likely involve further community outreach and updates on the project's progress.