Fraser Square

The Daily Plant : Thursday, November 15, 2007

Fraser Square Transformation Is Complete

Photo by Stan Abramson

What was once a barren traffic circle, populated by weeds, is now a lush garden oasis and an urban retreat. Fraser Square, located on Kings Highway between East 34th Street and East 35th Street in Brooklyn, is enjoying a new life.

On November 2, Commissioner Benepe joined City Council Member Lewis Fidler, State Assembly Member Helene Weinstein, Community Board 18 Chair Saul Needle, Community Board 18 District Manager Dorothy Turano, Fraser Civic Association First Vice President Tom Hernandez, NYPD Deputy Inspector Frank Cangiarella, members of the Kings County American Legion Color Guard and children from the Highway Nursery School to cut the ribbon on $740,000 in improvements to Fraser Square.

Thanks to funding allocations of $363,000 from Council Member Fidler, $190,000 from Assembly Member Weinstein, and $187,000 from Mayor Bloomberg, Fraser Square was transformed from a traffic circle into a lush garden.

Parks Landscape Architect Wim DeRonde worked with the community to design an improved urban space for repose and small gatherings. Improved sidewalks and pathways lead to a circular plaza area with decorative pavers and a flagpole. New benches, lighting, and a drinking fountain have been added, along with a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Fraser Square was acquired by the City of New York in 1922. It was transferred to the Parks Department in 1938. In 1941, it was named after John Justin Fraser, a World War I veteran, New York City police officer and Marine Park resident, who was killed in 1934. Officer Fraser was the victim of gunshots during the robbery of a millinery shop on Flatbush Avenue. Although wounded, Officer Fraser subdued the bandits, who were apprehended and charged with murder. The square was named after Officer Fraser by a resolution of the City Council.

The Kings County American Legion and New York Police Department were well represented at the event, a fitting tribute to Officer Fraser’s accomplishments.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.”

Mark Twain
(1835 – 1910)