Pineapple Plaza Proposal

Introduction

Pineapple Ride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe and inclusive biking experiences in New York City. With a proven track record of organizing annual bike rides and community events, our mission is to enrich communities through safe riding and exploration. This proposal outlines our vision to transform Ceasar's Bay into Pineapple Plaza—a vibrant community space that celebrates cycling, culture, and the natural beauty of the bay area.

Current State of Ceasar's Bay

The image captures the existing condition of Ceasar's Bay—a neglected cul-de-sac with minimal amenities and visible debris.

Currently, Ceasar's Bay is a cul-de-sac and dead-end street offering only four parking spots. It serves as a pedestrian pathway between the bay and the adjacent shopping center. Flanked by a large tennis court on one side and a shopping center on the other, the area has remained unchanged since our childhood. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to find trash, debris, or even animal remains near the water. Despite these issues, the breathtaking views of the Verrazzano Bridge and the expansive ocean continue to attract visitors.

Proposal

Pineapple Plaza

Envisioning a Vibrant Community Space

The rendition brings to life our vision for Pineapple Plaza—a bustling waterfront haven where cyclists pause for a freshly brewed coffee, friends gather at inviting outdoor tables, and a dedicated bike maintenance station keeps everyone's wheels spinning smoothly.

We envision transforming this underutilized space into Pineapple Plaza—a permanent, welcoming community hub dedicated to:

  • Cycling Education and Safety: Conduct biking and safety classes for riders of all levels. Offer safety gear to promote safe biking practices.

  • Bike Maintenance Station: Provide bike repairs and maintenance to keep the community's bicycles in top shape.

  • Community Café: Establish a café offering tea, espresso, and light refreshments, creating a space for people to relax and connect.

  • Cultural and Artistic Events: Organize events featuring local musicians, artists and professionals, fostering community engagement and supporting local talent.

  • Environmental Stewardship: Commit to cleaning up the area, promoting sustainability, and advocating for environmentally friendly transportation.

Through Pineapple Plaza, we aim to foster a vibrant community of cyclists and ensure everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy Bath Beach and the bay safely.

Our Team's Unique Qualifications

  • Deep Community Roots: We grew up in this neighborhood, we met in and graduated from John Dewey High School, and have maintained our friendship ever since.

  • Expertise:

    • An experienced barista knowledgeable in coffees and teas.

    • A skilled bike mechanic with years of experience.

    • A passion for organizing community events.

  • Proven Experience: We bike daily and have extensive experience organizing successful community events, including annual rides and pop-up activities.

  • Community Connections: Strong relationships with local musicians, artists, and business owners enhance our ability to organize diverse events and classes for the community.

Milestones

Milestone 1: Pop-up Event

  • Date: November 9, 2024

  • Achievements:

    • Collaboration with StreetLab: Transformed Ceasar's Bay into a vibrant community space.

    • Services Offered:

      • Free coffee, tea, and snacks.

      • Free Bike maintenance services.

      • Educational classes on bike safety.

      • Free bike rides along the bay.

  • Outcome: Successfully engaged the community and demonstrated the potential of a permanent plaza.

  • Event Promotions and Photos: Visual documentation from our first pop-up event.

Milestone 2: Open Street Events

  • Plan: Apply for Open Street permits to host weekly summer events.

  • Activities:

    • Continuation of bike classes and maintenance services.

    • Refreshments and showcases of local art and music.

  • Goal: Build momentum and community support for Pineapple Plaza.

Milestone 3: Establish Pineapple Plaza

  • Vision: Create a permanent location with several repurposed containers serving as:

    • A café for community gathering.

    • A bike station for maintenance and repairs.

    • An education center for classes and workshops.

  • Impact:

    • Enhance the community by providing a safe, welcoming space.

    • Promote cycling as a sustainable and enjoyable mode of transportation.

    • Support local artists and businesses through events and collaborations.

Conclusion

Pineapple Plaza represents an opportunity to transform Ceasar's Bay into a hub of community engagement, safety, and exploration. With our team's unique qualifications and deep ties to the neighborhood, we are confident in our ability to bring this vision to life. We invite you to join us in creating a lasting positive impact on our community.