For the first time since the early 1980s, holiday lights have returned to Knickerbocker Avenue!

The beautiful light display, spanning from Myrtle Avenue to Flushing Avenue, gives some holiday spirit and energy to a commercial district that has been hit very hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This holiday lighting initiative will bring an incredible amount of warmth and holiday spirit to our streets this holiday season – a holiday warmth and spirit never truly experienced on Knickerbocker Avenue as compared to other commercial corridors,” said Salvatore Polizzi of Tony’s Pizzeria and Restaurant.

For years, Polizzi had been unsuccessfully fighting to get a holiday lights display on Knickerbocker Avenue. This year, thanks to a partnership with Councilwoman Darma Diaz of District 37 and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the lights have finally returned.

“This initiative will create an inviting commercial environment for our struggling merchants and set a beautiful holiday tone for our community who has struggled to bounce back from the pandemic,” said Polizzi.

Bringing back the holiday lights display is just the first step in Polizzi’s goal to beautify Bushwick. Plans are in the works to create a “Bushwick is Beautiful” mural at Knickerbocker Plaza, which Polizzi said will be the “backdrop of a community arts renaissance for Knickerbocker Avenue and its respective graffiti laden storefronts from Myrtle to Flushing Avenues.” 

“Knickerbocker Plaza has long been a community gathering space sadly neglected for many years, and this initiative will serve to highlight the beauty many of us envisioned when the plaza was constructed,” he added.

Still, more funding for the project is needed. More information will be revealed as the project progresses.

Featured Image: Salvatore Polizzi

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