Founders of now-empty Bed-Stuy Aquarium hope to install permanent fish pond

Key Takeaways:

• The Bed-Stuy Aquarium was a makeshift sidewalk fish pond that drew mixed reactions.
• Co-founder Hajj Lovick was sentenced to prison for attempted murder.
• Organizers plan to obtain city approval for a temporary and permanent aquarium.
• They aim to raise funds for upgrades and increased community involvement.
• Despite setbacks, the project continues with a focus on community benefit.

A Community Project Faces New Challenges

The Bed-Stuy Aquarium, a grassroots initiative that transformed a leaky fire hydrant into a makeshift fish pond, is charting a new course despite recent setbacks. Located in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, the aquarium became a local curiosity last summer but now confronts uncertainty following the incarceration of co-founder Hajj Lovick.

From Sidewalk Pit to Neighborhood Attraction

Lovick and his fellow organizers created the aquarium in a sidewalk pit beside a perpetually leaking fire hydrant. Consisting of a few inches of water, aquarium rocks, decorations, and approximately 100 goldfish, the impromptu pond quickly caught the attention of locals and internet spectators alike.

Mixed Reactions and Controversy

While some community members praised the aquarium for bringing nature and a sense of community to the area, others criticized it for potential animal welfare issues. Concerns were raised about keeping fish in unfiltered and unheated water, with some equating it to animal abuse.

City Intervention and Relocation

In October, city workers repaired the hydrant and paved over the original aquarium site on Tompkins Avenue. Undeterred, the founders promptly relocated the fish pond to a nearby tree pit on Hancock Street. By late December, however, the fish were gone, temporarily moved to a nearby koi pond, as organizers prepared for the next phase of their project.

A Co-founder’s Legal Troubles

The project’s future was further complicated when Lovick, who regularly shared updates on TikTok and monitored the aquarium daily, was sentenced to prison for attempted murder. This development cast doubt on the aquarium’s continuity without one of its primary caretakers.

Determined to Continue Lovick’s Vision

On January 6, the remaining founders issued a statement on Instagram addressing Lovick’s absence: “While we do not condone violence, we want to be clear that we do not condemn Hajj’s character or our partnership. Though Hajj will no longer manage the project, we will keep him updated and seek his advice—his vision brought this project to life.”

Planning for the Future

The organizers are actively pursuing official approval from the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation to install a temporary aquarium in the tree pit, with aspirations for a permanent installation. “We’re in the process of scheduling a meeting with organizers of the informal ‘aquarium’ to inspect the tree and discuss how to proceed,” a Parks Department spokesperson said.

Fundraising and Community Engagement

Aiming to raise at least $2,000 for “winterized upgrades,” the team plans to reinstall the aquarium by early March. Their vision extends beyond the fish pond; they hope to create a small community gathering space featuring books, internet access, a meeting area, cooling center, and children’s storytime sessions.

Past Endeavors and Investments

The Bed-Stuy Aquarium has already hosted community events, including a backpack giveaway and fish adoption day. To date, organizers have invested $6,500 into the project, with $4,500 raised through fundraisers like their GoFundMe campaign.

Seeking Support Amid Silence

While the team expressed a desire to collaborate with local Council Member Chi Ossé and various city agencies, Ossé’s office declined to comment. They also aim to partner with professional aquarium companies to enhance fish care and plan to livestream the tank to bolster community support.

Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

“The simplicity of the Bed-Stuy Aquarium creates an environment where it is easy to pause and breathe,” the organizers noted in their statement. “It is a shortcut to curiosity about each other, meaningful conversation, and resource distribution.”

Looking Ahead

Despite the hurdles, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium’s founders remain committed to their mission of fostering community engagement and providing a unique space for residents. Whether their plans will come to fruition hinges on forthcoming discussions with city officials and continued support from the neighborhood.