A Downtown Brooklyn memorial to the late Michael Jackson is being planned after all.
The New York Post reported last week that the owner of the building above the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station is amenable to having a mural of Jackson painted on his building wall.
The move comes several months after City Councilmember Letitia James advocated for some type of recognition at the subway station commemorating Jackson’s video masterpiece, “Bad,” being filmed there.
The 18-minute video filmed in 1987 was written by author Richard Price, directed by Martin Scorsese, starred Jackson and Wesley Snipes, was choreographed by Jeffrey Daniel and featured Jackson with a chorus of singers doing an extended a capella call-and-response vocal.
The video topped video and music charts for several weeks worldwide.
The MTA turned down the request, saying plaques and memorials as per station guidelines are prohibited.
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Joe Chan reportedly had success in convincing the owner of 45 Hoyt Street, which is above the station, to allow a mural of the King of Pop.
We are encouraged that the property owner at the gateway to the Hoyt-Schermerhorn subway station is willing to entertain the concept of a public art tribute to Michael Jackson,” said Chan, adding the owner, Manhattan-based Benenson Capital, has veto power over the design.
As of press time, it was unclear on what criteria will be used in selecting the artist, and James told reporters she would like it to be a Brooklyn artist.
Meanwhile, Chan also sees the mural as another way to promote Downtown Brooklyn.
“We believe that calling attention to the subway station’s role in one of the most prominent pieces in music video history will bring new visitors and their pocketbooks to Downtown Brooklyn,” he said.
Since the mural will be on private property is not need the city’s Public Design Commission to approve it.
Benenson Capital could not be reached for comment at press time.
