Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Pratt Station Retail Operations Suspended effective, 10/25

Brooklyn postmaster, Ed Roggenkamp has released details in a memo which was shared at last night’s Community Board 2 District Services meeting that the Pratt Station post office at 524 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson and Grand will suspend retail operations at the Myrtle Avenue station effective Saturday, October 25, 2014.

Mail delivery to the neighborhood will not be affected and will continue as usual. Post office box customers will be directed to retrieve their mail at the new location (609 Myrtle Avenue) where temporary quarters will be held while finalization of construction takes place. Customer package pick-up service will also occur at this location.

All retail services can also be conducted at nearby USPS postal stations. Please note that local businesses, Sandbox Pack & Ship at 417 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clinton Avenues and Walgreens (stamp booklets sales) at 379 Myrtle Avenue at Clermont Avenue also offer some postal services and assistance.

Thank you

Thank you for your reservation to the 2014 BID Annual Meeting. We look forward to sharing this year’s accomplishments with you.

UPDATED: 32-Story Tower Planned for Myrtle Avenue at Fleet Place

86 Fleet Place, on the corner of Myrtle Avenue. Rendering provided by Red Apple Group.

Plans for a new 32-story tower set to rise on Myrtle Avenue at Fleet Place were filed this week with the city’s Department of Buildings. The high rise – listed as 86 Fleet Place – is the fourth and final building to be developed by the Red Apple Group on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene. The mixed-use building will have 10,600 square feet of new commercial space on the ground floor, with ~~191~~ 440 residential units above.

Red Apple Group’s other properties on Myrtle Avenue include 81 Fleet and 180 Myrtle Avenue (both currently under construction) and 218 Myrtle Avenue. 218 Myrtle, known as The Andrea, houses Red Apple Supermarket and CVS at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Ashland Place.

86 Fleet Place is the latest in a number of buildings planned for Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. Between Flatbush Avenue Extension and Classon Avenues, there are currently seven new buildings either under construction or with plans submitted to the DOB. These new buildings will house 915 new residential units and add 70,000 square feet of new commercial space – approximately 25 storefronts – to Myrtle Avenue.

The new building is being designed by Goldstein, Hill and West Architects, who also designed the DKLB BLDG at 80 DeKalb Avenue, across from LIU. Final renderings of the building have not yet been released.

Image Credit: Dattner Architects, via The Rinaldi Group.

Pic of the Week: Barking Brown’s Fall Collection

Check out Barking Brown’s Fall Collection, which includes an extensive collection of hats and scarves, socks, bags, jewelry, and more formal as well as informal wear. Stop in and check them out!

Barking Brown is located at 468 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street, or call (718) 638-3757.

Sneak Peek: Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle to open in November

Brooklyn Eats on Myrtle (474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street), a brand new eatery specializing in good solid eats for $8 to $12 is scheduled to open for business in November. At Brooklyn Eats you can choose to grab and go or stay a while, hang out and enjoy.

One of the eatery’s highlights: ping pong!

Stay tuned for more.

Now Open: Brewklyn Grind on Myrtle Avenue

Myrtle Avenue’s newest coffee purveyor has now opened its doors in Clinton Hill on Monday, September 15th. Brewklyn Grind, at 557 Myrtle Avenue, between Emerson and Classon, opened this morning at 8am – just in time to start your work week off with some much need caffeine. The shop is the first storefront for the company, which continues to roast their beans and sell wholesale from their Red Hook headquarters. In the coffee shop, you’ll find Brewklyn Grind’s line of hand-picked, small batch, and locally roasted coffees. From Ethiopia to Brazil, you’ll be able to taste flavorful, single-origin coffees made from beans found around the globe. Also, small fare and baked goods from Balthazar and Ovenly will be available. Brewklyn Grind, 557 Myrtle Avenue, between Emerson and Classon.

Pic of the Week: Le Petit Bakery’s Mini Walnut Tarts

For an after lunch treat, stop in to enjoy the delicious mini walnut tarts or any of the other wonderful baked treats at Le Petit Bakery today. The walnut tarts practically melt in your mouth.

Le Petit Bakery is located at 354 Myrtle Avenue and can be reached at 718.875.6500.

Pic of the week: Bella Rosa Flowers

Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop located on Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue is a beautiful plant and flower haven. Bella Rosa boasts a wonderful selection of house plants, flowers, including roses, beautiful mixed bouquets, tropical and exotic flowers, vases, cacti and custom flowers and greeting cards, stuffed animals and balloon bouquets for any occasion.

Bella Rosa offers daily deliveries to surrounding area universities, colleges, hospitals, funeral homes, residences and more. Call or drop by for personalized service. Quality and customer service is Bella Rosa’s top priority.

Bella Rosa Flowers & Gift Shop is located at 566 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue.
(347) 763-6006

Welcome Back, Students!

The photo, though from a very late fall day last year, is inspiring us to give a hearty shout out to all local students on (for some) this first day back to school. Welcome to and welcome back to, for many, Myrtle Avenue! We really appreciate you.

All college, high school, junior high and elementary school students, teachers, administrators and parents, we are wishing you the very best success for this new school year.

Check out our ‘student page’ here on the Myrtle Avenue website for a number of specials and other information geared especially for you.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can ever be of assistance to you. Wishing you the very best!

2014 BID Annual Meeting Set for September 29th

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership will be holding the 2014 BID Annual Meeting, with guest speakers Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams (invited) and Council Member Laurie Cumbo (confirmed), September 29, 6pm-7:30pm at The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Avenue, between Emerson Place & Classon. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. The meeting is open to the public, but RSVP is required. To RSVP or register your membership for the 2014 BID Annual Meeting click HERE. If you are unable to complete online registration, click here to download the BID Member Registration Form. Fill it out, and fax it back to the BID office at (718) 230-3674.

Pic of the Week: Ruthie’s Southern Cuisine

This week’s ‘pic of the week’ is from Ruthie’s Restaurant.

Clockwise from top: golden brown to perfection, perfectly seasoned fried whiting and fried shrimp; moist, scrumptious cornbread; savory macaroni and cheese.

Ruthie’s recipes are based on founder/mother, Ms. Ruth West’s tried and true recipes, learned during her childhood in Bayboro, North Carolina. Her powerhouse legacy remains.

Menu items at Ruthie’s include many soul food classics, including candied yams, collard greens, macaroni and cheese and southern fried chicken. Check out the menu for a full range of delicious lunch and dinner options, including salads, soft drinks, and desserts.

Stop in Wednesday through Sunday for lunch or dinner.

Ruthie’s is located at 560 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Classon, and can be reached at 718.399.2400.

Humo Smokehouse Joins Celebrities, Others to ‘Strike Out Diabetes’

Join Humo Smokehouse and friends as they raise monies on Saturday, September 6th to ‘Strike Out Diabetes’. Now in it’s second year, ‘Strike Out Diabetes’ is a fundraiser aimed at raising monies for education, awareness and a cure for the disease.

The day’s events will take place at the Prospect Park Parade grounds will include both a 10am softball game and a 2pm BBQ tasting affair, which will include fresh, flavorful and succulent cuisine of Myrtle Avenue’s own, Humo Smokehouse.

A number of celebrities and others, including NFL Giant, Leonard Marshall, NBA player, Gary Forbes, Bravo’s Africa Miranda and celebrity chefs, Chris Santos and Candice Kumai of Chopped, will be on hand.

To attend / participate or donate to the fundraiser, please click here: ‘Strike Out Diabetes’.

Humo is home to delicious barbecued foods (meats and veggies) whose menu features organic and locally-sourced foods. The smoking process adds moisture and a richness of flavor and color to menu selections. A variety of sides also available.

Throwback Thursday at Jill Lindsey’s

This great shot from 1940 captures the storefront at 372 Myrtle Avenue, which is now home to the new Jill Lindsey store. But 74 years, the store housed Landi’s Jersey Pork Store. Landi’s was just one of a large handful of butchers found on Myrtle Avenue in this era. Before large supermarkets and cheap refrigeration at home became commonplace, people would buy their meat fresh and daily a local butcher shop found just around the corner. Landi’s is a prime example of one of these neighborhood butchers.

Interested in more local history? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

Pic of the Week: $1 Ice Cream

During this week’s “heat wave” – when the thermometer will hit a whopping 90 degrees – some cooling ice cream may be in order. You’ll be able to give your sweet tooth a fix for only $1.00 at Liberty Pizza (found at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Hall Street). Liberty Pizza offers up $1 scoops of ice cream, where you can choose from half a dozen flavors. They also have Italian Ices, and of course their tasty slices are still on the menu too.

Liberty Pizza, 482 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Hall Street.

Just Because Salon Celebrates 7 Years

Just Because Salon, just north of Myrtle celebrates 7 years in business this month. On Saturday, August 23rd at 6pm, they are hosting their second annual outdoors cat walk and hair show as part of their month-long celebrations.

The outdoor catwalk, which will feature models strutting down Myrtle and Carlton Avenue, just outside of the salon, showing off stylish fashions and hairdos, many of the fashions by local designers, all hair and makeup by Just Because Salon. Please stop in and support. Fashion, food, prizes and fun. Last week Just Because offered free haircuts, makeup and tips, chair massages and consultations as a part of a ‘Beauty in the Salon’ day.

Just Because Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue, just north of Myrtle Avenue.
(718) 722-7810

Brooklyn Family Dental Set to Open on Myrtle Avenue

Dentist Dr. Terry Unchali’s Brooklyn Family Dental’s office is quickly moving forward with plans to open an office on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill. The dental practice, which is currently located on Clinton Avenue near Myrtle Avenue, will be opening its doors this Fall at 580 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Classon Avenue.

Dr. Unchali is making quite an investment in the 1,400 square foot space, which includes the installation of a new storefront. Plans for the storefront include opening up the storefront by removing a large amount of brick and installing larger windows, along with installing a new awning sign. The dentist office will be located in an unique 1930’s building that was originally built as part of the M.H. Renken Dairy complex, which is in the process of being designated an official historic landmark by New York City.

Stay tuned during the next couple of months for an opening date announcement.

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Announces New Executive Director

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Board of Directors has announced Meredith Phillips Almeida as the organization’s new Executive Director. In this role, Meredith will serve as the organization’s chief executive officer for the Partnership’s two entities, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District and the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project Local Development Corporation. Meredith will oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations, including financial management, fundraising and close work with the organization’s Board of Directors and will oversee the organization’s work in its program areas, Commercial Revitalization, Business Assistance & Attraction, Historic Preservation, Urban Planning Advocacy and Food Access & Health, Arts & Culture. Meredith joined the organization in 2007, and has served as Acting Executive Director since May of this year, and as Deputy Director since 2010.

Click HERE for Press Release.

Improvements Planned for Myrtle Avenue & Flabtush Intersection

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that a safety improvement project is set to begin at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Flatbush Avenue Extension. The work, which will begin on Monday, August 18th, will include a reconfiguration of a left-turn lane from Flatbush onto Myrtle Avenue. These improvements are being made in order to improve both pedestrian safety, as well as traffic flow through the busy intersection.

After the changes are in place, southbound vehicles on Flatbush wishing to turn left onto Myrtle Avenue will need to instead turn right onto Myrtle Avenue first. They will then proceed around the existing median that exists on Myrtle Avenue, just west of Flatbush in MetroTech. After rounding the median, traffic will then continue eastbound on Myrtle Avenue through the intersection.

The B54 bus will not be impacted by these changes, as Ridgewood-bound buses will still be permitted to make the traditional lefthand turn from Flatbush onto Myrtle Avenue.

Full details of the plan are available in this DOT presentation made to Community Board 2 this past June.

BOOK/PLATE literary series kicks off at Peck’s

The BOOK/PLATE series is a new collaboration between Peck’s and Greenlight Bookstore pairing an esteemed writer with inspired, original cuisine in an intimate setting.

Enjoy a meal inspired by Francisco Goldman’s new book, the Interior Circuit: A Mexico City Chronicle.

Join Francisco Goldman on August 28th at 6pm for a family-style dinner crafted by the chefs at Peck’s to celebrate the publication of The Interior Circuit. “Part travelogue, part memoir” and “in the finest sense, a book that creates its own form” (LA Times), The Interior Circuit crosses genre and, just as often, crosses the borders between the personal and the political, between nuanced truth and bold fact.

Following dinner, Goldman will give a reading, chat, and sign books for diners.

Tickets are available for $45 and include family style dinner of:

Black bean dip with charred tomatillos and cotija cheese
Carrots with chipotle, avocado, cashew and cumin
Mole chicken, rotisserie style, with traditional accompaniments
Caramel and chocolate flan cake with pecan sandies topping, and
A copy of The Interior Circuit (retail price: $26)

Seats are limited and available by reservation only. To purchase seats in person, visit Peck’s. To purchase tickets online visit Brown Paper Tickets. For further details, email Jeff Waxman at jeffwaxman@gmail.com.

Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues.

Pic of the Week: Zaytoon’s Lady Fingers

This summer in our “Pic of the Week” posts we are featuring restaurants where you can enjoy your tasty delights among a nice breeze and outdoor setting. These Lady Fingers, pastries filled with walnuts and honey, are a crispy and savory dessert at Zaytoons. Enjoy them in front of the wide windows with lovely banquettes while watching summer strolling.

Zaytoons, 472 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall Street
(718) 623-5522

Pic of the Week: Peck’s Signature Sandwich

This pic of the week features Peck’s signature sandwich in their sunny backyard. The Turkey, Avocado, Gruyere sandwich is $7 and they have great 10$ sandwich specials that come with chips and a soda. The backyard of the takeout shop and gourmet deli welcomes you all summer.

Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues.
(347) 689-4969

Pic of the Week: Humo Smokehouse Ribs

Check out these mouth watering Baby Back Ribs from Humo Smokehouse made with a dry rub, mix of ( cherry, mesquite and oak) wood, from local farms. Summer is the perfect time to eat outdoors so swing by and enjoy these in their peaceful backyard for only$8 (price for 1/4 rack). And by the way, yes that is pork belly in the back.

Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Washington Park.

Optical Gallery Now Open: Discounts Now, Grand Opening Soon

With its quiet opening a week and a half ago, Optical Gallery is now gearing up for a more grand celebrations next month. Expect deep savings, raffles and prizes during the festive opening event. Leonard and Boris, the owners have more than 50 years of combined experience in eye care. They offer complete comprehensive optical and medical exams at their office, eyeglass fittings and repairs, LASIK consultations, dry eye treatment and more. They accept “all insurances” and offer a wide variety of frames, including Gucci, Christian Dior, Bvlgari, Burberry, Tiffany, Versace, Persal, Maui Jim, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Georgio and Imporio Armani, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Dolce Gabbana, Polo, Ralph Lauren and many more.

Stop in to say hi. 10% off discounts for seniors everyday and grand opening discounts for the rest of the month.

The Optical Gallery , 446 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues
(718) 246-2020

A Kid’s Dream Is Open for Business

A Kid’s Dream, the salon which offers learning and play space to its kiddie clients is open for business in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The soft opening was held this past Friday evening. Neighbors had a chance to check out the salons many fun, innovative offerings, including the ipad station in the kiddie lounge and learning center.

A Kid’s Dream Hair Salon and Spa is designed to give children a salon & spa pampering experience in addition to a study and play space to interact and learn with other children as well as give them an atmosphere with appropriate, kid-friendly conversations.” Hair beauty makeovers, trendy hairstyles, haircuts, nails and facials are all also self-esteem boosters say A Kid’s Dream owners. A Kid’s Dream will give children a safe zone for self-expression and creativity using beauty and wellness as an effective modality for helping children in a new and innovative way.

From candy facials, manicures and pedicures, wash and sets, fancy updos, natural hairstyling, wash and braiding, detangling treatments, hair cuts, kiddie perms, hair texturizers and fun color hair extensions.

Stop in today! Party packages are available as well.

A Kid’s Dream , 549 Myrtle Avenue between Grand & Steuben.
1 (800) 927-1373.

Pic of the Week: Leather Sandals from Jill Lindsey

Look for our pic of the week with summer tips to help you get thru the hot season in New York. These adorable leather sandals are made by the sandal maker that makes Jill Lindsey’s sandals and leather goods in Nicaragua. Made for young children ages 1-3 they come in 4 styles. Some are unisex and some are for girls, all made for young children age 1-3.

Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont.