Author Archives: Chad Purkey

New Fitness Center, Restaurants, & More Coming Soon

Almost a dozen new businesses are set to open their doors on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill in the coming months. We’ve already reported on some – including an Urgent Care Center, smoothie shop, and specialty foods store – but below is a round-up of businesses who’ve recently signed leases and are preparing to open soon.

ADD-MO FITNESS CENTER

Opening their second NYC location, Southbridge Fitness will bring their workout and physical therapy services to Fort Greene at 322 Myrtle Avenue. The boutique fitness and physical rehabilitation center will be led by Southbridge’s founders Martin Addo and Monifa Maat (Addo + Monifa = ADD-MO FITNESS). But you don’t need to wait until their opening to join them on a workout. From now through December, they’ll be hosting sunrise boot camp sessions on select Saturdays in Fort Greene Park. Click here to sign-up.

Add-Mo Fitness, 322 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Carlton & Washington Pk)

CRABBY SHACK

The incredibly popular seafood “shack” in Crown Heights heads to Clinton Hill this fall! The Crabby Shack will soon open at 150 Clinton Avenue, behind Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, where they’ll serve their signature crab rolls. Congratulations to owners Fifi (left) and Gwen (right) on the opening of their second location!

The Crabby Shack, 150 Clinton Avenue (btwn Myrtle & Park)

ACE THAI KITCHEN

Also opening this fall is a new option for Thai food in Fort Greene. ACE Thai Kitchen is set to open soon at 330 Myrtle Avenue, where they’ve recently unveiled a new storefront and sign. The restaurant will serve classic Thai cooking, available for dine-in, carry-out or delivery.

ACE Thai Kitchen, 330 Myrtle (btwn Carlton & Washington Pk)

VAN ZEE SIGN CO.

The beauty of an old-school style, hand-painted sign can’t be beat. The premier Brooklyn-based sign painter Van Zee Sign Co. will soon open shop on Myrtle at Grand Avenue. Led by William Van Zee, the company’s impeccable signs and murals have been popped up all over NYC. You may have seen their work on storefronts like Du’s Donuts, Oddfellows Ice Cream, in Chelsea Market, and right here on Myrtle Avenue at Petee’s Cafe.

Van Zee Sign Co., 109 Grand Avenue (btwn Myrtle & Park)

E-BITE

The new E-Bite restaurant will be a grab-and-go style restaurant featuring an Asian fusion menu. Behind the new eatery is the team from Myrtle Avenue’s popular U-gu restaurant, known for their donburi and poke-style bowls. They’ll also offer bobble tea, smoothies, and delivery.
E-Bite, 336 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Carlton & Washington Pk)

2018 Myrtle Ave BID Annual Review Recap

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID’s 14th Annual Meeting was held on Monday, September 24th during the annual Myrtle Mixer. Local merchants, property owners, residents and community partners gathered at The Candy Factory (124 Washington Ave) to learn about the BID’s ongoing work, socialize, and to enjoy food and drink from local businesses.

During the meeting, the BID’s Executive Director, Meredith Phillips Almeida, presented an overview of the BID’s work and accomplishments for the past fiscal year and discussed ongoing and new projects for the year ahead. Additionally, members were reelected to the BID’s Board of Directors and a review of the BID’s finances was had. A full summary of the meeting is available below in the Draft 2017 Meeting Minutes.

CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESSES

Zaid, owner of New Saba Deli & Grocery at Myrtle & Clermont

The evening also included a moment to celebrate local businesses who marked 20 year anniversaries during the past year. Three businesses reached that milestone this year, including New Grace Chinese, Wash Cycle II Laundromat, and New Saba Deli & Grocery. They join 13 other businesses who have been serving Fort Greene and Clinton Hill for 20 years or more.

MYRTLE AVENUE CHAMPIONS

A lot of people contribute to making Myrtle Avenue a great place. Only through numerous partnerships and collaboration are we able to keep Myrtle Avenue attractive, serve local residents and businesses, and hold programs and events in the neighborhood.

This year we presented the debut Myrtle Avenue Champion award to our partners at Fort Greene Park to recognize our years of collaboration. Over the past five years, NYC Parks and the Fort Greene Park Conservancy have collaborated with us, and other partners, to bring quality programs to Myrtle Avenue within the park. Projects include the annual holiday tree lighting, Easter egg hunt, historic walking tours, and public art installations.

SHOWCASING LOCAL CUISINE

Gwen and Fifi, owners of The Crabby Shack

Neighbors who gathered at the event were able to enjoy a showcase of Myrtle Avenue’s food and drink options, with eight local restaurants and wine shops serving food and drink, including:

> Petee’s Cafe                    > Villa Pancho                         > Tipsy

> Crabby Shack                 > Corkscrew Brooklyn           > Wine Legend

> Hudson Jane                  > Gnarly Vines                         > Peck’s

FOR THE RECORD

To view meeting materials, including the slate of newly elected board members and financial statements, and the organization’s annual report please click below.

Annual Meeting Agenda

View the 2018 BID Annual Meeting Agenda.

Board of Directors Election Slate

View the 2018 Slate of Directors for the BID Board.

2019 BID Budget

View the FY2019 BID Annual Budget.

FY18 Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Review the BID’s unaudited FY2018 financial statements.

2018 BID Annual Meeting Minutes

Review the DRAFT meeting minutes from the annual meeting.

FY18 Annual Report

View the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s Annual Report

Benefit Kitchen on Myrtle Avenue

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is excited to launch a new partnership with technology startup Benefit Kitchen.

Benefit Kitchen is a free financial literacy platform that connects working families with a path out of poverty. In under 10 minutes, you can learn about your eligibility and estimated dollar amounts for up to 18 federal, state, and local benefits, unlocking up to $13,000 for your household annually! The quick screening also provides information about how to apply for Food Stamps, Medicaid, WIC, TANF, HEAP, tax credits, child care and other benefits.

We’ve partnered with Benefit Kitchen to add local benefits and resources to the screener. The Myrtle Avenue screener will reveal both government/non-profit resources as well as local merchant offerings, which helps stretch household budgets even further (ie. discount eye exams for families eligible for Medicaid, local grocery stores that accept SNAP).

Project Goals:
We’ve set a goal to complete 2500 screenings this year in our community!  We want to reach as many residents as possible, and unlock as many benefits as possible. We’ll send trained volunteers to our program events, community events, local meetings and partner organizations to assist with the screening. We’ll also launch an outreach campaign to tell people how they can complete the screening on their own – it’s easy!

If you’re interested in becoming a Benefit Kitchen volunteer, please reach out to us at info@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689 ext 3#.

Project Funders:
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Benefit Kitchen are one of five winning teams selected to receive $100,000 from SBS’ Neighborhood Challenge Program. We were selected from a pool of 12 finalists who pitched their proposals to a panel of judges at the Hub @ Grand Central Tech in spring 2017. Awardees will use funding to implement tailored, data-driven solutions that build the capacity of CBOs to address the challenges in their commercial districts.

Grantees will have one year to complete projects that address a significant commercial district challenge and have a measureable impact on the commercial district management organization’s operations. Beyond the year of implementation, Neighborhood Challenge projects are intended to serve as catalysts that have the potential for long-term sustainability and positive economic impact. Neighborhood Challenge receives funding from the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Project Partners & Supporters:
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership
Benefit Kitchen
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
Afro Punk Army

FIND YOUR BENEFITS

Myrtle Ave Turns TEAL for Ovarian Cancer Awareness

In September, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is partnering with Brooklyn-based women’s health group Tell Every Amazing Lady (T.E.A.L.) for national ovarian cancer awareness month. For the third year in a row, we will be teaming up with T.E.A.L. to participate to help raise awareness by adorning Myrtle Avenue storefronts and street trees with teal ribbon. The purpose of the ribbons is to bring awareness to women about the disease that over 22,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with this year.

T.E.A.L’s primary mission is to educate women about ovarian cancer and to raise funding for research. Several businesses are providing opportunities this month for their customers to easily donate while they shop. Stay tuned for upcoming teal-colored promotions!

Want to help support T.E.A.L.?

Here are three easy ways you can help the fight against ovarian cancer:

WATCH: New Fort Greene Mural Painted on Myrtle

A new selfie spot has popped up on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene. A colorful mural was painted last week at Myrtle and Carlton Avenues by artist Misha Tyutyunik, and commissioned by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

Fort Greene Patch has the full story:

“A new mural to show pride in Fort Greene has taken over the side of a laundromat on Myrtle Avenue this week.

Artist Misha Tyutyunik painted the colorful “FORT GREENE” mural on the side of the 340 Myrtle Ave. laundromat, on the corner of Carlton Avenue, which he completed on Wednesday.

The piece was put together by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, who said they wanted to brighten up the corner with a piece celebrating Fort Greene.

“We had a vision for a simple mural that would bring some life to a blank wall and express neighborhood pride, and Misha did a fantastic job executing it in his style,” said Meredith Phillips Almeida, executive director of the group, in a statement.

Tyutyunik started the piece earlier this week and it took him two days to transform the drab green wall into the colorful neighborhood piece, Phillips Almeida said.”

Summer Kickoff at Brazils Waxing

Are you ready to give waxing a try? Well, Brazils Waxing Center has a special treat for you! It’s been a few months since they first introduced high-quality professional waxing to Fort Greene, and they are ready to celebrate!

In honor of their grand opening, Brazils is celebrating with a fun event this Saturday at their Fort Greene location. The Summer Kickoff takes place on Saturday, July 21 from noon to 5 p.m. and is dedicated to connecting the Fort Greene community, as well as educate the public on the benefits of waxing.

Guests can expect great food, awesome music and a variety of local vendors who are there in support of Fort Greene and its residents. These vendors include, Just Because Hair, Vitality Health and Wellness Bar, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Verizon, and more! There will even be an opportunity to participate in a giveaway where one lucky winner will be gifted a $300 Brazils gift card!

The Summer Sidewalk Kickoff gives the community a chance to learn more about Brazils in the comfort of their own neighborhood, right at their location at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Adelphi. Brazils fans are encouraged to bring their families, friends, and neighbors out for a fun filled afternoon where the smooth and glowing skin is a constant topic of discussion. If you have recently gained an interest in quality waxing and are wanting to know more about it, this event is definitely something for you!

About Brazils Waxing Center

Brazils specializes in full body, all-natural, vegan hard waxing for both men and women, young and old, in a judgment-free, body positive zone. Their lay-down style waxing tables, medical- grade supplies and the clean and chic facility will change the way you look at waxing. Brazils Waxing Center offers a variety of services for both men and women from Monday to Sunday.

Waxing is what they do. The same all-natural, vegan hard wax is used for all their services. No more wondering how long the wax has been sitting in your wax room prior to your service… Brazils Waxing Center gives you a fresh pot of wax just for you, every time! They use a custom blend of their own hard wax and no cloth strips are used, so their wax sticks to hair, not skin. Much less discomforting than conventional soft wax and perfect for even the most sensitive skin!

New visitors can easily and affordably try Brazils’ very popular Brazilian wax for a discounted price on their first visit. They accept both scheduled appointments and walk-ins. Schedule your appointment now by clicking here.

Brazils Waxing Center, 362 Myrtle Ave, (917) 423-2377

The Myrtle Avenue Plaza Officially Opens!

Joined by local leaders, city officials, and business owners, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Executive Director Meredith Phillips Almeida cuts the ribbon to officially open Myrtle Avenue Plaza and to kick off its summer series “Move on Myrtle” of free programs in the new public space. More images from yesterday’s event available here . (All photos by Samuel Stuart.)

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (the Partnership) officially opened Myrtle Avenue Plaza, a 25,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn between Hall Street and Emerson Place, on Thursday, June 21 with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony aligned with the kick off of its free summer public program series: “Move on Myrtle.”

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Executive Director Meredith Phillips Almeida hosted a brief ceremony attended by officials and local leaders including Raffaele DiMaggio, Vice-President, TD Bank, and the Partnership Board Member; Gregg Bishop , Commissioner, Small Business Services, City of New York; Laurie A. Cumbo , Majority Leader, New York City Council; Emily Weidenhof , Plaza Program Director, New York City Department of Transportation; Joseph R. Lentol , New York State Assemblyman; and Frances Bronet , President, Pratt Institute.

Visitors to the Plaza on opening day enjoyed performances for Make Music New York, a citywide music celebration, by acts including the Benny Lopez Latin Jazz Band, Edwin Vazquez Musica, Utril Rhaburn Nomadic, Squala Orphan, Mijori Goodwin, and Thomas Piper and Friends.

Myrtle Avenue Plaza was initially conceived in 2007 by the Partnership, which oversees the BID and the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project, and it was one of the first public space improvement projects funded by the New York City (NYC) Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Plaza Program in 2008. The project spans four blocks and turned two blocks of an asphalt service road into a tree-lined pedestrian destination with 50 benches and tables forming a space for recreation and community events. Construction of Myrtle Avenue Plaza was managed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), which broke ground on the project in October 2014.

The project cost approximately $7 million. In addition to the funding from NYC DOT, funding came from the New York City Council through Letitia James, who now is the city’s Public Advocate and the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office at the recommendation of former President Marty Markowitz. Since the project was underway for nearly 10 years, current New York City Council Majority Leader Laurie Cumbo and current Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams tirelessly supported the project through to completion.

“ We are proud to see the residents and merchants in our community enjoying this vibrant new public space,” says the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Executive Director Meredith Phillips Almeida. “It’s been exciting to watch our vision come to life after years of community outreach, fundraising, design, and construction. We look forward to producing programs this summer in Myrtle Avenue Plaza that bring an element of art and culture to the avenue and that allow us to serve our community as well as attract new visitors to our district.”

“Through our network of 75 BIDs across the five boroughs, we know that communities thrive when they come together,” says Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services. “ By opening this new plaza, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is helping to build a stronger neighborhood by providing a space for residents, merchants, and visitors to come together.”

“ The development of Myrtle Avenue Plaza has created a vital epicenter for the neighborhood and its local businesses. TD Bank is proud to support ‘Move On Myrtle’ 2018 as part of its commitment to ensuring that small businesses thrive,” says Peter M. Meyer, NYC Market President, TD Bank.

One of the Myrtle Avenue Plaza project highlights is a public art installation by New York-based artist Matthew Geller titled I Ought To (2017) for which he used carbon and stainless steel, cast iron, cast glass, and concrete to create a trio of round stools capped by a circular corten steel and hand-cast glass concave canopy. According to the artist, “ the canopy is a witty conflation of the pedestrian and the sacred: a 19th-century illuminated manhole cover enlarged to the size of a rose window, a standard feature of Gothic cathedrals.”

The first public programming series to take place at Myrtle Avenue Plaza, “Move on Myrtle” is sponsored by TD Bank and will include fitness programming, interactive events for kids, lunchtime jazz performances, and sunset dance parties. Below is the full list of summer 2018 programs, which are free and open to the public. All will take place at the Myrtle Avenue Plaza on Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Emerson Place. Subway: G train to Classon Avenue.

A full lineup of events can be found here.

Apply Now for Local Summer Work & Mentorship Program

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) is now accepting applications for summer 2018.

If you are or know of a local teen (high school sophomore through senior) who is interested in applying, please help spread the word.

Students will be paid to work with Myrtle Avenue businesses in this 6-week summer work-mentorship experience.  To learn more about the program please click here or download the application by clicking here.

The deadline to apply is June 19th.

Move on Myrtle 2018 Summer Events

Throughout summer 2018, Move on Myrtle with FREE weekly events in the new Myrtle Avenue Plaza in Clinton Hill. From June through September, enjoy Monday morning fitness, fun for kids on Tuesdays, and music on Wednesdays.

Follow @MyrtleAveBklyn for any schedule updates throughout the summer.

Kickoff Summer on Thursday, June 21

7-8am   Yoga with Sacred Brooklyn (BYO Mat)
12-7pm Live music for Make Music New York

12:00 – 2pm       Benny Lopez Latin Jazz Band
2:00 – 3:15pm    Edwin Vazquez Musica, Latin
3:15 – 3:45pm    Utril Rhaburn Nomadic
3:45 – 4:45pm    Squala Orphan, Hip-Hop
4:45 – 5:15pm    Mijori Goodwin, R&B
5:15 – 7:15pm    Thomas Piper & Friends, Experimental

4-4:30pm Ribbon cutting and the official opening of the Myrtle Avenue Plaza

Work it Out on Mondays, 7-8am

June 25   Yoga with Move with Grace (BYO Mat)
July 2      Boot Camp with Body by Adonis of Vitality Health & Wellness Bar
July 9      Yoga with Move with Grace (BYO Mat)
July 16    Yoga with Emily Siesme (BYO Mat)
July 23    Yoga with Sacred Brooklyn (BYO Mat)
Aug 6      Yoga with Move with Grace (BYO Mat)
Aug 13    Yoga with Sacred Brooklyn (BYO Mat)
Sep 10    Boot Camp with Body by Adonis of Vitality Health & Wellness Bar

Fun for Kids on Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30am

June 26   Sing-along with Hopalong Andrew
July 3       Jazz, Calypso, & Reggae with Conroy Warren
July 10    Funkijam’s City of Hope interactive music fun
July 17    Monkey Monkey Music with Meredith LeVande
July 24    AbunDance Drum & Rattle

Music Outside on Wednesdays

June 27 12-2pm  Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium
July 11 12-2pm   Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium
July 18 5:30-7:30pm   Sunset Jams with DJ So Fresssh
July 25 5:30-7:30pm   Sunset Jams with DJ EBless CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN
Aug 8 5:30-7:30pm   Sunset Jams with DJ So Fresssh
Aug 15 5:30-7:30pm   Sunset Jams with DJ EBless
Sep 5 12-2pm Benny Lopez Latin Jazz Band
Sep 12 12-2pm   Benny Lopez Latin Jazz Band
Sep 14 2-5pm   Music spun by Miracle’s Barber Shop **NEW TIME**
Sep 19 12-2pm   Benny Lopez Latin Jazz Band
Sep 21 12-2pm  Lunchtime jams and karaoke

Move on Myrtle 2018 is sponsored by

Free Community Bike Rides Return for 2018

Join the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and take a spin around the neighborhood. We’ve partnered with The Brown Bike Girl to host FREE group bike rides the 1st Saturday of the month around Brooklyn, starting in Fort Greene Park. All ages, abilities are welcome!

No bike? No problem. You can borrow a FREE Citi Bike (ages 16+).

REGISTER

CLICK HERE or email hello@myrtleavenue.org.

BIKE RIDE DATES

* A special ride will be held on Thursday, May 24 at 6pm, beginning at Fort Greene Park’s Citi Bike station at the corner of Washington Park and Willoughby Ave  *

Saturday Rides meetup at 9:30am at Fort Greene Park’s Citi Bike station
at the corner of Washington Park and Willoughby Ave on:

Saturday, June 2nd  CANCELLED DUE TO RAIN

Saturday, July 7th

Saturday, August 4th

Rides canceled if raining.

Click image to enlarge.

Can’t make a ride in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill? Join our Community Partner Bed-Stuy Restoration Corporation and its partners to take a spin around the neighborhood. Meet them every Wednesday and Saturday, from May through October. For more info click here.

Please note, Citi Bike rentals are subject to availability.

FREE Neighborhood Walking Tours Return for Summer

Reservations are now being accepted for our popular summer historic walking tour series!  Visit our Events Calendar to find a date and to reserve a ticket.

The Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP), in collaboration with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, will be hosting a FREE neighborhood walking tour series this summer. Two guided tours will be available each month, one exploring Fort Greene Park and the other the historic Wallabout neighborhood north of Myrtle Avenue.

The Wallabout Historic Walking Tour will discuss the neighborhood’s 400 years of history, from a rural farming community to a 20th century urban neighborhood and industrial center. This tour is held the third Saturday of each month, May through October.

The Fort Greene Park Walking Tour discusses the park history, with focus on the storied life of Walt Whitman, a leading advocate for the neighborhood park.  This tour is held the second Saturday of each month, from May through August.

Each of the tours last approximately 90 minutes and begin at 11am at the Fort Greene Park Visitor Center.  All tours are FREE and open to all.

RSVPs are required and can be made by clicking here or by calling (718) 230-1689 ext 1#.

Information on Walt Whitman, along with the reciting of some of his and other’s works during the tours, is provided by the Walt Whitman Project and the American Opera Projects.

The Wallabout Historic Walking Tours 2018 is sponsored by:

The People Have Spoken: Myrtle Survey Results

From local events to street cleaning to new business wants, Myrtle Avenue shoppers had a lot to say in our recent neighborhood survey. Over 550 people responded to the survey both online and through paper surveys available at local businesses and distributed at local events. Below are some highlights of what people had to say.

Top 5 Takeaways

  1. THE BIG DRAWS The top three activities that bring people to Myrtle Avenue most often are grocery shopping, dining out, and banking
  2. COMPETITORS Fulton Mall and online shopping are the places survey takers find themselves shopping most often (besides Myrtle Avenue of course)
  3. SHOPPING When asked, “what items had you purchased in the past month that you wish you could have bought on Myrtle Avenue?,” the top three responses were apparel, specialty or organic food, and a  gym membership
  4. APPEARANCES 90%+ of people are satisfied with Myrtle Avenue’s cleanliness and appreciate the custom tree guards that feature local artwork
  5. EVENTS When asked about what types of local events people would like to see happen on Myrtle Avenue, the most popular responses were live music and health and wellness activities.

Some Choice Words

When asked to name businesses people would like to see open on Myrtle Avenue, it was clear there are some things more popular than others. The word cloud above shows that the clear winner for “most in demand” business is a full-service gym.

 

We asked survey takers to use three words they would use to best describe Myrtle Avenue. The clear favorites here were diverse, convenient and friendly.

 

Who We Were Talking To

Of the 560 survey takers, we asked a few simple demographic questions to help us ensure we were hearing from a diverse group of locals. Below is a brief snapshot:

  • Over two-thirds of the survey takers lived on Myrtle Avenue or nearby in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill
  • About half of the people have lived in the neighborhood for 10 years or more
  • 16% of people lived in a household earning less than $25,000/year; another 20% fell within $50,000-100,000/year; another 20% with household incomes of $150,000+/year
  • 35% of respondents have children living in their household
  • About half of the survey takers were between 25-44 years old, and another third between 45-64 years old.

Have Something To More to Say?

Although the survey is now closed, you can always provide feedback or ideas about the Myrtle Avenue to us. Send us an email or give us a call at (718) 230-1689.

Myrtle Business Owner Turns Author

“What’s uppppppppp???!!!!” Noone can give a greeting as simultaneously hearty, passionate and warm as Carlos Aguila, owner of the former Myrtle  Avenue health food store and smoothie bar, Karrot, which was located at 431 Myrtle Avenue. It’s hard not to remember the home of the “Obama smoothie”, “the Omega smoothie”, “the Blueberry Jubilee” and the great customer service and conversation by both Carlos and Radhamas
As a long-time Clinton Hill resident, Carlos is still very much a neighbor, and has announced the publication of his first book, The Free Spirit of Virtue, a “zany, philosophical coming of age, multi-cultural work of literary fiction about six friends attending their final year at a New Hampshire College.”  Many of the characters are inspired by Carlos’s own college experiences.
Carlos says, “check it out. I am sure it will make you smile.”
For more information or to order the book, please click here.

Karrot’s former storefront at 431 Myrtle Avenue.

Myrtle Avenue BID Board Elects New Officers

At the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District’s quarterly Board of Directors meeting on March 27th, new executive officers were elected by the board. Kevin Shirley was elected as board chair, a position held by Dr. Thomas Schutte since the BID’s inception in 2005.

Kevin Shirley, Chair

Mr. Shirley has served as branch manager of Apple Bank at 418 Myrtle Avenue for over eight years. During that time, Kevin has been an active member of the local community, first joining the BID Board in 2014. Prior to being named Chair, Kevin served as the Board’s Secretary since 2016.

John Dew, Vice-Chair

Mr. Dew was re-elected as vice-chair of the board and represents the Clinton Hill Co-Ops, a property owner within the BID.

Michael Weiss, Treasurer

Mr. Weiss was elected to the BID board in 2017 and is representing Red Apple Group, a property owner within the BID.

Larry Esposito, Secretary

Mr. Esposito has been a member of the BID Board of Directors since its founding in 2005. He owns two properties within the BID and is a former Myrtle Avenue merchant, having owned several businesses in the neighborhood for many decades.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Thomas Schutte, who recently retired from his longtime post as president of Pratt Institute, which owns multiple properties within the BID.

To learn more about the BID and for a full list of its Board of Directors, please click here.

Ingersoll Community Safety Initiative: Join the Stakeholder Team

We are currently working closely with Ingersoll residents through a grant received through the Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP)

15 public housing developments throughout NYC, including Ingersoll Houses, were chosen by the City to model a more comprehensive approach to increasing public safety in the developments – community and government collaborative problem-solving.

Because of our history in engaging community residents, we were selected to spearhead this work. Through June 2019, we will be building a community stakeholder team of 25 to help guide and report on the work (15 of these stakeholders will be Ingersoll residents of various ages, 10 will be community partners and agencies). We will discuss various Ingersoll resident-identified issues and we will create a plan to address these issues.

Any Ingersoll residents interested in serving on the stakeholder team, please attend an upcoming info session on Thursday, April 26th from 6:30pm to 8pm, or Friday, May 4th from 6:30pm to 8pm. Both meetings will be held at the Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue. Stakeholder posts, which include attending meetings and trainings on a monthly basis, are stipended positions.  For additional information before the info session, please call Shaquana Boykin, MAP Engagement Coordinator (MEC) on the project: 718-230-1689 ext 5#.

The initiative is powered by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice through the Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety (MAP) in partnership with the John Jay Research Foundation and the Center for Court Innovation.

Now Open: Brazils Waxing Center

Tired of the hassles associated with shaving? An innovate, clean, and qualified waxing facility is now open in Fort Greene! Brazils Waxing Center specializes in full body, all-natural, vegan hard waxing for both men and women, young and old, in a judgment-free, body positive zone. Their lay-down style waxing tables, medical grade supplies, and clean and chic facility will change the way you look at waxing.

Located at the corner of Myrtle and Adelphi at 362 Myrtle Avenue, Brazils Waxing Center offers a variety of services for both men and women from Monday-Sunday.

Waxing is what they do. The same all-natural, vegan hard wax is used for all their services. No more wondering how long the wax has been sitting in your wax room prior to your service. Brazils Waxing Center gives you a fresh pot of wax just for you, every time.

They use a custom blend our own hard wax and no cloth strips are used, so their wax sticks to hair, not skin. Much less discomforting than conventional soft wax and perfect for even the most sensitive skin!

New visitors can easily and affordably try Brazils’ very popular Brazilian wax for only $30 on their first visit. They accept both scheduled appointments and walk-ins.

Schedule your appointment now at http://bit.ly/BWCBook

Brazils Waxing Center 362 Myrtle Ave, (917) 423-2377

 

Coming Soon: Urgent Care, Pies, & More

On Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, new businesses are slated to open, including Petee’s Pie and a new bar in the two available storefronts seen here.

With the arrival of new restaurants, shops, and services like urgent care, the commercial strip along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill continues to grow. So far in 2018, seven new businesses signed leases or opened their doors on Myrtle Avenue. Below is a round-up of what’s new and what’s coming soon to the neighborhood:

MedRite Urgent Care

No appointment necessary. Urgent care is arriving on Myrtle Avenue with the opening of MedRite at 504 Myrtle Avenue in late 2018. This will be MedRite’s sixth location and its first in Brooklyn.
MedRite Urgent Care, 504 Myrtle Avenue

Smoothie King

Moving in next door to MedRite Urgent Care, Smoothie King will open its 3rd New York City location in 2018 in Clinton Hill at 504 Myrtle Avenue. The smoothie shop, which began in New Orleans in 1973, now has over 800 locations around the world
Smoothie King, 504 Myrtle Avenue

Petee’s Pie – NOW OPEN

This popular Lower East Side bake-shop will be expanding, with a second location set to open at 505 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill. They are planning an opening in the next few months.
Petee’s Pie, 505 Myrtle Avenue

The Yard BK

A new American restaurant has signed a lease at 471 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. They have just begun a long process of overhauling the old space which includes outfitting an enormous backyard space! Stay on top of their progress by following them on their new Instagram page.
The Yard BK, 471 Myrtle Avenue

Salon Rhed

A full-service salon, offering services for men and women, including braids, hair replacement, extensions, locs and services for natural hair. Opening this spring.
Salon Rhed, 374 Myrtle Avenue

Dun Huang Miss Noodle

Found at 531 Myrtle Avenue, between Steuben and Grand, this Chinese noodle house will be the second outpost of the popular Dun Huang noodle restaurant in Flushing.
Dun Huang Miss Noodle, 531 Myrtle Avenue

Interested in opening a business on Myrtle Avenue? Click here to find a list of available storefronts and local retail market data.

Born to Serve: Bishop A. Rice

Bishop A. Rice of Bishop Memorial Mission at Myrtle Ave & Emerson Pl.

Born to Serve: Bishop A. Rice

For more than 20 years, a door has been open in Clinton Hill to those in need of help and hope. The Bishop Memorial Mission at Myrtle Avenue and Emerson Place is truly that – a mission. A mission led by a woman who has been dedicated to service and faith. This week, we sat down with Bishop Rice, founder and minister at the Bishop Memorial Mission and church, to learn more about her and the mission’s work in serving the neighborhood for more than two decades.

Personally Called to Serve

Bishop A. Rice says she was always called to serve, a feeling that was present from her childhood in South Carolina, to when she moved to Fort Greene in the 1970s, and still today. While originally she thought that meant going into education and becoming a teacher, she found the calling to serve in a spiritual sense strong and became a minister.

The Mission’s Work

Bishop Rice runs the mission with three H’s in mind: Give hope to the hopeless, feed the hungry, and help the helpless. The mission began with preparing meals for the hungry, and that work continues with a weekly pantry, open to anyone in hunger with no questions asked. In addition to food, the Mission also provides free clothing and runs programming for youth. From their preschool programs to after-school activities for kids, Bishop Rice believes it is vital to have activities for local youth because “there’s a lot of good children but we make them by not providing them services.”

“When people are in need, take them at their own worth; not what they think they’re worth.”
– Bishop A. Rice

All of these programs lead a full schedule each week for Bishop Rice and volunteers at the Mission. The food pantry is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning; adult Bible study is Wednesday evenings, youth night on Fridays, and church services on Sunday.

A Changing Neighborhood

Since moving to Brooklyn in the early 1970s, Bishop Rice has seen tremendous change in Fort the Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods. There are some of the smaller changes like seeing businesses close, including the Renken Diner at the corner of Myrtle and Classon (where Tipsy wine and spirits is now), where she worked as a waitress in the 1970s and 80s. She of course also remembers seismic events, like 9/11 when she opened the mission’s doors to house and feed volunteer firefighters who had arrived from Texas to help with the aftermath.

And there are larger issues, including displacement of residents due to rising housing costs. While the Bishop has seen neighbors and church members move out, she, of course, has seen many new faces arrive in the neighborhood as well. To the new neighbors, she invites them to become involved by volunteering at the church or donating clothes. As the Bishop said in our interview, “everybody can help somebody.”

To learn more, please visit the mission at 127 Emerson Place (between Myrtle & Willoughby), call (917) 648-3836, or follow them on Facebook.

Want to read about more incredible women on Myrtle Avenue? Click below to read our other Women History Month profiles:

Andrene Sargeant: A Community Detective

Meet Andrene Sargeant: A Community Detective

She goes by Detective Sargeant. Yes, she’s a detective. And yes, her last name is Sargeant. Around the 88th Precinct, the Detective Andrene Sargeant’s name is a running joke. It’s been said that if she were to become Lieutenant, she would receive a promotion and a demotion at the same time. And if she were to become a sergeant, she’d be Sargeant squared.

With that last name, it seems almost pre-disposed that Sargeant would find herself dedicated to a career in law enforcement. Detective Sargeant started out as a 911 operator who, on a whim, tried out for the police force and has moved through the ranks over the past 15 years to her current position working in Community Affairs at the 88th Precinct in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. She and Officer Kinney are the Community Affairs team at the 88th Precinct.

“I love my job,” states Detective Sargeant point blank. In her job in community affairs, she serves as a liaison between the community and the NYPD – on the street, at concerts, block parties, demonstrations, and protests. And while the NYPD requires police officers not live in the precinct where they work, Sargeant considers Fort Greene home in a lot of ways. She says, “I’m here more than I’m [at my actual] home sometimes. Especially when there’s a crisis like Sandy”. People know her here. She’s recognized and respected throughout the community, by her colleagues, and by the public.

Though the police force is a male-dominated field, Detective Sargeant holds her own. And she adds a thoughtful touch to her job, like checking in on kids in the community who she knows need a little extra attention. She’ll pop up into a class at a local school periodically, telling the teacher she has a special friend in the class, letting the child know that someone is there who cares and is watching out for them.

Detective Sargeant is thoughtful and creative and strives to have local residents view the police station as a refuge.  It’s bothersome to her when she has overheard parents tell their kids they’ll end up at the police station as a threat to have them to behave. In her work in community affairs, the goal is also very much to be a community resource.  To help combat the stigma of the police station and to show that the precinct can be a beneficial resource, the 88th Precinct accepts a few teenagers into a  paid summer youth program every summer. “They help around the precinct and participate in community events like the Harmony Day picnic and National Night Out,” she further explains. At the beginning of the summer, Detective Sargeant sees the kids are skeptical; but by the end, she says they love it. It really changes their perception of the police force for the better.

When asked about her biggest pet peeves on the job, the detective says it is when she sees people walking alone using headphones. “They are completely unaware of their surroundings,” she says. Sometimes she’ll follow them in her patrol car until they are safely at home and is amazed that not once did they turn around to see what was going on around them.

But one lasting impression about Detective Sargeant that all of us to have been fortunate to encounter and/or work with her would agree, is her compassion. “My interaction with you,” she says, “I want you to walk away feeling good about it.”

Meet Grace Tappin: Making Moves on Myrtle

Grace Tappin, owner of Move with Grace on Myrtle Avenue.

Meet Grace Tappin: Making Moves on Myrtle Avenue

“I’ve been fortunate to have much exposure early on through my own family and Brooklyn community,” stated Grace Tappin, owner of Move with Grace Yoga, Dance and Fitness Studio & Juice Bar, when discussing the path that led her to open up her own business. “I realized that it was vitally important to me to create a space that included business, community and a razor-sharp focus on health and wellness.”  And thus was born Move with Grace Yoga, Dance and Fitness Studio & Juice Bar over 11 years ago.

Though not evident to her at the time, there were many clear steps and experiences over the years that have led to Grace’s business choice and the environment she seeks to create within it.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Grace has been a dancer and athlete practically all of her life. “When movement is such a huge part of your life, such a passion, you start to learn all you can about how to make your body run more efficiently and how to strengthen and perfect to make it push through perceived limits,” shared Grace. During her teen years and inspired by her brother who is a personal trainer, she started focusing on more healthy ways of eating, such as juicing and smoothies, incorporating natural herbs, plant-based eating, and supplements. “It was clear and noticeable that what I put in my body effected how it performed. We can all find what works best for us.”

Grace Tappin in her yoga studio at Move With Grace, 431 Myrtle Ave.

In college at Cornell University, Grace decided to double major in Pre-Med and Business Studies. “My mom was a midwife,” shared Grace. “Being exposed to and understanding what my mom did for a living at such a young age, providing quality health care to women at such an important and special period in their lives was a big inspiration to me,” she shared. This created what is at the core of Move with Grace: community health and wellness.

While in college during summers and spring break, Grace worked at her sister Karen Tappin Saunderson’s store, Karen’s Body Beautiful, which was then located on Myrtle Avenue, directly across the street from Grace’s current location. That experience confirmed the fact that opening her own business was surely what Grace would do:

“Karen created a beautiful space and I loved how people responded to that. I also loved the relationship Karen had with her customers, the mutual respect and relationships and customer feedback. I knew I wanted to create that type of environment. From my extensive yoga and dance experience, I know how important a space’s energy can be, so it’s important for me to create a positive one. I had been involved in trade and selling since high school and college, selling essential oils and beauty baskets to my fellow students and family members, so I had very long ago developed a ‘no fear’ attitude related to business.”

When asked what she does in her spare time, Grace laughs, “what spare time?!” But music factors big in her life. She finds herself listening and playing and practicing on her keyboard and guitar whenever she gets a chance: “I am working on a project right now as part of an all-girl rock band.”

Stop in at Move with Grace for the myriad of quality yoga, dance, and movement classes or for any of their extensive list of delicious menu items. Everyone who steps in the shop will know the great customer service they receive from Grace or Tes. And be sure to check out the menu which includes salads, acai and smoothie bowls, cold pressed juices, smoothies and more.

Special childrens and senior classes, private classes, and space rentals are also available.

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance and Fitness Studio & Juice Bar,431 Myrtle Avenue, between Clinton and Waverly Avenues

Want to read about more incredible women on Myrtle Avenue? Click below to read our other Women History Month profiles:

Have Something to Say? Of Course You Do.

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you love your neighborhood and want to help make it even better. Or you may just want $100.* Either way, you’ve come to the right place.

In less than 5 minutes, you can tell us YOUR thoughts and ideas for Myrtle Avenue.

Take the Survey

*As a THANK YOU, you will be entered to receive one of three $100 gift cards to a Myrtle Avenue business of your choice (dependent on the business’ availability of gift cards). The drawing will be held after the survey closes on April 20.

Easter Egg Hunt at Fort Greene Park

Don’t miss the 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt taking place at Fort Greene Park on Saturday, March 31 from 11 am- 2 pm. Activities will include face painting, kiddie tattoos, and crafts. Please have children bring their own baskets.

The Easter Bunny will be making a special appearance and a performance by Lotus Creations will take place in the afternoon. Enter at Myrtle and North Portland Avenue, near the barbecue area. Recommended for children ages 12 & under.

Representatives from the following organizations will be available for family-friendly programs and resources:

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Brooklyn Public Library
Ingersoll-University Settlement
Department of Youth and Community Development
YMCA
MetroPlus

This event is a partnership with Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo and Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley in conjunction with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Senator Velmanette Montgomery. 

Sign The Petition for a Crosswalk at Grand Avenue

Over 500 people have signed the petition calling for a safe crosswalk at Myrtle Grand. Sign your name and help us reach our goal of 1,000 signatures!

On Myrtle Avenue, we have started to make our New Year’s resolutions and at the top of our list is a crosswalk at Myrtle and Grand Avenues.

We have launched a petition to install a crosswalk on Myrtle Avenue at Grand Avenue. You can read the petition below, but please sign it here to tell the NYC Department of Transportation that a crosswalk at Grand Avenue will make Myrtle Avenue safer for everyone.

SIGN THE PETITION

We ask that the NYC Department of Transportation install a crosswalk on Myrtle Avenue at Grand Avenue. Currently, there is no crosswalk on Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Emerson Place, a four block stretch of a busy commercial corridor. Without a crosswalk, Myrtle Avenue is often difficult and dangerous to cross.

The everyday things people do on Myrtle Avenue – buy groceries, catch the bus, grab a meal or drink with friends – all require walking blocks out of the way or taking your chance dodging traffic. Meanwhile, Myrtle Avenue Plaza, a large public space on the south side, has plenty of seating but no crosswalk access for four blocks. These conditions are especially problematic given the large number of senior citizens that live and shop nearby.

Adding a crosswalk signal to Myrtle Avenue at Grand Avenue will make Myrtle Avenue safer. Please sign this petition to let the NYC Department of Transportation know that four blocks is too far without a pedestrian crossing signal.

SIGN THE PETITION

New Public Art Coming to Myrtle Avenue

‘Adorn Me’ by Tanda Francis.

Myrtle Avenue will continue to be an open-air art gallery with the announcement of a new public art piece coming to Fort Greene this summer. NYC Parks has announced the installation of “Adorn Me”, a new temporary piece at the entrance of Fort Greene Park, at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park.

A sculpture by Brooklyn-based artist Tanda Francis will be unveiled this June in a space that has become home to a number of temporary public art installations over the past decade. The piece is one of 10 temporary installations being installed in public parks throughout the city this year as part of the “Art in the Parks: UNIQLO Park Expressions Grant” program. This initiative, which began last year, “builds on NYC Parks’ equity initiatives by bringing public art exhibits to parks in need of cultural programming,” according to NYC Park’s website.

Local partners participated with NYC Parks and UNIQLO in selecting pieces for installation at specific sites. The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership was thrilled to be part of this process again, along with fellow local partner Fort Greene Park Conservancy, in advocating for “Adorn Me” to be placed on Myrtle Avenue.

About the Artwork

From NYC Park’s website:
“Tanda Francis’ work examines the African presence in public space as a powerful force of beauty and cultural relevance. Inspired by African sculptural tradition, including Ife portraiture, Francis also incorporates Victorian and colonial ornamentation into her work. Adorn Me will address the underrepresentation of this demographic in public artworks, and provide a healing message during a time of heated debate over monuments erected as symbols of oppression and control.”

To learn more about Tanda Francis, click here. For more information about the “Art in the Parks: UNIQLO Park Expressions Grant” program, click here.