Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Park Avenue Safety Plan Spotlight: Median Parking

It’s been almost a month since we released the Park Avenue Safety Plan. Over 500 concerned citizens have already shown their support by signing the petition, in hard copy and online . If you haven’t signed already, please add your voice.

Today we look at one of the innovative (and inexpensive) ideas to calm traffic on Park Avenue: Median Parking. Each side of Park Avenue has three lanes: one for parking, one center travel lane, and a travel lane adjacent to a median. During rush hour, traffic volume is significant. However, during off hours volumes are low. What do you think drivers do with wide open space and green lights? They speed. Allowing median parking during off hours will narrow the roadway and calm traffic. It will also provide parking for residents who use their cars during the day but park overnight.

This idea is similar – but not identical – to what DOT recently did on Hicks Street .

Stay tuned for more updates and spotlights…

Celebrate Artober on Myrtle Avenue: Public Art & Exhibitions

It’s Artober on Myrtle Avenue! Throughout the month, stroll the avenue to enjoy public sculpture, studio art, and even new street furniture! We’ve got a new Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition opening next week, the Tomorrow sculpture by Akihiro Ito at Fort Greene Park, 50 new tree guards and benches featuring designs by local artists and students coming in late October, and 10+ exhibitions, events and talks happening at local businesses throughout the month. View complete exhibition and event listings for Artober here.

Make sure to join us on October 24th at new Myrtle bar, Cielo, at the Artober reception. Come out to sample Cielo’s tasty Latin fusion fare, and raise a glass to local artists and art! Light refreshments on us.

Tomorrow: Sculpture by Akihiro Ito at Fort Greene Park!

You may have stopped by the Myrtle and Washington Park this week and wondered what was happening there. It was artist, Akihiro Ito (pictured here), installing his scultpure, Tomorrow, as the newest project in Myrtle’s Public Art Program! Installation is now complete, and the piece will be on view through August 2013.

Tomorrow, illustrates the harmony between humans and their natural surroundings, and reminds us of the importance of preserving our environment. Tomorrow is made of 600 pieces of laminated dimensional wood (Douglas fir) which form the shape of a baby – a symbol of future generations. He used this material to draw the connection between people and nature. Mr. Ito says, “Nowadays, we are facing serious environmental problems such as global warming, waste and resource depletion. We have to preserve nature and save our earth for our future generations and for all living beings. I hope this sculpture provides an opportunity for people to think about humanity’s connection to nature, and reminds us that we are all part of earth’s family.” For more information about the artist, visit www.akihiroito.com.

This installation is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, in collaboration with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. The Partnership’s support is made possible, in part,by public funds from the Decentralization Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered in Kings County by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC).

Affordable Studio Apartments Still Available at Navy Green

The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) has announced that single-occupancy, studio apartments are still available at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue, one of the new affordable housing buildings in the Navy Green development.

An open house will be held this Saturday, from noon to 3pm, for interested applicants to tour the available apartments and submit an application.

For more details, see this article on the Fort Greene Patch. Applications can also be picked up at PACC’s office, 896-900 Fulton St. between Washington & Waverly Avenunes. Or for more information, call 40 Vanderbilt Management at 347-482-0683.

Photo courtesy of Brownstoner.com.

Park Avenue Safety Plan Spotlight: Superblock Crosswalks

It’s been less than three weeks since we released the Park Avenue Safety Plan. Nearly 500 concerned citizens have already shown their support by signing the petition, in hard copy and online. If you haven’t signed already, please add your voice.

Now is a good time to examine one of the many proposals in the plan. Our kickoff event was held on Park Avenue at St. Edwards, which is in the middle of a four-block superblock which runs from Navy Street to North Portland. There are no safe pedestrian crossings in this four-block stretch, even though both sides have dense housing, parks, schools, and churches. We propose traffic signals and crosswalks at St. Edwards and Monument Walk. The crossing at St. Edwards is particularly important. Not only is St. Edwards in the middle of the superblocks, but a crossing there would lead directly from Ingersoll Houses and PS 67 to the entrance of the newly restored section of Commodore Barry Park. Stay tuned for more updates and spotlights in the coming weeks…

Myrtle Avenue’s Storefronts Are Lookin’ Good!

There’s been a lot of great storefront and sign work going on this past week on Myrtle Avenue. Here’s a rundown of what some of our existing businesses have done to look even better than before:

Clinton Hill Hardware (452 Myrtle, between Washington & Waverly): The family owned-hardware shop installed new roll-down security gates yesterday. The new gates, which are a high-quality open-grille design, will allow customers to window shop during off-hours. A new awning is scheduled to come soon!

Waza Sushi & Ramen (485 Myrtle, between Hall & Ryerson): This week the restaurant added an old-fashioned style awning to their storefront. The striped awning looks great and will be of great help on sunny days.

Carthage 521 (521 Myrtle, between Steuben & Grand): The hookah bar and cafe really transformed their storefront this week by adding a new awning, paired with a prominent new sign.

El Cofre Restaurant (454 Myrtle, between Washington & Waverly): Although the restaurant didn’t add anything this week, their current storefront and sign has become exposed to the avenue again after two years of sitting in the shadow of scaffolding that was used to perform work above the restaurant. We’re happy to be able to see the restaurant in the sunlight again!

Shic by Soketah (564 Myrtle, between Emerson & Classon): The hair, nail and beauty bar added a stylish awning, elegant hanging sign and replaced their old solid-panel security gates with a much more attractive open-grille design. The once bland storefront is now one of the most attractive on the avenue.

Many other businesses are planning storefront or sign work, so keep your eyes open for more improvements coming soon!

Verticulture Aquaponic Produce is Now Available at the Farm Stand!

On Wednesday we debuted beautiful Chinese cabbage, peppers, basil and Swiss Chard courtesy of pilot project VertiCulture, an aquaponics growing system located on the roof of 33 Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn. The Farm Stand will continue to feature their products – the Tilapia is coming soon! To learn more about VertiCulture and aquaponics growing click hereand visit the Farm Stand every Wednesday 4-7PM at Myrtle & N. Portland Avenues to purchase farm fresh food!

Industrial Wallabout Added to the National Register of Historic Places

Wallabout has another district listed on the National Register of Historic Places! The Industrial Wallabout historic district, which runs from Clinton to Grand Avenues between Park and Flushing Avenues, was officially listed on the National Register last month. The district includes 40 historic buildings, most of which were originally designed and built for industrial uses. Noteworthy buildings in the district include the Mergenthaler Linotype Complex on Ryerson, the Rockwood Chocolate Factory Complex on Washington, Flushing and Waverly Avenues. The oldest industrial buildings in the area were built for and housed wholesale food companies. These companies served the nearby Wallabout Market, which was located in what is now the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The area is still predominately used for industry, although several buildings now house residences and a variety of different businesses.

The district was added to the New York State Register of Historic Places in early March. The district’s nomination report was written by Andrew Dolkart, Director of the Historic Preservation program at Columbia University, and additionally supported by MARP and a grant from the Preservation League of New York State.

Myrtle Avenue Plaza: Funders & Project History

Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza
The Myrtle Avenue Plaza – set to break ground in October 2014 – has been a project many years in the making.  Below is a recap of how the plaza came to be, including input from local residents and merchants and support provided by various elected officials and the City.  Read the latest construction news here.

Project History

2005: Working with Pratt Institute urban planning professors and students, we held a workshop open to all local stakeholders to gather public perceptions of all public space on Myrtle Avenue and suggestions for improvements.

2006-2007: With help from the Project for Public Spaces, we held two public planning workshops to solicit more concrete ideas for improving four specific areas along the avenue.   These sessions identified the Myrtle Avenue service road between Hall Street and Emerson Place as a prime location in need of new pedestrian amenities.  Community members and the Partnership explored ideas and developed conceptual plans (see below).

Image Credit: Project for Public Spaces

2007-2008: Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Councilmember Letitia James committed $1.5M in capital funding to recreate this public space.  Additionally, about $2 million was raised in cooperation with the NYC Department of City Planning from the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program.

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) selected Myrtle Avenue in the first round of the NYC  Plaza Program, bringing the total project budget to $6M.

2009-2011: We organized a Community Advisory Committee of local stakeholders and conducted two public meetings in 2010-2011.  AECOM, the design partner retained by DOT, used information from the Partnership, DOT, the Advisory Committee, and the public meetings to create a design.

2012: The Public Design Commission approved the final design.

2013-2014: With support from SBS, the Partnership created a Construction Mitigation plan to reduce the negative effects of construction on businesses within and surrounding the construction footprint.  The plan includes highlighting business specials, organizing events, mailing information to 2,900 local addresses, providing additional sanitation, distributing construction updates from DDC, improving signage, and adding visual interest to the area through the installation of a 1,200-ft construction fence wrap designed by artist Nami Yamamoto in partnership with DOT and DDC.

2014: Construction began in the fall of 2014 and was scheduled to last 12-18 months.

2014-2017: The NYC Department of Design & Construction oversees the severely delayed project. To help counter the impacts of construction, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID releases a “Come In, We’re Open” campaign to encourage local shoppers and diners to support businesses affected by ongoing construction.

July 2017: Construction continues, marking 36 months after work began (two years over-scheduled from the original timeline provided by the City). After completion, the plaza will be a space to sit and relax, eat lunch or enjoy events.  Have ideas for what types of events and programs should happen in the plaza?  Please share your thoughts through this short survey.

October 2017: The plaza receives plantings – including dozens of trees and hundreds of grasses, shrubs, flowers, and ornamental plantings. A permanent public art piece, Formosa by Matthew Geller, is installed.

Project Funders

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Wins “Best Tree Guard” in MillionTreesNYC Contest

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership was awarded “Best Tree Guard” in New York City by MillionTreesNYC. The winning tree guard is located near 438 Myrtle Avenue at Waverly. The custom laser-cut artwork was designed by Natalie Apuzzo, while the ornamental plantings were sponsored by St. Joseph’s College.

This tree guard is one of 40 custom tree guards installed on Myrtle Avenue under our Street Furniture Design Initiative. The modular frame was designed by the Pratt Design Incubator. Panel art was submitted by local artists.

Be on the lookout for new tree guard installations this fall!

MillionTreesNYC is a PlaNYC initiative with the Parks Department and New York Resoration Project.

Pratt News: That’s the Ticket!


Today’s Patchreports on lottery winnings at Pratt Newsstand on Myrtle Avenue.

A winning lottery ticket was sold at Myrtle biz, Pratt Newsstand (477 Myrtle Avenue), just days ago.

$10,000 was the winning prize for the successul Mega Millions lottery player.

Pratt News is located at 477 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

Farm Stand Today = Yummy Veggies For You!

Come to the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenues from 4-7PM and stock up on these tasty local veggies from Glebocki Farms, and check out a cooking demo with Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Oliver!

Beets
Carrots
Chives
Collard Greens
Basil
Green Cabbage
Red Potatoes
Sweet Corn
Tomatoes
Lettuce …and more!

From the pantry:
Apple Cider
Raspberry Jam
Honey
Maple Syrup

We accept EBT/WIC/Health Bucks/cash!

Participating farmers are:
Fresh Veggies from J. Glebocki Farms
Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farm
Apple Cider & Fresh Fruit from Migliorelli Farm via Farmer’s Web
Honey from Tremblay Apiaries
Jam from Beth’s Farm Kitchen via Farmer’s Web

Urban Farming Meetup on Saturday, Farmers’ Market on Sunday: This weekend at Trilok!

The Trilok Center for Arts and Education lot located at the corner of Myrtle and Waverly is going to be chock full of activity this weekend. Green thumbs, not so green thumbs, plant and garden lovers, locavores, DIYs, knowledge seekers, everyone, drop in!

This Saturday, 1p-6p:

On Saturday (9/15) from 1p-6p, master gardener, Sandor Gubis will be teaching locals of all ages how to grow and care for plants at Satutrday’s (9/15) urban farming meet-up at his Urban Green Eco Technology, located within the Trilok lot at 143 Waverly Avenue (corner of Myrtle Avenue).

Mr. Gubis grows all of his plants and vegetables using all-natural, toxic-free methods. He will also be sharing info on natural garden techniques as well as “starters,” such as how to start urban and rooftop gardens.

All attendees will be entered into a plant raffle.

 

Every Sunday, 9a-3p:

Farmers’ Market is held at the Trilok Center every Sunday. fresh flowers and plants and yummy produce, pickles and freshly baked bread, stop in!

 

photo credit: the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Local

Watch the Fight on Saturday Night (9/15) at Cielo Bar!

Sergio Martinez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. are set for one of the year’s most highly-anticipated bouts, and what should be one of the biggest fights of the year. The fight will take place at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, 9/15. The building is sold out and the fight has real buzz.

Watch the big fight at Cielo Barat 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

Enjoy the fight on the big screens w/great food, great company and terrific drinks. Check out the happy hour specials:

$5.00 Mojitos / Caipirinhas / Margaritas

$5.00 Well Drinks / Red & White Wines and Sangria

$24 Pitchers (Sangria, Mojitos, Margaritas, Caipirinhas)

$3 Beers

Give Cielo a call for more info:(347) 529-4143, but best thing — stop by!

2 drink minimum

Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Back to School Celebration

Thank you to all who came out for our 3rd annual Back to School Celebration! We had MANY kids come by to get their face painted, play a “find the veggie” game in order to get a free tote bag and school supplies and watch Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Rhudi Eagle prepare a Peach and Apple Salsa. It was a fun day and we love visiting with the community over fresh, healthy food!

We are on the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenues every Wednesday, 4-7PM now through November 7th.

We accept Cash/EBT/WIC/FMNP/Health Bucks. Please bring your own bag.

See you at the market!

Wallabout Homeowner’s Preservation Manual Released

At a Historic Wallabout Association community reception & meeting tomorrow night, Sept 13th from 7-9pm at BLDG 92 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the new Wallabout Homeowner’s Preservation Manual will be released. The event will also serve as a chance for the neighborhood to celebrate recent preservation successes and for property owners to learn more about available incentives that can assist in home rehab and restoration projects.

The 90-page manual, commissioned by MARP and the Historic Wallabout Association, is a valuable resource for owners of historic properties in the Wallabout neighborhood. The manual provides guidance on how to maintain and rehab a historic property, and also discusses available tax credit and other financial incentive programs available to those properties located in the recently designated historic districts in Wallabout.

In addition to the manual being available at tomorrow’s community event, representatives from the State Historic Preservation Office and the New York Landmarks Conservancy will also be available to discuss incentive programs that can assist property owners with rehabbing their historic homes. A complimentary copy of the manual will be available to all Wallabout property owners, and will be available to purchase for $10 to those outside of Wallabout.

The manual was researched and written by BKSK Architects LLP and was funded, in part, by a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Elizabeth and Robert Jeffe Preservation Fund. Additional support was provided by a grant from the Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation

Park Avenue Safety Plan – Release and Kickoff Event

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday to support efforts to make Park Avenue safer for pedestrians! We had a great crowd help to mark the release of the Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Plan, including a class of students from Banneker, community leaders from Ingersoll and Whitman, block captains, Architecture for Humanity NY, Transportation Alternatives, Councilmember James and Assemblymember Lentol, and others representing local elected officials.

Press was there, too, and there’s already been some buzz in the blogosphere about the initiative, including this piece on Brownstoner and this one on Streetsblog.

If you haven’t yet, please sign the petition, and share it with your neighbors and friends! We’ll keep you posted on progress as we share the report with city agencies and decision makers. Stay tuned!

photo: A high school student from Banneker monitors speeding traffic on Park Avenue with a speed gun.

The Farm Stand Back to School Celebration is this Wednesday!

 

Join us for our 3rd annual Back to School Celebration this Wednesday, 10/12/12 from 4-7PM on the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenues! We will have FREEtote bags with a few school supplies for the kids*, face painting from 4:30-6:45, the Whitman Public Library will be there to get you singed for a library card and Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Rhudi will prepare kid friendly dips for carrots, apples and peaches – a healthy addition to fresh foods! And, of course, you can stock up on these tasty, local fruits and veggies:

Apples
Peaches
Beets
Carrots
Collard Greens
Turnips
Cucumbers
Green Cabbage
Purple Cabbage
Red, White & Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Corn – Spend $5 or more and get 2 ears FREE*
Eggplant
Red and Yellow Onions
Tomatoes
Lettuce
From the pantry:
Apple Cider
Raspberry Jam
Mighty Hot Pepper Jelly
Honey
Maple Syrup

We accept EBT/WIC/Health Bucks/cash!

Participating farmers are:
Fresh Veggies from J. Glebocki Farms
Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farm
Apple Cider & Fresh Fruit from Migliorelli Farm via Farmer’s Web
Honey from Tremblay Apiaries
Jam from Beth’s Farm Kitchen via Farmer’s Web

*while supplies last

This is Brooklyn Exhibition: Call for Artwork!

 

Calling local artists! Here’s a unique opportunity to display your work on Myrtle Avenue! Have you submitted yet?

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership seeks existing two-dimensional works of art (paintings, prints, photographs, collage, mixed media, etc.) for temporary installation in 10 storefront windows on Myrtle Avenue between Classon and Vanderbilt beginning in October 2012 for one month (dates to be determined).
• The artworks should relate to the exhibition’s theme, This is Brooklyn. What defines or represents Brooklyn for you? How would you describe Brooklyn’s people, sites or vibe? It’s past, present or future?
• If accepted, artworks must arrive ready to hang. The Partnership will not frame or fit any pieces with hanging hardware.
• Although artworks of any size will be considered, pieces of at least 30” in one dimension (either length or width) tend to have a more impactful presence in the storefront space. Some windows can accommodate very large pieces.
• If the artist chooses to offer pieces for sale, the Partnership will receive a small commission on each sale, to be negotiated with the artist prior to the exhibition. Given that community accessibility is a key component of this initiative, the Partnership hope to exhibit works at a broad range of prices.

The installation system serves to create a uniform look that unifies the exhibit, and displays work in a way that highlights and protects the work itself. The system includes a solar shade to provide a clean backdrop for the artwork while maintaining light and view through to the interior of the shop. A cable hanging system allows the artwork to hang in the window in front of the shade. See examples above.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit the following materials by September 12, 2012 to meredith@myrtleavenue.org.
• Brief artist statement and brief description of the submitted artworks, including how each interprets the theme, This is Brooklyn.
• Up to 5 artwork images with index listing title, medium, and dimensions for each artwork. Please combine photos in a zip folder or pdf.
• Current resume

Preference will be given to artists based in NYC, and especially those based in Brooklyn. The Partnership will not provide insurance to cover the art during this exhibition. However, the artist has the option to secure his/her own policy to cover potential theft or damage to the works while installed in the storefronts. Artists will be required to sign a liability waiver. For more information, visit www.myrtleavenue.org or contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org (email preferred).

Photo: Social Comfort by Anne Lafond at Anima

Community Builders Mini-Grants

We offer mini-grants ranging from $50 to $250 to support projects, events and programs that benefit residents living in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, specifically those living north of Myrtle Avenue. We encourage applications from existing small organizations, block associations, volunteer groups, school-based student organizations, and informal groups of citizens based in and serving the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods.

Project History

After organizing many of our own public events, the Partnership recognized the value that a street event brings in terms of building community and providing safe space for play and gathering of neighbors. We know that many local block associations already organize block parties on blocks just north and south of Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and we would like to support your efforts to continue to do so. Here’s how we may be able to help:

  • After a few years of organizing Move About Myrtle and the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market, we have assembled an extensive contact list of local organizations that might be willing to provide programs or activities for block parties for either a small fee or sometimes for free. We’d be happy to put you in touch with them.
  • MARP staff has learned learned quite a bit about permitting for street closures, amplified sound and other things. We can provide advice and point you to the agencies that can help you get your necessary permits.
  • The new Community Builders Mini-Grant Program would provide small grants to support community-based and community-organized programs and events. These grants would be small (no larger than $250), and could be applied to activities that are public, free, and benefit or improve the areas of Fort Greene or Clinton Hill north of Myrtle Avenue. Download the Community Builders Mini-Grant Guidelines and Application here.

Past Grantees

Application:

  • Community Buidlers’ Mini-Grant Application

Make Park Avenue Safer for Pedestrians! View the report, tour the site and sign the petition!

There are approximately 12,000 residents living just north or south of Park Avenue between Navy and Steuben, as well as six schools, three parks, numerous retail and light-industrial businesses, and churches. Despite this residential profile, Park Avenue is dominated by four lanes of fast-moving traffic bracketing a 300+ space parking area. Speeding traffic has created environmental, travel and sanitation conditions that are unsafe for the many school children, seniors, bus riders and others residents that use the avenue daily. North-south crossings are difficult throughout the site, people are unable to cross during one traffic light cycle, and there is a high car accident rate (76th percentile!).

MARP collaborated with Architecture for Humanity NY to develop the Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Plan, a set of proposals to improve pedestrian safety and calm vehicular traffic on Brooklyn’s Park Avenue between Navy and Steuben Streets, creating a safer neighborhood corridor for residents and visitors. Join us for a brief site tour on Monday, September 10th at 2pm, beginning on Park Avenue at St. Edwards Street to highlight site issues, discuss the proposals, and measure vehicle speeds along with Councilmember Letitia James, State Committee Member Lincoln Restler, Transportation Alternatives, and members of the project’s Advisory Committee.

This plan recommends interventions like adding crosswalks along the ‘superblock’ from Navy to North Portland, where there are no safe, controlled crossings for four blocks – an area that includes Commodore Barry Park, Ingersoll Houses, Navy Yard Houses and multiple schools. Many other recommendations are simple, but carefully tailored to remedy each block’s issues, like bumpouts to shorten pedestrian crossings, lighting, signage, and re-timed traffic lights to slow traffic.

Sign the petition!
We’ve communicated with various agencies throughout the process, but it is important that we continue to show broad-based support for making these improvements as soon as possible. Sign the online petition at www.ParkAvenueSafetyProject.org to continue to build community support for improving pedestrian safety on Park Avenue, and share the link with your neighbors!

The proposals were developed through information gathered at six public meetings, site surveys, and research, with guidance from Community Board 2 and an Advisory Committee made up of representatives from local block associations, tenants associations, residential developments, community-based organizations, city agencies and other stakeholders. Download the full report here.

Street Tree Stewardship

Project Overview

Myrtle Avenue is serious about trees.  Street trees not only bring an aesthetic appeal to the commercial strip, but also play an important role in filtering the air and providing shady respite from the afternoon sun.  The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District (BID)’s street tree stewardship program entails both protecting existing trees and planting additional trees.  The BID identifies and requests locations for new trees, waters young trees, aerates and mulches tree beds, weed tree beds, prune dead and low branches, and takes inventory of Myrtle Avenue’s street tree stock.

Project History

The project started with requests for new trees and watering young trees. In 20xx, the BID embarked on a large capital project to expand xx Myrtle Avenue street tree pits to the city’s new 5’x8′ standard. The larger tree pits allow more air and water to penetrate the root zone and provide more space for mature trees to grow. The expanded tree pits allowed the BID to create a uniform tree guard design (internal link) for Myrtle Avenue.

Later, efforts went toward caring for the tree beds themselves, be aerating and adding mulch regularly. Since 2011, the project has expanded to incorporate minor tree pruning (up to 15′ off the ground).

Accomplishments

  • Since 2005, requested and received 53 new street trees (planted by the NYC Parks Department)
  • Since 2008, watered an average of 46 young trees each summer
  • Aerate and mulch tree pits regularly, about once every two years
  • Removed Belgian blocks from 34 tree pits (these blocks reduce air/water flow and increase soil compaction)
  • Installed 40 custom tree guards
  • Pruned 88 trees in 2011-12
  • Completed extensive tree and tree pit inventory in 2011

Project Funders

Related Projects

Further Reading

Recent News

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Healthy Communities

Our Healthy Communities Initiative engages community members in improving access to healthy, affordable food in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill; supporting residents as they grow their own food; increasing community nutrition education & physical fitness opportunities; cultivating leaders of all ages;  and documenting the food & health needs and desires of our community, especially for those with low incomes and seniors.

 

Current Projects

Age Friendly Myrtle AvenueAge Friendly Myrtle Avenue

Through the Age Friendly Myrtle Avenue initiative, we aim to foster a safe, inviting, engaging place for our older adult neighbors…

 

2009-09-01 11.58.52Community Gardens

Residents of public housing along Myrtle Avenue are growing their own food and flowers in two locations: Ingersoll Garden of Eden & Whitman Victory Garden…

 

Farm2nabe1-620x350Farm to Neighborhood

The Farm to Neighborhood program connects regional farmers with neighborhood retail outfits and restaurants…

 

Community Chef ThumbnailMyrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs

Through a series of training workshops, Community Chefs solidify basic culinary skills and nutrition knowledge, and develop an ability to share these skills…

 

Past Projects

Picture1Community Food Assessment

This report was researched and created in collaboration with local residents and food advocates with the goal to obtain a `snapshot’ of the local food system…

 

Myrtle-Eats-Fresh-Page1-620x350Community Food Council

The mission of the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Community Food Council is to link and strengthen community efforts to support healthy eating…

 

Farm-Stand-620x350Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand

The Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand, established in summer 2010, has provided fresh, local, affordable produce to community residents from 6 regional producers…