Author Archives: Kristin Brown

Myrtle Holiday Windows Walk

There’s nothing better than holiday lights to get you in the spirit for the season! Decorated holiday windows, colorfully lit trees, and holiday street lights line Myrtle Avenue from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day this year. See out guide below on where to catch them all!

Myrtle Holiday Window Walk

Fort Greene Park Holiday Tree
Sarai Yoga, 334 Myrtle
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle
Joe & Sal’s Pizzeria, 353 Myrtle
Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle
dc optics, 390 Myrtle
Putnam’s, 419 Myrtle
Three Stars Laundromat, 439 Myrtle
Peck’s, 455A Myrtle
Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, 476 Myrtle
Hair & Co, 487 Myrtle
SoCo ToGo, 509 Myrtle
Blick Art Supplies, 536 Myrtle
Taqueria Tepango, 568 Myrtle
TB Coffee, 578 Myrtle

Holiday Trees & Lights

Fort Greene Park Tree: at Myrtle Ave & St Edwards St. On view starting Sunday, December 4, when we’ll have the annual Tree Lighting!
NEW! Carlton Triangle: Trees wrapped in lights and fun holiday decor will fill this greenspace.
Clinton & Myrtle: Fences decked out with garland, lights, and community info about the holidays.
Myrtle Avenue Plaza: Colorfully wrapped trees fill the space along Myrtle Avenue, from Hall St to Emerson Pl.
Street Lights: from Flatbush to Classon, all along Myrtle Avenue you’ll find festive lights strung across the street and on lampposts.

2022 Neighborhood Holiday Guide

The holiday season is here! And there’s no place better to celebrate then in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill on Myrtle Avenue. Here’s your guide on where to find the best gifts at local shops, enjoy free holiday events with family and neighbors, reward yourself with FREE hot chocolate, find the best backdrops for your holiday pics, and how to give back for the season!

QUICK LINKS

Read the Holiday Guide

Click to enlarge

The 2022 Myrtle Ave Holiday Guide was mailed to neighbors across Fort Greene & Clinton Hill. If you haven’t seen a copy arrive in your mailbox yet, look for one up at a Myrtle Ave shop or at the Fort Greene Tree Lighting on Dec 4.

Shop Local For the Holidays

The best gifts are the ones found at local shops. If you need some help on your search, visit the 2022 Myrtle Holiday Gift Guide for great finds from the neighborhood’s locally-owned shops.

Free Holiday Events

Find full event listings and details in the Myrtle Avenue Events Calendar.

Fort Greene Tree Lighting: the 8th annual lighting will be on Sunday, December 4, 4-5pm at Myrtle Ave & St. Edwards in Fort Greene Park. Come by free hot cocoa, write your letter to Santa, live holiday music, and lighting of the tree!
Myrtle Menorah Lighting: Come celebrate on Sunday, December 18, 5:30-6:30, with Chabad of Clinton Hill & Pratt, and enjoy sufganiyot, live music & fun for the entire family at Myrtle Plaza (at Myrtle & Steuben)
Fort Greene Kwanzaa Celebration: From December 26 – January 1, find daily activities at various locations across the Fort Greene. For full details about each day’s happenings, please visit myrtleavenue.org/events after December 1st.

Free Hot Cocoa!

Shop local, sip local. Spend $25 or more from November 26 to December 24 and earn a FREE cup of hot chocolate!

Shop at Jill Lindsey, Green in BKLYN, & Indulge Kitchen Supplies, and bring your ticket for a free cup of cocoa at Peck’s or TB Coffee House.

Myrtle Ave Toy Drive

The annual Myrtle Avenue Toy Drive will serve families with kids of all ages living in NYCHA’s Ingersoll and Whitman Houses. Donate new, unwrapped toys between Nov 26 – December 15 at these businesses and at the Fort Greene Tree Lighting!

dc Optics – 390 Myrtle
Putnam’s – 419 Myrtle
[salon]718 – 456 Myrtle
Hair & Co. Salon – 487 Myrtle
Apple Bank – 418 Myrtle
Just Because – 141 Carlton

Halloween’s Monster Mash on Myrtle

FINAL Myrtle Summer Nights – Sept 30

JOIN US: Myrtle Avenue Mixer & 2022 BID Annual Meeting

Want to know more about the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District while getting to know local business owners and community members? Join us on October 12th, at our Mixer and Annual BID Meeting for a little bit of business and a whole lot of fun!

For more information, and to RSVP by October 1st, click here.

Details:

Wednesday, October 12th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
The Emerson Bar, 561 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn 11205

Putting the Green in Fort Greene

You know we love a Spring moment and this year we really leaned into green!

If our annual District Satisfaction Survey taught us anything, it’s that you all love plants, and so do we – so we put in over 1,400 plants across the district this season!

Looking to the future, our plans include planting more perennials that will live in place, and bloom throughout the year, to create a more sustainable landscape throughout the whole district. We will begin this transition in stages and have started with 15 tree pits on Myrtle Avenue from Hall to Classon. You can find 920 new annuals dotting the pits on the northside of Myrtle, and they are stunning if we do say so ourselves 🙂 Year over year, we will continue to plant annuals until all 61 of Myrtle Avenue’s planted tree pits are filled with these beauties.

As we do every year, we partnered with The Horticulture Society of New York to plant the perennials and over 900 annuals in the tree pits between Flatbush Ave Ext and Hall.

Another exciting addition came to the Greenstreet triangle at Carlton and Myrtle. Known as Person’s Square, we wanted to bring even more life to this corner of the district and planted almost 300 new native plants in the two gardens there. Putting the green in Fort Greene!

Spring is also the time we bring back the furniture in the Myrtle Avenue Plaza, including our bright orange umbrellas that never cease to bring smiles as they brighten the space. As soon as the furniture came out we saw friends, classmates, co-workers, couples, and kids taking advantage by settling in for meals and cups of coffee from local businesses.

We continued to spark joy by cleaning up all the furniture and sidewalks with a good power washing, and clearing out any graffiti that popped up.

Now all that’s left to do is enjoy! 🍃

The Results Are In!

We Asked and You Answered:

The annual Myrtle Avenue BID Satisfaction Survey Results are in!

We are always looking for feedback on the work we do throughout Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and our annual District Satisfaction survey has been a great platform to get responses from people we serve here on Myrtle Avenue.

Vibrant, diverse, and community are a few of the words survey users use to describe Myrtle Avenue in this year’s survey. Read on to see who responded and what are some of the survey highlights!

Some of the words survey respondents used to describe Myrtle Avenue.

Everybody Is Talking

Our online survey garnered over 170 responses from people of all ages and parts of the neighborhood.

95% of people who responded live on Myrtle Avenue, or nearby
50% have lived in Fort Greene or Clinton Hill for 10+ years
Like other years, 50% of survey takers are between 25-44 years of age, and another 30% between the ages of 45-64

Survey Says…

From the retail mix on the Avenue to community outreach and initiatives, survey questions covered the spectrum of work we do for Myrtle Avenue and the surrounding area.

Attractions: Grocery shopping, dining, and banking continue to be the top three activities that bring people to Myrtle Avenue.
Cleanliness: Almost 100% of survey users said they appreciate our street sanitation team! When asked to rank how satisfied they are with how clean Myrtle Avenue is, 90% of respondents said they are somewhat or very satisfied.
Public Space: People love plants and that is evident with almost 100% of users saying they appreciate the seasonal tree bed plantings we do along the Avenue, along with the tree guards and benches that dot the sidewalks.
Events: People love festivities, too! Our top ranked events of the year were the annual holiday tree lighting we host in Fort Greene Park as well as the Summer Nights series that takes place monthly from May to September along Myrtle Avenue.
Community Initiatives: 70% of respondents say they appreciate our initiatives to help keep neighbors fed through the Fort Greene Fresh Pantry. The Fresh Pantry helps to provide at least 600 people with at least 25 pounds of non-perishables and produce each week.

Survey users gave a lot of insight to the types of businesses they would like to see on Myrtle Avenue.

Did We Miss You?

We are open to feedback all year round! If you did not have a chance to take the survey, or if you’d like to tell us anything else, please feel free to reach out to us: hello@myrtleavenue.org

Live Ice Carving + More for Merry on Myrtle

LOTS OF FREE WINTER HOLIDAY FUN ON MYRTLE AVENUE

The ice will be flying, chainsaws whirring, and hot chocolate flowing on Myrtle Avenue for the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s annual Merry on Myrtle winter fest on Saturday, January 25 in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

On Saturday, December 14th visitors can stop by the Myrtle Holiday station at Myrtle & Clinton Avenues to pick-up a map for the day. FREE activities for the day include:

ICE CARVING

Live Ice Carving, 12-2pm, at:
1. Myrtle Ave & Hall St, in the Myrtle Avenue Plaza
2. Myrtle Ave & Clinton Ave, near Apple Bank
3. Myrtle Ave & Washington Park, in Fort Greene Park

Ice sculpture from Merry on Myrtle 2018.

HOLIDAY MARKETS

The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Ave, 12-3pm
Holiday mini-market & FREE cider (spiked for adults!)

Locals Market, 332 Myrtle Ave, 12-3pm
Holiday gift market & hot drink warm up spot

Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Ave, 12-3pm
Meet-the-Maker Holiday Bazaar, featuring local Brooklyn artists and designers

FUN FOR KIDS

Blick Art Materials, 527 Myrtle Ave, 12-3pm
FREE Holiday crafts! Make your own mini canvas ornament

Pipsqueak Shoppe Play + Salon 10:30am

Free holiday Storytime for kids

FREE Holiday Crafts led by P.S. 67’s art department, at Myrtle Ave & Washington Park
1-1:30pm: Wreath Ornament Decorating
2-2:30pm: Santa Wish List Postcards

Walt Whitman Library, 2pm
FREE holiday story time for kids.

LIVE MUSIC

Live Holiday Music P.S. 67 LEAP Choir, at Myrtle Ave & Washington Park
Performances will be at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30pm

WARM UP WITH FREE DRINKS

Myrtle Wine & Spirits, 166 Myrtle, 12-3pm
FREE spiced mulled wine

Corkscrew Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Ave, 12-3pm
FREE mulled wine

FREE Hot Chocolate station, at Myrtle Ave & Hall St, 12-3pm
Courtesy of Liberty Pizza

Vine, 81 Fleet Pl, 5-7pm
Special cocktail happy hour (mention Merry on Myrtle for the deal!)

Help Us Plant Daffodils!

Plant Plan

We are always looking for ways to add more color to Myrtle Avenue. This year we decided to try our hand at planting daffodils, which will bloom in spring. Working with the Daffodil Project, we have received over 400 daffodil bulbs that we will pilot in Myrtle Plaza and a few tree pits along the avenue. But we need your help! Whether you’ve got a green thumb, or just an appreciation for flowers, we are looking for volunteers to help plant these beautiful spring time blooms.

Daffodil Deets

When: Saturday November 9th, from 10am-12pm (Rain Date: November 16th, same time)

Where: Myrtle Avenue Plaza, at the stage (Myrtle Avenue, between Steuben and Emerson)

What: Planting daffodil bulbs – we will provide all the tools you will need, just show up and be ready to get a bit dirty!

Happy 10th Birthday, Green in BKLYN!

Green in BKLYN is Celebrating 10 Years of Business!

Green in BKLYN has been bringing a little bit of Earth Day to Myrtle Avenue every since it opened in 2009. In that time, proprietor Elissa Olin has found a way to make her shop, not just a go-to for eco-friendly products, but a place that supports and celebrates community.

At Green in BKLYN you can find anything from sustainable, fair trade products sourced from local Brooklyn companies, to housewares, cards, books and clothes. Additionally, the shop hosts different environmentally-minded events like used book drives, compost demonstrations and recycling events. The shop has also been a long time supporter of the Youth Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) where high school students get a 6-week summer internship to gain professional skills at local businesses.

On Saturday May 11th, from 12-5pm, Green in BKLYN is hosting an event open to all! Highlights include:

10% off purchases store-wide
A raffle for in shop products
Live Music
Light refreshments and birthday cake from Brooklyn Sweet Spot
E-waste recycling drop off for SMALL ELECTRONICS ONLY (phones, tablets, etc)

There will also be a special bench dedication ceremony to remember on of Elissa’s YEMP students, Cristina Valentin, who sadly passed away, but left a big impact.

Stop by Green in BKLYN to congratulate Elissa on 10 years, and 10 more years to come!

Green in BKLYN

432 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Clinton and Waverly)

Shop Local: Made & Sold in Brooklyn

What’s Good in the Neighborhood?

Our community is filled with many wonderful independent shops, where keeping it local means business as usual. Read on to see some of the Myrtle Avenue merchants who not only make Brooklyn their home, but also their business.

Cardiff Giant

Pull up a seat at Cardiff Giant, a Myrtle Avenue watering hole that is no joke. Their dedication to the states brewers, distilleries and wineries creates a menu of super local and regional drinks that can satisfy any thirst. Rye from the Hudson Valley, cider from Queens, and rum from Bushwick are all represented. Stop in to take a boozy-tour of New York without having to leave Clinton Hill.

415 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Vanderbilt and Clinton)

Brooklyn Sweet Spot

If you haven’t been to Brooklyn Sweet Spot to indulge in their cookies, cupcakes or small pies, then stop reading and go right now! You can’t miss it on Myrtle – just look for the sign that says: “Banana Pudding of Your Whole Life”. It is the pudding of your life, trust us.

So good in fact, it is made in batches in their Fort Greene-based kitchen and sold in different locations all over the city. The secret ingredients in this pudding and their cakes have been passed down through owner Kym Rodgers family, so you know it’s made with love. And as the saying goes, ”Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.”

366 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Adelphi and Clermont)

BKG Roasters

Brooklyn-based and brothers founded, BKG Roasters is a neighborhood coffee spot and community gathering space offering small-batch coffee, from drip to espresso. The Farrelly brothers, Alan, Craig, and James, moved their operations from Red Hook to Myrtle after Hurricane Sandy upended their business in 2012.

Thankfully they were able to pick up here in Clinton Hill and are roasting coffee for their brick and mortar and wholesale accounts. As Spring continues to reveal itself, you will definitely find us in BKG Roasters back yard, cold brew in hand.

557 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Emerson and Classon)

Green in BKLYN

We appreciate Green in Bklyn for their dedication to selling eco-friendly products at their store. Did you know there is an eco-friendly deodorant that is made here on Myrtle and sold in their shop? Brooklyn’s hot and sweaty summer is going to smell a whole lot nicer thanks to Scully’s all-natural deodorant spray.

432 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Clinton and Waverly)

Jill Lindsey

Jill Lindsey also likes to keep it local. Her Fort Greene flagship store supports Brooklyn artists making anything from apparel and jewelry, to textiles and home goods. The shop also likes to create an atmosphere where residents can stop in to chat over coffee or wine, at their bar-top cafe that looks out to the garden.

370 Myrtle Avenue (between Adelphi and Clermont)

Brooklyn-based + shopping small = a win for the Myrtle Avenue community of merchants!

Myrtle Meals: Lunch Under $10

Funny how your stomach just knows when it’s time for lunch, right?

Myrtle Avenue has plenty of places to get a delicious and filling lunch, for under $10! Check out our roundup below and put those hunger pangs to rest.

Rice + Naan + Curry + Dessert, Oh My!

Spice and Grill offers an amazing lunch special that includes: rice, naan, daal, saag, choice of curry AND dessert, for $7.99. This local favorite also offers a wide selection of other affordable dishes under $10 as well.

Spice and Grill (441 Myrtle Ave, btwn Clinton and Waverly)

You Can Never Go Wrong with Thai

Photo Credit: @malvivant on Instagram

Myrtle Avenue has a generous selection of Thai restaurants offering daily lunch specials. At Thai 101 you can get an appetizer and entrée for $7.95. This is the perfect amount of food that will fill you up, without draining your wallet.

Thai 101 (448 Myrtle Ave, btwn Waverly and Washington)

A Stacked Sandwich

The farmer in the Deli has two locations on Myrtle to get anything from cold cuts to chicken cutlet sandwiches. Grab a bag of chips and a drink and you can be out the door with a lunch that will satisfy your belly and your budget.

Farmer in the Deli (357 Myrtle Ave, between Adelphi and Clermont)

Farmer in the Deli II (541 Myrtle Ave, btwn Steuben and Emerson)

Tacos Tuesday

Need we say more? Didn’t think so. On Taco Tuesday you should stop in for what else…the tacos! They offer two hard or soft tacos and a soda for $7.50. Sign us up!

Castro’s (511 Myrtle Ave, btwn Ryerson and Grand)

There are a lot more affordable options up and down Myrtle. Be on the lookout for signs with daily specials and discounts at lunch!

Welcome to the Neighborhood, Calyer Cafe!

Calyer Cafe and Kitchen is Now Open

Calyer Cafe and Kitchen and Kitchen opened its doors this past week and so far, things are looking great!

Their “soft opening” menu starts with breakfast sandwiches on Balthazar rolls. Ingredients range from eggs to house-made chorizo and even tapenade. Yum.

Their lunch sandwiches start at 11am and include staples like chicken salad and tuna salad.
For even bolder tastes, try the Porchetta, Chimi, or Tinga sandwiches. All come on rolls and are a meal in themselves.

Top it all off with coffee or beverages from their cold case. Grain bowls, salads and sides coming soon!

Calyer Cafe and Kitchen 519 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Grand and Steuben)

Myrtle & Co. Now Open

Photo: Kale Caesar Salad at Myrtle & Co.

More like MMMMyrtle & Co.

If you haven’t tried them yet, we recommend stopping into Myrtle & Co. The menu offers something for everyone: breakfast, lunch, small plates, craft cocktails and coffee

Myrtle & Co. 507 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Ryerson & Grand)

Bubble Tea Time at Anda Cafe

Photo: YELP

Anda Cafe Now Open

If you are looking for Bubble Tea, Milk Tea or something in a Matcha, Anda Cafe is the place for you!

Stop by for a hot or cold beverage.

Anda Cafe, 525 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Grand & Steuben)

Southbridge Fitness Center Now Open

Arm day with Addo, co-owner and fitness trainer at Southbridge Fitness Center in Fort Greene

Southbridge Fitness Center

Now is the time to get into the fitness center and get in shape.

Want to try out a class? Stop by the center to check out their deals and inquire about a free class, personal training, and fitness therapy services.

Southbridge Fitness Center, 322 Myrtle Avenue ( btwn Washington Park & Carlton)

Valentine’s Day 2019: Your Local Guide

The Best of Myrtle Avenue

With Valentines Day coming up in a couple of weeks, we put the question out to Myrtle Avenuer’s (yes, that is a new word we made up) – what are the best spots on the avenue to help celebrate Valentine’s? From a good bar to set the scene, to a great place to buy flowers for your loved one, here is a round up of the best places you picked!

Best Bar to set the vibe: Cardiff Giant

Cardiff Giant’s cozy interior make this bar a great place to set the vibe for a romantic night out. And if your date is really into craft beers and cocktails, you’ll be able to impress them with Cardiff Giant’s menu exclusively made of New York made beer, cider, and spirits. Kick off the night with one of their “Happy Meals”- a can of beer or cider, with a shot, or a nice regional red.

Cardiff Giant | 415 Myrtle Ave (btwn Vanderbilt & Clinton)

Best Date Night Restaurant: LaRina Pastificio & Vino

Just a few doors down from Cardiff Giant is LaRina, Fort Greene’s choice for romantic dinner a deux. LaRina will be doing a $65, pre-fixe only dinner on Valentines that includes an appetizer, pasta dish, entree and dessert. While La Rina normally takes walk-ins only, they do open up for some reservations, so call them quick!

LaRina Pastificio & Vino | 387 Myrtle Ave (btwn Clermont & Vanderbilt)

Best place to get a fun card: Green in BKLYN

Green in BKLYN never lets us down, particulalry with their fun and quirky card selection. The selection will have you laughing, smiling, and probably getting more than one card. Stop by the shop to pick up a card that screams, we-aren’t-in-Hallmark-territory-anymore.

Green in Bklyn | 432 Myrtle Ave (btwn Clinton & Waverly)

Best place to get your Sweetie something sweet: Brooklyn Sweet Spot

A word of warning if you go to Brooklyn Sweet Spot: you can get into some real trouble there. Between the cookies, the bread pudding, mini pies, cupcakes and custom deserts you will have a hard time choosing the right confection for your sweetheart!

Brooklyn Sweet Spot | 366 Myrtle Ave (btwn Adelphi & Clermont)

Best place for blooms: Bella Rosa Flower Shop

Bella Rosa always has a great selection of plants or flowers to suit your green thumb, or your big red heart. They will be doing a Valentine’s special of $25 for a dozen roses. Get them quick before you have all that’s left are blue carnations.

Bella Rosa | 566 Myrtle Ave (btwn Emerson and Classon)

Whatever you do for Valentines Day, we hope you feel loved and have fun out on Myrtle! ❤️️

#FitnessGoals 2019 Edition

Diet Starts Monday

It’s also around this time we start rethinking some of the food and drink choices we made over the holiday season, am I right? We are right there with you (hello 24 days of Christmas cookies at Peck’s). Below is a roundup of healthy eating and fitness deals on Myrtle Avenue to help you shed those holiday pounds and stick with your New Year’s resolutions.

VITALITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS BAR
475B Myrtle Avenue (btwn Washington and Hall)

Vitality will be running a 15-day detox program where you can save up to 25% on their cleanse package. What a great way to save on getting your system reset! Stop by the store for more information.

New Year, New You

Getting fit isn’t just about getting ready for #bikiniseason. Getting fit should also be about getting strong and healthy so that you can live your best life in 2019 and for years to come.

SACRED BROOKLYN
334 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Washington Pk and Carlton)

If you are really up for a challenge that will invigorate your new year, consider signing up for Sacred‘s 30 Day Challenge. The 30-day package includes a class each day and then when you’ve successfully completed the challenge, receive another 30 days FREE! Free yoga? Pretty sure that was on our Christmas List!

MOVE WITH GRACE
431 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Clinton and Waverly)

Perhaps 30 days is too much too soon and easing into a new routine suits better. Slow and steady wins the race right? Over at Move with Grace they’ve got an intro package that will help transition you into yoga practice: 2-weeks of UNLIMITED YOGA for $45.

CKO KICKBOXING
525 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Grand and Steuben)

Maybe you want to take it up a level and get real kicky/punchy? Thank goodness CKO Kickboxing has opened a new, closer location on Myrtle…perfect timing!

They have great intro deals on memberships and packages:

10 class for $250 – a good price to get introduced to kickboxing, or to gift someone looking for a new way to work on their fitness.
Month to Month membership for $129/month; no contract and no enrollment fees.
Annual membership for $99/month, includes a free pair of Everlast Pro Style gloves; no contract and no enrollment fees.

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
412 Myrtle Avenue (btwn Vanderbilt and Clinton)

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu caters to all ages and skill levels. From kids to adults, they have a way for the whole family to stay active through the discipline of jiu-jitsu.

They offer an intro deal at $19.99 for 3 class and a FREE uniform!

No matter what you do, we wish you a safe and healthy 2019 and just remember, you’re doing amazing, sweetie!

Guide: New Art in the Neighborhood

We are fortunate to live in a neighborhood that continually seeks to engage residents and visitors alike through events, community initiatives and even art! While there are some prominently displayed murals and sculptures along Myrtle Avenue, you may not know that some of these installations have been created in our neighborhood by internationally renowned and sometimes locally trained artists. Let’s take a look at some of the art and artists that have helped make Fort Greene and Clinton Hill come to life recently.

Ingersoll Cornerstone Community Center mural, by Groundswell Mural Project

177 Myrtle Avenue

You’ve probably heard Groundswell Community Mural Project. They have hundreds of murals found across all 5 boroughs and in New Jersey. One of their latest works can be seen at the Ingersoll Cornerstone Community Center. This colorful mural depicts neighborhood life and history through bright colors and a bold creative vision.

Adorn Me, by artist Tands Francis at Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene Park at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park

A new sculpture is coming to Fort Greene Park by way of Brooklyn artist Tanda Francis. Titled, Adorn Me, this sculpture seeks to bring an African presence to a public space in order to highlight the under-representation of African artworks in public spaces. Adorn Me will be on view in the park from 2018 – 2019.

Fort Greene Mural

340 Myrtle Avenue and Carlton

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership commissioned this mural by artist Mischa Tyutyunik bring life to a blank wall and express neighborhood pride. Artist Tyutyunik, also known as MDOT, is a Ukranian born artist that studied at nearby Pratt Institute.

I Ought To installation by Matthew Gellar

550 Myrtle Ave btw Emerson Place & Steuben Street

The innovation and practicality of this Matthew Gellar’s, I Ought To, creates a fun moment and brief respite within the Myrtle Avenue Plaza. Part sculpture, water feature (when it rains) and seating area, this permanent installation pays reference to traditional stained glass. Stop there to take in the beauty, or your lunch.

And while some of these murals and sculptures are new to Myrtle Avenue, many have been here for years, surrounding us at all times. And there are plenty more to experience, if you know where to seek them out.

BKG Roasters garden mural.

557 Myrtle Avenue

Roachi mural on the side of John’s Donut and Coffee Shop.

481 Myrtle Avenue

Swoon mural

340 Myrtle Avenue and Carlton

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership collaborates with community partners to bring Arts and Culture programs to Myrtle Avenue. These programs increase access to art for the entire community, create opportunities for both emerging and established artists, and invite visitors to enjoy cultural experiences in the district. Arts and Culture initiatives are supported in part by the Myrtle Avenue BID and the Tess & Tom Schutte Community Arts & Culture fund.

Another Successful YEMP Year!

Young Entrepreneurs Mentorship Program, Class of 2018.

As the 2018 Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) comes to a close, we look back with pride, at the 19 students that were selected to participate in this, the 12^th year of the program!

Starting in early July, the students were employed across a diverse mix of businesses that offered skills in retail, hospitality, fashion, health & wellness, design and technology. Working 10 hours a week, these YEMP participants were employed at local Myrtle Avenue businesses and for the first time, through the Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn Fashion and Design Accelerator, located in the Pfizer building in south Williamsburg.

Our student’s responsibilities ranged from to customer service, stocking, inventory and retail organization and upkeep, 3D printer maintenance, fabric dying and sample making, to setting up events in the newly opened Myrtle Avenue Plaza and working tables at local street fairs. The skills learned during the 7-week program help students create a tool-kit of skills and experiences that they can take from the program and into all of their future endeavors, while getting a valuable head start on job experience. In addition to their work hours, the students participated in two workshops about the working world. Before working at the Fashion Accelerator, students were also enrolled in a 7- week design entrepreneur class at Pratt Institute that was completed before their placement at businesses within the Accelerator.

We would like to give a big thanks to the Myrtle Avenue and Pratt’s Brooklyn Fashion and Design Accelerator businesses that opened their doors to our students, mentoring and supporting their growth while helping to create a path to success! This truly would not be possible without you!

Participating Myrtle Avenue Businesses

Participating Brooklyn Fashion and Design Accelerator Businesses

Program Sponsors

The YEMP 2018-2019 Program would not be possible without the generous support of the following sponsors:

About

YEMP is a summer employment and mentorship program for local youth where teens gain valuable paid work experiences. The program places teens to work with Myrtle Avenue businesses and other organizations to learn important business and creative problem-solving skills. The competitive application process only accommodates 25 high school teens per year.

LEARN MORE

$15k in Grants Awarded to Local Businesses

New signage at The Emerson.

Believe it or not, looks matter! Of course, we are talking about the appearances of storefronts on Myrtle Avenue. Having a distinct storefront can quickly engage customers as to what a business sells or what services are offered. Not only that, but the look of a storefront can help define an identity in a neighborhood business corridor, such as Myrtle Avenue.

With this in mind, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID continues to offer grant money to local businesses through their Storefront Improvement Grant program. This past year, the BID awarded $15,000, assisting six local businesses with improvement projects. This mutually beneficial program helps Myrtle Avenue business improve their appearance but providing technical assistance and funding to help update storefront signage, remove solid roll-down security gates, and in some cases, sidewalk cafes.

Below is a rundown of some of the businesses who the program assisted this past year:

Villa Pancho
472 Myrtle Avenue

The bright colors and artistic design of the signage help make this Mexican restaurant pop. And their new lighted TACOS sign is there to help, serving as a beacon for those late-night taco runs.

The Emerson
561 Myrtle Avenue

This local bar used their grant money to get new “The Emerson” lettering on their window. They also used the funds to give a fresh coat of striking red paint to their doors, ensuring no one passes by this favorite watering hole.

Tipsy
584 Myrtle Avenue

Tipsy went big and used their funds toward updating their security roll down gates. Now people can still do a little wine window-shopping, even while the shop is closed! These gates help to keep customers engaged, even when down, while also allowing light from the shop to illuminate the street at night which lends an extra sense of security for local residents walking by at night.

Vitality Health & Wellness Bar

475-B Myrtle Avenue

Vitality, a relatively new business in the neighborhood, made sure their signage would command attention! Signage placed at different angles assures that no one will miss it while out on Myrtle Avenue.

Brazils Waxing Center
362 Myrtle Avenue

This shop, which recently celebrated their Grand Opening, installed signage that not only conveys the services they offer but allows people to see into their immaculate facilities.

Hudson Jane
360 Myrtle Avenue

Hudson Jane got creative and used their funds to create an outdoor seating area for their café. Now that they have extended their hours and offer dinner, their customers can enjoy street-side seats during the day or at night. And who doesn’t love a meal while people watching on one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Brooklyn?!

Since the inception of the Storefront Improvement Grant program, in 2005, the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District has awarded over $103,000 to more than 75 businesses along Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush Avenue Extension to Classon Avenue.

Grant funding is still available! Business owners in the Myrtle Avenue BID are invited to apply for a BID Storefront Grant by contacting the BID at hello@myrtleavenue.org or (718) 230-1689, #1.

Salon Rhed Opens on Myrtle

Salon owner, Keron Cumberbatch.

Congratulations to Salon Rhed, a great new addition on the avenue! At this full service salon you can find services that include: cuts, extensions, braiding, locs, barber services, color and more. Walk-ins are welcome or you can book online at vagaro.com/salonrhed.

Salon Rhed, 374 Myrtle Avenue, 718-625-7433

Back to School Community Corner

It’s still Summer, but being ready for the new school year is always in season. On August 11th, bring the kids and join us at Fort Greene Park for our annual Back To School Community Corner!

From 10 am to 2 pm we will have Back to School giveaways to help your soon to be students start the school year right! There will also be demonstrations and activities, including:

School Supply Giveaways* – Sponsored by Blick and St. Joseph’s College (*while supplies last)
Double Dutch Demo
Step Team – Demo and Registration
Kids in the Krossfire Mentorship
Empire Blue Cross Demo: “How Sugar Corrodes your Teeth”
Save our Streets
Face painting with artist Derick Cross

We’ll be located at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, and look forward to seeing you there!