Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Amanda Zenteno!  She has a long history of community advocacy and non-profit work, including leadership experience with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy, the Brooklyn Public Library, Adam Street Foundation and, most recently, the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue Business Improvement District.

Amanda spearheaded the opening of a new Adult Learning Center in East New York and helped secure Work Force Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) funding for increased ESOL and PreHSE programming for students throughout the borough. As Executive Director for the Bay Ridge 5 th Avenue BID, she increased funding with multiyear grant awards, individual giving, and event sponsorships. Amanda is very proud of her community building work in Bay Ridge. Her efforts led Bay Ridge to be the first in the nation to install Ramadan lighting that acknowledged and celebrated the neighborhoods diversity. As a result, many other New York City neighborhoods were inspired and are now making Ramadan lights a new tradition. By increasing community partners, Amanda has built the largest community Iftar in the city, expanded street events, and worked tirelessly to improve the lives and livelihood of small business owners.

As a strong believer in the power of business improvement districts to create thriving commercial corridors, Amanda holds the position of co-chair of the BID Association Mentoring Committee. Her work establishes professional development opportunities for all NYC BIDS and creates a space for Executive Directors and BID staff to share skills, knowledge and support.  Amanda is very excited to be part of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership team to continue and grow their many successful programs that support small businesses and the community.

Infrastructure is an important part of city life.  Read below for ongoing and upcoming changes as well as everyday actions that happen on Myrtle Avenue!

DSNY

Myrtle Avenue businesses and residents are urged to prepare for the city’s new waste set out times, effective April 1, 2023, to avoid fines and comply with the new regulations aimed at reducing the time trash, recycling and composting sits out on our streets. Learn More Here or tune into an information session held by DSNY:

• Tues, 3/14/23 at 1pm, register here
• Thurs. 3/16/23 at 6pm, register here
• Fri. 3/17/23 at 1:30pm, register here
• Mon. 3/20/23 at 3pm and 6pm, register here for 3pm and here for 6pm
• Tues. 3/21/23 at 10:30am, register here
• Wed. 3/22/23 at 11am and 6pm, register here for 11am and here for 6pm

ConEd

Well, they have been at it for some time now and Con Edison seems to be progressing nicely on their project to expand capacity in north Brooklyn.  They’re making upgrades to our local electric network – increasing capacity, anticipating higher electrical demands in the near future.  Myrtle has seen a lot of construction for some months now and CONED’s goal is that the work will wrap up in early April. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

Block By Block

We love keeping things looking nice and clean around Myrtle and we are fortunate to have a Block by Block to help us! This hardworking team helps to make sure trash is picked up, graffiti is painted over and that all of our public spaces are clean, comfortable and operating at their best. We love working with Block by Block and are lucky to have a team that enjoys and cares for Myrtle Avenue as much as we do! If you see the team out in their orange uniforms, give them a shout out for all the hard work they do!

Lula Mae is now open on Myrtle Avenue!  Lula Mae serves Southeastern Asian food that’s meant to be shared.  Some stand out dishes include oysters, lort cha- Cambodian rice noodles, stir fired morning glory and the 50-50 fried chicken (photo above).  There’s also a delicious cocktail menu!  The vibe is cozy but sophisticated and there’s a private room in the back which can be rented out.

Photo by Alex Olson

Making and keeping New Year’s resolutions can start with the best of intentions but then life gets complicated!  Keep your resolutions positive and attainable by turning to your neighborhood for inspiration! Here are some Myrtle Avenue ideas to explore in the New Year!

Resolution #1 – Indulge in self care! Nourish yourself with a hair treatment, get glam with some new make up or start a skincare routine

The B.Beauty Bar – 154 Vanderbilt – try out their own line of cosmetics!

Just Because Hair Therapy Salon – 141 Carlton – get a hair treatment!

Pick up some affordable cleanser or moisturizer at one of several pharmacies along the Avenue.

Myrtle Pharmacy – 446 Myrtle

Myrtle Drug Care – 355 Myrtle

Health Point Drugs – 392 Myrtle

Whitman Pharmacy – 329 Myrtle

Resolution #2 – take up a new hobby! Explore new interests and maybe meet some neighbors!

Sarai – 334 Myrtle – Community classes are free every Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.

Blick – 536 Myrtle – Art supplies for all ages and all levels of experience!

Indulge Kitchen Supplies – 469 Myrtle – Start baking!

CKO Kickboxing – 525 Myrtle – Work on those muscles!

Green in BKLYN – 432 Myrtle – Resolve to live lighter on the planet with eco-friendly options, such as the refill station for cleaning products!

Resolution #3 – Catch up with friends! Connecting with those who make us happy is good for the soul! Get some drinks, alcoholic or not, and share some stories.

Cardiff Giant  – 415 Myrtle – Great vibes and all NY-made beer, wine and spirits.

The Emerson – 561 Myrtle – Get a little competitive over a game of pool!

Mr Lee’s Bar + Lounge – 471 Myrtle – Look out for great DJs!

Move with Grace – 431 Myrtle – Pick a fresh drink and walk around the neighborhood!

Resolution #4 – Pursue your green thumb! Bring a little nature and sunshine into your life

Flowers of Frida – 382 Myrtle – Extensive selection of plants and planters!

Bella Rosa Flowers and Gifts – 566 Myrtle – Pick up a plant and then a bouquet for your love!

Khim’s Millenium Market – 536 Myrtle – Plants and groceries!

Clinton Hill Hardware – 450 Myrtle – Not only plants but also seeds, soil and additional supplies.

Resolution #5 – Get involved! Act in solidarity with your neighbors and support those who may be struggling at the moment!

One Community NYC – help distribute fresh produce and non-perishables to people experiencing food insecurity

Clinton Hill Fort Greene Mutual Aid – shop for groceries and essentials for neighbors; donate gently used goods; support a working group to support CHFGMA

Fort Greene Park– help maintain and beautify our local green space.  Surround yourself with nature!

Brooklyn Book Bodega – donate new or gently used books or help sort at their Book Hub as part of their mission to increase access to books for kids

Resolution #6 – Try out a new look! Take a leap – big or small – pick out some new glasses, get a new hairstyle or get your nails done!

Get a new pair of glasses!

DC Optics – 390 Myrtle

Optical Gallery – 446 Myrtle 

Try a new hair style and get your nails done, too!

Shic by Soketah – 564 Myrtle 

Rhed Salon + Spa – 362 Myrtle

..or try a new hair color?!

Salon [718] – 456 Myrtle

Hair + Co – 487 Myrtle

And we haven’t forgotten the Gents!

Ray’s Barber Shop – 331 Myrtle 

Doo’s Barber Shop – 435 Myrtle 

Miracles Hair – 470 Myrtle

Resolution #7 – Get out of the house! The cold months make it hard to leave the coziness of home but there’s so much to explore!

The Spot for Art – 572 Myrtle – Browse the gallery of Voodo Fé’s fantastic paintings

Brooklyn Music Kitchen – 177 Vanderbilt – Check out the calendar for live music, open mics, burlesque and more!

Putnam’s Pub – 419 Myrtle – Play trivia every Tuesday with a group of Friends!

Jill Lindsey – 370 Myrtle – So many classes! Music for kids; tarot readings, astrology consultations; breathwork and more!

Don’t forget to tag @myrtleavebklyn during your new 2023 adventures!

The 2023 Participatory Budgeting, March 25-April 2, is a process in which community members get to decide how part of the public budget of District 35 is spent.  Our City Council representative, Crystal Hudson, is asking our community to vote how to spend $1 million in this “transparent, equity-oriented and community-driven process.”  The money is spent on infrastructure projects that benefit the public, with the guidelines that each project costs at least $50,000 and the final results lasts at least five years.  In late 2022, the community suggested projects and Council Member Hudson’s office chose those that were eligible.  You can find a list of nominated projects HERE.  

Voting opens March 25 and continues through April 2.  You will be able to vote online (link coming soon) or in person.  You can even volunteer to help with in person voting.  There are 11 polling sites including one on Myrtle Avenue, at the Ingersoll Community Center.    

For more information on participatory budgeting, click here.

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

1. Fort Greene Park Holiday Tree
2. Sarai Yoga, 334 Myrtle
3. Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle
4. Joe & Sal’s Pizzeria, 353 Myrtle
5. Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle
6. dc optics, 390 Myrtle
7. Putnam’s, 419 Myrtle
8. Three Stars Laundromat, 439 Myrtle
9. Peck’s, 455A Myrtle
10. Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, 476 Myrtle
11. Hair & Co, 487 Myrtle
12. SoCo ToGo, 509 Myrtle
13. Blick Art Supplies, 536 Myrtle
14. Taqueria Tepango, 568 Myrtle
15. TB Coffee, 578 Myrtle

Holiday Trees & Lights

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

[updated April 19, 2022]

504 Myrtle Avenue, at Grand Avenue, in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn recently signed leases with four new businesses.

Clinton Hill is about to welcome a handful of new businesses, some of which are already getting neighbors quite excited about new offerings that will be on Myrtle Avenue.

504 Myrtle Avenue, formerly known as The Posthouse, has recently signed leases with a number of new businesses who’ll be opening in the coming months in their ground floor retail space.

Leasing plan, 504 Myrtle Avenue, courtesy of JLL

New Veterinarian Services

BondVet, which has locations across the country, is set to open its fourth Brooklyn location on Myrtle Avenue. The veterinary office offers preventive care, urgent care, surgery, dental care, and more. BondVet is already preparing for their new location with some job postings!

NYC’s First Jimmy John’s

The popular sandwich chain, Jimmy John’s, is set to open it’s first NYC location on Myrtle Avenue in the next few months. The new shop is expected to open in mid May.

Dermatology

With over 25 locations across NYC neighborhoods, The Dermatology Specialists will soon open their newest outpost in Clinton Hill on Myrtle Avenue. The provider, which has a full menu of medical and beauty services, currently has a number of positions open in Brooklyn on their job board.

Doggy Daycare

A new daycare is coming to the neighborhood for your four-legged friends! Dogtopia is set to open in the fall of 2022. While you wait, you can give their first Brooklyn location a follow on Instagram and sign-up for their pre-opening promotion special to receive six weeks of unlimited daycare for just $79 per week! To read more about the deal or to sign-up, please visit Dogtopia.

Convenient Shipping

NOW OPEN – The UPS Store plans to be the first of the new businesses to open, with an opening date anticipated in May 2022. The location will be in the same footprint as the former US Post Office, which moved a few blocks east several years ago to the corner of Myrtle & Kent Avenues. For those in the neighborhood who are looking for shipping options with other carriers, like FedEx and DHL, Sandbox Box & Ship at 417 Myrtle Avenue, near Clinton Avenue, is open seven days a week.

Sarai, 334 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, NY, 11205

Sarai is a new yoga space located on a beautiful tree-lined block in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. We offer daily classes for all levels, led by experienced, kind, and dedicated teachers. Its mission is to empower the community and foster its well-being through yoga, meditation, and music.

Sarai, 334 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, NY, 11205

Through the practice of asana (physical postures), they are able to calm the mind, strengthen the body, develop stability, balance, and fluency, reform old habits that may have led to injury, learn to recognize nature’s patterns within us, and potentiate our wellbeing.

334 Myrtle Ave. Brooklyn, NY, 11205

Learn more about Sarai and their offers HERE

154 VANDERBILT AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11205

The B. Beauty Bar offers many services such as Hair Extensions, Wigs, Installs & Maintenance of Wigs, Ponytails, Hair Braiding, Natural Hair Care, Facials, Waxing, Sugaring, Eyebrow Tinting, and More!

154 VANDERBILT AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11205

B. Beauty Bar also sells cosmetics and custom wig units.

154 VANDERBILT AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11205

Book an appointment HERE

154 VANDERBILT AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11205