Category Archives: District News

Name: Wine Tasting at Tipsy
Start: 2024-09-27T18:00:00-04:00
End: 2024-09-27T20:00:00-04:00
Location: Tipsy

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Finds For the Kids

For all the kids on your list, find unique and fun gifts right here on Myrtle Avenue!

ARTS & CRAFTS at Blick

Arts, crafts, paint, brushes & maker supplies can all be found at Blick. The art store carries a variety of Crayola, Alex, Faber Castell, Elmer’s and Klutz Gift Items for kids, and their gift sets inspire creativity as well as a love of art. Art supplies in the Kid’s Aisle start at $5 and up and are for children ages 3 years old and up. You can also find cool tubes like this Plus Plus Neon mix, essential for traveling parents and hours of fun for young kids and tweens. Plus-Plus bricks are precision crafted and BPA-free. Check out their holiday sale going on until December 24th.
Blick, 536 Myrtle Avenue between Grand & Steuben, (718) 789-0308

BOOKS at Jill Lindsey

Jill Lindsey has a variety of fully illustrated books for young readers from Moppet Books. Find the award-winning series KinderGuides which introduces iconic works of classic literature to children ages 6-12 through illustrated stories. JL also carries the Oprah Winfrey & Steve Jobs stories from the What Can I Learn from the Incredible and Fantastic Life series. Books sell for $14.95.
Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Ave between Adelphi & Clermont, (347)987-4538

EVERYTHING at Pipsqueak Shoppe

You’ll appreciate that Pipsqueak Shoppe offers a wide price range for the budget shopper. The book selection really stands out and book curator Jon Vasquez takes pride in it. Find books about overcoming obstacles or being uniquely different, celebrating human accomplishments, and diversity. Check out “Tough Guys Have Feelings Too” or Color Me Kanye or the Prince Coloring Book. Find great playdoh sets, sticker books, action figures, hot wheels for $5-10, or gift that last a lifetime like Magnatiles or Tegu simple wooden magnets.
Pipsqueak Shoppe & Salon, 470 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall

SCOOTERS & BIKES at Urban Cycles

Any city kid will tell you that a scooter is a must-have. The Ride-On (ages 1-2), the Toddler Scooter (ages 2-3), and the Micro Mini-Scooter (3-5) all give a smooth and quiet ride with non-marking wheels. For kids that are Ages 8+ ask for the easy to carry Kickboard Monster in a variety of colors. Scooter prices range from $45-$300.
Urban Cycles, 478 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall Street, (347) 685-4478

BOOKS & TOYS at Green in BKLYN

Green in BKLYN carries a variety of eco-friendly items for both little ones & and parents. Find wooden NYC subway trains, taxi cars from CandyLab Toys, alphabet blocks from Uncle Goose, collectible Kamibashi fair trade string dolls, Ecokid art supplies, and more. All toys are made with the planet in mind. This is a great place to find gifts from $10 & up!
Green in Bklyn, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly, (718) 855-4383

Find more gift ideas in the 2017 Myrtle Avenue Holiday Gift Guide.

30 Days of #MyrtleThanks

We’ve had an amazing year here on Myrtle Avenue, and we have a lot of you to thank for that. Our Senior Advisory Council published a book. We removed literally tons of trash from Myrtle Avenue. We gave out 125,000 lbs of fresh produce to local families. We have a (nearly) complete new plaza (finally!). We organized dozens of arts events. We kicked off a city-wide campaign to take a stand against hate. It really does take a village to pull all of this off, and we’re going to spend this November giving just a few of our wonderful partners and neighbors a little bit of much-deserved gratitude.

Check back here throughout the month to see our growing list of appreciation, which we’ll add to every day. Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter each day to see Want to thank an outstanding Myrtle Avenue community member yourself? Send us a message to nominate someone or tag us and add #myrtlethanks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

01/30: The Doe Fund

The Doe Fund is a non-profit that provides paid employment opportunities to those moving forward in life from incarceration, homelessness, or substance abuse. Their team of trainees provides sanitation services along Myrtle Avenue every day of the year, from sweeping up litter and bagging up trash, removing graffiti, watering street plantings, to clearing snow in the winter. Thank you to the dedicated team of trainees and supervisors who help keep Myrtle Ave clean!

02/30: Myrtle Avenue Senior Advisory Council

The Myrtle Avenue Senior Advisory Council continuously keeps the needs of local seniors at the forefront and organizes a number of events for seniors throughout the year, including the annual Senior Resource Fair each spring and regular social events throughout the year that promote active living, learning and having fun.

03/30: Eric Frazier of Fort Greene Jazz Festival

Our neighborhood is fortunate to have a rich cultural scene. Throughout the year, the local arts scene is showcased through several key events, including the Fort Greene Jazz Festival. today we give a #MyrtleThanks to Eric Frazier, the lead organizer and creative force behind the festival for the past 8 yrs!

04/30: Community Chef Beryl Benbow

Beryl Benbow is a local artist, mom extraordinaire, and dedicated chef in the Myrtle Avenue Community Chef program. #myrtlethanks for over 30 cooking demos in 2017 alone. Thank you, Beryl, for all you do!

05/30: 88th Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officers

Last year, the 88th Precinct adopted the Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO) program and it has been tremendous. A pair of officers is assigned to a small section of the precinct, allowing the community to see a regular face and get to know their local officers better. Today at #MyrtleThanks goes out to all of the NCO’s who serve Myrtle Avenue every day, including 88th Precinct Officers O’Neill and Perez-Coyle (pictured above, L to R), John and Lewis.

06/30: Emily Ahn Levy

Today, #MyrtleThanks Emily Ahn Levy who served as an all-star coordinator of the Myrtle Avenue Young Entrepreneur and Mentorship Program (YEMP) this past summer. As the coordinator, Emily planned exciting speakers and visits to employers for the teens who participated in the annual work-learn program.

07/30: Fort Greene Park Conservancy

We love Fort Greene Park and we’re grateful for the entire team at the Fort Greene Park Conservancy for their stewardship and partnership.

08/30: Nora Daniel

Nora Daniel, the Director of Community & Government Affairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is a tremendous asset. #MyrtleThanks Nora for being the poster woman of going above and beyond to support the neighborhood activities, including the Fort Greene-Farragut Fresh Pantry.

09/30: NYC Department of Sanitation

It’s a tough job of keeping Myrtle Avenue clean, and the hard-working team at the NYC Department of Sanitation do a heck of a job every single day. Through sun, rain, and snow, the crew at DSNY Brooklyn North 2 serve us well and that’s why we pass along a sincere #MyrtleThanks to them today.

10/30: DJ Sadiq of Soul Summit

Soul Summit represents the spirit of Fort Greene. On Day 10, we send a #MyrtleThanks to our friend DJ Sadiq for bringing music and dance to Ft Greene Park every summer.

11/30: Our Local Veterans

On Veterans Day we take a moment to give a #MyrtleThanks to all of the local veterans – including some Myrtle Avenue business owners – who have served us all with their time in the armed forces.

12/30: David Barker

Sending a #MyrtleThanks to the incredible Director of Fort Greene Park, David Barker! David is always working hard to keep our favorite local park in tip-top shape, and with a smile.

13/30: Turkey Giveaway Donors

A big #MyrtleThanks to the 45 neighbors and local partners who donated to our turkey giveaway campaign. The $7,000+ raised will purchase 300 turkeys, which will be given to families who visit this month’s Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry on Nov 18. Your generosity will be much appreciated by these neighbors on Thanksgiving day!

14/30: Juollie Carroll

Local block associations play an important role in building community and advocating for local needs. Today, we give a specific #MyrtleThanks to Juollie Carroll of the Waverly Avenue Block Association for continuously fighting for the preservation of affordable housing on her block.

15/30: Maria Baker

To Maria Baker of Pratt Institute’s MFA Writing Program, we give a #Myrtlethanks for editing and publishing We Live Here, a collection of six seniors’ stories of long ago Myrtle Avenue, and other stories from points near and far.

16/30: Captain Buttacavoli

#MyrtleThanks today to Captain John Buttacavoli of the 88th Precinct. He has just right amount of toughness and warmth, leading our the team at our local precinct well.

17/30: Jessica Sucher, BRIC

BRIC is a cultural gem in #fortgreene. Today we give a #myrtlethanks to BRIC’s Jessica Sucher, the Senior Manager of Community Engagement and a neighbor and friend of Myrtle, for creating connections to all BRIC has to offer for our community.

18/30: Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry Volunteers

It would be impossible to distribute 250,000lbs of food (and counting!) over the past two years without the help of dedicated volunteers who come out each month to the Fort Greene and Farragut Fresh Pantry. A big #myrtlethanks today to this team!

19/30: Ron Janoff

A #MyrtleThanks to local neighbor Ron Janoff for leading the Wallabout Walking Tours for the 2017 season! From May through October, Ron did an amazing job of leading groups of locals and visitors through Fort Greene Park and the historic Wallabout neighborhood, sharing the area’s fascinating history.

20/30: Mercy Home

A big #myrtlethanks to Mercy Home For Children for graciously hosting the Myrtle Avenue Senior Resource Fair at their beautiful space at Classon & Willougby, and for tirelessly working for kids in NYC every day.

21/30: Officer Eusebi

Today, #MyrtleThanks Detective Eusebi of Police Service Area 3. we know that community relations is your job – but you constantly go the extra mile, serve from the heart, and it’s noticed and much appreciated.

22/30: Farm Fresh Box Volunteers

The Myrtle Avenue Farm Fresh Box program – which provides low-cost shares of farm produce to local residents – cannot happen without the help of dedicated volunteers. #MyrtleThanks the crew of folks who come out to help twice a month. We look forward to seeing them again when the program starts back up after the winter break.

23/30: YOU!

Yes, you! We appreciate you and send a #MyrtleThanks today to our neighbors and partners who support our programs, follow-us on online, support local businesses, and are engaged in the neighborhood. Thank you for your support and have a happy Thanksgiving!

24/30: Corey McBeth of Emmanuel Baptist Church

#MyrtleThanks today to Corey McBeth, a quiet force at Emmanuel Baptist Church, for advancing our organizations’ mutual concern for local youth by leading programs that serve local kids and teens.

25/30: Local Small Business Owners

On Small Business Saturday, we send a big #MyrtleThanks to all of the local business owners who invest so much of their time and money in serving their customers in the neighborhood. Thank you for being on Myrtle Avenue!

26/30: Renee Robinson

Every year we are so impressed by our neighbor Renee Robinson’s enthusiasm for Small Business Saturday. This year was no exception. Today we send a #MyrtleThanks to Renee for volunteering this past Saturday at the #ShopMyrtle Station, spreading the word about the importance of supporting local businesses.

27/30: Myrtle Avenue’s Crossing Guards

In the morning and afternoons, the neighborhood is teeming with young students coming and going from school. Today we give a #MyrtleThanks to all the local crossing guards who keep our kids (and sometimes us adults!) safe every day. Pictured here is crossing guard Shirl at Myrtle and Clermont.

28/30: Terri Ball of Fort Greene SNAP

#MyrtleThanks Terri Ball of Fort Greene Snap for always spreading news about our food programs and other valuable local resources available in the neighborhood with neighbors in need.

29/30: Ramona Candy

Today, #MyrtleThanks local artist Ramona Candy for curating the Fort Greene & Clinton Hill Artwalk this past spring and for always working to elevate the arts in our community!

Myrtle Avenue Plaza Gets Some Green

The Myrtle Avenue Plaza continues to take shape, with the recent addition of hundreds of plants to its planters and tree beds. More than 30 trees – a mix of Honeylocust, Zelkova, and Pin Oak – were planted throughout the 25,000 sq ft space over the past month. Supplementing the trees are five varieties of shrubs like Ann Bidwell Summersweet and Virginia Sweetspire.

Other plantings include an assortment of ornamental grasses like Scottish Tufted Grass and Dwarf Fountain Grass. These thick grasses are starting relatively small but will fill out, developing into lush ground coverings as they mature. Also new in the plaza’s planters are a number of perennials that’ll bring pops of color come spring. Among these flowers are Black Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, and Sunny Border Blue Veronica.

The plants round out other new touches like a new art installation, bike racks, and additional seating. More features are still to come, including more lighting, moveable seats and tables, and community events in the spring.

You’re Invited: Myrtle Meeting & Mixer

The Myrtle Avenue Meeting & Mixer will take place on Monday, Dec. 4, 6-8pm
at The Candy Factory, 124 Washington Avenue. The event will also serve as the BID’s Annual Meeting.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

During the Annual Meeting portion of the evening from 6-7pm, BID Members will vote to elect or
re-elect representatives to the BID Board of Directors. Members will also review the BID’s
financial statements from FY16. Click below to review these meeting materials.

Annual Meeting Agenda

View the 2017 BID Annual Meeting Agenda.

Board of Directors Election Slate

View the 2017 Slate of Directors for the BID Board.

FY16 Financial Statements

Review the BID’s audited FY2016 financial statements.

2016 BID Annual Meeting Minutes

Review the meeting minutes from last year’s annual meeting.

4th Annual Fort Greene Park Tree Lighting

Join us, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and the Fort Greene Park Conservancy for the 4th Annual Community holiday tree lighting, sponsored by Apple Bank, at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park, Sunday, December 3, 4-5:30 pm. Stop by for free warm cocoa and cookies provided by local businesses, gather with your neighbors, listen to holiday music, and take a picture with Santa Claus!

Please bring new and unwrapped toys to support the community toy drive which is sponsored by Fort Greene SNAP and the Whitman Resident Association.

The event begins at 4pm.

Holiday Music by Manifest
Free Hot Cocoa & Cookies
hot chocolate by Castro’s Restaurant
cookies by Brooklyn Sweet Spot
cookies by Peck’s
Lighting the Tree happens at 5 pm.

Additional support for this event is provided by NYC Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo.

Your Thanksgiving Meal: Dining-in or Carrying-out?

Let’s be honest, making a traditional Thanksgiving meal at home can be stressful. This year, skip the stress and enjoy all the turkey and trimmings you want, courtesy of your favorite Myrtle Avenue restaurants and shops. Scroll below to find out where you can dine out on Thanksgiving or order a prepared feast for the big day.

1. Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

Putnam’s will be open on Thanksgiving day serving up a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Their roasted turkey, with all the sides and fixings you could hope for, are accompanied by holiday desserts. Plus, their full bar will be open and regular menu will be available. What could be better? Call the restaurant to make a reservation.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 799-2382

2. Peck’s

Another new Thanksgiving tradition in the neighborhood is Peck’s wide menu of prepared foods for the big feast. Their full menu is available here and includes turkey (obviously), sides, pies, and appetizers. Added bonus: the shop will be open on Thanksgiving day for pick-up of the freshest foods that morning.

Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue, (347) 689-4969

3. Gentleman Farmer Fort Greene

Similar to last year, this local French restaurant will serve up a Thanksgiving dinner that will have you asking for seconds, s’il vous plaît. Call the restaurant to make a reservation or to find out more about their Thanksgiving day menu.

Gentleman Farmer, 378 Myrtle Avenue, (929) 295-0784

4. Marius & Co.

Pies. What more do you need to know? This new-ish prepared foods shop in Fort Greene is now taking orders for delicious, homemade pumpkin and apple pies. Give the shop a call to place an order.

Marius & Co., 154 Carlton Ave, (929) 250-2137

#ShopMyrtle on Small Business Saturday

After waking up from a day full of turkey and pumpkin pie, many of us turn our focus to gift-buying. We believe the best time scavenge for the perfect find is on Small Business Saturday. And the best place to #ShopSmall on Saturday is, of course, Myrtle Avenue.

On Saturday, November 25, join us on Myrtle Avenue for a day that celebrates the local businesses that add so much value to our neighborhood. Find the #ShopMyrtle station at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Clinton Avenue on Nov. 25 from noon-3pm and enjoy these giveaways, raffles, and discounts:

1. #ShopMyrtle Sweepstakes

Bring a receipt from any purchase at a Myrtle Avenue* business to be entered for a chance to win a $250 Myrtle Avenue shopping spree! Receipts are eligible from Nov 18-Nov 25, and one receipt equals one entry, with no limit per person. You much submit your receipt at the #ShopMyrtle Station on Saturday, November 25th. *Myrtle Avenue businesses must be between Classon & Flatbush.

2. Access 1-day Only Discounts – VIEW HERE

Stop by the #ShopMyrtle Station to pick-up a list of specials and discounts at Myrtle Avenue businesses. But hurry, these promotions are only happening on Small Business Saturday!

3. Free #ShopSmall Giveaways

Pick-up a free tote bag and other goodies that showcase the Shop Small message and help spread the word all year-long that supporting local businesses matters!

New Art Piece Arrives in Myrtle Ave Plaza

‘I Ought To’ by Matthew Geller, a permanent public art piece, being installed in the Myrtle Avenue Plaza last week. Photo Credit: NYC Department of Design & Construction.

Attend an opening event for the new artwork on Nov. 4, 1-3pm at the artwork site in the Myrtle Avenue Plaza, near Myrtle Ave & Emerson Pl.

One of the newest public spaces in Clinton Hill continues to take shape, with new amenities and design elements being added throughout the fall. New this week is a permanent public art installation that’ll bring a fun design piece as well as shaded seating to the plaza. I Ought To, an original design by artist Matthew Geller, features a round canopy inset with colorful cast glass that hovers, which rests above three round seats. Made of corten steel, the entire piece stands nine feet tall and measures 14 feet wide. The custom cast glass bulbs bring pops of color to the steel structure and cast color shadows, like stained glass, onto the sidewalk below.

Installation of the piece began last week and is expected to be completed by the end of October. The NYC Department of Design and Construction – the agency managing the construction of the plaza – also notes that the hundreds of trees and plants slated for the plaza will be arriving this week as well.

To learn more about the Myrtle Avenue Plaza, click here.

Now Open: Marius & Co.

Fort Greene gained another delicious food spot this week with the opening of a new prepared food shop just off of Myrtle Avenue near Fort Greene Park. The team behind Marius & Co. celebrated a ribbon cutting this Friday at 154 Carlton, between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues.

The shop, which ran a soft-opening over the past week, will specialize in delicious and affordable prepared foods. From comfort classics like mac and cheese and chicken tenders to salads and rice dishes that showcase the head chef’s New Zealand roots. The shop’s specialty is the use of Captain Smolder’s New Zealand-style smoked salmon, which is packed with flavor. Continue to stop back over the coming weeks as new products and menu items are added, including morning coffee service.

The shop’s trio of owners includes head chef James, along with husband-and-wife duo Mitro and Kimberly. And it is Mitro’s father who provides the inspiration for the shop’s name. His father, Marius, immigrated to the U.S. from Greece in the 1960s, settling in Fort Greene, where he raised his family. It only seemed natural for Mitro to open his business here in his home-neighborhood and to choose his father – a local resident of 50 years – as the shop’s namesake.

Marius & Co., 154 Carlton Ave, (929) 250-2137

Coming Soon to Myrtle Avenue

The number of new restaurants and services have opened recently on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, but even more are on the way. Currently, eight new businesses are preparing to open soon on the commercial strip in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. Below are highlights of some of the new shops and eateries.

The Commissary Kitchen
531 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Steuben
Opening soon at the corner of Myrtle and Steuben, The Commissary Kitchen will be a sit-down restaurant serving up a delicious menu of Greek cuisine.

Miss Noodle House
531 Myrtle Avenue, between Steuben & Grand
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.

Pratt Gourmet Deli
551 Myrtle Avenue, corner of Emerson Pl
Currently undergoing a complete renovation, this new deli and grocer will open at the corner of Myrtle & Emerson in Clinton Hill, across from the Pratt Film building. The family-owned convenience shop will have a focus on quick and delicious sandwiches from the deli counter.

SL Tax Center
81 Fleet Place, at the corner of Myrtle
Serving NYC for almost 50 years, SL Tax Center’s expands their presence in Brooklyn with the opening of their fifth location on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene. Tax prep, bookkeeping, and payroll are just a few of the accounting services provided by the team at SL.

Papa’s Brick Oven Pizza
576 Myrtle Avenue, between Emerson & Classon
This new brick oven pizza spot will offer a cozy dining space – including prime backyard seating – for the Clinton Hill / Bed Stuy crowd when it opens on Myrtle Avenue near Classon later this year.

Local’s
332 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park & Carlton
Found at 332 Myrtle Avenue, just steps from Fort Greene Park, Locals will be a go-to spot for morning coffee and pastries, grab-and-go lunch options, fine prepared foods, and most importantly – their butcher counter! They are planning an opening in late 2017, so stay tuned for more details!

New Businesses Open on Myrtle Avenue

Fort Greene and Clinton Hill’s commercial strip along Myrtle Avenue continues to grow. Two new businesses have opened on the local retail corridor this September, bringing additional services to the neighborhood.

EUROPEAN WAX CENTER

Now open at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Steuben Street in Clinton Hill is European Wax Center. With locations across the U.S., the waxing salon has become a go-to spot for many women and men in need of some… um…grooming.
European Wax Center, 531 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 530-0307

PAGING WIRELESS

Verified as a Verizon premium retailer and authorized dealer, the locally-owned Paging Zone offers a convenient location in Fort Greene for Verizon wireless customers. Now open on Myrtle Avenue, between Adelphi and Clermont Avenues, Paging Zone is fully stocked with phones, accessories, and can provide a full range of services for members of the Verizon network.
Paging Wireless, 364 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 227-7742.

MORE RECENT OPENINGS

Earlier this summer, a handful of other businesses opened their doors on Myrtle Avenue, including Pipsqueak Children’s Shoppe, Hudson Jane, Wine Legend, and more. CLICK HERE to read more.

#Facts: Learn Local History from Myrtle’s Trees

The abundance of street trees is one of Myrtle Avenue’s great assets. They don’t just provide shade, they reduce rainwater runoff and absorb greenhouse gasses and other pollutants. To ensure our nearly 300 street trees continue to flourish, we developed a program to outfit many of them with custom designed tree guards and benches.

This program, which launched in 2011 as a partnership with the Pratt Institute’s Design Incubator, has grown to include nearly 100 tree guards and benches on Myrtle Avenue. Each features artwork by local artists, designers, or K-12 students, reflecting Fort Greene and Clinton Hill’s creative spirit.

New decals have gone up on each of the avenue’s tree guards, sharing fun facts with passersby. Some offer insight into Myrtle Avenue’s historical landmarks, others call out the famous writers, athletes, and musicians that have lived here, while others provide facts about the diverse species of trees.

Click below to view some of the new tree guard decals:

First Look: Wine Legend

Wine Legend, a new wine retailer, restaurant and bar has opened its doors in the business improvement district. Carrying an innovative selection of wines and spirits, the double duty store serves customers as two establishments with a retail store and bar on the same premises. Wine Legend takes up a glass enclosed corner space, on the street level of The Giovanni, the new high-rise luxury residential building near Myrtle Avenue and Fleet Place.

Bar and Restaurant Interior

Bar and Restaurant Interior

Retail store interior

Retail store interior

It’s always exciting to welcome a new merchant to Myrtle Avenue. Wine Legend looks like the perfect place to catch up with friends over a unique wine or other beverage or to grab a bottle on your way home. We’re not alone in our excitement about this modern addition to the avenue’s dining scene. A recent spotlight in Gothamist points out that the bar also boasts a few varieties of notable bourbon whiskey.

Wine Legend’s retail store is opened Monday-Sundays, from 11 am – 10 pm. Their bar will be open Monday – Sunday from 11am – 6pm for lunch and happy hour and 6pm until 10pm for
dinner service. Bar will be opened until midnight.

Visit the store online at www.winelegend.com/ny

Wine Legend
166 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.winelegend.com/ny

Recent Openings on Myrtle Avenue

In July and August, Myrtle Avenue has seen a number of new shops and restaurants open their doors in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. Below is a round-up of some of the new neighborhood spots.

Wine Legend shop also includes a full wine bar, with an extensive drinks and food menu. Image Credit: Clay Williams.

WINE LEGEND
Offering a full wine shop and bar, Wine Legend opened last month at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Fleet Place. This is the company’s fifth store in the NY Metro area, and its first in Brooklyn. Their write-up in the New York Times explains how the shop and bar combo is quite innovative for New York City.

The new GB Crown Tavern on Myrtle Avenue. Image Source: Yelp.com.

GB CROWN TAVERN
Serving up American and Latin fare, the new GB Crown Tavern offers a new dining option to Myrtle Avenue restaurant scene. Top pick here is the weekday happy hour – available until 7pm – available from the restaurant’s full bar.

DÉPANNEUR
This popular shop and cafe in Williamsburg has opened a second location on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill at 519 Myrtle Avenue. Depanneur, or Dep, which is a common name for convenience stores in Quebec, is a go-to spot from morning til night for coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, or items for your pantry and home.

The signature Double Brown sandwich from Hudson Jane.

HUDSON JANE
Moving into their second month in Fort Greene, Hudson Jane is a new “all day cafe” at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Adelphi Street. Already proving popular are the cafe’s morning coffee and pastries, takeaway lunch options, and weekend brunch. Stay tuned in the coming months as the cafe and wine bar continues to expand its offerings.

PIPSQUEAK
This popular Bed-Stuy children’s store had their official opening in July for their new location at 469 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill. The shop has a full selection of children’s apparel, toys, home goods, plus children’s haircuts.

Hungry for more? Click here to read about businesses who are planning to open soon.

Local Students Work and Learn in Tech

Congratulations to the 2017 cohort of teens who participated in the Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership this summer. This is the eleventh year of the YEMP program and the first year of partnering with Pratt to bring a more STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math ) exposure to the program.

Sixteen local high school students completed the program which took place over the course of 6 weeks and included 20 hours in the classroom and 100 work hours.

This year’s hands-on project for the students in the classroom was a collaboration with 3D Brooklyn. With their help, students learned about 3D printing and AutoCad design. Both skills were utilized by the students when they worked in teams to design and create an everyday product. The creative outcomes included fidget spinners, taco holders, jewelry pendants and personalized cell phone cases. The students also took a trip to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to visit local manufacturers such as Situ Fabricators and were visited by a host of speakers, including Sue Rock, Electra Jarvis and Keith Kirkland. For the work experience, students worked primarily with Myrtle Avenue small businesses but a few were placed with a few of the Pratt Center’s Made in NYC local manufacturing businesses as well.

Last week, the students presented the final products at Pratt Institute to their peers, parents, program partners and other guests.

2017 YEMP Students:

Anoor Ajala, Brianna-Monet Locklear, Corinne Court, Diyanna Hill, Dylan Gongora, Jonah Fields, Jontae Martin, Kaylynn Denis, Kennedi Watson, Laura Williams, Maya Simeon, Melissa Munoz-Bohorquez, Mikyle Dixon, Nyasia Dieudonne, Quianna Minnot, and Sarah Gbobo.

Local Business Partners:

Program Partners:

Pratt Center for Community Development
Pratt Institute Center for Art, Design, and Community Engagement K-12
Teens That Mean Business at Emmanuel Baptist Church

Support for the Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) comes from Brooklyn Community Foundation, Con Edison, and Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, and Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program Kicks Off For 2017

Summer employment program returns with new community partners.

YEMP Focus Group at Pratt Center

Now in its 11th year, the Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) reaches new heights with an exciting partnership with the Pratt Center. Through this partnership, local high school students are taking part in a pre-college design workshop that introduces the group to the design process and 3D printing! Aptly named Design Process: From Sketch to Prototype, the class will challenge students to investigate a design problem and use opensource 3D drawing software and 3D printing to take their ideas from sketch to a printed 3D model.

YEMP History

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. Applicants from zip code 11205, the Ingersoll Houses, or the Whitman Houses receive priority.

This Year

Local businesses on Myrtle Avenue are joining the cause as well. Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, CVS, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Fort Greene SNAP, Gnarly Vines, Green in BKLYN, NYC Pets, and Sandbox and others have offered these rising entrepreneurs an inside look into what it takes to run a business.

The 6-week program runs from July 10 – August 18. Be sure to sign up for our email list and give us a like on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to follow the incredible journey of our community’s youth and more.

Support for YEMP comes from Brooklyn Community Foundation, Con Edison, and Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation, and Emmanuel Baptist Church.

“Hate Has No Business Here” Resounds Across NYC

Community members come together to counter messages of hate and intolerance.

Image by News 12 Anchor @katievasqueztv

From Flatbush to Flushing the message that hate has no business in our communities, especially as it pertains to our small business communities is spreading. We will be forever inspired by the dozens of NYC merchants proudly making this simple gesture of acceptance and unity. Just take a look at the hashtag, “nohatehere,” trending on Instagram.

Press about the “Hate Has No Business Here” campaign.

Brooklyn Shops Campaign for Unity and Peace, News 12 with Katie Vasquez

New York Today, June 30, The New York Times

Small Businesses Across NYC Have Launched a New Campaign to Promote Inclusiveness, Time Out New York

Jackson Heights Businesses Have a Message for Customers: All are Welcome

Myrtle Avenue BID’s anti-hate campaign goes citywide, Brooklyn Downtown Star

MARP Launches Citywide “Hate Has No Business Here” Campaign, BK Reader

Hate Has No Business Here Canvases Jerome-Gun Hill BID

‘Hate has No Business Here’ campaign comes to Queens

Trumping hate: Myrtle Ave. shopkeepers promote inclusivity with new campaign, Brooklyn Paper

Thank you to the wonderful community of Business Improvement Districts that have united with us to spread this message, and thank you to the powerful local merchants who bravely stand beside us and say…

Hate Has No Business Here—not in this country, not in this city, not in our businesses and not in our hearts. So this Independence Day, we’re standing together, for each other. Because love is the most patriotic thing we can do.

Find out more about this powerful message at www.hatehasnobusinesshere.com

Myrtle Avenue Merchants Unite Against Hate

“Hate Has No Business Here” campaign launches in 21 NYC business improvement districts

This new campaign will rollout at 21 business improvement districts across the city this week. With this simple message, the campaign aims to inspire a conversation to combat narratives that purport racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and misogyny, especially as they impact our city’s small business community.

The idea for a cohesive campaign originated with Amanda Neville, Myrtle Avenue business owner at TIPSY. “One of the business owners along Myrtle Avenue was targeted with hateful comments via social media immediately after the election,” explains Neville. “Many of us along Myrtle Avenue were trying to speak out against divisiveness and hate. I thought it would be powerful to come together with one message, one visual to signal that we stand together, for each other.”

“Our city’s small business community is incredibly diverse. We are not only embracing that diversity through this campaign, we are rejecting rhetoric that challenges how valuable it is,” says Meredith Phillips Almeida, Executive Director, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. “We timed the campaign to coincide with Independence Day because we believe that one of the most patriotic things you can do is love your neighbors.”

The group is also providing free digital logos and flyers to others who want to join their movement.

For the free downloads and a full list of participating BIDs, go to

hatehasnobusinesshere.com

Three Anticipated Openings on Myrtle Avenue

We’re teeming with excitement for the opening of three, much-anticipated businesses on Myrtle Avenue: Pipsqueak Children’s Shoppe, Dépanneur and Hudson Jane.

The family owners behind Pipsqueak opened their first location in Bed-Stuy after experiencing first hand just how hard it was to find a local gift for their one-year-old cousin. Their second location, right here on Myrtle Avenue, will offer up quality products for newborn babies and 1 to 8-year-olds.

Pipsqueak Children’s Shoppe
469 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

To find out more about Pipsqueak Children’s Shoppe visit their website at www.pipsqueakshoppe.com and their regularly updated Instagram and Facebook.

Dépanneur, essentially the French Canadian word for Bodega, also selected Myrtle Avenue for its second location. This not-so-average corner store will become an excellent stop for quick but crafted sandwiches (just look at their Instagram), quality coffee and other pantry staples.

You won’t have to wait long. Dépanneur opens Saturday, July 1st.

Dépanneur
519 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

To find out more about Dépanneur visit their website at www.depanneur.com and their regularly updated Instagram and Facebook and Twitter.

Meg and Jen, the principle duo behind Hudson Jane, have been hard at work renovating the space at 360 Myrtle Avenue. Although we don’t have an official opening date, we’re expecting to see the wine flowing by early July. The general theme is an all day cafe and wine bar, but we’re intrigued by the super club membership option, which includes a once a month weekend dinner for members only.

Hudson Jane
360 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

Read more about Hudson Jane on their website, www.hudsonjane.com, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Fun, Fit and Free on Myrtle Avenue

Myrtle Avenue has a number of gym-free and cost-free opportunities for community members of all ages to stretch, ride and thrive. Take advantage of this great city with these neighborhood offerings.

Free Community Bike Rides

Join Shaquana and our Healthy Communities program team for a spin around the neighborhood. No bike? No problem. You can borrow a FREE Citi Bike (ages 16+). The group meets every 2nd Saturday of the month. Beginners welcome!

Find the next community ride here.

Free, Donation, and Sliding Scale Yoga at Sacred

Sacred is one of Brooklyn’s best yoga studios and we’re so happy to have their second location right here on Myrtle Avenue. Every Saturday Sacred hosts free and donation based community classes. This is a great way to try out the studio and meet new friends. Mat & towel rentals by suggested donation of $2/Mat and $1/Towel. Filtered water is provided, however, be sure to bring your own water bottle.

Follow Sacred’s Fort Greene updates here.

Free Yoga at the Fort Greene Park Monument

Free Yoga overlooking the Manhattan skyline? Yes please! This annual fitness series is the perfect way to shake off the stresses of your workweek. Be sure to bring your own yoga mat. The group meets near the Fort Greene Park monument which is a paved area of the park.

Free RSVP here to join the next class.

Free “Shape Up NYC” Zumba Class

Get moving with our own Healthy Communities Assistant, Simone Colbert. Each Monday 5:30-6:60 p.m. Simone teaches a free Zumba class at the Cumberland Diagnostic Treatment Center. The class meets in the 4th Floor Auditorium. You do not need to be a member to join the session.

Discover more Shape Up NYC Fitness classes here.

Free Walking Tours

Join these free guided walking tours to learn about the fascinating history of Fort Greene Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Two distinct tour groups meeting on select Saturdays now until this fall.

Free RSVP for the Historic Wallabout Walking Tour Here.
Free RSVP for the Walt Whitman Walking Tour of Fort Greene Park Here.

With all of these great events happening right here in the neighborhood, you have every excuse to go out and enjoy the fair weather. Stay up to date with more happenings on Myrtle Avenue by following us at Facebook.com/MyrtleAveBrooklyn.

Now Open: 569 Juice Box

A fitting name for this adorable sidewalk store front scrunched between the Citgo gas station of Classon and and Shic by Soketah on Myrtle, 569 Juice Box has charm, Brooklyn authenticity, and best of all, fresh bubble tea and delicious smoothies.

Open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sundays, this brand new juice stop arrived just in time for another hot summer on Myrtle Avenue. Be sure to drop in and give it a try!

American / Comfort Food

Art, Framing & Galleries

Automotive Services & Gas Stations

Bakery & Sweets

Banks & Financial Services

Bars & Pubs

Beauty Salons, Barber Shops & Spas

Clothing & Accessories

Coffee Shops & Cafés

Community Services

Computer & Communications

Delis & Small Grocers

Discount Stores

Dry Cleaners & Laundromats

Medical Services & Pharmacies

Tobacco and Vape shops

Wine & Spirits

Myrtle Avenue Wins Innovation Grant

We're thrilled to announce that Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is among the five recipients of the "Neighborhood Challenge" competitive grant administrated by NYC Small Business Services (SBS). This new funding will support a partnership that aims to help low income residents of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill identify federal, state, and local benefits available to them. In a joint proposal with the Brooklyn-based financial literacy technology platform, Benefit Kitchen, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership outlined the steps needed to create a Myrtle Avenue-branded outreach app that will screen eligibility for 18 government benefits along with local promotions. Myrtle Avenue’s proposal was selected from a pool of 12 finalists from all five boroughs after making a 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges that included by representatives from Robin Hood, AOL, and City agencies. "This technology will help families struggling to meet their needs locally, by connecting them to benefits they already qualify for." Added Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Executive Director, Meredith Phillips Almeida. "There's even a robust local component that will connect community members to benefits offered by Myrtle Avenue merchants, and many of our programs like the Fresh Pantry and Farm Fresh Box." By increasing access to benefit programs, this application has the potential to increase the amount of disposable income for cash-strapped households. Additional competition winners include the Chinatown Partnership; Downtown Brooklyn Partnership in partnership with the DUMBO Improvement District; Long Island City Partnership; and the Rockaway Business Alliance. For more information about the Neighborhood Challenge program, competition winners and additional finalists visit the NYC SBS announcement here.

Now Open: Perfect Look Salon

Perfect Look Salon owner, Shehnez.

A new salon has opened in Clinton Hill, offering a unique menu of new services not yet seen in neighborhood. The new Perfect Look Salon offers Traditional services like waxing and facials are complimented by eyebrow threading and henna. The new salon opened this week at 146 Waverly Avenue, just off of Myrtle Avenue next to Spice & Grill restaurant. In addition to standard pricing, three-month Membership Packages are also available for those looking to save on frequent visits. Their full slate of services is available to view below. Salon owner, Shehnez, is looking forward to welcoming new clients to the salon, which accepts both appointments and walk-ins. Perfect Look Salon, 146 Waverly Avenue, (347) 689-9865.

Construction Projects Continue on Myrtle Avenue

Like much of Brooklyn, Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is seeing many new buildings under construction. With almost a dozen construction projects underway or planned, it's easy to loose track of what is being built where. To help keep it all straight, we've put together a recap of all the local projects.

Along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, there are 11 new construction projects currently under construction or planned. Combined, these projects will add 978 new housing units and 52,000 square feet of new ground-floor commercial space.

402 Myrtle Avenue

The site of a Chase Bank, at the corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt Avenues, will see a four-story addition added above the branch. Plans filed in May 2017 call for 10 new housing units to sit above the bank, which plans to remain open during and after construction.

The project is designed by Isaac Stern Architects.

137 Carlton Avenue

Located just off of Myrtle Avenue, 137 Carlton Avenue currently houses a one-story building that was recently home to the deli Carlton Grocery. Plans filed in May 2017, still pending approval, call for a new five-story building, with six residential units.

The project is designed by Murat Mutlu Architect. A rendering of the new building has not yet been released.

341 Myrtle Avenue

Located between Carlton Avenue and Adelphi Street, 341 Myrtle Avenue is the long-time home of Worldwide Discount Store. The three-story building currently has two vacant floors above the discount store. New plans filed in April 2017 call for the demolition of the existing structure, with a new six-story building rising in its place. A 2,200 square foot commercial space would remain on the ground floor, with new eight housing units slated for above.

Plans submitted to the Department of Buildings are still pending approval.

504 Myrtle Avenue

Former site of the Pratt Station Post Office, between Grand Avenue and Ryerson Street, this new eight-story building will have 141 apartments and 20,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. 28 apartments are slated to be filled through an affordable housing lottery, which took place earlier in 2017.

The project is being developed by Madison Capital Realty and was designed by HTO Architects.

501 Myrtle Avenue

In November 2014, the owners of Sapolo restaurant filed plans to construction a new six-story building. The plans call for a 1,700 square foot commercial space on the ground floor, with ten units of housing above.

Sapolo Restaurant has closed to prepare for construction, with no plans announced as to whether or not the restaurant may return.

86 Fleet Place

The fourth and final Myrtle Avenue development by John Catsimatidis' Red Apple Group will be a 32-story tower. The building will include 440 apartments, with 10,813 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Up to four storefronts are currently available to lease through Winick Retail Specialists.

The building was designed by Goldstein, Hill & West Architects.

134 Vanderbilt Avenue

The former Gulf Gas Station at the corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt Avenues, which closed in 2014, is slated to see a new eight story building. Plans call for 46 apartments and 8,050 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor.

Though new building permits were issued in June 2015, construction work has not yet begun.

The property is being developed by All Year Management and was designed by ODA Architects.

Plaza Construction at Hall Street_April_ 2016 (6)

Myrtle Avenue Plaza

Final construction activities are underway to build the new Myrtle Avenue Plaza, which will span two blocks alongside Myrtle Avenue between Grand Avenue and Emerson Place. Click here to read more details about the new 25,000 SF pedestrian space. The opening of the completed plaza is expected for summer 2017.

531 Myrtle Avenue: Former site of White Castle, at the corner of Steuben Street.

COMPLETED PROJECT: 531 Myrtle Avenue

Former site of White Castle, at the corner of Steuben Street, this new five-story development has 6,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor with 27 apartments above. Two commercial tenants have been announced, including the European Wax Center and The Commissary Kitchen.

The project is being developed by Greystone Property Development and was designed by AB Architekten. Commercial space is currently available to lease through RKF.

525 Myrtle Avenue: Former site of Myrtle Car between Steuben and Grand Ave.

COMPLETED PROJECT: 525 Myrtle Avenue

Former site of Myrtle Car Service, between Grand Avenue and Steuben Street, now holds a seven-story building with 22 apartments on the upper floors and 2,650 square feet of commercial condo space available on the ground floor.

The project is being developed by FBS Realty and was designed by Gerald J. Caliendo.

491 Myrtle Avenue: Five story building planned, with commercial space on the ground floor and apartments above.

COMPLETED PROJECT: 491 Myrtle Avenue

This formerly vacant lot (which witnessed a building collapse in 2009), is home to a new five-story mixed-use building. The new building houses six new apartments and 1,220 square feet of commercial space, currently available to lease through Winick.

The project is being developed by MLR Holdings and was designed by Isaac Stern.

COMPLETED PROJECT: The Margo, 180 Myrtle Avenue

This fifteen-floor building holds 228 apartments on the upper-floors, with 10,603 square feet of commercial space and 500 square feet of community facility space on the ground floor. The building also houses a garage in the basement with 133 parking spaces. Up to ten groundfloor storefronts are currently available to lease, marketed by Winick Retail Specialists.

The property was ideveloped by Red Apple Development Group and was designed by Dattner Architects.

COMPLETED PROJECT: The Giovanni, 81 Fleet Place

This fifteen-floor building houses 205 apartments on the upper floors, with 11,773 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. The building also includes a 150-space commercial parking garage.

Up to five storefronts available to lease through Winick Retail Specialists. Three storefronts have already been leased to Wine Legend, a full-service wine shop, Gold Coast Bank (now open), and an independently-owned accountant.

The property was developed by Red Apple Development Group and was designed by Dattner Architects.

Room for Local Business Growth

The new buildings rising on Myrtle Avenue will bring many new storefronts and opportunities for the commercial district to serve the daily needs of local residents. In total, these 11 buildings will add up to 26 new storefronts, growing Myrtle Avenue’s commercial footprint by 13%.

“In conversations with property owners and brokers of these new spaces, we’ve advocated for businesses that are most in demand by local residents. Our recent consumer surveys and a district retail assessment found opportunity in sectors like specialty food shops (butchers and ice cream), family clothing, boutique retailers, and services like gyms and urgent care, so we’ve focused our business attraction efforts in these categories.”- Meredith Phillips Almeida, Executive Director, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Click here to view a list of available retail spaces or to view the current business attraction brochure, It’s On Myrtle Avenue.

Share Your Ideas: Events in the Myrtle Avenue Plaza

Soon the Myrtle Avenue Plaza will be a space for neighborhood residents to enjoy lunch, gather with friends and neighbors, or simply sit and what the world go by. It'll also be a space that'll play host to local events and fun programs. Have an idea of an event that you'd like to see take place in the new plaza? Submit your idea by clicking here.

The New York City Department of Design & Construction is currently wrapping up Myrtle Avenue Plaza final construction work, with an opening planned for summer 2017.