Brooklyn Sweet Spot’s Class Tour

Name: Wine Tasting at Tipsy
Start: 2026-06-26T18:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-26T20:00:00-04:00
Location: Tipsy

Myrtle Avenue’s Brooklyn Sweet Spot recently hosted a class of 30 students fourth graders from PS 157 on Kent Avenue. During the class tour, students spent a couple of hours learning about the confections business from the business owner, taking a tour around the business trying their hand at decorating cupcakes. A good time was had by all.

Kim, the owner, a former teacher, offers children’s cake decorating classes regularly throughout the year.

Stop in also to try some of Brooklyn Sweet Spot’s tasty confections and specials, including Tasty Twosdays — 2 cupcakes for the price of one!

Brooklyn Sweet Spot, 366 Myrtle Avenue, near the corner of Adelphi
(718) 522-2577.

Businesses Slated to Open on Myrtle Ave

Several new businesses are slated to open on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill. Below is a round-up of the five new businesses who have recently signed leases and plan an opening for later in 2016:

Kaufman Children’s Dental Home is set to open this summer at 549 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Emerson Place. The full-service pediatric dentist office offers full dental services for babies and children, as well as orthodontics. The practice, led by Dr. Elan Kaufman, has existing locations in Midwood and the East Village.

Wine Legend, a full-service wine and liquor store, is planning an opening in the recently completed commercial space at 81 Fleet Place, on the corner of Myrtle Avenue.

LaRina Pastificio & Vino will serve Italian fare from their storefront at 387 Myrtle Avenue, between Clermont & Vanderbilt. The owners of Clinton Hill’s popular Aita, at Grand & Waverly, are behind the new eatery. Follow LaRina on Facebook or Instagram to get updates about their opening later this summer.

A new restaurant and bar has recently signed a lease at 507 Myrtle Avenue, between Ryerson & Grand. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details!

A new Latin cuisine restaurant is slated to open at 413 Myrtle Avenue, between Vanderbilt & Clinton. A new storefront was recently installed as the eatery nears its planned opening in Summer 2016. A name for the new restaurant has not yet been announced.

Make Music on Myrtle Avenue 6/21

Are you ready to come out this summer and dance? We hope so! This summer Make Music New York will take place all day on Tuesday, June 21st. Over 1,000 MMNY concerts have taken place in each of the last six years.

Make Music New York is a live, free musical celebration across the city that takes place each June 21, the longest day of the year. On that day, hundreds of public spaces throughout the five boroughs including sidewalks, plazas, parks, street corners, gardens, and more become impromptu stages for over 1,000 free concerts.

A few live music concerts will take place on Myrtle Avenue. Come out and groove to the music and relax, eat, drink and enjoy. See the schedule of events below.

Soco, 509 Myrtle Ave, 5pm to 8pm
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Ave, 11am to 7pm
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Ave, 1pm to 8pm
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Ave, 12pm to 5pm

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2016

Father’s Day is about two weeks away and you will need a great gift to show dad how much he means to you! Think about buying local gifts for dad. Below are a few ideas for your family man.

Green in BKLYN carries a wonderful collection of eco-friendly cards and gifts for men. Find items like shaving brushes, after shave balm moisturizers and oil, and cool wallets made out of recycled materials. Artsy cards for dad are either made locally and/ or printed on recycled, tree-free, sustainable, archival, acid free or bio-degradeable paper.
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly Avenues

Grab an assortment of delicious beer from Peck’s. Peck’s offers 64 oz. growlers for $23 or you can fill your own growler ($18) with the rotating selection of Saisons, Belgium Witbier, IPA’s, Pilsners, Porters, and Sours. The shop carries 40 different options of local and imported beer & a great selection of cheese & hot sauces.
Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues (347) 689-4969

dc optics will be offering 20% off ALL sunglasses during Father’s Day weekend. Pick up a set of stylish eyewear from quality brands like Brooklyn Spectables, Modo, or Randolph. If you are looking for something made exactly for dad, have dc optics makes you custom eye wear.
dc optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt Avenues

Leisure Life NYC: what better place to pick up a dad’s day gift than at a self-described “haberdashery men’s club.” Stop in for a full range of Father’s Day gifts including men’s ties, sneakers, hats, stylish sweatsuits, and varsity jackets. Read more about Leisure Life NYC from the New York Times.
Leisure Life NYC, 559 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon

Jill Lindsey has a whole bunch to offer dad! From handmade Father’s Day cards, to men’s apothecary, and clothing. You can treat dad with gifts, a facial or reiki session in the wellness center. It’s also happy hour ALL DAY for all Dad’s on Father’s Day!
Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue, (347) 987-4538

Grab a great red or rose or a six pack to go on a picnic with family and friends! Or chosse a special sake or locally made whiskey from one of our wine boutiques.
Corkscrew Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street & Ryerson
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi

Tipsy, one of our neighborhood wine shops on the east end of the district is featuring the “Mine” Decanter Set paired with a bottle of Koval Single Barrel Bourbon. The glass says “Mine” and the decanter says “also mine”.
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Myrtle Avenue between Classon & Emerson

Mind & Body Treatments

Brownstone Spa declares that dads definitely need a little pampering too. And what better way than some massage table time.
Brownstone Spa, 473 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall (718) 398-1968

Get Your Groove on [HERE] FREE Music Every Thursday

Come join us for FREE Live Music Every Thursday in June at Get Your Groove on [HERE]. That is right, there will be FREE live music every Thursday all June at restaurants, cafes and bars located along Myrtle Avenue in the construction zone (between Washington & Classon).

All the attendees who tag us @MyrtleAveBklyn on Facebook & Instargram will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate to a Myrtle Avenue Business of their choice. The raffle will be announced on June 30th.

Get Your Groove on [HERE]
FREE live music nights on Myrtle Ave every Thursday in June

Closing Event
Thursday, June 30, 7-10pm
Wray’s Caribbean & Seafood Cuisine, 503 Myrtle Ave between Ryerson & Grand
featuring The Strobert Trio

past events:

June 23, 8-11pm
The Emerson, 561 Myrtle Ave between Steuben & Classon
featuring the Murder Ave Coalition

Thursday, June 16, 7-10pm
Los Pollitos III, 499 Myrtle Ave at corner of Ryerson
featuring the Benny Lopez Conjunto

Thursday, June 9, 7-10pm
SoCo, 509 Myrtle Ave
featuring the Raheim Walker Project

Thursday, June 2, 7-10pm
Pillow Cafe-Lounge, 505 Myrtle Ave
featuring DJ Rimarkable

Click HERE For more info on EAT DRINK SHOP [HERE], our campaign to help our businesses continue to thrive during construction of the Myrtle Avenue Plaza.

Updates on Public Space

There is a lot happening on Myrtle Avenue this spring; here is a look at a few projects that are under way:

Each year, and sometimes twice a year, we engage in planting annuals and perennials in the tree beds along the business corridor. This spring, with funds from the TD Bank Foundation, we were able to implement a program called TreEd on Myrtle; planting native plants in tree beds with the help of quite a few community partners including Benjamin Banneker High School.

If you noticed, our tree guards (and benches) are a lot different than those in other parts of the city; they were custom designed with your help, and celebrate local art history. This spring we are sprucing them up with a special coat of paint (see the image above) that will mitigate rusting over time. Last week we also made final orders towards the installment of sixteen new benches and tree guards along the north side of Myrtle between Hall and Emerson.

Over the years our benches, which have been a favorite among senior residents, have taken a bit of a beating over the years. We are wrapping up an order for new bench boards that are more durable, and look forward to them continuing to space for rest and relaxation on the avenue.

So, now that we have passed the official (unofficial) start of summer, and it’s safe to wear your white pants, please come out and enjoy your Fort Greene and Clinton Hill public spaces. And, while it is difficult to maneuver through the construction project taking place on the east end of the district at this time, please continue to support those businesses between Hall Street and Emerson Place. See you on the avenue!!!

Pratt Plans New Dorm on Emerson Place

Pratt Institute has filed plans for a new dormitory, to rise along Emerson Place between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. NYC Department of Building records indicate that a 10 story tower is planned for the site, which Pratt has owned since 2012.

The new dorm, which will reach 118 feet in height, will include 124 new dorm rooms for the art college. The building, which will have almost 57,000 square feet of floor space, will only cover 19% of the large building lot.

Cannon Design served as the architecture firm for the project.

The site has sat vacant since 2006, following the demolition of a processing facility from the 1930’s which belonged to the M.H. Renken Dairy company. A photo of the former building is included below. Several buildings from the Renken Dairy complex still remain and have been turned into retail spaces and apartments, including 580-584 Myrtle, which was recently designated a historic landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.

135 Emerson, seen in 2005, prior to the demolition of the M.H. Renken Dairy complex.

Key Food Supermarket Asks Neighbors’ Feedback

Dear Neighbor:

Would you be willing to take 8 minutes out of your schedule to answer a few questions on a survey for Key Food Supermarket located at 490 Myrtle Avenue?

The supermarket at this location has been owned by the same family for nearly 30 years. Recently reopened after a lengthy closure due to building redevelopment – they have now been in their renovated space for 6 months. What a perfect time to gather some neighborhood feedback.

As the owners have shared, “it’s great when we get great feedback, but it’s the more thoughtful and critical feedback that may provide us opportunities for growth.

On our part, we’ll gather responses and deliver them for Key Food’s review and consideration.

Thanks for taking time out of your schedules. Survey responses are due by end of the day, Friday, June 17^th.

Fort Greene Park to Receive $5M in Capital Funds

We are thrilled to announce that Fort Greene Park’s Myrtle Avenue edge was selected to receive up to $5 million for capital improvements through the NYC Parks Department Parks Without Borders initiative! Thank you to all of the community members who nominated it. The Park received the second most votes of any park in Brooklyn, just after Prospect Park, which was also selected for funding.

The announcement was made at PARKS WITHOUT BORDERS: IDEAS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF URBAN PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACE, a summit on the future of parks and urban spaces, brought together the leading minds in parks and public spaces from NYC and across the country, organized by NYC Parks Department.

Earlier this year, prior to this initiative, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership worked in partnership with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy to draw attention the capital improvements needed on the north side of the park, touring the site with Parks staff, assembling photos of areas in need of repair, and sharing specific concerns raised by community residents, especially seniors.

We look forward to working with the Park, the Conservancy, our elected officials, and local residents to shape the plans collaboratively.

Top: Commissioner Silver announces the selection of Fort Greene Park.
Photo Credit: Fort Greene Park Conservancy

Teen Summer Apprenticeships – NOW Accepting Applications

Teens, if you are looking to learn new skills, learn more about entrepreneurship, earn some funds for the new school year and meet new friends, consider applying for the 2016 summer apprentice program. The summer apprentice program is a joint program of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program [YEMP] and the Alice Mann Center of Emmanuel Baptist Church (Teens That Mean Business Program [TTMB]).

Students will work with a Myrtle Avenue small business or other Brooklyn businesses for 20 hours per week plus have classroom learning opportunities related to entrepreneurship for an additional 5 hours every week.

The program is open to rising high school sophomores thru seniors. Teens must reside or attend school locally.

Interested in applying? Want to know more? Please email business@myrtleavenue.org.

The deadline to apply to this year’s program is: Monday, June 20^th, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so the earlier one applies, the better.

Jamaica Grill Jerk Center Is Open for Business

Jamaica Grill Jerk Center is open at 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street. The business, which serves authentic Jamaican cuisine such as oxtails rice and peas, jerk chicken, escovich fish and curry chicken as well as the Chef Lancelot’s own much-raved about creations, is a hit. Definitely stop in for the delicious eats and drinks.

Big thanks to the Brooklyn Paper and News 12 Brooklyn for featuring Chef Lancelot of Jamaica Grill Jerk Center in their recent stories.

Jamaica Grill Jerk Center, 474 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall Street
(718) 272-6382.

EAT DRINK SHOP [HERE]

Bergen Bagels, 536 Myrtle Avenue

Every Tuesday is Tasty Tuesday on Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Classon! Many of the restaurants & bars in this area are offering food + drink deals and specials to those that come to support them during the construction of the Myrtle Avenue Plaza. Help us support the 60 businesses during this critical time when they are being impacted by the construction by the Department of Design & Construction. Click HERE to see all of the participating places.

Take out or eat in or by delivery. Thank you for your support!

Past photos featured on this post:

Cocktail, SoCo, 509 Myrtle Avenue (718) 783-1936
Mexican Corn, Los Pollitos, 499 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson (718) 636-6125
Guacamole & Chips, Pillow Cafe-Lounge, 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand (718) 246-2711
Tamales, Castro’s Restaurant, 511 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand (718) 398-1459
Coffee, Brewklyn Grind Coffee Roasters, 557 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben & Emerson

SONYA Art Walk 2016

40 local artists will open their studio doors and others will activate public spaces throughout Fort Greene, Clinton Hill & Bed Stuy at the 17th Annual SONYA Artwalk. The walk takes place on Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd from noon – 6pm, with opening events on Thursday, May 19th and Friday, May 20th.

Make sure to check out window paintings at four businesses between Grand and Classon at: Castro’s 511 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand
Pillow Cafe-Lounge 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand
New Grace Chinese
Tepango Taqueria

Artwalk Maps are currently available for pick up at the following locations:

HADAS Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue between Grand & Steuben
Corkscrew Brooklyn 489 Myrtle Avenue Hall Street & Ryerson
Green in BKLYN Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly
Owl & Pussycat, 154 Vanderbilt Avenue at Myrtle Avenue
Pillow Cafe-Lounge, 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand
TIPSY, 584 Myrtle Avenue at Classon Avenue
The ArtWalk app will also be live for the event or you can download it on itunes.

FORT GREEN & CLINTON HILL NEIGHBORHOOD HUBS:
Myrtle Avenue, Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue
Flushing Avenue: BLDG92, 63 Flushing Avenue

EVENTS

Thursday, May 19, 8pm
Artist Talk with Lucio Zago
Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue

Friday, May 20, 7pm
Opening Party
Cardiff Giant, 415 Myrtle Avenue

Saturday, May 21, 2-4pm
Make your own Dreamcatcher! Workshop
Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue

Saturday, May 21, 1-3pm
Weaving Together, All are welcome to bring materials to an outdoor weaving event with Weaving Hand. No experience necessary!
Bldg 92 Courtyard, 63 Flushing Avenue

Sunday, May 22 (Time TBA)
Live Painting
Bldg 92 Courtyard, 63 Flushing Avenue

Sunday, May 22, 1-3pm
Origami Crane Workshop
Hadas Gallery, 541 Myrtle Avenue

Saturday, May 21 & Sunday, May 22
Chalk Drawings along Myrtle Avenue

Dreamcatchers and Origami Cranes on display along Myrtle Avenue.

Da Ciro Grand Opening 5/18

Award-winning Chef Ciro Verdi will open his Da Ciro Brooklyn Trattoria E Pizzeria at 458-460 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Waverly on Wednesday, May 18. And it’s a grand affair with a ribbon cutting just a few minutes before 5pm which will usher in 10% dinner specials all night from 5pm to 10pm. Perfect time to come out and try the Neapolitan casseroles, ravioli ,or any of the pastas, focaccia, white truffles, tiramisu, gelato and other dishes by Verdi. The restaurant name ‘Da Ciro’ in Italian simply means ‘by Ciro.’

New York born and raised Chef Ciro Verdi (Astoria, Queens) has been trying to retire for the past several years, but his restaurant team and customers won’t let him. So after a 20-year successful stint in Manhattan, Chef Verdi’s open in Brooklyn. Have brick oven, will travel. Four things that flourish at Verdi’s restaurant: food, charm, comfort and spirit, will surely continue in Brooklyn.

A sampling of menu items include: Calamari alla griglia (grilled squid served over cucumbers, olives and red onions); mozzarella calda son pomodorini (warm mozzarella with grape tomatoes and basil); verdue al forno a legna (seasonal vegetables roasted in our wood-burning oven); pollo millanese pounded chicken cutlet breaded then topped with tri colore salad and goat cheese medallion.

Da Ciro restaurant and Chef Verdi have been featured numerous times on the Food Network’s Food Nation with Bobby Flay as well as highlighted in the book, 100 Years of Pizza .

“We have lots of classic dishes,” says Chef Verdi, and mostly we are known for putting a twist on the basics — and our basics are not at all ‘basic,'” heartily laughs Chef Ciro.

Da Ciro Ristorante, 458 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.

City Proposes Bike Lane for Clinton Avenue

Update: NYC DOT requested that the Community Board NOT vote on this proposal at this time so that they can conduct further outreach. We will keep you updated if additional opportunities to provide input on this plan are announced.

—————————————

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a proposal that would add a two-way protected lane to Clinton Avenue in Clinton Hill. The new bike lane would be accommodated by converting the currently two-way street into a one-way, single-lane street for drivers.

The proposal will be presented to the Community Board 2 Transportation Committee on Tuesday, May 17, 6:00pm at Brown Memorial Baptist Church, 484 Washington Avenue.

Below is a diagram of how the proposed changes would reshape the street, making room for a two-way bike lane, eliminating one travel lane, and retaining two lanes for street parking. The proposed changes would be implemented along Clinton Avenue between Flushing and Gates avenues.

Image Credit: NYC DOT.

The new protected two-way bike lane would run for 2.2 miles, connecting to existing bike lanes at Flushing and Vanderbilt avenues and providing an easy north-south bike route from Prospect Heights to the Brooklyn waterfront. The single driving lane would alter Clinton Avenue to operate as a one-way street for vehicular traffic, running northbound. Pedestrians would also see changes, including landscaped pedestrian islands at intersections, which would reduce the length of crosswalks. Parking lanes along both sides of the street would remain in place.

DOT’s current proposal does not include any changes to neighboring streets, such as Vanderbilt or Waverly avenues. DOT notes that these surrounding streets should be able to absorb any extra traffic that may be displaced from Clinton Avenue.

The proposal has only recently been announced by DOT and is currently being shaped by input from local residents. To share your thoughts on the proposal, you can speak with a DOT Street Ambassador at a number of upcoming events in the neighborhood (view a schedule here), or complete one their pedestrian or bike surveys.

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership has requested that DOT hold a community meeting to allow another forum for community members to provide feedback and input. A meeting has not yet been schedule, but please continue to check our events calendar or Facebook page for forthcoming information about that event.

View the full proposal details on DOT’s Clinton Avenue Enhancements webpage.

Take a Myrtle Avenue “Hard Hat” Tour

Take a guided “hard hat*” tour along Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill on Saturday, May 21. Hear about the area’s evolution beginning 175 years ago, ending with present day and construction to the future Myrtle Avenue Plaza. Attendees will get insider knowledge about four new construction projects underway, and learn about some of the history (with photos!) of this rapidly transforming area along Myrtle Avenue between Classon Avenue and Hall Street.

The tour will begin at 11am on Saturday, May 21st, at Brewklyn Grind (557 Myrtle Avenue) and last 90 minutes. Registration is required and capacity is limited. Reserve your spot by clicking here.

*Note: Actual safety gear is not required for this tour. The tour won’t enter active construction sites and will remain on Myrtle Avenue. Attendees will receive a fun “Myrtle Avenue Hard Hat.”

Bike Registration Event on Myrtle & Vanderbilt, 5/16

Join the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and our local NYPD 88th precinct for a free bike registration event, Monday, 5/16 from 7am to 9am. We’ll be near the corner, just near the bike lane. Register your bike + stop by for morning coffee and pastries.

Register your bicycle with the NYPD at this free event on Myrtle Avenue sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and the 88th Precinct. Bikes registered with the department are easier to recover if stolen, according to the 88th precinct.

Where: Near SE corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt (just near the bike lane)

When: 7am to 9am

EAT DRINK GROOVE [HERE] Thursdays in June

SAVE-THE-DATE for our FREE Music Series coming in June to Myrtle Avenue! That’s right FREE live music at restaurants, bars & cafes on Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Classon Avenues on five (5) Thursdays in June: June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23, and June 30. Mark it on your calendar.

FREE music events will be taking place at the following businesses:
Emerson Bar
Los Pollitos
Pillow Cafe-Lounge
SoCo
Wray’s

More details on bands and musicians coming soon!

Pillow Cafe’s Popular Veggie Burger

The veggie sandwich at Pillow Cafe is sublime. Spinach-based burger served on multi-grain bread with cheese, avocado, onions, mayo, mustard, roasted red peppers and mixed greens. You can also order it on a wrap. Stop in and try it BUT do it early because they sometimes run out of this delicious menu item!

Pillow Cafe-Lounge, 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson &Grand
(718) 246-2711

Details Announced for Senior Housing at Ingersoll Houses

Source: The New York Times

The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) has announced details for a new affordable senior housing building to rise within the Ingersoll Houses in Fort Greene. Real estate development firm BFC Partners has been selected to build a 16-story building at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and St. Edwards Street. The residential building will offer 145 apartments to low-income seniors.

According to NYCHA, residents of the new building must be at least 62 years of age and earn 60% or less of the area median income. The new development, titled Ingersoll Senior, will also house a senior center which will provide cultural, health and social services for community residents.

The site of new affordable senior housing at Ingersoll Houses. Image Source: The New York Times.

The building’s footprint will sit within an area that is currently an open grassy area, abutting St. Edwards church.

The development at Ingersoll Houses is one of three buildings being developed on NYCHA property, which will provide 489 new units of new affordable housing.

More details about these developments can be found in The New York Times.

Myrtle Avenue Plaza Look Ahead – May 2, 2016

A “Look Ahead” at Myrtle Avenue Plaza Construction work this week (5/2/16- 5/6/16)*

Construction Work Hours: Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm

Myrtle Avenue from Emerson Place to Hall Street on the south side:
Saw cutting/ Excavation/ Pouring of concrete for curbs

Myrtle Avenue between Emerson Place and Hall Street, Mondays – Fridays 6am – 6pm until further notice:
• No Parking In Effect
• Work Operations including construction of Plaza, etc.

The traffic detour remains in effect from Myrtle Avenue from Washington Avenue to Emerson.

NYC Transit B54 Bus detour (eastbound only) remains in effect:
• Right on Washington Avenue
• Left on Willoughby Avenue
• Left on Classon Avenue
• Right on Myrtle Avenue and back on regular route

*This information was provided by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, who is managing the project. Questions about construction activities should be directed to Chris Fields, DDC Community Construction Liaison at (718) 857-3283 or myrtleplazaccl@gmail.com.

TreED on Myrtle

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is transforming street tree beds in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill into informal laboratories through its new initiative, TreED on Myrtle (Tree Education on Myrtle). The Partnership has played a key role in street beautification and economic development initiatives on Myrtle Avenue since its inception in 1999. This spring the organization is forging relationships with the Urban Soil Institute at Brooklyn College, Greenbelt Native Plant Center and engaging with a cohort of young environmentalists from Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development High School. Together they are working to significantly improve soil structure in Myrtle Avenue street tree beds through planting a beautiful array of native plant species, with funds from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank. The goal is to create a thriving ecological micro-environment in tree beds that improves long term health of street trees in the district and creates street tree stewards in the process.

Myrtle Avenue’s annual tree bed planting program will convert 40+ tree beds into sidewalk gardens filled with annuals and perennials, planted to match the soil conditions within which they will thrive; the first of three planting days will be Wednesday, May 11^th, 2016. There are many challenges in planting in street tree beds as soil conditions are heavily impacted by a hostile environment that sometimes proves prohibitive: car pollution, dogs and people all pose potential threats to the survivability of the plants that they invest in each year.

Over four sessions, beginning on April 13^th and ending on May 11^th, Banneker students will learn about the conditions of the soil in street tree beds and collect soil samples, conduct soil tests together with the staff at the Urban Soil Institute at Brooklyn College, learn about those native plants suitable for the microclimates and soil conditions created in street tree beds with the staff of the Greenbelt Native Plant Center and join volunteers for a Spring planting day.

TreEd is made possible with funds from the TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank^®.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Looking for a great gift for Mother’s Day? Look no further. Find flowers, plants, cards, and unique gifts & experiences here on Myrtle Avenue. Check out our gift guide below.

FLOWERS
Swing by Bella Rosa Flowers and find unique plants including succulents, mini cacti, snake plants, orchids, roses, & other flower arrangements. Smaller blooming plants start as low as $6 , orchids start at $35. There is a range of prices for lilies, long-stemmed, short-stemmed roses, tulips & more. Bella Rosa Flowers, 566 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben & Classon, (347) 763-6006

CARDS, GIFTS & CLOTHING

Jill Lindsey hybrid fashion house has made their own gift guide with terrariums by Embark Garden starting at $38, Bathe & Meditate Kits by @InCausa, Handmade Jewelry by Saint Clair Jewel, cards by Hammer Press & gift certificates for Mom Facials from JL Wellness. To schedule an appointment call (347) 987-4538 or shop online.
Jill Lindsey , 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont, (347) 987-4538

Find everything from truffles, toffee, and locally made chocolate to Baggu hangbags & wallets at Fort Greene’s eco-friendly Green in Bklyn. Mothers will smile with any card from the selection, the assortment is clever, artsy & endearing. You can find the perfect gift for any mom here in Clinton Hill’s one-stop for eco-friendly living.
Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly, (718) 855-4383

21 Tara’s international selection of jewelry, clothing and home gifts are perfect for any mom. The prices in this quaint shop are affordable and they have a unique selection of dresses and shirts with a variety of styles & sizes. Find a stunning array of home items like the ornate Kantha blankets and throws, pillows & carpets. Scarves and smaller items also sell for for a fraction of the cost. 21 Tara 388 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont & Vanderbilt, (347) 916-0045

If you are looking for items for a fashion-centric mom, Barking Brown has a stylish variety of dresses and fine clothing and accessory items. Find everything from earrings, bracelets, scarves and more. Barking Brown 468 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall Street, (718) 638-3757

Shalena‘s Jewelry, an intimate storefront that has been on Myrtle Avenue close to a decade is a great stop for $10 & under gifts. Find wooden bracelets from $4-8 and earrings of all kinds for $4.50 & up. Shalena‘s also has mini perfumes for under $5.
Shalena’s, 384 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont

Owa’s Afrikan Market has so many beautiful vibrant colors throughout the store, so much for the eye so behold — from bolts of waxed traditional African textiles to its wide selection of hand beaded earrings and bracelets. Stopping in is a must because there is so much more. Prices range from $4 to $15 and up for handcarved masks and other items.

Owa’s Afrikan Market, 434 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Waverly. (718) 643-8487

GIFT BOX IDEAS
Check out our local wine shops & specialty food shops for items to make your gift basket with dessert wines, gourmet sweets, sake, books & more.
Corkscrew Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue, between Hall & Ryerson
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Carlton
Pecks, 455 A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenue
TIPSY, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Classon & Steuben

Bike the Branches

Enjoy the Bklyn Public Library’s annual Bike the Branches with a FREE Citibike ride, courtesy of MARP. To encourage local participation in the fun annual event, we will provide 10 free Citibike rides for a group ride from the Clinton Hill Branch to Central Library.

To enjoy the free ride, arrive on Saturday, May 7th to the Clinton Hill Branch of the Bklyn Public Library (380 Washington Avenue) at 1:45pm. At 2:15pm, we will lead a group to the Central Library on Grand Army Plaza to enjoy the library’s Block Party from 3pm-7pm.

You must register to receive one of the ten free rides. To register, contact Shaquana Boykin at (718) 230-1689 ext. 5# or shaquana@myrtleavenue.org by May 5th.

For Arbor Day, A Tree Trail in Fort Greene Park

On Saturday April 30, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Fort Greene Park Conservancy (FGPC) and NYC Parks will celebrate Arbor Day with the launching of the recently updated Fort Greene Park Tree Trail in Brooklyn’s historic Fort Greene Park with guided tours by FGPC staff and NYC Parks’ Urban Park Rangers. Park attendees are encouraged to walk independently along the trail or join a scheduled tour to learn more about some of Brooklyn’s oldest and largest trees.

The Fort Greene Park Tree Trail is a self-guided walking tour that helps park visitors identify and interpret a variety of significant trees with the assistance of a brochure and signs located throughout the park. The trail is composed of 19 stops running north to south along the eastern side of the park, and trail walkers will become familiar with tree species from the American Elm to the Himalayan White Pine. Visitors will also pick up facts along the way, including which trees are planted around the park to keep in tradition of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s original plan for Fort Greene Park. Park visitors are invited to take a walk along the tree trail during all park hours and can find the self-guided tour brochure in the Visitor Center starting on April 30th. Also on launch day, visitors are invited to join FGPC staff on half-hour guided tours at 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. or attend the NYC Parks Urban Park Ranger “Spring Blossoms” Weekend Adventure Program at 1:00 p.m.

The Fort Greene Park Tree Trail was originally created in 2007, but natural deterioration and every day wear removed many of the signs and posts. FGPC and NYC Parks worked together with additional help from volunteers to streamline the trail, restore posts, design new signs and brochures, and host a launch event for the public on Arbor Day. FGPC will also be sponsoring four free Natural Classroom programs with the Urban Park Rangers in the weeks following the Tree Trail launch for students who live or attend school in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Tree Trail can be accessed from the Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park entrance or the South Portland Avenue and Dekalb Avenue entrance.