Improvements Planned for Myrtle Avenue & Flabtush Intersection

The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that a safety improvement project is set to begin at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Flatbush Avenue Extension. The work, which will begin on Monday, August 18th, will include a reconfiguration of a left-turn lane from Flatbush onto Myrtle Avenue. These improvements are being made in order to improve both pedestrian safety, as well as traffic flow through the busy intersection.

After the changes are in place, southbound vehicles on Flatbush wishing to turn left onto Myrtle Avenue will need to instead turn right onto Myrtle Avenue first. They will then proceed around the existing median that exists on Myrtle Avenue, just west of Flatbush in MetroTech. After rounding the median, traffic will then continue eastbound on Myrtle Avenue through the intersection.

The B54 bus will not be impacted by these changes, as Ridgewood-bound buses will still be permitted to make the traditional lefthand turn from Flatbush onto Myrtle Avenue.

Full details of the plan are available in this DOT presentation made to Community Board 2 this past June.

BOOK/PLATE literary series kicks off at Peck’s

The BOOK/PLATE series is a new collaboration between Peck’s and Greenlight Bookstore pairing an esteemed writer with inspired, original cuisine in an intimate setting.

Enjoy a meal inspired by Francisco Goldman’s new book, the Interior Circuit: A Mexico City Chronicle.

Join Francisco Goldman on August 28th at 6pm for a family-style dinner crafted by the chefs at Peck’s to celebrate the publication of The Interior Circuit. “Part travelogue, part memoir” and “in the finest sense, a book that creates its own form” (LA Times), The Interior Circuit crosses genre and, just as often, crosses the borders between the personal and the political, between nuanced truth and bold fact.

Following dinner, Goldman will give a reading, chat, and sign books for diners.

Tickets are available for $45 and include family style dinner of:

Black bean dip with charred tomatillos and cotija cheese
Carrots with chipotle, avocado, cashew and cumin
Mole chicken, rotisserie style, with traditional accompaniments
Caramel and chocolate flan cake with pecan sandies topping, and
A copy of The Interior Circuit (retail price: $26)

Seats are limited and available by reservation only. To purchase seats in person, visit Peck’s. To purchase tickets online visit Brown Paper Tickets. For further details, email Jeff Waxman at jeffwaxman@gmail.com.

Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues.

Pic of the Week: Zaytoon’s Lady Fingers

This summer in our “Pic of the Week” posts we are featuring restaurants where you can enjoy your tasty delights among a nice breeze and outdoor setting. These Lady Fingers, pastries filled with walnuts and honey, are a crispy and savory dessert at Zaytoons. Enjoy them in front of the wide windows with lovely banquettes while watching summer strolling.

Zaytoons, 472 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall Street
(718) 623-5522

Fort Greene Park Summer Literary Festival

After participating in the New York Writer’s Coalition summer-long series of creative writing workshops in Fort Greene Park, young writers (aged 6-18) will read from their works alongside an all-star cast of Brooklyn writers on Saturday, August 23. The free event begins at 2pm and takes place at Fort Greene Park’s Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument. Meet the writers, both young and ‘wise’, at an after party at the Greenlight Bookstore (686 Fulton Street). Rain location: BRIC Media House Ballroom at 647 Fulton Street.

The 10th anniversary of the event will be emcee’d by music journalist and WFMU deejay Gaylord Fields. The line up includes:

Young writers from the NYWC summer youth workshops
Five Quarterly co-founder Vanessa Gabb
Lit Fest vets Danny Simmons and Sapphire
BlackGirl Mansion author Angel Nafis
Prize-winning poet and children’s author Willie Perdomo.

Photo credit: Melvin Reeves

Pic of the Week: Peck’s Signature Sandwich

This pic of the week features Peck’s signature sandwich in their sunny backyard. The Turkey, Avocado, Gruyere sandwich is $7 and they have great 10$ sandwich specials that come with chips and a soda. The backyard of the takeout shop and gourmet deli welcomes you all summer.

Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues.
(347) 689-4969

National Health Center Week

August 10th-16th, 2014 is National Health Care Week. The week is dedicated to celebrating the services and contributions of Community, Migrant, Homeless and Public Housing Health Centers. Activities will occur across the country to celebrate America’s Health Centers and their “long success in providing access to affordable, high quality, cost effective health care to medically vulnerable and underserved people throughout the United States”.

Locally, we will join both Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center and Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center on Saturday, August 16th for their health fair celebrations. Come by and taste a healthy, fresh and affordable recipe from one of our Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs and learn about our Food & Health programming. You’ll also find great resources, free health screenings, fun activities for the kids and much, much more!

Find details for Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center events here
Find details for Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center events here

Pic of the Week: Humo Smokehouse Ribs

Check out these mouth watering Baby Back Ribs from Humo Smokehouse made with a dry rub, mix of ( cherry, mesquite and oak) wood, from local farms. Summer is the perfect time to eat outdoors so swing by and enjoy these in their peaceful backyard for only$8 (price for 1/4 rack). And by the way, yes that is pork belly in the back.

Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Washington Park.

180 Myrtle Avenue Groundbreaking

Ground was broken today at 180 Myrtle Avenue, between Fleet and Ashland in Fort Greene.

According to the architect’s website:

“180 Myrtle joins the Andrea at 218 Myrtle Avenue and 81 Fleet Place as the third mixed-use residential building in the Myrtle Avenue development master plan… The building will include approximately 213 apartments in studio, one and two bedroom units. Under the NYS 80/20 Housing Program, 20% of the apartments will be designated as affordable.”

Rendering of 180 Myrtle Avenue

Image Credit: Dattner Architects

Greene Hill Food Co-op Wants to Hear from Non-Members

Photo Credit: featherbyfeather.com

The Greene Hill Food Co-op Food Justice Team wants to know about NON MEMBERS’ shopping habits and thoughts about the Co-op. In an effort to reach more community members and serve all residents the co-op is encouraging non-members to take this short survey, informing them of shopping needs and desires of our community.

As a Thank You, you will receive a coupon after you complete the survey. This provides you the opportunity to visit the store and shop one time within the next 3 months. The survey is open for 6 months, closing in September. Paper surveys are available at the store, if you’d rather fill it out in person and shop immediately.

The co-op is located at:
18 Putnam Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238
(between Grand Ave. & Downing St.)

Hours of Operation:
Monday 1:30PM-8PM
Wednesday 5PM-9PM
Saturday 10AM-4PM
Sunday 3PM-7PM

Know the Facts about the Fort Greene Greenmarket Extension

Earlier this season, along with GrowNYC, we urged residents to sign on in support of an extension to the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket. To date, Community Board 2 has approved the proposed extension thanks to all of the resident and elected official support we were able to garner – nearly 500 signatures at market, 76 on-line and 19 local businesses/CBO’s/Resident Associations and 4 Elected Officials – Thank You for your support!

For a refresher we want to detail the plans for the proposed extension:
The Greenmarket currently includes 19 producers, stretching 255 feet, including parking, from DeKalb towards Myrtle in a two lane formation along the walking path. GrowNYC is requesting an additional 255 foot extension of this market, including parking, so that they can move all producers to one side of the walking path (single lane formation) and extend further along Washington Park and closer to Myrtle Avenue.

What does this look like?

• This will result in one long market, stretching 510 feet from DeKalb toward Myrtle but physically reaching to about Willoughby Avenue.
• Approximately 12 additional car spaces, totaling 24, will be reserved for producers along the west side of Washington Park from 7AM – 7PM every Saturday year-round.

Why you may ask?

• In our 2011 Community Food Assessment we learned that many residents north of Fort Greene Park are unaware of this existing fresh food outlet even though it is geographically very close to their homes. Those that were aware, but not using it, felt it was “not for them” and/or that it was “too far away”, especially for the senior citizens we spoke to. In addition, most did not know that they can spend their EBT/Food Stamps on fresh food at Greenmarkets city-wide.
• There is the impression that Greenmarkets are too expensive for most New Yorkers. Prices do vary and it is important to shop around, just like at any food market. We have found that there are affordable options, some below local retailers, and with increased resident feedback on what is needed perhaps further diversity of products and prices can be implemented.
• Greenmarket believes that a majority single-sided market will be more user-friendly and lead to less congestion. While the current set-up does provide a safe, friendly shopping experience, they feel the proposed configuration will only improve a great resource in the community.

It is our aim to make this much needed and valuable asset more visible and available to all residents. In partnership with GrowNYC we aim to make the necessary changes that will address the community feedback and needs. You can find us at the corner of Washington Park and Myrtle Avenue every Saturday now – October, 10am – 3pm, to ask questions, participate in fun activities with food and take a free tour of the market.

We welcome your questions/comments! Contact us directly at info@myrtleavenue.org

Elected Official Support comes from:

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol
New York State Assemblyman Mosley
New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery

Local Business and Stakeholder Support comes from :

Andy McDowell, Splitty, 415 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn Food Coalition (BFC)
City Growers
Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council
Fort Greene Association
Fort Greene Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership (SNAP), 324 Myrtle Avenue
Gerry Rooney, Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue
iCi Restaurant, 246 Dekalb Ave
Ingersoll Garden of Eden
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, LDC & BID
Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs
Oro Residents Association, 500+ residents
Pillow cafe-lounge, 505 Myrtle Avenue
Raymond V. Ingersoll Resident Association
Red Lantern Bicycles, 345 Myrtle Ave
The Children’s Academy at LIU Brooklyn
University Settlement Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue
Walt Whitman Resident Association
Walt Whitman Victory Garden

And nearly 500 shoppers at market and 76 on-line!

Optical Gallery Now Open: Discounts Now, Grand Opening Soon

With its quiet opening a week and a half ago, Optical Gallery is now gearing up for a more grand celebrations next month. Expect deep savings, raffles and prizes during the festive opening event. Leonard and Boris, the owners have more than 50 years of combined experience in eye care. They offer complete comprehensive optical and medical exams at their office, eyeglass fittings and repairs, LASIK consultations, dry eye treatment and more. They accept “all insurances” and offer a wide variety of frames, including Gucci, Christian Dior, Bvlgari, Burberry, Tiffany, Versace, Persal, Maui Jim, Oliver Peoples, Paul Smith, Georgio and Imporio Armani, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Dolce Gabbana, Polo, Ralph Lauren and many more.

Stop in to say hi. 10% off discounts for seniors everyday and grand opening discounts for the rest of the month.

The Optical Gallery , 446 Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues
(718) 246-2020

A Kid’s Dream Is Open for Business

A Kid’s Dream, the salon which offers learning and play space to its kiddie clients is open for business in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The soft opening was held this past Friday evening. Neighbors had a chance to check out the salons many fun, innovative offerings, including the ipad station in the kiddie lounge and learning center.

A Kid’s Dream Hair Salon and Spa is designed to give children a salon & spa pampering experience in addition to a study and play space to interact and learn with other children as well as give them an atmosphere with appropriate, kid-friendly conversations.” Hair beauty makeovers, trendy hairstyles, haircuts, nails and facials are all also self-esteem boosters say A Kid’s Dream owners. A Kid’s Dream will give children a safe zone for self-expression and creativity using beauty and wellness as an effective modality for helping children in a new and innovative way.

From candy facials, manicures and pedicures, wash and sets, fancy updos, natural hairstyling, wash and braiding, detangling treatments, hair cuts, kiddie perms, hair texturizers and fun color hair extensions.

Stop in today! Party packages are available as well.

A Kid’s Dream , 549 Myrtle Avenue between Grand & Steuben.
1 (800) 927-1373.

Pic of the Week: Leather Sandals from Jill Lindsey

Look for our pic of the week with summer tips to help you get thru the hot season in New York. These adorable leather sandals are made by the sandal maker that makes Jill Lindsey’s sandals and leather goods in Nicaragua. Made for young children ages 1-3 they come in 4 styles. Some are unisex and some are for girls, all made for young children age 1-3.

Jill Lindsey, 370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont.

Summer Events in Fort Greene Park

Fort Green Park Conservancy’s FREE concert season and events continue in Fort Greene Park for kids, and kids at heart. Come participate and join in their summer series. Remember to bring towels or blankets.
All events are FREE and rain or shine. Donations are welcome.

Here is a short break down of some events taking place this summer:

Wednesday, July 30, 10am
Kids: Music in the Grove: Karen K & the Jitterbugs

Wednesday, August 6, 10am
Kids: Music in the Grove: Vared Music

Saturday, August 16, 12pmRevolutionary Garden

Saturday, August 23, 12pm
Revolutionary Garden

Saturday, August 23, 2pm
Fort Greene Park Literary Fest

Saturday, September 20^th, 2pm & 6pm
The Beat Festival

For more information visit Fort Greene Park Conservancy’s website at www.fortgreenepark.org

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Corner

This Saturday, 7/26/2014, will be our third Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Corner and so far it has been a great success! MARP’s Outreach Coordinator, Shaquana Boykin, has taken 40 people on a Fort Greene Park Greenmarket tour! Participants are new customers and have shared that either they “didn’t know the Greenmarket was there” or are simply more open to going with the assistance of a tour guide.

One senior citizen who Shaquana approached at Bravo Supermarket was looking for turnip greens but she wanted the turnip tops and bottom which the supermarket did not have. Shaquana told her that the Greenmarket certainly has what she is looking for and that she would be happy to give her a tour. The response was “I did not know that the Greenmarket was up the block! Let me pay for my items and can you walk me to the market?” She expressed that the Greenmarket is so far down and not visible from Myrtle Avenue that she never knew it was up the block from her. She plans to return each Saturday for fresh greens! It is stories like this that we are aiming to hear so that we can inform the community of this existing fresh food outlet and assist the Fort Greene Greenmarket in increasing their visibility to all Fort Greene residents.

Stop by and visit us every Saturday, now – October, 10am-3pm, and learn more about what the Greenmarket has to offer and enjoy community programming on select dates. A calendar of upcoming events can be found here, on our website. See you on the corner!

Temporary Sidewalk Changes for 180 Myrtle Avenue Construction

In preparation for the construction of a 15-story building at 180 Myrtle Avenue, crews recently installed barriers on Myrtle Avenue between Fleet and Ashland. Soon, a construction fence will be installed along the curb line in the this area. Pedestrians will use the space between the fence and the barriers. The bike lane will remain. Parking will not be allowed during the construction period.

According to the architect’s website:

Pic of the Week: Mr. Coco’s Strawberries

This week we wanted to feature a photo of one of our best summer deals. These strawberries from Mr. Coco, the 24-hour fruit market and convenience store, are only $1.00. Swing by and you too will see that Mr. Coco’s prices are unbeatable.

Mr. Coco, 414 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clinton Avenues

dc optics Provides Wide Range of Eyewear

There are so many benefits to appropriate eyewear, from vision correction to offering protection from UV rays to helping to emphasize the shape of one’s face. It’s good to know that we have professionals like Dr. Cheng at dc optics to help us choose the perfect pair

Did we mention that they can make you look pretty cool too? Stop in and check out the wide range of eyewear, including sunglasses, available at dc optics.

dc optics provides the most comprehensive eye examinations, stylish eyewear and latest innovations in contact lenses in a relaxed and friendly environment. They also looks to provide community outreach in the form of school screenings and exams for children in need. At dc optics, proceeds from every eyewear purchase goes toward helping children in the local area who need glasses but cannot afford them.

DC Optics, 390 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt
(347) 504-1121

Making it in NYC: The Era of New Manufacturing

NYC makers are showing off their locally made wares at Making it in NYC: The Era of New Manufacturing in BLDG 92. The exhibit is open now to the end of the year. Not only is the Brooklyn Navy Yard staging a free, interactive, multimedia exhibit. They are also offering panel discussions and factory tours to celebrate the New York Makers Movement past, present, and future.

“There’s an extraordinary history of manufacturing in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and throughout New York City, history that is mirrored in what’s happening in the Maker Movement today,” said David Ehrenberg, President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. “A lot of our companies are at the intersection of industry, technology, and innovation. They’re not making apps to sell for millions of dollars. They’re focused on making high-quality products, physical products, products that are transforming lives. They might not receive all the headlines, but what they’re doing is essential for local job creation and the well-being of our economy.”

Titled “Making It in NYC: the Era of New Manufacturing,” the exhibit and programs are divided into five industry groups – Energy & Resiliency, Furnishing & Home Goods, Tech & Media, Building & Construction, Fashion & Apparel – and feature the contributions of 30 New York business, including MHT Lighting (energy efficient products), Ferra Designs (metal fabrication and design), Solidoodle
(3D printers), Scott Jordan (furniture), and Hanky Panky (women’s lingerie and “The World’s Most Comfortable Thong”).

Additional Navy Yard businesses featured in the exhibit include IceStone, OgoSport, Lumi-Solair, Spuni, Capsys, Campos Bags, and Crye Precision.

To further the local Maker Movement conversation, BLDG 92 will stage a series of panel discussions featuring representatives from exhibit companies and other well-known NY manufacturers.
Future programs include:

September 11, Networked Manufacturing, moderated by Sarah Krasley (Autodesk)
September 25, Values of Local Fashion Production in NYC, moderated by Elizabeth L. Cline (author, Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion)
October 9, Factory Sourcing Local and Overseas, moderated by Jessica Banks (Rock Paper Robot)
November 13, Maker Movement and Community, moderated by Susan Perl and Amy Ilias (ABC Carpet and Home)

“There is a robust series of programs, talks, events, and factory tours that accompany the exhibit and present great opportunities to meet makers and manufacturers and explore ways to tap into our city’s creative capital,” said Daniella Romano, who served as curator of “Making It in NYC.”

A new generation of entrepreneurs is driving a revolution in product design and business development. Collectively, they’re known as the maker movement. This exhibit helps shine light on the growing nationwide phenomenon, and focus it on the disruptive power of the artisans, techies and traditional manufacturers who represent “new manufacturing” here in New York City.

BLDG 92, 63 Flushing Avenue at Carlton Avenue.

Throwback Thursday: Engine 210

Back in 1972, with the city facing serious financial problems, the closure of several firehouses throughout the city was proposed. One of the fireshouses slated for closure was Engine 210 on Carlton Avenue, near Myrtle Avenue.

In response, residents gathered in front of the station to demand the city not cut this vital service. Luckily, Engine 210 can still be found on Carlton Avenue – more than 145 years old after it was first organized in Fort Greene! If this photo were taken today, you would find the restaurants Lulu & Po and Chung Chun Kitchen located in the corner building (seen on the right side of the photo).

Free Face Painting at the Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Corner

Stop by the Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Corner at Washington Park and Myrtle Avenue this Saturday, 7/19/2014, 10am-noon for FREE face-painting from artist Derrick Cross!

We will be on the corner every Saturday 10am – 3pm now – October 25th! All day you can receive a tour to the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket to learn about the farmers and their products, be introduced to affordable options and learn how to use your EBT/Food Stamps, WIC/FMNP checks and Health bucks. Our goal is to support the Greenmarket as an existing fresh food resource and encourage the creation of a space that is accessible and affordable for all. Please join us in this mission!

Event details can be found on our calendar.

Stop in at Move with Grace, check out current unlimited class special

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Pilates & Juice Bar’s offers high quality and affordable classes. Have you checked out current special, only $45 for two weeks of unlimited classes. And while you are at, treat yourself to any number of delicious and healthy fresh juices and smoothies from the juice bar.

Move with Grace Studio offers a wide variety of classes, including yoga (Vinyasa, Hatha and Iyengar and a late night candlelight flow), Pilates and Zumba. Children as well as adult classes are available. Group and private lessons are available.

Click here for the Move with Grace weekly schedule.

Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Pilates & Juice Bar is located at 469 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street.
(718) 230-0013

Photo Credit: Move with Grace Yoga, Dance & Fitness Studio

Pic of the Week: John’s Fresh Lemonade

Cool down this summer with fresh lemonade from John’s Donut & Coffee Shop. This refreshing drink is made with real lemons and plenty of sugar. It is a must on Myrtle Avenue for anyone with a serious sweet tooth.

John’s Donut & Coffee Shop, 481 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue & Hall Street

Tree Watering Season on Myrtle Avenue

With the heat of summer upon us, now is the time to think about watering Myrtle Avenue’s young trees. This year, we’ve installed 24 slow-release irrigation bags (commonly known by the brand name Tree Gators) to young trees on and off Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

Once or twice a week, The Doe Fund uses a watering truck to fill each gator with 15 gallons water. The water slowly drips into the tree bed, ensuring that it reaches deep into the soil. This provides much-needed water and encourages good root development in young trees.

Tree watering work is managed by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District, with support from ConEdison and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Another brand of irrigation system that we are testing

Visit the Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Corner

Photo Credit: GrowNYC.org

We will be on the corner of Washington Park and Myrtle Avenue every Saturday 10am – 3pm starting this weekend – October 25th! Come by and participate in fun, educational activities with food, taste a fresh recipe made from ingredients purchased at the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket and take a free tour of the Greenmarket to learn about the farmers and their products, be introduced to affordable options and learn how to use your EBT/Food Stamps, WIC/FMNP checks and Health bucks at the Greenmarket. Our goal is to support the Greenmarket as an existing fresh food resource and encourage the creation of a space that is accessible and affordable for all. Please join us in this mission!

Event details can be found on our calendar