ATTENTION: Fulton Street Vision Plan Released, Includes Ideas for Enhancing Fulton St. Commercial Strip

The Fulton Area Business District (FAB Alliance) has released the FULTON STREET VISION PLAN online. The Plan includes ideas and concepts for enhancing the public spaces of the Fulton Street commercial corridor in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Comments and ideas may be submitted through completion of the Community Input Survey. Please see more here: http://faballiance.org/news/draft-vision-plan-online

ATTENTION: NFBID Hosts Earth Day Children's Event; 4/22

The North Flatbush BID is hosting a Children's Earth Day event, free and open to the public!

NFBID will close 6th Avenue and St. Marks Avenues for a Brooklyn Boulders Rock Climbing wall, hula-hooping, games, planting, and arts and crafts for youth throughout the Prospect Heights and Crown Heights community!

WHEN: SUNDAY, APRIL 22, 2012 12PM- 4PM

WHERE: 6TH AVENUE TRIANGLE AT ST. MARKS PLACE AND FLATBUSH AVENUE!

Please contact NFBID at 718-783-1685 for more information.

ATTENTION: CM James, SBS and FAB Alliance BID Host FAB Fridays 2012 Concerts

FAB Alliance is hosting FREE CONCERTS FOR KIDS beginning this FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2012, 10AM-11AM- with live performances for children outdoors at the new Putnam Triangle Plaza, crossing Fulton Street and Grand Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. There's a free concert for kids each month, April-September. (Schedule below)

On April 20th, there will be games, and free arts and crafts activities for kids from 3PM-6PM. Live music will be available that day from 5PM-8PM at the Putnam Triangle Plaza, the Garage at Fulton Street and Vanderbilt Avenue, and Fowler Square.

FAB FRIDAYS 2012 is a program of the FAB Alliance, with support from the Department of Small Business Services/ AvenueNYC and Council Member Letitia James.

2012 SCHEDULE CONCERTS FOR KIDS @PUTNAM TRIANGLE PLAZA 10-11am

Friday, April 20
JON SAMSON
Kids Music Performance by Jon Samson

Friday, May 11
BOBALOO
Stories and Songs with Bob (Bobaloo) Basey

Friday, June 8
MISS NINA
Stories, Songs, and Her Pink Guitar

Friday, July 13
ACOPLADITOS
Music for Cool Kids en español

Friday, August 10
VERED
Warm, upbeat and soothing songs for you and your little one

Friday, September 14
RODERICK JACKSON and Palms Down percussion Ensemble

You can get more information about the FAB Alliance and its programs at faballiance.org.

ATTENTION: Public Workshop- Fowler Square; 2/16; 6PM

Council Member Letitia James, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) invite the community to a workshop to design the future plaza at Fowler Square.

WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (Jarvey Room)
85 South Oxford Street (between Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Those interested should contact DOT at (212) 839-4325.

ATTENTION: NFBID Hosts 2011 Children's Fall Festival!

The North Flatbush BID is hosting their 2011 Children's Fall Festival!

WHEN: Saturday, October 29, 2011
12:00noon- 4:00PM

WHERE: 6th Avenue & St. Marks Avenue
(at Triangle Park)

Children will be able to participate in pumpkin carving, face painting, and experience a puppet show!

For more information, contact info@nfbid.com or (718) 783-1685.

Metrotech Board Votes on Management Agreement with DBP; Bookkeeping Issues Outlined in Comptroller Audit Report

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
May 9, 2011

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

MetroTech Board Votes on Management Agreement with DBP - Despite City’s Uncovering of Bookkeeping Issues in recent Audit Report on Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s Financial and Operating Practices

(Brooklyn, NY) - The text below is from an audit of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) that was posted today by the Office of the New York City Comptroller. This report is issued on the heels of Forest City Ratner having received the 51% Board support (last Friday) required to call a special session of the MetroTech Board, which is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The special session will consider adoption of the MetroTech BID budget for Fiscal Year 2012, as well as the MTBID entering into a management agreement with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, Inc.

“Ironically, the NYC Comptroller’s audit of DBP reveals that the Partnership has poor bookkeeping (including timekeeping and tracking of private contributions) and some procurement issues, which leads one to ask why would the MetroTech Board vote to give DBP more responsibility, if the organization already has problems (outlined below) managing the Court-Livingston and Fulton Mall BIDs? It is my hope that MetroTech Board members are fully aware of the NYC Comptroller’s audit findings before their meeting,” said Council Member James.

Audit Report: http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/audit/audits_2011/05-09-11_FN11-068A.shtm

Audit Findings and Conclusions:

Our review found that DBP lacks adequate controls to substantiate its payments to salaried employees. Specifically, our audit noted that DBP did not properly administer its employees’ work hours and leave records. Additionally, DBP does not have proper procedures and records to support the private contributions it receives. Without adequate procedures for the solicitation and collection of these funds, DBP cannot accurately determine its total amount of contributions. This ultimately affects the City’s ability to determine the appropriate amount of contract funds it awards to DBP. DBP also did not always comply with the procurement and reporting requirements of its City contract.

Based on our findings, we recommend that DBP:

§ Ensure the timekeeping system reflects employees’ work hours and time and attendance records to ensure effective tracking of employees’ absences.

§ Develop and maintain a list of private contributors and establish procedures to properly support and account for revenue from private contributions.

§ Adhere to the procurement requirements outlined in Section 6.02 of the contract.

§ Submit timely programmatic and financial reports to the Deputy Mayor’s Office in accordance with its contract with the City.

###

CM James Creates Online Petition In Support of FG Tire Shop

F + S Tires is the Fulton Street business that has been closed by the Department of Buildings due to violations and an issue with the certificate of occupancy.

The owners received more than $24,000 in fines for building violations, such as for improper support beams, lacking a sprinkler system and garbage in the basement. The certificate of occupancy for the building is another major issue. A DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.

The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) and the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) are assisting F + S Tires, and a Department of Buildings hearing for the violations is scheduled May 16. Please join Council Member James and advocacy agencies in supporting F + S Tires, who perform a vital service to the Fort Greene community, by signing this petition.

[Link here]

Please see the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savefgtireshop/

CM James On Appointment of Kenneth Adams As ESDC President/CEO

Statement by Council Member Letitia James on New Appointment of Kenneth Adams as ESDC President and CEO

“I want to congratulate Kenneth Adams on his new appointment as President and CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation. This pick to lead a restructured ESDC is a great match. As former president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Director of the MetroTech Business Improvement District in downtown Brooklyn, Ken recognizes that small businesses serve as an economic engine in Brooklyn.

The community looks forward to partnering with an innovative leader to resolve outstanding issues in and around the Atlantic Yards footprint. I’m confident that Ken will address the high rate of unemployment in Central Brooklyn, the lack of procurement for minority and women owned businesses in the state of New York, as well as the impact of the recession on all small businesses.

Congratulations as well to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for this superb choice; Ken is one of Brooklyn’s own!”

###

ATTENTION: North Flatbush Avenue BID Banner Contest

The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) invites the submission of graphic designs for decorative banners that hang from street lamp posts in the BID district. There are thirty vinyl banners that advertise the district. All submissions should include four designs that represent the uniqueness of the area and identifies the BID as a shopping destination.

The projected date of completion for this project is Friday, December 10, 2010. The selected designer will receive a check in the amount of $500 dollars when work is fully completed, as well as the opportunity to have their work displayed throughout the district.

For complete details and the RFP submittal package, please send a request to info@nfbid.com.

Job Opportunity- FAB Business Alliance BID Project Manager

Part-time Project Manager

The Fulton Area Business (FAB) Alliance Business Improvement District (BID) in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene is seeking candidates for the part-time position of "Project Manager" to help create and execute events, initiatives and other programs related to marketing, sanitation, public safety and quality-of-life issues, street scape enhancements and merchant and property-owner outreach. The Project Manager works with the BID Manager, FAB Board of Directors, City agencies, civic organizations and cultural and arts institutions.

Applicants are to apply through the jobscore here. The job is part-time at 25 hours per week and may appeal to those interested in some flexibility in their work schedule.

Weekend Activities!

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fort Greene Park

The Fort Greene Festival is a celebration of the cultures, cuisine, and artistic diversity of Brooklyn. The festival host will be Malik Yoba, and co-hosts are Toure and Rosie Perez. The day will also include performances by rapper Common, Zap Mamma and more.

______________________

FABfest on Fulton Street concludes with a 4-hour music and dance tribute to MICHAEL JACKSON!

Sunday, June 27, 2010, FABfest is goes out with 4-hours of Michael Jackson- on the anniversary of his passing- with music, dance and more in honor of the King of Pop... featuring DJ REBORN.

There will be games, crafts and activities for kids; chess
tournaments and mini-golf competitions. Plus EVERYBODY PAINT is back, where everyone is invited to grab a brush and create a work of art inspired by MJ.

It's all FREE on Fulton Street between Lafayette and South Oxford, Sundays in JUNE. Presented by the FAB Alliance (http://www.faballiance.org/)

ATTENTION: Fulton Street BID Seeks Liaison for Public Safety and the Environment

Apply to work in Fort Greene at the newly formed FAB Alliance Fulton Street BID as Liaison for Public Safety and the Environment- 25hrs per week.

BACKGROUND on the FAB BID
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) is a newly formed Business Improvement District working on behalf of property owners, merchants, residents and stakeholders along Fulton Street in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill - from Rockwell Place to Classon Avenue (plus adjacent blocks of Lafayette, Greene and Putnam Avenues). Their goals are to retain current businesses and improve the atmosphere to make the area of Fulton Street a clean, safe and retail diverse environment that is a destination for people work, shop, dine and play.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Liaison for Public Safety and the Environment
In short, the principal responsibility of the Liaison is to execute strategies that create and maintain safe and sanitary conditions within the FAB Alliance district. The Liaison will supervise the core sanitation, public safety, public space maintenance programs within the District; develop strategies for upgrading the quality of life in the district and works with the Bid Manager, FAB Board of Directors, City agencies, and stakeholders to address and resolve issues that threaten the public health, safety, and/or general welfare; report to the Bid Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Monitors safety, sanitation and quality-of-life conditions within the FAB area on a daily basis
· Liaise with city agencies and NYPD to advocate for services on behalf of business and property owners
· Manages collection of safety, sanitation and quality-of-life data including, but not limited to, conducting surveys and cataloging concerns and/or complaints
· Tracks actions taken to resolve issues and reports results
· Liaise with the NYPD, District Attorney and other enforcement agencies regarding crime and safety issues
· Create procedure for merchants and property owners to report incidents and share
information regarding security and quality-of-life issues. This would be executed online
· Develop a weekly report that quantifies all security incidents and sanitation and quality-of-life issues
· Works with Bid Manager to identify efforts and resources needed to address conditions that threaten health, safety, and general welfare within the District
· Assists the Bid Manager and Deputy Director in developing and maintaining strategic
relationships with City agencies (including but not limited to the Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, and Department of Buildings, Department of Parks, Community Board 2 and 88th Precinct Community Council)
· Meets with sanitation vendor on a regular basis to evaluate sanitation needs in the
District
· Assists the Bid Manager in developing and supervising the annual budget for landscaping, sanitation, graffiti-removal and safety programs
· Supervises all processes for acquiring permits including but not limited to special events, banners, holiday lighting
· Other duties as required

Qualifications and Skills:
· Professional and friendly with excellent verbal and written communications skills
· Proven track record dealing with community groups, city agencies, businesses, and
residents
· Capacity to react quickly to issues as they arise
· Outstanding problem-solving and creative thinking abilities
· Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse array of contacts and stakeholders
· Background in sanitation or public safety required, preferably within New York City
· Knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs

The following skills or characteristics are not required but are highly desirable:
· Knowledgeable in the role Business Improvement Districts play in assisting local
businesses and property owners
· Proficiency in database creation and management
· Knowledge of the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill area

Please note this position is part-time: 25 hours per week.

Please submit a resume and cover letter by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, Friday, March 12, 2010. Click on the link below, or copy and paste it into your web browser to apply:
https://www.jobscore.com/jobs/fultonareabusinessalliance/liaisonforpublicsafetyandtheenvironment/ai1J_0c3Kr35_0eJe4aGWH

Salary commensurate with experience. FAB Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.

CM James, North Flatbush BID Remember Women Struck By Vehicle in BK; Call for Traffic Calming

**For Immediate Release**
February 24, 2010

Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, and Sharon Davidson at (718) 783-1685

Council Member Letitia James, North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District, DOT, and the community continue to pray for two young women struck by a vehicle in Brooklyn last weekend

Community stakeholders gather at DOT offices to consider adding more funding for traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures to the North Flatbush Avenue BID's Capital Project Streetscape Design

On Sunday morning, Erinn Phelan, an employee of the mayor’s office was declared brain-dead after she and Alma Guerrero were struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, according to the police. A car traveling north on Flatbush Avenue struck the women near the intersection of Prospect Place in Prospect Heights, around 4:30 am, authorities said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found both women lying in the street.

“This accident is a terrible tragedy for the families of Erinn Phelan, and Alma Guerrero, as well as the community. It is my hope that once again, important lessons will be learned from this incident. I offer the families of these young women any assistance needed, as they are all in my thoughts and prayers,” said Council Member James.

Coincidentally, this accident happened on the eve of a previously scheduled meeting that was held Tuesday with DOT and community stakeholders, including the North Flatbush Avenue BID; Prospect Heights Development Corporation; Park Slope Civic Association; Borough President Marty Markowitz; Council Member Letitia James and Council Member Stephen Levin. The group looked at traffic calming initiatives such as street furniture, synchronization of lights, islands and other calming methods. A meeting is also planned with commanders of the 77th and 78th Police Precincts to discuss enforcement.

“For the past several years, the North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District has been working with DOT to address pedestrian safety issues, and create traffic calming designs for Flatbush Avenue,” said Sharon Davidson, Executive Director of the North Flatbush Avenue BID.

Recently, a study by the Park Slope Neighborhood Council in coordination with the BID and DOT, resulted in the installation of painted channelization markings and enhanced crosswalk markings – specifically at the Carlton Avenue triangle to reduce speeding traffic from Flatbush Avenue onto Carlton Avenue, and to increase pedestrian safety.

“Also, since 1986, the North Avenue Flatbush BID has had good relationships with the 78th and 77th Precincts, and we will continue to address these traffic issues. The DOT and NYPD collaborations will continue to focus on pedestrian safety. The BID has expectations for more changes and improvements in the near future,” said Sharon Davidson.

Council Member James said: “I look forward to working with the administration to promote greater safety on City streets when driving, because these accidents occur far too often. Also, residents walking should always be cautious when crossing speedways such as Flatbush Avenue, which may get worse because of the proposed Atlantic Yards Project near this accident site and growth of Brooklyn. Lastly, I and the City Council will continue to stand beside these victims and family members during their time of need.”

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ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

"Promoting Good Health in a Challenging Economy"

The Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center's Community Advisory Board cordially invites you to attend a legislative breakfast.

Friday, February 5, 2010
10am- 12noon
Woodhull Medical Center- Auditorium
760 Broadway, 3rd level
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11206

_________________________________
African-American HIV Awareness and Health Fair

February 6, 2010

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus

Health Sciences Building Lobby
DeKalb Avenue at Flatbush Avenue Extention
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Obtain free HIV testing, access various health education materials, and undergo screenings for health defects (including asthma).

_________________________________

From the Fulton Alliance Businesses (aka "FAB" BID) comes a cool list of promotional specials from participating businesses. (via ClintonHillBlog)

North Flatbush BID Hold Their 4th Annual Silent Auction!

Please join the North Flatbush BID for their 4th

Annual Silent Auction!!!

WHEN: December 15, 2009

7PM- 10PM

WHERE: Oceans 8

Sports Bar and Grill

308 Flatbush Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11217

(between 7th Avenue and Park Place)

For more information, please contact (718) 783-1685.

Residents Encouraged to Holiday Shop on Flatbush Strip!

Celebrate the Holiday Season on Flatbush Avenue!!!

Residents who shop on Flatbush Avenue can receive special offers from participating merchants!

A North Flatbush BID Holiday Season Event will feature an appearance by Santa Claus, face-painting, and designable dreidels. Additionally, the North Flatbush BID encourages all residents to donate blood.

WHEN: December 12, 2009

2PM-5PM

WHERE: Flatbush Avenue

(from Plaza Street to Bergen Street)

(blood donation at 357 Flatbush)

CM James, PACC Announce $400,000 in City Capital Funds for Fulton Street

Pratt Area Community Council announced on Monday (9/14/09) that City Council Member Letitia James (35th CD, Brooklyn) is providing $400,000 in city capital funds for the Central Fulton Street Business Improvement District.

The funds will be used for physical improvements and amenities such as benches, banners, garbage cans, bike racks and landscaping along the 23 blocks within the Central Fulton Street Business Improvement District (BID). PACC will administer the pass through grant funded through the NYC Department of Transportation. In addition, at the Council Member’s suggestion, PACC has secured funds for mini-grants of up to $500 for 20 merchants to offset the costs associated with belonging to the BID.

The BID will be known as the FAB Alliance, acknowledging its roots in the Fulton Area Business (FAB) Association. Activities and services such as contracted maintenance provided six days per week, graffiti removal, security and improved signage will begin in October.

"We are really hoping that by making these physical improvements, we can boost the impact of the BID activities and bring a recognizable and significant change to Fulton Street," said Deb Howard, Executive Director of PACC. "Fulton Street has a wonderful array of unique businesses and local entrepreneurs and we will be working hard to create a shopping environment that residents and merchants can be proud of," she added.

"My interest is, and has always been, the strengthening of the community I represent, and I thoroughly believe that the BID will bring more storefronts, more employment opportunities, increased security, and a more attractive strip to Fulton Street. I can see only an upside to the beautification of our neighborhood, and I look forward to my office continuing its work with the FAB Alliance this fall,” said Council Member Letitia James.

Look for the launch of the new FAB Alliance website, which will feature an "I am FAB" business every month. The website will also have information for merchants wishing to apply for the $500 grants. Coming soon: a launch party/press event and community block party on October 24th.

About PACC: Now celebrating its 45th anniversary year, PACC is one of NYC’s leading community development corporations with a focus on Central Brooklyn. PACC’s goals are to preserve and develop safe and affordable housing; to support a vibrant local commerce; to sustain and develop an economic, racial, and cultural diversity; and to foster an ethic that all members of the community bear personal responsibility to contribute to the greater good. For more information, visit http://www.prattarea.org or the FAB Alliance website http://faballiance.org/.

North Flatbush Avenue BID Celebrates Burrito Bar's 4th Anniversary!

The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) would like to invite you to Burrito Bar and Kitchen as they get ready to celebrate....

4th Year Anniversity Fiesta!!!

When: Thursday, September 24, 2009
Time: 5:00 pm to closing
Where: Burrito Bar and Kitchen
308 Flatbush Avenue, corner of Flatbush and Prospect Place

A Complimentary buffet will be served from 5pm to 7pm.

Come on over celebrate with the North Flatbush Avenue BID and Burrito Bar!!!

REMINDER: North Flatbush Avenue BID hosts Blood Drive; 8/28; 2PM

Why we posted the information for the North Flatbush Avenue BID's Blood Drive all the way back in July is beyond us, but we thought we'd remind you to head over to the Crunch at 330 Flatbush Avenue Friday, August 28,2009, from 2PM-7PM to donate blood.

The New York Blood Center (NYBC) states that "donating blood is literally giving the gift of life. Each day, the NYBC needs close to 2,000 people a day to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life," so please consider helping someone in need of healthy blood.

WHEN: Friday, August 28,2009
WHERE: CRUNCH Fitness; 330 Flatbush Avenue (at Sterling Place and 8th Avenue)


NYCB can be reached through their website, or at info@nfbid.com or (718) 783-1685.

North Flatbush Avenue BID hosts Blood Drive; 8/28; 2PM

The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) is hosting a blood drive on Friday, August 28,2009, from 2:00PM to 7:30PM, in front of Crunch at 330 Flatbush Avenue (at Sterling Place and 8th Avenue). Sponsors of the blood drive include the New York Blood Center (NYBC).

The NYBC states that "donating blood is literally giving the gift of life. Each day, the NYBC needs close to 2,000 people a day to roll up their sleeves to give the gift of life."

NYCB can be reached through their website here: http://www.nfbid.com/, or at info@nfbid.com or (718) 783-1685.