Showing posts with label Fort Greene. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fort Greene. Show all posts

Monday, November 4, 2013

ATTENTION: 9-Year-Old Boy Killed In Fort Greene Vehicular Incident

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
November 2, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081 

9-Year-Old Boy Killed In Fort Greene Vehicular Incident

(Brooklyn, NY)-- Around 12:45PM on Saturday, November 2, 2013, a man driving a red SUV Ford Expedition west along Fort Greene's DeKalb Avenue, moved to turn left onto Clermont Avenue and collided with another vehicle.

According to reports, the driver of the SUV then lost control of his brakes, mounted the sidewalk, and crashed into a nearby building.

The tragic accident caused pedestrian injuries, and killed a 9-year-old boy. Witnesses state that the 9-year-old boy, his sibling (a 5-year-old boy), their 47-year-old mother, and another 28-year-old woman were among those injured. The 9-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, while the other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

"My heart goes out to the victims and loved ones affected by the tragic vehicular incident that took place in Fort Greene today," said Council Member Letitia James. "I will be working with the Department of Transportation to review the details of the incident, and specifically determine what measures can be taken to increase driver and pedestrian safety along De Kalb Avenue."

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

ATTENTION: The Future of Stop & Frisk Discussion; 11/12; FG

WHEN: Tuesday, November 12, 2013
7:00PM

WHERE: Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church
85 South Oxford Street
(between Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street)

WHAT: Panel discussion and Q & A regarding the future of Stop & Frisk

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

ATTENTION: 2nd Fowler Square Redesign Session; 10/19; Fowler Square

FAB Alliance will be hosting the 2nd Public Workshop for the FOWLER SQUARE REDESIGN, the next step in the on-going community input process for the redesign and construction of a permanent plaza at Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

There will be a presentation of preliminary design plans and opportunities for attendees to provide feedback.

The workshop will be held outdoors at Fowler Square, Saturday, October 19, 2013, 11am-1pm (Presentation by the design team at 12:00 noon).

WHAT: FOWLER SQUARE REDESIGN- WORKSHOP II
WHEN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2013
11:00am-1:00pm
(Presentation by the design team at 12:00 noon)
WHERE: Fort Greene's Fowler Square

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

ATTENTION: 66 Rockwell Affordable Housing

Applications are available for 63 affordable rental apartments at 66 Rockwell Place. The income eligibility ranges from $20,640 to $42,950/ annually.



If you are qualified, and would like to request an application, mail a self-addressed envelope to:
66 Rockwell Place c/o CMP Consultants, Inc.
PO Box 1180
Valley Stream, NY 11582

The application may be additionally accessed at http://www.cmpconsultants.com/HousingApplications_XHJP.html. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only (no priority, certified, registered, and express or overnight mail will be accepted) to a post office box number that will be listed with the application. All applications must be postmarked by May 21, 2013.

Friday, September 14, 2012

UPDATE: FAMILY LOCATED- CM James Calls on Relatives of Winston Gillett to Come Forward

UPDATE: Since this press release was sent, Mr. Gillett's family has been located and notified of his passing. We thank the media for their assistance in bringing closure during this difficult time.

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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES CALLS ON RELATIVES OF WINSTON GILLETT TO COME FORWARD 
Mr. Gillett Was A Construction Worker Killed in A Fort Greene Roof Collapse 

(Brooklyn, NY)— Yesterday, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the Fort Greene site of the developing Carlton Mews Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse took the life of Mr. Winston Gillett, 67, a construction worker with TTNJ Community-Based Organization. Another worker, Mr. Clayton LaBoard, 43, remains hospitalized and in critical condition.

At this time, no relatives of Mr. Gillett have come forward. The Jamaican Consulate General has been contacted to assist in the search for family members. Mr. Gillett’s last known address was on Irving Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn.

“I urge anyone who recognizes Mr. Gillett to come forward so that we can provide closure to his family at this tragic time.” said Council Member Letitia James.

Any individual who recognizes Mr. Gillett, and is in contact with his relatives, should reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (212) 788-7081 immediately.

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Monday, September 10, 2012

ATTENTION: CM James Comments on Collapse of FG Townhouse Roof

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES COMMENTS ON COLLAPSE OF FORT GREENE TOWNHOUSE ROOF
CALLS ON FURTHER OVERSIGHT AND PRECAUTION AT CONSTRUCTION SITES

(Brooklyn, NY)— On Monday, September 10, 2012, a four-story building’s roof collapsed at the site of the developing Carlton Mew Townhouses at 227 Carlton Avenue. The roof collapse, which took place at around 9:15AM, severely injured two construction workers—one who was pronounced deceased at Brooklyn Hospital. Additionally, two other workers were busy on the roof at the time of the collapse.

The development at both 225 and 227 Carlton held Department of Building (DOB) permits for proposed two-family homes. A representative of the DOB clarified that there were no open complaints or violations on the development (although some media reports state the site has at least 1 violation). However, the New York Times reported that a neighbor recently called 311 to complain about excessive vibrations coming from the construction site; but they did not file a formal complaint with the City. Various media reports echo poor construction at the development site.

The Times also reports that other neighbors say they had noticed structural damage to their own homes since the construction started a few months ago.

“This tragic incident raises serious concerns about the safety practices at this construction site, and whether there was proper oversight of this construction by both the Department of Buildings and the developer,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I will be working closely with the Department to review the circumstances that led to this horrific incident. I believe this tragedy further underscores the need for greater safety precautions and worker safety training at major development sites throughout the City.”

The Carlton Mews Townhouses consist of five proposed townhouses along Carlton Avenue between Willoughby Avenue and Dekalb Avenue. The proposed completion date for the project was December 2012.

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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

ATTENTION: Lafayette Ave. "Greenstreets" Presentation; TODAY 7/17; 6PM; Emmanuel Baptist Church

On July 17, 2012, Council Member Letitia James will host a presentation on the LAFAYETTE AVENUE “GREENSTREETS” PROJECT: a joint project of NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and NYC Department of Transportation.

The Lafayette Avenue “GREENSTREETS” Project is a Three-Phase Project that will transform the cobblestone “malls” into a green, beautiful strip of planted beds and pathways. Construction on Phase 1 is scheduled to begin this month, and completion is planned for the Summer 2013.

Please join us and learn more about the recently-completed final plans for this community improvement:

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17, 2012
6:00PM

WHERE: Emmanuel Baptist Church
279 Lafayette Avenue
(corner of St. James Place Parlor Room)

For further information, please contact Alfred Chiodo from the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191.

Friday, June 29, 2012

41st Annual International African Arts Festival; 6/30-7/4

The highly anticipated 41st Annual International African Arts Festival (IAAF) will take place Saturday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 4, 2012, 10 AM – 9 PM rain or shine at Commodore Barry Park (Navy Street at Park and Flushing Avenues) in Brooklyn, New York. The theme of this year’s IAAF is Baadenyya (baa-deny-ya), its English translation means brotherhood and sisterhood - derives from several ethnic groups of West Africa: Mandingo (Sierra Leone/Liberia), Bambara (Mali), Malenke (Guinea), Dioula (Ivory Coast).

The International African Arts Festival (IAAF) began in 1971 as the African Street Carnival, a PTA block party fundraiser for Uhura Sasa (Freedom Now School), an independent school in Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Local entertainers, arts and crafts vendors, along with food prepared by the parents attracted an estimated 2,000 people who attended, making it an instant success. That early format of entertainment, food, and marketplace drew increasing crowds annually and became known as the African Street Carnival. Four years later, the festival moved to the field at Boys and Girls High School where it became the African Street Festival.

This year’s five-day IAAF has themes for each day with coinciding performances. Afro Latin Jazz sensation Cita Rodriquez, Daughters of Makeba Ensemble, Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble are just a few artists scheduled to participate in Saturday’s opening day’s “Tribute to Women in the Arts”. In “Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence & Bob Marley’s and Reggae’s Global Influence,” some of Sunday’s confirmed participants includes Sister Betty, New York Brass Band, K-Vibe & Ruff Scott, Destiny Africa - Children's Choir from Uganda, AKOM, Clarisa the Violin Diva, Secouba, Melame Gange and the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble.

In an effort to support the five-day IAAF’s production, attendees are asked to make minimum donations of $3 per adult and $1 per child for admission.

Visit http://www.iaafestival.org/to learn more about the IAAF.
Like IAAF on Facebook www.Facebook.com/iaafestival to receive IAAF updates.
Follow IAAF on Twitter @IAAFtweet
International African Arts Festival Promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UTgy2pW7IM&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

Thursday, June 7, 2012

ATTENTION: BK Hospital Hosts 'Saturday In The Park' Health Day; 6/9; FG Park


WHAT: Brooklyn Hospital Center Health Fair, which will include FREE Health Screenings

WHEN: Saturday, June 9, 2012
10AM- 3PM

WHERE: Fort Greene Park
DeKalb Avenue and Washington Park

For more information, call (718) 250-8344.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

ATTENTION: CM James Joins Parks Dep. & FG Park Conservancy In Hosting Fort Greene Park Design Session


Council Member Letitia James joins the NYC Parks Department, Fort Greene Park Conservancy, and Brooklyn Community Board 2 in hosting--

a Community Listening Session to discuss the Conceptual Design for Fort Greene Park

WHEN: Wednesday, February 29, 2012
6PM-8PM

WHERE: Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church
85 South Oxford Street
Brooklyn, NY, 11217

Please contact the Office of Council Member James at (718) 260-9191 for more information.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

ATTENTION: Cumberland D&TC Hosting Free Dental Screenings; 2/22; FG

In Celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center will be hosting a FREE Dental Screenings for Children on Wednesday, February 22, 2012--

Screening visit includes:
-Short visual exam to identify any trouble spots in gums, teeth, and mouth
-Consultation with parents to answer questions; find out how to prevent oral disease and get tips on developing good habits for kids
-Dental goody bag with toothbrush!
-Raffle for a FREE Dental Sealant

WHEN: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
2:00PM to 6:00PM

WHERE: Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center
100 North Portland Avenue
Brooklyn NY 11205

For more information, please call 718-260-4851.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

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: PACC Hosts Community Meeting to Discuss Navy Greene; 2/9; 6PM

The Pratt Area Community Council is hosting a Navy Greene Community Meeting to discuss the development and future plans for the site.

WHEN: Thursday, February 9, 2012
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: 45 Clermont Avenue (Community Room)
(between Park Place and Flushing Avenue)
Fort Greene/ Wallabout, Brooklyn

Please confirm your attendance at rsvp@prattarea.org. You may call PACC at (718) 522-2613 for further information.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

CM James Statement On Proposal to Co-locate Community Roots Charter in PS 287

The NYT-Local has reported that the proposal to co-locate with PS 287 was approved.
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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 17, 2012

Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES’ STATEMENT REGARDING DOE PROPOSAL TO CO-LOCATE COMMUNITY ROOTS CHARTER SCHOOL IN P.S. 287 BUILDING

(Brooklyn, NY)- “In December 2010, Community Roots Charter School (CRCS) was approved for a grade expansion, which will now serve middle school grade levels (grades 6-8). Shortly after, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) proposed to expand CRCS in its existing location in 13K067, which houses a community school, P.S. 67-Charles A. Dorsey and P.S. 369, a District 75 school. After much community push back, the DOE concluded that 13K067 does not offer the capacity to accommodate the expansion of CRCS. In December 2011, the DOE proposed to co-locate Community Roots’ middle school grades in the 13K287 building beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.

13K287 presently houses P.S. 287-Bailey K. Ashford, an existing community school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, and Khalil Gibran International Academy, an existing DOE school serving students in seventh and eighth grade. Khalil Gibran will be re-sited to Community School District 15 next Fall. With the potential available space due to the exodus of Khalil Gibran and the additional underutilized space in P.S. 287, the DOE has found sufficient space within the building to house Community Roots without impeding on the success and growth of P.S. 287 and CRCS. At capacity in 2014 with P.S. 287 and Community Roots Middle School co-located, the building utilization rate will be between 54-71%.

Much like the previous proposal, this plan is causing community unrest and conflict. It is no surprise to anyone that I do not waiver when I’m faced with a bureaucratic challenge or an issue that is undoubtedly wrong, However, I believe that there is sufficient room in the P.S. 287 facility for both schools to fit comfortably and continue to grow for the betterment of District 13 youth.

I stand with all the schools in my Council District and the families who fight for increased educational options for their children. I stand on the side of fairness and transparency. For that I urge parental and community involvement in the DOE significant changes in school utilization process. We need to stand together to grow high-achieving schools in our district like CRCS and P.S. 287. We are the answer to ensure the growth and sustainment of a progressive working environment for our children.”

Council Member Letitia James
35th CD, Brooklyn

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

ATTENTION: FGA Invites FG/CH Community to CB2 Meeting for Presentation of Lafayette Traffic Calming/ Bike Lane; 1/17 TODAY; 6PM; St. Francis College

The Fort Greene Association (FGA) encourages residents to support the Lafayette Avenue Traffic Calming campaign (The Make Lafayette Safer Campaign). The campaign will be presenting to Brooklyn Community Board 2's Transportation Committee for their regular meeting this Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

FGA invites supporters to attend the meeting and help bring bike lanes to Lafayette Avenue. Attendees who wish to speak can request two minutes in the public forum at the end of the meeting. Details follow:

CB 2 Transportation Committee Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
6:00 PM
St. Francis College, 1st Floor (Boardroom)
180 Remsen Street (between Clinton and Court Streets)


If you can't make the meeting, but support traffic calming and bike lanes within Fort Greene, you can still sign the Online Petition Here!

Sunday, January 15, 2012

MLK Holiday Breakfast for 500 Men Making A Difference Renovation of Paul Robeson Theatre in FG: 1/16 at 10AM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 15, 2012

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

MLK BREAKFAST ON MONDAY IN FORT GREENE: PARTNER WITH NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS TO HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR’S LEGACY

(Brooklyn, NY) "It is my pleasure to join 500 Men Making a Difference to provide a great service for the community over this holiday weekend by helping with renovations of the historic Paul Robeson Theater. Also, on Monday, January 16 at 10am, a Men's Breakfast will be held at 525 Waverly Avenue. All are welcome; please read below for more information. Happy Martin Luther King Birthday Holiday to all," said Council Member James.

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The Paul Robeson Theater, located at 40 Greene Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is receiving renovation assistance from the organization “500 Men Making A Difference”. The late Dr. Josephine English (former owner of the theater) had expressed interest in renovating the recently-landmarked 147-year-old space, but needed financial assistance to do so. Council Member James seeked to provide budget funding, and assist in establishing a solid management plan. Unfortunately, Dr. English passed away in December 2011 before these matters were finalized.

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500 Men Making a Difference is doing a 72-Hour Straight Renovation Project at the theater this MLK weekend. They have asked members in the community to come down and help with the removal of debris, fixing, installing and painting that needs to be done.

500 Men is working with the following sponsors:
Brooklyn Weinstein
Bedford Central Community Development Corp
BEHR Paint
Home Depot
Park Ave Building & Supply

Renovation Schedule:
-Opening Ceremony 11:00 PM Friday
-Work Start 12:00 AM Saturday
-Press conference 11:00 AM Saturday
-Party hour 2:00 AM Sunday
-Church Service 10:45 AM Sunday
-Men's Breakfast 10:00 AM Monday
-Closing Ceremony & Ribbon cutting 12:00 AM Tuesday

Shifts:
Man shift- 10 hours
You are the Man shift- 12 hour
Inhuman shift- 16 hour

Contact:
Wayne Devonish
500 Men Making a Difference Inc.
www.500MenMakingaDifference.com
wmdkaos@aol.com
917-297-2365

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

UPDATE: Fort Greene Man Stabbed and Killed In Farragut Houses; Suspect Remains At Large

UPDATE: According to the FG/CH Patch, Keylester Williams was arrested yesterday, following a four-day search.
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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 9, 2011

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis at (212) 788-7081

Fort Greene Man Stabbed and Killed In Farragut Houses; Suspect Remains At Large

New York, NY— On January 6, 2012, Marcquel McDuffy, 22, was stabbed in the head and chest with a pen knife following a wrestling match with a friend in Fort Greene’s Farragut Houses (NYCHA). According to the victim’s brother, Mr. McDuffy and the suspect (Keylester Williams) had no known conflict between them. Both parties were reportedly inebriated during the attack, which took place around 9:30PM.

Mr. McDuffy, who lived at 177 Sands Street, staggered out of the apartment following the attack and collapsed in a nearby stairwell. He was taken to the nearby Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Mr. Williams, reportedly an employee with Duane Reade drug stores, remains at large.

“The senseless murder of this young man is horrific,” said Council Member Letitia James. “I urge residents of Farragut Houses, Fort Greene and Vinegar Hill to work with NYPD to locate the suspect and bring him swiftly to justice.”

Mr. Duffy was a student in a music production program, and wanted to have a career in hip-hop music.

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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

ATTENTION: Mulchfest 2012


MulchFest 2012 will take place on January 7th and 8th, from 10am to 2pm.

MulchFest provides New Yorkers an opportunity to bring their holiday trees to designated Citywide sites where they are ground into wood chips. The chips can be placed in tree pits and gardens. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation encourages New Yorkers to participate in this event.

The 35th District MulchFest location is Fort Greene Park. Enter Park at the intersection of Washington Park and Willoughby Avenue.

Participants are encouraged to bring bags to take advantage of the free mulch provided. Trees must be bare of ornaments.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

ATTENTION: FGA Hosts Spotlight on Public Safety; 11/21; 7PM

The Fort Greene Association is hosting Shining a Spotlight on Public Safety--

WHEN: Monday, November 21, 7PM
WHERE: Brooklyn Music School
126 Saint Felix Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Confirmed Guest Speakers include:
Council Member Letitia James
Arif Ullah, Director of Neighborhood Resources, Citizens Committee for New York City
Department of Transportation
Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso, 88th Precinct
Jay Ruiz, Brooklyn BIKE Patrol

Attendees will receive tips on how to create or strengthen local block and tenant associations, as well as learn about the available grant programs and workshops. Tips will be given on personal safety, property safeguarding, self-defense and late night home escort options. Attendees will also have an opportunity to address street lighting concerns.

Contact FGA at 718-875-1855 for more information.