ATTENTION: Love Your Block Application DUE 11/30

The Citizens Committee for New York City and NYC Service invite volunteer-led neighborhood groups to apply for a Love Your Block award.

Groups will be awarded grants of $1,000 for projects to clean up, beautify, and improve their blocks. In addition to funding, groups will receive support of City services from the Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, and Parks and Recreation to complete the projects.

The application is available here (http://www.citizensnyc.org/programs/grants/love_your_block.attachment/lyb-2013-5923/LYB%202013%20Application.pdf), and the deadline is November 30, 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.

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.

ATTENTION: PFP Capacity Funds Grants Available for Community Groups In City Parks

Partnership For Park’s (PFP) Capacity Fund makes grants to community groups working in parks across the five boroughs of New York City. The Capacity Fund supports projects that expand a community group’s ability to care for their park and to use their park to care for the community.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the following Capacity Fund consultation workshops: Thursday, May 3 at 6:00 p.m. at 49 Chambers Street, Room 1027, Manhattan
Monday, May 7 at 4:00 p.m. at 49 Chambers Street, Room 1027, Manhattan
Friday, May 4, via conference call at 1:00 p.m.


Registration is required.
Please visit PFP's website to find an application, guidelines, and examples of past projects.

For more information or to register for a Capacity Fund consultation, contact (212) 676-1929 or channaly.philipp@parks.nyc.gov.


Applications must be received (not postmarked) by 6PM on June 1, 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.

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.

NYC Parks Department Offers Grant To Non-Profits Using Green Infrastructure

The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation recently announced that up to $4M will be available for private property owners, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations that use green infrastructure to reduce or manage stormwater on private property and public sidewalks in combined sewer areas of New York City—such as building green roofs, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, right-of-way bioswales, and similar methods.

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection is strongly encouraging applicants to apply online at: www.nyc.gov/dep/grantprogram, and will be hosting grant workshops for those that are interested in applying.

Brooklyn Workshop
Brooklyn- December 6, 2011, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Brooklyn Brooklyn Borough Hall Courtroom– 2nd Floor
209 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Please contact the Office of Council Member Letitia James for more information at (212) 788-7081.

ATTENTION: Citizen's Cmte 2012 Love Your Block Application Available

Citizens Committee is now accepting applications for their Love Your Block grant program. Love Your Block is a special partnership between Citizens Committee and the City of New York that provides a unique opportunity for city residents to transform and beautify their neighborhoods.

Love Your Block offers resident-led volunteer groups a cash grant of $500-$1,000, as well as community-building assistance, to transform a city block. The City of New York matches the grant by providing services from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Sanitation to help improve the block; such as trash collection, vacant lot cleanup, graffiti removal, dead tree removal, tree planting, providing woodchip mulch for gardening projects, repair of and installation of street signs and street lights, and traffic safety surveys.

Please note the following key dates:

· September 20, 2011 - Grant Application Workshop (Manhattan)

· November 8, 2011 – Grant Deadline

· Early-December 2011 – Grantees Announced

· Mid-December 2011 – Program Orientation

· April - June 2012 – Project Implementation

The application may be found here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/65081320/LYB-2012-Application

For more information, you can visit http://www.citizensnyc.org/grants.html. If you have any questions about the Love Your Block grant, do not hesitate to contact the Citizens Committee for NYC at (212) 989-0909.

UPDATE: Afro-Punk Festival Cancelled (Hurricane Irene)

According to the NYT- Local, the Afro-Punk festival scheduled to take place at Commodore Barry Park on August 27-28 2011, has been cancelled. [NYT- Local]

Afro-Punk Festival- 8/27-28; Commodore Barry Park

The Afro-punk Festival is returning to Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park for its 7th edition on August 27-28 2011. This year has the most stellar line up yet with Cee Lo Green, Santigold, Janelle Monae, Fishbone, Toro Y Moi, Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely, Ninjasonik, Cerebral Ballzy, Gordon Voidwell, Reggie Watts, Res, Joi, Rocky Business, Straight Line Stitch.

Just added: Gym Class Heroes, Das Racist, Kenna, Tamar-kali, Bad Raddbits, Joe Jordans Experiment, Jersey Klan, Radkey, and DJ's Stack-Aly, Jillionaire, Dances with White Girls, D://BOi, dj.shErOck, toni*K!

In addition, the Nike Battle For the Streets Skate and BMX Competition, the largest street skate and BMX competition in NYC will return with the nation's top amateur skaters and BMX riders in a competition to be judged by top professionals in both sports including Nigel Sylvester and P-Rod.

* ADMISSION IS FREE *
There are some very exciting new additions to the festival this year! Over 20 of the NYC area's hottest food trucks and vendors have been brought together for the Afro-Punk Bites and Beats Food Truck Festival which will bring cuisine from around the world and the 5 boroughs to the event.

Please visit http://www.afropunk.com/page/afropunk-festival-11 for additional information.

ATTENTION: Smoking Ban in NYC Parks Goes Into Effect

Yesterday, the City law banning smoking within New York City’s parks, beaches, and pedestrian plazas goes into effect. Please be aware that smoking is now prohibited on Parks Department property.

Smoking will still be allowed on sidewalks outside parks, including the sidewalks that form the perimeter of parks, and in the parking lots of all Parks Department properties. The department expects that the new law will be enforced mostly by New Yorkers themselves, who will ask people to follow the law and stop smoking. However, those who violate the new law could receive a $50 ticket.

If you have any further questions, you are encouraged to contact the Parks Department at (212) 360-3484.

CM James Extends Congratulations To Emily Lloyd On Accepting Prospect Park Alliance Position

Council Member Letitia James is pleased to extend her congratulations Emily Lloyd who has accepted the positions of President of Prospect Park Alliance and Administrator of Prospect Park.

Ms. Lloyd has previously worked as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Commissioner of the Department of Sanitation, and the Executive Vice President at Columbia University.

Ms. Lloyd's years of public service make her an oustanding choice for this position, following the departure of much-loved Tupper Thomas.

NYC Parks Department Recruiting Volunteers To Assist Storm Clean-Up

On Thursday, September 16, 2010, New York City was hit by a major storm that caused unprecedented damage to parts of Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens. Many of our neighborhood parks, playgrounds, and residential areas were ravaged by falling trees and debris. The NYC Parks Department is working hard to clean these areas from the storm’s aftermath, but they need help.

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, in cooperation with NYC Service, is looking to recruit volunteers this weekend to help clean up following the storm. Please let us know if you are available to join us either this Saturday, October 2, or this Sunday, October 3. If you are willing to volunteer or if you have any questions, please call Larry Scott Blackmon (212) 360-3421 or emailCommunity.Outreach@parks.nyc.gov. You can also call NYC Service at (212) 788-7550, or email them at nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov.

ATTENTION: Community Notice Regarding Storm

September 17, 2010

Community Notice Regarding Recent Storm
An update regarding last night's severe weather storm, and the specific issue of fallen trees, structural damage, and power outages throughout a number of Brooklyn neighborhoods--

Con Edison, DSNY, FDNY, MTA, NYPD, OEM, and the Parks Department are working to restore power outages and remove downed trees and debris throughout the city. To assist with coordination, OEM deployed Citywide Incident Coordinators (CICs) to certain locations in Brooklyn.

Affected residents should call 311 to report any damage to their homes or businesses sustained from last night's storm. In order to qualify for disaster relief assistance, New York City must estimate the storm's total effect on city residents and employees. Residents should be prepared to answer questions about the extent of their property damage. Residents, if possible, should take photographs any damage prior to debris removal or repair. OEM will continue to monitor the damage from last night’s storm; the agency has opened the City’s Emergency Operations Center. OEM responders are located in the hardest hit areas and there is a command post set up to coordinate field activities. OEM is also working with the National Weather Service and the State Emergency Management Office to assess the damage. The Weather Service will survey the damage to confirm whether a tornado occurred.

Council Member James would like to stress the importance or reporting the building damage and downed trees. This information will be collected and used to determine eligibility for FEMA disaster declarations.

Lastly, Council Member James asks that residents continue to take the following steps wherever necessary:

-Report health and safety emergencies to 911.
-Report structural and tree damage to 311 (including trees blocking streets and roadways).
-Report power outages to Con Edison at 1-800-75-ConEd.
-If you have been displaced due to the storm, contact the American Red Cross in Greater New York at (877) 733-2767.

Additionally, Alternate Side Parking regulations are suspended Citywide on Friday, September 17. And, as always, constituents may reach out to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191 to assist them in any matter related to the storm.

[Photograph by Benjamin Pasteur]

ATTENTION: Help Care for Fort Greene Park

The Fort Greene Association requests that residents help to make Fort Greene Park even more beautiful. Fort Greene Park volunteers care for trees, spruce up pathways, install erosion control, spread mulch or compost, repair fences, and care for gardens and lawns. They also may paint, rake, sweep, weed, or water plants.

No prior experience is necessary, and tools and training are provided.

Opportunities:

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 10am - 1pm

Sunday, November 15, 2009 10am - 1pm

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 10am - 1pm

To volunteer contact carol.anastasio@parks.nyc.gov

ATTENTION: New Grants for Block Beautification from Citizens Committee for NYC

NEW GRANTS PROGRAM FROM CITIZENS COMMITTEE FOR NEW YORK CITY

A new block transformation grants program has been implemented, which is intended to support 50 resident-led block beautification projects. Community groups can request a wide range of services from the NYC Departments of Sanitation, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation that will be completed over the course of the grant cycle.

Awardees will receive a $500 cash grant along with expedited support from city agencies for block improvements.

The application can be downloaded from www.citizensnyc.org

The deadline for applications is November 30, 2009.

For more information, please contact Alicia Rouault at 212-822-9558 or arouault@citizensnyc.org.

Two Free Summer ’09 Theatrical Matinee Readings In Fort Greene Park

ONE: An adaptation of Charles Dickens’
A (Sort of) TALE OF TWO CITIES
By David Joss Buckley, from a storyline by David Joss Buckley and Mickey O’Donoughue

Sunday, August 16, 2009 at 3PM
Fort Greene Park
Rain Date: Sunday, August 23, 2009 AT 3PM

TWO: an adaptation of a Medieval Play
PIRATE BESS: A swashbuckling Elizabethan romantic adventure comedy
Adapted by Thomas Haywood’s “Fair Maid of the West” by Raymond Gaspard

Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 3PM
Fort Greene Park
Rain Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009, 3PM
Sponsored by: The Fort Greene Park Conservancy; The Society for Clinton Hill; and in part by funding from the Partnerships for Parks, a joint program at City Parks Foundation and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Independence Community Foundation.

The Frederick Douglas Creative Arts Center in conjunction with the Classical Theatre of Harlem is organizing this special theatrical event for the whole family. The interactive performances will take place in the grove of trees by the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument (designed by American Architect Stanford White) at the top of the knoll. Bring a picnic and enjoy the FREE cultural event.

Further information at www.societyforclintonhill.org or 917-292-8042.

Directions for Our Youth Celebrates INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY!

***Save The Date***
AUGUST 12TH 2009

Directions for Our Youth in Partnership with the New York City Parks Department will be celebrating International Youth Day on August 12th at Robert Moses Park!

The theme of this year’s event is sustainability. The UN defines sustainability as “Sustainability does not only refer to maintaining environmental balance and renewal. Sustainability encapsulates three facets of life: the environment, society and the economy.”

Young people from each of DFOY’s programs will be exhibiting projects related to economic, cultural and environmental sustainability. And of course, there will be the Play Mobile, Puppet Shows, and Fitness Van, Food and Amazing Performances.

For more information contact Samuel Conway at sconway@dfoy.org or (914) 362-4020.

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

Our apologies for not updating for a while...

Town Hall

Last night, Council Member Letitia James held a Town Hall to address infrastructure in Clinton Hill following the Myrtle Avenue building collapse at St. Luke's Church on Washington Avenue between Willoughby and DeKalb Avs. Representatives from City Agencies were present, and were able to speak about what's happening at this point, as well as how to report structure-damage that is potentially dangerous. There will be additional communication after the appropriate City agencies have completed the necessary investigations into these matters. You can see more on NY1's report here.

Infrastructure in a majority-historic district is always a concern, but we urge people not to be unduly alarmed by these events. Responsibility for the care of property lies with the property owner. We encourage renters to sign legal leases, and attain renters insurance when possible.

Donating Money/Items

Our office has the donation list that can be accessed on the Chez Lola website. If you have items or goods to donate, please complete the form on the website. We are sending this information to the displaced residents, who can follow-up on the items they are interested in. There was a similar list set-up for Anh Nguyen and Andrew Schneider here: http://itpedia.nyu.edu/wiki/Myrtle_Avenue_Collapse_Benefit_page. Unfortunately, there is no general place to hold your donated items at this time. The search for housing remains the main concern for displaced residents.

Additionally, we are strongly encouraging monetary donations. Here are some individual donation sites:

To donate to the Diaz/Nunez family, see our post here- http://teamtish.blogspot.com/2009/06/attention-building-collapse-on-myrtle.html
Andrew Schneider's donation information can be found here- http://greylockarts.net/andrews-home
Anh Nguyen's donation information can be found here- http://savemang.org/
Jess Banning's donation information can be found here- http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-06-22.8270203664

Our office has collaborated with the Myrtle Avenue Revilatization Project (MARP), a registered non-profit, to collect donations for all the 491 & 493 Myrtle Avenue residents. Donations will be evenly distributed to all families affected. If you are donating funds, please make checks/money orders out to MARP. Specify “491 & 493 Myrtle Emergency Fund” in the memo field-

472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11205

A Tree Falls On Cambridge...Yikes!

A tree limb fell on Cambridge Place (where your blogger happens to reside), which we noticed last night around 9:00PM. The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation have been notified, and they should be out there as soon as possible. If you still see that thing hanging around, please call our office at (212) 788-7081.

Let's Talk: Soccer Games in Fort Greene Park

There's some pretty lively discussion on the New York Times blog, The Local, regarding soccer games in Fort Greene Park. Council Member James has long been aware of the matter (you can read a succinct background here; basically, some feel that soccer playing has rendered parts of the park grass-less).

Recently, we received the following comment on TeamTish-
"Hi Tish,

I have been reading about your activities regarding the FG park soccer dispute on the NYTimes blog. Is there any way that you can start documenting/clarifying your positions/actions vis-à-vis the soccer dispute on this blog?

Many of us are very concerned that a small minority of your constituents may be driving soccer out of the park completely at the expense of all of the other stakeholders in the park, including the soccer players. On the NY Times blog, a vast majority of the commentors are FOR soccer in the park.

It seems that you are moving towards taking out of the park completely. That does not seem to be a win-win outcome that treats all fort greeners as equal stakeholders.

Concerned Constituent"

As Council Member James has been quoted in many of the articles and posts written on this matter, and has held a number of meetings between the parties involved to discuss various solutions, we have not followed this issue on our blog. However, in response to the comment received, we said the following-
"Anonymous, we've been following the conversation over at the NYT-The Local.

CM James has been a part of this discussion for quite a while (it is in no way, a 'new' issue), and has actively been working to find a compromise between all parties involved (meeting multiple times with stakeholders and players, etc). We'll try to get a statement from Tish at her earliest convenience on this matter, but in the meantime it would be inaccurate to make any assumptions, as conversations with Parks (and all other parties involved) are ongoing."

Firstly, we recognize the complexity of this issue, and although we are eager to hear input from all residents, we feel that this matter needs to be addressed in a community-minded spirit. It would be unfortunate if anyone interpreted the Council Member's efforts to assist in this matter as anything other than a sincere desire to bring about a solution that benefits stakeholders and players alike. At this time, Council Member James is in discussion with alternative sites to access their soccer fields for these players for part-time use. Such a proposal may also grant the soccer players the opportunity to continue use of a designated Fort Greene Park area. We will update this blog as we receive more detailed information. Conversations with the Parks Department are ongoing.

Thanks,
TeamTish