ATTENTION: AT&T Street Charge Brings Solar-Powered Chargers To Brooklyn

AT&T Street Charge is a pilot program bringing solar-powered mobile charging stations to NYC. All station visitors will be able to charge their phones, tablets and other devices, regardless of their carrier, for free using these energy-efficient units. Several charging units will be deployed to locations throughout Brooklyn this summer, including in Fort Greene Park, Metrotech Center, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. See more here.

ATTENTION: Free Tree Giveaway; 4/13; Bed-Stuy

Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is hosting a Spring Tree Giveaway Saturday, April 13, 2013, and will be donating 200 FREE trees! Individuals, families and community groups within NYC are eligible to receive a tree for planting on private property only. Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until supplies run out. Simple tree planting and care instructions come with each free tree.


WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2013
11:00am

WHERE: PACC's Affordable Housing Building
Magnolia Plaza, 686 Lafayette Avenue
(Between Marcy and Tompkins)

ATTENTION: Citizen's Cmte Hosts "Build A Greenhouse"; Crown Heights; 9/22

The Citizen's Committee of NYC will be hosting a 'Build A Greenhouse For Your Community Garden' workshop!

WHEN: Saturday, September 22, 2012

10:30AM- 3:30PM

WHERE: Westbrook Memorial Garden

Crown Heights

For more information, please contact (212) 822-9568.

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: CM James and PACC Host Community Meeting On Myrtle Village Green; TODAY 6/4; Pratt Center; 6PM

You can read more about Myrtle Village Green here: http://www.myrtlepark.org/

PACC Hosts Free Tree Giveaway; 4/14

The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) and the Magnolia Tree Earth Center are hosting a community Tree Giveaway at Magnolia Plaza on Saturday, April 14, 2012. 100 FREE trees will be given away to the public!

WHEN: Saturday, April 14th, 2012
11:00AM -3:00PM

WHERE: PACC's Affordable Housing Building- Magnolia Plaza
686 Lafayette Avenue (between Marcy and Tompkins)

Residents are encouraged to reserve a Crape Myrtle, Magnolia or a Pear Tree in advance at www.nyrp.org/brooklyntrees.

Trees will be available to individuals, families and community groups for planting on private property only and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until supplies run out. Simple tree planting and care instructions come with your free tree. It is recommended that you bring a folding shopping cart to transport your tree.

For questions, contact Mike Mitchell at 212-333-2552.

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.

City Council Sanitation Committee Chair Letitia James To Speak At NY League of Conservation Voters Forum on City Solid Waste Challenges

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
December 5, 2011

Contact: Dan Hendrick at (212) 361-6350 x206

City Council Sanitation Committee Chair Letitia James To Speak At NY League of Conservation Voters Forum on City Solid Waste Challenges

(New York, NY)— Did you know that New York City ships 10,500 tons of residential waste to out-of-state landfills every day? That adds up to nearly 27 million miles a year— all on large, long-haul trucks that spew massive amounts of climate-warming emissions into our air.

New York City is lagging behind other major cities in the adoption of new technologies, even as our current system grows more and more expensive. Isn't it time for the Big Apple to rethink its solid waste management strategy?

On December 6, 2011, Council Member Letitia James will be joining the New York League of Conservation Voters (Education Fund) at “Wasted Opportunity: Confronting NYC's Solid Waste Challenges” to discuss how New York City can best manage the nonrecyclable fraction of its municipal solid waste. Panelists will include NYC Deputy Mayor for Operations Caswell Holloway; NYC Environment- Natural Resources Defense Council Director Eric Goldstein; Citizens Budget Commission President Carol Kellerman; as well as others.

The forum will take place Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the New York City Bar Association (42 West 44th Street) from 8:00AM to noon.

See more information here: http://www.nylcvef.org/wastedopportunity

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.

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.

ATTENTION: FGA Hosts Annual Tree Giveaway

The Fort Greene Association's next tree giveaway is March 26, 10-12.

Those interested in assisting should contact Shertease Wheeler at volunteer@greenfgch.org.

For more information contact Jed Marcus, info@greenfgch.org or (718) 643-6555

ATTENTION: NYC Green Cart Program Seeks New Vendors

The NYC Green Cart Program Seeks New Vendors

NYC Green Carts are mobile food stands that exclusively sell fresh fruits and vegetables in the areas that need them most. In March 2011, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be accepting new applications to be on the waiting list for a Green Cart permit! For dates and times for workshops in Queens, the Bronx and Harlem, call 212-943-1433, and for Brooklyn call 212-676-2022. Workshops begin as early as January 11, 2011.

ATTENTION: PLANYC Presentation; Bed-Stuy; 10/7; 6PM

You are invited to a Brooklyn Community Conversation on PlaNYC [2030], Mayor Bloomberg's Sustainability Agenda!

WHEN: Thursday, October 7th, 2010
6PM- 8PM
WHERE: Billie Holiday Theatre at Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza
1368 Fulton Street

To RSVP, please call (212) 788-9770.

Council’s Historic Recycling Legislation Signed into Law by Mayor Bloomberg

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE C. QUINN, SANITATION CHAIR LETITIA JAMES, AND PUBLIC ADVOCATE BILL DE BLASIO ON RECYCLING LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW

The Mayor signed a package of recycling bills that will revolutionize recycling in New York City through a variety of initiatives including expanded plastic recycling, a new clothing and textile recycling program, and improved public space recycling. The package of legislation represents the first significant expansion of the city’s residential recycling program since it was created in 1989.

Speaker Christine C. Quinn: “I applaud the Mayor for signing this package of bills that will dramatically expand and overhaul the way we recycle here in New York City. Our legislation will divert over 8,000 tons of plastic every year away from landfills and incinerators. That’s equal to the amount of trash produced by nearly 10,000 people each year. This is one step closer to making New York City cleaner and greener for our current and future residents.”

Int. 156 - Improves recycling at City agencies by requiring each agency to establish sustainability coordinators and to implement plans to expand recycling with each agency.

Sanitation Committee Chair Letitia James: “The City’s comprehensive residential recycling law provides a recycling infrastructure separate from home collection. I thank the Mayor for signing this package today and finalizing the last step in making this a reality. Upgrades to Local Law 19 include an expanded public space recycling initiative, which would require DOS to site a total of 700 public space recycling bins. These revisions promote a culture of recycling in New York City by making it available and convenient for both residents, as well as visitors. Therefore, public receptacles make it easy for everyone to readily discard their used bottles, cans or papers. This is a win for all New Yorkers and our visitors.”

Int. 165 - Requires schools to designate a recycling coordinator and provide recycling receptacles in each classroom and at other locations.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio: “This new law will do more than reduce school waste; it will teach the youngest New Yorkers to grow up green. I am proud to have sponsored this legislation, and I thank Speaker Quinn and Mayor Bloomberg for making it into law.”

Int. 158 - Requires DOS to site 300 new recycling bins in public spaces over the next three years, and a total of 700 bins within the next ten years.

Int. 162 - Mandates at least one DOS sponsored household hazardous waste collection event in each borough per year, with a long-term goal of increasing the number of events, or making such sites permanent.

Int. 148 - Expands plastic recycling to cover all rigid plastic containers, including such items as yogurt tubs, take out containers and medicine bottles.

Int. 147 Improves recycling education, enforcement, and fine increases.

Int. 142 - Extends the DOS collection period from March 1 – November 30 beginning in 2012, and requires the Department of Sanitation to establish leaf and yard waste composting facilities in all boroughs where the Department provides yard waste compost collection.

Int. 141 - Requires DOS to complete a study of commercial recycling practices.

Int. 142 - Establishes a voluntary take-back program for retailers and manufacturers of unused residential paint.

Int. 164 - Improves recycling reporting requirements and requires additional studies to enhance the City’s recycling programs.

Int. 171 - Requires a report to study ways to improve food waste composting in New York City.

###

BBGD Presents 13th Annual Garden Walk; 6/6; 11AM

The 13th Annual GARDEN WALK is on Sunday June 6, 2010.

Presented by Brownstone Brooklyn Garden District (BBGD) this stroll features 15 private gardens of Clinton Hill, two community gardens and a recently planted serenity garden at Teen Challenge called "Parables, Symbols & Healing."

The walk is from 11AM- 5PM. Advance Tickets are available here.

Day-of tour tickets and a self-guided map are available at the corner of Lafayette & Washington Avenues, just outside the entrance to the G train. At the ticket stand there will be a variety of information tables having to do with Urban Gardening.

All proceeds from the walk go into free fall bulb give-aways & other community gardening projects.

Garden Sitters receive a free ticket to the tour and an invite to the after-party. Sitting for the tour is divided into 2 shifts. Sitters could work from 11AM -2PM or from 2PM -5PM.

If you're interested in sitting, please contact Emily at emilywas@gmail.com.

ATTENTION: BK Chamber of Commerce, Con Edison Present "Real Green! Meet the Experts on Energy." 4/1; BK Boro Hall; 8:30AM

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Con Edison, will present "Real Green! Meet the Experts on Energy" at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Thursday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The event is designed to encourage business owners and homeowners interested in "green-proofing" their businesses and residences, but who are stymied by concerns about cost or are searching for ideas about how to get started. The process for obtaining funding for green projects will be demystified and attendees will be able to explore ideas about eco-friendly construction illustrated by case studies that offer a road map approach to sustainability.

The selected case studies represent some of Brooklyn's newest and most exciting development projects- commercial projects will be the focus in the morning and will include a LEED-certified clothing store, Bird, and Brooklyn's newest recreation destination, Brooklyn Bowl. Residential projects will be covered in the afternoon and will feature projects such as The Silhouette and Greenbelt. In addition, attendees can take advantage of a full day of table presentations and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).

Presenting sponsor, Con Edison, will offer free energy surveys for which attendees can sign up on-site at the event. This exciting "one-stop" fair will get attendees on their way to the most cost effective and achievable means to implement their wish list of green projects.

Real Green! is free and open to the public; advance registration is required.

Attendees may RSVP online at www.ibrooklyn.com; if you are interested in scheduling an appointment with a NYSERDA project manager, please send an email to Lori Raphael at lraphael@brooklynchamber.com or call (718) 875-1000 ext 140. Light refreshments will be served.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events/Notices

Take the Census Employment Test

LOCATION: Community Board #8
ADDRESS: 1291 St. Marks Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
DATES: February 16th- 18th

Candidates must be 18 years or older with (2) valid pieces of identification. Available positions include census takers, census clerks, crew leaders/assistants and recruiting assistants.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, you may call 718.467.5620. Positions start at $18.75 an hour.
_________________________

To help lower energy costs and reduce energy consumption, New York State will provide consumers with rebates for purchasing Energy Star-rated refrigerators, clothes, washers, freezers and dishwashers during President's Week 2010 (Feb. 12th- 21st).

To learn more about program guidelines or to obtain rebate forms and instructions, please visit http://www.nyapplianceswapout.com/ or call 1.877.NY.SMART.

_________________________

Energized citizens in Fort Greene and standing up to corporate polluters!

The Fort Greene Association's new and improved "No Ads signs" have arrived. To get your signs, contact your local Greene Fort Greene & Clinton Hill block chief by visiting the http://www.greenfgch.org/ or contacting Green FG&CH chair Jed Marcus at (718) 643-6555 or info@greenefgch.org.

Trees NY and Prospect Heights Urban Forestry Initiative Hold Puppet Show To Teach Kids About Trees

You are invited to a puppet show designed to teach children about the importance of trees. Children should be forewarned that puppet Mrs. Crabapple does not like trees and will try to persuade children to do the same. Will Prospect Heights youngsters be able to convince Mrs. Crabapple that trees are awesome? Bring your youngster and find out for yourself!

February 28, 2010
12:30PM- 2:00PM
Soda Bar
629 Vanderbilt Avenue @ St. Marks Avenue
Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

Cookies and milk will be served. Trees NY and PHUFI are sponsoring.

Trees New York is a non-profit organization founded as a volunteer response to the City's devastating cutbacks in tree-related community services. TreesNY has worked to plant, preserve, and protect New York City's neighborhood trees through education, active citizen participation, and advocacy.
The Prospect Heights Urban Forestry Initiative (PHUFI) will ensure that Prospect Heights Street Trees receive the care and attention needed to survive. PHUFI is working to involve the entire neighborhood in the maintenance and upkeep of our street trees.

Trees New York (NY)
www.treesny.org
(212) 227-1887

Prospect Heights Urban Forestry Initiative
PHCForest@gmail.com