JUST SOME OF THE WORK THAT
THE NORTH FLATBUSH AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
IS WORKING ON IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Flatbush Avenue at 5th Ave. near Modells
A little over 35 years ago, a group of committed citizens joined forces to improve the area known as North Flatbush Avenue Avenue. This group was comprised of merchants, propert onwers and residents such as Fran Trowbridge, Sophie Edeler, Joe King (century 21 real Estate), Bill Shapiro (Triangle Sports) and the Pintchikfamily. these Committed citizens, along with the assistance of elected officials, city agencies and the Brooklyn Union Gas “Cinderella Project” (keyspan/National Grid) brough renewl to Flatbush Avenue beginning with the Triangle parks Commission, the North Flatbush Avenue Avenue Betterment Committee that ultimately gave rise to the North Flatbush AvenueAvneue Business Improvement District (BID).
Most of this core group is still involved in what may seem to be a long struggle to keep Flatbush Avenue a vibrant commercial district. Over the years, the members of the Board of Directors, have struggled to create a cohesive identity for the BID that would be responsive to the changing demographic, without losing long time businesses and to create an atmosphere that is rich with “Brooklyn” spirit.
We have watched both Fifth and Vanderbilt Avenues attract shops that seem to emerge overnight with attractions for the younger, hipper shopper and have asked why? At times we may have felt somewhat overlooked but this is our burden because Flatbush Avenue is unique.
The BID has prided itself on understanding our limitations, our budget is small, and most of the properties and businesses are owned by a sole proprietor. Where else does one have to contend with thousands of vehicles daily, two bus routes, six sets of subway tracks below and a borough that sees Flatbush Avenue more as a conduit than as a destination?
New streetscape design for Flatbush Avenue
Over the past year, we have been planning a new streetscape for FlatbushAvenue with a focus like that of 1974 when the Triangle parks were created. Last July, many of you participated in a Community Forum to address the questions: What is Flatbush Avenue? What would you like to see? The NYC Department of Small Business Services awarded the BID a grant which has allowed us to create a conceptual street scape design that addresses concerns expressed at the forum and others from additional meetings. This plan was revealed at the BID’s 2009 Annual Meeting held on Wednesday, June 24th and subsequently used to entice and cajole our fine city to fund the Flatbush Avenue of the future. The plan is inviting, aesthetically pleasing and easily maintainable. We were recently awarded $200K from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz .
If you you would like to view additional photos of the new streetscape design, the BID plans a public presentation sometime this fall in one of our triangle parks. Please visit our website to find out date to view more photos and talk with our architecture firm “W” Architecture and Landscape Architecture LLC. We want to hear your thoughts and comments.
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