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!

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.

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.

ATTENTION: FGA/ LPC Info Session On Proposed Extension to FG Historic District

Please join the Fort Greene Association (FGA), and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)- the mayoral agency responsible for protecting the City’s architecturally, culturally and historically significant buildings, neighborhoods and sites- for an information session for property owners on the proposed extension to the Fort Greene Historic District at FGA's next neighborhood meeting.

LPC will make a presentation and answer questions about the proposal, the commission's regulations, and the permit application process.

WHEN: Monday, September 19, 2011
7:00pm- 9:30pm

WHERE: Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School Auditorium
357 Clermont Avenue; enter on Greene Avenue


Confirmed guest speakers:
Kate Daly – Executive Director, LPC
Mary Beth Betts – Director of Research, LPC
Tenzing Chadotsang – Director of Grants and Outreach, LPC
Jenny Fernandez - Director of Intergovernmental & Community Relations, LPC
Nadezhda Williams - Director of Preservation & Research, Historic Districts Council

Email your questions to be addressed at the meeting to landmarks@HistoricFortGreene.org. General questions can be directed to FGA at 718-875-1855.

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

Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit

Contact Info:

Lillian Jean-Baptiste
lillian@historicfortgreene.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit

Brooklyn, NY – February 19, 2011 – In honor of Black History Month the Fort Greene Association (FGA) produced a community collaborative art exhibit. The works of three local Fort Greene - Clinton Hill artists with ties to Pratt Institute are on display in a vacant storefront located at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension, part of Metrotech BID.

“When we were approached by the Fort Greene Association to collaborate on this project, we were happy to be involved. This is the type of installation that, not only, celebrates a rich heritage and history, but it brings art into the public realm by enlivening a retail corridor and exposing fine artists to a wider market” said Catherine Hickey, Director of Retail / Commercial Development, Metrotech BID.

Passersby are greeted by a tribute to Fredrick Douglas created for the FGA’s Black History Month Tribute by Ryan Jones, a Pratt Fine Arts student who has a strong interest in the community and public works. Jamillah Jennings, Pratt alumna whose work is inspired by music and dance has four pieces on display: “African-American Dancers, Forces of Nature - Diana Harvey, Jazz in Motion and Modern Dancer.” Pratt alumna Kikelomo Amusa-Shonubi created for the FGA’s tribute Economic Stimulus, 1620 to 1850, a piece that exhibits the slave trade routes commonly taken to the New World and encourages viewers to think about how slavery has affected all of us here in the western hemisphere.

Black History Month murals were also created on the windows of local businesses in Fort Greene. Josh Friedman created a mural called "We Never Stop" inspired by the novel "Black Boy" by Richard Wright which can be seen at Fort Greene SNAP, 324 Myrtle Avenue. An African textile inspired piece dedicated to Brenda Brunson-Bey was created by a talented group of diverse and developmentally disabled adults from Brooklyn Day Hab. part of AHRC org. which can be seen at Kiki’s Pet Spa & Boutique, 239 Dekalb Avenue.

“The Fort Greene Association’s Black History Month Art Exhibit is a community collaborative project that showcases the neighborhood’s dynamic talent and exhibit’s what makes Fort Greene so special and unique” said Lillian Jean-Baptiste, FGA Communications and Community Engagement Chair. “It is long overdue that the Fort Greene Association enters into the tradition of Black History Month. Our neighborhood, and in fact this very organization, is indebted to the accomplishments of African Americans who live and have lived in this vibrant neighborhood. This tradition will become a beacon and inspiration for future generations across racial lines. It is what Fort Greene is about” said Paul Palazzo, FGA Chairperson.

The FGA’s Black History exhibit is on display now until February 28, 2011. The works exhibited at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension are for sale by the artists; a portion of the proceeds will be donated to fund a program created by the FGA to encourage local youth facing financial hardships to attend college.

The Fort Greene Association, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, operating as a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization that supports and works in concert with the many other fine organizations that make our community so special and vital. Please visit www.historicfortgreene.org to learn more about our organization. Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/fortgreeneassn / & Fan us on Facebook!

CM James and Community Speak Out On Recent Sexual Assaults; 88th Precinct Community Council Addresses Residential Concerns

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
February 15, 2011

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

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT RECENT SPATE OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BROOKLYN: 88TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING ON 2/15 WILL ADDRESS

Police have linked two recent sexual attacks in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, to a similar attack that happened earlier last month in Bensonhurst. On January 19, a sexual predator attempted to rape a 25-year-old woman near the corner of St. Felix Street and Hanson Place.

The woman was walking past the busy corner at 1:30 am when the suspect grabbed her from behind, and tried to tear off her clothing. But, the sex fiend ran away once the victim began to yell for help, and fortunately the woman was unharmed. A week later, according to police, this attacker’s efforts were once again thwarted on January 26, when a passerby interrupted his attempt to assault a 24-year-old woman near the intersection of Fulton and Cumberland Streets at 1:15 am.

“Fort Greene is a village-like community,” said Council Member James. “These kinds of incidents are extremely disturbing because this area has grown much safer in recent years, and residents feel they should be able to travel around without incident.”

The 88th Precinct reported a decline in rapes by 85-percent during the last 10 years. Also, the Fort Greene Association headed by chair Paul Palazzo, and Council Member James are working with the City to improve lighting conditions within the community. The installation of more video cameras is also under consideration.

“The community is making it known that these incidents are unacceptable, and this level of crime will not become the new normal,” said Mr. Palazzo, who has lived in Fort Greene more than 27 years. “On behalf of FGA, I would like to commend the 88th Precinct Police on the overall reduction of crime this past decade.”

According to the 88th Precinct, the Special Victims Unit is heading up this investigation because they handle all sexual crimes. The community is invited to attend their monthly meetings; February’s meeting begins at 7pm (this evening). The event is taking place at the Institutional Church of God in Christ, located on 170 Adelphi Street between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues.

“It’s critical that everyone be hyper-aware of their surroundings to protect themselves while on the streets. I encourage residents to attend local Precinct Community Council meetings held monthly. Also, a Public Safety Task Force is now in place, which my office helped to form last year and seeks to foster community involvement. Please call my office for more information, or to be added to the task force e-mail list,” said Council Member James.

Police described the attacker as a white man of around 30 to 35 years. He is between 5-foot-11 and 6-feet in height and of medium build, with light hair. He wore a dark pea coat with a light colored button-down shirt

Please see more information here.

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FGA Celebrates Black History Month- Call for Artists

For the month of February, The Fort Greene Association (FGA) will salute the contributions of African-Americans who’ve made significant contributions in and around Fort Greene; individuals who’ve committed selfless acts as well as recognize pioneers who’ve paved the way for others. The FGA is seeking artists interested in donating their time and talent to create Black History Month window displays/murals in the windows of local Fort Greene businesses to be exhibited for the month of February.

Artists interested in participating in the FGA’s Black History Month Celebration can send an e-mail to Lillian@HistoricFortGreene.org to learn more about the project and discuss next steps.

FGA Hosts Holiday Potluck Party!; 12/3; FG; 7:30PM

Please join the Fort Greene Association for their holiday season party at-

138 South Oxford Street
on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7:30PM.

It's a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to share! Call 718.744.4910 for more info.

ATTENTION: FGA Presents Schools Info Meeting; 11;17; 7PM; FG

Are you interested in exploring different schooling options for your child?
Do you want to hear about the various public school programs?
Perhaps you are considering a private school?
Would you like to know more about the private school admissions process?

If so, please attend the next Fort Greene Association (FGA) meeting entitled-
Schools! Get the Help You Need
Wednesday, November 17th, 7PM
Alliance of Resident Theatres
[138 South Oxford Street, Fort Greene, 2nd Floor (between Atlantic and Hanson)]

FGA will be hosting a presentation and an open discussion with experts in the area of public and private school admissions.

Confirmed guest speakers:
Joyce Szuflita, NYC School Help
Robin Aronow, School Search NYC

Get there early to enjoy FGA's Neighborhood Mixer. Meet your neighbors, enjoy a complimentary tasting menu provided by Mullanes Bar & Grill and enjoy a special performance by Fort Greene resident singer-songwriter-producer and recording artist Gordon Chambers.

Dine In Brooklyn Week- 3/15- 3/25!

Dine in Brooklyn 2010- March 15 to March 25

"Dine in Brooklyn" week starts on March 15, with over 175 restaurants offering three-course meals for $25. And if that isn't too good to believe some are offering two for the price of one.

Fort Greene eateries offering 3 courses for $25:
Aqualis Grill D (Mediterranean)
718-797-3494

Caffe eVino BLD (Italian)
718-855-6222
http://www.caffeevino.com/

Chez Lola D (French)
718-858-1484
http://www.bistrolola.com/

Chez Oskar D (French)
718-852-6250
http://www.chezoskar.com/

Dajeh Restaurant LD (Caribbean)
718-857-1616
http://www.dajeh.com/

Graziella's Italian Restaurant LD (Italian)
718-789-5663
http://www.graziellasmenu.com/

iCi D (French/American)
718-789-2778
http://www.icirestaurant.com/

Luz Restaurant BLD (Latin American)
718-246-4000
http://www.luzrestaurant.com/

Madiba Restaurant BLD (South African)
718-855-9190
http://www.madibarestaurant.com/

Mullanes Bar & Grill BLD (Irish/American)
718-797-7606
http://www.mullanesbrooklyn.com/

Olea Restaurant D (Mediterranean)
718-643-7003
http://www.oleabrooklyn.com/

Poppa's Place BD (International)
718-643-4216
http://www.poppasplacebrooklyn.com/

Scopello Ristorante Bar BD (Italian)
718-852-1100
http://www.scopello.net/

Sushi D D (Japanese)
718-838-0058
http://www.sushid.com/

Thomas Beisl D (Austrian/Viennese)
718-222-5800

2 for $25 at these Restaurants:
Los Pollitos III D (for 2) (Mexican)
718-636-6125
http://www.lospollitosiii.com/

RICE D (for 2) (Fusion)
718-858-2700
http://www.riceny.com/

The Smoke Joint LD (for 2) (Barbecue)
718-797-1011
http://www.thesmokejoint.com/

FGA has some more information: http://historicfortgreene.org/2010/03/dine-in-brooklyn-2010/
As does Visit Brooklyn: http://www.visitbrooklyn.org/