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: Celebrate the New Putnam Triangle Plaza; 9/25

Block Party To Celebrate The New Putnam Triangle Plaza

WHEN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
12:00NOON -8:00PM

WHERE: Fulton Street at Grand Avenue/ Putnam Avenue (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn)
Family Yoga and FREE 5-minute massages begin at 11:00AM

Please come out SUNDAY, September 25th to celebrate the creation of a BRAND NEW public space in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, THE PUTNAM TRIANGLE PLAZA at Fulton and Grand. Celebrate with FREE live music; the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band; Yoga on the Plaza; Free Massages; Face Painters, Free Balloons, Games, Crafts, Activities and Giveaways for Kids; Interactive Art Projects; Food Tastings from Fulton Street Chefs and much more.

For more information, please visit the Fulton Avenue BID/FAB Alliance at faballiance.org or facebook.com/FABfulton.

CM James Celebrates Re-Opening of F + S FG Tire Shop

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
June 6, 2011

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

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES AND COMMUNITY HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO CELEBRATE RE-OPENING OF FORT GREENE’S F + S TIRE THIS TUESDAY, JUNE 7 AT 9:30 A.M., ON CORNER OF FULTON & SOUTH OXFORD STREETS
The family business was closed down by the City after 26 years of service and is now re-opening - Certificate of Occupancy violation dismissed May 16th at a Department of Buildings hearing

The Joseph brothers came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for over 26 years. Earlier this Spring, they were informed that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn could not legally house their business - F + S Tire Shop. A DOB inspector had informed the Joseph brothers that hundreds of thousands dollars were needed to obtain a new certificate of occupancy, but it has since been discovered under new laws the shop is zoned to be a tire shop.

“I am pleased to see the re-opening of F + S Tire Shop on Fulton Avenue. Many residents and businesses have contacted my office to express support of F + S Tire Shop, as well as gratitude for the owner’s hard work and generosity throughout the years,” said Council Member James. “I appreciate the Joseph brothers’ perseverance and commitment to their small business. On behalf of 35th Council District, I would like to wish the Joseph brothers continued success. Further, I want to thank those individuals in the community who supported the Joseph brothers.”

WHO: F + S Tire company owners - the Joseph brothers, Council Member Letitia James, community leaders, fellow shop owners, advocates, neighbors and friends

WHAT: Press conference to support the re-opening of F + S Tire Shop

WHEN: Tuesday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: 777 Fulton Street – corner of South Oxford Street – in front of F + S Tire Shop

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CM James Holds Press Conference In Support of F + S Tire Shop; 4/16; 2PM

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
April 14, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES AND THE COMMUNITY HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO SUPPORT FORT GREENE’S F + S TIRES - OWNED BY HAITIAN FAMILY, SATURDAY, APRIL 16 AT 2PM, ON FULTON STREET & SOUTH PORTLAND AVE. - IN FRONT OF HABANA OUTPOST
The family business was closed down by the City after 26 years of service

Backstory: The Joseph brothers came to this country from their native Haiti and have been business and property owners for over 26 years. Two weeks ago, they were informed that their building on South Oxford Street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn could not legally house their business - F + S Tire Shop. While tires were changed on the South Oxford corner (for nearly three decades), the brownstone neighborhood has improved around F + S. Crime has been pushed out, and the downtown Brooklyn location is once again prime real estate.

Numerous fines were imposed upon F + S Tire Shop (more than $24,000 for building violations such as garbage in basement, improper support beams, no sprinkler system), and a DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that hundreds of thousands dollars were needed to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.

“The Joseph brothers feel they are fighting against the City, and I intend to let them know they can work with government. Many residents and businesses have contacted my office to express support of F + S Tire Shop, as well as gratitude for the owner’s hard work and generosity throughout the years,” said Council Member Letitia James. Also, I’ve heard rumors of harassing telephone calls made to the brothers, which is not acceptable on my watch. This community will do everything it can to help the Joseph Brothers maintain their American dream.”

A Department of Buildings hearing for violations is scheduled for May 16. The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC), the Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB), and the office of Council Member Letitia James are assisting the Joseph brothers.

WHO: F + S Tire Company Owners - the Joseph brothers, Council Member Letitia James, community leaders, fellow shop owners, advocates, neighbors and friends
WHAT: Press Conference to support F + S Tire Shop and the American dream
WHEN: Saturday, April 16 at 2pm
WHERE: Corner of Fulton Street and South Portland Avenue– in front of Habana Outpost restaurant

Please see the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savefgtireshop/

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CM James Creates Online Petition In Support of FG Tire Shop

F + S Tires is the Fulton Street business that has been closed by the Department of Buildings due to violations and an issue with the certificate of occupancy.

The owners received more than $24,000 in fines for building violations, such as for improper support beams, lacking a sprinkler system and garbage in the basement. The certificate of occupancy for the building is another major issue. A DOB inspector informed the Joseph brothers that it would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to obtain a new certificate of occupancy.

The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB) and the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) are assisting F + S Tires, and a Department of Buildings hearing for the violations is scheduled May 16. Please join Council Member James and advocacy agencies in supporting F + S Tires, who perform a vital service to the Fort Greene community, by signing this petition.

[Link here]

Please see the petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savefgtireshop/

Job Opportunity- FAB Business Alliance BID Project Manager

Part-time Project Manager

The Fulton Area Business (FAB) Alliance Business Improvement District (BID) in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene is seeking candidates for the part-time position of "Project Manager" to help create and execute events, initiatives and other programs related to marketing, sanitation, public safety and quality-of-life issues, street scape enhancements and merchant and property-owner outreach. The Project Manager works with the BID Manager, FAB Board of Directors, City agencies, civic organizations and cultural and arts institutions.

Applicants are to apply through the jobscore here. The job is part-time at 25 hours per week and may appeal to those interested in some flexibility in their work schedule.

ATTENTION: Construction Updates in 35th District

Beginning Saturday, July 17th, the New York City Department of Transportation will add bike lanes to Flushing Avenue, South of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This plan will reduce the travel lanes to one lane in each direction, and result in the removal of on-street parking on the north side of Flushing.

Please see the attached flyer for further information, or contact our office at (718) 260-9191.

__________

Due to roadway construction
expected to start the week of July 12th, Fulton Street from Boerum Place to Flatbush Avenue will be closed over the next two months. The first sequence of construction will be from Boerum Place to Smith Street.

Here are more specific details:
1. There will be a full closure of Fulton Street at the areas being renovated.

2. The bulk of the demolition work will be at night with the remaining roadwork to take place during the day.

3. Side streets will remain open and construction will be phased such that north and south movement through Fulton Street will be maintained at all times.

4. As always, deliveries will not be permitted on Fulton Street. Please use side street loading/unloading zones which will remain available during roadbed construction.

5. Emergency vehicles will continue to have access along Fulton Street.

6. Private garbage pick up and delivery arrangements need to be coordinated beforehand.

7. NYC Transit will be rerouting buses to Livingston Street during this time period.

8. NYC Transit will be responsible for communicating these route changes to the riding public.

Please contact the Fulton Streetscape Project Community Liaison at 917-337-3477 if you have any further questions.

Weekend Activities!

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fort Greene Park

The Fort Greene Festival is a celebration of the cultures, cuisine, and artistic diversity of Brooklyn. The festival host will be Malik Yoba, and co-hosts are Toure and Rosie Perez. The day will also include performances by rapper Common, Zap Mamma and more.

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FABfest on Fulton Street concludes with a 4-hour music and dance tribute to MICHAEL JACKSON!

Sunday, June 27, 2010, FABfest is goes out with 4-hours of Michael Jackson- on the anniversary of his passing- with music, dance and more in honor of the King of Pop... featuring DJ REBORN.

There will be games, crafts and activities for kids; chess
tournaments and mini-golf competitions. Plus EVERYBODY PAINT is back, where everyone is invited to grab a brush and create a work of art inspired by MJ.

It's all FREE on Fulton Street between Lafayette and South Oxford, Sundays in JUNE. Presented by the FAB Alliance (http://www.faballiance.org/)

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

NYC Department of Education Tries to Close 19 Schools, Gets Sued, Fails

The Teachers Union and the NAACP filed a lawsuit on February 1st in an attempt to stop the DOE's 19 school closings (none of the proposed closings were in the 35th district). On March 26th, a Manhattan judge sided with parents, advocates, and leaders, by voiding the City's decision to close the schools, citing a failure to follow proper processes.

Progressive Caucus

What happens when a dozen progressive City Council members get together? This.

Free Trees In Clinton Hill

Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill and the FAB Alliance are giving away 200 free trees on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. Make your way to the Putnam Triangle in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (Fulton St and Grand Ave) and leave with a tree to plant on your private property. Planting a tree contributes to neighborhood beautification, lowers air pollution, slows street traffic, and is a fun springtime activity for kids, school classes, church groups, families and friends. Any questions- contact tree@greenfgch.org.

Immigration Application Assistance

The Crown Heights Community Mediation Center is offering free immigration assistance to eligible individuals to complete the application forms. If you are eligible to apply for citizenship, you will be scheduled to meet with a trained volunteer to fill out the N-400/N-600 forms and receive information about the additional requirements to complete your application.
The dates are:
April 7- 9:30am- 12:30pm
April 29- 4pm- 8pm

May 15- 10am - 3pm