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Even more luxury apartments coming as Jay Group scores $105M loan

By
Dann Berg
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0
Screenshot of Google Maps with five buildings starred to show their locations. All are just east of Flatbush Ave at or around Willoughby St
Screenshot of Google Maps

Sure, the west side of Flatbush has a huge selection of new luxury apartments. But what about the east side?

The Jay Group has that covered! They filed plans for five new buildings alongside Flatbush Ave in 2024, with construction already underway for two and two more just securing a new $105M loan, according to The Real Deal.

These five units are the first in the neighborhood to take advantage of the new 485-x tax incentive, which started in June 2022 and replaced the previous 421-a program.

There are a few key differences with the new 485-x program, including:

  • Duration: 485-x offers up to 40 years of tax benefits (35 years plus 5-year phase-out) compared to 421-a’s maximum of 35 years.
  • Rent Stabilization: 485-x locks affordable units into permanent rent-stabilization, compared to a 35-40 year lock-in under 421-a. However, market rate units are no longer stabilized
  • Wage Requirements: 485-x imposes a $40 per hour floor in terms of worker pay for projects with 100 units or more

The changes are subtle and the reaction from builders lukewarm—Real Estate Board of NY (REBNY) called it less productive due to the higher wage requirements and permanent rent stabilization. But for residents who can snag an affordable unit, they’re set for life (unless they need another bedroom or want to leave the city).

The Jay Group’s new loan, as part of it’s planned five-building luxury project in Downtown Brooklyn, kicks off the new wave of development in the neighborhood after a sharp fall in permit filings after 421-a lapsed.

I always sort of felt like developers were trying to turn Downtown Brooklyn into Brooklyn’s Tribeca. Each year, it’s starting to feel more and more like that’s coming true.

Cinephiles rejoice! Alamo Drafthouse strike ends with success

By
Dann Berg
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0
The lobby of Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Brooklyn. A guest services desk is located to the right, and escalators to the left.
Photograph by Alamo Drafthouse

 

If you visited City Point mall recently, you likely spotted striking workers distributing flyers outside Alamo Drafthouse. Good news: after nearly two months, the strike has ended with a victory for the union!

The Alamo Drafthouse New York strike began in February 2025 when workers protested what they described as unlawful layoffs. After 58 days of collective action, an agreement was reached to rehire all laid-off staff members.

This represents a huge win not only for the Alamo Drafthouse workers but also for our Downtown Brooklyn community. Great work, everyone!

Many loyal moviegoers (myself included) canceled their Alamo Drafthouse Season Pass subscriptions to show solidarity during the strike. Now that workers have been rehired and the dispute resolved, it’s important to renew your support by reactivating your membership.

Important note: Resubscribing cannot currently be done through the Alamo app. To reactivate your Season Pass, you’ll need to email their support team directly at [email protected].

Albee Square getting even more food options with new Fresh Grocer

By
Dann Berg
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0

A street corner in Brooklyn showing a building with "The Fresh Grocer - Coming Soon" signage. The storefront appears to be under development at what will become the chain's first NYC location on Fulton Street. The image shows the exterior of the future grocery store in an urban setting.

EDIT: This is apparently in addition to an Lidl discount grocery store that’s scheduled to move in right across the street (490 Fulton Street). When it rains, it pours!

If you live near Albee Square, your bountiful food options are getting even more bountiful. Signs just popped up in the window announcing a forthcoming Fresh Grocer store coming in “fall 2025.”

This is in addition to the adjacent Trader Joes and Target right across the street. As well as the Brooklyn Fare (Hoyt & Schermerhorn) and the NYC Fresh Market (Flatbush & Myrtle) just a few short blocks away.

A sign in the window showing a street corner in downtown Brooklyn showing the location of the upcoming Fresh Grocer supermarket. The image depicts a modern multi-story building with a ground-floor retail space that will house the grocery store. The scene is set at an urban intersection with tall residential and commercial buildings visible in the background. Pedestrians can be seen crossing at the crosswalk near the future grocery store location.

So, what can we expect from this new grocery store? More high prices, from what I’ve been reading:

The Fresh Grocer is a high-end grocery store chain with 17 locations in Pennsylvania, US. The store prides itself on providing high-quality FDA approved products to shoppers, despite being on the higher end of the price spectrum. The Fresh Grocer offers a wide variety of products that cater to the needs of every shopper, with a focus on quality over quantity.

It sounds like The Fresh Grocer is more in line with Brooklyn Fare than more traditional chains like Key Foods and Pathmark. Which, I guess, is fine. I supposed that’s to be expected, given the prime location.

Speaking of “prime location,” OGs will remember when this spot was a Game Stop, until that location moved further down Fulton Street in 2017.

A Game Stop retail location on the corner of Fulton St and Albee Square. It's a screenshot from Google Maps, taken in October 2014.
Photo from Google Maps, captured October 2014

If that photograph feels wild to you, do yourself a favor and give yourself a tour of the neighorhood on Google Maps, and then travel back in time.

I highly suggest the view from Flatbush before any of the highrises were built. It’s amazing how much this neighborhood has changed since the 2003 re-zoning.

Aaaannnnyway, groceries.

Brooklyn Tower is basically a giant slug

By
Dann Berg
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0

Photograph of Brooklyn Tower, taken near Goodwill on Bond Street.

Some people look at Brooklyn Tower—the supertall skyscraper in Downtown Brooklyn—and see the Tower of Sauron. To me, it’s more like a giant slug with movement so slow it’s nearly imperceptible.

Construction started in 2018 (earlier, if you count the demolition of the previous building) and residents started moving in in 2022. But slow sales caused JDS Development to default on its loan, stalling construction on this eye-catching building. Silverstein Capital Partners took over the building last summer in a $672 million foreclosure settlement and sales are re-lauching soon.

The reason for the slow sales, according to both real estate experts as well as common sense: outrageously high prices. We’ll see if the cost of the condos gets a haircut in this next round of sales.

As for those now living in the building? They’re apparently pretty happy:

The handful of owners I talked to — buyers, many on the younger end of the spectrum, range from consultants, doctors, and finance types to anonymous LLCs — seems to be floating above the industry chatter. Adam Chang’s…got “quite nice” views of Fort Greene Park and the New York Harbor from his Gachot Studios–designed unit, he says, and has been a regular at the Trader Joe’s across the street. He loves the “super-friendly” building staff, who have helped him move furniture and even haul a fridge up to his apartment. As to the dozens of unsold units sitting empty just a few stories above him? “There’s fewer people in the elevator, but I don’t know who’s complaining about that”…Life in a supertall ghost town has some other unexpected perks, residents say. Nosy neighbors have been able to poke around unlocked units, snooping to see how their views compare with the penthouses’.

Just one question: “haul a fridge” up to his apartment? Is it normal for luxury condos to sell sans fridge? Or was he just upgrading his stock refrigerator?

Remembering DoBro’s many department stores

By
Dann Berg
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0

Vintage archival photograph of 380 Fulton Street from 1940 from the New York City Municipal Archives

As an ode to the soon-to-be-closing Macy’s on Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn, Brownstoner has a wonderful article describing the history of “dazzling emporiums” that once lined these streets.

From Susan De Vries:

The retail corridor has certainly seen change over the centuries, and the recent announcement that Macy’s would be closing its Fulton Street location brings to mind some of the other stores that have disappeared from the street. We’ve dug into the 20-year catalog of Brownstoner stories on the borough’s history and built environment and rounded up eight tales of dazzling emporiums that once graced Downtown Brooklyn.

Internet shopping absolutely destroyed the public’s need for these giant one-stop-shopping destinations. The closing of Macy’s is both understandable and sad.

One thing is for sure: change is constant.

I still think our neighborhood could use a good bowling alley. These giant open spaces would be perfect for that. Instead, I imagine this property will just sit vacant indefinitely. Oh well.

Hooray! The $8M Fulton Mall Facelift Begins

By
Dann Berg
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0
A rendering of the new Fulton Mall sidewalk
Image from Brooklyn Eagle

Fulton Mall, arguably the “Main Street” of Downtown Brooklyn, is about to be greener and more pedestrian friendly thanks to a joint effort between the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, the NYC Parks Department, and the city’s Department of Transportation.

The program is expected to take a little more than a year (with a scheduled completion date of fall 2025) and will bring more trees/greenery, seating areas, and re-designed sidewalks to Fulton Street between Flatbush Ave and Boerum Place.

It will be completed in nine phases and contruction is planned to take place overnight (between 8pm and 6am) to minimize disruption to people’s daily lives.

A map of the nine phases of construction, showing each street segment where work will take place

These changes are a welcome addition to the neighorhood, which has seen an influx of new residents since the 2004 rezone of the neighborhood. The plan sounds great in terms of minimizing disruption.

Now, if only we could get some attention on Fleet Street, the pedestrian walkway between Albee Square and Flatbush Avenue. That sidewalk has been mostly blocked off due to the consturction of the tallest building in Brooklyn, 9 Dekalb, for eight years now. Please, just give us back our sidewalk…

Watch the video for more details about the upcoming project from Pix 11 News:

Cadman Plaza Park Gets a Cafe Upgrade – Proposals Due February 15

By
Dann Berg
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0

Cadman Plaza Park Cement Building Cafe

Get ready, Brooklynites! A brand new cafe is coming to Cadman Plaza Park in Downtown Brooklyn, and it’s going to be absolutely amazing. The NYC Parks Department is currently accepting proposals from businesses interested in setting up shop in the circa 1950s concrete maintenance building near Cadman Plaza West and Tillary Street.

The chosen concessionaire, who must have experience in the food service industry, will be tasked with turning the current structure into a cafe that adds to the ambiance of the park and provides a much-needed amenity to park goers. And the best part? The successful bidder will be able to expand the current 450-square-foot building and add tables, chairs, and umbrellas, as well as seating on the surrounding lawn if decking is installed and on the park’s center oval (pending Parks’ approval, of course).

Cadman Plaza Park Upcoming Cafe

But that’s not all! The twin building opposite the cafe site will also be converted into a comfort station at some point in the future, so there will be a place to freshen up after all that caffeine. And if you’re feeling a little tipsy, don’t worry – the cafe will be able to sell alcohol “to complement the food service,” as long as they get a license from the State Liquor Authority.

So if you’re a business owner with a passion for coffee (or alcohol) and a love for all things Brooklyn, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. Don’t miss out – proposals are due on February 15. We can’t wait to see what amazing new cafe will be coming to Cadman Plaza Park!

Gentrification in the Skies: The Brooklyn Tower Rising

By
OhNoDoBro
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0

9 Dekalb towering over Ft. Greene Park

(Editor’s Note: This opinion post was made by an anonymous contributor. Please contact us if you’d like to contribute.)

The Brooklyn Tower is a towering monstrosity currently under construction in the outer boroughs of New York City, because apparently Manhattan wasn’t enough for all the wealthy yuppies looking to gentrify yet another neighborhood. Standing at an impressive 1,066-feet, this 93-story behemoth will surely block out the sun and ruin the skyline for everyone else. Developed by JDS Development and designed by SHoP Architects, the Brooklyn Tower will feature a whopping 550 units for the rich and wealthy, with a measly 150 units for purchase and a slightly more generous 120 units for affordable rentals. Because God forbid the average person be able to afford to live in a decent neighborhood anymore.

But don’t worry, the Brooklyn Tower isn’t just a place for the wealthy to rest their privileged heads at night. No, it also features a whopping 100,000-square-feet of retail space, because we definitely need more overpriced coffee shops and trendy boutiques in Brooklyn. And if that wasn’t enough, the tower will also have a range of luxurious amenities, including a 24-hour attended lobby, package valet, and in-house coffee stand. Because nothing says “luxury living” like waiting around for someone to take your packages and getting a slightly overpriced caffeine fix in the comfort of your own building.

But the cherry on top of this gentrification sundae has to be the roof deck of the Dime Savings Bank, which will feature an outdoor swimming pool, kids pool, whirlpool, sundecks, hammock lounge, and outdoor dining area with barbecue grills and a fire pit. Because nothing says “welcoming to the community” like building a giant tower and then barricading yourself atop it, looking down upon the plebeians below with disdain. But hey, at least there’s a basketball court on the 66th floor for all the poor, displaced Brooklynites to enjoy. Or they could just stare wistfully at the Sky Lounge on the 85th floor, where the wealthy elite can sip champagne and enjoy panoramic views of the city they’ve ruined. The Brooklyn Tower is set to be completed in the first half of 2023, so mark your calendars for the official start of the Brooklyn gentrification apocalypse.

Beloved abolitionist Landmark finally getting much-needed stabilization work

By
Dann Berg
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0
Stabilization work at abolitionist 227 Duffield Street
Photo by Susan De Vries

Downtown Brooklyn played an important role in the underground railroad and the larger abolitionist movement. Most of those relevant neighborhood locations have been torn down (many in the past decade). But there’s one building that survived — 227 Duffield Street — and has since been granted landmark status and promised some much-needed stabilization work. Brownstoner recently spotted some construction workers at the site, meaning that work may be moving forward:

Workers were busy at the beleaguered former home of 19th century abolitionists in Downtown Brooklyn when Brownstoner stopped by Monday — a possible sign that stabilization of the landmarked but neglected building might be inching forward.

With all the history of this building (and the street), I’m happy that at least one location will remain standing amongst all the new construction.

The Downtown Brooklyn neighborhood has changed so much over the past decade and a half, and Duffield Street is one of the most striking illustrations of that change.

If you’re not familiar with the how this neighborhood used to be, you should take a step back in time to 2009 using Google Street View. Take a look around at block full of Brownstones and (relatively) short buildings. Then travel through the years using the navigation panel in the top left to watch it transform into the street we know today.

Duffield Street in 2009 from Google Street View
Photo via Google Street View

I’m looking forward to the day when we can finally see a clear view of 227 Duffield Street, unblocked from all the construction work. Much like the remnants of the old “Cafeteria” sign on Fulton, this building will be a singular glimpse into the past in a neighborhood that’s otherwise unrecognizable.

Comedy Variety Spicy Medley Show at Dekalb Market

By
Dann Berg
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0

Spicy Medley Comedy Show

Spicy Medley is the HOTTEST comedy variety show in Brooklyn. Hosted by Tess Tregellas and Sara Bergmark who are iconically known as the “girls in the pepper suits.” Spicy Medley features a mixed bag of comedic acts including, Stand Up Comedians, Musical Comedians, Character Actors and always something SPICY. This show is perfect for a memorable night out in Downtown Brooklyn. Bring a group of friends, invite your visiting parents, or have a unique date night, without breaking the bank. Each show features new acts that are guaranteed to spice up your night, every other Wednesday at the Dekalb Stage.

Upcoming Shows:

When: September 1st, September 15th, September 29th!
Time: Doors at 730pm Show 800pm
TICKETS: HERE!
Where: DeKalb Stage 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Downstairs in the Markethall!)
Who: Acts from Comedy Central, Netflix, Broadway, and many more!

Sept. 1st Line Up

ASHLEY GAVINN
@ashgavs
We’re Having Gay Sex Podcast, Comedy Central, Netflix is a Joke

GIANMARCO SORESI
@gianmarcosoresi
Netflix, Vanity Fair, Comedy Central

VANNESSA JACKSON
@nnessleigh
A Little Late with Lilly Singh, ABFF Comedy Festival

NILES ABSTON
@thenilesabstonshow
Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, Comedy Album “Girls Don’t Twerk to Jokes”

HARPER ROSE DRUMMOND
@harperrosed
Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, The Comedy Store

SAMI SHWAEBER
@samischwaeber
UCB, The Bell House, Union Hall

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