Oh No DoBro

Do we suck? Curbed thinks so.

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:21:04 +0000

“That’s why we got haters, that’s why we got haters
Haters everywhere we go, haters everywhere we go”

– B.o.B

Justin Davidson, writing about the architecture of Downtown Brooklyn for Curbed:

Discount Grocery Store LIDL opens its doors in Downtown Brooklyn

Thu, 29 May 2025 12:44:12 +0000

The new Lidl grocery store at 490 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn opened its doors on Friday, May 23rd, 2025. It feels like it happened in the blink of an eye—or maybe everything seems fast in the dark shadow of the slow-moving slug that is the never-finished 9 Dekalb.

I popped into the store the other day to check out the new location and snap some pictures. Here are some first impressions:

Prices are great, making this store a welcome edition to the neighborhood
Selection is mid—this isn’t the type of grocery store that will have every specific item you’re looking for. However, you should be able to find most categories of items you need, just not necessarily specific brands.
The store was full of shoppers on the Saturday I popped by. People are excited it’s now here!
It’s larger than you might expect from the outside. It’s definitely a full-sized grocery store
The produce section was full of fresh-looking items.

I did not do a side-by-side price comparison for specific items that can be found at competing nearby stores. So I can’t speak to the specifics of the “discount” claims. But overall it did seem to be priced competitively for the neighborhood.

I’ll definitely be curious to see how Lidl stacks up against the upcoming Fresh Grocer opening right across the street.

What’s the opposite of a Food Desert? A Food Oasis? Because that’s exactly what Downtown Brooklyn has become.

I’ll drop a few more photos at the end of this post to help celebrate the store’s opening.

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

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:28:42 +0000

Screenshot of Google Maps

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

Cinephiles rejoice! Alamo Drafthouse strike ends with success

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 22:02:06 +0000

Photograph by [Alamo Drafthouse][1]

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!

Albee Square getting even more food options with new Fresh Grocer

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 13:03:33 +0000

Brooklyn Tower is basically a giant slug

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:04:45 +0000

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.

Remembering DoBro’s many department stores

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 15:33:48 +0000

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.

Hooray! The $8M Fulton Mall Facelift Begins

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:00:44 +0000

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.

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

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:03:23 +0000

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.

Gentrification in the Skies: The Brooklyn Tower Rising

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 12:46:16 +0000

(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.

Beloved abolitionist Landmark finally getting much-needed stabilization work

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 17:30:39 +0000

Photo by [Susan De Vries][1]

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:

Comedy Variety Spicy Medley Show at Dekalb Market

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:21:53 +0000

 <p>
 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.
 </p>
 
 <h1>
 Upcoming Shows:
 </h1>
 
 <p>
 <strong>When:</strong> September 1st, September 15th, September 29th!<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> Doors at 730pm Show 800pm<br /> <strong>TICKETS:</strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spicy-medley-comedy-variety-show-tickets-166706701231">HERE!</a><br /> <strong>Where:</strong> DeKalb Stage 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Downstairs in the Markethall!)<br /> <strong>Who:</strong> Acts from Comedy Central, Netflix, Broadway, and many more!
 </p>
 
 <h2>
 Sept. 1st Line Up
 </h2>
 
 <p>
 ASHLEY GAVINN<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashgavs/">@ashgavs</a><br /> We’re Having Gay Sex Podcast, Comedy Central, Netflix is a Joke
 </p>
 
 <p>
 GIANMARCO SORESI<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gianmarcosoresi/">@gianmarcosoresi</a><br /> Netflix, Vanity Fair, Comedy Central
 </p>
 
 <p>
 VANNESSA JACKSON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nnessleigh/">@nnessleigh</a><br /> A Little Late with Lilly Singh, ABFF Comedy Festival
 </p>
 
 <p>
 NILES ABSTON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thenilesabstonshow/">@thenilesabstonshow</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, Comedy Album “Girls Don’t Twerk to Jokes”
 </p>
 
 <p>
 HARPER ROSE DRUMMOND<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harperrosed/">@harperrosed</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, The Comedy Store
 </p>
 </div>
</div>

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

Ruth Bader Ginsburg honored with statue in City Point

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:13:41 +0000

The legend herself is now immortalized at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn. You should pop in and see it next time you’re in the area.

I must say, the location of the statue is pretty cool. It’s right inside the entrance to City Point from Flatbush. It’s one of the lesser-used entrances, north of the typical Trader Joes entrance. But you can see it easily from the street as you’re walking past.

Aerial view of the Dekalb/Fulton/Flatbush triangle

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:01:58 +0000

I discussed the demotion that’s happening at the triangle between Flatbush Ave, Fulton Street, and Dekalb Ave in a prior post, but didn’t have this super-cool aerial view at the time.

I know that Redsky Capital own the lot that’s at the bottom of hte photo, closer to Albee Square, but I’m not sure about the lot along Flatbush Ave. I assume they own that, too?

New York City takes top honors for most car-congested city

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 13:01:39 +0000

Photo by [Rachid H][1]

From the New York Post:

New York City roads also accounted for the second, third and fourth most congested in the country, according to INRIX’s analysis — with the Brooklyn Queens Expressway from I-145 to Tillary Street, the Cross Bronx Expressway west of the Bronx River Parkway, and the BQE between 38th Street and Downtown Brooklyn taking the dubious honors.

Passing Moments: Saturday, February 27th, 2021

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 14:41:38 +0000

Saturday, February 27th, 2021. Construction on the 9 Dekalb Skyscraper rising up from the Dime Savings Bank dome. As seen from Bond Street. Photo by Dann Berg.

Tallest Office in DoBro set to open amidst uncertain rental market

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 13:58:42 +0000

Photo from [1wsq.com][1]

One Willoughby Square is certainly impressive. The architecture so striking that the architecture firm that designed is has leased three floors in the building. So far, they’re the only tenants.

But the fact that the firm that designed the building is leasing space is definitely part of the marketing story for the building. In fact, the New York Post has a full story on that fact.

NYC cinemas to re-open in March, Alamo Drafthouse a little later

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 20:32:31 +0000

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given the thumbs up for cinemas in New York City to re-open on March 5th at 25% capacity. It’s been nearly a full year since they (and everything else) shut down.

It might, however, be a bit longer before Downtown Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse is open again. The Baltimore Sun reached out to a spokesperson:

Passing Moments: Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 14:51:42 +0000

Monday, February 22nd, 2021. Sunset from Downtown BK. Photo by [nyknicks16][1].

Gage & Tollner now open for pickup & delivery!

Sat, 20 Feb 2021 15:01:08 +0000

Gage & Tollner was one of the sadder Downtown Brooklyn stories, with the grand re-opening scheduled for just days after the city shut down due to the Coronavirus in March 2020. Seriously: March 12th was my (and many other’s) last day working in an office, and their opening was scheduled for March 15th. Oof.

Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker art installation at Albee Square

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:19:52 +0000

You may have noticed some really cool artwork in the windows of the former Century 21 (RIP). Award-winning artist Sarula Bao is a Chinese American illustrator and graphic novelist based in Brooklyn, and her Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker installation will be on display through the end of March.

Former “Cafeteria” signage peeks through on Fulton Mall

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 13:21:11 +0000

It’s always cool when a piece of the past pokes through to the present.

I noticed the half-sign a few weeks ago when walking past with my wife, but didn’t know what I was looking at, at the time. Thanks to Brooklyn Paper, I now know that it’s the site of a former Waldorf Cafeteria that operated at the corner of Fulton and Jay street.

Some optimism for the future of DoBro

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:18:33 +0000

Bklyner has an optimistic view for the future of Downtown Brooklyn, as well as an outstanding look at how we got to be here:

Brooklyn’s historic central business district also suffered during the pandemic. But the area’s boosters and developers believe its location, open spaces, and large residential population could give it a leg up over Manhattan as the post-pandemic recovery finally begins.

Huzzah! Year of the Ox celebration coming to Albee Square

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 13:28:17 +0000

Q: Will there be a traditional lion dance?
A: Hell yeah, there’s going to be a traditional lion dance!

Come and celebrate the Year of the Ox at Albee Square on Saturday, February 13th between 1:30pm and 3pm. There will be a traditional lion dance and a “selfie-station,” which honestly sounds like a fantastic reason to get outside and keep the days from all blending together due to the pandemic.

A second blizzard this winter, after years without real snow

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 17:05:54 +0000

Sure, we’ve gotten a little bit of snow in the past few years, but there hasn’t been a huge storm in New York City since January 23rd, 2016. I had pretty much given up hope that we’d ever get a big storm here again, especially after New York City was re-classified as subtropical.

But here we are, two decent snow storms in one winter (so far). Here’s a few pictures from Jay Street Metrotech in the snow.

DoBro Underground Railroad house officially landmarked

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

File photo by Susan De Vries

Via AMNY:

The city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously on Tuesday to grant landmark status to the Downtown Brooklyn house where prominent abolitionists Harriet and Thomas Truesdell lived during the 19th century — marking a long-awaited victory for local history buffs and activists alike.

Demolition means progress, but what’s the plan?

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 23:33:05 +0000

There’s still very little known about the future of the block adjacent to Albee Square, where Dekalb Ave curves to meet Fulton Street and becomes Bond Street. But progress is being made, in the form of demolition. Pretty much everything east of Duane Reade has been razed.

Occupancy in DoBro holding strong

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 20:19:32 +0000

From Steve Cuozzo at the New York Post:

“Data just released by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership show that occupancy is above 95 percent at both old and new rental buildings. Absorption remains strong as most new properties report leasing between 20 and 40 units every month.”

One day of free classes at City Point’s new fitness studio

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 14:30:20 +0000

You may have noticed a fitness studio had quietly opened in City Point. Well, that is to say it soft opened. The official opening day is October 13th, and they’re offering free classes all day to celebrate.

The City Point website has the class schedule, with classes starting at 10am and going til 5pm. At Your Beat is an import from London (this Brooklyn location is their first foray into the United States), and offers dance-infused fitness classes.

DoBro getting $10M influx of cash

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:10:00 +0000

We did it! We won! Apparently.

From the BKReader:

Downtown Brooklyn was awarded $10 million grant as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which aims to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live and work.

Keep it coming: Katz’s Deli launching subscription service

Wed, 30 May 2018 20:46:07 +0000

Jason Tesauro of The Middletown Press reports:

As part of its 130th anniversary, Katz’s announced on Tuesday that its first-ever subscription service will start in June…Subscription boxes (from $1,500 for a full year, or $450 for 3 months) are tied to the seasons and feature enough food for 4-6 people, plus Katz schwag. A July Griller Package is heavy on sausages, ‘kraut, mustards, and a Katz’s ballcap for backyard living. The January Warmer Package includes six quarts of three different soups (matzoh ball, split pea, chicken noodle), plus knishes and a sweatshirt. A Sweets Package in May includes babkas, rugelaches, black-and-white cookies, and a chocolate egg cream-scented candle for Mom.

Where to Work: Coworking Space Roundup in Downtown Brooklyn

Wed, 30 May 2018 12:00:27 +0000

Residential towers springing up all around Downtown Brooklyn seem to be making all the headlines, but the neighborhood is also home to several businesses, big and small. If you’re looking to get some work done in the area, look no further than a coworking space. We’ve rounded up what’s available, where, and whether or not you get free coffee. Read on to learn more!

Affordable Housing Lottery for One Flatbush Ave now open

Wed, 16 May 2018 15:56:24 +0000

Do you dream of living in Downtown Brooklyn, but lack the income to afford the multitude of new luxury apartments? Here’s another chance to try your luck at an affordable housing lottery!

NYC Housing Connect has recently opened the lottery for the upcoming One Flatbush Ave, which appears to be nearing the end of it’s construction. The building is at the intersection of Flatbush and Fulton, right next to the Nevins stop on the 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains.

Local Businesses Take the Bait in Underage Alcohol Sting

Sat, 12 May 2018 12:56:57 +0000

The New York State Liquor Authority recently sent underage decoys to retail establishments holding liquor licenses to ferret out those that illegally sell to underage persons. The underage decoys went to 756 businesses where they attempted to buy alcoholic beverages.

Of the 756 businesses State-wide, 200 sold alcoholic beverages to the underage decoys, including a few in Downtown Brooklyn. The Downtown Brooklyn offenders included a 7 Eleven at 395 Flatbush Avenue Extension, the Brooklyn Deli at 115 Willoughby Street, and Khim’s Millennium Market at 111 Lawrence Street.

CB 2 Votes to Reject the Contentious 80 Flatbush Skyscraper

Fri, 11 May 2018 11:47:43 +0000

80 Flatbush, rendering by Alloy Development

With a vote of 32-1 on Wednesday night, the Community Board 2 rejected the 80 Flatbush project. This vote by the full board follows the vote by the CB2’s Land-Use Committee which also voted against the project.
These votes are part of the ULURP rezoning process for the development for 80 Flatbush which includes residential, office and retail space in a 74-story building and a 38-story tower. It doesn’t bode well for the multi-use project that boasts bringing an additional 700 market-rate apartments and 200 affordable apartments.
What’s next? Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams needs to issue his recommendation on the project. (Adams held a public hearing late last month. Then the NYC Planning Commission will review the project and and the process ends with a vote by the New York City Council.

Fancy Soap Shop Rain to Open in City Point for Your Self-Care Needs

Mon, 07 May 2018 11:53:49 +0000

Rain, a sustainable South African soap and skincare shop comes to City Point Brooklyn.

Soon you’ll be able to get all the artisanal soaps your heart desires at City Point. Rain, an au naturale soap, skincare, and fragrance company is opening up their first Brooklyn storefront in July.

Free walking tours all weekend to honor public advocate Jane Jacobs

Fri, 04 May 2018 16:58:43 +0000

Now in its 8th year, Jane’s Walk NYC, hosted by the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), is a weekend-long celebration featuring 200+ free “walking conversation” tours throughout the five boroughs, led by urban enthusiasts and local neighborhood experts.

“There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.” – Jane Jacobs

TD’s Five Boro Bike Tour is coming our way

Fri, 04 May 2018 14:06:23 +0000

Image via Bike New York

The 41st annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour is back this Sunday, May 6th. Around 32,000 cyclists will gear up this year and ride through New York City on car-free streets and highways for 40-miles.

Organized by Bike New York, the tour is a fun way for people to enjoy the city and raise money for the nonprofit organization’s bike education programs. The event will start off with an expo on Friday & Saturday at Pier 12, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook with exhibitors, food and beer. And on Sunday, the bike tour begins at 7:30 am, in four waves at lower Manhattan, and moves its way through Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and finally ends in Staten Island with a Finish Festival (registered participants only) featuring local food vendors and live music.

Lined with Gold: Street Name Change to Honor Founding Black Female Civil Rights Activist

Thu, 03 May 2018 20:51:51 +0000

Gold Street, between Myrtle Avenue and Willoughby Street in Downtown Brooklyn, may soon be renamed to honor Ida B. Wells, an African-American investigative journalist, teacher, feminist, and an early leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Wells spent several years on Gold Street in the early 1890s (living near today’s existing Chase Bank), after her Memphis journalism offices were destroyed by white mob violence.

Free Dance and Yoga Classes at Albee Square in May

Wed, 02 May 2018 18:32:44 +0000

: Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

City Point and the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership have teamed up to offer free workouts to the neighborhood. For the first three Saturday mornings in May, take your pick of yoga and dance classes including hip-hop, jazz funk and Broadway dance, or do all three if you’re feeling ambitious. Music will be provided by DJ Mike-Doelo.

Discounts at Dekalb Market Hall for National Small Business Week

Wed, 02 May 2018 13:41:43 +0000

We’re smack dab in the middle of National Small Business Week, which spans April 29th through May 5th this year. To celebrate, our favorite local food court, Dekalb Market Hall, has several vendors offering discounts.

Vendors with sales include Cuzin’s Duzin and Paella Shack, with many others also participating in the ten-percent discount promotion. There’s no doubt you’ll be able to find something to fit your tastes and mood down there.

Borough President’s Hearing for 80 Flatbush Towers

Tue, 01 May 2018 19:32:44 +0000

Despite the rain yesterday evening, a couple hundred folks lined up in Brooklyn Borough Hall to voice their opinions on the controversial 80 Flatbush Towers. It’s been a heated subject among residents of Boerum Hill, Fort Greene, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.

Dépanneur to Open This Summer

Tue, 01 May 2018 17:18:42 +0000

Dépanneur is known for their savory weekly special sandwiches. Photo via Instagram.com/depanneurbklyn/

There’s been some activity at 300 Livingston Street. The French general store has begun building out their newest location (part of the retail component of 33 Bond Street). Calling themselves “a better bodega,” Dépanneur will be a welcomed addition to the Downtown Brooklyn lunch circuit. They’ve gained popularity in Williamsburg (their first location) and Clinton Hill with unique weekly sandwich specials that they announce on social media.

The argument against the argument in favor of 80 Flatbush Tower

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 21:21:17 +0000

We’ve covered a lot of the negative emotions around the development of a giant tower at 80 Flatbush, right across from Atlantic Terminal, including neighbor protests and a CB2 vote against.

With a public hearing hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams happening tonight, why not take a look at the reason people are for the new building?

Tips

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:07:33 +0000

Have a tip for us?

Have some inside information about something happening in our neighborhood? Is there specific coverage you’d like to see that’s not currently on the website? We want to know about it! You can drop us a line, or submit your tip anonymously.

You can send your tips directly to tips@ohnodobro.com.

Or, you can submit your tip anonymously at the bottom of this page..

Become a contributer

We’re also looking for neighbors who want to help our community by providing content for the website. If you think you might be interested in having your voice heard, check out our page about how to be a contributor.

Hello, Gothamist. Welcome back.

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 13:39:55 +0000

Have you heard the news? Gothamist is back!

Last year, after a vote to unionize, they were shut down. Apparently, that made WNYC sad, so WNYC brought them back. They launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money and rally the troops. And today, they’re officially back.

I couldn’t be happier. I missed them. I know this isn’t directly related to Downtown Brooklyn, but Gothamist is a fantastic resource for all New Yorkers. So I had to celebrate here.

Retail rent prices are soaring in Downtown Brooklyn

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 20:34:12 +0000

From The Raw Deal, regarding retail rents going up up up in Brooklyn:

Downtown Brooklyn’s Fulton Mall from Boerum Place to Flatbush Avenue remained the most expensive strip with average asking rent of $359 per square foot, up 10 percent from a year earlier.

I doubt anyone is surprised. With the sheer number of chain stores in our zip code, how could the rent not be that ridiculous? Not that I was expecting any mom-and-pop stores in the neighborhood.

New Hotel beginning to rise at 61 Bond

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 18:55:05 +0000

There’s some intense construction happening at Schermerhorn and Bond, right across the street from the upcoming Chelsea Piers Fitness. No, it’s not more luxury apartments. This time, it’s a fancy new hotel.

I mean, look how fancy:

Image via Broadway CG

Chelsea Piers Fitness coming to Downtown Brooklyn

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 17:02:17 +0000

We’re getting a fancy gym. Chelsea Piers Fitness is coming to Downtown Brooklyn. The “showroom” is now open for new members. I heard through the rumor mill that “founding member” prices are about $150 per month, and that price will go up once the gym actually opens. That puts this gym in roughly the same category as Crunch, Equinox, or (RIP) David Barton.

Community Board votes against development of imposing 80 Flatbush tower

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 22:56:46 +0000

Image via 80 Flatbush

The community has spoken. Well, the Brooklyn Community Board 2’s Land-Use Committee has spoken at least. And they’ve voted against the giant construction project at 80 Flatbush Ave at a meeting held Wednesday.

Unlike other, approved development projects in Downtown Brooklyn, the planned tower at 80 Flatbush met a wave of backlash from the community. A group called Block 80 Flatbush Towers formed to fight against the construction project. They’ve been vocal online, as well as covered the neighborhood with their message. With this vote, it appears as if their vote has been heard.

Brooklyn Alamo Drafthouse to get fancy new HDR projectors

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 18:53:32 +0000

The Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn is one of ten locations of the chain to be getting HDR (high dynamic range) Projectors, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This fancy new projection technology makes for whiter whites and blacker blacks, which I’m sure all the film-o-philes will love. They’re partnering with CinemaNext to get these new projectors in theaters.

Passing Moments: Wednesday, April 18th, 2018

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 16:47:07 +0000

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. Downtown Brooklyn from Flatbush and Fulton Mall.

Attempted robbery at Vivi Bubble Tea, armed with a glue gun

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 20:24:32 +0000

Image via Google Maps

After a tip to police, a believed serial robber was arrested in Vivi Bubble Tea at 113 Court St on Monday.

From Pix11:

The employee began to put money in the bag when two officers entered the store and confronted Price, police said.

Construction on 9 Dekalb Ave tower seemingly at a standstill

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 17:57:04 +0000

Construction appears to be at a standstill at 9 Dekalb Ave, the giant skyscraper coming to Downtown Brooklyn that will be twice as tall as any current building in the neighborhood.

The image is an aerial view of the construction site, with the old Dime Savings Bank in the lower right-hand corner of the image. Construction crews were hard at work removing floors of the attached building last summer/fall, but it seems like no progress has been made since then.

Meeting tomorrow to fight against high rise planned at 80 Flatbush

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:32:08 +0000

Image via 80 Flatbush

Not everyone is happy with all the high rises coming to the neighborhood. Members of our community have banded around stopping the two towers coming to 80 Flatbush Avenue, right across from Atlantic Terminal.

The main argument against this building, as far as I can tell (the official Block 80 Flatbush Towers website is currently down for me, is it working for you?) is that this giant tower will drastically alter several neighborhoods. The tower will be imposing to Boerum Hill, Ft. Greene, Park Slope, Gowanus, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens, all of which consist mostly of brownstone buildings.

City Council meeting for Downtown Brooklyn today

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 11:09:20 +0000

Looks like the 84th Precinct (which covers Downtown Brooklyn) is having a city council meeting today at 7pm.

Join us at our next Community Council Meeting on April 17th, 2018, 7pm at the Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St. #Brooklyn Come meet Cop of the Month, here about our Crime Report and results and Transit Police Report. See Flyer for more details #brooklynheights #boerumhills pic.twitter.com/pC7PBZ8cnx

A Macy’s Parking Garage No More, Ready for 11 Hoyt

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 18:41:52 +0000

It can be hard to see from the street, but Macy’s old parking garage is no longer a parking garage. The first step in constructing the next skyscraper being added to Downtown Brooklyn’s skyline, at 11 Hoyt. I shot this photo from our roof on April 14th, 2018, so everyone could get a look at the current progress.

Scaffolding on Starbucks collapses, injuring three

Mon, 16 Apr 2018 13:02:49 +0000

_Photo by _Eugene Zemlyanskiy

Scaffolding at a Starbucks on Court Street and Joralemon collapsed on Saturday, April 14th. Three people were sent to the hospital with minor injuries — fortunately nothing more. The NY Post has the full story.

I recently downloaded the Citizen mobile app, which sent me an alert shortly after it happened. A user had submitted a picture of the scene, but unfortunately I didn’t have the foresight to capture it for this website. I’m finding Citizen pretty useful though. It reminds me of Gothamist’s (now-defunct) Maps, but with much better UI.

What will DoBro look like in ten years?

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 17:07:10 +0000

The Bridge, on the plethora of chain stores opening in NYC (emphasis ours):

Last year, Brooklyn saw the biggest percentage increase in the number of chain stores of all the city’s boroughs, with 1,587 locations, a 3.1% increase from the previous year, according to a December report from Center for an Urban Future. The greatest concentration of these stores is in zip code 11201 (Brooklyn Heights/Downtown Brooklyn), which has 145 national retailer locations including City Point’s Target, Fulton Street’s H&M, and Sephora on Joralemon Street.

A couple of award-winning buildings in our hood

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:33:53 +0000

The Urban Land Institute New York (ULI NY) award ceremony was on April 10th, and a few of our very own buildings were among the winners (emphasis theirs):

Some of this year’s winners from Brooklyn included Dumbo-based Two Trees Development, which nabbed the Excellence in Market-Rate Housing Development award for their breathtaking 300 Ashland building, which is already being regarded as iconic as part of the BAM Cultural District.

About

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 19:39:12 +0000

Welcome to Oh No DoBro, a community-run blog for Downtown Brooklyn. The goal of this website is to provide hyper-local coverage of a single Brooklyn neighborhood (Downtown Brooklyn) and sometimes immediately surrounding neighborhoods.

This website is inspired by existing NYC neighborhood blogs, including (but not limited to):

These local neighborhood websites (along with many others) provide insight into the local community in a way that traditional journalistic coverage doesn’t. On this blog, you’ll find everything from news to events to opinions to complaints to photography to restaurant reviews and more.

Construction near future(?) Willoughby Square Park

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:55:44 +0000

It came out last week that the promised park-above-a-parking-garage might not be going as planned.

Back in 2004, when this neighborhood was first rezoned (prompting the building frenzy that’s happening now), the city promised a one-acre public park right across from the new City Point structure. The city even approved tearing down rent stabilized buildings to make way for this new park slash parking garage.

Albee Square welcomes spring!

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:23:35 +0000

Spring weather has finally arrived!

After a long beginning of spring, filled with snow day after snow day, we finally have 80 degree weather. People are out and about enjoying the sunshine, as seen here at Albee Square, next to City Point.

Behind is the old Dime Savings Bank, which will eventually be more retail. Originally, I had heard that Apple was scoping that spot out for an Apple Store, but it looks like they got impatient and headed up Flatbush Ave a few blocks instead. Although, I have no idea whether that rumor was even true in the first place.

Comment Policy

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 13:22:33 +0000

Comments are Oh No DoBro are not a free for all. Comments may be removed at any time, for any reason. That being said, we want to encourage free discussion of differing ideas. So the basic gist of our comment policy is don’t be an asshole.

Since this website is brand new (we launched April 12, 2018), this policy and new and subject to change at any time. Disqus, our comment platform, provided a pretty great sample comment policy, and most of the below text is lifted directly from them.

Become a contributor

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 16:27:48 +0000

Have a scoop?

Send it in to our tip line at tips@ohnodobro.com.

Or, if you think you’re the best person to write the piece, send in a pitch to tips@ohnodobro.com. If accepted, we’ll send instructions for submitting full articles to the website.

Want to be a regular contributor?

Currently, we’re seeking a number of volunteer* community members who are interested in contributing to this blog. If you might be interested: please check out the requirements below: