Demolition means progress, but what’s the plan?

Neighborhood

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February 3, 2021

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.

Businesses in buildings that previously occupied that space have been closing over the past several years, pre-dating the pandemic. Behind the scenes, RedSky Capital was purchasing lots (apparently 14 total) for some undisclosed project. Its website only lists a Fulton Mall project as “coming soon,” overlay on top of a fairly generic picture of a high rise).

It’s a great location, right next to the beautiful Dime Savings Bank that’s becoming part of the lobby to 9 Dekalb. There’s a rumor, too, that there could be some public retail in the old bank lobby as well.

But the real question that I have right now is if the market can support another residential (or even commercial) high rise project like this. I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop in terms of real estate pandemic fallout. Will the residential rental market remain soft? For how long? How many businesses will stick around? What will commercial rents be like? Will fewer people move to Brooklyn? Will more people?

On top of all these unknowns, RedSky Capital was having their own issues even prior to the pandemic. According to Brownstoner:

RedSky, which owns property all over the borough and wooed Apple to Brooklyn, appears to have fallen on hard times before the pandemic. They handed back to a lender in lieu of foreclosure part of their portfolio in Williamsburg, a combined 14 properties near North 6th Street and Bedford Avenue, valued at $145 million.

With all that said, the world continues to march forward, and progress is made even when it’s in the form of demolition. If they’re optimistic enough to move forward with whatever plans they have here, then I’ll be optimistic with them.

I do, however, sort of like all the free space we have there now. I supposed I’ll have to enjoy it while it lasts.

Occupancy in DoBro holding strong

Neighborhood

By

Dann Berg

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March 5, 2019

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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

Events

By

Dann Berg

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October 5, 2018

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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.

From their website:

Here at At Your Beat, we’re all about celebrating your individuality and personal growth. You’ll learn to dance and get fit with the most dynamic instructors within the most inclusive environment in the game! We’re about building STRONG BODIES and MINDS because when you’re feeling strong, the sexy will follow! Our principles are rooted in finding your own ‘BEAT’, whether that be learning a new dance style, learning to pick up choreography faster, or learning new, fun ways to get fit that don’t involve gym equipment.

With all the new high-rise residential buildings popping up in this neighborhood, I’m sure we’ll see a huge influx of trendy, niche fitness studios popping up soon. There will certainly be a market, and right now, the neighborhood is very lacking in that area IMHO.

If you wanna take a free class, you can book online at their website.

DoBro getting $10M influx of cash

Neighborhood

By

Dann Berg

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October 3, 2018

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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.

What is this $10M going to do? Two things, according to the article:

Connect cultural hubs to surrounding neighborhoods
Further expand job and economic opportunities in the region

Honestly, I have no idea what that actually means. More buses, office buildings, and schools, I guess?

It’s too early to tell. The next step is to pull together a local planning committee (supported by private sector experts and state planners) to create a Strategic Investment Plan.

What I really want is for that money to go to getting more subway cars running during rush hour. And maybe fix the damn Clarke Street elevators already.

Keep it coming: Katz’s Deli launching subscription service

Neighborhood

By

Dann Berg

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May 30, 2018

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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.

Looks like Katz’s Deli is pulling out all the stops. It’s always fun to see New York institutions, like Katz’s or Juniors, change when they get someone smart, motivated, and young at the helm.

Eater had a great interview a couple of years ago with then-27-year-old Jake Dell, owner of Katz’s. Worth the read if you love $20 piles of pastrami.

Where to Work: Coworking Space Roundup in Downtown Brooklyn

Neighborhood

By

Andrea Preziotti

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May 30, 2018

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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!

Continue

Affordable Housing Lottery for One Flatbush Ave now open

Neighborhood

By

Dann Berg

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May 16, 2018

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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.

There are a total of 37 units available, in studio to two-bedroom units. If you’re planning on applying alone, your max annual income can be up to $43,860, while a family of four can only make up to $62,580. Monthly rent ranges from $867 to $1,123 depending on household income and the unit granted.

To apply, you need to visit the Housing Connect website, at http://www.nyc.gov/housingconnect. You’ll have to fill out a detailed application, including the annual incomes of each of the household members applying. But once that application is filled out once, you’ll be able to apply to different lotteries with the click of a button. The lottery for One Flatbush Ave ends July 11th at midnight.

Good luck!

Local Businesses Take the Bait in Underage Alcohol Sting

News

By

David Weinkrantz

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May 12, 2018

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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.

Ali Mohammed, the Manager of Brooklyn Deli, stated that the business would need to be more careful. The 7 Eleven and Khim’s Millennium Market did not provide a representative for comment.

The remaining 556 businesses refused to sell to the underage decoys. Locally that included G & Wine & Spirits Inc. at 48 Willoughby Street.

CB 2 Votes to Reject the Contentious 80 Flatbush Skyscraper

News

By

Vanessa Londono

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May 11, 2018

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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

By

Vanessa Londono

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May 7, 2018

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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.

The bougie self-care brand is known for incorporating sustainably harvested African botanicals into their luxury bath bombs and body scrubs. Makes sense since Rain originally began in South Africa and is recognized for their Fair Trade practices in Africa and Europe. They currently have one other NYC location in Rockefeller Center.

Oh No DoBro