Community on Oh No DoBro

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!

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.
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 <h1>
 Upcoming Shows:
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 <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!
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 Sept. 1st Line Up
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 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
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 GIANMARCO SORESI<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gianmarcosoresi/">@gianmarcosoresi</a><br /> Netflix, Vanity Fair, Comedy Central
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 VANNESSA JACKSON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nnessleigh/">@nnessleigh</a><br /> A Little Late with Lilly Singh, ABFF Comedy Festival
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 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”
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 HARPER ROSE DRUMMOND<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harperrosed/">@harperrosed</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, The Comedy Store
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SAMI SHWAEBER
@samischwaeber
UCB, The Bell House, Union Hall

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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