Today is the last day of school in New York City and there's so much to look forward to this summer. I hope there are lots of beach days, park picnics, and stoop hangs in store for everyone! 

We've had so much fun partnering on Open Streets with the Montague BID, but as you'll read below, the high summer temps mean we'll need to take a break for July & August. We'll be back starting September 15th - upcoming highlights include a Back to School Party and the return of the Montague Open Pickleball Event. 

Summer also means fireworks! But please note: July 4th fireworks are happening on the Hudson River this year, meaning no visibility from Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Promenade. The best viewing sites will be in Manhattan from Christopher St t to West 41st and in Hoboken, NJ. Check the Macy's website for details.

In order to facilitate some of those beach days and park picnics for the BHA team, we'll be sending you fewer newsletters over the summer months. We are always available by email and phone. You can reach out to info@thebha.org or call the office at 718-858-9193. If no one answers, leave a message and we will get back to you within 24 hours. 

I hope everyone saw the announcement this week that the Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse will be back at the end of September. Tickets are already on sale for you early birds, and BHA members get a discounted rate. We hope to see you there. 

Happy Summer! 

Lara Birnback
BHA Executive Director

Community members, local civic organizations including the BHA, and our elected officials have been urging DOT and the NYPD to do more about the dangerous conditions on Atlantic Ave for years.

CM Restler noted in his newsletter this week that the NYPD Traffic Division has committed to post two traffic enforcement agents at the intersection of Hicks and Atlantic Ave from 8AM-7PM for the next couple of weeks. They will use this trial period to determine an appropriate ongoing presence.

A huge thank you to CM Restler and the Atlantic Avenue BID and the Cobble Hill Association for working together to raise these issues and keep the pressure on the city to take action. We continue to work together on additional safety measures for the Avenue and hope to have more details to share later this summer. 

According to the Gothamist, "Most heat-related deaths in New York City occur in homes that lack air conditioning."

Ruth’s Refuge, a local nonprofit providing home furnishings and essentials to refugees, asylees and asylum seekers in New York City, has created a fund to purchase air conditioners for their clients, many of whom live in small, very hot apartments in heat desert areas of the city.

They are over half way to their goal of raising $10,000 (the remaining needed funds will be matched by an anonymous donor.) Donations can be made here.