Thank you to the many neighbors who submitted testimony to the Health, Environment & Social Services Committee of CB2 which reviewed the application for proposed cannabis dispensary at 64 Henry Street this past Tuesday evening. 

The BHA submitted written testimony urging the committee and the board to reject the application. While we understand the goals of New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management in regulating and managing legal marijuana and cannabis distribution, we feel very strongly that 64 Henry Street is a highly inappropriate location for a dispensary due to its largely residential location, proximity to PS 8, Plymouth Church, and Seedlings Preschool, along with existing and ongoing problems with crime, public safety, and noise at this location. It is also very unclear from the application submitted by the potential operator that they have any experience and/or OCM training in how to effectively comply with the myriad of regulations related to legal dispensaries.

In spite of many letters of opposition from the community and testimony from the BHA and a few neighbors who attended the meeting,  the committee voted 4-2-1 to approve the application. The application will be reviewed and voted on by the full Community Board on January 22nd. 

Note: the ultimate approval for a dispensary to move forward is provided by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management - the decision of our community board, while important, is advisory in nature. You may still submit testimony related to your views about this application to the Community Board at bk02@cb.nyc.gov.

The BHA is working to learn more about the state-level approval process and how community feedback can be submitted for consideration. We will communicate about this when we have more information to share. 

As of January 2nd, DSNY is issuing the following fines for any trash from residential buildings with 1-9 units that are not in a 55-gallon or less bin with a secure lid: First offense: $50, Second offense: $100, Third and subsequent offenses: $200.

*Note - the container requirement/fines is only for trash, not recycling.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes invites residents of New York State Senate District 26 (that's us!) to take his 2025 Survey.  Here is your opportunity to share your priorities for our district.

Are you interested in attending thought-provoking classes, joining book clubs and taking day trips around New York City with your neighbors?  Brooklyn College has a Lifelong Learning Program open to adults of all ages . While most of their members are of retirement age, many continue to work part time or even full time while looking for other opportunities to engage with their peers and participate in education-based activities.

Interested in learning more?  There will be an information meeting Thursday, January 16th at 7pm at Cadman Plaza Towers Community Room (200 Cadman Plaza West).  All are invited to attend.  Questions?  Feel free to call 718-951-5647 or email BLL@brooklyn.cuny.edu.

Join the Center for Brooklyn History and the Municipal Art Society of New York for a conversation with interdisciplinary practitioners, including Kelly Carroll, Executive Director of the Atlantic Avenue BID on Thursday, January 16th at 6:30pm.  The talk will delve into a discussion across the spectrum of Atlantic Avenue communities who are working to preserve culture and history in the face of change.

This talk is one of many diverse and engaging programs offered at the Center for Brooklyn History this month.  All of these talks are free and open to the public and a great opportunity to gather during these cold winter months.  Learn more here.

Photo Credit: Center for Brooklyn History

Applications are still open to join our community board, Brooklyn CB2. 

Community boards work across city agencies, elected officials and local leaders to be sure the perspectives of the people who live and work in that community are incorporated into the decisions that will affect them, including housing development, public transit and sanitation.

If you’re a NYC resident aged 16 or older, you can apply to join a Community Board now through February 14th.