Welcome to September in Brooklyn Heights - our favorite time of year as the chatter of back-to-school fills the morning sidewalks, the green leaves start to slowly turn to golden hues, and the energy of our community picks up as events fill the calendars. 

We are so excited to see many of you enjoying the recent changes on Montague Street including new curb-side seating and planters, curb-side bike corrals to reduce congestion on the sidewalks, and new loading zones for deliveries. These changes were led by led by the BHA, the Montague BID, CM Restler's office and the DOT to provide greater safety for pedestrians and vehicles, create a more usable public space on our retail corridor, and enhance the experience on Montague Street.

As we have shared in previous newsletters, these changes were implemented after many years of research and conversations with residents, local business owners, and visitors to Montague, and we are happy to see the project coming to life. The final phase will be the arrival of additional custom designed seats and planters to fill out the curb extensions.

September also brings with it the fall season of Montague Open Streets and we are looking forward to some car-free Sundays beginning September 14th with a Back to School Party hosted by Brooklyn Bridge Parents. Experience 25 free kids activities including games, arts & crafts, soccer, face painting, building activities, basketball drills, dance party, piano lessons, obstacle course and much more.

The Montague BID is bringing many exciting activities to the street this season, including the BHA's Pickleball Tournament. See the full line up of events.  A couple of sign-ups to note: 

NYC Bakery Run - Sunday September 21st.  A half-marathon adventure through some of NYC's favorite bakeries with the finale at L' Appt 4F.  Runners chosen by lottery.  Sign up by September 10th

Montague Open Pickleball Tournament - Sunday, September 28th. Forget Flushing Meadows and join a tournament closer to home.  Registration opens next week - stay tuned for details.

Mobile Blood Drive - Sunday, October 19th.  NYC has been experiencing a blood emergency for many months.  The New York Blood Center has been extremely grateful for the many donations they received during past Montague Open Streets.  Make the commitment now and sign up.

With the start to school and many residents returning from summer holidays, pedestrian safety is more important than ever.

Thanks to advocacy work by the the CM Restler's office, the BHA, the Atlantic Avenue BID, the Cobble Hill Association and the Willowtown Association, the DOT has recently implemented safety interventions at the pedestrian intersections on Atlantic Avenue closest to Brooklyn Bridge Park. The improvements include:

• A new pedestrian island at Furman St and Atlantic

• Expanded pedestrian island at Columbia St and Atlantic

• Updated signals to ensure pedestrians have time to cross (including audible pedestrian signals)

The next phase of potential improvements involves a DOT study on whether the on-ramp to the BQE at this intersection could be decommissioned, as well as  expanding the sidewalk space to enable even safer pedestrian crossings in this very busy area of Atlantic Avenue.

Cadman Towers, a large affordable housing development in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, has a housing lottery to fill their vacant apartments. The application to the housing lottery on HousingConnect will remain open until September 22. There are currently 18 vacant units at Cadman Towers - including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom units. Estimate sales prices vary, with 1-bedroom units available for as low as $169,000. Income eligibility is limited to 125% AMI - or an income of between $79,350 and $162,000 for a two-member household. Questions?  Join the online info session on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00pm.

Long-time Brooklyn Heights resident, archivist and volunteer at the Brooklyn Women's Exchange, Martha Foley, was spotlighted as a NY1 "New Yorker of the week." Congratulations Martha!  Read the story. 

Photo Credit: Spectrum News NY1/Chelsea Katz

Columbia Heights from Cranberry Street to Middagh Street will remain closed  on weekdays from 7AM to 5PM. On weeknights overnight the street will only be open to emergency vehicles. The street will be open to through traffic on the weekends. Parking on this street will be unavailable for the duration of the work. Columbia Heights sidewalks and access to Harry Chapin Park will remain available.  

The Atlantic Avenue BID's popular Arab & Muslim American History walking tours are returning this fall, thanks to funding from CM Lincoln Restler's office. 

Led by founder of New York Narratives Asad Dandia, this expert-led tour will dive into the history of Atlantic Avenue as a destination for Arab immigrants, businesses, and stories. The tours last around 90 minutes and are kid friendly.

Reserve your spot today for an upcoming date:

September 30,  4-6PM

October 18,  11-1PM

November 15, 11-1PM

Monday, September 8: Constituent Services Walk-in Hours with Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon.  Brooklyn Heights Library, 2pm-5:30pm

Tuesday, September 9:  Cadman Towers Affordable Housing Lottery Information session, 6pm.  Join here.

Tuesday, September 9: A Celebration of Congresswoman Liz Holtzman. 6PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall.RSVP is required and capacity is limited.  Spots will be confirmed after registration.

Sunday, September 14:  Back To School Party by Brooklyn Bridge Parents, Montague Open Streets.

Sunday, September 21:  FAD Market + NYC Bakery Run ending at L Appartement 4F, Montague Open Streets . Join the lottery to participate in this very unique half-marathon.

Sunday, September 21: Brooklyn Book Festival Day.  Learn more about the week-long event.

Wednesday, September 24: Rat Academy Training (online), 1:30-3:30.  Register here.

Sunday, September 28:  Pickleball Tournament and Open Play, Montague Open Streets, 12pm-3pm.  Registration opening next week! 

Sunday, October 5:  Wellbeing Day, Montague Open Streets

Sunday, October 5:  50th Anniversary Atlantic Antic street fair. Come visit us at the BHA table!