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Greetings from Lara
 

The lazy days of summer are in full swing, but things have been far from quiet here at the Brooklyn Heights Association. We’ve been keeping up the drumbeat on advancing a holistic, environmentally sound vision for the BQE rehabilitation that will transcend the status quo. And we are thrilled to announce that we’re bringing back the Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse in September (more on that below).

As a resident of Brooklyn Heights for almost 20 years, I am honored to take on the role of Executive Director of the BHA, an organization whose work I have long admired. I’m grateful to the BHA’s Board of Governors, staff and to Peter Bray, for helping make my transition a smooth one. And of course, I owe a huge thank you to our members, whose steadfast support enables our work and allows us to advance our mission. It’s very important to me to hear from BHA members and Brooklyn Heights residents so we can continue to be responsive to the needs of our community.

I encourage you to reach out to me by email at lbirnback@thebha.org, or call me at 718-858-9193. You might also see me out in the neighborhood walking my dog – please stop me and say hello! I look forward to working alongside you as we build our community, preserve our neighborhood’s historic character, and advocate for smart and sustainable city planning.

Thank you!

Lara Birnback
BHA Executive Director
 
The Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse is Back
Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit a historic home in Brooklyn Heights while discovering the work of cutting-edge designers, all in the service of supporting the BHA. The 2017 Inaugural Showhouse was a great success and we’re thrilled to present the 2019 Showhouse this September.

Fifteen designers add their unique touch to the rooms of an 1820's wood frame house, blending old with new Brooklyn chic. The Showhouse will feature new products, wallpaper, furniture, and fixtures – many designed and made here in Brooklyn.

We invite you to show your commitment to the vital work of the BHA by joining the Showhouse Benefit Committee. Your generosity will be recognized in the Showhouse Journal, in the Opening Night Party invitations, on our website, and at the venue.  (The deadline to be included in the Journal and the invitations is September 3).

BUY TICKETS TO OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Thursday, September 26, 6-9pm

General Admission tickets are $35.00 for BHA members, $40.00 for non-members. Special events and Group Tours can also be arranged.
 
Save The Date! 

Clark Street Station Community Meeting September 16, 6-8pm

The MTA announced this past spring that it had plans to close the Clark Street subway station for an entire year while its three elevators are replaced. While there is no doubt that the station and the community would benefit from new elevators, a complete closure would have a severe impact on the small business which operate within the station and along Clark and Henry Street, in addition to causing undue hardship for seniors and others who may be less mobile. The BHA strongly believes the community needs a better plan and more transparency from the MTA.

In May, the BHA requested the assistance of our elected officials to obtain further clarification from the MTA about whether alternatives to a complete closure are being considered. Senator Kavanagh, Assemblymember Simon, Representative Velazquez and Council Member Levin sent a joint letter to NYC Transit Authority President Andy Byford requesting that “the MTA consider all possible options for making these repairs before deciding to close the station completely for a year or more.”

Assemblywoman Simon’s office has announced that a community meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 16 from 6-8pm at St. Francis college.

MTA President Byford will attend to discuss the renovation, the possible options to repair the elevators, and to hear your concerns. The BHA will be there and we hope you will too. Our collective voice is powerful – but only if we use it!
 
Good News about the Brooklyn War Memorial

The Brooklyn Eagle reported last week that renovations are to begin this fall after decades of delays at the Brooklyn War Memorial in Cadman Plaza Park, which has been closed to the public for 27 years. According to NYC Parks there are three capital projects underway to make the memorial “more inviting and accessible.” Programming and other visitor services will be available on the upper level of the memorial building. The work, which includes construction of an accessible ramp and elevator, is slated to begin this November and should be completed in the fall of 2020.

Other sections of Cadman Plaza Park will also see improvements. Among these, the small park house south of the War Memorial building at the corner of Tillary Street and Cadman Plaza West will feature a café, and the oval-shaped lawn at the north end of the park will be reconstructed. Additionally, the oval site will benefit from new lighting, water fountains, walkways, pavements and landscaping.Tthe Parks Department currently has a total of $11.9 million invested in these and other projects in Cadman Plaza Park overall.

We are hopeful that Brooklyn Heights residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the newly opened War Memorial along with the additional improvements in the near future. We will keep you informed as we learn more.

 

Only with the strength and commitment of its members can the BHA be a strong advocate for the Brooklyn Heights community.
JOIN THE BHA

Already a member? Donate to our BQE Fund! Help us fix this Moses-era disaster and avoid perpetuating outmoded urban planning ideas.
DONATE
 

Brooklyn Heights Association
55 Pierrepont St, Box 17D
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-858-9193  info@thebha.org
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