PROSPECT-LEFFERTS GARDENS — For such a little neighborhood, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens has some big changes on the horizon.
New developments, new restaurants and a brand new bookstore are just some of the things that popped up in the area in 2016. And next year, more changes are in the works, including a restoration of Flatbush Avenue's iconic clocktower, the expansion of CitiBike and a slew of new eateries set to open on Rogers and Nostrand avenues.
Politically, a lot is going on in the area, too. In the new year, voters in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens will have a chance to choose a new council member, the city is set to approve (or not) a big new affordable housing project on Caton Avenue and the debate over how to handle J’Ouvert will likely continue in 2017.
At the same time, a group of homeowners are trying to preserve their Fenimore Street block from the building boom happening all over the neighborhood.
To help keep up with the changes, DNAinfo New York rounded up the stories that made headlines in 2016 — and will matter the most to the neighborhood next year. Take a look:
► CitiBike Rolls into the Neighborhood — Up to a Point
The city’s bike sharing program is set to come to Prospect-Lefferts Gardens soon as part of an expansion into Crown Heights. The docking stations for the blue bikes, however, will be installed only up to Lefferts Avenue to the south and Rogers Avenue to the east. Residents recently helped give the Department of Transportation input about where the stations should go and the agency will present a map of proposed locations to the public in the coming months.
► Will Mathieu Eugene Keep His City Council Seat?
Two challengers have already lined up in the 2017 race against longtime Prospect-Lefferts Gardens Councilman Mathieu Eugene, who has served the 40th District since 2007. Former Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Laurie Cumbo, Brian Cunningham, announced his candidacy in June; longtime area resident and Community Board 9 member Pia Raymond launched her campaign for the seat in mid-November. If either wins, it would be a first elected position for the new council member.
► Flatbush Avenue’s Clocktower Gets a New Ticker
The landmark clock perched on top of the highly visible “Phat Albert” building on Flatbush Avenue hasn’t worked in years. But the owners of the building are trying to bring it back to life, working with professional antique clock restorers to get it ticking again. Jack Srour, the owner heading up the project, says residents can expect the restoration to wrap up in the early fall.
► Debate Over Safety at J’Ouvert Continues
Despite a huge police presence and increased safety measures at the 2016 pre-dawn Labor Day J’Ouvert celebration, two young people died during separate shootings at the festivities. Immediately after the event, some called for its cancelation, including Crown Heights Assemblyman Walter Mosley and NY1 anchor (and area resident) Errol Louis. At the same time, many Brooklyn elected officials including state Sen. Kevin Parker and council members Laurie Cumbo and Jumaane Williams defended the annual event. Mayor Bill de Blasio said J’Ouvert would go on, though he entertained the possibilities of a daylight parade or checkpoint screenings for marchers.
► Can Fenimore Street Preserve Their Block from Development?
Homeowners on the south side of Fenimore Street between Bedford and Rogers avenues are getting serious about preserving their half block from future development. They’re planning to ask the city to change zoning rules on their block to prevent the construction of tall buildings there. In an area where single-family houses are disappearing all the time to make way for larger apartment buildings, their effort is notable — and may inspire others to look into preservation options on their blocks.
► More Food and Drink Spots Coming to Nostrand and Rogers avenues
Though Flatbush Avenue is the neighborhood’s main commercial corridor, Nostrand and Rogers avenues are attracting a healthy handful of new restaurants in 2017, including Da Ciro, a Clinton Hill-based Italian spot, Empanada City (expecting an opening very soon) and a second location for Gladys Caribbean.
► Housing Project at the Flatbush Caton Market Goes Through Public Review
A 166-unit affordable housing tower is set to be built on the site of what is now the Flatbush Caton Market, filled with vendors selling Caribbean products. The proposal for the new building entered the 150-day public review process in October, city records show, and already won approval from Community Board 14, the Ditmas Park Corner reported. Next, the project needs approval from City Council, then the mayor, before it can break ground.
