Brower Park Free Concerts

As it does every year, Brower Park is offering of a series of free City Parks Concerts. In past years, the series has featured past and present stars of hip-hop, reggae, Latin, Caribbean and folks musical styles. On July 9 rap icons Brand Nubian took the stage, and on July 16th, Queens natives and twin sisters Natalie and Nicole Albino, known as Nina Sky, performed (as shown in these images). The pair earlier authored the hit song "Move Ya Body." Known primarily for her collaborations with Brooklyn native Talib Kweli and hip-hop Grammy winners The Roots, Bahamadia is slated to headline on July 23.

-- Written and photographed by Brian Major

Ten Months Later at 1087 Prospect Place

The four-story brick double duplex at 1087 Prospect Place just East of the Kingston Avenue border of the Crown Heights' historic district opened for viewing in September 2007 (see earlier post) and sold in February 2008. The house was originally listed at $849,000, and sold at $798,000, according to information found on Zillow.com. Built in 1901, the house totals 3,600 square feet. A discussion with the owner revealed he will rent one duplex to three single renters and will occupy the other duplex along with his wife and child. He's in the midst of a complete interior renovation, including new walls, wiring and electrical. The home is on a tree-lined model block created in the 1960s with special street lights, sidewalks and traffic-calming bumps. The house is one block from the Brooklyn Children's Museum, in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation and a five-block walk from either the #3 or C trains.

Written and photographed by Brian Major

100K Co-op On Kingston Ave!

I gather that this Co-op should be off the market soon. After the down payment the buyer would be paying about $625 a month plus about $400 in maintenance fees. I think this is a pretty good deal and if you would like to own something in the neighborhood this is a great way to get your foot in the door. I understand that there has been allot of buying and selling in this building. Can anyone enlighten me as to the condition and overall safety to this building?

Year built: 1923

446 Kingston Ave
Google Map

Down Memory Lane...

I"ve always loved Eastern Parkway; I feel that Eastern parkway is still not fully appreciated. Every time I take a stroll down the parkway I always imagine what it looked like back in the day... so down memory lane, here is a photo of the excavation for the IRT on Eastern Parkway circa 1915.

Franklin Park

My friend called me last night and asked me to check out this “cool, new, and hip bar in Crown Heights” I was reluctant at first but when I arrived at the address I was totally shocked. This lot once had abandoned cars and garbage strewn all over it. Seeing it now, the place was unrecognizable. Gone was the broken fence, gone was the glass bear bottles, gone was the overgrown weeds, gone was the ripped tires.

I saw the transformation of my neighborhood from “Brooklyn in the 80s” to a hip and upcoming place. The bar was dimly lit, however there was plenty of places to sit, the music was classy, and above all the service was amazing. This was first time I can actually have a full conversation with the Bar tender, his name was Chris and he even made up his own drinks. What I liked the best was that besides the usual funky artisty people who are newly arrived to our neighborhood, there was local original Crown Heightens there as well.

Chasids, Blacks, Hipsters, these are the 3 ingredients that makes an amazing diverse neighborhood. I would highly recommend anyone to pay them a visit.

Franklin Park
Map

Crown Heights Community Mediation

The Crown Heights Community Mediation Center is offering two free Mediation Skills mini-workshops, July 16th and 18th. Join educators, human service professionals and other community members for a light snack and a savory sample of our customized trainings in conflict resolution, mediation, and more. Founded in 1998, the Mediation Center is a store-front walk-in, facilitation and training center, with a mission to foster leadership and peaceful conflict resolution in Crown Heights and elsewhere.

What: Free Mediation Skills Trainings

When: Wednesday, July 16th, 2pm-3pm OR
Friday, July 18th, 8:30am-9:30am

Where: The Crown Heights Community Mediation Center
256 Kingston Ave., (btw Lincoln Pl. & St. Johns Pl.) (Brooklyn, NY

RSVP: (718) 773-6886
trainings@crownheights.org

(Courtesy of Eleanor)

All Is Calm - Despite The media Hype

Well all is calm in Crown Heights despite of what the media tried to do and create in our funky, cool, and diverse neighborhood.

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