Public Spaces on Oh No DoBro

Do we suck? Curbed thinks so.

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 20:21:04 +0000

“That’s why we got haters, that’s why we got haters
Haters everywhere we go, haters everywhere we go”

– B.o.B

Justin Davidson, writing about the architecture of Downtown Brooklyn for Curbed:

Hooray! The $8M Fulton Mall Facelift Begins

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:00:44 +0000

Image from Brooklyn Eagle

Fulton Mall, arguably the “Main Street” of Downtown Brooklyn, is about to be greener and more pedestrian friendly thanks to a joint effort between the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, the NYC Parks Department, and the city’s Department of Transportation.

Cadman Plaza Park Gets a Cafe Upgrade – Proposals Due February 15

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:03:23 +0000

Get ready, Brooklynites! A brand new cafe is coming to Cadman Plaza Park in Downtown Brooklyn, and it’s going to be absolutely amazing. The NYC Parks Department is currently accepting proposals from businesses interested in setting up shop in the circa 1950s concrete maintenance building near Cadman Plaza West and Tillary Street.

Comedy Variety Spicy Medley Show at Dekalb Market

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 17:21:53 +0000

 <p>
 Spicy Medley is the HOTTEST comedy variety show in Brooklyn. Hosted by Tess Tregellas and Sara Bergmark who are iconically known as the “girls in the pepper suits.” Spicy Medley features a mixed bag of comedic acts including, Stand Up Comedians, Musical Comedians, Character Actors and always something SPICY. This show is perfect for a memorable night out in Downtown Brooklyn. Bring a group of friends, invite your visiting parents, or have a unique date night, without breaking the bank. Each show features new acts that are guaranteed to spice up your night, every other Wednesday at the Dekalb Stage.
 </p>
 
 <h1>
 Upcoming Shows:
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 <p>
 <strong>When:</strong> September 1st, September 15th, September 29th!<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> Doors at 730pm Show 800pm<br /> <strong>TICKETS:</strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spicy-medley-comedy-variety-show-tickets-166706701231">HERE!</a><br /> <strong>Where:</strong> DeKalb Stage 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Downstairs in the Markethall!)<br /> <strong>Who:</strong> Acts from Comedy Central, Netflix, Broadway, and many more!
 </p>
 
 <h2>
 Sept. 1st Line Up
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 <p>
 ASHLEY GAVINN<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashgavs/">@ashgavs</a><br /> We’re Having Gay Sex Podcast, Comedy Central, Netflix is a Joke
 </p>
 
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 GIANMARCO SORESI<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gianmarcosoresi/">@gianmarcosoresi</a><br /> Netflix, Vanity Fair, Comedy Central
 </p>
 
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 VANNESSA JACKSON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nnessleigh/">@nnessleigh</a><br /> A Little Late with Lilly Singh, ABFF Comedy Festival
 </p>
 
 <p>
 NILES ABSTON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thenilesabstonshow/">@thenilesabstonshow</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, Comedy Album “Girls Don’t Twerk to Jokes”
 </p>
 
 <p>
 HARPER ROSE DRUMMOND<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harperrosed/">@harperrosed</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, The Comedy Store
 </p>
 </div>
</div>

SAMI SHWAEBER
@samischwaeber
UCB, The Bell House, Union Hall

Ruth Bader Ginsburg honored with statue in City Point

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:13:41 +0000

The legend herself is now immortalized at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn. You should pop in and see it next time you’re in the area.

I must say, the location of the statue is pretty cool. It’s right inside the entrance to City Point from Flatbush. It’s one of the lesser-used entrances, north of the typical Trader Joes entrance. But you can see it easily from the street as you’re walking past.

Aerial view of the Dekalb/Fulton/Flatbush triangle

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 15:01:58 +0000

I discussed the demotion that’s happening at the triangle between Flatbush Ave, Fulton Street, and Dekalb Ave in a prior post, but didn’t have this super-cool aerial view at the time.

I know that Redsky Capital own the lot that’s at the bottom of hte photo, closer to Albee Square, but I’m not sure about the lot along Flatbush Ave. I assume they own that, too?

NYC cinemas to re-open in March, Alamo Drafthouse a little later

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 20:32:31 +0000

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given the thumbs up for cinemas in New York City to re-open on March 5th at 25% capacity. It’s been nearly a full year since they (and everything else) shut down.

It might, however, be a bit longer before Downtown Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse is open again. The Baltimore Sun reached out to a spokesperson:

Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker art installation at Albee Square

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 15:19:52 +0000

You may have noticed some really cool artwork in the windows of the former Century 21 (RIP). Award-winning artist Sarula Bao is a Chinese American illustrator and graphic novelist based in Brooklyn, and her Hanfu x Chunky Sneaker installation will be on display through the end of March.

Some optimism for the future of DoBro

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 13:18:33 +0000

Bklyner has an optimistic view for the future of Downtown Brooklyn, as well as an outstanding look at how we got to be here:

Brooklyn’s historic central business district also suffered during the pandemic. But the area’s boosters and developers believe its location, open spaces, and large residential population could give it a leg up over Manhattan as the post-pandemic recovery finally begins.

Huzzah! Year of the Ox celebration coming to Albee Square

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 13:28:17 +0000

Q: Will there be a traditional lion dance?
A: Hell yeah, there’s going to be a traditional lion dance!

Come and celebrate the Year of the Ox at Albee Square on Saturday, February 13th between 1:30pm and 3pm. There will be a traditional lion dance and a “selfie-station,” which honestly sounds like a fantastic reason to get outside and keep the days from all blending together due to the pandemic.

DoBro getting $10M influx of cash

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 21:10:00 +0000

We did it! We won! Apparently.

From the BKReader:

Downtown Brooklyn was awarded $10 million grant as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which aims to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live and work.

Keep it coming: Katz’s Deli launching subscription service

Wed, 30 May 2018 20:46:07 +0000

Jason Tesauro of The Middletown Press reports:

As part of its 130th anniversary, Katz’s announced on Tuesday that its first-ever subscription service will start in June…Subscription boxes (from $1,500 for a full year, or $450 for 3 months) are tied to the seasons and feature enough food for 4-6 people, plus Katz schwag. A July Griller Package is heavy on sausages, ‘kraut, mustards, and a Katz’s ballcap for backyard living. The January Warmer Package includes six quarts of three different soups (matzoh ball, split pea, chicken noodle), plus knishes and a sweatshirt. A Sweets Package in May includes babkas, rugelaches, black-and-white cookies, and a chocolate egg cream-scented candle for Mom.

CB 2 Votes to Reject the Contentious 80 Flatbush Skyscraper

Fri, 11 May 2018 11:47:43 +0000

80 Flatbush, rendering by Alloy Development

With a vote of 32-1 on Wednesday night, the Community Board 2 rejected the 80 Flatbush project. This vote by the full board follows the vote by the CB2’s Land-Use Committee which also voted against the project.
These votes are part of the ULURP rezoning process for the development for 80 Flatbush which includes residential, office and retail space in a 74-story building and a 38-story tower. It doesn’t bode well for the multi-use project that boasts bringing an additional 700 market-rate apartments and 200 affordable apartments.
What’s next? Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams needs to issue his recommendation on the project. (Adams held a public hearing late last month. Then the NYC Planning Commission will review the project and and the process ends with a vote by the New York City Council.

Free walking tours all weekend to honor public advocate Jane Jacobs

Fri, 04 May 2018 16:58:43 +0000

Now in its 8th year, Jane’s Walk NYC, hosted by the Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), is a weekend-long celebration featuring 200+ free “walking conversation” tours throughout the five boroughs, led by urban enthusiasts and local neighborhood experts.

“There is no logic that can be superimposed on the city; people make it, and it is to them, not buildings, that we must fit our plans.” – Jane Jacobs

TD’s Five Boro Bike Tour is coming our way

Fri, 04 May 2018 14:06:23 +0000

Image via Bike New York

The 41st annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour is back this Sunday, May 6th. Around 32,000 cyclists will gear up this year and ride through New York City on car-free streets and highways for 40-miles.

Organized by Bike New York, the tour is a fun way for people to enjoy the city and raise money for the nonprofit organization’s bike education programs. The event will start off with an expo on Friday & Saturday at Pier 12, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook with exhibitors, food and beer. And on Sunday, the bike tour begins at 7:30 am, in four waves at lower Manhattan, and moves its way through Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and finally ends in Staten Island with a Finish Festival (registered participants only) featuring local food vendors and live music.

Discounts at Dekalb Market Hall for National Small Business Week

Wed, 02 May 2018 13:41:43 +0000

We’re smack dab in the middle of National Small Business Week, which spans April 29th through May 5th this year. To celebrate, our favorite local food court, Dekalb Market Hall, has several vendors offering discounts.

Vendors with sales include Cuzin’s Duzin and Paella Shack, with many others also participating in the ten-percent discount promotion. There’s no doubt you’ll be able to find something to fit your tastes and mood down there.

Passing Moments: Wednesday, April 18th, 2018

Wed, 18 Apr 2018 16:47:07 +0000

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. Downtown Brooklyn from Flatbush and Fulton Mall.

Construction near future(?) Willoughby Square Park

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:55:44 +0000

It came out last week that the promised park-above-a-parking-garage might not be going as planned.

Back in 2004, when this neighborhood was first rezoned (prompting the building frenzy that’s happening now), the city promised a one-acre public park right across from the new City Point structure. The city even approved tearing down rent stabilized buildings to make way for this new park slash parking garage.