Brooklyn's Progress
June/July 2006

BY HAROLD EGELN

Responding to what it calls "a startling revitalization" in Ocean Hill and Brownsville, the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation released a report titled, “Meeting the Needs of a Growing Ocean Hill/Brownsville” at a May 19 breakfast.

The BEDC commissioned the study, prepared by consultants from New York University's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

"Our study identified positive changes taking place in Ocean Hill-Brownsville, including new housing, rising property values and an influx of new residents with higher incomes," Joan Bartolomeo, President, BEDC.

Gilbert Rivera, Founder, Park Avenue Building and Supplies, LLC sponsored the event at his company’s new larger location, at 2074 Atlantic Avenue in Bushwick, which is scheduled to open this fall.

While he will keep the Bedford Avenue site where he first opened his business, Mr. Rivera says the changes in the Bushwick-Ocean Hill neighborhood is an opportunity, "This is a growing neighborhood and we want to be part of it, just like we were on Park Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant," he said.

The study looked at data culled from more than 600 businesses and 900 homeowners. The area covered was bordered by Fulton Street, Rockaway Avenue, Eastern Parkway Extension and Buffalo Avenue.

The study revealed the area is ready for new business development and also identified an aggregate income of $340 million, distributed among the area's 31,000 relatively young residents; a high proportion of vacant lots; a high number of newly constructed homes; and local, religious institutions own and lease out many properties.

The study also found, consumers and residents are dissatisfied with the quality and types of goods and services offered, and would like to see new businesses, such as a bookstore, restaurants, florists, coffee shops, children's stores, banks, and health clubs.

The report recommends developing and supporting existing local businesses to promote growth; improve neighborhood image through streetscape and building improvement; and diversifying the Ocean Hill/Brownsville business mix.

The BEDC's own involvement with the Hope VI housing development could be a centerpiece of new economic revitalization, according to the study.

 The also urges the creation of a leadership circle of local business and community leaders; creating a clear timeline for the achievement of goals; and working to bring local level business opportunities to the community (i.e. merchant associations).

The BEDC presentation was made by Margaret Nelson, BEDC Director, Real Estate, with the help of James Sanford, BEDC Director, Community Development. The program was introduced by William Howard of Park Avenue Building Supplies and Roofing LLC. A Proclamation by Borough President Marty Markowitz was presented to Mr. Rivera.

"Mr. Rivera's new facility on Atlantic Avenue is an example of the exciting new development taking place here, and will serve as an anchor for future development in the area," said Ms. Bartolomeo.

"When we first moved to Bedford Stuyvesant, we were surrounded by vacant lots and abandoned property, and we worked to change that. We hope to do the same thing in Ocean Hill-Brownsville," Mr. Rivera said.

To see the full report and study results, visit the BEDC web site at http://www.bedc.org/.