COMMUNITY BOARD THREE SPRINGS INTO ACTION
Commits to Community-Wide Mandate to Educate & Assist Homeowners
In Avoiding Tax & Water Liens - By Any Means Necessary
By Keith L. Forest

The Arts, Cultural and Park Committee, chaired by Marion Little, was the presenting body for Community Board Three’s (CB3) April 2008 “Informational Forum”. Part of CB3’s commitment in keeping residents in the know, the forums offer business, civic, community and social service organizations a chance to share information about their programs, goods or services that have positive impact on the community.

Other presenting organizations included The Fulton Art Fair, Inc, the grandparent of all on-the-street organized urban art programs across the nation and now celebrating its 50th Anniversary, chaired by Olivia Cousins, the organization will once again display a variety of African American art created by its members along the gates of Fulton Street Park, Sunday’s in June on the 15, 22, 29 and the weekend of July 4 – 6. But for its anniversary year, the organization will have a presence for the rest of the year in its celebration of current artists, founding artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Ernest Crichlow and other greats, and living art legends. Ms. Cousins reports that other planned activities will include a gala, several exhibitions, workshops and more. For additional information, visit their website at wwww.fultonartfair.com.

Fulton Art Fair mentee organization -- The Bedford Stuyvesant Artists’ Association (BESAA) now in its 5th year – is extending a special invitation for residents to join them for the debut of their Celebrity Art Auction on May 3, 2008 at the Central Brooklyn Multi Family Center, 1950 Fulton Street. The fundraising affair will feature the auction of creative works by some of Brooklyn’s public and elected officials as well as community and neighborhood leaders, including Ms. Brenda Fryson, President, CB3, Bernice Green, co-publisher of Our Time Press, the famous lawyer Raoul Felder and many more.

One of the many highlights of the evening was two (2) special dance performances from Restoration Dance Theatre’s youth ensemble. This very stunning interlude was part of Ms. Fryson’s campaign to include youth and the public schools in the forefront of CB3’s commitment to community empowerment. The first performance, entitled “Be Strong” was a solo dance recital featuring ballerina Kourtney Charles who eloquently brought to life the empowering poetic prose of neo soul singer India Arie’s uplifting song of the same title. Her enchanted one woman act was complimented by an energetic, stylized ensemble performance entitled “Doing It” which was choreographed by Karen Thorton-Daniels.

Immediately following the performance, CB3 got back down to business with an informative presentation from Robert Roman, JR, of the New York City Department of Finance. It is tax lien season and this year homeowners are faced with both a property tax and water/sewage lien. According to New York City Department of Finance records, over 1,500 Bedford Stuyvesant residents are facing possible liens. Fryson and the Board working with the Brownstowners of Bedford Stuyvesant led by Renee Turner are committed to reaching each and every one of them. The key message that Ms. Turner and Ms. Fryson want to convey in their “neighbors helping neighbors” campaign is that “WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER; LET’S SAVE OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER!!”

In attempt to help residents save their homes, “The Know The Facts Don’t Lose Your Home” collective, in concert with HPD, Department of Finance, DEP, and the office of Councilman Albert Vann will host a “Community Water and Tax Lien Help Nite”, 5:00 pm – 9:00 PM, Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at Boys & Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Street. This forum will give homeowners an opportunity to talk one-on-one with staff members from DEP and NYC Finance; pay outstanding balances or make installment plans arrangements; and find out where to get additional help. Key dates to remember are: May 16 – last day to pay and May 19 – THE DAY LIENS WILL BE SOLD!

Representatives from US Congressman Ed Towns’ office shared information on a new federally funded coupon program to help residents purchase digital converter boxes. On February 17, 2009, all full-power television station will begin to broadcast only in digital! Those who use roof top or rabbit ear antennas to receive a signal will no longer be able to pick up channels. Every household regardless of income is eligible to receive two (2) $40 coupons that can be used to go towards purchasing (2) digital converter boxes. For additional information on how to receive this limited coupons and information packet, call 1-888- 388-2009 or visit on line at www.dtv2009.gov.

Also, the CB3 officers voted 29 to 3 for the development of a 48 newly constructed units on Madison Avenue between Howard Avenue on the west and Broadway on the east. The seven lots totaling over 25,000 square feet will be developed in four clusters, containing eight to sixteen units each. Each cluster will have access to a backyard garden area through a small community room. The project is being developed by CPC Rouse Inc., a Manhattan-based company that declined to disclose their minority and women contracting practices on pass projects.

Rounding out the evening was a very informative presentation on energy-efficiency options by Sharon Griffith of the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), and a unanimous request for her to expand her presentation in another CBS3 meeting.