CB3 ADJOURNS FOR SUMMER RECESS
NEW MEMBERS JOIN WHILE OLD SAY FAREWELL
By Keith L. Forest

June marked the triumphant end of the season for community boards throughout the 5 boroughs. Like the season it falls in, it is also the time that budding new members are introduced while older member depart. Such a scene played out during Community Board 3’s monthly meeting which took place Monday, June 1 at Restoration Plaza.

Longtime member Mildred Vann, wife of City Councilman Alvin Vann, who has been a member for over 10 years chairing the educational committee while diligently sitting on a variety of other teams, said her final goodbyes. “I joined the board to learn more about the community,” stated Mrs. Vann. “I learned quite a lot. It is time that I move on and do other things.”

Ruben Pratt, former Co-Chair who has served faithfully for over 20 years, also took a final bow. “I will continue doing the work I was born to do and fighting for this community that I love,” stated Mr. Pratt. Both members were presented with engraved clocks for their outstanding dedication to the Bedford Stuyvesant and Ocean Hill neighborhoods.

CB3 also introduced 8 new members to its expanding board. New members are Michael Bailey, Charles Coleman, Jr., Isaiah Dillhunt, Eldika Murray, Sharland Norris, Kwaku Payton, Mark Pollard and Ayanna Vason. This brings the total of board members to 49.

After the formalities and words from elected officials and civic leaders, it was time to tackle the agenda. The first item up was an informational presentation by Samira Rajan, CEO of The Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union (BCFCU). The community based credit union, with offices in Bushwick and Bedford Stuyvesant, has been around for over 10 years offering a “safe place for people to put their money.”

As a Community Development Credit Union or CDCU, Brooklyn Cooperative members are stake holders who work, worship, live and/or volunteer in the Bedford Stuyvesant and Bushwick neighborhoods. In addition to providing saving and checking accounts at reduced rates, Brooklyn Cooperative offers a variety of home ownership services including educational workshops, home buyers down payment assistance and home improvement loans. They also provide technical assistance for small businesses; tax preparation; and credit and dept management for their members. For additional information, contact Brooklyn Cooperative at (718) 418-8232

A new mix use development at 315 Gates Avenue is one of the latest projects to raise its stoic head in Bedford Stuyvesant. The 68 unit luxury condominium which feature studio, 1 and 2 bedroom units ranging from $150 – $400K, sits on the corner of Bedford and Gates Avenues is being developed by Select Holding Corporation. Although the company’s president Mr. Effie Dilmanian was present, a spokesman Ibris Abdullah, who currently chairs the 79th Precinct Community Council, did the majority of the talking. Mr. Abdullah, who according to his pandering speech, stated that as a longtime resident of Bed Stuyvesant and a general contractor (he owns a demolition and security company both of which are retained by Select Holding Corporation), he felt a need to inform his community of the generosity and large investment Mr. Dilmanian and Select Holding Corporation is making in our community.

According to Mr. Abdullah, who claims over 20 years experience in the construction business, Mr. Dilmanian has been a good neighbor that continues to provide jobs and hire contractors for many unemployed laborers in the community. When a CB3 Board member asked whether Select Holding Corporation tapped into the city’s Minority & Women Owned Business pool for contract work, Mr. Abdullah once again interjected a reply. Annoyed by Mr. Abdullah’s constant defensive interruptions, the committee demanded to hear from Mr. Dilmainian. “As the community liaison, it is my responsibility to answer these questions,” Mr. Abdullah replied. Mr. Dilmanian, on the other hand, was unable to answer the question.

In a consistent attempt to drive his “good neighbor” point home further, Mr. Abdullah introduced Leander VP George. The astute 23 year old Assistant Super Attendant for the project stated that there are currently over 40 – 50 workers on the site of which an average of 10 are from within the community.

City Councilwoman Leticia James, who represent Brooklyn’s 35th district, applauded and personally thanked the developer for his efforts in providing young men in the community with jobs. However, she noted that the area has a greater need for affordable housing not luxury condominiums.

In his final attempt to position Select Holding Corporation in a positive light, Mr. Abdullah publically presented certificates of appreciation to Mr. Dilmanian and Mr. George for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the Bedford Stuyvesant community.

The closing item on the agenda was a public hearing item introduced by Economic Development/Consumer Service Committee Co-Chair, Tremaine Wright. The presentation was given by Suresahn Panther, a principal of Black Swan restaurant who is requesting a letter of support from CB3 for an alcoholic beverage control retail license. The board voted 35 in favor of a liquor license with 7 against.

June also marks the annual election for chairmanship which saw Henry L. Butler reinstated as Community Board 3’s Chairmen.

Keith L. Forest is a freelance publicist, writer and proud Bedford-Stuyvesant home owner who lives and works in the beloved community. His current blog space mybedstuy.blogspot.com seeks to celebrate the people and places that make up this great community while addressing issues such as gentrification, predatory lending and other ill norms that seek to exploit, discredit and harm the area and its people.

Upcoming Community Events:
June 6, 2009 Bridge Street Dev. Corp: “Homeownership Fast Track” (Fee)
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14

June 9, 2009 Restoration June Workshops: “How to Use Credit Wisely”
6:30 – 8:30 PM 1369 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY Contact info – 718-636-6924

June 10, 2009 Bridge Street Dev. Corp: “Lending Scam Prevention”
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14

June 13, 2009 Bridge Street Development Corp: “Homeownership Fast Track” (Fee)
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14

June 16, 2009 Restoration June Workshops: “First Time Home Buyers I”
6:30 – 8:30 PM 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY Contact info – 718-636-6924

June 18, 2009 Bridge St. Dev. Corp: “Protecting Your Home from Lending Scam”
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14


June 20, 2009 CB3 Parks, Art & Culture Committee 1st African Diaspora Food Festival
1:00 – 6:00 PM Von King Park (Green & Lafayette Ave) Contact info – 718-636-6924

June 23, 2009 Restoration June Workshops: “First Time Home Buyer II”
6:30 – 8:30 PM 1268 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY Contact info – 718-636-6924

June 24, 2009 Bridge Street Development Corp: “Quick Cash Scam”
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14

June 25, 2009 Bridge Street Development Corp: “First Time Buyers Open House”
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14

Mt. Sinai Cathedral, COGIC, “Get the Facts about Homeownership”
7:00 PM 1916 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY Contact Wayne Devonish 917-297-5698

June 29, 2009 Bridge Street Development Corp: “Understanding Closing Documents”
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14
456D Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY Contact info - (718) 636-7596 Ext. 14

June 30, 2009 Restoration June Workshops: “Foreclosure Prevention/Anti Predatory Lending”
6:30 – 8:30 PM 1268 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY Contact info – 718-636-6924