BEDFORD CENTRAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT KICKS OFF
4TH ANNUAL HOME BUYERS SEMINAR SERIES
By Keith L. Forest

Bedford Central Community Development kicked off its 4th Annual Home Buyers Seminar Series. The comprehensive 16 week program which provides the tools needed to turn qualified potential home shoppers into financially astute home owners took place at Bedford Central Presbyterian Church. During the opening ceremony Nannearl Blackshear, Communications Associate, Brooklyn Borough President Office, joined Bedford Central Community Development Executive Director Wayne Devonish in presenting Home Buyer Seminar Series graduate Maxine Bernard with a financial grant and citation for successfully completing the program and purchasing a home. Program alumnae Josetta Penston, who owns a home in Brooklyn and Yolanda McFadden, who know calls Newark, NJ, were also in attendance encouraging the new recruits to stick to the program.

The goal of the workshops, which are taught by a team of seasoned professionals, is designed to provide participants with comprehensive training in debt management while placing them on a managed savings program in an effort to help them secure prequalification for a low-interest rate loan. In addition, participants received home maintenance training and are able to network with housing professionals. Each graduate receives a certificate upon completion. “This program helps get them into a home in a structured and safe manner that ensures success,” states Mr. Devonish.

Bedford Central Community Development Corporation (BCCDC) is a non-profit agency that aspires to strengthen the lower and middle income populations in the Central Brooklyn areas. This specific population continues to endure tremendous adversities and often lack the resource and opportunities afforded to more affluent New York neighborhoods. Bedford Central Community Development Corporation recognizes the importance of empowering these neighborhoods in the hopes of fueling the local economy and fostering relationships within the community, participants of (BCCDC) programs and funders. (BCCDC) aims to combat the stereotypical phenomenon by assisting individuals with tangible assistance on realizing their dreams and ultimately living to their fullest potential.


Pictured Left to Right: Home Owners, Yolanda McFadden & Josetta Peniston; joined Executive Director, Wayne Devonish (Center) and Brooklyn Borough President Representative, Nannearl Blackshear (Right) in presenting homeowner, Maxine Bernard (second right) with a grant and citation.

"The De Berry's family of Bed Stuy perform at Lincoln Center,"

BY Elizabeth Lazarowitz - NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Finkelstein, KatherineThe five De Berry children, Meghan, 16, Morgan, 9, Priya, 14, Taylor, 10, and Brian, 12 will be taking their show to Lincoln Center. Related NewsArticlesMom, dad out of work but future looks bright with prodigy siblingsThe De Berry kids are heading for Lincoln Center.
A group of four violin-playing Brooklyn sisters and their cello-playing brother have so inspired folks at the prestigious performance hub that they've invited them all to be their guests. (click to read full story)

"Developer order to pay 10.9 Million to Bed stuy Condo Owners,"
By JOE WALKER - New York Times

A Brooklyn developer who took advantage of a faculty-housing exemption to build oversized condominium buildings, then sold the units on the open market, will be barred from selling apartments in New York State, according to an agreement between the developer and the attorney general’s office.

Along with barring him from selling real estate securities, the settlement requires that the developer, Mendel Brach, pay $10.9 million to the residents of the 72-unit development to repair structural defects. (click for full story)

"Speech by Bed Stuy's Own - William C. Thompson Jr.," - New York Times

The following speech was delivered by New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr., the Democratic candidate for mayor, at Hunter College on Thursday night:

"Tonight I want to talk to you about what I believe is a key issue in this campaign – Republican Mike Bloomberg's self-serving desire to do away with the term limits law that New Yorkers voted for not once, but twice. He ignored New Yorkers' voices and votes in a clear violation of the will of the people.
Elections are an opportunity for voters to differentiate between candidates and their vision for the office that they seek. And this is an issue that I believe clearly defines who my Republican opponent is and who I am. (click link for full speech)

BED STUY ALIVE! ENDS WITH HISTORIC BROWNSTONER’S HOUSE TOUR
By Keith L. Forest
The Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant, one of Brooklyn’s most active civic organizations, held its 31st annual House Tour and Bazaar Saturday, October 17. Themed “The Legacy Continues: Restore, Revitalize, Rejuvenate.” the Brownstoners once again showcased a collection of the community’s finest brownstone and limestone homes while making a declaration of the vibrant familial ambiance that has traditionally been rooted in Bed-Stuy

Prior to the kick off of the self guided house tour, attendees were able to participate in a Homeownership Workshop where they received professional advice and resourceful information on surviving the turbulent economy; weatherization; how to maintain their current home and buying smart. The annual Bed Stuy Bazaar was also in full swing offering a variety of arts and crafts while showcasing various neighborhood goods and services.

The highlight of the day was the house tour which historically draws thousands of visitors from all over providing the house enthusiasts a sneak peek into some of New York’s most lavishly restored brownstone and limestone homes. Each participant received a Tour Brochure which in addition to granting them access to the touring homes, also served as a reference tool that documents the unique story behind each home on tour. Attendees once again experience, first-hand, the luxury and sophistication embodied within Bedford Stuyvesant’s brownstone and limestone homes, many of which date back as far as the early 18th century. Participants had the opportunity to speak directly with homeowners to learn about restoration, landscaping, general maintenance and many more of the practicalities of owning a brownstone.

The mission of The Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant, Inc, which has been operating for 30 years, is to faithfully serve this Brooklyn community. Dedicated not only to instilling pride in Bed-Stuy residents, this non-profit, volunteer, civic organization has performed a variety of community services which span from literacy programs to their annual Tax Lien Project. In fact, proceeds from the house tour will benefit the McDonald/Glee Memorial Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to college bound graduates of Boys and Girls High School. The Joan Maynard Scholarship is also benefited, which awards college bound graduates of the Historic Boys High School.

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.

Brooklyn home values slide, sales up
Despite Slight Increase in Sales Bed Stuy Property Value Waivers
By Gary Buiso - Courier-Life Publications

Home values in Brooklyn continued to slide, but sales activity is showing signs of life, surging for the second consecutive quarter, according to a recent report.

The median sales price of all residential properties in the third quarter fell 6.7 percent to $476,000 from $510,000 last year during the same period last year, according to the report, issued by broker Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate and Miller Samuel Inc., a Manhattan-based appraiser. The number of sales declined 19.6 percent to 1,847 from 2,298 sales from the prior year’s quarter — but increased 29.3 percent from 1,428 units in the second quarter of the year.

“The jump in the number of sales from the prior quarter reflects a release of pent-up demand from an unusually low level of sales activity seen in the early part of the year that began with the Lehman bankruptcy tipping point on September 15, 2008,” said Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel. “The Brooklyn ‘spring’ market was pushed forward and occurred over the summer as a result.With the increase in activity, listing inventory fell sharply but remains above typical levels.The increase in median sales price from the prior quarter caused by the increased level of sales is the first increase after seven consecutive quarterly declines,” he stated in the report.

There was a 1.7 percent dip in condo median sales price to $496,860 borough-wide compared to the same quarter last year, according to the report, released October 14. Compared to last year’s second quarter, condo sales tumbled 29.8 percent to 463 units — from 660 units in the same period last year, but 24.5 percent above the 372 units in the second quarter.
The median sales price of 1-3 family properties dropped 10.6 percent to $536,300. Sales declined 9.4 percent to 944 units, compared to last year. Still, this figure is up 31.8 percent from last quarter.

North Brooklyn, which includes Williamsburg and Greenpoint, saw a median sales price of $564,110, down 12.1 percent than the prior year quarter. Northwest Brooklyn, which includes neighborhoods such as Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Red Hook, Park Slope, and Gowanus saw a 14.2 percent decline to $565,000. The number of sales dropped 19.6 percent to 415 units, but surged 69.4 percent above 245 units in the second quarter.
In the southern portion of the borough, sales slipped 4.2 percent to $445,479. Sales fell 14.4 percent to 1,060 units, up 25.3 percent above the 846 units in the prior quarter.

The eastern section of Brooklyn, which includes neighborhoods like Bedford Stuyvesant and East Brooklyn, saw home prices decline 3.5 percent, to $425,962. Sales fell 26.6 percent to 259 units, just 6.6 percent above the 243 units in the prior quarter.

Borough-wide co-op median sales price was up 1.1 percent, to $283,210, compared to last year at this time, while sales fell 26.5 percent, up 29.4 percent from the second quarter.
The median sales price of luxury properties, representing the highest 10 percent of all Brooklyn co-op, condo and 1-3 family home sales, was $1,210,000, down 13.7 percent, according to the report.

Bed Stuy authors pins book: ‘Packing Sneakers and a Gun,'
Memoir chronic life as stick up kid turned model
By Catlin McNamara - Brooklyn Daily Eagle

BROOKLYN — When Henry Morales was orphaned at 6 years of age, he left home carrying sneakers and a bag of toy guns. Little could he know how accurately this moment foreshadowed his violent youth — that he would be funneled through institutions and have to fight to make his way on the streets of Brooklyn.

In his just published memoir, Journey of a Man: Packing Sneakers and a Gun, Morales narrates the horrors of his childhood and criminal past, and describes how he overcame them to find peace. It is a story of abandonment, abuse, robbery and murder.

"10 Questions with Tracy Morgan," - TIME Magazine
Up Close & Personal with Bed Stuy's own Tracy Morgan

How much does your 30 Rock character, Tracy Jordan, resemble Tracy Morgan? —Azeem Khan, Karachi
Tracy Jordan is a lovable comedian. So is Tracy Morgan, I guess. Tracy Morgan doesn't exist in Tracy Jordan. Tracy Jordan exists in Tracy Morgan. Everything they write about my character is ripped right out of the headlines. If I sneeze, next week it's in the script. So that's cool, man. I'm a 40-year-old black man. I'm from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. What do the young white writers know about me? I have to give 'em the ammo.

BED STUY AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM PROVIDES SHELTER & COMFORT TO GROWING POPULATION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN

BY Meredith Kolodner - NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Budget cuts forced many schools to ax after-school programs, but almost every child at one Brooklyn school is dancing, cooking, fencing or building robots until 6 p.m.

Parents at Public School 636, where one in five kids is homeless and living at one of 10 area shelters, say the after-school program has transformed their lives.

"This is the best thing that could have happened to us," said Lakisha Samuels, whose third-grade daughter, Jolissann, and first- and fifth-grade sons, Kevin and Ludlow, attend the school.

The year-old after-school program is funded mainly through a federal grant, enabling PS 636 to maintain the extra programming other schools have been forced to trim because of budget cuts.
Hallways once filled with fistfights are now calm, and test scores are rising.

When the Bedford-Stuyvesant school replaced the failing PS 304 last year, only about a third of fourth-graders were reading at grade level. Now, 44% of the fourth-graders at PS 636 are reading at grade level.

Unlike many after-school programs, however, academics is not the central focus.
"I just knew that the kids did not have successful experiences academically," said Principal Danika Lacroix.

"They needed to feel good about being at school," added Lacroix, who took over last year.
Still, the after-school workers try to link enrichment activities to what's going on in the classroom.

In one after-school cooking class, the instructor reinforced a reading sequencing lesson by having the kids photograph the steps of making guacamole and arranging the images in correct order.

"When we first started, the kids were extremely aggressive,," said Tameeka Ford-Norville, director of the after-school program at University Settlement, a social service organization that runs PS 636's after-school program.

"Enrichment allows for team-building and respect, and that helps them work in the classroom together."

The school holds biweekly town hall meetings and monthly social gatherings attended by about 60 families. Parents and teachers play volleyball at those gatherings, or watch their children play basketball or perform in the cheerleading squad.

The shift toward a "community school" has changed parents' relationships to the school.
"We have families who come in who need shelter," said Lacroix. "We have mothers who come in and say, 'My husband's beating on me.'

"We make sure they get help."

The after-school program costs $1,700 a year per student, most of which is covered by a federal grant from the After-School Corp. PS 636 also chips in about 10% of the program's costs.

Marilyn Medina had searched for a school for her mildly autistic fourth-grade daughter, Naydene, for two years before she came to PS 636.

"Since she's been here her self-esteem has grown," said Medina. "She's reading at a third-grade level. She's dying to be a cheerleader. I'm at peace."

FIFTH ANNUAL BED-STUY ALIVE! WEEK RETURNS
Culturally Enriched Invitation to “Embrace Our Treasures”
By Keith L. Forest

Brooklyn NY (September 9, 2009) – The Bed-Stuy Alive! Collective is proud to present the 5th Annual Bed-Stuy Alive! Week, celebration scheduled to takes place Saturday, October 10 - Saturday, October 17th. The Collective includes: Bridge Street Development Corporation, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc., Community Board 3, Bedford-Stuyvesant Artists’ Association, Project 17 Realty and Associates, and the Central Brooklyn Community Services Corporation. “We are pleased to be a part of this event, which will showcase our great businesses, restaurants, artists, and homes,” stated Rhonda Lewis, Executive Director of Bridge Street. Themed, “Embrace Our Treasures,” which reflects the history and growth of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bed-Stuy Alive! Week is designed to promote economic development, neighborhood pride, tourism, our fine arts community, and the rich heritage of the people who live here.

Bed-Stuy Alive! Week begins Saturday, October 10, with an annual Gala Kick-off and street festival. This outdoor event, complete with an open vendors market, health fair, kid’s corner and awards program, takes place from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Fulton Street between New York and Brooklyn Avenues. It will include a food court, health and wellness screenings; outdoor kid’s activities and games; and the First Bed-Stuy Healthy Heart Community Dance line. Hosted by Community Board 3 and the Brownstoners, this family friendly activity will add excitement and joy, as block associations, senior centers, and groups from all over collectively compete to create the longest Cha Cha Slide line in the City. There will also be various cultural performances from local schools and community organizations and a special live concert featuring some of Brooklyn’s hippest, hottest and funkiest bands. Sponsored by Restoration Rock, patrons can “Rock” to the pulsating sounds from a variety of established and emerging talent.

In addition, Bed-Stuy Alive! Week will also include the first annual Tohma Y. Faulkner Community Award. Named after Bed-Stuy Alive! Week founder this award presentation pays homage to Ms. Faulkner’s unswerving commitment, dedication and service to the people and places of her beloved Bedford- Stuyvesant neighborhood and is presented to individuals that truly embrace Ms. Faulkner’s profound commitment to “serve and not be served.” This year’s honorees include: Hardy “Joe” Long, President of the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants’ Association; Peggy Alston, Program Director of Restoration’s Youth Arts Academy; Deon Davis Harris, owner of Everything Scratch Café; Catherine Arline, President of the 81st Precinct Council; Frederick Pena, member of the 79th Precinct Explorers; Leroy Darby, owner of Leroy’s Framing Shop, and Bernice Green and David Greaves, publishers of Our Time Press.

A healthy community is a happy community and Bed-Stuy Alive! Week encourages runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages to join them for Restoration Plaza’s annual 10K Run & Fun Walk. This healthy excursion, which takes place Sunday October 11, is for people of all fitness levels, travels along a scenic picturesque route through historic Brooklyn. Participants are encouraged to register on-line www.restorationplaza.org. For additional information, please call Restoration Plaza at: (718) 636-6972.

There is no need to travel outside the neighborhood for fine dining and unique shopping, when Bed-Stuy has everything you need within walking distance. In celebration of the 5th Annual Bed-Stuy Alive! Week, local merchants in association with Bridge Street Development Corporation; participating shops on Lewis Avenue; Tompkins Avenue and Malcolm X. Merchants’ Associations; are joining forces to offer the ultimate shopping and dining experiences while providing a variety of discounts and special offers. Visitors and neighbors will have a golden opportunity to pick up the latest fashion and gift items from numerous boutique an shops; taste a variety of mouth watering dishes and delectable treats from special eat-in and take-out menus. Patrons are encouraged to look for the Bed-Stuy Alive! Week posters which will be on display at participating venues.

In addition to the abundant shopping and entertainment opportunities, on Saturday, October 17th, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Artists’ Association (BeSAA) will host its 6th Annual Studio Strut. This festive community affair honors Bed-Stuy’s culturally rich artistic talent with an outdoor art exhibition at Junior High School 35, located at (number) MacDonough Street, on the corner of Lewis Avenue.

Bed-Stuy Alive! Week culminates with the Brownstoner’s 31st Annual House Tour of Bedford-Stuyvesant, which takes place, Saturday, October 17th. The theme for this year’s event is “The legacy Continues: Restore, Revitalize, Rejuvinate. ” The self guided tour will begin at 10:00 AM with a free homebuyers’ seminar at at Old Boys High School, (number) Marcy Avenue at Putnam Putnam Avenue. Tickets for the house tour are $15.00 (until October 15th), and $20.00 on the day of the tour. Proceeds benefit scholarships for graduates of Boys and Girls High School and the programs in the “Old Boys High School” building.

Bed-Stuy Alive! is funded by New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, New York State Assemblymember Annette Robinson, and New York City Councilmember Albert Vann. Sponsors include: Our Time Press, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Central Brooklyn Lions Club.

Bedford Central Community Development Corporation
Presents Its 4th Annual Home Buyers Seminar Series
Program provide participants with tools to secure & sustain homeownership
By Keith L. Forest

Purchasing a home in today’s current economy seems like a long shot. With banks strict lending policies and foreclosures abound, the American Dream seems more like a nightmare. However, according to Wayne Devonish, Executive Director of Bedford Central Community Development Corporation now is the perfect time.

“There is no better time to become a homeowner than today,” affirms Mr. Devonish. “Mortgage rates are at an all time low, purchasers have more negotiating power and there are grants and funding available for qualified first time home buyers.”

On October 20, Bedford Central Community Development Corporation will host its 4th annual Home Buyer Seminar. The courses will take place at Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, 1200 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY. The workshops, which are co sponsored by Assemblywoman, Annette Robinson and Assemblyman, Karim Camara, includes a comprehensive 16 week program designed to turn qualified potential home shoppers into financially secure homeowners. “Homeownership is an excellent community stabilizer that provides an excellent incentive for homeowners to take an active role in their community,” says Mr. Devonish, who is a Bedford-Stuyvesant homeowner.

As part of its Literary Institute, which takes a holistic approach to educate Central Brooklyn residents in money management, Bedford Central Community Development Corporation instituted its Home Buyers Program. The 16 week workshops, which are sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, Carver Federal Savings Bank, Nau Corp Properties, HSBC, Wells Fargo, Home Market Realty, Flateau Realty, and Delta Sigma Theta Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter, are divided into four- four week courses covering such topics as: Getting Ready for Home Ownership – which goes over the financial qualifications and the role of realtors, attorneys and home inspectors; Repairing Your Credit – covers budgeting, saving and paying down debt; Budgeting for Your Home Purchase & Getting Pre-Qualified or Approved – addresses contracts, applications, predatory lending and insurance; and Minor Repair & Maintenance of your Home or Apartment - which covers basic repairs and upkeep.

The goal of the workshops, which are taught by a team of seasoned professionals, is designed to provide participants with comprehensive training in debt management while placing them on a managed savings program in an effort to help them secure prequalification for a low-interest rate loan. In addition, participants received home maintenance training and are able to network with housing professionals. Each graduate receives a certificate upon completion. “This program helps get them into a home in a structured and safe manner that ensures success,” states Mr. Devonish.

Bedford Central Community Development Corporation (BCCDC) is a non-profit agency that aspires to strengthen the lower and middle income populations in the Central Brooklyn areas. This specific population continues to endure tremendous adversities and often lack the resource and opportunities afforded to more affluent New York neighborhoods. Bedford Central Community Development Corporation recognizes the importance of empowering these neighborhoods in the hopes of fueling the local economy and fostering relationships within the community, participants of (BCCDC) programs and funders. (BCCDC) aims to combat the stereotypical phenomenon by assisting individuals with tangible assistance on realizing their dreams and ultimately living to their fullest potential.

Photo Caption – Left to Right – Josh Lockwood, Executive Director, New York City Habitat for Humanities(left) and Rodheyse Bichotte, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Alumnae Chapter (right) congratulate a 2008 Home Buyer Graduate.

"Brooklyn’s Stimulus Money: How It’s Being Spent,"
By Dennis Holt - The Brooklyn Eagle

BROOKLYN -- For the first time, the public is beginning to get a sense of how Brooklyn is benefiting from the federal stimulus funding on public works projects.

As of now Brooklyn has been allocated more than $308 million in federal funds in two areas -- transportation and public housing. The housing allocation comes to 4.65 percent of the total national government grant. Brooklyn has more public housing than any other borough.

"Amid a Citywide Slump, a Local Exception,"
By CHRISTINE HAUGHNEY - The New York Times

Through the building frenzy that transformed some of the city’s long-neglected patches into lustrous new neighborhoods, few frontiers struggled to reap the benefits of gentrification more than working-class Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

homes rose, but never as much as in Fort Greene. Its long-neglected brownstones attracted renovators from Manhattan, but often only after they were priced out of Park Slope. While cafes and boutiques opened, the pace never matched that of Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg.

"A tribute to tragedies brought to life in play 'Yesterday I died' performed by teens in Bed-Stuy,"

By Jake Pearson - New York Daily News

A group of Brooklyn actors has taken a series of murders of young people in the borough for the play "Yesterday I Died." The play will run this weekend in a Bedford-Stuyvesant church.

The monologues and vignettes feature murder cases that captured much media attention - like Chanel Petro-Nixon, 16, strangled to death and stuffed in a garbage bag in Crown Heights over Father's Day weekend in 2006, and Robert Grant, 19, shot to death on Christmas Eve in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens in 2007. (more)