COMMUNITY BOARD 3 KICKS OFF THE NEW DECADE WITH PUBLIC HEARING
Neighbors Voice Their Concerns Regarding Oversaturation of Public Programs
By Keith L. Forest

Community Board 3 opened its 2010 meeting with a public hearing that addressed the growing concern for the oversaturation of Public Programs in the area. For the past 10 years, residents have been constantly on edge about the abundance of programs being allowed into community.

As a resident and home owner in Bedford Stuyvesant I can certainly attest to this growing concern. On our block of Bainbridge Street between Malcolm X Blvd and Patchen Avenue there are 4 Single Room Occupancy residents, 2 half way homes and several other social service programs in operation. Unfortunately, our concern for the quality of life for our neighbors and safety for our children is shared by numerous other blocks. Yet, our cries are going unanswered.

Demetrius Mills who resides on the Northern tip of Bedford Stuyvesant was one of the first to speak. Since 2000 Mr. Mills has been fighting an unending battle to have some of the numerous programs infiltrating the community designated to other areas. Currently his area alone houses a women’s shelter, domestic violence facilities, a methadone clinic and numerous other. According to Mr. Mills there were over 1 thousand agencies listed in Bed Stuy in CB3 alone; today that number is estimated to have doubled.

As a father and home owner, Mr. Mills has witnessed drug usage and sexual acts performed right under his window. On more than one occasion he as well as his teenage son has been propositioned. In addition to the prostitution, Mr. Mills fears for the safety of his family and had an alarming encounter when a mentally ill patient wandered into his home and confronted his wife and son.

Nancy Russell, a former manager at NYC Department of Homeless Service, and current President of The Tri Block Association, argued that the concern of most residents is not “rejection of the homeless, needy or poor, but equality and fairness.” She suggested that CB3 identify alternative sites where these programs can be housed.

Linda Simmons, Vice President of Jefferson Avenue Block Association lives in fear. Within a 2 block radius, she share residence with 2 schools, 3 daycare centers and several level 3 sex offenders. This fear has created an unhealthy lifestyle for her children who are forbidden to go out and spend most of their time in the house.

Ms. C. Doris Pinn, who co chairs The Housing Land/Use Committee, assured those in attendance that their complaints have been heard and that Community Board 3 has been and will continue to utilize all of its resources to combat and resolve the issue.

Other concerns addressed included the renaming of The Bradford Apartments which is schedule to undergo construction this year. The site, which is located on the corner of Fulton Street and Albany Avenue, is currently scheduled to be named after the unsavory “Bradford” pear tree that produces an inedible nut and large white flowers with a pungent odor. CB3 is currently holding a contest to rename the block in honor of something, or someone with significance.

Pradine Content, a representative from the Census Bureau ended the evening by asking everyone to encourage others to fill out their census form. According to Ms. Content, Bedford Stuyvesant is considered a “hard to count” community with less than 60% of its residents participating in the 2000 census.

There are many events, activities and initiatives that are taking place the month of January. However, one in particular merits mentioning. On Saturday, January 16, Voices of Action Against Violence, Parents United to Rally for Gun-Violence Elimination (PURGE) and Calvary Fellowship AME Church are joining forces for Step Up and Take a Stand. The special forum will address the issue of the growing concern of gun violence in our community and will include special guest speaker Graham Weatherspoon of Black Law Enforcement Alliance.


Other event and activities taken place in the community include:

Saturday, January 9, 2010
Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA “Saturday Morning Story Time Featuring Rob Walker”
Monthly story book reading featuring a new artist each month. Event also includes arts and crafts, refreshments and more.
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 PM
Location: Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA @ Airel Mathis Membership Concierge
Contact: (718) 78-1497- Ext. 4016

Saturday, January 16, 2010
YMCA Family Night at the Movies
Enjoy a family night at the movies compliments of Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA
Location: Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA @ Airel Mathis Membership Concierge
Contact: (718) 78-1497- Ext. 4016

Thursday, January 21, 2010
Bridge Street Development Corp. & HSBC Present: Understanding Your Mortgage Documents
A review workshop for homeowners that go over the various mortgage forms and documents
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: HSBC, 2 Hanson Place, Room 13F
Contact Info: Call (718) 6367596 Ext. 14 to confirm (Seating is limited)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010
NY State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries “State of the District Address”
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Pratt Institute Higgins Hall, 61 St. James Place (corner of Lafayette Avenue)
Contact Info: Refreshment will be served, space is limited, call (718) 596-0100 to RSVP

Tuesday, February 10 – March 3, 2009
Bridge Street Development Corporation First Time Buyers Series
A four week courses helping potential homeowners develop a better understanding of the home buying process. Course includes information on understanding ones credit; getting a mortgage; shopping for a home and more
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: 456D Nostrand Avenue (entrance on Jefferson)