Some Kensington neighbors and I were lucky enough to meet with Mark Dicus of CAMBA today to discuss our side of the park’s issues and solutions. Besides working for CAMDA Mark is the president of an organization he helped found in his ‘hood, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, called Prospect Lefferts United for Service (PLUS). Mark was a wealth of information about how to get a grant for store front improvement, deal with graffiti through city agencies and organizations like Publicolor as well as promote greener environments with the help of New York Cares. We also discussed BIDs and alternatives for revitalization of business along Church Ave in our stretch (from Ocean Parkway to McDonald Ave.). Mark's suggestions were simple, like organizing a graffiti removal day that would get us access to business owners by providing them with free removal (we’d be the muscle and have the city provide the paint). He also reaffirmed what we already knew which is frequent and become apart of organizations in the area like Albemarle Neighborhood Association (ANA). The meeting was helpful, informative and a chance for a few of us to organize. We left with a plan to meet in the next two weeks to discuss our main goals and focus. Mark also extended his help through CAMBA when these goals are determined. All and all a good start!
Showing posts with label CAMBA meet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CAMBA meet. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Organize to Revitalize!
Some Kensington neighbors and I were lucky enough to meet with Mark Dicus of CAMBA today to discuss our side of the park’s issues and solutions. Besides working for CAMDA Mark is the president of an organization he helped found in his ‘hood, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, called Prospect Lefferts United for Service (PLUS). Mark was a wealth of information about how to get a grant for store front improvement, deal with graffiti through city agencies and organizations like Publicolor as well as promote greener environments with the help of New York Cares. We also discussed BIDs and alternatives for revitalization of business along Church Ave in our stretch (from Ocean Parkway to McDonald Ave.). Mark's suggestions were simple, like organizing a graffiti removal day that would get us access to business owners by providing them with free removal (we’d be the muscle and have the city provide the paint). He also reaffirmed what we already knew which is frequent and become apart of organizations in the area like Albemarle Neighborhood Association (ANA). The meeting was helpful, informative and a chance for a few of us to organize. We left with a plan to meet in the next two weeks to discuss our main goals and focus. Mark also extended his help through CAMBA when these goals are determined. All and all a good start!
What's right for Church Ave?
Some fellow neighbors and I have a meeting with CAMBA to discuss Church Ave. and it's revitalization. On the table will be discussion of a BID and generally how to improve the area with better maintance and diversification of business. What will work here? How can we draw in more small independent businesses that will improve the area? Is a BID the answer for cleanliness but a detractor for small independent run business? How can we get the current owners of the properties on Church Ave to open their doors (and lower rents)? And how exactly can I get in touch w the Kensington Merchant Association?
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