Cortelyou Road Merchants Association

THE CORTELYOU ECONOMY by New York Megaphone

2008-02-20T11:10:00.003-05:00

The New York Megaphone is a community activist newspaper in an active community named Ditmas Park/Flatbush, Brooklyn. We’ve got great diversity, growth, an active merchants association, and a solid community development organization in Flatbush Development Corporation. The neighborhood is affordable and safe, but it wasn’t always that way. Only ten years ago, banks used to “red line” this neighborhood. Even those with good credit couldn’t get a mortgage. A crack cocaine problem chased away Chase Bank.

NYC has a bad reputation for gentrification, or instant growth that happens so fast, original residents and less-privileged folks get forced out. So, how can Ditmas Park grow, but grow for all? This is the question we want to ask, in a two-part series. First, we looked at the positives. We talked to local merchants about growth in the Cortelyou Road area. Next issue, our reporter Sophia Solovyova will tackle the question of who may be left behind.

Tom Kearney, manager and chef at The Farm talks about his restaurant’s steady growth: “This is a unique neighborhood, like a small town within NYC. The Farm has been experiencing steady growth ever since we opened. There are very few restaurants in the neighborhood and a great demand for them. Our goal is to operate as a fully sustainable, but also a profitable business. We are trying to support the local economy, local farming, although this is not always possible because they need to keep prices reasonable. Soon, we are opening a new venue on Newkirk and Argyle, a bistro with French-inspired cuisine.”

San Remo Pizza co-owner Matteo Amato reports that his business has been steady in the middle of all the changes on Cortelyou. “This is an established business owned by the Amato family since 1976. In the past few years we have changed the menu by adding many new items.” Soon, Amato plans to expand the pizzeria into a family-style restaurant.
“This is not the old Giant Bagels shop!” says Giant Bagel manager Steven Silva. “The goal is to adapt to the requirements and changes of the neighborhood.” They will be renovating the front, installing WiFi, and changing the décor. Their most popular sandwiches are the Cuban and the grilled chicken and Silva reports that one customer, a 15-year resident of the neighborhood, said, “The old GB was so gloomy and unfriendly that I walked in and walked out.” Now, Silva says, the 15-year-old really enjoys socializing with the staff and loves the food.

T.B. Ackerson Wine Merchants co-owner Jane Rennert Miller says: “We have definitely grown in the last year. We feel so positive. It’s a unique neighborhood for Brooklyn, or anywhere else in the city - such a combination of newcomers and old time residents without any animosity between the two. We really do get a great cross-section of Brooklyn in our store.” The prospects for growth in the neighborhood are excellent, reports Jane. “I would encourage anyone to open a business here.”
Belle & Maxie owner Gilbert Flores reports strong 400% growth in 2007. “We received many amazing reviews, notably in Urban Baby Daily, and expanded to include local artist Heather Louise Bennett, a doll-maker extraordinaire.” Flores, like many merchants, would like to see more specialty shops, services and restaurants open on Cortelyou Road. Flores’ goals for 2008 include the launch of an e-store at www.belleandmaxie.com.
“My customers are really dear to me. I love the fact that on many occasions they stop in for a chat, see what’s new, find that something ‘special’ and have a good time shopping in their neighborhood.”

Did you know about The Healing Path Yoga Studio? Residents often ask for a yoga studio in Flatbush/Ditmas Park. Maybe they don’t know that Healing Path opened at 1410 Beverly Road in August 2007. Yoga instructor Einat seeks to familiarize people with her style of yoga, which emphasizes meditation, self-healing, and awareness. This is not the fitness yoga most people have become used to. It can be strenuous at times, but her yoga works on a different level - it is more like physical therapy than a workout.

Brooklyn Hearth owner Jan Rosenberg finds Ditmas Park/Flatbush, “a vibrant and increasingly cohesive community.” Jan would know; as a real estate broker she has brought many new residents here. “There is a strong market for buyers and sellers, and excellent opportunities for renters. Ditmas Park has recently become better known and more visible as a real estate market. There are many new business and services that attract people into the neighborhood.” Jan’s husband reports it’s difficult to walk around with her; so many residents stop and thank her for finding them their homes.
The Natural Frontier is the catch-all healthy food source for Cortelyou Road. Recently, the store has been seeing 10 percent growth, each month. “People are really into health. I was really surprised,” says manager Suraj Shrestha. The store opened reached profitability in its third month. Suraj says that the neighborhood can still use a bank but it is a good place to do business.

Vipin Agarwal has a hospitality background from working in the hotel industry in Canada. He bought the Picket Fence restaurant from Graham and Chelsea Meyerson last year. He recently renovated it, adding more seating, fresh décor, bamboo hardwood tables, and improvements to the menu. Locals have been raving about the new food. A neighborhood anchor is in good hands!

Few people have been in the neighborhood longer than Gabe Carino, owner of Gabe’s Camera City, which has been in business for 51 years.
Carino is a survivor of two wars, two hold-ups and many competitors. “I’m up,” he says. “Three big camera stores closed up. They all moved.” In the past year, Carino has seen the growth of high rises, a new influx of people and rising demand for his electronic goods. “People want more!” he says. Carino is probably the most colorful neighborhood story-teller. When he talks about past hold-ups, he waves around a 9 mm Beretta, “now I’ve got a permit, and this is what I use.” Or, he recommends using his sister’s strategy. Years ago, while being held up at gunpoint, she refused to open the register, claiming she couldn’t do it, “unless she made a sale.” The thieves soon left, confused. Gabe is Chairman Emeritus, of the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association.

“This is a neighborhood that is just about to pop. I love working in the neighborhood. It is my home,” reports the new manager at Connecticut Muffin, a newcomer to Cortelyou. CT Muffin reports they have gone through a period of adjustment. They started with a “high end menu,” which has since changed. “We also improved the decor, made seating more comfortable, and put a couch in the back.” One of Mark’s ideas is to bring students from the public school across the street to perform music once a week at CT muffin.

Short Answers from Small Business:

How is Your Business Doing Compared to One Year Ago?
Cortelyou Liquors: “Slower.”
Bill’s Discount: “About the same.”
Punta Cana: “It’s going better. More clients.”

Reported by Igor Kossov, Justin Stec, Sander Hicks, and Sophia Solovyova.
Interviews were conducted and typed mostly by Sophia Solovyova.
Written by Sander Hicks and Sophia Solovyova.

Friday 1/25 Meeting!

2008-01-22T14:02:00.001-05:00

Hello Cortelyou Merchants,

I spoke with Jan & Gary today and we’ve all determined that it’s high time we have a CoRMA meeting for the New Year. There is a lot of important business to discuss.

We are having the meeting on Friday Jan. 25th at 9:30 Sharp – 11:00 AM End (90 min.) at the Farm on Adderley (Corner of Cortelyou & Stratford Roads).

We encourage all Cortelyou Road merchants whether members of CoRMA yet or not to attend. so please get the word out. Please RSVP. Block captains and others, please help me spread the word to those I haven’t reached by email.

Tentative Agenda (not necessarily in this order):
1. Creating a CoRMA executive board - Jan Rosenberg and group discussion – 15 min.
2. The Zero Visibility Issue – TBD & Group discussion – 10 min..
3. Deciding on Sidewalk Sales Days 2008 – Mannix Gordon – 5 min
4. New Members, CoRMA dues & Project Sweep – Gabe Carino – 10 min.
5. Welcome, new incoming director of FDC - Robin Redmond – 5 min.
6. Developments with the Cortelyou Road Streetscape – Mannix Gordon, FDC – 5 min.
7. Sponsorship & Advertisement in the “Guide to Victorian Flatbush 2008” – Mithout Gomez, FDC – 5 min.
8. Municipal Art Society’s: Imagine Flatbush 2030 Neighborhood Survey & Report on meetings - Eve Baron, MAS – 10 min
9. CoRMA Graphic Design & Visibility, (T-Shirts, Stickers & logo) – Gilbert Flores – 5 min.
10. Holiday Lighting & Tot Lot Party Review– Mannix, Gabe, Sander, Sophia Francis – 5 min.
11. Block Captains Reporting – 5 min.
12. Other Business – 10 min.

If you wish to add to the agenda please contact either Mannix Gordon (mgordon@fdconline.org) or Jan Rosenberg (janrosenb@aol.com)

Thanks,
Mannix

Flatbush Food Co-op Article in Crain's NY

2007-12-04T17:41:00.000-05:00

Flatbush Food Co-op will be opening up in the old Associated Grocery space around March 2008. Will be a great economic shot in the arm for our neighborhood. Here's a piece I helped get into Crain's New York Business about them, and Natural Frontier.

Crain's New York Business
11/5/07

Co-op hopes sales come naturally;
Organic food store in Brooklyn works to keep its 30-year edge as big rivals crop up

BYLINE: Shira Boss-bicak

For 30 years, the Flatbush Food Co-op pretty much had a corner on the market for healthful, organic food in its central Brooklyn neighborhood.

No more. Natural Frontier, an organic grocer with three Manhattan stores, moved into a 2,200-square-foot space just three blocks down the street in June. Whole Foods and Trader Joe's will open outposts in Brooklyn next spring, and Fairway debuted there last year, bringing its specialty foods and organic offerings to the borough for the first time.

``Co-ops started originally because of the lack of these goods,'' says Mel Braverman, a business consultant with Cooperative Development Services in Madison, Wis., who has worked with the Flatbush Food Co-op for many years. ``Now they're readily available.''

In response, the Flatbush co-op, run by Barry Smith, is scrambling to expand its offerings and to add and improve services. Mr. Smith was a pioneer in the area when he opened the store in his basement in 1976, and he doesn't want to be muscled out.

This past summer, the co-op took its biggest step ever: It signed a lease for a new site, just across Cortelyou Road, that had been occupied by an Associated Supermarket. The co-op will move into that location, which has three times as much space, by the end of the year.

``Space has been our biggest problem,'' says Mr. Smith.

The co-op is so cramped that shopping is hard, and making money is even harder. Store margins have been pinched, since it costs more to stock goods in small quantities. And there's little room to display products prominently, much less to add a potentially lucrative deli section.

Caught unprepared

``prepared foods have been a growth sector for a number of years, and the Flatbush co-op hasn't been able to take advantage of those opportunities,'' Mr. Braverman says.

That will change with the advent of the new store. Organic produce, the store's top category, will get plenty of prime space, and Mr. Smith intends to add more prepared foods and bulk items.

The co-op has pulled off one surprising coup: recruiting an expert from a Trader Joe's on Long Island to be its produce manager. Plans are afoot to hire 10 more employees.

Those moves come on the heels of earlier upgrades. The co-op has steadily expanded hours, which now run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and it started a delivery service last year.

In addition, Mr. Smith enjoys a couple of key advantages in competing with far larger rivals.

Co-op city

he does much of his buying through the National Cooperative Grocers Association, which pools members' orders in order to get volume discounts and negotiate special promotions, and offers advice on new products and services. The general manager of the spiffy Natural Frontier down the street admits that the company has had to lower margins below the levels it enjoys in Manhattan in order to compete in its Brooklyn location.

The Flatbush Food Co-op also boasts an asset that none of its rivals has: its status as a community-owned and -run retailer. It has 3,000 members, up tenfold from when the co-op moved to Cortelyou Road in 1985.

Unlike some co-ops, the Flatbush store doesn't insist that shoppers become members, let alone require them to work at the co-op. Membership does have its advantages, however. Members qualify for full equity by making deposits totaling $200, which can be made in yearly installments of $25. In return, they get a discount on all purchases and a say in the running of the business.

Decisions are made by a board elected by the members. The process can be cumbersome: The move to a new store was discussed and sites were evaluated for several years.

Nonetheless, says Sander Hicks, a longtime member and the owner of the Vox Pop cafe and bookstore down the street, ``the co-op is run more like a commercial enterprise.'' He notes that Mr. Smith ``is a child of the '60s, but he is also an ex-Marine.''

COMMENTS? smallbiz@crain.com

Cortelyou Business Survey

2007-11-24T16:16:00.001-05:00

Vox Pop’s newspaper, New York Megaphone, is doing a “Spotlight on Local Businesses” focusing on the Cortelyou Road area. We would appreciate you filling out a brief survey for us. We would like to quote you and use your name in our paper. This issue will be out in mid-December.

1. How long have you been in business here in the neighborhood?

2. How is your business doing compared to one year ago?

3. Is business on Cortelyou Road seasonal? What are the high and low points of the year?

4. In the last 5 years (if applicable), how has business been?

5. What do you contribute that growth/slow down to?

6. Do you feel that the neighborhood is changing? How has this affected your business?

7. What does the neighborhood still need?

8. Is your location on Cortelyou Road a good location for your business?

9. Is the local City government helpful to your business?

10.What's your advice for someone thinking about starting a business
today in our area?

Thanks! If you prefer to answer via email, use sander@voxpopnet.net, or drop off for Sander Hicks, Publisher, 1022 Cortelyou Road, c/o Vox Pop

Deadline: Tuesday, 11/27, 12 noon.

Ditmas Park's Newest Biz: GROOMS YOUR POOCH

2007-11-08T19:34:00.000-05:00

the fabulous all-natural pet store, It's a Dog's World has only been around a couple months, but already, they are expanding the services they offer for your canine comrade: It's a Dog's World will now groom your best friend, be it dog, or kitty, starting Saturday, November 17th.

Please call 718-684-5568 to make an appointment.

593 Coney Island Ave

Check out the outside.in Page Here.

FLATBUSH FROLIC: "A Country Fair with a Cortelyou Flair"

2007-08-20T10:07:00.000-04:00

FDC has made this year's Flatbush Frolic a more local affair, and we should all support them. Vendor Tables are still available!
Mark your book: Sunday, September 16, 2007 – 11am to 6pm. LOCAL live bands, food, merchandise and arts and crafts.

Check out the snazzy new webite.

New Local Business: It's a Dog's World

2007-07-16T14:00:00.001-04:00

It's a Dog's World is located at 593 Coney Island Avenue, near Beverly.

It's been opened since May 22nd.

It's a Dog's World ONLY carries top quality dog and cat products. The foods contain no corn, by-products, unnamed protein or fat sources, or chemical preservatives. We also carry a line of raw food for dogs and cats, which is convenient, completely balanced and reasonably priced.

The store is spacious, clean and light. It's easy to find what you want.

It's a Dog's World's owner, Marion Weiner, is a neighborhood dog owner and a Certified Pet Dog Trainer with several years experience. She's an expert on dog behavior, has access to cat behavior experts, knows of most of the local vets and is a wealth of general dog and cat information.

It's a Dog's World will be holding dog training classes and offers private behavior consultations, as well.

Marion is owned by 2 rescue doggies. Her first dog and love, Lu, is a 10-year old Standard Poodle. He's been trained in competition obedience, agility and rally obedience. In his younger days, he was a keen hunter and sight hound. The will is still there, but the hips don't always cooperative. Marion has just got her 2nd pooch, Lennie, last week from the CACC in Brooklyn (where Marion volunteers). He's a year old Bijon with the sweetest disposition. Training is just beginning!

Marion is also a cat lover, but her husband is allergic to them, which is why she sticks to hypoallergenic breeds.

Marion cares passionately about switching today's training mentality from a coercive, "dominance" obsessed methodology, to training that uses proven scientific methods, based on Pavlovian and Skinnerian learning principles. She feels that these techniques not only are the most effective, but are also the most humane, since pain and submission are not part of the learning equation.

It's a Dog's World is located at 593 Coney Island Avenue, near Beverly.

Victorian House Tour

2007-06-02T18:58:00.000-04:00

The famous Victorian House Tour is happening June 10, that's next Sunday. MANY CoRMA merchants are in support, including the Flatbush Food Coop, Vox Pop, T.B. Ackerson's wine store, etc. There are tickets available at the FDC website. This is a great way to support community businesses, and let more people throughout NYC know about our growing community. Lets share the gift we were given in this the most beautiful of neighborhoods in Brooklyn. We ask you to support it too:

INFO AND TIX at FDC, here

SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2007
1-6PM

Tickets: $15 advance, $20 day of tour.

Developed more than 100 years ago to be a piece of suburban living just minutes from Manhattan, Victorian Flatbush maintains that special atmosphere today — right in the heart of Brooklyn. Stroll the streets of this spectacular neighborhood, home to four NYC Historic Districts, and tour interiors of 12 stunning homes, each lovingly preserved and restored.

This special tour is self-guided so you get to go at your own pace. Walk the entire tour route, or hop on the convenient shuttle bus traveling the route. When you pick up your tickets, you'll also receive a rich, detailed tour guidebook and map with descriptions of the homes on the tour and the neighborhood. You'll learn the history of the houses, the agony of the various restorations and the satisfaction gained from preserving a piece of history a little bit at a time.

As you stroll the streets of this hidden gem of a neighborhood... deep in the heart of Brooklyn... you will discover a place unlike any other in all of New York City.

Tickets are available on this website, simply click on th "Buy Tickets Now" button above and save $5 on each ticket. To purchase tickets on the day of the tour ($20), come to the beginning of the tour, the Landmark Temple Beth Emeth in Prospect Park South, at the corner of Church Avenue and Marlborough Road.

Advance tickets also available at: FDC - Flatbush Development Corporation, 1616 Newkirk Avenue (at 16th Street), Telephone: 718-859-3800.

DIRECTIONS
Victorian Flatbush is located just south of Prospect Park, between Flatbush and Coney Island Avenues. SUBWAY: Q train to BEVERLY ROAD, follow the signs and walk two blocks North to the start of the tour and pick up your tour map.

INFO AND TIX at FDC, here

Minutes of Latest CoRMA Meeting

2007-05-22T16:03:00.001-04:00

Cortelyou Road Merchants Association Meeting: CoRMA
May 18 at The Farm on Adderley

In Attendance:
Jane/T.B.Ackerson Wines; Mannix/FDC, Economic Development Director; Gabe/Gabe’s Camera Shop, Gilbert/Belle & Maxie; Gary/The Farm on Adderley; Kazi/Seby Mortgage, Roma & Vipin/Picket Fence; Leon/The Associated; Jabir/Greenfield Pharmacy; Jan/Brooklyn Hearth Realty

Agenda:

Street Cleaning, Midwood Development Corporation: CoRMA budget has run out for this year; Membership voted on whether to pay June dues out of CoRMA Treasury; strong support for continuing Street Cleaning:
10 Yes
1 Abstention
Call Midwood Development and resume immediately!

CoRMA currently has 35 paid members; list of 2007-08 members will be published for businesses and residents to see, and sticker will be provided for store windows to identify who supports CoRMA and who doesn’t.

Dues:
Discussion of current dues ($120/year), and whether to raise them or remain at current level. Dues used for street cleaning, marketing, special events. Vote on raising dues to $240/year.
11 Yes (Unanimous!)

Dues will be collected by block Captains for the year June 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008. Members can pay in one or two checks. List will be published in July of all businesses that have, and have not, paid. And stickers will be provided to all dues-paying members to put in store window. Gilbert (Belle & Maxie) will develop design ideas for 4-inch circular stickers. Most merchants wanted a small decal.

Block Captains:
Gary/The Farm……………………Coney Island Ave. to Westminster
Jane/T.B.Ackerson Wines….…… Westminster to Rugby
Leon/Associated………………….Rugby to E. 16th St.
Jabir/Greenfield Pharmacy………..E. 16th to E. 17th St.
Gabe/Gabe’s Camera Shop………..help Leon and Jabir

Printed minutes of last meeting and announcement/agenda of next meeting should be distributed by block captains to each store. Email is also good, but shouldn’t replace printed announcements.

Ask Philip Kellogg to write a press release for our street, focusing on the special events.

Flatbush Frolic: A Country Fair with a Cortelyou Flair…vendors will be in middle of street; dues-paying members of CoRMA get a special break (don’t have to pay for booth? Booth right in front of their stores?)
Gary said Frolic committee needs new volunteers (lost Brian/Cornerstone and Mark/Flatbush Food Coop)---Roma/Picket Fence and Mannix/FDC both joined volunteer committee. Not clear if there’s a paid FDC staff member working on this, or if it’s being organized totally by volunteers. Should clarify!
We want the Frolic to be on an “open sidewalks” day. Mannix is looking into this for the House Tour: June 10.
NEXT FLATBUSH FROLIC MEETING FRI, MAY 25, 9an at The Farm

Need a flyer aimed at potential vendors: booth size? Cost? Paperwork to sign? Other? Can Philip develop this? Who do potential vendors respond to?
Who earns the money from the Frolic?

Streetscape: 2 big issues…

A. Large beautiful clocks have disappeared as elements in our streetscape project; EDC says cost overruns eliminated the clocks. No consultation! Merchants want to see the entire budget, expenditures; want EDC to explain to us what happened to the clocks.
In addition, the Cortelyou Library didn’t want the clock on “their” property. We should talk to the person at the BPL who’s in charge, and see if we can make it work; need a point person!!!

B. Parking Meters
Parking meters on Cortelyou (in front of Associated) were removed in December, and have not yet been replaced! This is very hard on grocery business; customers want to park and put their groceries in their cars. We requested a meeting with all of the interested, accountable parties (EDC, Design Firm, DOT, construction manager) in order to straighten this out. Scheduled for 10am, Brennan’s office on Cortelyou, if all parties will attend. Most people felt that otherwise they’ll just come and blame the one who’s not there, as they’ve done in the past.
We want a schedule of when the remaining work will be completed!

Victorian Flatbush House Tour: June 10

CoRMA wants sidewalks to be “open” for that day; Gary was working with Cathy on this.
Raffle Prizes: Merchants can donate good prizes to the Raffle; Philip Kellogg has more detailed information on what can be donated, minimum value, etc. This is a good opportunity to bring people back after the day of the House Tour.

NEXT MEETING: Friday, June 15, 9am: The Farm on Adderley. All member merchants of CoRMA are invited, as well as any merchants who are thinking about joining.

Cortelyou Asked to Support TURNOFF WEEK @ PS 139

2007-04-05T16:45:00.000-04:00

During the week of April 23-29, 2007, our school, along with thousands of other schools, libraries and communities, P.S. 139 will participate in Turnoff Week. By taking a solid one-week break from all screens, local families will re-evaluate the excessive role that screens play in their lives and reclaim time - for family, community and health. Our Turnoff Week Committee is asking local merchants to support this effort by sponsoring an activity or offering discounted merchandise and services during Turnoff Week. A schedule of events, participating businesses and discount coupons will be distributed to students, families and individuals taking part in the event.

If you are interested, please respond by April 11, 2007 and let us know the exact terms of your offer, discount or activity. You may respond to the email, phone or fax (listed below).

Sincerely,
Ayana Wiltshire
Coordinator of Student Affairs
PH: 718 282 5254 ext 106
Fax: 718 949 1205
Email: mrswiltsh@optonline.net

Country Fair Flatbush Frolic!

2007-03-09T08:01:00.000-05:00

This just in from the listserv at Flatbush Development Corporation::::
Please consider volunteering for FDC's newly revamped Flatbush Frolic.
Together, we can make this more fun, more local, and more beneficial to community members and merchants.

To: fdconline@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, March 08, 2007 12:42 PM
Subject: [fdconline] Volunteers needed for Flatbush Frolic!

Hey there!

FDC is getting a jump on planning the Flatbush Frolic. The concept
is "Country Fair with a City Flair". That's right, we're going
country. Chili cook offs, bake-a-rama, local music, square dancers,
farmer's market, local arts and crafts vendors, games of chance, the
all important dunking booth (who wants to dunk their favorite
Cortelyou personality?), rides, petting zoo...this is just the tip of
the iceberg.

The Frolic Committee is looking for volunteers who want to have fun
and WORK with us to ensure the Frolic is the best the nabe has seen
since the late 70s.

We need a person(s) for each of the following activities:

*Dunking Booth
*Best Dressed Dog Contest
*Bake-a-Rama
*Chili Cook-Off
*Youth Activities: Sack Race / Double Dutch Contest / Three legged
Race
*Pie Eating Contest

Please contact Cathy Hickey, Director of Eco Dev, at
chickey [at] fdconline.org or 718-859-4831 for further details.

Thanks!
Cathy

Hot Retail Space Available

2007-02-22T11:13:00.000-05:00

Cortelyou Road Merchants Association wants you to be the first to know: there's a hot real estate opportunity available, right here on the newest part of Cortelyou Road: 1106 Cortelyou.

It's a big rectangular storefront with about 1,500 square feet. Rent is only $3,000/month (from what I hear.) This deal will go fast. The space is right next to Cortelyou's hip new bistro The Farm on Adderley and is close to the place for "The Best Coffee in Brooklyn," Vox Pop.

The broker is our pal Neimat Ullah, of US National Real Estate.
Cell phone: 347 234 1386. His office: 718 282 8200. Photos to come....

This is a great opportunity for a pet store, a fresh produce market, a bar, a music club....etc. Take the CoRMA Poll: What do YOU want on cortelyou? Use the Comments section and let everyone know....

Corma Meeting Minutes 2.22.07

2007-02-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

transcription by S. Hicks

Streetscape Update: Merchants had concerns about lost business due to removal of parking meters. FDC said we should tell the community that it's still "one hour parking" on Cortelyou, even if the meters are not there.
The 70th Precinct will be on top of ticketing cars that park over one hour. (Sander will also CC Inspector Tom Harris on this.)

Green Market: Barry Smith from Flatbush Food Coop talked about the need to have the merchants involved in a potential move of the Cortelyou Road Greenmarket. FDC agreed, and CoRMA formed an "action team" around this issue, made up of: Barry, Gary Jonas, Jan Rosenberg, Leon Boyer, with Jan as facilitator. Jan agreed to contact the Greenmarket organizers and set up a meeting.

Financial report: we have $3,150.98 in the bank. We have from the City Council ($5,000).
Cathy Hickey and I are figuring out when this will run out, due to costs on Project Sweep.

Quick Review on What We Did in 2006:

Stratford Frolic, the local community street fair, which raised money for:

Project SWEEP, the street-cleaners administered by Midwood Development Corporation.

Ditmas Park Holiday Promotion, an attempt to get locals to shop locally at Holiday time. Project will be improved upon in 2007.

Advertising in Corma Informer and Megaphone, low-cost small business marketing opportunities many merchants have used to promote their businesses. see more info here.

Commercial banking outreach - Chase was present at our meeting today to talk about incentives to get employees to open Chase accounts, and we spoke to them about the importance of getting commercial banking back at Chase. Washington Mutual is still considering the big corner storefront on Stratford and Cortelyou. It's still a possibility. (Here's CoRMA's published call for commercial banking.

Proposal for 2007: New coupon book project. Sander will get bids from two local printers.

Nomination of New Board and Officers for 2007:
We have a slate running pretty much unopposed: the vote will be next month, probably with some more discussion and clarification of roles. The proposed officers for 2007:

Bryan Swirsky and Sander Hicks, Co-Presidents (aka "CoFacilitators")
[unless someone finds a candidate from the eastern half of the Cortelyou retail strip, in which Hicks will bow out and run for Secretary]
Gary Jonas, Vice President
Jabir Hussain, Treasurer
Gabe Carino, Chairman
any other candidates for Secretary?

Board of Directors needs to be new, more active than in 2006, more committed, more regular meetings. It should be comprised of active members.

Did I leave anything out? email sander@voxpopnet.net

“MEET THE CANDIDATES” special forum: 1/24 6:30 PM

2006-12-07T16:26:00.000-05:00

“MEET THE CANDIDATES”
for the Special Election, 40th City Council District.

Sponsored by Vox Pop and Cortelyou Road Merchants Association,

In order to have the public meet the candidates for the 40th City Council district City Council seat, recently vacated by Congresswoman Yvette Clark, we have invited candidates: Joel Towney, Zenobia McNally, Harry Schiffman, Jennifer James, Roy Hastik, Dr. Mathieu Eugene, Jesse Hamilton, Michelle Adolphe, Mo Razvi, Wellington Sharpe, and Victor Babb.

We are still confirming candidacy for this list, and more candidates may be invited. Contact VOX POP if you know of a candidate who needs to be notified: 718 940 2084

Confirmed panelists include:

Rock Hackshaw, Columnist, Room 8: New York Politics Website, www.r8ny.com

Hassan, from All Worlds Unisex Salon, Inc. Member, Cortelyou Road Merchants Assoc.

Ben Smith, Blogger “The Daily Politics”, The Daily News

Verna Smith, Carribean Roundtable Television

Date: Wednesday January 24, 2007
Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Place: VOX POP, 1022 Cortelyou Road www.voxpopnet.net

Contact: Sander Hicks, VOX POP/DKMC sander@voxpopnet.net 718 940 2084

"SHOP LOCAL—BUY LOCAL."

2006-11-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

Started your holiday shopping yet?
Looking for gifts for friends and family?
Look no further than Cortelyou Road and Newkirk Plaza!

CoRMA, Newkirk Plaza, and FDC have teamed up to bring you:

"THE DITMAS PARK HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: 'SHOP LOCAL. BUY LOCAL.'"

There is plenty of shopping and food to be had, especially on the weekend of Dec 8-
10th!!

Christmas trees, lights, books, children's clothing, toys, furniture,
home goods, bric a brac, cameras and equipment, specialty foods,
earrings, hardware, wine, liquor, socks, and more stocking stuffers
than you can imagine!

When you get hungry - have a meal at Don Burrito, Cinco De Mayo, The
Farm on Adderley, Vox Pop, Picket Fence or Fisherman's Cove! Need a
beer break? The Cornerstone will be serving them up!

Stores will have expanded hours - open till 9pm, carolers will be out
in full force and, there is talk of Santa showing up!

On Friday the 8th, stores will have discounted children's items.

Explore your neighborhood.
Have a great holiday.

Cortelyou Road in the Media

2006-11-02T22:19:00.000-05:00

Our little corner of the world appears in a piece about our neighboring neighborhood, Kensington. Pretty good writing, from a trade publication called The Real Deal.

Also, we're mentioned in a piece in the
New York Sun

But the BIG Media hit was this week, in Crain's New York Business. This one rejuvenated the interest from commercial banking. The bankers have returned, or at least they have come a-knockin'

New retailers remake Brooklyn strip

By: Jean Ende
Published: October 29, 2006 - 6:59 am

Gary Jonas wants his new restaurant to be a place where the whole neighborhood feels welcome and well fed. On a recent day, he offered a vegetable casserole for the area's vegans and vegetarians, a special fish dish popular with both Jewish and Muslim families, and organic hot dogs for the children of the young hipsters popping up in growing numbers in the area.

"We're always mindful of the neighborhood's diversity," says Mr. Jonas, owner of The Farm on Adderly, which opened in July.

Welcome to Cortelyou Road in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, the seven-block-long commercial heart of an area that proudly bills itself as one of the most ethnically diverse in the city. There, new entrepreneurial arrivals like Mr. Jonas — with help from a revitalized merchants association — are transforming the retail landscape.

In recent years, the area has seen an influx of younger, more affluent people drawn by the mix of reasonably priced Victorian homes and new co-ops. Frustrated that they couldn't find the services they needed, some of them have opened shops such as Hairloom, a chemical-free salon that specializes in African-American hairstyles, and the Picket Fence, a Continental eatery.

Other additions include Belle & Maxie, a children's toy and clothing store for the growing number of families with young children; Latin Fever, which offers yoga, exercise and South American dance classes; and Vox Pop, a bookstore/cafe where the sign over the door reads, "Books, Coffee, Democracy."

Responding to change

Some older establishments have responded to all the changes by sprucing up their storefronts, expanding inventory or adding services. The Flatbush Food Co-op, a Cortelyou Road institution for 21 years, has expanded its hours and started a delivery service.

New merchants are also making their mark by starting their own community groups and joining existing ones, such as the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association. Long stagnant until two years ago, CoRMA has become the area's leading advocate in the last year under the direction of Sander Hicks, owner of Vox Pop.

"I started going to meetings, and every time I suggested something, someone said, `That's a good idea, why don't you do it,' " says Mr. Hicks. "Pretty soon, I was in charge."

CoRMA has vigorously waved the flag for the area. Last year, the group launched a Web site with photos and information about available commercial space. CoRMA also publishes a newspaper that promotes local merchants, supports politicians who promise to improve services in the area, and sponsors community events. One of Mr. Hicks' current priorities is to try to lure a bank to the area, which has none.

"The more people who come to this street, the better it should be for everyone," says Chelsi Meyerson, co-owner of The Picket Fence.

Demand, but little supply

Similarly, Friends of Cortelyou Road has been reaching out to store owners in other areas. Jan Rosenberg, head of Friends and co-owner of the year-old Brooklyn Hearth Realty, wants to let owners know that "we've got lots of demand but little supply." The organization has also helped raise seed money for local businesses and has surveyed residents to find out what they would like to see. Answer: high-end stores, gyms, bookstores, adult clothing stores and ethnic groceries — especially ones that feature Middle Eastern products.

All told, in the past two years more than a dozen sleek new shops have replaced some of the drab storage facilities, decaying 99¢ stores and bodegas that had long dominated the area.

Comments? smallbiz@crain.com

****

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Midwood Martial Arts joins Corma, Launches Grand Opening!

2006-10-13T14:14:00.000-04:00

Midwood Martial Arts & Family Fitness Center, CoRMA's newest member, is now open

Young children may take part in Music for Aardvarks and Kids A Movin' Creative Movement classes. Older ones may try capoeira taught by the Arte Capoeira Center and karate taught by Shihan Alfred DiGrazia of Oyama Enomichi Karate.

For adults, there is classes in african dance, aikido, capoeira, karate, kung fu, pilates, tai chi and yoga (iyengar and vinyasa).

We hope you can join us. The schedule of activities will follow in a few days.

DIRECTIONS:
Midwood Martial Arts & Family Fitness Center is located at 1302 Avenue H in Brooklyn, NY. The phone number is 718-258-KICK. The entrance is on E13th St aka Argyle Road.

Detailed directions,
here.

More info: "Alison.morea@verizon.net"

The Farm on Adderley Opens on Cortelyou!

2006-07-17T10:29:00.000-04:00

Vox Pop is pleased to welcome Gary Jonas, Allison MacDowell, and the crew at The Farm to the neighborhood. The Farm on Adderley is a fun place, with great food, seven unique beers on tap, a good wine list, and full bar. The place adds more nightlife to Cortelyou, joining Picket Fence, Cornerstone Pub, and Vox Pop, as a fun place to go, eat, drink, and meet people.

Here are some pictures Vox Pop took, on our most recent visit.

US National Real Estate

2006-06-09T16:40:00.000-04:00

Neimat Ullah, of US National Real Estate, (and a dues-paying member of CoRMA) has moved his business up the road, to 669 Coney Island Avenue. He'd like you to know that his new contact info is available, at his good-looking website, here.

New York Times Feature on Cortelyou Road

2006-05-26T16:55:00.000-04:00

Did you ever see the New York Times coverage on us last year? We archived the story and thought you'd like to know that you can get the story here.

CoRMA Welcomes and Interviews Belle & Maxie

2006-05-24T15:15:00.000-04:00

Vox Pop and Cortelyou Road Merchants Association are tickled pink to have a new children's toys and clothing store on the block
Please spread the word, Belle and Maxie is here, at 1209 Cortelyou Road, next to two of the other, newest stores, Imade and Brooklyn Hearth.

An artist and a local, Gilbert Flores designed and built Belle & Maxie by hand. It looks really professionally done. He's there all the time, in person, and his new hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 11 AM - 6 PM, Saturday 9 - 6 PM, and Sunday 10-5 PM.

If you have any questions, call or email him, 718 484-4136 * Gilbert Flores at belleandmaxie@optonline.net

In order for us all to get to know Gilbert, I thought I would do an interview with him....check it out.

Why did you pick Cortelyou?

My wife, daughter and I have lived in this area for well over two years. When we decide to open Belle & Maxie, Cortelyou Road was a natural choice. It was our love of the neighborhood, it's people, the architecture and the possibilities that lead our hearts to decide.

Do you live in the area?
Yes, we live on Argyle Road between Cortelyou Road and Dorchester Road.

What's your background as an entrepreneur, or children's store person?

We are an entrepreneurial family by nature, both of our parents own their own businesses. My wife is currently a partner and runs a custom framing company in New York City and I am an artist that has sold my works in galleries in New York City and other states as well. So, when we were bringing life to Belle & Maxie, we relied on my wife's extensive knowledge and experience as a business woman, my artistic background and abilities, and our experience as parents to formulate, design, construct and select the inventory for Belle & Maxie.

What's unique about your business?

First, we are the first children's store to the Ditmas Park / East Flatbush area. Second, our dedication to design is reflected in our selection of our merchandise. Belle & Maxie is committed to bringing new and interesting products to the forefront and presenting them in an artful manner. And last, we are reintroducing the idea of a genuine and sincere customer service in a clean, open and friendly atmosphere.

What would you like to improve about Cortelyou Road?

The changes that I would like to see happen to Cortelyou Road have already begun, with the influx of soulful, interesting and much needed business like Vox Pop, Cortelyou Vintage, Brooklyn Hearth, Picket Fence, Belle & Maxie and soon, the new restaurant, The Farm. Together we have chosen Cortelyou Road as our home, making this street a point of destination that truly serves the needs of a diverse population, offering the excitement of growth and an abundance of possibilities to this community.

Many Thanks,

Gilbert Flores, Owner
Belle & Maxie
1209 Cortelyou Road
Brooklyn, New York 11218
718 484-4136

Our New Logo!

2006-05-12T11:37:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Friends of Cortelyou, for designing and donating this great new logo!

Commercial Banking Needed!

2006-03-24T11:28:00.001-05:00

Hi There!

I'm President of CoRMA, the Cortelyou Road Merchant's Association.

We have 72 merchants on this street, and no commercial bank.
We have several big schools, a library, great restaurants, bars, cafés.
We have a subway stop on this street, and 5,500 people use it every day!

We have 72 merchants who have told us that they would switch to whatever commercial branch opens up.

We have an active merchants association, which just printed 30,000 copies of a newspaper to market the many great businesses in the area.

The area is called "Victorian Flatbush" or "Ditmas Park" with a certified Historic District, thanks to the handsome Victorian houses built here 100 years ago. Vox Pop, my coffee shop/bookstore, is located right across from a beautiful, former big furniture store. There's a six story apartment building going up across the street.

This former furniture store location is now available— at over 3000 square feet, and a corner location, it's perfect for a bank. So spread the word, everyone on the block, merchants, residents, workers, all WANT a bank!

You can contact info for the landlord through me. (sander@voxpopnet.net) And I posted Pictures are below!

This is a total win-win, a great opportunity. It will go fast, so stay in touch.

We'll have you over to Vox Pop, and serve you a cup of Brooklyn's best coffee!

Sander Hicks
President

CoRMA
Cortelyou Road Merchants Association
"Many Peoples, One Community"
718 940 2084
347 446 4461 (c)

Here's the location, from the south east.

Another View, from the south/south east:

Here's the space, from a viewpoint facing east.

Your neighbors include grocery stores, delis, a department store, a bodega, and The Farm, a new high-end restaurant and bistro. (Currently being built, to open in May, that's the glass storefront, second from left.)

Pictures of This Year's STREETSCAPE Renovation Plans

2006-01-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

CORMA is posting these pictures of the Streetscape Project that Flatbush Development Corporation has been spear-heading for our neighborhood.

Here's a sketch of what it will look like when it's done:

We're getting a big new Victorian clock, new cobblestones, and new bike racks, all featured here:

Here's where the new trees will go: