Closing the Cambridge/Classon Gap
Organization: Fulton Area Business (FAB) Alliance and Pratt Area Community Council (now known as IMPACCT)
Grant Amount: $50,000
Year: 2
Neighborhoods: Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant
Borough: Brooklyn
The Challenge:
Despite the continued neighborhood improvements in surrounding communities, a four-block stretch of Fulton Avenue straddling the neighborhoods of Clinton Hill and Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn (known as the “Cambridge/Classon Gap”) has numerous vacant and underutilized properties, a poor retail mix, and persistent crime and quality of life issues.
The Big Idea:
To close the Cambridge/Classon Gap, the FAB Alliance proposed to partner with Pratt Area Community Council (now known as IMPACCT) to develop financial and architectural plans to encourage responsible real estate development on key vacant lots, activate public spaces, and increase access to public transportation by reopening a long-closed subway entrance. FAB Alliance and IMPACCT believe closing the gap will generate opportunities for jobs and affordable housing for community residents, improve services for local consumers, and generally enhance and enliven this major commercial corridor.
The Progress:
Vibrant developments with affordable housing and ground floor commercial are progressing at three sites directly impacted by this grant, and the federal government conducted a feasibility study at another site. In addition, the owner of the largest vacant lot in the “Gap” formed a committee to explore development options. The FAB Alliance and IMPACCT held concerts, art fairs, and a recurring series of outdoor movies to activate Putnam Triangle. They also presented a Retail Analysis to developers as well as existing businesses to assist them as the area changes. In 2015, the MTA issued a recommendation to reopen subway entrances at Classon Avenue as it would have “significant customer benefits.”
Quote:
“The Neighborhood Challenge grant allowed us to address the 'Cambridge/Classon Gap' in a multi-faceted way. IMPACCT’s work advanced discussions at potential development sites by years. The grant also allowed us to build partnerships and raise additional funds that have continued beyond the grant period, allowing us to continue the work as long-term projects move forward.” – Phillip Kellogg, Executive Director, FAB Alliance
Press:
Fulton Street Deadzone Changing into Vibrant Mile-Long Strip | DNAinfo
FAB Flicks Returns Tomorrow In Clinton Hill With Music Documentaries Series | Fort Greene Focus
Free Movies Still To Come This Season In Fort Greene & Clinton Hill| Fort Greene Focus