Hello from CORD!
The proposal to expand on the courtyard located on the corner of Smith Street and First Place has been completely withdrawn by Hannah Senesh,the property owner.
The following statement, issued by Assemblywoman Joan Millman was sent to us by her Chief of Staff, Paul Nelson late this afternoon:
Please see below:
"I applaud the school for understanding the community’s concerns and deciding not to proceed with their proposed expansion. Their plan would have set a dangerous precedent. The courtyards are an integral part of Carroll Garden’s charm and character and must be protected. I remain committed to identifying a potential solution which will meet the needs of both the community and the school."
We think it is important to point out how the neighborhood so strongly united behind this issue.It is that kind of unity, sense of purpose and cooperation that makes things happen.
We thank our local elected officials for their help but also wish to credit the work of a particular group of neighbors....
As a result of the hard work of several community members many of whom belong to different local groups, including CORD, over 500 signatures were collected protesting any plan that would reverse the laws that protect our signature courtyards and allow a structure to be built on them.
These dedicated neighbors, some braving the coldest days this winter to stand on street corners to talk to the community, explain the situation and ask for support, represent community activism at its finest.
They took the time to attend meetings, write and speak to our local elected officials regarding the courtyards and the importance of their protection.
We also recognize that it was this particular group who initially reached out to the property owner via the "Dear Neighbor" letter that so many of you supported and sent on to the property owner as well.
This emerging, dynamic new group is known as,
"Developing Stronger Brooklyn Communities Block By Block",
or, just "Block by Block", for short.
These energetic, committed community activists are neighbors. They are the faces you see in the local stores, on the subway going to and from work, walking their dogs or playing in the park with their children. You probably recognize some of them because some of them have been active in the community for some time. Others are newer faces, but they all share a love of their neighborhood and a passionate desire to protect it.
CORD is delighted and proud to be affiliated with the Block by Block organization.
