"An alliance of civic groups from across Brooklyn is forming. Following up an "exploratory" session attended by representatives of 30 neighborhood associations last month at Brooklyn College, organizers are preparing for a second meeting scheduled for February 28th. And they're looking for even more community groups."
"We hope to significantly increase the number of groups that attend on the 28th," said Raul Rothblatt, Executive Director of the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance, the organization which is facilitating the initial meetings. "We are interested in attracting representatives of civic groups from all of Brooklyn's neighborhoods-from the center right out to the borough's borders-to work together, when needed."
"Brooklyn is a big place, and many of our neighborhoods are facing the same challenges. An organization that lets us share skills and information, and to rally behind each other when the call goes out, that's really needed," said Jim Vogel of the Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods."
"Attendees generally considered the first meeting successful, in terms of numbers, enthusiasm, and the opportunity to see other community activists."
"Prior to our first meeting, I spoke to the president of the Queens Civic Congress, and she said that approximately 15 groups attended its first meeting over a dozen years ago. Now, it has 100 member associations," said Ed Jaworski, president of the Madison-Marine-Homecrest Civic Association. "The interest is there, so we look forward to launching a Brooklyn civic alliance before too long."
"It was a good first meeting" said activist-attorney Norman Siegel. And Sal Lentini, president of the Ditmas Park Association, said he thought that the meeting "was very informative, and in many ways, necessary. It showed that many of us are willing to work together to get more of a voice for Brooklyn."
Organizations interested in sending representatives to the meeting on Monday, February 28, 7 p.m., should contact Raul Rothblatt at rrothblatt@gmail.com, or 646-498-6093."
