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Gentrification in the Skies: The Brooklyn Tower Rising

9 Dekalb towering over Ft. Greene Park

(Editor’s Note: This opinion post was made by an anonymous contributor. Please contact us if you’d like to contribute.)

The Brooklyn Tower is a towering monstrosity currently under construction in the outer boroughs of New York City, because apparently Manhattan wasn’t enough for all the wealthy yuppies looking to gentrify yet another neighborhood. Standing at an impressive 1,066-feet, this 93-story behemoth will surely block out the sun and ruin the skyline for everyone else. Developed by JDS Development and designed by SHoP Architects, the Brooklyn Tower will feature a whopping 550 units for the rich and wealthy, with a measly 150 units for purchase and a slightly more generous 120 units for affordable rentals. Because God forbid the average person be able to afford to live in a decent neighborhood anymore.

Beloved abolitionist Landmark finally getting much-needed stabilization work

Stabilization work at abolitionist 227 Duffield Street
Photo by [Susan De Vries][1]

Downtown Brooklyn played an important role in the underground railroad and the larger abolitionist movement. Most of those relevant neighborhood locations have been torn down (many in the past decade). But there’s one building that survived — 227 Duffield Street — and has since been granted landmark status and promised some much-needed stabilization work. Brownstoner recently spotted some construction workers at the site, meaning that work may be moving forward:

Comedy Variety Spicy Medley Show at Dekalb Market

Spicy Medley Comedy Show

    <p>
      Spicy Medley is the HOTTEST comedy variety show in Brooklyn. Hosted by Tess Tregellas and Sara Bergmark who are iconically known as the “girls in the pepper suits.” Spicy Medley features a mixed bag of comedic acts including, Stand Up Comedians, Musical Comedians, Character Actors and always something SPICY. This show is perfect for a memorable night out in Downtown Brooklyn. Bring a group of friends, invite your visiting parents, or have a unique date night, without breaking the bank. Each show features new acts that are guaranteed to spice up your night, every other Wednesday at the Dekalb Stage.
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      Upcoming Shows:
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    <p>
      <strong>When:</strong> September 1st, September 15th, September 29th!<br /> <strong>Time:</strong> Doors at 730pm Show 800pm<br /> <strong>TICKETS:</strong> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spicy-medley-comedy-variety-show-tickets-166706701231">HERE!</a><br /> <strong>Where:</strong> DeKalb Stage 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Downstairs in the Markethall!)<br /> <strong>Who:</strong> Acts from Comedy Central, Netflix, Broadway, and many more!
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      Sept. 1st Line Up
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    <p>
      ASHLEY GAVINN<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashgavs/">@ashgavs</a><br /> We’re Having Gay Sex Podcast, Comedy Central, Netflix is a Joke
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    <p>
      GIANMARCO SORESI<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gianmarcosoresi/">@gianmarcosoresi</a><br /> Netflix, Vanity Fair, Comedy Central
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    <p>
      VANNESSA JACKSON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nnessleigh/">@nnessleigh</a><br /> A Little Late with Lilly Singh, ABFF Comedy Festival
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    <p>
      NILES ABSTON<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thenilesabstonshow/">@thenilesabstonshow</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, Comedy Album “Girls Don’t Twerk to Jokes”
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    <p>
      HARPER ROSE DRUMMOND<br /> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/harperrosed/">@harperrosed</a><br /> Co-Host of The Clowncast Podcast, The Comedy Store
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SAMI SHWAEBER
@samischwaeber
UCB, The Bell House, Union Hall

Some optimism for the future of DoBro

9 Dekalb construction over City Point

Bklyner has an optimistic view for the future of Downtown Brooklyn, as well as an outstanding look at how we got to be here:

Brooklyn’s historic central business district also suffered during the pandemic. But the area’s boosters and developers believe its location, open spaces, and large residential population could give it a leg up over Manhattan as the post-pandemic recovery finally begins.

Huzzah! Year of the Ox celebration coming to Albee Square

Albee Square, Downtown Brooklyn

Q: Will there be a traditional lion dance?
A: Hell yeah, there’s going to be a traditional lion dance!

Come and celebrate the Year of the Ox at Albee Square on Saturday, February 13th between 1:30pm and 3pm. There will be a traditional lion dance and a “selfie-station,” which honestly sounds like a fantastic reason to get outside and keep the days from all blending together due to the pandemic.

Occupancy in DoBro holding strong

From Steve Cuozzo at the New York Post:

“Data just released by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership show that occupancy is above 95 percent at both old and new rental buildings. Absorption remains strong as most new properties report leasing between 20 and 40 units every month.”

One day of free classes at City Point’s new fitness studio

At Your Beat Fitness Studio

You may have noticed a fitness studio had quietly opened in City Point. Well, that is to say it soft opened. The official opening day is October 13th, and they’re offering free classes all day to celebrate.

The City Point website has the class schedule, with classes starting at 10am and going til 5pm. At Your Beat is an import from London (this Brooklyn location is their first foray into the United States), and offers dance-infused fitness classes.