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Holiday markets and holiday shopping in Brooklyn (virtual and in-person)
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Supporting local makers and entrepreneurs during this holiday season is more important than ever. Our overview features virtual and in-person holiday markets where you can shop Brooklyn-made gifts and support local businesses. Meeting Elf and Santa included! “Shop early, shop local”!
Brooklyn Navy Yard virtual Holiday Market
Check out home goods to ... (read more).
Supporting local makers and entrepreneurs during this holiday season is more important than ever. Our overview features virtual and in-person holiday markets where you can shop Brooklyn-made gifts and support local businesses. Meeting Elf and Santa included! “Shop early, shop local”!
Brooklyn Navy Yard virtual Holiday Market
Check out home goods to enhance your home office, fashion to bring some cheer to the season, and unique gifts for the hardest to shop for on your list. More than 20 local, Yard-based vendors will show off their wares online, all Brooklyn-made. The virtual holiday market will be live until January 3.
City Point The Maker’s Show on weekends
The Maker’s Show at City Point in Downtown Brooklyn: a marketplace of curated gifts, crafts, cheer, food, drinks and more! The socially distanced holiday market takes place Fridays to Sundays, 12 to 8 PM.
DUMBO x BROOKLYN FLEA Holiday Market
Elf with a Candy Cane Chute, a Bigger Better Holiday Market with the BK Flea + Dumbo Artisans + Boozy Hot Drinks to Go, Music, Twinkling Lights + Charm. Holiday market with 40+ vendors, including some of DUMBO’s favorites. Plus from 11:30am-1:30pm, enjoy live holiday music and an Elf with a Candy Chute! Every Saturday November 28, December 5, December 12 and December 19 from 10 am to 4 pm in DUMBO’s Archway.
Atlantic Avenue Walk the Windows
The annual Atlantic Avenue “Walk the Windows” will take place from November 28 until December 13 featuring “Shop and Dine” discounts and incentives from participating stores and restaurants. Look for the red balloons along 1.5 miles of Atlantic Avenue and its side streets from Fourth Ave to the waterfront. Listen for Santa’s sleigh bells to lead you to Santa and holiday carolers along the avenue on November 28, between noon and 4 pm and stop by the holiday tree at the Belarusian Church, at corner of Bond Street.
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Take a virtual tour at Brooklyn Preschool of Science (sponsored)
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Welcome to the Brooklyn Preschool of Science. A place for your child to grow, play, and learn through hands-on, inquiry-based science. We’re big believers that not every childcare is right for every family. This is why before you even apply for your little one to enroll, ... (read more).
Welcome to the Brooklyn Preschool of Science. A place for your child to grow, play, and learn through hands-on, inquiry-based science. We’re big believers that not every childcare is right for every family. This is why before you even apply for your little one to enroll, we invite parents to join our virtual tour where you have a one on one opportunity to meet with the founder of the school.
It’s a sneak peek into BPOS, so you can:
learn about our wonderful science-based curriculum
get to know our school first hand, to make sure it’s a match for you and your child
observe how biodiversity is part of the school’s fabric
designed to help kids build friendships and express themselves
ask us about our plans and programs for different age groups, and any other questions you may have.
And if you are happy with the experience and feel like it can be their second home, submit an application with one of our advisors on the spot. Spots are limited, and it’s because we value hands-on attention and we know your little one does too. Click to register your virtual visit and we’ll see you there!
The Brooklyn Preschool of Science for ages 2 to 5 has locations in Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Park Slope.
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The latest on reopening public schools and life in red and orange zones in NYC
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
New York State has set “Action Levels” for New York City once it becomes an orange or even red zone which the Mayor expects to reach as early as next week with rising COVID infections in the City.
Orange Zone (3% positivity rate): Outdoor dining and take-out only with a maximum ... (read more).
: Outdoor dining and take-out only with a maximum 4 people at a table, closing of gyms, nail studios etc, schools remote with “test out” to open
Red Zone (4% positivity rate): Dining take out and delivery only (no outdoor dining), essential businesses open only, schools remote with “test out” to open
As of November 19th, all students in public schools in NYC learn remotely. While the City is negotiating reopening criteria with stakeholders and the State, this is what we know so far:
In the week after Thanksgiving a plan will be put forward on the reopening of school buildings and this plan will be implemented in the weeks ahead
There will be much more testing, students will have to have a testing consent form on file before returning to school, testing will be an ongoing routine for all in public schools
Reopening will happen in stages. District 75 schools for children with special needs will be top priority to reopen, followed by 3’s and 4’s Pre-K programs, followed by elementary schools
Even in an orange or red zone, schools will be able to reopen under certain criteria including testing
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Affordable housing coming to our neighborhoods
Monday, November 23, 2020
Affordable housing lotteries are open for new buildings in Vinegar Hill and Prospect Heights. A 950-unit affordable housing building will be built in Gowanus and the former Jehovah’s Witnesses hotel in DUMBO will be turned into affordable and supportive housing.
260 Gold Street in Vinegar Hill
This 13-story property is situated in ... (read more).
 will be permanently affordable, and the balance will be affordable under a 60-year regulatory agreement. The 30-story building will feature a 24-hour attended lobby, security camera system throughout, multipurpose room for community events and meetings, a digital library, a fitness room, and reimagined plaza space for public use at the corner of Sands and Jay Streets. Breaking Ground seeks to bring in community-serving uses to occupy more than 28,000 square feet of community facility and commercial space on the ground floor and two lower levels. Construction completion is expected in the first quarter of 2022.
950-unit Gowanus project to go 100% affordable
One of the largest projects on its way to Gowanus will consist entirely of affordable housing, according to the city. Gowanus Green, designed to contain about 950 units across six buildings, has been in the works for more than a decade. At least half of the project’s apartments will be for households earning less than half of area median income—about $51,200 for a family of three—and 15% will be for the formerly homeless, the city said. A maximum of 40% of apartments will be for families earning 80% to 120% of area median income—about $81,920 to $122,880 for a family of three. The project also will include senior-citizen and supportive housing, as well as opportunities for affordable homeownership, the city said. The project is located at an empty city-owned site at Smith and Fifth streets, by the Gowanus Canal. Application details, rent and construction timeline are not available yet.
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Watch the recording of our first middle school fair for families in District 13 and 15
Monday, November 23, 2020
Brooklyn Bridge Parents co-hosted a virtual middle school fair with 12 public and private schools in November 2020. Find out about middle school programs, academics, admissions, languages, financial aid and more in local schools in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan. Watch the recording of our middle school fair ... (read more).
NYU College of Dentistry Opens Practice in Downtown Brooklyn
Monday, November 23, 2020
NYU College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) has opened a new dental care practice in Downtown Brooklyn’s City Point. The practice brings low-cost dental care for adults and children to the Brooklyn community offering services at reduced cost and accepting Medicaid.
NYU Dentistry Brooklyn Patient Care provides general ... (read more).
 has opened a new dental care practice in Downtown Brooklyn’s City Point. The practice brings low-cost dental care for adults and children to the Brooklyn community offering services at reduced cost and accepting Medicaid.
NYU Dentistry Brooklyn Patient Care provides general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and implant dentistry. The practice—which will see 25,000 to 30,000 patients each year—is staffed by NYU Dentistry faculty and will also include advanced dental students.
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“The findings don’t go along with an unzoned Subdistrict” – District 15 rezoning PAR team recommendations
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
The CEC 15 and Department of Education held another public meeting on 11/17 to update the community on the potential rezoning of 7 public elementary schools. The PAR team presented their findings of the participatory action research (PAR) in affected neighborhoods underrepresented in the education decision making process and made ... (read more).
 in affected neighborhoods underrepresented in the education decision making process and made recommendations which will be worked into a rezoning map by the Department of Education. A new rezoning proposal with map will most likely be presented at the next CEC meeting on December 15th.
The main recommendations by the PAR team at the 11/17 meeting:
PS 676 in Red Hook which was not originally included in this rezoning plan should be centered in any rezoning
Support PS 676 and the Red Hook community to consider and explore transforming PS 676 into a middle school
If PS 676 becomes a middle school, families in the previous PS 676 zone should have priority for PS 15 in Red Hook
Repair and renovate the Footbridge, the Hamilton Ave 9th Street crossing and create a Red Hook Park at the base of the footbridge on the Red Hook side. Transportation in and out of Red Hook must improve and various city agencies need to get involved
Establish an equity council to critically consider fiscal equity, invite the Brooklyn New School into the work, develop a plan-of-action for school based racial justice and equity work, support all schools in outreach efforts, critically consider issues of inequity in relation to G&T and Dual Language programs, school discipline practices, curriculum, staffing, special ed policies and more
Increase educational access across the subzone meaning support enrollment at under-enrolled schools and increase diversity at crowded schools
-> “We recommend that the DOE prioritizes seats at each school for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch, multi-language learners, students in temporary housing, NYCHA residents and students with disabilities and that these seats are given priority in the admissions process, followed by a defined geographic priority. These priority seats (a percentage of seats at each school) could also go to students who do not live in Subdistrict 3. Our findings do not call for an unzoned subdistrict as access to a thriving school close to home is a key desire in all affected communities.”
To implement the new zones for next school year, a vote would have to happen before the Kindergarten application deadline which is end of January in a typical school year. No details on the timeline were shared in the meeting.
Background
The Department of Education has been partnering with CEC 15 and school communities since spring 2019 to develop a collaborative rezoning and admissions plan that aims to increase diversity and integration, reduce overcrowding, and advance equity in District 15. The process was initiated by the opening of the annex at PS 32 in Carroll Gardens that brought over 430 new seats to the Subdistrict and needs to be filled.
This planning has involved seven zoned schools: P.S. 38, P.S. 261, P.S. 32, P.S. 15, P.S. 29, P.S. 58 and P.S. 676 Red Hook Neighborhood School. In response to feedback from community discussions, the DOE committed to further empowering historically underserved communities in this area through a Participatory Action Research (PAR) process.
The PAR Team consists of 12 community members who are connected to the 7 affected schools and meets weekly to develop a vision for the rezoning in the area. Here are the two rezoning scenarios that have been presented before but a new map will be presented in December taking into account the recommendations from 11/17.
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Apply to the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue Preschool (sponsored)
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
At BHSPS we know that your child learns best in an environment that is nurturing, caring, and joyful. Children receive ample one to one attention as they become part of a learning community of friends. Our classrooms are designed to embrace exploration with open arms, open-ended activities, and open minds. ... (read more).
At BHSPS we know that your child learns best in an environment that is nurturing, caring, and joyful. Children receive ample one to one attention as they become part of a learning community of friends. Our classrooms are designed to embrace exploration with open arms, open-ended activities, and open minds. “Emergent Curriculum” may lead to a study of what makes a good friend or what happens at the firehouse… Children may embark on an exploration of gardening, or take a school-wide “book tour” when they publish a counting book. Literacy, science, art, and early math are incorporated into this engaging curriculum, encouraging highly motivated learners. Our current admissions process has been adapted to be safe and healthy during the pandemic. Schedule a remote tour and apply now. In order to apply to our Preschool, children must have turned two by July 31, of 2021.
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The mayor on closing school buildings due to rising COVID cases in the City
Friday, November 13, 2020
The 7-day rolling average test positivity rate has reached 2.6% citywide as of Thursday 11/12. Public schools will get closed if the 7-day average test positivity rate reaches 3%. The latest numbers of testing in public schools going back to mid September show 107,900 test results from students and staff, ... (read more).
Dellarocco’s on Hicks Street (Italian)
Vineapple Cafe on Pineapple Street (French/international)
Henry’s End on Henry Street (American)
Clark’s on Clark Street (American)
Estuary at Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park (American)
Carroll Gardens
Fragole on Court Street (Italian)
Court Street Tavern on Court Street (American)
Enoteca on Court Street
Cobble Hill
Black Forest Brooklyn on Smith Street (German)
June on Court Street (wine bar)
Kitchen on Court Street (American)
La Vara on Clinton Street (Spanish)
La Cigogne on Union Street (French)
Gersi on Court Street (Italian)
Verde on Smith Street (Italian)
Big Tiny on Smith Street (French)
Clinton Hill
Locanda on Gates Ave (Italian)
Aita on Greene Avenue (Italian)
Putnam’s Pub on Myrtle Ave (American)
Downtown Brooklyn
Circa Brewing Co on Willoughby Street
Pollo D’Oro on Gold Street
Menya Jiro on Gold Street
Heat Lamps coming soon: Juniors on Flatbush Ave
DUMBO
Westville DUMBO (American)
Cecconi’s DUMBO (Italian)
The Osprey at Pier 1 in Brooklyn Bridge Park (American)
Time Out Market (various cuisines)
Fort Greene
Dino on Dekalb Ave (Northern Italian)
Miss Ada on Dekalb Ave (Israeli)
Evelina on Dekalb Ave (Italian)
Colonia Verde on Dekalb Ave (Latin)
Olea on Lafayette Ave (Mediterranean)
Gowanus
Claro on 3rd Ave (Mexican)
Leyenda on Smith Street (Latin)
Jolie Bistro on Smith Street (French/Mexican)
Lavender Lake (bar) on Carroll Street
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 and the new “Antigen” or “Rapid Antigen Test” which is less reliable but offers results in minutes/hours. Our overview of test centers includes locations where you and your kids can get tested in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, BoCoCa, Fort Greene and beyond.
NYC Health and Hospital community testing sites
Testing at the NYC Health and Hospitals sites in Brooklyn is fast and free (not even a co-pay)! Children 2 years and up as well as adults can get tested there. These NYC Health and Hospital sites offer the PCR tests which deliver results in 2 to 4 days. No appointment necessary, just walk in.
NYC Health and Hospitals Red Hook Recreation Center | 155 Bay Street
PCR tests and antibody tests available now. Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
NYC Health and Hospitals Brooklyn Army Terminal | 140 58th Street
PCR tests available only. Monday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health Fort Greene | 100 North Portland Ave
PCR and antibody tests available only. Covid testing offered Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find out more here.
Public COVID-19 Express testing
You can now make an appointment for a free rapid COVID-19 virus test at COVID Express Quickie Lab sites throughout the city. All tests performed at these sites are PCR-based laboratory diagnostic tests, which are the most accurate type of test available. Testing will be available by appointment only. The fastest way to make an appointment is to choose a time through their online scheduler. These tests are also free for New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.
Crown Heights, 1218 Prospect Place
Fort Greene, 295 Flatbush Avenue Extension
Private providers
The private providers below might charge a co-pay or fee for the test. Patient responsibility, or your out-of-pocket cost, for COVID testing is based on your specific insurance coverage and plan.
BHMA Urgent Care Downtown Brooklyn | 514 Fulton Street
Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. Find out more here.
CityMD Urgent Care Brooklyn Heights | 135 Montague Street
CityMD is currently offering three forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations – Rapid testing, PCR testing and Serum Antibody IgG testing. COVID-19 testing is walk-in only, no appointment needed. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 6 pm. Find out more here.
CityMD Urgent Care Boerum Hill | 457 Atlantic Street
CityMD is currently offering three forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations – Rapid testing, PCR testing and Serum Antibody IgG testing. COVID-19 testing is walk-in only, no appointment needed. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 6 pm. Find out more here.
CityMD Urgent Care Cobble Hill | 228 Court Street
CityMD is currently offering three forms of COVID-19 testing at all locations – Rapid testing, PCR testing and Serum Antibody IgG testing. COVID-19 testing is walk-in only, no appointment needed. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 9 am to 6 pm. Find out more here.
Leaf Medical DUMBO | 18 Adams Street
Leaf Medical offers the PCR test and antibody test. Schedule a telemedicine visit first. Find out more here.
Leaf Medical Carroll Gardens | 325 Smith Street
Leaf Medical offers the PCR test and antibody test. Schedule a telemedicine visit first. Find out more here.
One Medical| 386 Atlantic Avenue
We’re currently offering PCR testing to anyone with coronavirus concerns by appointment only. Find out more here.
PM Pediatrics Boerum Hill | 240 Atlantic Avenue
PM Pediatrics is offering COVID-19 PCR, rapid antigen tests and antibody tests for children and adults. Walk-ins welcome. The center is open seven days per week from 12 to 10 pm. Find out more here.
ProHealth Urgent Care Carroll Gardens | 330 Court Street
ProHealth Urgent Care is offering COVID and antibody testing. No symptoms or referrals needed to get tested. Weekdays 8 am to 8 pm, weekends 8 am to 5 pm. Find out more here.
Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care Park Slope | 365 Flatbush Avenue
PCR tests and antibody tests available, make an appointment first to get tested. Opening hours are 8 am to 8 pm from Monday through Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Find out more here.
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