Brooklyn’s biggest stories of the week are in, from New York City launching free “2-K” child care for 2-year-olds, to a major redevelopment proposal for a new public school and housing in Downtown Brooklyn, to the iconic former Watchtower headquarters’ rezoning in Brooklyn Heights, and springing forward for Daylight Saving Time this Sunday. Read on for the latest!
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NYC to Launch Universal 2-K Program This September
New York City is launching “2-K,” a new program offering free child care for 2-year-olds beginning in September 2026. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens will be the first to receive these free seats. Local Brooklyn access will start in School Districts 18 and 23, covering Canarsie, Remsen Village, Brownsville, and Ocean Hill, with plans to expand to 12,000 seats citywide by 2027. Admissions will roll throughout the fall to accommodate children turning two between September and December, primarily utilizing existing community child care centers and home-based providers.
Major Residential Rezoning Proposed for Former Watchtower Headquarters in Brooklyn Heights
The iconic former Jehovah’s Witnesses’ headquarters at 25-30 Columbia Heights is moving through the city’s rezoning process to transform from commercial space into a massive mixed-use residential complex. The proposed project aims to bring 661 new housing units to the edge of Brooklyn Heights by 2029, with 20% to 30% designated as affordable housing. Plans include expanding the buildings to 17 and 13 stories, adding community spaces, and—most notably for skyline fans—keeping the famous red “Welcome” sign, though the familiar skybridge would be removed. Neighbors can weigh in during a virtual public scoping meeting on Thursday, March 12, from 2 to 5 p.m.
New Mixed-Use Complex Planned for Downtown Brooklyn
A major redevelopment proposal is in the works for the intersection of Nassau and Navy Streets. Alloy Development, the NYC Educational Construction Fund, and GFB Development are planning a five-building complex that would transform the current site of P.S. 287 and the former Navy Yard Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. The ambitious project includes approximately 1,500 mixed-income rental units, affordable senior housing, a community center, and a cultural center. For local families, the highlight is a brand-new, expanded 120,000-square-foot public school building to replace the aging P.S. 287. Construction is tentatively slated to begin in Summer 2027, with students expected to be relocated during the build. The proposal will now move into the formal ULURP public review process, starting with community board hearings.
Daylight Saving Time Returns This Sunday
Clocks are set to “spring forward” this weekend as Daylight Saving Time officially commences on Sunday, March 8, at 2:00 a.m. This transition marks the arrival of highly anticipated extended evening sunshine. For families, the most significant impact will be the first 7:00 p.m. sunset of the year, providing an additional hour of daylight for evening activities and outdoor time.
Red Hook Neighborhood Favorite Pitt’s Closes Its Doors
Chef Jeremy Salamon has announced the permanent closure of his Red Hook restaurant, Pitt’s, after a brief run that earned it a reputation for Southern-inspired comfort food and its signature pancake soufflé. Originally intended to be a temporary winter hiatus, the closure has become permanent as Salamon shifts his focus entirely to his acclaimed Crown Heights restaurant, Agi’s Counter. Salamon cited the challenges of balancing two businesses and the difficulty of navigating a quiet winter season in a remote neighborhood like Red Hook as primary factors in the decision. While the loss of this cozy neighborhood spot is a disappointment for South Brooklyn families, the chef expressed gratitude to the community and hinted that fan-favorite dishes may reappear in future projects.
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