A year full of hardship, loss and hope has come to an end in Brooklyn. As we are reflecting on 2020 with all its unprecedented challenges, we want to take the opportunity to look ahead and excite our readers about the good things to come to Brooklyn in 2021!
- Outdoor dining is now a permanent program and will bring us many fun outdoor meals with family and friends all year long. After all, a toddler making a major mess under the table or a screaming baby at dinner are just easier to handle outdoors than indoors!
- The vote for the rezoning of 7 elementary schools in District 15 will be taking place by early spring 2021 after an almost 2 year long engagement process with communities. We look forward to clarity and a final decision (final map) in this matter to reduce overcrowding and create more integrated schools in Carroll Gardens, Red Hook, Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill
- The Brooklyn Public Library will open new libraries in Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO in summer 2021. We look forward to the teen library space in Brooklyn Heights and the children’s library in DUMBO amongst other features!
- The Department of Education has made significant changes to the middle school enrollment process. Public middle schools will not use academic records, auditions, or other screens or assessments to evaluate or admit students this year. Schools will maintain priority for students living in the district, because families across the city want to attend middle school closer to home. Our middle schools in District 13 will become more integrated and more “Brooklyn” finally!
- Brooklyn Bridge Park has finally broken ground on the space underneath the Brooklyn Bridge which will open in December 2021. We cannot wait to hang with the kids in this new park area!
- Brooklyn Public Library and Brooklyn Historical Society have officially combined their century-old resources and expertise, at the renamed Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) at Brooklyn Public Library in Brooklyn Heights. As part of BPL, all Brooklynites will have free and open access to the collection and building at 128 Pierrepont Street, where Brooklyn Historical Society has been located for 140 years. It will open to the public, for free, in 2021.
Brooklyn Bridge Parents wishes you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year!
