Economic Development Forum Planned for Crown Heights, Weeksville

Community Board 8 is holding an economic development forum to encourage business and jobs in Crown Heights and Weeksville. The forum is free and open to the public.

“The goal is to educate the community about strategies to invest and diversify investment options in CB8, look at what has been done and look ahead to what could be done,” said Atim Annette Oton, chair of board’s Economic Development Committee. “The board is looking to explore ideas to create businesses and jobs not just in retail and food but manufacturing in our M1 zone as well as attract other business types.”

There will be panels on real estate opportunities in the neighborhood, expanding the cultural assets of the area, and local businesses. Local business owners, including from Docklands and Franklin Park, and financial consultants will talk about the challenges and rewards of owning a business as well as offer advice. Representatives of Weeksville Heritage Center, Friends of Brower Park, Five Miles, Haiti Cultural Exchange, and others will talk about cultural development. There will also be speakers from the New York Business Development Corporation, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and Atlantic Avenue Industrial Center/Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center. The latter’s manufacturing space at 1102 Atlantic Avenue, pictured above, is scheduled to open next year.

“Our goal is to develop a comprehensive set of plans and strategies to initiate and support development opportunities and solutions that blends the needs of and impact on the existing community, the present and the future community,” said Oton. “In short, development for all residents and businesses that grows a holistic and balanced community. One that can give jobs locally and create sustainable business.”

Residents, business owners, prospective business owners and investors are encouraged to attend. The event takes place from noon until 6 pm on Thursday, April 24 at 1000 Dean Street in Crown Heights. For more information, call 718-467-5574 or email info@brooklyncb8.org.

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Photo by Gregg Snodgrass for PropertyShark