The Hot Seat: Elizabeth Crowell

Welcome to the Hot Seat, where we talk with folks who work in Brooklyn real estate, development, architecture, and the like. Introducing Elizabeth Crowell, co-chair of the Atlantic Avenue BID and owner of Sterling Place. The Atlantic Avenue BID was just approved by the City Council last week.

Brownstoner: What neighborhood do you live in, and how’d you end up there?
Elizabeth Crowell: When I first moved to Brooklyn, I lived on Columbia St. at the end Congress, with a great view of lower Manhattan. My husband grew up in a brownstone in Boerum Hill so we decided to look for a home in several brownstone neighborhoods. We finally settled on Prospect Heights since it was the perfect combination of proximity to Prospect Park and access to the city.

BS: How was the BID’s steering committee formed? How did you get involved?
EC: There has been a core group of business and property owners who have worked tirelessly for many years on making Atlantic Avenue a great place to live and do business. It was natural to transition this group into our steering committee. The BID process has been a long one. The steering committee was formed August 2008 and we don’t expect to get funding until April 2012. In terms of my involvement, it really follows the old story of if you raise your hand with an idea, suddenly, you are put in charge! I was one of the property owners/merchants who saw the benefits of the BID structure and advocated for it and then lo and behold, I was nominated to co-chair the steering committee.

After the jump, Elizabeth talks about the retail shift on Atlantic Avenue, owning a business in Brooklyn, and her favorite spots to shop and eat in the borough.

BS: What are the goals of the Atlantic Avenue BID? How does the BID go beyond basic maintenance and sanitation efforts to address the unique qualities of Atlantic Avenue itself?
EC: The beauty of the Atlantic Avenue BID is that we are not starting from scratch. As I mentioned before, there have been a core group of dedicated volunteers who have worked for decades on Atlantic Avenue. So we have already “done” some of the things BIDs typically do, such as graffiti clean-up and removal, and we have a terrific shopping guide. We have several goals but probably the overarching goal is to promote and advocate for the businesses. This means we will be supporting and creating events and other programs that highlight the Avenue and bring crucial foot traffic to the businesses. Immediately, we will begin negotiations with Department of Transportation to preserve and maintain the historic lighting which not only lends a lot of character to the district, but also creates a safer pedestrian environment. We will be doing sidewalk sweeping and litter pick-up, but really going beyond the usual BID sanitation/security model by continuing and expanding beautification efforts and again, promoting our businesses to the surrounding neighborhoods and beyond.

BS: Recently Atlantic Avenue has become a hot spot for higher-end retail. How do we encourage new businesses to come in while maintaining the older character of the avenue? Do you think the rising rents on Atlantic have, or can, pose a problem?
EC: It’s a tricky balance to be sure but the Avenue is lucky in that there are some anchor establishments, like Sahadi’s, that will always remain. And yes, becoming a hot spot can drive up rents but it also attracts critical foot traffic to the Avenue which benefits all the businesses. I think there are a lot of new businesses that choose Atlantic Avenue for its charm.

BS: You’re also the owner of Sterling Place. What was it like for you starting a business in Brooklyn? How has that business evolved as the avenue has changed?
EC: Starting and owning a business, especially in Brooklyn, is a dream come true! My husband and I were very particular about where we wanted to open our shop and our first choice was Atlantic Avenue, mostly because we felt that the character of the Avenue would ultimately drive its success and the success of our business. But any business is a huge risk and we are so grateful for our loyal customers. They have stuck with us through thick and thin and that feels great. We love hearing how a gift went over or how an antique piece has completely changed a couple’s space. It extremely gratifying. We have always sought to create an environment of discovery in our shops and although the Avenue is changing, there is something comforting and nostalgic about shopping our stores. We hear customers picking things up and saying things like I remember my grandmother had one of these, and you can see the smile that accompanies that lovely childhood memory.

BS: Finally, your favorites: your favorite Brooklyn neighborhood, favorite development or property, and favorite local business, besides your own!
EC: Favorite Brooklyn neighborhood? That’s a tough one…..I love so many but have to say I find my heart often drifting to Fort Greene. There is something about the vibe there that really suits me. We love Chez Ozcar and Romans, and we recently had a great meal at Madiba. The couple next to us had their dog with them and the waiter brought a doggie bowl of water without even being asked! The South African food is surprising and delicious too. Of course, going to events at BAM is a seminal Brooklyn experience and we have bought plenty of wine from The Greene Grape. Closer to home, I am a loyal Red Beri customer and always come out of Hooti Couture with exactly what I need. Allison, the owner of Hooti Couture, is reason enough to visit this vintage clothing shop….she is a shot of energy and inspiration! I also love Otto on 7th Avenue in Park Slope for their deep selection of New York and Brooklyn designers and the charming, knowledgeable owners, Annette and Deidre. In terms of development, I have to say that the expanded and improved bikepaths are top on my list and I’m looking forward to more improvement here as the city truly becomes bike-friendly.