PACC is Wack
The future of the Bodegas space on the corner of Clinton and Fulton is of great concern to everyone we know in the neighborhood. Since the restaurant closed at the beginning of the year (in a domino effect caused by money problems and nasty landlords at Liquors), the rumors have been flying. The space is…
The future of the Bodegas space on the corner of Clinton and Fulton is of great concern to everyone we know in the neighborhood. Since the restaurant closed at the beginning of the year (in a domino effect caused by money problems and nasty landlords at Liquors), the rumors have been flying. The space is of particular importance because of its location at the gateway to Clinton Hill on a commercial stretch of road that has been crying out for improvement for years. So it was disbelief that we heard recently that the Pratt Area Community Council (which owns the building) took time out from destroying the aesthetics of the historic neighborhood to turn down an offer from a successful local business owner who wanted to open a wine bar in the space. And for what? PACC told this business owner that it had done a survey that showed residents wanted an Applebees! Yeah, right. This weekend, Clinton Hill Blog reported a rumor that PACC had recently shown the space to North Fork Bank. At least the nabe does need a bank (more than an Applebees), but, geez, turning down someone with a proven track record who wants to put an upscale establishment in this crappy stretch of Fulton? If the organization takes the credit of low-income renters and buyers, surely it can rent to a local business.
Store Rumors [Clinton Hill Blog]
Future of Bodegas & Liquors Thrown Into Question [Brownstoner]
Corner of Clinton and Fulton Up for Grabs [Brooklyn Record]
I suppose the comment about soliciting the Whitman/Ingersoll tenants was flippant since they do not live near this location, rather near Myrtle Avenue, which has its own lack of amenities issues near the projects per the latest meetings with Tish James.
With an Applebees at the corner of Fulton and Flatbush, one going at Restoration Plaza, it appears that Applebees thinks they need a franchise outlet every few subway stops. I don’t thinkg so and think the neighborhood, all of it, would benefit from an independent restaurant or other amenities.
As for the BID, I doubt that any of the businesses (eg Kush, Joloffe, Outpost, Brown Betty, Olivino, the new hair place by Olivino, the new Skin Care Spa on Fulton and Grand etc.) would object to the minimal contribution as it would help their businesses by making Fulton more welcoming for pedestrians. The only ones who would likely object would be the dirty bodegas that allow the drug dealers to ply their trade in front (probably receive payments) and who almost never sweep their sidewalks or pick up trash. Not all of the bodegas are like that, but most on this stretch, unfortunately are.
The PACC is behing the BID proposal, so they do goog things overall in my opinion. I just think they are misguided in this particular Applebees proposal.
Dear 2:31 PM, what is Applebee’s nationally recognized for? I am really not trying to be a wiseass, but Applebee’s is a chain with mediocre to awful food. It won’t be good for the few surrounding restaurants. It won’t be good for me and anybody who doesn’t like cheese covered baked potatoes. I wonder if you get chain store corner
thing going where we get Taco bell, Chevy’s, Chili’s and a few other E Coli emporiums. You won’t be able to recognize the menus from those in Kansas City or Little Rock or any mall.
What is the PACC outfit anyway? I hate them already.
How about considering the needs of those who live in the area and pay taxes (that subsidize the affordable housing that PACC buils) ahead of people passing through for a Nets game, 2:31?
Fulton and Clinton is 2 blocks away from the soon to be approved Atlantic Yards.
PACC has a prime opportunity to attract people to of that part of Fulton. What better way than a nationally recognized name?
Right now that area is dead. Wouldnt foot traffic help all the local businesses?
I like CHP’s suggestion: Allow the chains in one or two areas, but keep them out of the rest of Brooklyn.
Look, I am no fan of Applebee’s or (TGIF, for that matter)…but given that there is an Applebee’s at Restoration, why add one here?! The thing that I love about brooklyn is that there aren’t a whole bunch of chains. It consists of primarily neighborhood establishments (once you get past the fast food joints).
Alright…so who on PACC owns stock or is friends with someone at corporate headquarters?
okay perhaps I stand alone on this one but I think Boca Soul didn’t have consistent customers because their service and quality of food was not consistent. I’d gone there a few times and they catered a Dance Africa event at BAM that JPMorgan and some other IBanks sponsored and the food was good but I’ve gone in there and the food was cold and even when the food is hot it takes them 45 minutes to bring it to you when more often than not you’d be the only customer in there. I think it probably is poor management because there’s definitely potential so perhaps a move is much better than closing altogether. as far as what should go in this space there is an applebees in restoration plaza isn’t that close enough? as much as I don’t eat there I don’t really have a problem with applebees but do we really need that many? I think someone mentioned a bookstore earlier and that would certainly be a good look. also, I think it was a good point to mention that the health effects of some of these food joints is the last thing the black community needs when genetically we’re already screwed. how about a food exchage co-op thingy like Park Slope or a healthfood store or a decent affordable gym?
lp,
maybe pacc actually spoke to the residents of Whitman/Ingersoll Houses and they said they want casual and accessible restaurant?
We also heard this weekend that alot of the stores on this stretch are refusing to ante up the $80 a month for the Fulton BID. This money would be used to increase the number of trash cans, street cleaning and security.