Society for Clinton Hill Meeting Notes

Brownstoner reader “Alex” reports on Wednesday night’s Society for Clinton Hill meeting…The first part of the evening was devoted to three upcoming events: The Fort Greene Association House Tour, on Sunday, May 7 from noon until 5 pm will include the Williamsburgh Savings Bank as well as a selection of homes that purposefully offers both period and modern examples. Brownstone Brooklyn Garden Tour, to take place on Sunday June 4 from 11 am until 5 pm. This tour will feature about 15 gardens in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Prospect Heights, including one contiguous garden space spanning three backyards, with a river (or more aptly a stream) running through it. The “SONYA Stroll” (SONYA = South of the Navy Yard Artists assocation). Another annual event, this is a tour of artists’ galleries/works in the neighborhood. Good news is that it is free! The Tour will take place on May 20/21.

The meeting also featured an update by Dr. Tom Schutte, the president of Pratt Institute, on Pratt’s state of affairs. Discussion ensued on various topics, including the Myrtle BID (and the efforts of the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project to have a voice in the nature of development along Myrtle – MARP has come a long way since its early days, when the mission focused on trash and graffiti clean-up), the success of the Pratt Bookstore (having more mainstream [i.e., not all arts-centered] books is under consideration), and the future of the old Adami hardware store – Dr. Schutte confirmed that a bank has purchased that building. One can only wish the same for Fulton Street. I found the most interesting portion of Dr. Schutte’s presentation to be his response to an audience question on the fate of the Pratt-owned mansion at 275 Washington Avenue. The property and its accompanying carriage house, according to Dr. Schutte, is for sale. Dr. Schutte took responsibility for the under-maintained state of the building (which was initially purchased as part of Pratt’s attempt to use neighborhood space as dormitories) and told the audience that Pratt is sensitive to development concerns involving the property and would take the intent, and past actions, of bidders into consideration when accepting an offer. So the building looks to have a bright future. I’d settle for the carriage house.

Finally, one point to note, the CHS is actively pursing an expansion of the Clinton Hill Historic District (from past meetings, I believe the goal is, among other things, to expand as appropriate south of Fulton), and is always looking for volunteers in that very labor intensive effort.