Dine, MEND, Workout

Throughout this pandemic, the issue of small businesses has been, whether through macro-scale policy and assistance, locally organized support or questions of how to reopen, a big one. Of course, we want them to remain as part of our city…

Throughout this pandemic, the issue of small businesses has been, whether through macro-scale policy and assistance, locally organized support or questions of how to reopen, a big one. Of course, we want them to remain as part of our city and community and be good and prosperous neighbors. 

The city’s Office of Nightlife took a step in that direction with the announcement of the MEND initiative(Mediating Establishment and Neighbor Disputes) which will work to resolve quality of life issues in our community and across the city. Given my experience as a former chair of our permits and licenses committee, before not only having been superseded but surpassed by the current chair, Rachel Freeman, I know having a localized office to deal with such issues is excellent. If it works as intended, it’ll be mutually beneficial to improve the quality of life for neighbors while potentially reducing violations and fines at a time when businesses can least afford them.

I am not alone, I spoke to former councilman Rafael Espinal whose legislation created this office, and he made clear that the goal is to create a space where communities and nightlife can resolve issues without the need for police or enforcement agency involvement. I’m excited and hopeful that this will fulfill its promise. 

Speaking of helping small businesses check out “Dine in PARK Slope,” which starts tonight and runs through August 28th. Thank you to all of those who worked to organize and maintain this annual tradition. Kudos the Park Slope 5th Avenue and the North Flatbush BIDs.

To work up, an appetite read the items below and enjoy the rest of your Monday.

This is the web archive of a newsletter originally sent by email to Brooklyn Community Board 6 subscribers on Monday, August 17, 2020. The email edition may contain additional event listings and links.