Brooklyn News

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VOICES of NYC: Black Businesses Get NYC's Scraps

In this VOICES of NYC commentary, Sam Blackwell, lifelong Brooklynite and Political Director of NYCPolitics.com, argues that New York City's contracting system has consistently failed Black-owned businesses. Drawing on Comptroller reports and City Council testimony, Blackwell examines procurement disparities across multiple mayoral administrations and questions whether existing M/WBE programs deliver meaningful economic opportunities. He calls for stronger independent oversight, greater transparency, timely payments, and changes to city contracting practices to improve opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.

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Brooklyn Dems Party Leader Calls for Unity Against Trump

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas, Chair of the Kings County Democratic Party, is calling for greater cooperation among Democrats in Brooklyn and across New York State ahead of the November election. Lucas criticized President Donald Trump's remarks about New York officials, including Attorney General Letitia James, and expressed concern about the impact of Republican economic policies on working families. She urged Democratic leaders to focus on rising housing, grocery and utility costs while pursuing legislation intended to provide financial relief. Lucas also emphasized cooperation among elected officials, district leaders and community organizations. Her statement calls for greater civic participation and access to accurate election information so residents can make informed decisions.

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NYC Begins Brooklyn Bus Lane and Safety Redesign

New York City has started work on a major redesign of Bay Parkway and Cropsey Avenue intended to improve bus service and street safety for 35,000 daily riders in Brooklyn. The project will add offset and curbside bus lanes along Bay Parkway from Avenue J to Shore Parkway and Cropsey Avenue from Bay Parkway to 26th Avenue. The improvements will benefit riders of the B6 and B82, two of Brooklyn's busiest bus routes, as well as the X28 and X38. NYC DOT will also install 18 new median islands, pedestrian improvements and dedicated left-turn lanes at 14 intersections. Bus speeds currently fall as low as three miles per hour on portions of Bay Parkway, according to the city. New York City Government

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NYC Begins $17.8M Brooklyn Music School Renovation

New York City has started a $17.8 million renovation of a historic Cobble Hill firehouse that will become the first permanent home of the Noel Pointer Foundation. The 6,000-square-foot building at 299 DeGraw Street, originally constructed in 1857, will be transformed into a modern music education facility with soundproofed lesson rooms, a recording studio, music library, gallery, ensemble space and courtyard. The foundation provides music education and performance opportunities to young people across the five boroughs and currently serves more than 2,000 children annually. Its new Brooklyn headquarters will support expanded after-school, weekend and summer programs while restoring significant elements of the former Engine Company 204 firehouse. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2028.

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Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas Elected Brooklyn Party Chair

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas was elected Chair of the Kings County Democratic Party and is calling for unity, expanded participation and a stronger Democratic Party focused on communities across Brooklyn.

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NYC Artists Can Now Apply for Grants Up to $10,000

New York City is doubling the maximum amount available through city-funded grants for individual artists and small nonprofits, increasing awards from $5,000 to as much as $10,000 for the first time in nearly two decades. The Department of Cultural Affairs provides the funding through local partners in each borough, supporting filmmakers, musicians, dancers, writers, painters and other creative professionals. Applications are currently open in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan and Queens, while Staten Island's application cycle will begin in November. The city is also expanding support through Materials for the Arts, giving current artist grantees dedicated opportunities to obtain free supplies. Eligibility requirements and application deadlines vary by borough.

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NYC Upgrades Brooklyn Bridge Bike Route in Brooklyn

NYC DOT is beginning work on major bike lane upgrades connecting Brooklyn neighborhoods to the Brooklyn Bridge, where an average of 5,625 cyclists cross each day. The project will redesign Adams Street and Boerum Place between Bergen and Front streets, ultimately creating just over a mile of upgraded cycling infrastructure from Boerum Hill to DUMBO. A two-way protected bike path will replace portions of the existing standard bike lane, which the agency says is frequently blocked by illegally parked vehicles. Work beginning in 2026 will focus on the section between Atlantic Avenue and Tillary Street, with additional improvements planned for 2027. NYC DOT announced the project as part of its annual Biketober cycling initiative.

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NYC Begins $40M Box Street Park in Greenpoint

Construction has begun on the $40 million Box Street Park in Greenpoint, advancing a project envisioned for the North Brooklyn waterfront more than two decades ago. The 2.5-acre park will transform a former MTA facility along Newtown Creek into public green space featuring an elevated esplanade, ADA-accessible pathways, gardens, a lawn, basketball court, picnic area, dog runs and public restroom. The project will also connect with waterfront esplanades on either side of the site, helping close a gap along the northern Greenpoint waterfront. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2028. The park is planned to eventually expand by another half-acre following the relocation of an MTA facility.

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Nikki Lucas Announces Dem Chair Bid

Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas has issued the following statement announcing her candidacy to serve as the next Chair of the Kings County Democratic Party: