Spring is loading… and not without controversy.

There’s lots of turmoil in the retail arena these days; social media feeds are buzzing with plans for consumer economic boycotts of well-known big-box outlets and companies.

If you’re considering joining the nationwide protests, this is a fantastic time to support small and local businesses. It’s no secret that small business has declined for years now, in the shadow of larger companies taking a huge share of the market. This is an opportunity to take a stand while uplifting local merchants! If you plan to make a conscientious effort to change your spending habits, start with small biz. Spend your dollars and time locally, dining, shopping, and playing at enterprises in your community! And, when possible, use cash, not credit.

Thanks in advance for your continued support!

PLAZA SEASON IS NEAR  

A reminder: NYC public plazas officially open on April 1, so even if we are graced with above-average temps and sunny days in March, our maintenance team will not furnish the FAB Fulton-area plazas (Fowler Square, Gates Avenue, and Jitu Weusi) until that date. You are free to use the City Bench furniture (where installed) for sitting in the sun!

VOLUNTEER IN BROOKLYN, APRIL 26     

A new season is around the corner… why not kick it off with a volunteer project? Brooklyn Org’s annual Volunteer Day is Saturday, April 26, and they’re looking for participants to engage in family-friendly activities at sites all around the borough. And, you can get a free t-shirt! Check out the volunteer opportunities and register here.

WHAT’S NEW 

The FAB Fulton corridor continues to attract promising small, local businesses! Three new Clinton Hill-area ventures recently opened that you should get to know.

IndoMix, a Halal-friendly Indonesian eatery has moved in at 466 Grand Avenue, alongside Oh Sweet Mason. IndoMix features favorites like Beef Rendang and a whole premium bubble and milk tea menu! (Their hours will change slightly during Ramadan; check them out on Instagram for details.)

In late January, CoffeeLand opened its doors on Jitu Weusi Plaza, at 450 Grand Avenue. Located on a sunlit corner, CoffeeLand boasts comfy seating, great wifi, and excellent coffee drinks! Drop by; they’re open daily, 7 am – 6 pm.

And right before we queued up this newsletter for distribution, Ark Bagels & Coffee opened! Located at 1001 Fulton, Ark will be a new neighborhood destination for bagels, pastries, sandwiches, and more.

‘Tis the season: Tax Day is April 15.

Although many federal government changes are afoot, don’t get caught out there — get your taxes done sooner rather than later! There are many community resources around to assist you with forms, questions, and more, almost every day up until the tax deadline!

• If you earned $93,000 or less in 2024, file for FREE with an IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer, through the NYC Free Tax Prep program. There are options to file online and also in person; get details here.

• ImpacctBK has partnered with Community Tax Aid and Ridgewood Savings Bank to assist the community with tax season preparation for individuals with income up to $25,000 and families with income up to $55,000. Dates: March 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th, April 5th, 12th; 9:00am – 2:00pm. No appointment is necessary. Stop by 226 Lefferts Place (at Franklin) in Brooklyn.

• Grow Brooklyn hosts free tax prep workshops for the self-employed, several times each week, through April 15: Mondays, 5:45 – 7:15 pm; Tuesdays, 6 – 7:30 pm; Wednesdays, 11 am – 12:30 pm; and Thursdays, 12 – 1:30 pm. Register here.

• Councilmember Hudson’s office offers free, in-office tax preparation services in partnership with Urban Upbound every Tuesday from 10 am to 4 pm. In-office tax prep is by appointment only, and appointments are currently fully booked. However, you can be placed on a waiting list, should an appointment open up, by calling 718-260-9191.
  
  

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