Williamsburg Brooklyn History

The Non-Plan Plan: The North Brooklyn Creative Economy Zone

Harvey, who moved to Greenpoint in ’85 and Williamsburg in ’04, believes residents can take measures toward creating a better system that works for, and benefits everyone, rather than the one-dimensional model to be set in place. “There’s no idea to sell; this is the reality,” Harvey said of his non-plan “plan.”

Rather than perpetuating the seemingly outdated “live in Brooklyn, work in Manhattan” system, Harvey thinks Williamsburg, “where all the creative people live,” deserves, and is ready for, a new model. “Being here since ’85, you see what the neighborhood is. I love that it’s this really diverse community that’s fluid; that’s part of the joy of it. Six, eight years ago I started thinking, ‘With the changes that are coming, it’s going to be difficult for the new creatives to fit into this tapestry.’”

He added, “There’s development coming; that’s the reality, however one feels about that. Can we shape what’s coming to include creative people, multi-ethnic cultural diversity and economic diversity? Can we create places where people who live here can work here, become part of the fabric of the community, not be commuters and become invested in this wonderful place that they want to be in, that they came to because of its history?”

We can, according to Harvey’s proposed solution. Harvey suggests the development of “multi-spaces”—layered buildings comprised of housing units, workspaces and retail shops, in hopes of creating a “you build it, they will come” type of effect. By incorporating living and work spaces in new constructions, Harvey believes the need to commute to Manhattan for work can be eliminated, keeping creative resources in North Brooklyn. Designating these areas as “Creative Economic Zones” and including business incubators in these zones will ultimately lead to greater opportunities for a wider range of people. “People want to be here; everybody on the planet under fifty wants to be here! It’s here, and it has been for fifteen, twenty years. We’ve suffered from this kind of second-rate mentality, like, ‘You have to go to Manhattan to be validated as an artist; you have to go to Manhattan to be validated as a filmmaker,’” Harvey said. “It’s not true.

The Weekend Shortlist June 24 to 26 – Short and Sweet NYC

Which will most likely see the duo blend jazz, dub, and bossa nova among other things that have helped make their records great. Also on board for this one are Raphael Saadiq and the awesome Dam-Funk. Just as much fun as any show and just as big a venue, SEA is one BIG Thai restaurant. Big enough to have a pool surrounded by tables as a giant Buddha stands above it. Luckily, the food is really great. Offering traditional Pad Thai ($7) to more involved dishes like the Mummy Fish ($14). On N6th, a street full of bars and restaurants, Zablozki’s is the local bar of the bunch, with a pool table and a friendly atmosphere and 12 beers on tap. Cafe, bar, restaurant and music venue (Cameo) in the back, Lovin Cup Cafe is an all-in-one that offers up some incredible stoner food like nutella and banana on grilled sourdough ($9), making this a fave joint if you’re in the mood for comfort food with a twist.

Williamsburg

Bulletin of the New York Public Library

Destination culture, tourism, museums, and heritage

Brooklyn daily eagle almanac

History of Brooklyn Jewry