Fall Greenway Fete a Success!

On November 4th, an exuberant crowd of nearly 200 supporters of Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) gathered at FIND Home Furnishings to celebrate the progress being made on the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. There was plenty of room to spread out and raise spirits and funds for the Greenway in FIND's expansive 10,000 square foot showroom at 9th Street and the Gowanus Canal. Local restaurants provided drinks and food for BGI's 2^nd annual fall benefit, and the Hot Johnsons kept lively music going all evening.

Guests enjoying food from Lilla Cafe

At the event, Council Members Brad Lander and Steve Levin were recognized for securing BGI's first-ever City Council funding.

"I am honored to be able to help support the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway," said Council Member Levin. "I am lucky enough to represent a large portion of the Brooklyn waterfront. As a Greenpoint resident, I know how important it is to increase waterfront access in Greenpoint and throughout Brooklyn. I look forward to utilizing the active space that the Greenway will provide, as well as riding my bike along the waterfront and enjoying the spectacular views."

Council Member Steve Levin

Council Member Lander added, "I am pleased to support the Brooklyn Greenway, which will be not just a recreational resource for joggers, walkers and bikers alike, but a key neighborhood revitalization tool and important piece of transportation infrastructure in our waterfront communities."

Waste Management was acknowledged for its generous support of BGI's ongoing monthly stewardship programs, as well as for funding a special native grass restoration project. This restoration, at BGI's Adopt-a-Highway site adjacent to the Williamsburg Street West segment of the greenway, took place in partnership with the Horticultural Society of New York's Green Team.

BGI also thanked its major event sponsors, including aptsandlofts.com, Con Edison, FIND Home Furnishings, Industry City Associates and S Clubs Fitness Spa & Lifestyle.

BGI Co-founders Brian McCormick and Meg Fellerath announcing raffle winners

The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway is a planned 14 mile, off-street, landscaped route for cyclists and pedestrians from Greenpoint through Sunset Park. Public benefits will include increased waterfront access, more diverse transportation and active recreation options, and increased economic development

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is a 501c3 non-profit organization planning for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway and its long-term stewardship. This year, BGI has co-sponsored two series of community planning workshops with the New York City Department of Transportation, all part of the process to develop a Master Plan for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway.

Photos courtesy of Oi Ling Hu via BGI

For more information check out BGI's website here