Last week, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership convened elected officials, civic leaders, and community stakeholders for its annual Legislative Breakfast, an opportunity to connect around shared priorities shaping the future of Downtown Brooklyn.
Hosted at Downtown Brooklyn’s newest residential development, The Brook (567 Fulton St.), the morning began with networking, followed by opening remarks from Downtown Brooklyn President Regina Myer, Ben Gray, Partner at Apollo Global Management, and Aram Marcelle, representing event sponsor, Con Edison.
The program featured a panel discussion moderated by Myer, featuring Assembleymember Jo Anne Simon, State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council, and Councilmember Lincoln Restler.
Left to right: State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assembleymember Jo Anne Simon, Councilmember Lincoln Restler, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Kim Council, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Regina Myer.
The event offered a timely look at the policies, investments, and partnerships influencing Downtown Brooklyn’s continued growth, and the future of New York City. Topics ranged from housing and economic development to public space, infrastructure, small business support, and quality of life.
Given the State’s month-late budget, the holdup was top of mind. Senator Gounardes opined that it was “mind boggling” that budget negotiations can involve everything except actual numbers. One major sticking point, he noted, has been negotiations around a comprehensive framework to protect people from ICE, “because we don’t want to see what has happened in Chicago and Minneapolis to happen here.” AM Simon agreed that, with five weeks left before the legislative session ends, they are trying to get through as many things as possible to wrap everything up, and that the rolling back of climate law was also part of the delay.
CM Restler observed that one of Downtown Brooklyn’s great assets is its higher educational institutions, and shared that the City has begun conversations with NYU about what they can do to think about incubator spaces, engaging the engineering students to think about how they can create more dedicated space for entrepreneurship, “where we can create jobs and more opportunity in the neighborhood.”
The office vacancy rate drew concern amongst panelists and the audience. Attracting new tenants – particularly larger companies – to Downtown Brooklyn was discussed. “We should have more anchor tenants that are taking up lots of space in the hubs of Downtown Brooklyn,” stated Restler. “It’s an incredibly easy place to get to. Every train line comes here, every bus line comes here.”
On housing, completion of the residential at Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park – with affordability – was specifically raised. AM Simon mentioned the challenges of creating workforce housing at the site, and the need for careful vetting as development will require State funding. Also, the need for significant investment in the public realm surrounding Site 5 (Flatbush and Atlantic) is a major concern.
An engaged audience listens as Councilmember Restler takes the mic
Throughout the discussion, a common thread emerged: the importance of collaboration across government, community organizations and the private sector to support and promote a thriving and lively downtown center.
The program concluded with networking, food, and conversation, offering attendees the opportunity to chat directly with the panelists.
The Legislative Breakfast remains a key moment for aligning priorities and strengthening relationships across sectors. As Downtown Brooklyn continues to evolve, these conversations play an important role in shaping a district that works for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors alike.
Community members gather for breakfast, coffee & tea at The Brook before the panel.
