[The Future of Public Space] BQGreen: a park out of thin air

When the past is fraught and the present is unsure - we look to the future. North Brooklyn Parks Alliance is proud to present a three-part discussion this fall on infrastructure projects that will shape our future public space.

The first of three talks kicked off during Open House New York Weekend (10/17) and featured Greenpoint's newest park, Under the K. Curious New Yorkers joined a virtual panel to hear how an otherwise an abandoned, inaccessible industrial section of Brooklyn was transformed into a soaring seven-acre El-space that is unlike any park in New York City.

For our second panel, Bushwick Inlet Park (11/12), we will celebrate New York as a global river city, examining Brooklyn's historic 2005 waterfront rezoning in the age of climate change, as well as the creation (and complexities) of a new 27-acre park along the East River. And for our last panel, we do what New Yorkers do best: we look at an ambitious concept that many will say is impossible; and we see nothing but possibilities -- BQGreen (12/08).

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Speaker bios:
Kenny Denny Horowitz is the Executive Director at the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance. She leads the only park's conservatory with a district-wide mandate.

Teresa Gonzalez was born and raised in Williamsburg Brooklyn. She is a partner at Bolton St. Johns and the co-founder of DalyGonzalez. She helps institutions build and increase capacity, establish meaningful partnerships, and navigate complex government and community issues. Lucky for us, she also sits on our board.

Frances Lucerna is a pioneer of community-driven arts and education. In 1982 she co-founded El Puente, a nationally recognized, human rights organization dedicated to nurturing indigenous leadership and promoting self-determination. In 1993 she became the Founding Principal of the El Puente Academy for Peace & Justice, the first public school in the nation dedicated to Human Rights. Frances also sits on our board.

Diana Reyna knocks down barriers. For over twenty years she has worked on behalf of the Brooklyn and Queens communities serving as the Deputy Brooklyn Borough President (2014-2017), a New York City Council Member for the 34th Council District (2001-2013), and Female District Leader/State Committee Member (2000) in the 53rd Assembly District. Since leaving politics she founded Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting and she really wants to get the BQGreen built.

Jonathan Vazcones serves as M&T Bank’s Regional Community Reinvestment Act Officer for Metro New York area as well as manages the M&T Charitable Foundation’s grants to non-profits servicing low-to-moderate income communities in New York City and Long Island.

Melvin Estrella is a cinematographer and an award-winning producer. His films enjoy prestigious premiers and worldwide distribution. However, as a kid who grew up on the Southside, it was his involvement with the recently re-released 1984 documentary Los Sures, about a pre-gentrified Latino community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, that's still hard to beat.

Vaughn Perry is the Equitable Development Manager of the 11th Street Bridge Park. A D.C. native, Vaughn has been a resident and homeowner in Ward 8 for over 16 years. Vaughn’s research interests focus on ecojustice pedagogies, community engagement, and green job/skill development.

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2020 Fall Panel Series
THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC SPACE: Infrastructure projects in North Brooklyn

10/17 Under the K: keep calm and finish the park
11/12 Bushwick Inlet Park: where are we now?
12/08 BQGreen: a park out of thin air

[nbkparks]

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