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Editorial Contact: Liana Hawes
The Hawes Group
718-855-9854
liana@hawesgroup.com

Atlantic Avenue Garners Three Awards in
"Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest"

Brooklyn, NY - August 9, 2004 - The commercial block on Atlantic Avenue between Nevins and Third Avenue in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn was voted "Greenest Block in Brooklyn" (Commercial Category). The award was announced on July 28, as the Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest, sponsored by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in partnership with the Brooklyn Borough President and Independence Community Foundation, wound up. Sponsored by the AaNT Association of the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation, the Atlantic/Nevins/Third block competed with more than 224 registered blocks including 36 other commercial entrants. Second Place in the Commercial Category was a neighboring block on Atlantic between Nevins and Bond that was sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Block Association. First place for "Greenest Storefront" went to Brawta Caribbean Café located on Atlantic Avenue at Hoyt Street, entered by the Hoyt Street Victory Block Association.

These triumphs reinforce the image of Atlantic Avenue as a renaissance street -- fast becoming Brooklyn's most aesthetically pleasing retail corridor. Design, color and maintenance were contest criteria. Demonstrated enthusiasm, teamwork, and talent for how to position the right plants in just the right place made the difference. The greening was conducted by merchants and residents who focused on mixing ivy, flowering plants and street trees with planters spilling over with colorful annuals on to Atlantic Avenue, giving a sense of lush summer in the big city.

According to Karen Zebulon, owner of the Gumbo store and the Greening Coordinator for AaNT Association, winner in the Commercial Category, "The beauty of the block is of course a great pleasure for everyone, but the greatest reward has been the sense of community and pride that has developed as a result of joining together for this contest." As the only greening contest that emphasizes the streetscape, the yearly contest has become a lively competition between scores of Brooklyn residents committed to block beautification and making Brooklyn "green.

The Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest is a project of Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Brooklyn GreenBridge Program and Borough President Marty Markowitz, and is sponsored by Independence Community Foundation. The contest offers local residents the opportunity to gain the educational power found in the programs at the Botanic Garden and the value of good information that is in turn, shared with the neighbors. For a full list of winners visit www.bbg.org/greenbridge.

The Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC) is a not-for-profit organization committed to the economic development of Atlantic Avenue from Brooklyn's East River waterfront to Flatbush Avenue. Atlantic Avenue is a historic district and popular destination for antiques, collectibles, mid-east imports, specialty shops and home design. For photos and more information about Atlantic Avenue contact the AALDC at 718-875-8993 or email: atlanticave@atlanticave.org

FIRST PLACE Atlantic Avenue between Nevins and Third Avenue in the Boerum Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn was voted "Greenest Block in Brooklyn" (Commercial Category). Photo Credit: Doug Webb	SECOND PLACE Second Place in the Commercial Category was the block on Atlantic between Nevins and Bond. This is the gorgeous front yard of the Belarusian Church on Atlantic and Bond. Photo Credit: Doug Webb
For more pictures, click HERE