DATE CHANGED: EARTH DAY FESTIVAL IN KENSINGTON OFFERS ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

The festival ate has been moved to Sunday, April 26th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., due to the expectation of rain, but the community cleanup will still take place on Saturday, April 25th, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.

 

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Kensington Earth Day Festival

Saturday, April 25th

11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

From New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif, District 39:

Join us on April 25 for a day of Earth Day activities across the district! 

 

10 AM – 12 PM: Community Clean Up

Join the Sanitation Foundation, D39 Clean Up Crew, and Council Member Shahana Hanif to help keep our neighborhood clean. Sign up to volunteer for the community cleanup! 

 

11 AM – 2 PM: Community & Arts in Kensington Plaza

Join the D39 Youth Leadership Council, Council Member Shahana Hanif, Street Lab, NOCD-NY, Materials for the Arts, and Big Reuse for creative, hands-on activities that bring neighbors together and celebrate a greener, more equitable future. 

 

Activities include: creating a community quilt reflecting migration stories, writing a collective poem about climate change, collaging and crafting paper flowers, and more

 

Free giveaways:

Mini compost bags, food scrap containers, vegetable and herb seeds, doggie bags, retractable leashes, and portable water bowls.

 

Electronics donation drive:

Bring old electronics to be repurposed into youth art projects. Accepted items include printers, fax machines, DVD/VCR/CD players, electronic toys, and gear-based devices (e.g., record players, slide projectors, typewriters). Please note: No AC units, refrigerators,computers, laptops, TVs, or monitors.

 

1 PM – 4 PM: Earth Day in Albemarle Playground

Join Flutura Effect, the PS 230 Green Team, and Singing Winds for hands-on gardening, environmental science and engineering activities for children and families. Learn about urban heat islands, build a model wind turbine, and plant seeds to take home!

Kensington Plaza is a pedestrian plaza in front of 114 Beverley Road, between E. 2nd Street and McDonald Avenue (map).

 

Albemarle Playground is on McDonald Avenue, between Albemarle Road and Caton Avenue (map). 

TAKING CARE OF KENSINGTON'S STREET TREES (FREE)

 

Street Tree Care

Saturday, March 21st

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Trees are vital to human existence. They give off the oxygen that we inhale. They store the carbon dioxide that we exhale, which helps slow the buildup of that gas in our atmosphere. They remove particulate matter from the air--that kind of air pollution is the most dangerous for our lungs.

 

Also, they provide shade. And they're beautiful. So, let's help the trees help us and the world that we live in.

 

To help clean, weed, and care for street trees in our neighborhood, meet up with Friends of Albemarle Playground from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21st.

 

Sponsoring this event are The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, Big Reuse, Flutura Effect, The Singing Winds, the New York City Council District 39 Tree Care Team, and Shahana Hanif, the New York City Councilmember for District 39.

 

Location

Albemarle Playground

McDonald Avenue

between Albemarle Road and Caton Avenue

Kensington, Brooklyn 

REPORT DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS TO CITY COUNCILMEMBER SHAHANA HANIF

From the March 8th District Newsletter of New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif:

During the first half of 2024, 92% of pedestrian fatalities at intersections occurred where there were no daylighting measures, and 100% occurred at intersections without physical daylighting to prevent cars from parking up to the crosswalk.

 

I have long supported Universal Daylighting, a street safety measure advocates have pushed to implement citywide. Daylighting keeps the space nearest to intersections clear of parked cars so pedestrians and drivers can see one another before entering a crosswalk.

 

By improving visibility and reducing blind spots at corners, it addresses one of the most common causes of crashes. It is one of the simplest, most cost-effective tools available to prevent injuries and save lives.

 

I am proud to cosponsor Intro 0511, legislation that would mandate universal daylighting at every intersection citywide.

 

While “universal daylighting” may sound ambitious, our neighbors across the Hudson in Hoboken have implemented it broadly—and have seen dramatic reductions in traffic injuries and fatalities as a result.

In addition, my bill, Intro 1335, which would require DOT to proactively identify dangerous intersections and install curb extensions, was heard at the hearing.

 

Curb extensions are physical infrastructure that shortens crossing distances, improves visibility, and slows turning vehicles. These proven, permanent safety upgrades protect pedestrians without relying solely on signage or paint.

 

Daylighting, curb extensions, protected bike lanes, bus priority, and traffic calming are not isolated policies. They are interconnected tools within a comprehensive street safety strategy. When implemented together, and at the scale our city requires, they save lives.

 

If there are intersections in District 39 where visibility is poor or safety improvements are overdue, please contact our office at district39@council.nyc.gov. Your advocacy shapes this work.

 

MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS ARE ALL INVITED TO A MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY IFTAR TO BREAK FAST (FREE, OPEN TO ALL)

presents

Monday, March 16th, 6:30pm

Join us for a multicultural community Iftar in Kensington, Brooklyn! The event is in-person, free of charge and open to all.

RSVP HERE!

Update: sold out. ----------------------------------------  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kensington-community-iftar-2026-tickets-1983393529438   Ramadan Kareem! Break fast with your Muslim neighbors and celebrate and learn about Ramadan. Join friends and neighbors at P.S. 179 in Kensington, Brooklyn to taste food from around the world as Muslim artists share their work. The Iftar is co-sponsored with ArtBuilt, NOCD-NY, NIA Beacon @ PS 179, and New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif. Date: Monday, March 16, 6:30pm. Doors open at 6:00pm. Location: PS 179, 202 Avenue C in Kensington, Brooklyn Please RSVP. It is very helpful for us to make sure we have enough food for everyone. Your info will not be shared. Schedule: 6:00pm - Doors open 6:30pm - Opening remarks 7:04pm - Dinner is served at sundown 7:30pm - Program with Muslim artists artwork: Sabrina Malik

This event is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the NYC Council and a grant from Brooklyn Org

JOB OPENINGS IN CITY COUNCILMEMBER SHAHANA HANIF'S OFFICE

The jobs of District Director and Kensington Community Liaison are open in the office of New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif. Apply now.

 

From Councilmember Hanif: 

Join Our Team!

Current Job Openings

District Director 
The District Director leads the Constituent Services team, manages district-wide initiatives such as Participatory Budgeting, District 39’s Youth Leadership Council, and various community events, and serves as the Council Member’s primary representative within the district.

For more details 

 

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Matthew Malloy at mmalloy@council.nyc.gov with Subject Line: [Your Name] [Job Title] Application

Kensington Community Liaison

The Kensington Community Liaison for Council Member Shahana Hanif (District 39) will serve as the primary point of contact for Kensington residents. The Liaison will help address community concerns, support neighbors in navigating city services, and lead organizing efforts to elevate local issues. Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, this role will coordinate community outreach, respond to constituent requests, and build strong relationships with community leaders and organizations.

This is a part-time position, with up to 25 hours per week.

 

For more details

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to Matthew Malloy at mmalloy@council.nyc.gov with Subject Line: [Your Name] [Job Title] Application

TREE CARE EVENT IN KENSINGTON (FREE)

Tree Care

Saturday, October 25th

10:00 a.m. to noon

 

Trees are vital to human existence. They help us breathe by emitting oxygen and by cleaning the air. Let's help them help us.

 

From The Kensington Stewards:

We're hosting a tree care event this Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10 am to 12 noon, at 283 East 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218. Come meet your neighbors. 

 

We're partnered with Big Reuse and City Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, of District 39, to beautify Kensington and connect neighbors in volunteer work.

Location

283 E. 5th Street 

between Albemarle Road and Caton Avenue (closer to Albemarle)

Kensington, Brooklyn 

CANCELED: TRICK-OR-STREETS IN KENSINGTON PLAZA (FREE)

 

Update: canceled due to rain. 

 

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Trick-or-Streets 

Thursday, October 30th

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

 

Trick-or-Streets is a festive, city-wide Halloween and harvest-themed series of celebrations spread over a two-week period. This is its fourth season. 

 

The New York City Department of Transportation and its community partners will transform 137 Open Streets, pedestrian plazas, and other corridors for the festivities.

The date for Kensington's Trick-or-Streets celebration in Kensington Plaza is Thursday, October 30th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will feature a pop-up from Street Lab.

New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif's Office is sponsoring Kensington's event.

Location

Kensington Plaza

Beverley Road, from E. 2nd Street to Church Avenue

Kensington, Brooklyn

COMMUNITY CLEANUP ON CHURCH AVENUE (FREE)

Street Cleanup Volunteer Project

Saturday, June 28th

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

 

From New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif:

Join the District 39 Cleanup Crew to help keep our streets clean on Saturday, 6/28, in Kensington. Meet at the intersection of Church and McDonald Avenues at 9 AM, and the crew will work their way towards East 5th Street. 

Gloves, trash pickers, and bags will be provided to those who need them, though you're welcome to bring any tools you may have. 

All are welcome, and RSVPs are encouraged at this Eventbrite link.

If you have any questions about the cleanup, send an e-mail to district39cleanupcrew@gmail.com. 

 

FREE BICYCLE HELMETS WILL BE FITTED AND DISTRIBUTED

 

Free Helmets

Sunday, June 22nd

10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

The New York City Department of Transportation partners with organizations and City Councilmembers to host free helmet fitting events across New York City. At these events, more than 350,000 free bicycle helmets have been provided to New Yorkers.

 

Bicycle helmets will be fitted and distributed for free in Kensington Plaza on Sunday, June 22nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., under the sponsorship of New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif. 

 

A bike repair station for minor tune-ups will be offered.

 

Helmets are available for all ages while supplies last. You must be at the event in order to get a helmet, and you have to learn how to properly fit and wear it before it will be given to you.

 

Adults over the age of eighteen who receive a helmet have to sign a waiver, and a parent or legal guardian has to be present to sign a waiver for children under the age of eighteen. 

 

The helmet law 

• Recreational Cyclists: All children up to age 14 are required by New York State law to wear bike helmets certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). All bicycle riders up to age 14 must wear approved helmets.
• Commercial Cyclists: New York City law requires all commercial cyclists to wear securely fastened, properly fitted helmets that are in good condition. Employers are required to ensure that their commercial cyclists wear helmets. 

Location

Kensington Plaza

114 Beverley Road

between E. 2nd Street and McDonald Avenue

Kensington, Brooklyn

(map)

 

BIKE DAY IN PROSPECT PARK: A COMMUNITY DAY OF CYCLING (FREE)

Bike Day in Prospect Park

Saturday, May 31st

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Bike Day in Prospect Park, a community day of cycling, promotes safer streets and stronger community connections.

Prospect Park Alliance has organized Bike Day for Saturday, May 31st, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Featured activities and education materials will include

• Children’s bicycle helmet and bike light giveaways, while supplies last
• Bike infrastructure conversations
• Cyclist protocol and safety conversations
• Free minor bicycle repairs
• NYC bicycle maps
• Delivery worker support and protocol
• Children’s bike-related projects
• Adult Group Rides (registration required)
• Children’s Learn-to-Ride workshop (registration required)
• Navigating different kinds of cyclists

Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bike-day-in-prospect-park-tickets-1349172995749 for

• General Registration
• "Rules of the Road" class on Zoom on Wednesday, May 28th, for adults and mature teens
• Children’s Learn-to-Ride Workshop
• Adult Group Rides

Location

Bartel-Pritchard Square entrance to Prospect Park

Prospect Park West at 15th Street

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn 

(map)

ARROW LINEN COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED ON ZOOM AND IN PERSON (FREE)

 

Discussion on the Arrow Linen

Community Benefits Agreement 

Tuesday, March 25th

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

From Community Board 7:

There will be a joint committee meeting with CB7's Housing and Land Use/Landmarks Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 25 @ 6:00 p.m. at the CB7 Office located at 4201 4th Avenue (enter on 43rd Street & 4th Avenue).

Agenda:
Discussion on the Arrow Linen Community Benefits Agreement with Council Member Shahana Hanif and Fifth Avenue Committee Executive Director Michelle de la Uz

*Please note that Councilmember Hanif and the Fifth Avenue Committee will be attending virtually.

You can attend in person or register to attend via Zoom as an attendee: https://bit.ly/4iqOQQP.

You can view the joint committee meeting on the Brooklyn Community Board 7's YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3uQlAtq. 

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Community Benefits Agreement details:

"Council Member Hanif explains the various components of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) and additional commitments made by the developer for the Arrow Linen rezoning project.

• Over half of affordable units will be two and three-bedroom apartments

• Subsidized community space for Sakhi for South Asian survivors and a local childcare center

• Creation of a construction task force to ensure accountability and minimize disruption

• Partnership with 32BJ SEIU for job creation

• Green roof and flood mitigation measures"

• Fifth Avenue Committee as the CBA administrative partner
  

Location

on Zoom

and at the

Community Board 7 Office

4201 4th Avenue (entrance on 43rd Street)

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

phone: (718) 854-0003

fax: (718) 436-1142

bk07 @ cb.nyc.gov

http://www1.nyc.gov/site/brooklyncb7/index.page

https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynCB7

SAFE STREETS: WINDSOR TERRACE COMMUNITY WORKSHOP FOR SAFE STREETS (FREE)

Windsor Terrace Community Workshop

for Safe Streets

Monday, April 7th

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

From Transportation Alternatives

Dear Neighbors,

We’re reaching out to invite you to a Windsor Terrace Safe Streets Workshop focused on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in the neighborhood.

 

Your perspective is invaluable, and we would love for you to share your thoughts and ideas on how we can make our streets safer and more accessible.

Date: Monday, April 7
Time: 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Location: 500 19th St., school cafeteria (use MS442 main entrance)

RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/transalt/event/758966/

Email: Brooklyn@transalt.org

Workshop partners: Council Member Shahana Hanif, Assemblymember Robert Carroll, K280, MS442, BUGS

Let's ensure that our streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities. This workshop is your chance to have a direct impact on the future of our community’s infrastructure.

At the workshop, we’ll discuss:

 

• dangerous intersections and areas that need design improvements as well as crossing guards,

• better pedestrian pathways and safer bike lanes, and

• ways to make our streets safer for everyone in the neighborhood.

Please let us know if you can make it, and spread the word among your neighbors, if you'd like.

 

If you can't attend the workshop but want to let us know which intersections or corridors in Windsor Terrace you feel need safety improvements, please send us your comments.

Best,

Kathy 

Kathy Park Price (she/her)

Brooklyn Organizer

Transportation Alternatives

Tel (646) 873-6038

@TransAlt | @kathyparkprice

https://bsky.app/profile/transalt.org 

https://transalt.org/ 

Location

M.S. 442 Cafeteria

500 19th Street

between Prospect Park West and 10th Avenue

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn 

(formerly the location of Bishop Ford High School) 

MULTICULTURAL INTERFAITH COMMUNITY IFTAR IN KENSINGTON, FREE AND OPEN TO ALL

Kensington Community Iftar

Tuesday, March 18th

6:00 pm. to 8:30 p.m.

From Arts & Democracy:

Join us for a multicultural community Iftar in Kensington, Brooklyn! The event is in-person, free of charge and open to all.

rvsp here

Ramadan Kareem! Break fast with your Muslim neighbors and celebrate and learn about Ramadan. Join friends and neighbors at PS 179 in Kensington, Brooklyn to taste food from around the world as Muslim artists share their work. Co-sponsored with ArtBuilt, NOCD-NY, NIA Beacon @ PS 179, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and NYC Councilmember Shahana Hanif Date: Tuesday March 18, 6:30pm. Doors open at 6:00pm. Location: PS 179, 202 Avenue C in Kensington, Brooklyn Please RSVP. It is very helpful for us to make sure we have enough food for everyone. Your info will not be shared. Schedule: 6:00pm - Doors open 6:30pm - Opening remarks 7:06pm - Dinner is served at sundown 7:30pm - Program with Muslim artists artwork: Sabrina Malik

This event is supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the NYC Council and Brooklyn Org