On this week’s show we will take a look at an iconic Brooklyn neighborhood within a neighborhood, Ditmas Park, which is part of the famous Flatbush. My guests will be Jeremy Wilcox, Founder and Owner of Custom NYC Tours, and Dina Rabiner of the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association. ‍

Segment 1

Jeff introduces his first guest Jeremey Wilcox, owner of Custom NYC Tours. Jeremey grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens, and decided to get into the tour business when he found out he had a passion for exploring the city. They begin to discuss the history of Flatbush, which started in the 1600s. The development of Flatbush did not begin until the latter half of the 19th century. Jeff asks Jeremey about the history of Ditmas Park and the first buildings to be built around it, which were mostly country mansions. Jeff and Jeremey discuss how the development of a train yard through Ditmas brought many developers to the neighborhood.

Segment 2

Jeff asks what kind of programming Custom NYC tours during the COVID pandemic. Jeremey explains how his tours have become more private and adopted social distancing. Jeremy begins by discussing some of the interesting architecture in and around Ditmas Park. Jeff asks him about how Fisk Terrace got a boulevard developed next to it. They talk about some of the restrictions placed in the deeds to build lofts in the neighborhood.

Segment 3

Jeff welcomes his second guest Dina Rabiner, Co-President of the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association. Dina moved to NYC after graduate school and has lived there ever since. Before coming to NY, Dina was in the Peace Corps, volunteering in Albania. Currently, she works to support entrepreneurs and small businesses at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Her work with the Cortelyou Road Merchants Association is focused on supporting small businesses by providing them with information on resources, grants, and other programs as well as designing engaging community events.

Segment 4

Jeff asks Dina what the reason behind her moving to Ditmas Park was. Dina first saw the neighborhood when going to a friend’s party and fell in love with it. She describes the neighborhood’s vibe as being very peaceful and feeling like a small town village but with diversity. She goes on to mention a lot of the local events that make Ditmas unique. Jeff asks Dina if she has learned anything recently about Ditmas that has surprised her. Dina says some of the struggles going on right now in Ditmas.