On this week’s show we will explore the famous Flatbush, in Brooklyn. My guests will be returning Rediscovering New York guest, local historian, and famed tour guide Lucie Levine, founder of Archive on Parade; and Lauren Collins, the Executive Director of the Flatbush Avenue And Church Avenue Business Improvement Districts. Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Jeff Introduces his first guest Lucie Levine and asks about her experience growing up in NY and how she became a tour guide. Lucie and Jeff then talk about the native people who lived in what would become Flatbush and the Dutch settlers. Next, Jeff asks about what changed about Flatbush when the English took over in 1664. Lucie talks about the significant happenings during the Revolutionary War that took place in Flatbush. 

Segment 2

Jeff begins by asking Lucie about some of the tours she gives. Jeff and Lucie then discuss the architecture in Flatbush and the history behind it. Jeff talks about Dean Alboard and his contributions to the construction of Flatbush. They go on to talk about Tennis court, the “lost” structure of Flatbush. Lucie then talks about the oldest high school in NY state: Erasmus and some of its notable alumni over the years. Jeff talks about how Flatbush residents voted in the vote to consolidate Brooklyn into the Manhattan area. Jeff and Lucie finish by talking about the famous Ebinger’s Bakery in Flatbush and their signature Blackout Cake. 

Segment 3

Jeff introduces his next guest Lauren Collins, the Executive Director of the Flatbush Avenue and Church Avenue Business Improvement Districts. Jeff starts by asking Lauren about growing up in the city and her career path. Lauren then asks about Lauren’s co-founding of the Windsor Terrace Alliance. Lauren then talks about joining the Church Avenue Business Improvement District and eventually the Flatbush BID. Moving on, Jeff asks Lauren about the challenges she faced when she took over the Flatbush BID. Lauren then discusses some of the historically accurate storefronts in Flatbush.

Segment 4

Lauren begins by talking about what she loves most about Flatbush and the flavor of the neighborhood. Adding on to this, Jeff asks about the impact the Carribean community has had on Flatbush. Lauren then talks about the growth of the Flatbush BID since she began working there and her relationship with its members. Next, Jeff asks about some of the unique challenges Lauren faces in her work. Lauren then brings up some of the stores she wants to see more of in Flatbush and her advice for anyone starting a retail business in the neighborhood.