SEED Grows in DUMBO

RENEWAL met with positive response from the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) Improvement District in Brooklyn, NY.  One of 56 business improvement districts in New York City, DUMBO was signed into law by Mayor Bloomberg in December 2005.  It is entrusted with keeping the community's public spaces, addressing public safety, advocating on behalf of DUMBO to public and private stakeholders, and marketing and promoting the area to attract new visitors and business.

Throughout April, DUMBO will continue its series of events and programs in conjunction with the neighborhood sustainability initiative, SEED (Smart Environmental Efforts in DUMBO).  These events will include a meeting of sustainable business leaders, an Oil Drum Art Exhibition, information sessions on sustainable practices, and a series of film screenings, at which RENEWAL will be shown. 

Jane Kojima, Communications and Development Manager for DUMBO, had a chance to screen the film and sees it as a valuable tool for not only their SEED events in April but beyond as well.  DUMBO often hosts cross sector groups of all ages.  Jane suggested that RENEWAL could play an important role in their outreach to these groups.  Moreover, Jane also recognizes the ability of RENEWAL to break down religious and cultural barriers within their neighborhood and between DUMBO and surrounding neighborhoods through its interfaith approach.  Jane draws parallels between RENEWAL's subjects' faith and DUMBO's concern for their neighborhood.

While DUMBO does not have a large, explicitly religious presence in the community, they will be inviting leaders of faith communities from surrounding neighborhoods.

Below is the press release for DUMBO's SEED events in April:

SEED Grows in DUMBO

Dumbo Improvement District Announces April Events

BROOKLYN, NY - Throughout April, the Dumbo Improvement District continues its series of events and programs in conjunction with the neighborhood sustainability initiative, SEED (Smart Environmental Efforts in DUMBO).  All SEED events and programs are free and open to the public through generous public and private partnerships.  SEED schedule of events are as follows:

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 - Sustainable business leaders meet at BoConcept, 79 Front Street, in DUMBO to discuss "Building Community through Sustainable Business."  This panel discussion will be moderated by Ari Wallach, Vice President of SEED media group.

Panelists include:

• Andrew Kimball, CEO and President of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation
• Brendon Millstein of the New York State Energy Research and Development Association
• Brendan Sexton of Sexton Consultants, former Commissioner of the NYC Dept. of Sanitation
• Peter Strugatz, Co-CEO of Ice Stone LLC
• Jacob Susman, CEO of Own Energy
• Jed Walentas, Principal of Two Trees Management Co. LLC

Thursday, April 3, 2008 - Oil Drum Art Exhibition extends its hours till 8:00PM as part of DUMBO's First Thursdays.   Stop by Gallery 202 in the 111 Front Street Galleries and see this new and bold art movement for the first time in New York City.  The exhibition is on view through Friday, May 2, 2008.

Saturday, April 5, 2008 - SEED Film Screening at St. Ann's Warehouse, 38 Water Street, from 1:00PM - 6:00PM.  The Dumbo Improvement District will screen City of Water, RENEWAL and new media from TreeHuggerTV.

City of Water explores the aspirations of public officials, environmentalists, academics, community activists, recreational boaters and everyday New Yorkers for a diverse, vibrant waterfront at a time when the shoreline is changing faster than at any other time in New York's history. The documentary features interviews with Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff, US Representative Nydia Velazquez, MacArthur Fellow Majora Carter, author Phillip Lopate, Sandy Hook Pilots' Captain Andrew McGovern and others, and includes footage from Jamaica Bay, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and many other places on the waterfront.

The screening of City of Water is made possible by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance and the Municipal Art Society and will be followed by a Question & Answer Session with President of Metropolitan Water Alliance, Roland Lewis, and the director of the film, Jasper Goldman.

RENEWAL is the first feature-length documentary to capture the breadth and vitality of America's religious-environmental movement. In rural communities, suburbs and cities, people of faith are rolling up their sleeves in practical and far-reaching ways. Offering a profound message of hope, RENEWAL shows individuals and communities driven by the deepest source of inspiration - their spiritual and religious convictions - being called to re-examine what it means to be human and how we live on this planet.

Throughout, RENEWAL attempts to paint an honest picture of how much work will be needed to stem the tide of environmental devastation. Its compelling characters and stories inspire the vision and commitment that addressing the challenge will require.

TreeHuggerTV is a news source dedicated to eco-optimism and everything that has a modern aesthetic yet is environmentally responsible. With fun and thought-provoking contributors from around the world focusing on the people and ideas that are leading the modern eco-revolution, they seek to make your day a little more green! In TreeHuggerTV's latest installment, Graham Hill speaks with musician and activist, Ben Harper, while walking through DUMBO. Ben shares his passions and concerns for environmental issues and offers his personal everyday practical solutions to issues we face today.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - National Grid: Providing Smart Energy Efficiency to DUMBO.  JLA Studios, 63 Pearl Street, from 7:00 - 9:00PM.  Learn about incentives and opportunities for energy efficiency available to property owners, businesses and residences with National Grid (formerly Keyspan Energy). 

Thursday, April 10, 2008 - Join Recycle-a-Bicycle for "Biking in Brooklyn - Getting Ready for Spring!" at Rebar, 147 Front Street, from 6:30 - 8:30PM. This evening promises to be a fun, relaxed event with information on how to get your bicycle ready and safe, great places to ride for recreation in Brooklyn, updates on transportation options and upcoming bicycle related events.  Representatives from Transportation Alternatives and the Brooklyn Greenway will be on site to share their information, resources and provide folks with on-going opportunities to get more involved in their community.

Monday, April 14, 2008 - Bosch Showroom, 1 Main Street, presents a breakfast from 8:30 - 10:30AM with the Brooklyn Chamber for business owners to hear Chris Garvin, AIA, LEED AP, speak about green business practices and LEED certification.  Space at this event is limited, please RSVP to jane@dumbonyc.org. 

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 - GreenDrinks Brooklyn returns to DUMBO at Water Street Restaurant & Lounge, 66 Water Street.  Every month, people who work in the environmental field, or simply have an interest in it, meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as GreenDrinks.  It's your chance to mix with other like-minded folks, network, and share info and make friends. Attendees have found employment, developed new ideas and even done deals! 

Monday, April 21, 2008 - Join the New York City Parks Department for a "Community Listening Session" to share your ideas for the future reconstruction of Bridge Park 2.  Meeting location: Dumbo Improvement District Office, 111 Front Street, Suite 258 at 6:30PM.

***

The Dumbo Improvement District is dedicated to the enhancement and promotion of one of New York City's most historic, dynamic and compelling neighborhoods. In no other place throughout the five boroughs can one find such impeccable views, alluring public spaces, charming streetscapes, unique shops and restaurants and celebrated architecture. SEED was developed by the Dumbo Improvement District with a foundation of five initiatives that encourage: public recycling, alternative modes of transportation, consumption reduction, greater energy efficiency and environmental education.