Community meets culture & commerce with the Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID
The Flatbush Nostrand area would not be the vibrant place it is without its Business Improvement District. Under the leadership of Kenneth Mbonu, the BID cares for the bustling junction of busy streets, transit options, and nearby Brooklyn College that surrounds the intersection of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues. Working closely with the local businesses large and small, the BID has prioritized quality of life, public space, community engagement, climate resiliency, and economic development. Among the many services the BID provides is the management of Hillel Place Plaza, the area’s marquee public space. The fully pedestrianized street anchors the surrounding community and has become a destination for walkability, arts, and culture for locals and visitors alike.
It’s impressive work! So impressive that we are awarding the Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID at this year’s Public Space Awards on Thursday, February 29th. To gear up for the BID’s star turn at this year’s event, we asked Kenneth Mbonu, the BID’s President and Executive Director, to tell us a little about the vital work he does in Brooklyn.
Open Plans: Tell us a bit about what the Flatbush Junction BID does in the community.
Kenneth: The Flatbush Junction BID represents the voices of the businesses and property owners in Brooklyn’s Flatbush Junction; working with public-private partners as a place to work, live, shop and visit. Contributing to the local economy and enhancing the catchment area for all.
A public dance performance in Hillel Place Plaza. Courtesy of Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID.
You work to create more plazas and public space in your district; why do you think that’s so important?
From an environmental sustainability and quality of life perspective. Flatbush Junction has the highest heat vulnerability index in Brooklyn according to a report by the NYC Office of the Comptroller. Greening of concrete urban locations provides a quality habitat ecosystem, enhances social interaction and community pride.
How do the art, music and sustainability initiatives you pursue enhance that public space, your small businesses, and residents’ lives?
The programming reflects the cultural diversity of the Flatbush Junction Community of residents and businesses. It provides a sense of identity, belonging, awareness and involvement.
You have created tours that help explore the area’s history and evolution over time; how do you think those types of things enrich community?
It not only enriches community but also translates the change from when the area was a thriving Native American community, to farmland and now a robust commercial corridor. This enforces a sense of community appreciation and history.
A map of local places included in one of the BID’s local tours. Courtesty of Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID.
What are your greatest challenges to creating a livable district?
Sometimes the community can be suspiciously cautious about creative programming initiatives that they are not familiar with. That is why it is important that the programs have a certain sense of inclusion that the various members can identify with. Another social challenge is managing the city’s mental health crisis and reducing conflict with the business, residential and shopping communities.
What’s the best thing about your job?
It is never a dull moment and no two days are the same. My background in finance, entrepreneurship and economic development helps. I also try to be more of an active listener than talking. There is never a stupid question in my world. I learn something new every day.
We want to thank Kenneth for taking the time to talk with us! If you are interested in learning more about the BID, check out their website and follow on X and Instagram. And you can celebrate their community work by joining us all at the Second Annual Public Space Awards on Thursday, February 29th, where Kenneth and the Flatbush Nostrand Junction BID will receive the Neighborhood Champion Award. It’ll be a fun night full of New York City lights and leaders just like Kenneth and his team. Get your ticket today! We look forward to seeing you there.
