Community Revitalization

 
MDC began in 1976 to help revitalize the community. Initial programs were crime prevention and housing. Since then, MDC has continued to operate and support local volunteer crime patrols, such as the Flatbush Shomrim. In our early years, we rehabilitated thousands of units in the Midwood area including many of the large residential buildings along Ocean Avenue and Avenue K. As Midwood’s population moved into these newly renovated apartments, opportunities to restore deteriorated properties declined and we began to focus on programs to service the inhabitants of these building instead of the buildings themselves.

1977 was the first year of our annual street fair, the Midwood Mardi Gras, which was started as a way to draw attention and business to Midwood and will celebrate its 32nd year of operation in June 2009.

Starting in the late 1980’s up until today, MDC has focused on revitalization by participating in various programs to benefit the community. Project Sweep was started in 1989 as a way to employ developmentally disabled adults as well as help keep the streets of Midwood clean. Over the years MDC has advocated for and helped implement various programs for streetscape beautification, graffiti removal, storefront improvement, and tree preservation and new tree planting.

In 2007 MDC the NYC Department of Small Business Services gave MDC a grant specifically to assist the Avenue M Merchants Association and the Avenue J Board of Trade with improving their visibility and impact in the community. This allowed, MDC in 2007/2008 to provide free Sunday cleaning services for the Avenues M and Avenue J commercial strips. In addition, free ads promoting local business were run in the Sentry. We also purchased a number of new and improved garbage cans for the area. Budget cutbacks terminated this program. Cleaning on Ave J, and Ave M, is now provided on a store by store basis, with only participating banks and merchants receiving services. Look for the stores who have invested in our community. They have a Project Sweep Logo.



For more information about participating in the Midwood Mardi Gras, Avenue M Merchants Association or Avenue J Board of Trade, or hiring a Project Sweep worker, please contact Sam Moskowitz