A Tribute To A Leader! Hearing On Rezoning Project

Image Above:  Michael Hollingsworth at Demonstration Against the 960 Franklin Ave Project (Spice Factory)

The Black Community of Crown Heights/Flatbush did not get an opportunity to make their voices heard at their own community board meeting about the development project going up along the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, because Judge Katherine Levine and the City of New York, felt that that privilege would only be given to white moderate to upper middle class communities, i.e. Gowanus and So Ho No Ho.

Despite Alicia Boyd requesting Judge Levine to simply hold off the hearing, for another few weeks when the Governor would reinstated the in-person hearing along with the Mayor, the Court refused.  Now the Governor two days after the virtual-hearing on 960 Franklin Ave application, as predicted reinstated in person hearings and meetings!

What is amazing is that the elected officials knew this was going to happen including Borough President Eric Adams as he planned to have an in-person hearing on this application over two weeks ago!  

Did any of our elected officials come out and demand that the residents of this community be heard, that their voices are important and that it is not just the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will be negatively affected but people who live here?

Well one person did! That is Michael Hollingsworth! Despite it being the day before elections, he took the time to wait almost five hours to be heard. And he spoke about the residents, not just BBG!  And that is because he is a true community activist, not someone who just shows up during election time and some who don’t.  Did anyone  see Crystal Hudson?  No and you can bet your bottom dollar you won’t moving forward.

Thus, FLAC and MTOPP are paying tribute to a true fighter of the people!  Michael Hollingsworth. A person who has committed himself to the betterment of his people.  A person who demonstrates his ideals not just in words but in deeds.