Thanks to Russell from RePop for reporting back on Wednesday’s meeting.  Here’s a recap, in his own words:

The Society for Clinton Hill General Membership Meeting at St. Lukes
was interesting  but I didn’t realize we were going to have to speak so
my nerves took up most of my attention span.  But, it was a fantastic
opportunity for people in the hood to become acquainted with each other
and the new businesses that have opened up here in the last few years,
some of which I had never heard of before.  We all took turns
presenting a speech about our businesses, why we chose Clinton Hill,
and what we feel our responsibility is to the neighborhood.

All of the vendors listed below set up tables showcasing their wares.
The restaurants offered samples of food.  We of course over did it with
a crazy Victorian display providing an example of just about everything
we carry, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Chairs and the large folding
screen.  (why we insisted upon transporting the entire store….i’ll
never know)

Hakeem Jeffries, our New York State Assemblyman was the guest speaker
and conducted a brief question and answer period about the changes
happening to the neighborhood, specifically focusing on the positive in
the gentrification of Clinton Hill, as it seems to be a community that
can marry change and remain a “community.”  ”If we keep our dollars IN
the community.”

In attendance were the following new businesses (in addition to RePOP):
Beezu Children’s Clothing (CUTE!  I WISH THEY MADE THESE CLOTHES IN MY SIZE)
Choice Market
Clinton Hill Hardware
Crunch Fitness (WHY?????????????????????????????)
Embora Wellness & Movement Studio (you definitely HAVE to talk to these people – yoga, fitness, acupuncture, massage and personal training)
Head Over Heels (hot shoes and couture)
L’Epicerie du Quarter (yummy quiche!)
Madiba (delicious crab cakes and to die for samosas)
The Outpost  (way cute manager)
Rice (not new)
Tillie’s (not so new either – 10 year anniversary party to be announced soon)
Urban Spring (organic cafe)
4W Circle of Art & Enterprise  (one of 20 national African American based performance and exhibition venues – open to all and rental of space available for let’s say – DANCE)
Yu (high end midcentury modern)


Wish I could report more, but that is the gist of it.  Oddly enough,
after unloading the van, we ended the evening at Reign which was
hosting it’s second Gay Wednesday party.  People did not start arriving
at the club until well after midnight, but it actually was GAY.  Carl
and I were the caucasian representatives and i was the only one who
actually danced on that amazing lighted floor.  My bad ass white boy
moves managed to clear the upstairs club (LOL) so we retired downstairs
for one last drink and hit the hay.  (Isa was Sexxxy Back by the way in
ripped fish nets and black cape!)

Thanks, Russell!

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