The Lights Are Back On! Flatbush Development Corporation, CB 14 & Business Leaders Work To Fix Dimly Lit Newkirk Plaza Passageway

After numerous neighbors voiced concerns about the dimly lit Marlborough Road passageway at Newkirk Plaza, the Flatbush Development Corporation, Community Board 14, Almac Hardware owner Javier Saez, and landlord Bill Evans worked together to restore the lights – and they are now back on!

Anthony Finkel, of the FDC, told us that the community partnership was launched after concerned community members called and filed complaints with both the FDC and CB 14 about walking through the dark area, particularly at night and in the early morning.

“Good lighting is essential for feeling safe and secure, and since the recent rash of armed robberies and break-ins, resolving the Marlborough Passageway lighting became a priority for local residents, merchants, Almac, FDC and CB14,” FDC’s Executive Director Robin Redmond said.

Javier and the staff of Almac Hardware (2 Newkirk Plaza) replaced four light bulbs, and a burnt out ballast. They connected the lights to a device that turns the lights on at dusk and off after dawn, capitalizing on new technology to reduce the Plaza’s energy use.

The FDC said they especially wanted to thank Javier for reaching out about the lighting matter to Bill Evans, who is the landlord for MetroPCS (16 Newkirk Plaza) and Pablo’s Diner (43 Newkirk Plaza). Anthony said Javier spoke to Bill about the recent string of crimes that have occurred in the community and informed him “that the tunnel was down to its last remaining light and that this needed to be fixed.”

Following this conversation, the landlord generously offered to cover the costs of all repairs.

“Next time you walk by Newkirk Plaza, be sure to take a look at the brightly lit tunnel, and if you feel like saying thanks to Javier feel free to drop in Almac Hardware, where they are currently running a promotion on LED bulbs,” Anthony wrote.