Mr. Lincoln Restler, Interim Economic Development and Job Creation Committee Chair, reported on the possibility of the committee sponsoring a workforce development job fair at the Ingersoll Community Center. The idea is to have 8 to 10 community based organizations educate residents about the training programs they offer.  Committee member Mr. Lawrence Whiteside said although he is concerned about helping   adults who recently lost their jobs find work, he is especially concerned about the availability of jobs for the younger folks coming out of school. The committee discussed making an effort to identify where the new jobs are being created and effectively communicating this information to the community.

Ms. Sandy Balboza of the Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association provided an update to the committee on the progress of the Business Improvement District (BID) for Atlantic Avenue (between 4th Avenue and Court Street). There will be a public meeting on February 23, 2010. Business and property owners will hear about the district plan in detail and have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers about the benefits of the BID structure. Ms. Balboza said that it could be another year or two before the BID is approved.

Ms. Balboza also discussed the Atlantic Avenue Betterment Association opposition to the $440 million proposed expansion of Brooklyn House of Detention Jail at Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street. The Department of Corrections has proposed doubling the number of beds to 1,500 from 750. You can read more about the opposition here.

Announcements:

• The  proprietor of the recently closed Mcdonald's at Tillary and Gold Streets is looking for a bank or another fast food restaurant to occupy.
• The committee will invite a representative from the Red Apple Group to next month’s meeting to discuss bring a supermarket back to Myrtle Avenue.