See this story at BrooklynDaily.com.
By Joanna DelBuono
Brooklyn Daily
Downtown
Welcome to the new co-chairpersons at the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.
MaryAnne Gilmartin, president and chief executive officer of Forest City Ratner Companies, and Bre Pettis, also C.E.O. of MakerBot, will serve on the Board of Directors. The pair will replace long-time Board chairman Alan Fishman.
Downtown is booming with families and a new wave of residents are moving, and in order to meet those needs, Brooklyn Partnership has upped the ante, and who better than a premier real estate expert, such as Standing O pal MaryAnne, and the ingenious entrepreneur Bre to step in?
In case you didn’t know, MakerBot has revolutionized the world of prototyping with 3D printers and scanners, and brought the world of high tech to Downtown.
Partnership president Tucker Reed welcomed the dynamic duo aboard.
“MaryAnne and Bre embody a new generation of Brooklyn, and I am delighted that we will be able to tap into their experience and wisdom,” he said.
MaryAnne and Bre are also excited to join in this partnership to make Downtown even better than it already is.
“Downtown has allowed MakerBot to grow by leaps and bounds, and I look forward to working with MaryAnne to ensure that the area continues to grow.” said Bre.
MaryAnne added, “I have seen Downtown Brooklyn transform into one of the city’s best areas for business, entertainment (think Barclays), and raising a family, and I know the best is yet to come.”
Standing O looks forward to many more Standing Os for both of them.
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership [1 Metrotech Center, on Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue in Downtown, (718) 625–2038].
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STEM education
Standing O welcomes another new partnership, National Grid and Brooklyn Technical High School and the Alumni Foundation, in a one-of-a-kind, four-year, $300,000 program that will enhance a science, technology, engineering and math initiative that supports middle school students in the community.
Students were selected to participate in National Grid’s program, which began last July, and were engaged in a variety of projects including design and modeling, automation, and robotics, energy and the environment. The program is designed to develop the next generation of leaders. It also opens the world of science and technology to middle schoolers, and prepares them for high school.
Ken Daily, president of National Grid New York and an alum of Brooklyn Tech, is eager to avail the new youth opportunities.
“Brooklyn Tech has been a true bridge for me personally and professionally, and I am happy to provide the same opportunity for promising young students,” he said.
National Grid [1 MetroTech Center on Jay Street and Myrtle Avenue in Downtown (800) 322–3223].
Brooklyn Heights
Award winner
Brooklyn Bridge Park has been chosen to receive the National Planning Award for Urban Design. In case you didn’t know, Brooklyn Bridge Park is that beautiful scenic space transformed from 1.3 miles of previously inaccessible waterfront.
Thanks to the talents of architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, grassroots advocates, and more than 20 years of planning, the space now boasts three piers and the ever-famous Jane’s Carousel, and is the go-to destination on the waterfront in our fair borough.
“Brooklyn Bridge Park has had an undoubtedly transformative effect on the neighborhoods of Brooklyn,” said Ann Bagley, the awards jury chairwoman. “The park has reconnected New Yorkers with the charming East River waterfront, affording visitors a true ‘sense of place.’ ”
The award will be formally presented at in Atlanta, Ga., in April
Brooklyn Bridge Park [334 Furman St. at Middagh Street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 222–9939].