And the Neighborhood Acheievement Award Goes to: Heart of Brooklyn

Heart of Brooklyn, a partnership of the leading cultural institutions located near Grand Army Plaza, including Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Prospect Park, and Prospect Park Zoo just won a nice award from NYC.

The mission of this group is to encourage tourism and learning by making its world-class collections and historic treasures more visible and accessible.

Yesterday they were awarded the 2009 Neighborhood Acheivement Award from the NYC Department of Small Business Services in the partnership category.

OTBKB sends its most hearty congratulations to Heart of Brooklyn.

The award was presented by Mayor Bloomberg and Robert Walsh, Commissioner, NYC Small Business Services, at Gracie Mansion. Heart of Brooklyn's efforts on Washington and Vanderbilt Avenue were specifically cited:

• Reformation of a Washington Avenue-Prospect Heights merchants association
• Business attraction
• District marketing and holiday lighting
• Publication of Wash Ave, a bi-monthly newsletter highlighting the businesses and events along Washington Avenue
• Participation in NYC Clean Streets and streetscape beautification
• Publication, distribution and marketing of the Extraordinary Places in the Heart of Brooklyn coupon booklet