Bushwick residents who have a lot to contend with as they witness changes to the neighborhood and seek to understand them have a valuable tool in the Bushwick Community Map, a digital project developed by local housing justice activists. This week, a party and workshop will celebrate the official launch of the map, which has been in the works for years, and present locals with an opportunity to learn how to put the map to use.
On Thursday, August 25th, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., the map’s creators will be hosting the public at Express Yourself Barista Bar, located at 82 Central Avenue between Jefferson Street and Melrose Street.
From 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., the group will hold the workshop about using the map; to attend this portion of the evening, interested parties should RSVP to n w b community at gmail dot com.
Then, from 7 p.m. until 9:30, a party with free food, metro cards and music D.J.’ed by Ronnie Diaz will take over the space—no need to RSVP for this part of the evening!
The map, which includes tax information, landlord/ownership details about individual properties, recent building constructions, job filings for renovations, department of building violations, zoning designation, and available floor area ratio details about Bushwick properties, is also accompanied on its site by a list of resources for tenants seeking legal help or other groups fighting against displacement.
The Citizens Community for New York City provided support for the evening; attendance number on the Facebook page for the event already suggest that the cafe will be hopping, so RSVP now, and plan on arriving promptly!
Featured image: the Bushwick Community Map in situ on its website.