Get to Know a Neighbor Q & A:  Erin Piscopink

Each month GREENLINE will introduce you to a community member whose work or actions have benefitted the area.  This month’s featured neighbor is Erin Piscopink, who became the executive director of Grand Street BID five years ago.  One of her first major challenges for the BID was dealing with the L-Train shut down due to repairs on the Canarsie Tunnel from the damage Hurricane Sandy caused.

Question 1: Where did you grow up?

The Metro-Detroit area

Question 2: When did you arrive in North Brooklyn?

I moved to North Brooklyn in 2010 knowing little about the neighborhood but am so happy I landed here! Moving to the neighborhood was a bit of a happy accident but I quickly discovered that I loved living here. I left the neighborhood for a few years, returning to Detroit. When I came back to New York, I wanted to return to this part of the neighborhood but it took some time. I lived in Ridgewood for a couple of years, until ultimately, I was able to find an apartment on the Northside. I love living and working in Williamsburg and really like that I get to experience two different pockets of the neighborhood every day.

Question 3: What in North Brooklyn reminds you the most of your former home?

The “blue collar” neighborhood history and the community’s commitment to working toward a more socially and environmentally just neighborhood remind me of Detroit.

Question 4: What do you love most about the neighborhood/area you live in now??

My favorite thing about this neighborhood is the deep sense of community. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know longtime neighborhood organizers, our elected officials, small business owners and so many neighbors who are committed to the neighborhood’s wellbeing.

Question 5: When did you begin to take an active role in the community?

When I started working for the BID five years ago, I tried to quickly immerse myself in the community. The first real opportunity I had to do that was being part of the L Train Coalition – a group of local non-profit orgs, residents, and elected officials who served as a go-between with the community and the MTA in the runup to the L Train shutdown. I met so many great people through that process and was able to start to understand the history of advocacy within the neighborhood.

Question 6: How have you carried this forward?

The Grand Street BID has done a lot to partner with other neighborhood groups including, St. Nicks Alliance, North Brooklyn Neighbors, North Brooklyn Parks Alliance, North Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and Evergreen. These partnerships include neighborhood clean ups, food drives, and advocacy.

Question 7: What are your core community causes?

I’m most passionate about supporting the small business community and improving public space. In my role at the BID, I work every day to support the small businesses in our community as well as improve quality of life for our neighbors. Small businesses are critical to our neighborhood’s economy and wellbeing. In addition to the direct connections we have with the businesses here, we work to improve the environment with our cleaning and beautification efforts to make the corridor a great place to spend time. We want our efforts to help people feel proud to be part of our community.

Question 8: What would you say has most changed about North Brooklyn since you’ve been here?

I’m always amazed by how much has changed and how much has stayed the same here. The neighborhood continues to become more dense, new businesses are always opening, and new neighbors are always moving in. At the same time, many residents who have been here for decades remain, iconic businesses stand strong, and the overall feeling of the neighborhood has stayed intact.

Question 9: How has North Brooklyn changed/affected you?

Before moving to New York City over a decade ago, I didn’t know if I’d be able to fit into the fabric of the city. North Brooklyn has welcomed me with open arms and provided me with opportunities to be an active member of the community as well as make me feel at home.

Question 10: What would you most like to say to new people moving into the community?

I always hope that people who are new to the neighborhood learn a bit about its history so they can truly appreciate the community. I’d also encourage them to patronize locally owned, small businesses and to get involved with neighborhood groups, volunteer opportunities, or the community board. Our neighborhood is rich with opportunities to help share the future of our community and there are so many open doors for newcomers to become active community members.

Question 11: What is something you’d like to see in the neighborhood in 5–10 years?

I hope that in ten years, the neighborhood continues to have space for us all and that I still find myself surprised by how much has changed and how much remains the same. Our community is beautifully diverse, and I hope it continues to be.

Question 11: What about this community makes you proud to live/work here?

The diversity and sense of community make me so proud to live and work in this neighborhood. There are so many people committed to taking care of our neighborhood.

Question 12: Name a place in North Brooklyn that brings you joy, and why?

McCarren Park brings me joy. I love that it attracts people from around the neighborhood and it’s a great place to people (and dog) watch.