Through the Get to Know A Neighbor Q & A, GREENLINE will introduce you to a community member whose work or actions benefit this area. This month’s featured neighbor is Francesca Fernandez Bruce, who recently became the executive director of Grand Street BID in May.
Question 1: Where are you from?
“I’m a Native New Yorker based in the Upper West Side and Central Harlem.”
Question 2: How do you see your role in the community?
“It’s hard not to meet and fall in love with North Brooklyn, but I especially love the classic hallmarks of East Williamsburg, which remind me of the city I grew up in: mom-and-pops, an abiding sense of community, authenticity, thriving street culture, etc. These things need to be protected and nurtured, and that’s how I see my role in the community.”
Question 3: What are your core community causes?
“Before coming to Grand Street, I had worked with small businesses, then pandemic recovery, and then went to work for the City. I love when my work helps people live better, more resilient and colorful lives, empowering them to reinvest in their community and add to the tapestry of our urban life. While I’m still new to the district, I’m enjoying the learning process and getting to know everyone, and I really look to focus on equity and the public realm in our advocacy and projects this year.”
Question 4: How will your work effect the community?
“People hear the phrase “Business Improvement District” and think it’s all about money, but it’s not! Yes, a lot of our programming is focused on supporting businesses, because we see these as the places people meet and share, shop and work, all in support of community. But we also advocate on local issues, run events, keep the neighborhood clean, host artists, and install murals – like our newest, “Un Verano En Nueva York” on Humboldt. Under my leadership, we hope to expand these projects this year, and find new ways to support our neighbors; let us know what you’d like to see!”
Question 5: What would you most like to say to new people moving into the community?
“To folks new to the area, I would say: get involved, even if it’s just shopping local. Participating in a local event or organization can be a really fun and efficient way to make friends, to learn about your neighborhood, and to make a difference. I know it can be hard to make the time in our busy lives, but a sense of community is critical to our mental wellbeing, and we owe it to ourselves and our neighbors to show up. And there’s so much to do!”
Question 6: Name a place in North Brooklyn that brings you joy, and why?
“I walk through the district every day on my way to work, and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Whether it’s stopping to pet Kitty outside Empire Lock, soaking in the atmosphere while grabbing an angry bodega coffee, or seeing the plants in our tree beds flourish under the care of our amazing volunteers, it feels like the neighborhood giving me a warm hug hello, and I feel honored to have this job.”
The Greenline 