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THE WILLOWTOWN ASSOCIATION is a volunteer-based neighborhood organization with a longterm commitment to stewardship in the southwest corner of Brooklyn Heights whose mission is to address issues impacting the quality of life for the residents and to serve as their collective voice and advocate. We strive to share and protect our neighborhood’s history and architectural heritage while communicating with like-minded organizations and individuals on key issues. In addition to supporting the A.T. White Community Center and guided walking tours of the neighborhood’s architectural and cultural history, our main annual events are a vibrant spring fair held in May and a festive fall potluck community meeting. The Association’s Willowtown Community Garden adjoins the Adam Yauch Dog Run and nearby Adam Yauch Park, which all came about when Atlantic Playground was redesigned and rebuilt in 1999. In 2010 we established The Alfred Award to recognize residents who have made a notable contribution to either the immediate or wider community.
FORMED IN 1953 as an informal gathering of residents, the association was incorporated in 1997 as a not-for-profit organization with bylaws, quarterly meetings, and an annual public meeting. The association is represented by its president on the Community Advisory Council of Brooklyn Bridge Park on the waterfront to the west of Willowtown, and by its Board of Directors.
THE BOUNDARY OF WILLOWTOWN is from Joralemon Street to Atlantic Avenue and from both sides of Hicks Street to Furman Street between Joralemon and Atlantic. Membership is open to all residents of this area, long-standing and new.
Share Willowtown's history and architectural heritage with the community.
Protect Willowtown’s historic district and encourage stewardship.
Convene meetings for public engagement and discussion about the planning, development and restoration of particular buildings, blocks, streets, and storefronts - both within and adjacent to Willowtown.
Communicate with like-minded organizations and individuals on issues that affect Willowtown and other similar neighborhoods.
Provide opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds to participate in various aspects of the mission, and raise funds for activities as needed.
Engage in any other activities consistent with the association’s mission.
In 2010 the Willowtown Association established The Alfred Award to recognize residents of Willowtown who have made a notable contribution to either the immediate or wider community. The award is named for Alfred T. White, 1846-1921, known as “the great heart and mastermind of Brooklyn’s better self” and a lifelong resident of Brooklyn Heights. His main legacy in Willowtown is the innovative Riverside apartment complex built under his leadership at Joralemon Street and Columbia Place in 1889-90. The complex was designed to make life more pleasant, safe and healthy for the working poor. From 1876 to the end of his life the present Alfred T. White Community Center on Willow Place housed a kindergarten of which White was the founder and superintendent. An addition built in 1905 provided more classrooms as well as space for a clubhouse for the children who lived in the Riverside apartments.