About this Event
In 2009 Freddy’s regulars chained themselves to the bar in protest of the Atlantic Yards plan, which included the demolition of the 70-year-old watering hole. In 2010, Brooklyn Paper christened Freddy’s Bar “the eminent domain poster child,” as they neared the end of their battle against Bruce Ratnor, Marty Markowitz, and Michael Bloomberg. Barclay’s Center now looms over Freddy’s original site, and “new” Freddy’s, relocated to South Slope, is almost 15 years old.
Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani’s book “The Cities We Need: Essential Stories of Everyday Places,” explores the people and places of Prospect Heights. While the structure of the neighborhood changed from the early 2000s, leading up to the Atlantic Yards development plan, to a decade later when “gentrification” and “displacement” were common parlance across Brooklyn, the common thread is the idea that everyday spaces– the laundromat, the bakery, the bar– are what make a community. Gabrielle will show photos and read excerpts from her book, while bar owner Matthew Kuhn provides the full history of Freddy’s: a bar the community fought for and, despite displacement, the community kept alive.
The Cities We Need will be available for purchase. Gabrielle is happy to sign your copy!
This event is co-sponsored by Metro.
Event venue & nearby stays
Freddy's Bar, 627 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, United States
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