Willowtown anniversary dinner to honor veteran activists
In the late 1950s Robert Moses, known as the “master builder” of mid-20th century New York City, saw Willowtown in the southwest corner of Brooklyn Heights as a slum and targeted it for demolition. He intended to build high-rise housing on the cleared land. Long-time residents and newcomers who in 1953 formed the Willowtown Association fought back and won, being one of the few neighborhoods in the city ever to defeat Moses. He also targeted the northeast Heights as a slum. There he won. The present high-rises along Cadman Plaza West and Henry Street are the result.
The Willowtown Association’s annual potluck dinner on Wednesday evening, Nov. 13, at the A.T. White Community Center at 26 Willow Place will mark the association’s 60th anniversary. The evening will begin with a “happy hour” at 7 p.m.
The program following dinner will include the presentation of the association’s 2013 Alfred Award to Peter and Camilla Flemming, community activists for a half-century.