🌱 Willoughby Square Park Statue? + Roebling Plaza Now Open

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's what's going on around Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO today.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds and mild. High: 52 Low: 49.

Here are the top 4 stories in Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO today:

1. Thousands of New Yorkers have signed onto a petition asking for a statue of Black women suffragists in Downtown Brooklyn's Willoughby Square Park, honoring their historical contributions to helping women gain the right to vote. (Change.org)
2. The city finally provided clarity on Tuesday about the Middle and High School admissions process. In short, test scores and attendance won't be a factor in admissions, but grades and projects will, and arts schools will still hold admissions. Geographic priorities, by district and zone, remain in place. (Gothamist)
3. The Administration For Children's Services unveiled a massive new facility child protection facility in Downtown Brooklyn for both children and their parents. It will be open to the public starting early next year, and is located right next to family court. (Pix11 News)
4. The City Council is making a last-minute attempt to pass a bill that would prevent landlords from conducting criminal background checks on prospective tenants. The bill was introduced by Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Councilman Stephen Levin, who said in a statement: “Safe and stable housing is a right every New Yorker deserves, yet conviction records continue to be used to punish and discriminate against people long after they have left the criminal legal system.” Opponents of the bill say it could lead to dangerous and harmful situations for neighbors, and risk the safety of "millions." (CBS 2)

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Today in Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO:

• Community Board 2 land use committee meeting online (6 p.m.)
• Winter DUMBO Drink + Draw: Van Gogh Your Favorite Landscape With Sally Novak at 98 Water Street (6 p.m.)
• Punching-bag comedy show at O'Keefe's Bar & Grill, 62 Court Street (8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Look at this side-by-side picture of Downtown Brooklyn to see how much the neighborhood has changed in the past decade. (2007-2021) (Twitter)
• With the opening of Emily Warren Roebling Plaza Brooklynites have a new sport to enjoy the sunset in Brooklyn Bridge Park! (Instagram)
• There's lots of suggestions here for how to celebrate the new year in DUMBO, with a list of which local businesses will be open, and what their hours are. (Facebook)
• The Cadman Park Conservancy is throwing an outdoor "Park-in-party" on December 18th, and it looks like there's going to be a DJ. (Instagram)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Kiddie Korner — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Harlem Night Market (December 17)
• Big Apple Circus is NOW OPEN in New York City! (December 17)
• Joey G’s Tidings and Traditions Holiday Food amd Wine Walking Tour of Nyack (December 18)
• Brighten The First Day Of Winter With 15 Percent Off FTD’s Sunniest Blooms (December 21)
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Housing:

• Building Lot For Sale Pocono's (Details)
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Loving the Brooklyn Heights-DUMBO Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at brooklynheights-dumbo@patch.com

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Dashiell Allen