Park Slope Co-Working Space Offers $1 Desk To Local Reporters

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — Talk about a Black Friday deal.

A new co-working space in Park Slope is offering a $1 desk to current (and some former) local reporters who need a place to work during the winter.

Cosmo Lee, who owns Park Slope desk, said he wants to support local journalism, especially in the current climate. New York City lost two important local news sources, DNAinfo and Gothamist, when they were shut down earlier this month by owner Joe Ricketts.

"Large publications mostly miss what is going on at the local level," Lee said. "Media such as the Daily News and the New York Times have slashed street­level reporting, and important stories that do wind up being carried by large publications are often first uncovered by local journalists. They play such an essential role, covering community events and holding our local authorities accountable."

Former DNAinfo and Gothamist employees, plus anyone "working for Brooklyn’s various local publications," can get a desk in the new space for just $1 through the winter.

Lee opened Park Slope Desk this month to give area freelancers and people who work from home a place to come and get things done, distraction-free.

"Our members come directly from the community and like our members, journalists need a place to focus," Lee said. "Park Slope Desk can provide them with a comfortable and productive place to get their work done while they're out and about covering their stories. The conference room is available for private interviews. Whether they’re covering holiday festivities, breaking news about local crime or construction, it would make me happy to help journalists get the story out."

Anyone interested can contact Lee at info@parkslopedesk.com.

Image courtesy Cosmo Lee