CCDI COLLABORATION WITH SRIJB
In 2018, CCDI co-led a multiyear community-led climate-resilient planning project with the Science and Resiliency Institute at Jamaica Bay (SRIJB) and Public Agenda that brought financial resources and technical expertise from scientists. Civic engagement experts and policy makers from their network Canarsie through the Cycles of Resilience Project. Cycles is a community engagement initiative that helps residents identify issues and use science to refine ideas for action.
CCDI PLANT GIVEAWAY
In 2019, CCDI started a yearly plant giveaway program at the Canarsie Community Garden to residents who desired to form block associations and to beautify their blocks. In that year, we contributed $2,500 worth of plants, followed by an additional donation of $6,000 in 2025. As a result of this beautification program, we have seen an approximate seventy percent reduction in flooding of our homes and an approximate sixty percent in the dumping on the streets.
CCDI FREE NOTARY SERVICE
In 2020, CCDI started a free notary service for residents at the Canarsie and Jamaica Bay libraries in Canarsie six days a week. This is the only free notary service in the Brooklyn Public Library system. We have seen people come from all boroughs and New Jersey. This service continues to this day.
CCDI COLLABORATION WITH CMA
In 2021 CCDI was the first funder of the RPCMA (now CMA) to beautify the business corridor and have continued to support in this effort yearly.
BROOKDALE HOSPITAL COVID VACCINE
In 2021, a member of the Brookdale Hospital Advisory Board, CCDI arranged more than 500 covid tests for residents of Canarsie at Brookdale Hospital.
EMERGENCY PLAN FOR CANARSIE
In 2022, CCDI received funding from the NY Foundation Grant to develop an emergency plan for Canarsie in case another Hurricane Sandy occurs. In 2024, CCDI developed an Emergency Plan for Canarsie based on scientific principles and nuclear emergency preparedness experience led by Harold Jones, a former engineer. The plan was assigned a Provisional Patent Number Serial # 63/956326.
CCDI NEWSLETTER
In 2022, CCDI launched The Canarsien Newsletter issued nine months a year to inform the residents of the Canarsie of the happenings in Canarsie.
CANARSIE LIBRARY
In 2022, Brooklyn Public Library, Hester Street in coordination with the architect had community engagement sessions after City Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse secured $21M to reconstruct the Canarsie Library. CCDI urged the community to join the sessions and push for a redesign that included key features wanted in a community center. The project, which has been reconfigured into a two-story building with twice its original size, is scheduled to open in 2027.
JAMAICA BAY LIBRARY
In 2023, CCDI reconstituted the Canarsie Jamaica Bay Library Friends Group to raise funds to bring community programs to the library. We were successful in bringing in a weekly Craft lessons (needle point, crochet, knitting, amigurumi and cross stich) and Line and Step dancing.
NYC COMMUNITY FLOOD WATCH PROJECT
In 2024, CCDI joined the Community Flood Watch Project sponsored by Sea Grant, a federal-university partnership under NOAA that connects scientists with communities to address coastal issues through research,
education, and outreach focusing on healthy ecosystems and resilient communities. The project put coastal communities together to report flooding issues in our communities. Harold Jones qualified as a FloodNet Fellow in 2025, and CCDI were able to secure six sensors to monitor flooding in Canarsie.
CANARSIE NEIGHBORHOOD GARDEN
In 2025, volunteers rebuilt the garden for elderly, disabled, and school-aged youth. CCDI agreed to provide the funding and expanded the construction to include the repair of the gazebo, construction of a stage for performances and a green house. CCDI also aims to bring adults and youth together for planting, conversation, and dementia awareness in Canarsie, and hosts weekly jazz and spoken word events to feature local talent.
BACK TO SCHOOL HAIRCUTS AND HAIRSTYLES
In 2025, CCDI contracted with six beautification businesses all members of Canarsie Merchants Association for fifty boys and fifty girls at a reduced price. They were then offered free to these hundred children of Canarsie.
CANARSIE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
In 2025, infrastructure problems affected homes in southeast Canarsie in 2025. CCDI partnered with The Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast (CCRUN), an organization of University Partners, Columbia University, Boston University, Drexel University, Hunter College, Rutgers University and Stephens Institute to develop a survey to gather information about flooding and land sinking (subsidence) issues in Canarsie, the type of damages that occur, possible actions to remedy the issues and satisfaction with the repair results. The survey concluded in late November, and CCRUN is currently reviewing the findings. The findings are set to be shared at a Town Hall planned for Spring 2026.
