Executive Director, CCDI
As spring arrives in Canarsie, we are once again reminded of the challenges our community faces in keeping our neighborhood clean. Too often, we see both adults and children discarding trash carelessly instead of using designated receptacles.
In response, CCDI is taking action by upgrading the Canarsie Community Garden, providing more opportunities for planting and volunteering. Our annual Plant Giveaway continues to inspire residents to beautify their blocks with greenery, and we are launching a Public Service Announcement titled ‘A Greener and Cleaner Canarsie’ to raise awareness.
This comes on the heels of $500 grant from the Black Farmer Fund which invests in Black agricultural systems in the Northeast. Last month, CCDI was recognized amongst applicants from several states for our community work and impact. The funds will go towards supporting general operating and capacity-building costs.
Meanwhile, Fresh Creek Civic remains committed to their Cleanups and Tree Care program along 108th Street and the treasured Nature Preserve. These efforts lay the foundation for a cleaner, greener Canarsie—but lasting change depends on you, the residents. By working together and taking responsibility for our neighborhood, we can create a healthier, more beautiful environment for everyone.
Norine Medas, Founder/Executive Director of the Canarsie Merchants Association, stated that the organization is committed to cleanliness initiatives by actively encouraging merchants to maintain their spaces through regular cleanup activities. “Our gardening initiatives include the Urban Community Gardening program, the planting of daffodils, and the introduction of native plants along the commercial corridors,” she explained. “We look forward to participating in the upcoming PSA, which supports our vision for a Cleaner and Greener Canarsie.”
Nurturing mind, body, and spirit The Voice of Beauty spa, founded by Nurse Practitioner and mentor Thafarie Thomas, is a Canarsie-based wellness sanctuary dedicated to personalized care. With nearly two decades of healthcare experience, Thomas ensures every client feels like a VIP. “I was born to serve and care, and it’s a pleasure to do so in the community I’ve called home for over 30 years,” she shared.
The Voice of Beauty offers a wide range of pampering and rejuvenation services including hydra facials, sugar waxing, flower bomb foot soaks with foot massage, and full body detox saunas.
Expanding its impact, the company has also carved a niche in the weight loss industry with offerings such as an Ozempic/Semaglutide weight loss program, Non-invasive full-body sculpting, and cellulite reduction. “We have gotten a great response from the community, but we are usually met with great surprise as many people travel far to get these services,” said Thomas.
The Voice of Beauty also provides professional development for persons in the aesthetics business. “At the Academy, we share our wealth of knowledge and navigate other entrepreneurs and health professionals to their designated aesthetic affinity,” she explained. Thomas also expressed a desire to empower local youth and at-risk women. “I would like to use my Academy as a haven for a new start for women emerging from domestic violence situations, and be able to employ residents so The Voice of Beauty can make a positive economic difference in the lives of others.”
The Voice of Beauty is located at 126 Conklin Avenue and is open Monday through Saturday 10-8 p.m. Appointments are available 24 hours a day at 917.808.2455 or Thafari@aol.com
CCDI and the Consortium for Climate Risk in the Urban Northeast (CCRUN) are conducting a study of the Flooding and Land Sinking issues in Canarsie. Please complete the survey above by scanning the QR Code on the flyer. Physical copies in self-addressed envelopes can be requested by contacting harold.jones105@yahoo.com or 917.592.5875.
The survey collects only the block and cross street information and does not request any personal details like your name or address. You may leave your email address if you want to be updated on future developments. This email address will be used to randomly select three respondents to win either a $300, $200 or $100 gift cards as an incentive to fill out the survey. Your feedback is important even if you do not have flooding or infrastructure issues.
Share with your Canarsie neighbors and friends!
MARCH
CRIME
STATS
Compstat Year to Date Report
3/10/2025 to 3/16/2025
Murder (0) Down 100%, Rape (5) Up 150%, Robbery (19) Down 5%, Felony Assault (41) Up 64%, Grand Larceny (42) Down 39.1%, Burglary (3) Down 66.7%
In our April 2023 Newsletter, CCDI made the case for a critically needed Community Center in Canarsie. Two years later, while the Compstat Crime Statistics show a decrease in crime across the board, we still see pockets of crime including murder
in various hotspots across Canarsie. We also have many local youngsters loitering in public places because they simply have nothing to do. Furthermore, in other Brooklyn neighborhoods, disruptive behavior by young persons has sparked a trend of businesses banning customers under 18 years old unless accompanied by an adult. Again, we firmly believe a Community Center is the solution.
The benefits of a Community Center in Canarsie are many. These include:
Canarsie has been a neglected community for a long time. By working in hand-in-hand with other local Civic associations we can finally make a public community center a reality.
