FORT GREENE — A new community development corporation launched, thanks to the work of 15-year-NBA veteran Taj Gibson, who grew up in Fort Greene’s NYCHA housing.
Gibson and lifelong friends Tameek Floyd and Malik Brown launched community-driven development firm GFB Development with a transformational project in their home neighborhood of Fort Greene at the 240 Nassau Street Navy Yard Clubhouse. They teamed up with Alloy Development to host ongoing meetings and gather input from the nearby NYCHA communities of Farragut, Ingersoll and Walt Whitman Houses.
Their goal is to pursue a rezoning of the site to bring a community center and housing to the neighborhood, including a significant number of affordable apartments. GFB and Alloy, which purchased the site last November, committed to providing a permanent community space, continuing the longstanding tradition of neighborhood programming on site. That space will be run by an operator based on local resident feedback and include tailored programming for neighborhood children, seniors and families.
“Growing up in NYCHA was a blessing and a curse — it made me who I am today, but I’ve also seen how limited resources and poor housing conditions can take a toll on families,” said Gibson.
“We want to do our part in changing that cycle.”
