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stiZZy Inches Closer to Opening Day!
By The Changeling | August 28, 2007
Courtesy of www.stiZZy.biz
Many Bed-Stuyers have been eagerly awaiting the opening of stiZZy a bar-lounge that will take its place alongside the fine shops on the Lewis Avenue corridor.
The owner of stiZZy, TRUE, describes it as “a warm and inviting space that will bring people together to enjoy great company, great food, great spirits, and great culture.” It sounds like a place that will fit wonderfully in our community.
TRUE recently emailed us to let us know that construction has resumed at the stiZZy space and according to his contractor, the projected opening date for stiZZy is January 2008, but TRUE is working diligently to get that date moved forward in order to have the place completed by the end of 2007. Wouldn’t it be great to celebrate the holidays at a brand new lounge in Bed-Stuy?
You can check out the menu and an artist’s rendering of the completed lounge here. We’re all looking forward to celebrating stiZZy’s upcoming opening, so we’ll keep you updated on its progress.
stiZZy
368 lewis avenue,
bed~stizzy, nyc 11233
http://www.stiZZy.biz
mailto:TRUE@stiZZy.biz
August 28th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Lewis ave is looking strong with Stizzy set to open and the new gallery on the corner of Macon coming soon. Lewis ave might be the next Smith st. with all the services and the library set to re-open shortly. This end of Bed Stuy is far more attractive than most of Brooklyn, plus they have the greenest block in the boriugh.
August 28th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
borough.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:01 am
I really hope this gut gets it together he wasn’t very orginized in doing his project. this building has been sitting abandonded next to another abondedonded building that has been decaying since the 80’s. TRUE preaches alot of power to the people but, he is really about power for himself. I am happy he got “investors” that he will be able to cheat out of thier money
August 29th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Is a gallery moving into the Freestyle Kids place? Any details? Also, there are a bunch of retail spaces for rent on Lewis between Macon and Hancock - including some restaurant spaces. Let’s hope for the best.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Truth, I think that’s a bit harsh. I know it’s frustrating waiting for new (and needed) business to open up, but remember that it’s extremely hard to get a business off of the ground. I’m not sure about the particulars of TRUE’s case (maybe he’ll post his own comment about the situation), but hopefully any obstacles to opening up this place are behind him.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
I’m upset by the harshness of this comment. I feel strongly that people should not post accusations of wrongdoing unless they have facts to back them up. I don’t know TRUE personally but I have no reason to believe this accusation. If people are willing to renovate and restore decaying buildings, that is a positive act, not a scam!
August 29th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Can this guy be sued for slander? This type of comment is unacceptable and should be removed and having “facts” doesn’t make it any better.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Wow! The comment was a little harsh, but there is “truth” to it sadly enough. I myself have interacted with True and people that know him and the vibe is the same. I think freedom of speech is important and slander is not the case if there are “true” facts. anyway all the best to him I hope he is really about embracing the hood instead of become a place with attitudes worse than BreadStuy. I’m just hoping the shops opening on Malcom X don’t get the ultra upscale vibe. Oh True doesn’t like our side of the Stuy Malcom X to Howard:)
August 30th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
ha! when i moved to bushwick i was searching on Google to see what was near my house, and even last year Stizzy was already listed! is there really a danger of retail businesses on Malcolm X being too upscale?
August 30th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
wow…a bit of misinformation sure goes a long way…
if i may, i’ll address these vague “accusations” one by one:
1. “he wasn’t very orginized in doing his project”
– true. like my friends and fellow SoLA members (Akwaaba, Bread Stuy, Brownstone Books, etc.), i don’t have a lot of experience in the bizness i am starting. but like Monique Greenwood, Walston & Crystal Bobb-Semple, Lloyd & Hillary Porter (et al), i *do* have a vision and a passion for improving the quality of life in the community, which, i feel, trumps my inexperience.
2. “this building has been sitting abandonded next to another abondedonded building that has been decaying since the 80’s”
– not completely true. yes, my bldg has been in an unfinished state since i purchased it last year, but hardly abandoned.
and yes, it *is* true that my neighboring bldgs have been practically abandoned for many years, but tell me, “truth,” what exactly have *you* done to change that situation? it’s easy to tell another how they should fight a battle, when one sits comfortably on the sidelines.
tell ya what, why don’t *you* decide what new biznesses would best improve the quality of life in the neighborhood, quit your job, find a space, and then raise half a million dollars getting that vision to fruition, *then* come back & tell me how quickly & easily you were able to do it. perhaps i could learn from your example.
3. “TRUE preaches alot of power to the people but, he is really about power for himself”
– huh? yes, it is very true that i “preach” a lot about “power to the people”…and i happen to be one of the people. if you had actully listened to any of those “sermons,” you would have heard that my basic gist is this: the black community is unique in that it is the only one that i am aware of that gives the majority of its money to other communities, rather than circulating it amongst itself. i find it extremely problematic that the main bizness corridor in this predominantly black community — harriet tubman / fulton st — has a 3% black bizness ownership rate. if you only consume and don’t produce, you have no power…i want to help change that dynamic for bed~stizzy.
as far as not really being about “power to the people,” i’m not sure how one could make that accusation without knowing me, but i ask this: when i drive myself to the brink of insanity / insolvency every year to put on a free film festival that i hope will teach the community’s children something about themselves and / or the world that they may not otherwise know — does that seem like it is fueled by a “hidden agenda” to someone gain more power for myself?
when i offer help or low or no-cost services to community & civic organizations like Bridge Street Development Corp, the Brownstoners, Restoration Corporation, SoLA, the Stuyvesant Heights Parents Association, Bed-Stuy Alive, BeSAA, Bedford Stuyvesant Bizness Association and more small biznesses and individuals than i could count — does that seem like a strategy for personal empowerment, or the dedication of someone who thinks that these folks do good work in the neighborhood?
again, i ask the question: what have *you* done?
go to the stiZZy site, click on the “stiZZy store” link — read it — and *then* tell me that i’m not really about “power to the people.”
4. “I am happy he got ‘investors’ that he will be able to cheat out of thier money”
– only someone with intimate knowledge of exactly how i handle my bizness could be in a position to make that accusation, so why would you feel that you are that person?
to say that there is somehow something shady about my intentions of creating a spot that’ll allow people to spend their money closer to home sounds like…um…what’s a polite euphemism for “the rantings of a crackpot”?
5. “I hope he is really about embracing the hood instead of become a place with attitudes worse than BreadStuy”
– i can’t speak for anyone else, but i am about embracing and supporting anyone who is positive and constructive. i don’t have time for knuckleheads & haters. no one here falls into those categories, right?
6. “True doesn’t like our side of the Stuy Malcom X to Howard”
– like everyone, i have my favorite spots in the community, and i’m kinda partial to lewis avenue. so sue me.
in short, i think someone’s been drinking a bit too much hatorade. if you have issues with me or how i conduct myself in the community, feel free to contact me directly, rather than taking anonymous pot shots at my reputation in a forum such as this.
thanx!
TRUE
http://www.stiZZy.biz
TRUE@stiZZy.biz
August 31st, 2007 at 10:38 am
I am a new resident of BedStuy and I am not of African American descent like lot of new comers. It seems that True is only geared towards offering his services, etc to the black community. In that case you have already ignored non blacks in the community. Why are you so intent in keeping this a black community rather then a united community of diverse people? Historically, it has been a diverse community with its origins in dutch colonists settling in the area. It was then a mixed working class neighborhood until it was redlined. So stop pushing your agenda of keeping this a black community as there are lot of non blacks in the neighborhood.
August 31st, 2007 at 12:35 pm
I do agree with bedstuynewbie. I’ve lived in the neighborhood for several years and I too happen not be African American. While on one hand I respect what True is doing in the neighborhood for the neighborhood - I also feel that he actively does not want non-African Americans to be in Bedford-Stuyvesant. It certainly feels like he doesn’t want non-African Americans to be future customers of his establishment. Perhaps I’m wrong. I would be interested in hearing what he has to say on the matter. I do believe that his establishment will be great for the neighborhood and I fully expect it will be run professionally and honestly. Getting a business off the ground in NYC is incredibly difficult and I respect True’s efforts and do not doubt his honesty and integrity. I do doubt that he does want any further integration of Bedford-Stuyvesant. I think this is strange, considering I understand his mother is not African-American. I feel uncomfortable putting the spotlight on True - but as an outspoken member of the community with outspoken ideas he has become a public figure of sorts and cannot expect to be immune from comments.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I’ve lived in Bed Stuy for a long time. I’m looking forward to spending many nights at this place because it’s only 2 blocks from my house and it beats hanging out at that old man bar, Casablanca, on Malcolm X. So, True, I hope you have a good beer and bourbon selection because we’re coming! Good luck getting this off the ground.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Please come out to Fulton Park on Stuyvesant and Fulton tonight Friday and view the movie that True is presenting, the finale of the summer series, and enjoy his good work and meet him face to face. True must have a book out because folks seem to know his life story. Bedstuynewbie please unite Howard Beach, Breezy Point and Park Slope.
September 1st, 2007 at 4:23 am
“So stop pushing your agenda of keeping this a black community as there are lot of non blacks in the neighborhood.”
” I also feel that he actively does not want non-African Americans to be in Bedford-Stuyvesant.”
My dear, non African-American (read white people) residents of Bedford Stuyvesant. Why must you attempt to have everything, We gave you Fort Greene. Why is a Black nieghborhood that wants to remain Black somehow not United??? What is the problem with AFRICANS from the Diaspora wanting to live around only other AFRICANS from the Diaspora.
You may find it very hard to believe but when Black Folks make a Conscious effort to preserve the few communities we have, there are GOOD reasons, for example when young AFRICAN children see and experience a Majority of the Home Owners, Business Owners, Professionals, and regular hardworking positive Joes and Joans in thier neighborhood reflect the same image that they see in the mirror everyday, it goes a long way. It builds confidence and instills in those young fertile minds that these are possibilities for themselves… and thats just the tip of the Iceberg.
Since you are not African you may not realize the constant attacks we endure simply by existing. So if you truly want to unite Bedford Stuyvesant, sell your home/condo to someone of color, or if you rent do not renew your lease… you are welcomed however to enjoy our many growing businesses with your dollars.
September 1st, 2007 at 8:20 am
H, I’d MUCH rather have YOU leave Bedford-Stuyvesant and move somewhere far far away.
September 1st, 2007 at 11:26 am
Exclusionary arguments may feel good, but they don’t work. How is “African people just want to live together” any different from “European people just want to live together?” What if you’re an African person who looks European? Or vice versa? Do you have to carry a pass?
I understand the emotions behind it, but I don’t think it makes for a valid or moral or even sustainable way to live your life.
September 2nd, 2007 at 9:54 am
perhaps i missed something…isn’t the article above about a much-needed spot opening up in our neighborhood?
TRUE, i hope i am not simply encouraging your your traducers, but may i suggest you all continue the debate over cocktails once stizzy is open?
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:08 am
The Changeling…. the moment I put my place on the market - I’ll be kind enough to offer it to you. start saving your coins.
September 3rd, 2007 at 8:38 am
Alexa11221…
the diffrence between African people just wanting to live together versus European people just wanting to live together, is that the Europeans have the economic/political advantage to keep their neighborhoods exactly the way they want them. For example cite a nieghborhood like… um the United States.
September 4th, 2007 at 8:00 am
H-
I am not white so when you assume that, you are a bigot. Why is it ok for black folks to have a black neighborhood, black school, etc. I do not see any other ethnic or racial group trying to do that. As for my dollar, I will be sure NOT to spend it where I am not welcome. You didnt give anything to anyone - all you want is something for free. So get off your high horse claiming to have given neighborhoods to anyone. This is a free country and everyone has the same right to work and get what they want. If you have such an issue with non-african americans moving in, please find a place where its all aficans - ie. Africa.
I am all up for supporting new businesses in the neighborhood, and make every effort to do so. If TRUE was really looking to help the neighborhood, why didnt he buy a place when it was practically free to get a building in BedStuy. I guess he wanted to make sure that when the value of these homes went up - read when non african americans came in and bought these homes, he decided to take a chance. I do give him credit as it takes a lot of courage to start a business and I wish him all the best and hope that he succeeds. But there is not need to throw the race card in at every turn. If it wasnt for me or other new folks that have come into the neighborhood, you wouldnt be taking a chance on opening a business here.
September 4th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Bedstuynewbie…
Get a damn clue! Simply because once points out race does not make one a bigot, and if you were intelligent and could think reasonbly I may have been offended by your accusations. Just in case you were unaware (which you apparently are) Bedford Stuyvesant was a viable community long before you or any other newcomer (be they black, white, yellow, brown, purple or green) decided that it was a fit enough for occupation. There were even businesses here during the height of the crack epidemic (who in their right mind would do that). Somehow I sense that if you could have afforded another neighborhood, you’d be there, and since you could not you are here desperatly wanting it to be the place you could not afford. I am here because I want to be here. I like it - majority blacks folks, a spatering of white folks and even some you confused displaced people (you provide fodder), but majority Black, the way it is now. You did not save or rescue anything.
September 4th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I think anything that makes the neighborhood a more enjoyable place to live and provides productive outlets for members of the community is a great thing.
Perhaps stiZZy and Solomon’s Porch will create a live music hot spot, right in our community, which is quickly disappearing in our city but is certainly needed to keep this a fun and exciting place to live.
For those who feel the need to race bait, I can’t imagine any community benefits from such behavior. If the only way you feel comfortable is by separating yourself from the city around you, why are you in the most diverse city in the country?
Is True a perfect person? No, but there is no such thing as a perfect person.
Let’s hope he does well. If stiZZy is not in touch with either an economic need in the community or fails in its promise to deliver quality service, it will suffer accoringly, regardless of who True markets to - and he can market to whomever he likes. No ill-will here, that is just the way business works.
We all need to work together and make the neighborhood better. Some people open up live music venues. Some people plant flowers and win the Greenest Block in Brooklyn awards. No one benefits from being uncivil.
We don’t all have to get along or agree. That is unrealistic. But if you are not willing to behave like a mature adult, you really shouldn’t leave your house (or post on this blog) and make the rest of us suffer.
September 4th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
H-
By simply pointing out a race - you are right it doesnt make one a bigot but when one tries to push for a neighborhood for one particular race, it is racist. I am here because I want to be here. I own 3 houses in the neighborhood and have black and white tenants with whom I have a great relationship. In any case, I like being in this neighborhood and have some great neighbors. Even the old time residents claim that this has always been a mixed working class neighborhood not a black neighborhood. Yes, they are black and have been here for over 50 years. BedStuy has always been a community, I wouldnt call it viable as you like to describe during the crack epidemic. Again everyone is entitled to their opinion. I did not claim to rescue or save anything. The newcomers are here because the homes are for sale and they are sold on market to whoever can afford to pay the purchase price. Assuming you are a home owner, have you offered any below market apartments in your home to members of the black community? How many businesses do you support in the area? About a year or so ago, two ivy league graduates who happen to be african americans opened a coffee shop in the neighborhood and closed shortly thereafter as the members of the community did not support it in anyway. I am sure you will make an excuse for that as other things. All I am saying is that this has always been a mixed community. Even if you claim that this is still a majority black community, how many home owners are black. It wasnt call do or die bedstuy for fun. It has changed considerably in last few years but you cannot accept the reality. I can afford other neighborhoods, I chose this because of architecture, potential, history, etc. As a member of this community, I make every effort to support all businesses that welcome me or anyone else regardless of my color, background, etc.
September 5th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Le Toukouleur has a jam session on Mondays, Solomons Porch has music on Fridays, Brooks Valley has a jazz trio occasionally and The Jazz Spot has music every weekend all are welcomed and all will be welcomed at Stizy; come on people this is not Bensonhurst or Breezy Point or Dix Hills or Jena or the place they moved the OJ case to, so please can we try to get rich… uh I mean get along.
October 7th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Don’t hate on TRUE. Do your own thing and let him do his. Support all efforts that are positive.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Are there any updates on this place? I walked by recently and noted that the building is for sale. I found that odd since there was a sign on the building at one point recently that said it was NOT for sale.
Any info would be appreciated.
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:05 am
long story short: i had planned on refinancing the building to get the money that i needed to finish construction. i had budgeted my resources so that they would last til well past the point when the funds should have been disbursed. i even began construction with the expectation that the funds would be coming in in short order (see: “stiZZy inches closer to opening day”).
the deal dragged on and on, while my resources ran lower and lower. as it turned out, the broker was trying to present a fraudulent deal to the bank without my knowledge or consent, and the deal fell apart just as i was expecting to close. by that point, the fact that i had to stretch my resources beyond what i had planned overextended me, which made it difficult to backtrack to find other financing.
had it not been for that deal turning sour, i’d be able to serve you a cold one right now. as it is, i am seeking investors, partners, and / or loans in order to move forward…selling is the least attractive option, but one i must consider if all else fails.
my strategy is this: i am seeking a smaller amount of funding to do renovations on the apts first, once they are rented they will carry the building, at which point i can regroup and seek financing for the business once again.
if anyone knows anyone who might be interested in partnering / investing, holla.
thanx for asking.
TRUE
718. 919. 8925 home
718. 812. 0158 cel
TRUE@stiZZy.biz
http://www.stiZZy.biz
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:21 am
Thank, True. Good luck.