304 Bond<\/a>\u00a0fits all the criteria the Leadership Table has been looking for. It\u2019s about 1,000 square feet and boasts a nice, big backyard. It\u2019s located in a culturally and economically diverse neighborhood (one that is changing quickly as the recently-built Whole Foods impacts the landscape along Third Avenue). Our new space around the corner from\u00a0Proteus Gowanus<\/a>, a local gallery and reading room, and there are other small galleries located just across the street. We also hear there’s a “2-story ice cream paradise<\/a>” on the way, so we couldn’t pass that up!<\/p>\n Subway Access<\/em> Details<\/em> Gratitude<\/em> Well folks, I always say that we\u2019re building St. Lydia\u2019s together, and in the next few months, we\u2019re going to see that happen in a way that\u2019s more tangible than ever. It\u2019s your presence as a congregant, your input to this process through Community Meetings and conversations, and your giving to the Room at the Table Campaign that\u2019s brought us here. That, and a God who never seems to give up on us.<\/p>\n Here’s to the next leg of the journey!<\/p>\n With love and gratitude,<\/p>\n Emily<\/p>\n
\nDuring our search for a space, we learned a lot about realty in Brooklyn, and what we could reasonably expect for our budget. We found that the area Atlantic\/Barclay stop was out of range for us (though we did apply for a space there that was over our budget — our offer wasn’t accepted).\u00a0However, good subway access on multiple lines continued to be a priority for us, as we want our church to be as accessible as possible to those coming from different parts of the city. We feel that 304 Bond delivers. The Carroll stop on the F\/G is a six minute walk away, and our faithful Union stop on on the R line is an 8 minute walk. The #65 bus may also be useful for those coming from Prospect Heights.<\/p>\n
\nOur lease starts on\u00a0March 1, and we have one month free rent to give us a jump on renovations. The main space is finished and neat with a new bathroom, while the backyard and basement will need some loving care. I\u2019m excited to begin the design process with the help of plenty of professionals to guide the project. \u00a0I\u2019m not sure yet when we\u2019ll move into our new space, but I will update you when I know more.<\/p>\n
\nFinding and securing our new home has been an exciting and demanding process, and I have a few very important thank yous to make. First, to the Leadership Table — Phil, Charlotte, Jeremy, Aaron, and Burke — who have thoughtfully guided this process every step of the way. They, together with Jason, Jake, and Sarah have all visited a number of possible spaces and weighed the pros and cons of each, offering expertise and measured opinions. I wish to thank Phil, Jake, and our wonderful Community Coordinator Rachel who were integral to the process of getting the lease signed, sealed and delivered, while I was on vacation! All of these folks are Lydian heroes!<\/p>\n
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