Greenest Block 2011 Gets Under Way

With a grand total of 36 residential semifinalists, whittled down from 188 original entrants, the first round of judging is now over for the 2011 Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition! GreenBridge program manager Nina Browne assures us that "the competition is fierce" this year. To view the semifinalists, visit Greenest Block Contest.

Claudette Brady, a contributor to Bed-Stuy Patch and resident of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn whose own block has been participating in the competition for two years, recently took to the streets to see what her neighborhood has to offer. In her article, Bed-Stuy Goes Big for Greenest Block she speaks with recent winners and tours the area, finding a “sense of ownership and responsibility for the entire block” to be the best indication of potential top contenders. Bed-Stuy has claimed 10 of the 36 semifinalist spots this year, the biggest proportion of any neighborhood.

The winners will be announced August 3, with a $300 check for each first-place residential and commercial block winner, and cash prizes from $100–200 for other block finalists. Check out Greenest Block Contest for a map of the current entrants, the residential semifinalists list, and more information on the competition.

Missed the registration deadline? The application window may be closed for this year's competition, but it’s never too early to band together with neighbors to figure out how to spruce up your window boxes for next year!