[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BROWN-ALLEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2011

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Ms. Barbara 
Brown-Allen.
  Barbara has a feisty attitude and no-nonsense approach to life's 
obstacles; she believes there is nothing that cannot be achieved if one 
formulates a plan and acts on it. This ambition led to a life of 
exciting opportunity for this proud, Jamaican-born, businesswoman.
  One of Barbara's greatest opportunities came from Crown Heights North 
in Brooklyn, New York. In 2000, she and her husband, Michael, lived in 
East Flatbush. They drove through Crown Heights North one day and 
noticed a neighborhood filled with potential. Barbara immediately 
invested in property there and spent the next few years developing it. 
Despite several construction obstacles, she accomplished her goal: a 
beautifully renovated five story townhouse to call home.
  While developing her property in Crown Heights North, Barbara found 
herself in two new careers: community activism and real estate. She was 
originally a secretary for a federal bankruptcy judge, but wanted new 
challenges. Barbara took real estate classes and began bringing buyers 
and renters to Crown Heights North. To raise the reputation of the 
neighborhood, Barbara began lobbying local politicians for change. For 
example, she encouraged Borough President Marty Markowitz to offer 
homeowners tree guards to protect the neighborhood trees, a successful 
program that remains in place today.
  As her political strength grew, Barbara remained dedicated to 
improving the quality of life in Crown Heights North. She joined local 
organizations that advocated for land-marking, increased city services, 
and business improvement. To better the quality of life for all of 
Crown Heights' residents, she also worked with several organizations: 
Crown Heights North Association, CHARM, Nostrand Park and the Crow Hill 
Association. With a storefront on Franklin Avenue, Barbara's dedication 
to the community was exemplified by her actions as a landlord: she 
would only rent to the ``right'' tenant, one who would help revitalize 
the Crow Hill section of Crown Heights.
  Barbara excelled in the real estate business and is now an agent for 
Prudential Douglas Elliman. She was voted Rookie of the Year in 2008, 
and received two awards in 2009: the Top Two Sales Agent in New York 
City for Individual Transactions and the 2009 President's Circle Award. 
In spite of the recent down market, Barbara sees a bright future for 
her business and her neighborhood. ``I think long term,'' she says. ``I 
just look around, and I know.'' The vision and continued success of 
Barbara will be no surprise to anyone who has encountered this 
determined force of nature.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life 
of Ms. Barbara Brown-Allen.

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