Who We Are & Who We Serve

Prospect Lefferts Gardens Heritage Council is a non-profit civic association dedicated to the preservation of local historic buildings and heritage. We are devoted to community revitalization, economic advancement, housing, and cultural enhancement. We seek to improve the quality of life and opportunities for all residents of Prospect Lefferts Gardens.

General Activities

The group was founded to preserve several vulnerable historic resources within our community, educate our neighbors on their rich cultural history, and address issues that govern our overall living conditions.

We were founded in August 2016. For the past eight and a half years, we have been dedicated to building public support for listing as many buildings as possible on the National Register of Historic Places. Our efforts have included educational workshops and a help desk to assist property owners and businesses in taking advantage of associated financial incentives. In 2017, we successfully added 19 buildings to the Lefferts Manor Historic District, and in 2023, we listed 780 buildings of the Prospect Park East Historic District on the National Register. Most recently, in April 2023, we hosted a political forum in support of Senator Myrie’s bill to amend New York State’s Historic Homeowner Rehabilitation Tax Credit law. We have sponsored events at community cultural centers, organized neighborhood cleanups, presented at block association meetings, and helped neighbors find solutions to avoid deed fraud and reduce property taxes.

Our 2025-2026 programing

Hosting educational homeowner workshops via Zoom
Qualifying over 1000 historic buildings for financial assistance in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Co-sponsoring events with local community groups
Providing cultural events that celebrate our Historical Heritage

Future Community Issues

We Are Looking To Address

Set up regular meetings with the leaders of community groups and block associations.
Reduce our carbon footprint and our contribution to local landfills.
Mentor local youth into community leadership roles.
Host local political forums and debates.
Provide further documentation of local history

2025 Budget

Marketing

Part-time Staff

Gardening Supplies

Architecture Staff and Musicians

Youth Stipends

Equipment Rentals

NYSHPO Application Fees

Total:

$1476.79

$792

$3000

$17180

$1130

$2796

$2756

$29130.79

OUR LEADERSHIP

MARTHA PLIMPTON

DR. MYRAH BROWN-GREEN

DWAYNE NICHOLSON

RICHARD WALKES

VALERIE W. FLEMING

Board Of Directors & Executive Director Profiles

Dr. Myrah Brown Green earned her PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies, and has built a career as a noted artist and art historian, art curator and educator. She has been a dedicated Brooklyn community activist for many years, joining the team of the Crown Heights Youth Collective, founded by her husband, in 1980. Almost ten years later, they co-founded the Collective Fellowship and Peace Academy, where she served as principal. She is the founder and Executive Director of MBGreen Arts Curating, dedicated to documenting and promoting the careers of under recognized master and emerging artists of color.

Martha Plimpton rose to prominence as an actress in the classic 1985 film, The Goonies, and has maintained a successful career in movies, television and Broadway, with a long list of credits including such noted films as The Mosquito Coast, Parenthood and voice work in 2019’s Frozen 2. She received Emmy nominations for her work in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit and Raising Hope, winning for Outstanding Guest Actress in A Drama Series for The Good Wife. The politically active Plimpton advocates for LGBT rights causes, and has been an abortion rights activist since her teenage years. She has lobbied Congress on behalf of Planned Parenthood, on whose board she serves.

Richard Walkes, a multimedia designer by trade, has served notable clients including Pfizer, American Express, and Reader’s Digest. He now works full time in the non-profit sector. He has been a Prospect Lefferts Gardens Resident for over 47 years, and follows in the steps of his father, Hugh Walkes, who served as Prospect Lefferts Gardens Neighborhood Association Treasurer for two decades. Richard Walkes serves on the Lefferts Manor Association Board of Directors, and the Crown Heights Association Advisory Board.

Dwayne Nicholson is a financial analyst with comprehensive experience in financial and leadership roles. Currently serving as Senior Business Analyst for the New York City Transit Authority, Nicholson’s experience extends to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection as well. Nicholson has been active in community activities, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer for Prospect Lefferts Gardens Heritage Council Inc., amongst other organizations, and remains politically active, volunteering on several campaigns, including Treasurer for 35th City Council District Candidate Frank Hurley, Brooklyn Borough President Candidate Eric Adams and Mayoral Candidate Bill Thompson.

Valerie W. Fleming is a dynamic retired Federal Government Civil Servant with over 25 years of experience in project management, human resources, and public administration. Throughout her distinguished career with the U.S. Departments of Labor and Interior, she led complex programs fostering workforce development and operational efficiency. Since retirement, Valerie has served as Community Outreach Coordinator at the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center, building partnerships and supporting underserved populations. A dedicated community leader, she has held multiple volunteer leadership roles in Brooklyn and continues to advance civic engagement and social empowerment through active public service.