About Your Neighbors at the Boerum Hill Association


The Boerum Hill Association is guided by a volunteer board made up of residents who care deeply about the neighborhood and its future. The board works on a range of initiatives including community events, neighborhood improvements, and local advocacy efforts. Meet our board members below and find information about our regular meeting schedule.

Meet The Board:

Howard Kolins, President

Howard Kolins, a dedicated resident of Boerum Hill for 40 years, has served as BHA President for 15 years. He advocated for the neighborhood during major developments like Atlantic Yards and the Brooklyn jail construction. Currently the Executive Director of the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC), Howard produces the Atlantic Antic and manages the Hoyt Street Garden. His career includes producing the Radio City Christmas Show, where he met his wife Carol, a former Rockette, and he continues to work on special events like the Tony Awards. Howard and Carol raised two sons in local public schools.

Alexandra Gupta, Vice President

Alex has been a proud resident of Boerum Hill for 38 years and is deeply committed to the community she calls home. As a mother to her son, Eli, she is passionate about raising him here and fostering connection while staying actively involved in local initiatives. She began her career in real estate development, where she discovered her passion for guiding clients through major life transitions. Now a licensed Real Estate Broker with over 12 years of experience, Alex specializes in residential sales and serves on local nonprofit boards for housing and neighborhood development.

Meeting Schedule

General Meetings:
*Open to the public

Meetings are typically held on the third week of Oct/Jan/Apr at 6:30 PM on Zoom.

Board Meetings:

Meetings take place every other month (Sep-June) on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm on Zoom.

*Meetings subject to change, lookout for communication and Zoom links from the board president via email.

Boerum Hill
History

Boerum Hill traces its roots to the town of Breuckelen, one of the six original towns that formed modern-day Brooklyn, and the area was once farmland owned by Simon Boerum in the 18th century. In the 1960s, new residents led by Helen Buckler began renovating the neighborhood’s aging brownstones and formed a community association that adopted the name “Boerum Hill” in 1964 after discovering Boerum’s historic farm on a 1775 map. Over the following decade, a growing group of homeowners restored historic buildings and built a close-knit community, helping spark the neighborhood’s modern revival.

the boerum hill neighborhood historical landmark from the boerum hill association group for community engagement and membserhsip

The Brooklyn Inn at Hoyt and Bergen Streets. The Inn has been a historic favorite since 1885

the boerum hill neighborhood of brooklyn new york city history and historical image of the chase building and brownstones

The Williamsburg Savings Bank Building was Brooklyn’s tallest building for 80 years and remains a visible neighborhood landmark from State Street in Boerum Hill.

Hank’s Saloon was open 2000–2018, the beloved Boerum Hill dive bar that holds many great neighborhood memories.