Just Another Day In Greenpoint

Anyone knocking around Manhattan Avenue today probably noticed there was a lot of filming going on. At Matchless (above) a feature entitled Three Girls was being shot.

Further north I happened upon this motley crew of characters. Curious to know what was going on I asked one of them (the woman in the leopard print pants in the above photograph).

Miss Heather: What’s with all the people sporting the luau get-up?
Woman: They’re filming Lipstick Jungle here today. We’re extras in a party scene.
Miss Heather: Thanks. I was just curious because it is sort of unusual to see people decked out like this here on a weekday.
Woman: It’s funny you mention that. You are the first person who has asked us what we’re doing. We have been walking back and forth from the location (Club Exit —Ed. Note) to the holding area and no one seems to care.
Miss Heather: That’s Greenpoint for you. We have all types here. You can pretty much do or be whatever you want and no one will pay any mind.

It’s true. You can do or be anything you want to be in the Garden Spot. I once wore a pair of fairy wings to the grocery store because I felt like it. Aside from a few bemused looks no one seemed to care.

And on that note I am sad to inform everyone that Greenpoint recently lost one of its more distinctive citizens to a heart attack. Her name was Jessica Cooper, but most of us knew her as that big gal with the pigtails who loved to wear her Catholic School uniform. While some (myself included) may not understand exactly what made Jessica tick, she had a huge heart. She was a frequent volunteer at the Greenpoint Food Pantry and will be sorely missed by her partner of 40 years, Dottie. Rest in peace Jessica, you will be missed by many.

Miss Heather

Another Restaurant Cometh To Greenpoint

I have long wondered exactly what is going in this space at 14 Bedford Avenue (which is located just around the corner from Le Brique). Today I finally took a peek at the permits posted in the window.

I have not found any applications for a liquor license pending on Community Board 1’s agenda and there will be no meeting next month, so it looks like we will have to wait until fall to learn more!

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: West Point In Greenpoint

From Franklin Street.

Miss Heather

The Greenpoint Lofts, Revisited

It’s been some time since I have written about this establishment. In fact, it is long overdue. Thankfully a reader named Colleen alerted me to their web site, reminding me of something I want to pass along to you, dear readers.

As some of you might recall the Greenpoint Lofts are “business ready loft condominiums” which sport such unbusiness-like amenities such as a fitness center, penthouses and a rooftop terrace with skyline views. The location leaves much to be desired, but it is not at all an unattractive conversion. Obviously someone else agrees with me regarding the latter because I recently discovered a new tenant: Porcupine Tattoo!

This isn’t your grandma’s business condo!

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Back In The Day

Ever had one of those days where you just can’t get motivated? Call it the summer doldrums or whatever you want, today I have it! Thankfully Laura Hofmann was kind enough to pass along these great old photographs of Greenpoint taken in the 1980’s. Enjoy!

This one should be recognizable to just about anyone: it is the site of our new(ish) Starbucks. The McDonalds is still with us although the pizzeria to the north is now a Polish deli. Somewhat related: the bar (which is obstructed by a van in the above image) looks untouched. This might change as I noticed the “For Rent” sign there has been removed. I wonder what will occupy this space? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Here’s a view of the Greenpoint Avenue bridge and the site of our new and improved waste treatment plant.

Ah the joy that is (or would that be was) 1960’s architecture!

And of course what would a photographic record of old Greenpoint be without a nod to the “Texas tea” that makes our neighborhood (in)famous!

Miss Heather

Photo Credits: Laura Hofmann

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Every Little Bit Helps

From Franklin Street.

Miss Heather

Happy Bastille Day From Greenpoint!

This evening Casa Mon Amour will be celebrating Bastille Day in grand style with a “French Style BBQ” starting at 6:00 p.m. “Tasty food and a cold Pastis, rose or Kronenbourg” are in the offering.

Casa Mon Amour
162 Franklin Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222

On a related note, it would appear that Little Korea’s ill-fated space at 645 Manhattan Avenue might be poised to get the Gallic touch.

Le Brique means “the brick” in English. I have it on excellent intelligence they are building an outdoor patio in the back. That sounds really nice and all, but will the fare be tasty? That’s what I want to know!

VIVA LA FRANCE!

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Skyline With Pylons

From Manhattan Avenue.

Miss Heather