A Bedford Avenue Mystery Solved!
Filed under: 11211, Culture War, Stuff That Makes Miss Heather Happy, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Anyone who has lived in Williamsburg for any appreciable period of time knows this place well. Those who don’t (READ: tourists) love it too. It is located at Bedford Avenue and North 1 Street and is a much-needed breath of levity in the downright affluenzic mecca which Williamsburg has become. I, as many others, have often wondered who has taken over this menagerie since Luis Rivera died. Well folks, I have some very good news: last night I got the answer!
Her name is Carmen and I stumbled upon her locking the gate after adding wreaths bearing eggs to the current display. She didn’t care to be photographed (which I attribute more to a language gap than secrecy) but she told me that she is the current “custodian” of this ever-unfolding creation and its future is uncertain. Apparently Luis Rivera’s cousin (or nephew— I forget which) wants to operate a flea market in this space.
Nonetheless she is soliciting donations for “Coco” the Gorilla to get new clothes. Those of you who care to do so can do this in person on Saturdays (when she has assured me she is on the premises) or next door at 270 Bedford Avenue (AKA: Monsignor Alexis Jarka Hall Senior Housing) which Carmen calls home!
Miss Heather
Live From The Parks & Waterfront Committee Meeting
Filed under: 11206, 11211, 11222, Culture War, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
As I have intimated last night’s proceedings were rather contentious. Don’t take my word for it: seeing (and hearing) is believing. Enjoy!
Video 1: Dewey Thompson, Community Board 1 member, member of the Parks and Waterfront Committee kicks off the proceedings by explaining what OSA (of which, it should be noted, he is a board member and whose Executive Director also happens to be Community Board 1’s Parks Supervisor) does for north Brooklyn’s Park.
- OSA is a conservancy not unlike Central Park or Prospect Park.
- Mr. Thompson notes that concert/concession sales (as a result of this conservancy) will go exclusively to parks under OSA’s supervision. In other words: not into the general fund for all the city’s parks.
- Mr. Thompson points out how OSA saved East River State Park from closing this winter.
- Mr. Thompson notes that OSA got $330,300 in net profits (benefiting our parks) from the shows conducted last year at East River State Park. $200,000 of which went to East River State Park. That leaves $130,000 for all the parks in Community Board 1. Or as Mr. Thompson states “In Greenpoint and Williamsburg.” Make a note of this.
- Per Mr. Thompson these concerts are delivering (and I quote) “Major value back to the community”.
- Chairman Caponegro kicks off the Q & A session.
- Facts: OSA employs 35-40 security people plus New York’s Finest versus 1,000 attendees.
- Adam Perlmutter states in the interest of inclusiveness (my term) that there will be family-oriented entertainment and a “Latino show”. Among other things.
Video 2: Community Board Member (and Parks Subcommittee) Katie Naplatarski asks for some clarifications regarding weekend shows.
- Ms. Thayer says there will be no Saturday or Sunday shows in July or August. Fridays are open.
- A citizen speaks/complains. If she wanted to attend an East River State Park concert she can hear it from her building.
- Ms. Thayer states it is not intent to upset the neighbors and mentions that she will be working with Officer Adamo (of the 94th Precinct) to have better policing after these concerts.
- Another citizen notes the impact these concerts have with her neighbors and states that fifteen concerts in one summer are too many. She also notes what happened at her building when a storm hit and a mass exodus of people attempted to flood her building.
- Yet another citizen speaks. She is VERY unhappy and likens the noise to an “x-ray” which permeates everything around her. (This is really worth watching.)
- Caponegro speaks. Among other things he notes that OSA (or would that be 311? Or lack of complaints given to Community Board 1? This was a little unclear.) makes it seem like “no one complains”. The audience begs to differ.
Video 3: A lady named Sara asks “Why are we privatizing a park?”
- Sara gives quick primer as to the provenance of East River State Park and reminds the representatives of OSA that East River State Park (at 7 acres) is not Central Park. Or Prospect Park. In other words: it does not have the space needed to host an event without displacing fellow park-goers.
- Sara inquires as to how how much money OSA gives to East River State Park.
- Sara points out the obvious: most people in north Brooklyn do not have a private backyard to enjoy. When they want to experience the outdoors it is done at our public’s parks. By closing off/monetizing East River State Park the Open Space Alliance is, in fact, denying a great many people access to open space.
- A long-term Williamsburg resident makes it known that it was people such as himself who made north Brooklyn a desirable place to live. (This is VERY compelling stuff so do give it a listen. I cannot even begin to give it justice.)
Video 4: Del Teague, Community Board Member 1 Speaks
- The most compelling part of this video (if you ask me) is when Ms. Teague points out that the owner of the Edge— who is apparently a supporter of OSA’s concerts— refused to allow distribution of fliers announcing this meeting.
- Ms. Teague concurs that East River State Park is not appropriate venue for events of this scope.
- Concerns about how neighboring properties— including affordable housing— will be impacted are raised.
- These concerts/influx of concert goers are likened to an “invasion”.
- Praise is given to Summer Starz and questions are raised as to when it will be scheduled this year. Apparently the organizers have been told Thursday evenings are not available.
- Ms. Thayer replies that OSA is not done scheduling concerts (hence why East River State Park is not making Thursday evening available) and recommends that the weekends— or McGolrick Park— be used for this film series.
- It is observed that the concerts are getting priority.
- The specter of the Brooklyn Night Bazaar arises.
- A recommendation is made that these concerts be conducted in the South Bronx. (What did they ever do to us? — Ed. Note)
Video 5: The Owner of Artists & Fleas Speaks
- The owner of Artist and Fleas notes the absence of local business owners present and extols upon the benefits these concerts bring to local business.
- A citizen presents an invoice showing the damage done to her car by a drunk driver who attended one of these concerts.
- A woman opines that Brooklyn Brewery’s owner, Steve Hindy, benefits from these concerts— not the residents of said community.
- It is intimated that Mr. Hindy has undue influence over our community.
- Civil disobedience and a protest are suggested
Video 6: Steve Hindy Speaks
- Mr. Hindy mentions his involvement with the Prospect Park Alliance and asserts neither he nor Brooklyn Brewery benefited from this relationship.
- Mr. Hindy states a needs for fundraising for New York City’s parks.
- Open Space Alliance is based upon the model of the Prospect Park Alliance.
- Mr. Hindy gives a history of beer concessions at concerts. Both Brooklyn Brewery and Anheuser-Busch gave $50,000 upfront and all profits from beer sales were donated to Open Space Alliance.
- Mr. Hindy gives a break-down of concert revenue: these netted $400,000 last year. $200,000 went to East River State park for upkeep and maintenance. $200,000 went to Open Space Alliance for operating costs including Ms. Thayer’s salary (which as of several years ago was ~$80,000 lest any of you are wondering. — Ed. Note.).
- Mr. Hindy notes that if it was not for OSA’s efforts East River State Park would have been closed last winter.
- Mr. Hindy tells the attendees present that if they “do not want us” he understands. An audience member replies “We want less of you.”
- Ms. Thayer gives some additional details as to how revenue was tendered and spent at East River State Park. The parks of Greenpoint and Williamsburg get the remaining $130,000.
- The amount of space these concerts take up— including pot-o-potties— and mentioned and a request for an annual report from OSA is made.
- A Kent Avenue resident inquires what measures are being taken to mitigate the impact these concerts make on the surrounding community. Noise and garbage are specifically mentioned.
Video 7: A Northside resident speaks of public intoxication and urination.
- A visual demonstration of the aforementioned behavior is given.
- Another call is made as to what measure will be taken to mitigate the impact on the surrounding community. Chairman Caponegro notes that this question has been asked “all night”.
- Adam Perlmutter of Open Space Alliance and OSA Presents states that he is glad this meeting is being conducted. (Somehow the rest of this footage has gone MIA. I will endeavor to find it. — Ed. Note)
Video 8: A Northside resident queries Ms. Thayer about his block being cordoned off.
- He cites having problems parking on his block (Wythe Avenue at North 8 Street).
- 94th Precinct Community Liaison answers this chap’s query. He states the block should not be barricaded unless a concert of letting out.
- Ms. Thayer states that Wythe Avenue is open. This chap begs to differ.
- The NAS concert was brought up. A woman states she saw a melee involving 30 people at North 9 Street afterward. She alleges the police ran away.
- The need for more police presence is mentioned.
- The question is raised as to how much money OSA spends on police patrols.
- Mr. Adamo states that he does not have this information.
- The question is raised as to who pays for this added police presence.
And then my memory— and wherewithal— ran out. Here’s what followed (not necessarily in chronological order):
- A representative from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz’s office spoke. Among other things she said he was a fan of musical events. She was shouted down.
- Questions were raised— and not answered— regarding exactly how much money OSA/the Parks Department spend on police presence for these events (Once again: as opposed to the money raised and distributed so as to benefit our public parks. The more observant among you might have noticed even members of OSA cannot seem to be in agreement upon exactly what this figure is.).
- Julie Lawrence, a member of Community Board 1 (and member of the Public Safety Committee) spoke. She implored for more transparency on the part of OSA.
- Lincoln Restler spoke.
- Chairman Caponegro made it clear that Community Board 1’s opinion is only advisory.
- I left.
But onward it went. Here’s what one hanger-on had to say:
the committee meet with stephanie (Thayer — Ed. Note) & adam (Perlmutter — Ed. Note) sitting in … katie (Naplatarski — Ed. Note) looked like a force with being sure the community’s voice was heard … the resolution which aaron (Short — Ed. Note) will write up can’t really apply to this year … interestingly the committee chair did ask dewey (Thompson — Ed. Note) about him wearing many hats … don’t remember how he phrased … well put … i asked how someone could be on the task force and all you got to do is ask … from what i gather the main task is to hold osa accountable … it was a GREAT meeting … can’t wait for public safety …
New York Shitty Analysis/Commentary/Observations:
Since Community Board 1 does not have the power to place a ban on waterfront concerts at East River State Park I am not going to belabor the manner. What’s more, what transpired at last night’s meeting was not really about concerts at all. Rather, it is the growing pains of a community in transition. The battle ground (so to speak) in this case were our public parks (and to whom they belong). The answer is simple: all of us.
Inasmuch as the folks of OSA would fancy themselves as being inclusive the fact of the matter is they are not. Their events are of very limited appeal to the older, long-term — and yes— diverse residents of North Brooklyn. If they (Open Space Alliance) were forthright about who their target demographic is (20 – 30 something, younger, newer residents) at least they would have been honest and everyone— like it or not— would be on the “same page”. But this is not the case. In this respect I find touting one “Latino show” as an overture to be disingenuous at best.
Above all, I came away from last night’s meeting reminded of the serious (and depressing) disconnect there is between OSA and the older residents of the community. The latter made their grievances (like the delivery or not) and questions quite clear. In return OSA did not provide answers. Rather, they kept re-stating the same facts (and in the case of actual money raised/distributed were somewhat contradictory) and stuck to the same sales pitch. This was— and is— in no way conducive to a productive dialogue with the community OSA purports to serve. Sadly, this does seem to be their modus operandi. I am of the distinct opinion it is just this pattern of behavior which made this meeting of the minds necessary in the first place.
Here’s the deal: north Brooklyn’s public spaces belong to just that: the public. No one organization— especially those ostensibly raising money for park space and advocating on the public’s behalf* — is more important than any another other group of citizens. But it would seem that OSA is getting preferential treatment.
The chap in that third video (John Ricco, owner of Grandma Rose’s) is right: it is people such as him who have made Greenpoint and Williamsburg a place where people like them— and myself— want to live. These concerts would not be happening if this neighborhood had not been shaped by people like him. For this reason he and people like him have my utmost respect and admiration. In fact, I consider myself honored to be their neighbor. It would be nice if Open Space Alliance would follow suit. If I had to recommend a first step I would say some empathy, transparency, solid answers and yes, respect— not sales pitches— on their part would be a good start.
Miss Heather
*and in my opinion concerts are an incredibly poor way to raise money: $130,000 or even $200,000 spread over the entirety of north Brooklyn’s parks is a pittance.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Presentation Regarding Concerts at East River State Park & The Northside Festival
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Given the complaints tendered at the last Community Board meeting regarding the concerts at East River State Park (and banter about banning them) I feel compelled to pass along this item. On May 3rd starting at 6:30 p.m., our Parks Advocate/Parks employee, Stephanie Thayer, along with a few other folks from Open Space Alliance North Brooklyn and the New York City Parks Department will be giving a presentation regarding the concerts slated to grace north Brooklyn this upcoming summer. Those of you who have had issues with these events in the past or simply want to learn more about them should make it a point to attend— and ask questions!*
Parks & Waterfront Committee Meeting
May 3, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Swinging 60’s Senior’s Center
211 Ainslie Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
Miss Heather
*Here are a few for those who might feel inclined to ask:
- What measures will be put in place so as to mitigate the impact on the surrounding community, e.g.; noise abatement, trash pick-up, crowd control, etc.?
- What measures will be taken to ensure that issues which may arise at other park spaces will be addressed in a timely fashion? Or to put it differently: with the summer being peak season (and as such is more likely to have maintenance issues), how will a balance be achieved between operating these concerts and managing our parks?
- Exactly how much money is raised by these concerts for our parks versus money/manpower outlay-ed? Ask for specific figures.
- How have the aforementioned funds raised been allocated to date?
LAST GASP: Live From The 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Tonight’s proceedings were short and sweet. However, there were plenty of items of interest and naturally I shot footage. Without further ado, here it is along with a little commentary.
INTRODUCTION
- A general run-down of the previous month’s meeting is given.
- Attendees are made aware of the City’s Community Liaison’s web site.
- The first guest speaker of the evening is announced: Dennis Gagan of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
- When asked if crime is up or down he says down.
- Phyllis (a 94th Community Council institution) disagrees and quotes Winston Churchill.
- Mr. Gagan then proceeds to outline a stringent jail-time versus drug treatment program.
- One Greenpointer mentions that a regular offender seems to be in and out of jail for drug-related crimes on a regular basis and asks what he should do if he catches this chap breaking into his car. The following discussion elicits dark laughter from the audience. D. I. Hurson steps in.
PART II: Tim Duffy, the LGBT Liaison for the NYPD introduces himself and D. I. Hurson gives a rundown of crime statistics.
- Any and all interested parties can get Mr. Duffy’s contact information by clicking here.
- Here’s the skinny per D. I. Hurson:
- Narcotics arrests were up 50%
- Traffic-related citations were up 25%
- Overall crime was down 4% HOWEVER:
- Robberies were up.
- Domestic violence was up.
- Car break-ins— especially on the “Northside” (specifically between North 4 and North 7 Street)— were up.
- In regards to last month’s bank robbery at HSBC: the perpetrators were arrested.
- The hate crime which occurred at North 4 Street and Wythe Avenue has yet to be solved.
- There was an arrest regarding the shooting.
PART III: Community Board 1 Member Tom Burrows Speaks and the Q & A Session Commences
- Mr. Burrows disambiguates (once again) the hoopla regarding a so-called moratorium on liquor licenses.
- The issue of the Brooklyn Night Bazaar is addressed. Once again.
- Mr. Burrows implores people to call 311 about eating and drinking establishments which pose a public nuisance— and to forward this information to the local Community Board. If the Community Board does not know such an establishment poses an issue to the community, they cannot do anything about. In others words: if you see something, SAY SOMETHING@
- The issue of truck and— get this— MTA bus traffic on Kent Street is raised. NOTE: Kent Street is not on a bus route. The issue of motorcyclists and installing speed bumps is brought up as well. Hurson says speed bumps cannot be installed on bus routes. The ladies present assure him Kent Street is not on a bus route and he offers to lend a hand. (Ed. Note: I later advised these ladies to take up the matter with our Community Board’s Transportation Chair, Karen Nieves.)
PART IV: Q & A Session Continues
- The subject of graffiti is once more raised and D. I. Hurson explains how to get it fixed.
- Diane Jackson of the Cooper Houses voices concerns about men from the adjacent homeless shelter breaking curfew and sleeping in the halls of said housing. Apparently 60 Kingsland Avenue has the biggest problem.
- More about the drug-dealing situation on Kent Street.
At this point it seemed like everything was over. But it wasn’t.
PART V: Carlos Menchaca of Councilwoman Christine Quinn’s Office Introduces Himself
NEW YORK SHITTY ANALYSIS/WRAP-UP
After this meeting adjourned I arrived home to find this in my inbox.
Jan (who sent me the above photograph) writes:
Hi Heather –
The attached is what I was greeted with yesterday afternoon when I went to go pick up the car at the parking lot on N.9th St. to do errands. Since the interior wasn’t wet, I am going to assume this happened really late Saturday or early Sunday. Oh, and my cover was taken off too, so someone was interested in seeing what was under the wrapping.
This is my 64 Impala that I’ve had through thick and thin since 1983. Apparently someone thought it would be fun to walk over the car with ladies sized shoes (with a steel heel) and went into my windshield. We have this problem with someone leaving the gate open and stuff getting stolen once in a while, but I bet that bar across the street has something to do with it. Thanks kiddies, your little bit of fun walking across my 48 year old car is going to cost me a cool grand to fix the busted windshield, not to mention figuring out how to fix the dents in the roof.
Here’s the deal: as a result of virtually no awareness raised by the powers that be and/or lack effective outreach by our local Community Board I receive a lot of complaints. I gladly field them and post the most relevant ones here. However, it has come to my attention that a great many of these complaints are redundant in nature. Follows is the “top three”:
- Complaints about “eating and drinking” establishments— usually about noise, disorderly behavior, property damage and litter.
- Traffic/transportation-related complaints.
- Parks-related complaints.
What I would like to do so as to address this problem, serve my community; and perhaps preserve some semblance of my own sanity is create some customized version of a page which Jeremiah, of Vanishing New York, has on his site. It is entitled “How To Complain”. Follows is an excerpt.
You can (and should) read the rest here. In order to make this happen here’s what I need from you, dear readers from Brooklyn’s Community Board 1:
What do YOU want to complain about “effectively”? We have a number of very dedicated people on our Community Board. What is lacking is communication— and you! Do I need to hyperlink to Community Board 1’s calendar— including sub-committee meetings? Would monthly reminders about the 94th (and/or 90th) Precinct Community Council meetings be helpful? Contact information for elected officials, perhaps? Please tender your suggestions via comments or email at missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com.
Thank you.
Miss Heather
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Tonight At Concrete Utopia
Filed under: 11206, Bushwick, Bushwick Brooklyn, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn
The details I received about this event are scant (READ: I got a mass email) but follows is the press release:
Spork Used As Knife (and other disconcerting events)
Opening Friday, April 1, 7-10
Featuring artists Maurice Doherty, Shana Moulton, Hilary Sand, Dave Sherry, and Curver Thoroddsen.
The exhibition investigates humor and performance and their unique ability to reflect the absurdity of everyday life. The history of performance art offers the medium as a means of rebellion, the act of breaking with the current state of art and politics. The work featured in “Spork Used As Knife” rather ruptures the personal experience of everyday life by forcing the viewer to turn his or her perspective, to view it from a skewed angle. The mirrored reflection of life by art comes ever closer in performance, and with the comfort offered by humor, begins to break down this distinction.Each artist in the show approaches these barriers between the quotidian and The Quotidian from a different perspective, and through different mobilizations of the banal and the humorous.
This is a really exciting show, and has been an amazing opportunity to work with some brilliant artists.
Spork Used As Knife
Opening Reception: April 1, 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Concrete Utopia
72 Scholes Street
Brooklyn, New York 11206
You can read more about Concrete Utopia by checking out their About page.
Miss Heather
Reader Contribution du Jour: Little Boots
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Urban Fur
This handsome chap (?) was spied waiting for his best friend in front of Enids and was captured on camera by Donna Marsh.
Miss Heather
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Monitor Street (de)Construction
Jay (who sent me the above item) writes:
These flyers were distributed to all residents on Monitor St between Nassau and Norman. I’m just a renter so only got to hear about the plan from my landlord. There was an all-block meeting a couple of days ago and it sounds like the people who own property on this block are going to fight this all the way to city hall. I can’t imagine why the city would want to go through with this… if 5 feet of sidewalk are added on each side then the sidewalks will be wider than the street!
Here’s the deal: I do not profess to have any knowledge whatsoever about this kind of thing. However, this does strike me as being a wee bit ridiculous. Follows are two more avenues the folks on Monitor Street should consider:
In closing, I would like it to be known that I have dialogued— albeit via email— with Ms. Nieves on a number of occasions. She is not only very dedicated to addressing the manifold number of transportation issues hereabouts but she’s a really nice lady to boot! Do not hesitate to contact her.
UPDATE, 10:30 a.m.: Jay has been kind enough to provide some visual aids so as to help us understand what is being proposed.
UPDATE, 11:39 a.m.: Here’s what our Transportation whiz, Karen Nieves, has to say!
Dear (excised),
Thank you for your email concerning the Nassau Ave/Monitor Street reconstruction project. At my last CB#1 Transportation Community Meeting many of your neighbors attended and has shared your concerns. We are working with Assemblyman Joseph Lentol’s office to get a meeting with NYC Department of Design and Construction(DDC) to go over everyone’s concerns for sometime in February.
Please understand this Capital Improvement Project has been in planning stages for many years and the Community Board is not in charge of the project. We are only advisory and try and mitigate the concerns of the community during the process.
Although the Community Board does support Infrastructure Improvements in our community we do not support lack of outreach in which clearly DDC has not provided in your case.
Please be assured we will do everything we can to have all your voices heard and try to get a meeting together with the appropriate agencies as soon as possible.
In the meantime if you have any questions please contact Mr. Shane O’jar (718) 391-2358 at the NYC Department of Design & Construction regarding this project .
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Photos Du Jour: Garbage Claus?
Last night at T & N Wine & Liquor as the Mister was making his purchases I watched the television there. It was on the news. They reported that Santa Claus was spied flying over Norway.
What a crock of shit.
I thought to myself. Everyone knows Santa does not exist and I failed to see why our news media sees fit to propagate this myth. Then we headed home— and I saw something that forced me to reconsider the existence of fat man in the red suit. Not I only have I come to the conclusion that Santa does in fact exist, but his means of distributing gifts is most decidedly of the four wheeled persuasion.
This Pontiac, to be precise.
I would like to apologize in advance for the lack clarity in these images. They do no adequately convey what is going on here. So I will tell you: this motor vehicle is packed to the ceiling— quite literally— will all manner and variety of Yuletide mirth.
Here’s a shot of the dashboard.
And here’s close-up of some very special treats awaiting delivery into some deserving boy (or girl’s) Christmas stocking: a bicycle helmet, unopened bottle of star anise seed and a Village People LP!
SLH (on the behalf of Miss Heather)
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