Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
From The New York Shitty Inbox: It Came From Beneath The Creek
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
Or: Release The Kraken!
This corker was sent to me a couple months ago via anonymous tipster. I tabled sharing it until I felt the time was right. Today, for reasons which will soon become apparent, is that day. The above polemic was created shortly after the 2005 rezone. As it was explained to me (by said tipster) its purpose was to criticize GWAPP assuming the lion’s share of credit for the successful fight against the Trans Gas power plant which was slated to grace Bushwick Inlet. For those of you who were not here in 2005 (and I suspect there are many) I present the following video from NY1.
If the above “Community Activist” looks/sounds familiar it is because:
1. He was recently appointed* to the advisory board of the new “GWAPP”.
2. And I also recently verified that contrary to what is stated in this gent’s biography on the aforementioned site (an excerpt of which is above), Mr. Perlmutter is not now nor was he ever under the employ of Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn.
Interesting yes? Well today I had the item at left brought to my attention by my buddy Crappy. It got me to thinking— and finally it hit me:
What is not mentioned in this biography is every bit as fascinating— if not more so— than what is.
Namely, that in addition to being a “Community Activist” in the fight against the Trans Gas power plant, Mr. Perlmutter also happened to be under the hire of George Klein, the fellow responsible for Greenpoint Landing, so as to argue in favor of the 2005 rezone.
But don’t take my word for it. It is stated quite clearly in the April 29, 2005 edition of the New York Daily News.
(You can/should read the rest here.)
Straight up: as the featured cartoon attests, GWAPP has been the subject of controversy for some time. Controversy which persists to this very day. Controversy which would have, could have, should have been avoided by the simple practice of transparency.
Greenpoint Landing, regrettably, is going to happen whether we want it or not. That’s reality. However, I do not think expecting an organization which purports to represent the interests of the community giving full disclosure of their activities and board/advisory panel’s business relationships— past and present— is asking too much. Or is it? Now if you don’t mind, gentle readers, I am off to corner the market on ear plugs. I sense a very lucrative entrepreneurial opportunity is at hand!
*By a panel which includes his spouse. How’s that for nepotism?*
Quicklink: A Story To Tell
Filed under: 11211, 11222, 11249, Bushwick, Bushwick Brooklyn, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Gentrification, Gowanus, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Maspeth, Maspeth Queens, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
This tome was brought to my attention by a fellow named Richard. Richard is a resident of Lawrence, Kansas. This Letter to the Powers That Be, not surprisingly, pertains to matters in Lawrence, Kansas. However, while reading this tome more than one community hereabouts— and the non/not-for-profit organizations (which purport to act as a “voice”/”advocate” for the aforementioned communities) came to mind. I do not think I need to list/name the previous here, gentle readers. We know them.*
Follows is an excerpt from this essay so as the pique your interest:
…I have been long in forming my opinion of the Cultural Arts District and the 9th Street Corridor. When the pros and cons of the issue are laid across a scale, I find myself on the side of favor. I am in support of the Cultural Arts District and 9th Street Corridor in East Lawrence. I am excited at the prospect of renewal and repair that the Cultural District designation dollars can bring. I want new sidewalks and safer lighting and renovated limestone curbs and bricks in my streets. I want the businesses in my neighborhood to thrive and prosper and have the funds to reinvest in my community. I want an economic base that can support an East Lawrence or Downtown grocery store. I want my daughters to grow up in a vibrant, thriving neighborhood that supports the arts and creativity. I am personally invested in positive outcomes for the Cultural Arts District.
And yet…
There remains a sense of unease when I think about what will happen as the Cultural Arts District and 9th Street Corridor develop. I cannot shake the feeling of anxiety, of foreboding, of “ick” in my belly and bad smell wrinkle in my nose. And this time, it isn’t a downdraft from the wastewater treatment plant (Emphasis mine— Ed. Note) or the river. It’s the aftertaste of cultural co-option. But what does that mean, you say? I can’t explain it to you without the help of Alice Walker. Here’s where the story comes in…
You can— no, make that should— read this essay in its entirety by clicking here. Pass it along. Who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire someone (else) in our fair burgh/city to speak up?
*Hence why I found this excerpt of Adam “GWAPP Advisory Board” Perlmutter’s biography so fascinating:
…Adam is a currently lawyer for Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn opposing the Atlantic Yards project …
Speaking as a resident of Greenpoint for fourteen years now who knows quite a few bloggers— bloggers who have taken a keen interest in Atlantic Yards, no less— I have not once heard his name mentioned. What’s more, someone closely connected with DDDB confirmed my suspicions:
He isn’t in the employ and never was. He volunteered with DDDB about 9 years ago and helped them find their great lawyer Matt Brinckerhoff – but he’s not done anything with them for about 7 years.
Hmm…
Note the “Treasurer”. It is none other than Steve “Brooklyn Beer/I loves me some Atlantic Yards” Hindy himself.
Double hmm…
Quicklink: A New Chapter?
Filed under: 11211, 11222, 11249, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Choice quote: teaser:
After a multi-month process, the Greenpoint Association for Parks & Planning is pleased to announce it’s new Executive Board: Barbara McGlamery (Chair)*, Rich Mazur**, Trina McKeever*** (Treasurer), Laura Treciokas (Secretary)****,Manuel Zuniga and Katie Denny*****. Learn more about each of them and their connection to Greenpoint on the Board Members page…
New York Shitty translation: the nominating committee stalled until mid-summer (when folks are on vacation) to announce that they have appointed themselves.
You can read this “news” in its entirety by clicking here. In closing I feel compelled to share the following video. It features the new chair of GWAPP in action. It is quite something as you will see…
*Wife of a founding member and board member of Open Space Alliance North Brooklyn. Samesaid fellow was under hire by George “Greenpoint Landing” Klen to argue the case for the 2005 rezone.
**Head of North Brooklyn Development Corporation which is overseeing the distribution of the Greenpoint Environmental Relief Fund money.
***Employee of the North Brooklyn Development Corporation. Also the owner of The Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park web site’s url. (Run a “who is” search and see for yourself!)
*****Co-chair of the Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park group.
***** Former Community Co-chair of Open Space Alliance North Brooklyn.
From The New York Shitty Inbox
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Asshole, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Per a tipster.
It would appear Brooklyn Industries is either unaware that GWAPP ain’t what it used to be— or is shilling the same old t-shirt with the same old premise:
We fought the power plants and won!
If GWAPP was/is “winning”, why did this come to pass? And why does someone charged with appointing new board members behave in this manner? (start watching at 5;00)
I harbor a downright Darwinian attitude when it comes to “community orgs”. Simply put: if GWAPP is failing it is because the leadership has failed the community. GWAPP failed, shuffled the deck and now GWAPP 2.0. (which should not be confused with its predecessor), in its infinite wisdom, is going to charge former board members to appoint new ones. Exactly how this is going to create a different outcome is a mystery to yours truly. In any case GWAPP or whatever one wants to call it) is a one trick pony. They fall back on the power plant fight because, quite frankly, that’s all have.
And of course my personal favorite:
You gotta love this kind of hypocrisy. Be sure to thank GWAPP— Adam Perlmutter, Esquire— in particular, when they start piledriving at Greenpoint Landing. That should work wonders for the air quality ereabotus. Is this worth a t-shirt? Really?
P.S.: Melinda Katz, you took a shit on my community. I have returned the favor— via a snow globe!
Wednesday: GWAPP!
Filed under: 11211, 11222, 11249, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
The nuance/”selective cognition” GWAPP— or at least certain members acting unilaterally therein*— employs to continue their charade of being a “grassroots” community organization continues to amuse and confound yours truly. Per Ms. Holowacz and Mr. Thompson organizing meetings requires work. Yet, since the whole “Greenpoint Boathouse” thing went down (which of course GWAPP, among others, “endorsed”) they have been quite active despite the shortfall of “helpers”/”worker bees”. Why is that?
I’ll be wearing this button at this meeting (while filming it), what about you? I for one really hope this lady (who speaks at 1:19) shows up.
She’s got my vote!
P.S.: North 9 street and Kent Avenue is not Greenpoint. DUH.
*…I am not a butler, maid, chauffeur, or Gigolo.
I am a personal “Life Coach” and will be treated in a professional manor. Our relationship will be close, but boundaries will be outlined before employment. Children and Pet Friendly. My requirements for employment: $10,000 USD per week plus travel expenses, and lodging. I take sunday afternoon off. Non Disclosure Agreement – No problem…
I motivate you to be a better person through etiquette, personal relationship development, skill and behavior modification and tact…
My apologies to David Lee Roth.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: More Dissent
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Yes, dear readers, tomorrow’s meeting is going to be a hoot. I give a big New York Shitty salute to the ladies of “Park Moms” for standing up and saying something. Well done!
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Dissent
Filed under: 11222, Gentrification, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
The ball is in your court, GWAPP…
Quicklink: Williamsburg Greenpoint News + Arts
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, The Natives Are Getting Restless, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Please take a moment and give this tome a read, gentle readers. It is well worth the time!
From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part I: And Now A Word From GWAPP
Naturally I had to kick this corker over to Queens Crap. Follows is his analysis:
“The Board is proposing amendments to those by-laws to reflect an organization that is no longer an association of local orgs meeting regularly but, rather, a Board overseeing various programs and initiatives with volunteer help.”
or, rather:
“We don’t like having members who question the things we do, therefore we’re planning to dump them all and close the group off so that’s it’s just the rotten inner circle that makes decisions.”
And what if the reps in attendance vote no?
I do not have much to add aside from noting that, in essence, the powers-that-be behind this organization are using the revision of by-laws to effectively create a new and very different “group”. Of course one has to compare and contrast both sets of by-laws in order to draw this conclusion. While it is refreshing to see that GWAPP seems to have made their by-laws available to the public I find it a mite bit disconcerting they only did so after a blogger, I, made them public. I will share them here once again:
And here are the old/present ones.
Please take a moment, gentle readers, and compare them. You’ll find some interesting differences.
UPDATE, 5:55 p.m.: It has been brought to my attention that the Williamsburg Greenpoint News + Arts has published an item regarding GWAPP and this upcoming meeting. This you can read by clicking here. Follows is a segment I for one found interesting:
But Dewey Thompson — with Christine Holowacz (Board of Directors co-chairs) who are on the receiving end of complaints — is caught off guard by the sudden attacks. “My biggest crime is volunteering my time too much,” he said, also adding, “there’s a misperception that organizations exist at the whim of community input. To set up meetings takes a lot of energy and incredible amount of time. Those people who will want to participate will actually need to commit themselves to this work, and be a part of it, and open to that kind of participation.”
This governance issue, he said, is to change bylaws so there are no longer membership organizations—he indicated that many are no longer active, and that the particular politics that brought them together aren’t relevant anymore.
“We are asking them to now amend those laws, so we can operate the board the way we are doing it now.”
In response to the notion that it would exclude public participation, he said: “We expect the nominating committee to do outreach and find people interested in the committee. We are not beating people away from GWAPP. We are very well known — anyone can have easy access to the board. We’re totally open to meeting new people and hoping we find new blood. We are hoping to refresh the governance, get a new board, and a new set of bylaws, for what we think is a very vital organization.”
Exactly who constitutes this nominating committee, you ask? Well, if a source who took up this matter with Mr. Thompson recently is to be believed, it is the following folks:
- Trina McKeever, a member of Open Space Alliance North Brooklyn, Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park and Community Board 1
- Rich Mazur, Executive Director of the North Brooklyn Development Corporation. Some of you might recall this organization is handling the dispersal of the $19,000,000 Exxon-Mobil settlement.
- Barbara McGlamery, the wife of a board member of Open Space Alliance North Brooklyn: Adam Perlmutter.
(From the April 29, 2005 edition of the New York Daily News)
Interesting, yes?
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