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North Brooklyn Transit to Take Major Hit
As the NY Times is reporting, many subway lines are set to have reduced service, and some trains and busses are set to be cut entirely. Many of these affect our neighborhood: - Z train to be eliminated and J will no longer go express, possibly meaning less frequent rush hour service on the JMZ.
- G train will end at all times at Court Square instead of going to Forest Hills, formalizing a change that has been more or less in effect on weekends for a couple years now.
- M train is to no longer go to the other half of Brooklyn once it goes into Manhattan (as it currently does during rush hour), ending a convenient route from the Southside to Downtown Brooklyn.
That's just the tip of the iceberg. Most weekend day letter line trains (including the G and J) will reduce their frequency from eight to ten minutes between trains. Late night times between trains will increase from 20 to 30 minutes. For local buses the B39 will be cancelled entirely while the B48 will not have overnight service. If this bugs you and you want to do something about it, attend our followup working meeting to the Town Hall Meeting, Dec 4 at 7:00pm at Holy Ghost Church (160 N 5th Street). Details about the meeting will be forthcoming.From the NY Times article:Mr. Sander said the route alterations “will result in extra transfers, longer travel times, longer wait times and longer walking time.” Trains would be more crowded. Subway cars would be cleaned less frequently. Station booths would be closed. Bus service would be cut back on weekends and at nights. The express-bus fare would rise to $7.50 from $5. The cost of the Access-a-Ride paratransit service for disabled riders would rise. Full details are on the MTA website
Is there hope for East River State Park?
As Michael has noted, the potential closing of East River State Park because of budget cuts represents another instance of our community being treated differently from others in the city–no other parks are being closed. Now, an alternative to closing has been proposed by Assemblyman Joseph Lentol—to have the 94th precinct take some responsibility for the park, opening and closing it each day and doing several checks per day. Captain Fulton of the 94th has generously agreed to this. If the parks department agrees, and a few other safety and cleanup issues can be resolved, the park may well remain open this winter. Cathleen Breen, NAG board member and part of the East River Park friends group, had this to say:
We have worked closely with Lentol's office on developing alternatives to closing the park and were pleased to hear that the initial discussions between Lentol and the Commissioner were positive and hopeful. Concurrently, we've reached out to open space leaders in New York City and asked that they support our proposal to have the commnity retain access by signing onto a letter to Commssioner Ash. Their supportive response has been overwhelming and we expect the letter to go to the Commissioner in the coming days. I'm hopeful that these all of these efforts will pay off!
In the meantime keep the pressure up! Send an electronic message to Governor Paterson here. Send snail mail to State Parks: Rachel Gordon Director, New York City Region New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation 163 West 125th Street, 17th floor New York, NY 10027
Letter to the NYT in Response to "So Hip and So Loud"
I wasn't the only person put off by the tone of this New York Times article that sought to contrast the happenings of election eve through that of gentrification. According to those that I've spoken to that were there, it was a wide range of the community celebrating. So I wrote this letter to to the editor that at this date is unlikely to be published:
Old and new Williamsburgers have more in common than separates them (" So Hip and So Loud, and Stirring Up Williamsburg", Nov 7, 2008). We all care about improving our quality of life, keeping our neighborhood affordable, and preserving the unique mixed character of our neighborhood. The events of election night in Williamsburg are best viewed not through the lens of gentrification, but through the lens of community needs. There is a clear need for a new civic space in Williamsburg--where old and new residents can meet, mingle, and yes, even celebrate an election victory together. Old residents bring experience and their long-term perspectives, while new residents bring passion and energy. If the Obama/Biden ticket can encompass both qualities, surely our neighborhood can as well. Michael Freedman-Schnapp Co-Chair, Neighbors Allied for Good Growth Labels: elections, new york times
Stop the Finger Building... Yet Again.
STOP THE FINGER BUILDING
One More Time!
Public Hearing
Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA)
Tuesday, November 18th
10:00 AM
Join Your Neighbors And Speak Out!
(It's probably your last chance since the case might close)
Ask the BSA, “Protect our community and order the Department of Buildings to enforce the zoning laws rather than working to ensure a windfall for a developer operating in bad faith.” Neighbors Allied for Good Growth (NAG), the People's Firehouse, and several community residents are appealing the Dept of Building's (DoB) decision regarding the validity of the permit for the "Finger Building” (located at 144 North 8th St between N 7th and N 8th and Bedford and Berry). Although the building is 10 stories tall right now, the DoB has NOT revoked the permit that allows the developer to more than double the current height!! The Brooklyn DoB Commissioner wrote that the permit is valid because the architect, Robert Scarano, and the developer, Mendel Brach, "BELIEVED" they could use the neighboring roofs for the required "open space". Yet every related legal document (easements, etc.) expressly disallows the use of those rooftops. The bottom line is that the DOB should insure that the building complies with zoning laws rather than the beliefs of self-interested developers. 40 Rector St., 6th Floor: Hearing Room E (Take the #1/ W/R train to Rector St. or the 4/5 trains to Wall St in Manhattan) Call NAG at (718) 384-2248 for more information. Labels: finger building
Community Calendar!
Some upcoming meetings of interest:
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 (TONIGHT)
94th Precinct Community Meeting7:30 pm North Fork Bank located at 807 Manhattan Ave at 7:30 p.m. Use the entrance on Calyer St. Come and discuss the events of November 4th, and other police/community issues.
Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park7 pm
133 Oak Street at Guernsey St Are you interested in taking a leadership role in your community and park? At this meeting we will be focusing on growing our steering committee and working committees. We will also be setting an agenda for the steering committee and goals for the Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Trina McKeever at trina@rserra.com. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Transportation Town Hall Meeting 6 pm Swinging 60s Senior Center, 211 Ainslie Street Come join Council Members David Yassky and Diana Reyna, State Senator-Elect Daniel Squadron, the MTA and the NYC Department of Transportation to discuss the transportation needs of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Topics will include: Subway and Bus Service, Bike Lanes and Bike Racks, Truck Traffic, Street Parking Solutions, Traffic on Kent Ave MONDAY, DECEMBER 1
Town Square Meeting7 pm 102 Oak Street Our next monthly meeting is coming up on Monday, December 1st. It is our last event for the year and we would like to invite you to a festive holiday affair. Kids are welcomed. We can reminisce about the past year (and there's certainly a lot to look back on for 2008), consider a wish list for next year or simply enjoy good company. Please let us know if you're coming! It will be a fun-filled evening. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
NAG Organizing Agenda Release & Working Meeting
7:00 pm Holy Ghost Church, 160 N 5th Street We'll be releasing our organizing agenda (watch this blog for a preview) and starting to work on the issues the neighborhood cares about.
More Transportation Thoughts
If you haven't seen it yet, please read Ward Dennis's very thoughtful thoughts about Kent Avenue in response to Wednesday's community board meeting. An excerpt: All of the problems with the Greenway are problems of implementation, and they are indicative of a complete lack of comprehensive transportation planning on the part of the City. Which really should not be a surprise to anyone. CB1 Transportation Chair Teresa Toro has been calling for a comprehensive transportation study for years. CB1 requested this during the 2005 rezoning, and was told it was not necessary. Every time the issue is raised, DOT says that existing transportation policy and infrastructure is adequate to meet our needs. Chicken, meet roost. The problem with Kent Avenue is not the Greenway. The problem is that DOT is asking Kent Avenue to do too much. They want Kent to be a two-way truck route, with existing manufacturing users on the east side of the street and new residential/commercial uses on the west side of the street. Add to that the temporary bike lanes (or the future Greenway), and there is just not enough room.
Read moreLabels: greenway, kent ave, transportation
Transportation Meeting Monday, Nov 24th
It seems like having a Town Hall Meeting is the thing to do these days! Come and tell your elected officials what your transportation needs are on Monday, Nov 24th, then join NAG to take action on Thu, Dec 4th for our follow up to our meeting last month (details TBA shortly).
 Labels: meeting, transportation
Support the New Kent Avenue Bike Lane This Wednesday!
This came to us from the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative. The new bike lanes on Kent Ave are a massive improvement in safety over its previous incarnation of " truck-bike death races." Next we need some traffic lights to help people get across the street and to keep drivers from going 50 mph on the long stretches without any lights. And after that, we can get the full greenway built, which will benefit pedestrians as well as bikers, and will add hundreds of street trees. Please attend tomorrow night's Brooklyn Community Board 1 meeting to speak out in favor of the new Kent Avenue bike lane, a key route in the Brooklyn bike network and a vital link in the future Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway.
CB1 Transportation Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 12th, 6:30PM
211 Ainslie Street, corner of Manhattan Avenue, Williamsburg
Registration for public speaking ENDS at 6:15PM (be sure to get there by 6:00PM and sign up!)
The new Kent Avenue bike lane is already filling up with cyclists. But despite broad public support, the lane has its detractors. It is imperative that local cyclists and supporters of livable streets attend Wednesday night's meeting, sign up to and continue to speak in favor of this important transportation improvement for the neighborhood, for now and for the future! Update: Photo courtesty I'm Just SayinMore coverage at I'm Just SayinLabels: bike lanes, bike safety, greenway, kent ave
East River State Park May Close Until April!
Pollution Under East Greenpoint Meeting Wednesday Nov 12
For those unaware of the Meeker Ave solvent plume and live or work in the eastern edge of Greenpoint east of McGolrick Park, this meeting would definitely be of interest to you. Note that this is a different issue than the underground Exxon oil spill. The NY State Dept of Environmental Conservation and the NY State Dept of Health are holding an "availability session" regarding the Meeker Ave. Contaminant Plumes. For more information regarding the Meeker Ave. Contaminant Plumes visit the NCA website. To download the DEC/DOH fact sheet regarding the Meeker Ave. Contaminant Plumes and the upcoming "availability session" click here (PDF). To view and contribute to an interactive online map detailing the Meeker Ave. Contaminant Plumes visit HabitatMap.
Where:
St. Cecilia's School
1 Monitor St., Brooklyn, NY (MAP)
When:
Wednesday, November 12th from 2:00pm - 5:00pm & 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Why:
"Representatives from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) will be on hand to answer questions about the site and the recent investigation results, and to provide one-on-one meetings to discuss an individual property owner's sampling results. Those living in the vicinity of the Meeker Avenue Plume Trackdown site are encouraged to attend."
The Newtown Creek Alliance is calling on the State to "take immediate action to protect human health and clean up the Meeker Ave. plumes" and is asking for them to quickly establish a testing and mitigation program. Labels: Meeker Ave Plume, meeting, pollution
Police Are Seeking Rapist Who Assaulted A Woman on Bedford
 On election eve, while many were out celebrating, a woman was raped in North Brooklyn. This is a sketch of the suspect. He is between 25 to 30 years old, 5-feet-9-inches and 180 pounds. If you have any information on this or other crimes,contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com. (Thanks to Teresa Toro for posting this to the CB1 list, and to NY1 for more details.)
Thanksgiving Interfaith Service
 This just showed up in the inbox: We are very pleased to invite you and your family to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving at
the Annual Greenpoint- Williamsburg Thanksgiving Interfaith Service.
This year's service be held at Congregation Ahavas Israel. It will feature a sermon by
esteemed Rabbi Avi Weiss, Dean of the Open Orthodox Yeshiva Chovoveih Torah, and ranked one of "America's Top 50 Rabbis" by Newsweek.
Where: Congregation Ahavas Israel - 108 Noble Street (b/w Manhattan & Franklin)
When: Wednesday, November 26th, at 7:30 p.m.
Light Refreshments To Follow.
This annual service is a joint collaboration of Congregation Ahavas Israel, the Greenpoint
Reformed Church, the Greenpoint Islamic Center, the Church of the Ascension, St. Anthony's,
St. Stanislaw's and the St. John's Lutheran Church.
We look forward to your celebrating with us. Neighborhood Watch is always happy to post about events of interest to the community! Just send them in. UPDATED: Link to Ahavas Israel's website posted.Photo by Vicki, via a Creative Commons License
Another New York Times Story About the Incidents on November 4th
News Roundup!
A New HotelCurbed says we are getting another hotel, on Union right by Kellogg's diner.
Newtown Creek AgreementThe State and the City announced an agreement that sets deadlines for the city's upgrade of the sewage treatment plant, ensures that an environmental audit will be done, sets a $24 million judgement against the city in escrow to ensure compliance (I don't quite get how that works), and finally: The city will fund a $10 million Environmental Benefit Project (EBP). The EBP funds will be administered through the City Parks Foundation, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Hudson River Foundation. These organizations will develop a portfolio of neighborhood projects—with input from community groups in and around the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn—to install green infrastructure; create or improve open space, public parks and waterfront access; create ecological stewardship and education programs; retrofit diesel buses and trucks; and implement energy efficiency programs in low-income housing. That's a lot for $10 million! But welcome news nonetheless. Olde Tyme PhotosBrownstoner has a link to a cool site called Re:Brooklyn. The blogger takes photos of current buildings around the borough and compares them with old public domain photos of the same spot years ago. I found all of the North Brooklyn links for you! Graham and MetropolitanLeonard and Engert
94th Precinct Community Meeting Nov. 17th, 7:30 pm
Whether you think the police reaction to the election celebration on Bedford was warranted or not, here is your chance to speak your mind. The 94th precinct holds a community meeting on third Monday of every month. This is exactly why they have these meetings—to give the community and the cops to talk about what's going on and solve problems. The November 17th meeting will be at the North Fork Bank located at 807 Manhattan Ave at 7:30 p.m. Use the entrance on Calyer St. Additionally, if you were the victim of or witnessed excessive force, file a report with the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board.
Stay Tuned for Our Organizing Agenda
Make Lentol Garden Your Park
What a Night!
Holding aside any official allegations, it certainly was an outpouring of community last night on Northside. I'd say it's somewhere between a winning a Super Bowl and a World War.
Photo by Joe Wiesbord
Did the police overreact during election celebrations in Williamsburg?
Should We Ban Machetes?
 Did you get a bunch of scary emails on Friday about gang initiations and such going on? With increased concern about the rise of the Trinitarios, City Councilwoman Diane Reyna is proposing a city-wide moratorium on machete sales, according to the New York Times. The Trinitarios, a gang that, like many, is prison-based, named themselves after a 19th-century revolutionary group in the Dominican Republic. The Times story says they use machetes as part of that identity. Reyna, who is of Dominican heritage, is quoted saying "It is sad and disgraceful that these confused young people have co-opted the name Trinitarios from our founding fathers." There was a machete attack back in July that has been attributed to the Trinitarios. A recent shooting in Queens reportedly also involved machete-wielding gang members. Reyna is also looking for community-based solutions, like an undefined "youth-led initiative," and of course El Puente has been active on this issue. Photo by Luke Berrini, via a Creative Commons license.
Vote Tuesday, November 4th
Voting information is hard to come by. Where do I vote? What do I need to bring? Who is on the ballot? To address this problem, we have put together this list of frequently asked questions about how and where to voteIn response to requests we got last time for general information about what's on the ballot and who to vote for, we are offering links to that kind of information. While we can't tell you who to vote for, we can direct you to these resources:
Gotham Gazette's Guide for the Last-Minute Voter
League of Women Voters' NYC Elections Information
If you are supporting a candidate and want to make a difference, t he most effective thing you can do is to tell your friends to vote. So consider forwarding this post to your friends (and if they live in Williamsburg or Greenpoint, ask them to sign up for the NAG newsletter at www.nag-brooklyn.org
1. Oops- I'm not going to be in town on Tuesday!Luckily, you can cast an in-person absentee ballot on Monday at the Board of Elections between 9am and 5pm. You must cast a ballot in the borough of your residence. The Brooklyn office is at 345 Adams Street, 4th Floor, in Downtown Brooklyn. 2. When & Where Can I Vote?Polls are open 6am-9pm. Find your polling place online or call 212-VOTE-NYC (311 can patch you though too) 3. Am I registered?You can verify your voter registration online or call 212-VOTE-NYC (311 can patch you though too) 4. What Congressional/State Senate/Assembly/Council Districts Am I In?You can find out which districts you are in online5. But I don't have my "voter registration card" with me!YOU DON'T NEED IT. If you have never voted in NYS before and you registered via mail, you may need to present a photo ID (driver's license, non-driver ID or passport) and/or proof of residency if your ID doesn't have your address on it (utility bill, bank statement, etc). It's a good idea to bring a photo ID to the polls anyways, but New York does not require one if you voted in the state before. 6. Oops, I'm not registered! Register to vote for the next election. More information is on the NAG blog.Labels: FAQ, voting
Friends of Lentol Garden
There's a new group called "Friends of Lentol Garden" which is stepping up to take care of the green space wedged in between houses on Bayard street and the McGuiness entrance ramp to the BQE (it's better than it sounds). They are just getting started and group co-founder Isaac Sandlin asked us to draw your attention to an "It's My Park Day!" on November 8, 2008. More information about the group is available at their blog: http://lentolgarden.blogspot.com/Labels: lentol garden, parks
Greenpoint Rezoning—for real this time!
 The Greenpoint Star has a report on the proposed rezoning of much of non-waterfront Greenpoint, as well as the Grand Street and Metropolitan Ave areas of Williamsburg that are east of the BQE. The proposal includes height restrictions and provides allowances for more floor area in developments that include affordable housing.
Photo of construction logo plus graffiti on Meeker, by me.
Do the Worm on Día De Los Muertos!
 = Awesome?
Join us in attending the North Brooklyn Compost Project's Day of the Dead Worm bin Workshop this Saturday, 12:30 pm at the McCarren Park Greenmarket! The site that we've brought our compostable items all summer will be closing for the season after Thanksgiving, but you can keep on composting indoors with red wiggler worms! Come learn how it works and sign up for a $40 kit (a bin plus one pound of worms). Labels: compost, worms
3rd Ward Election Night Event
Passing this event along by request. One wonders if Brooklyn Royalty also has a McCain screen ready to go. You wouldn't want to be in the same situation as the Chicago Tribune (the Fox News of mid-Century)... Anyone else have other community-oriented election night events? Watch the votes roll in and the Bushes roll out at 3rd Ward's After Work Election Hoedown!
After work on election day, from 6 pm till the country turns blue, come to 3rd Ward for live election coverage projected 10 ft. x 10 ft.
We'll have DJs, drinks, eats & "pork barrels" and Brooklyn Royalty will be LIVE screen-printing Obama t's.
Plus, compete to support your candidate and be awarded, 3rd Ward style. We're looking for cheers, impersonators and creative expressions of patriotism.
Come for the fun and go home with a custom made Obama shirt and a new president.
For more information email events@3rdward.com.
Greenpoint Rezoning Industrial Reuse Meeting Report
 The New York Times has a writeup about the rezoning meeting held last night about rezoning some parts of the neighborhood reusing industrial buildings. NAG board member Ward Dennis is quoted: "Developers are demolishing perfectly good buildings such as the Old Dutch Mustard company in my neighborhood, a five-story loft building that was demolished, yes, to create a five-story loft building." Other speakers included Mary Habstritt, an industrial historian and personal hero of mine, and Lisa Kersavage of the Municpal Art Society, who pointed out the dangerous false dichotomy that developers like to promote: that low-income housing and preservation can't coexist. Kersavage and others also discussed the environmentally destructive impact of demolition, with one of the Navy Yard developers saying, "The most sustainable thing you can do is adaptively reuse a building, so we are doing that throughout the Navy Yard, 40-plus buildings we’re adaptively reusing before they’re so far gone you can’t make the numbers work." Several commenters noted that, in addition to preservation of cultural history and other good reasons to manage development, turning industrial areas into housing is also bad for the local economy. One of them posted a link to something I keep meaning to post about—WNET's great series " Uncertain Industry: The Decline of Manufacturing in New York City." You can watch it online—it includes a profile of Greenpoint business Angel's Bakery, among others.
Photo of the Old Dutch Mustard Building (now gone) by masck, via a Creative Commons License.
ETA: Thanks to Ward for pointing out I confused two meetings in this post's original form! This is about the MAS panel on adaptive reuse. I'll post about the rezoning meetings in another entry. I've been sick.
Open Space Alliance Community Committee Meeting Nov 3
 For those of you that are more locally-inclined than nationally and will be twiddling your thumbs on election eve, the much-anticipated "community committee" meeting of the Open Space Alliance will be held this coming Monday, Nov 3rd at 6:30pm at the Brooklyn Brewery (North 11th and Wythe Ave). OSA is improving our existing parks and helping to develop new parks in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. We accomplish this by raising funds, linking community volunteers, and working in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
We are very excited to announce this meeting to form the Community Committee for the Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn! The purpose of this meeting is to formally introduce OSA to all interested community organizations and residents, and to hear your feedback about how to improve our parks through our partnership with the NYC Parks Department.
The meeting will be hosted by representatives from the GWAPP and NAG Boards. Tupper Thomas from the Prospect Park Alliance will provide insight from the 25 years of their Community Committee's operation. Steve Hindy will answer questions on behalf of the OSA Board. A beer reception will follow for the community to meet the rest of the Board Members of OSA. More information is available at OSA's website.Labels: meeting, open space alliance, parks
Recycling Comes to McCarren Park!
 The Brooklyn Eagle is reporting that the city is putting recycling bins in some of the boroughs busiest locations, including McCarren Park. Of course the best thing to do is tote your own water bottle, etc., so there's no waste at all, but being able to recycle is a nice compromise for now. Look for the green and blue bins in Prospect Park and several other locations as well. And remember regular recycling rules apply: only containers, not caps, and not all plastic is accepted for recycling in New York City. Check the bottom of your container—you'll see a number, sometimes surrounded by a triangle. Only types 1 (PETE) and 2 (HDPE) go in the bin; the others, sadly, go in the trash.
Reminder: Contextual Rezoning of Greenpoint & Williamsburg Info Meeting Tonight and Tomorrow
 The proposal covers approximately 175 blocks in Greenpoint and central Williamsburg. The Rezoning is meant to prevent new out-of-scale development by establishing height limits and to create opportunities for affordable housing through the inclusionary housing program. There will be two meetings where Department of City Planning staff will present the zoning proposal and answer questions from the public. Tuesday, October 28, 2008, 6:30 pm, held at Swinging 60's Senior Center--211 Ainslie Street, Brooklyn, New York 11211 (corner of Manhattan Avenue, Williamsburg). Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 6:30pm, held at the Capital One Bank's downstairs meeting room (Greenpoint-Savings Bank Building)-- 807 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11222 (please use the Calyer Street side entrance, between Manhattan Avenue & Lorimer Street, Greenpoint). Labels: meeting, rezoning
Sun Oct 26: Green Fall Festival and Pumpkin Palooza at State Park
From our friends at the Friends of the East River State Park: Following our recent successful Voter Registration drive at the park, the Friends of the East River State Park are excited about our next event and we hope you will be part of the "Green Fall Festival and Pumpkin Palooza" on Sunday, October 26th from noon to 6 pm. Co-sponsored with Assemblyman Joe Lentol and NY State Parks, we will have:
*games, arts & crafts and educational programs for children from
Brooklyn Children's Museum and the NY Aquarium
*live music and entertainment from The Hungry March Band
*fall wreath making
*NYS farm fresh produce
*Green Expo with hands-on alternative energy,
Weatherization and recycling games
….And pumpkins (organic, grown in New York) pumpkins, pumpkins…and more pumpkins for kids to decorate
We think it is too dangerous to cross Kent Avenue to get into the park
so come sign our petition calling for a stoplight!
What can you do as a Friend to the Park?
(1) Spread the word. Let your friends know about the 10/26 event. Send a message to your listservs.
(2) Help out. We need people to help that day, so please let us know if you can help.
(3) Come to the park! Come 10/26 & enjoy the park with family, friends & neighbors.
Labels: state park
Northside Piers Esplanade to Open in October?
More blogging about the town hall
OperaOggiNY to re-open McCaddin Memorial Hall Theater on Berry Street
OperaOggiNY, a production company is going to be reopening a theater on Berry Street between South 2nd and 3rd streets! We're looking forward to trying on our monocle and top hat on opening night.  A 600 seat, "theater" complete with 50 foot proscenium arch raked stage and a balcony, plenty of fly space with classic brick and wood and plaster construction has been found and is about to be opened to the public by a collaboration between OperaOggiNY and the St. Peter and Paul parish.
Rehearsals, started this week, are already bringing serious opera back to the theater. With Music Director, Bill Lewis, (coach to none other than the Met's Marcello Giordani and accompanist to all of Ronan Tynan's appearances) as part of the mix, these two very serious performers are preparing L'Oracolo, by Leone. Although presented within the last 2 years in a concert version in Manhattan, this is the first time that the work has been staged in an extremely long time. This one act verismo opera. composed by Leoni, who was a student with Puccini and part of Ponchielli's studio, will not disappoint. Set in San Francisco's China Town, cerca 1900, it was all the rage at the Met while Antonio Scotti was a star.
Performances Nov. 6, 7, 8. (all at 8pm)
Henry McCaddin Hall 288 Berry Street, Williamsburg
Admission: $20 dollars.
More information at www.operaogginy.com
Labels: opera, theater
A Benefit for the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative
Our friends at Brooklyn Greenway Initiative send this fundraiser notice along. They've already been able to get a section of the greenway built on Columbia Street--here's to hoping they can do the same in North Brooklyn!
 Tuesday, November 18th, 8pm (doors open at 7pm)
Join supporters and friends of the Greenway for an evening of music and program shorts from some of Galapagos’ fabulous resident artists! Proceeds support the development of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, a 14-mile off-street bike and pedestrian route that will connect Brooklyn’s parks, neighborhoods and people. Galapagos is located midway along the planned route, so it's the perfect place for a celebration of recent milestones. Matt Wasowski, founder and Big Boss of Nerd Nite will give a 10 minute presentation about the Coney Island hot dog eating contest and the fascinating world of competitive eating. Other acts TBA. Tickets are $20 per person, or two for $30, so bring a friend! To purchase tickets go to http://www.galapagosartspace.com/events.html
Also, we're having our first raffle, so we're looking for items of every sort that you think will stir the excitement of our raffle ticket buying guests! For example: gifts you were given that don't match your (or your mate's) style that are wasting precious storage space, donated goods,services, gift certificates, meals, something from a local business you patronize, etc. All Donations will be credited on our Website and the evening of the event.
Labels: fundraiser, greenway
Details About Affordable Housing Application Process
As noted Thursday, we pleased to announce that the Edge located on the Northside waterfront of Williamsburg is now accepting applications for their 346 "affordable" rental units. Applications will be accepted (by mail) until DECEMBER 3, 2008.We want to ensure that the information about any of these "affordable" units is spread far and wide and we want to help people fill out the applications to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate in the housing lotteries. But please be aware that we are not renting any apartments ourselves, we have no part in the decision process in who gets the affordable units, have no input in the income levels, and are not a rental agency. Details about the process in applying for one of these apartments can be found after the jump in the full postRead more...
The apartment size, household size, rent, and income qualifications for the apartments are as follows
There are 77 studio apartments available for single households with an annual income range of $37,370 - $43,000.
The monthly rent will be $886.
There are 95 one bedroom apartments available for single households with an annual income range of $41,919 - $43,000 and households of 2 with an annual income range of $41,919 - $49,150.
The monthly rent will be $995.
There are 174 two bedroom apartments available for households of 3 with an annual income range of $50,287 - $55,300 and households of 4 with an annual income range of $50,287 - $61,450.
The monthly rent will be $1,198.
To get a sense of the layout of the buildings and where the affordable rental units are in relation to the units for sale, check out the design plans (click on "neighborhood" to see the site plan). We do not have any information of the layout of the plans for the rental units as of yet. Unfortunately, the tenants in the rental units will not have access to the EDGE amenities like the pool and screening rooms.
Ok, so you think you are qualified and you want to apply. Applications can be downloaded from www.williamsburgcommunityapartments.com
Feel free to come into the office for help with the applications. We can download the application for you, help you fill it out, and make copies of the completed application for your records. I have really neat handwriting and would be more than willing to help you fill out the application or answer any questions about the application.
Please remember, that you cannot submit more than one application. If you do, you will be disqualified. We are still waiting to hear back from HPD to learn their official definition of "household". Please give us a call if you have any questions about how to define your household and how to apply.
As always, we will be running our walk-in hours from 4-8pm on Mondays & 2-8pm on Tuesdays (except holidays). If those times do not work, you can make an appointment for a time that better suits your schedule by calling Ryan Kuonen @ (718) 384-2248.
Completed applications must be returned by regular mail (that's right, no priority, certified, over-night or registered mail will be accepted) to the PO Box listed on the application. Applications must be postmarked by December 3, 2008.
Applications will be randomly selected by lottery. Preference will be given to New York City residents. Preference for 50% of the units will be given to people who currently reside in Brooklyn Community Board 1 (that's pretty much all of Greenpoint and Williamsburg; 11211 & 11222) or can prove they lived in the neighborhood on or after October 4, 2004. There are other preferences for eligible applicants with mobility impairments (5% of units), visual and/or hearing impairments (2% of units), and City of NY Municipal Employees (5% preference).
And if you do not meet the income qualifications on this project, I am sorry to say that right now, this is the only project in the Greenpoint-Williamsbug area that is offering "affordable Units" for rent. We will contact you immediately when new offers arise...
-Ryan Kuonen, NAG Tenant Services
Labels: affordable housing, the edge
It's [Our] Park Day!
Join United Friends of McCarren Park (UFMP)* for "It's My Park Day", this coming Saturday, Oct 25, from 10am-4pm. There will be bulb planting will be by the triangle with the Green Dome community garden from 10am-noon. Dodgeball, kickball, croquet, bocce ball and more to follow! More information is at www.ufmp.org*We should note that UFMP is officially our favorite onomonopoeadic local acronymn. It's like the sound you make when you lay down on the grass after a long jog.
Update: UFMP's name corrected. Sorry Kate!Photo by Byran BuckmanLabels: mccarren park, ufmp
What do the Mona Lisa and the Greenpoint waste digesters have in common?
 Hervé Descottes, that's what! The French lighting designer, who was in charge of the lighting of the Mona Lisa when the Louvre reinstalled it in 1991, does all of the lighting for NYC landmarks and other large things, including our giant waste-eating domes. The New York Times has a story about him today, in the context of his work on the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, aka the domes, which will eventually have a visitor's center and sculpture garden with work by Vito Acconci. (The project is happening in stages—a nature walk opened in Sept 2007, and the lighting ceremony was in June of this year.) From the DEP site, some fun digester facts! The digesters will process up to 1.5 million gallons of sludge everyday. Each egg, clad with low reflectivity stainless steel, is 145 feet high and 80 feet in diameter. The eight eggs were welded on site from pieces that were brought from Texas and fabricated by Chicago Bridge and Iron. It took three months to assemble each one. Although the weight for each egg is around 2 million pounds when empty; it is calculated that they may weigh up to 32 million pounds when processing sludge.
Digesters play a critical role in the wastewater treatment process. During the wastewater treatment process, organic material called sludge is removed from sewage. Sludge is "digested" and processed for beneficial use. Inside of digesters, bacteria break down this sludge into more stable materials. Heat, lack of oxygen, and time are all needed for this to happen. Much of the sludge is converted into water, carbon dioxide and methane gas. The remaining is called digested sludge. Digested sludge is then dewatered to form a cake, which, after additional processing, can be beneficially used as a fertilizer. The eggs are state of the art in digester design as the shape assists in concentrating grit at the bottom of the tank, mixing for improved digestion and the concentration of gas at the top of the tank. Each egg holds 3 million gallons of sludge.
The Newtown Creek plant is the largest of New York City's 14 wastewater treatment plants. The plant serves approximately 1 million residents in a drainage area of more than 15,000 acres (25 square miles). The plant began operation in 1967 and currently treats 18% of the City's wastewater with a capacity of 310 million gallons per day (mgd) during dry weather. Upgrade work began in 1998 and will eventually raise plant capacity to 700 mgd during wet weather storms. The upgraded plant will serve a projected population of 1.33 million residents within the relevant drainage area by 2045. There is a great, dramatic photo in the Times article, so be sure to click. As Descottes puts it, "Sometimes it doesn't smell so good. But at least it doesn't look so bad." The French are so effusive! Props for much, if not all of this, go to the Newtown Creek Monitoring Committee, which meets with the DEP monthly, and has lobbied for the community tirelessly.
Photo by me.
Playing in the water beneath the Williamsburg Bridge
 There's an amazing photo from the Dantzic Archives over on the Gowanus Lounge blog of some kids playing in the river as recently as fifty years ago. This is not it. Click the link and go look at theirs, it's beautiful. (No offense to local musician Jens Carstensen of the Giraffes, who stars in this one.)
Want to go to Domino?
 The developers of the Domino Sugar Factory site are allowing the public to go down to the waterfront this Sunday. Although I am virulently against their proposed plans for the factory (I'm speaking for myself here, not for NAG), I really urge people to go. I got to visit last year on a walkthrough to discuss their plans for the open space portion of the development, and it was pretty mindblowing, to be down there, walking around up close by the buildings I'd previously only seen from above on the bridge. Your whole sense of scale shifts. It's exciting to be that close to the river. But it was also really sad. Being there with the factory buildings still extant was so powerful, and gave such a sense of history. I know people whose grandfathers worked in that factory. I know union organizers who rabbleroused there. The story of Domino Sugar and the Havemeyer family is such an important one in New York City--it connects to trade history, industrial history, art history, and more. I really fail to understand why we preserve lofts in Soho because artists once lived there, but we don't appreciate the meaning and importance of this factory. I'm glad we got part of the factory landmarked, but it breaks my heart every time I think about 8 or 9 glass towers going up there, with manicured lawns and everything bright and shiny, erasing history in favor of a developer's imposed vision of our neighborhood. Anyway. I do recommend going, and hey, while you are there, feel free to voice your opinion of what should be done with the site to those who are running the show. If you want to see my blog and photos from the tour I went on, click here.
Williamsburg Community Apartments Now Accepting Applications for Middle Income Affordable Housing
The Williamsburg Community Apartments at 34 N 6th and 27 N 6th, which are still under construction, are accepting applications for the 346 units available for middle income families. Those who have lived in CB1 since Oct, 2004 or before will get preference for half the units. Applications must be postmarked by Dec 3rd, 2008. The apartments range from studios to two-bedrooms, and the income level for eligibility ranges from $37,370–$61,450. See the application for more details. There is no application fee. Visit williamsburgcommunityapartments.com to download the application. Update: Details about the application process are now available.
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