Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
Now Coming To The Silver Screen: Joe “373 Scam Avenue” Loiacono
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Fuck This Shit, Wow, WTF
That’s right folks: a mere six months have passed since this fellow was charged with a litany of downright nasty criminal acts and now two brave documentarians have not only decided his is a story worth telling but the Kickstarter community concurred! Follows is Ashley and Arielle’s “pitch”. I have bold-faced my favorite passages and added commentary as I have seen fit. Enjoy!
Set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Joe’s trinket shop symbolizes a fusion of two worlds: where traditional American-Italian ideals meet a new wave of hipsters. (Ed. Note: I am going to go out on a limb here and say if the “Italian Community” thereabouts learned that this fellow apparently represents them they would not happy.) U R Not Alone depicts the evolution of an unlikely friendship between this controversial man and two young women and continues with their dilemma once he is arrested. As they delve deeper into investigating Joe’s crimes and past, they bring audiences on their moral roller coaster ride – questioning the intrinsic societal predicaments he stands for. (Ed. Note: Here’s a “powerful moral dilemma”; you glorifying someone who repeatedly stole security deposits from people, attempted to assault his neighbor with a chainsaw (and as such was hit with a restraining order which he immediately violated) and has an extensive record of domestic violence and sexual assault.*) At a time when cultural and moral values are being re-assessed, Joe’s compelling character demands all who engage with him to challenge what is good, who is bad, what fits in, and what does not. How are those who do not quite fit the mold treated, and is it just?
A LITTLE MORE: In the fall of 2011 we met Joe: an overweight, generally shirtless man – adorned with eclectic jewelry, a fake guitar, and a very large mouth. U R Not Alone follows one man’s struggle with the law and society at large. His story has continuously challenged us with provocative questions and powerful moral dilemmas that will surely stir audiences and confront them in the same right. The film not only has the potential to demonstrate ambiguities, injustices, and manipulations of the American law system, but also highlights and challenges the roles of documentary filmmakers, their subjects, and the responsibility they have to one another as people.
Over the last year, we have followed this man on his path to self-destruction through alcohol, drugs, and false hopes. As we became better acquainted with Joe, we saw a side of him that nobody else seemed to. We watched as an entire neighborhood dismissed, and put away a man that they simply did not understand. (Ed. Note: “not understand” = objecting to being chased down the street with a chainsaw.)
The film depicts the evolution of an unlikely friendship between this controversial character and two young girls trying to capture his story, and continues with our dilemma once he is arrested. How much do we trust this man, and how far do we go for him? What do we see in Joe that the rest of the world does not? Are we being conned?
At a time when cultural and moral values are being re-assessed, Joe’s compelling character demands all who engage with him to challenge what is good, who is bad, what fits in, and what does not. How are those who do not quite fit the mold treated, and is it just?
Follows are a few of yours truly favorite “teasers.” What I found particularly interesting is how this documentary seems to be more about its makers than its “subject”. I love a steaming cup of narcissism in the morning!
Ride to Rikers from Ashley Benzwie on Vimeo.
Kiss the Girl – U R Not Alone from Ashley Benzwie on Vimeo.
Any and all interested in learning more about this sterling endeavor can do so by clicking here. WARNING/CAVEAT: Some eye and/or mind bleach might be required afterward— so do not say I did not warn you!
*Special thanks goes out to one of Joe’s neighbors and 373 Scam Avenue for the “moral focus” here.
Urban Artifact, Part II: Seven Days & Counting…
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Urban Artifact, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn, WTF
From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part II: Bomb Scare At Enterprise High School?
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Wow, WTF
Per an anonymous tipster:
There’s a bomb scare happening near Bushwick and Grand.
Yikes! If anyone has the 411 on what is going on, pelase share via comments or email at: missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) come. Your identity will remain anonymous if you so desire. Thanks!
UPDATE: Here’s the 411 per DNA.info. Long story made very short and sweet, it would appear someone called the police regarding an abandoned suitcase on the premises.
Urban Artifact: Special “Just Say No” Edition Part II
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
Earlier this week we had a used hypodermic needle jammed into tree at McCarren Park. This morning at 11:45 I stumbled upon the above-depicted item (whose loss I am certain its owner is presently lamenting). A narcotics problem in Greenpoint? Say it ain’t so, Joe, say it ain’t so…
Urban Artifact: Special “Just Say No” Edition
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Urban Artifact, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn, WTF
New York Shitty analysis:
Glass Half Full: You know spring has in fact arrived when the hypodermic trees start to bloom.
Glass Half Empty: You we have a serious substance abuse problem hereabouts when even the trees need a fix.
Those of you who wish to marvel at this wonder of nature (perhaps the Audubon Society should be consulted regarding this hitherto undiscovered species of flora?) can do so by heading to Lorimer and Bayard Street. Walk northward on Lorimer Street. It’s the ninth tree on the western side. WARNING/CAVEAT to curiosity seekers/our municipal authorities: this item appears to be used.
Live From The 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting
Filed under: 11101, 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Long Island City, Long Island City Queens, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
(Or: Special full-sized flag edition!*)
Part I: Roll Call, Meeting Minutes, Etc.
Part II: C.O. Ryan Gives The Rundown & the Question and Answer Session Commences
- C.O Ryan gives the low-down.
- Interesting/noteworthy: felony assaults for the last month were ten, which is (to use Mr. Ryan’s own words) “up from four”.
- C.O. Ryan outlines a city-wide grand larceny scam.**
- Graffiti is a serious problem.
Part III: More Q & A
- I ask C.O. Ryan a couple of questions. He confirmed that an armed robbery came to pass at Continental Auto Parts on Ash Street within the last month.
- Soundbite of the evening “What kind of a jerk puts a sign behind a pole?”
- A Maspeth Avenue resident asks questions about a recent mugging on her block, how concerned citizens can start a neighborhood watch group and exactly what is the “protocol” when when a crime happens between two jurisdictions. In her case: the 90th and 94th Precinct.
Part IV: The Conclusion
- The matter of vandalism/graffiti at 268 Norman Avenue is brought to the table. The medium was glass “etching” fluid. The cost to this business (Broadway Stages) was $8,000.
And so it goes for what is (in yours truly’s recollection) the shortest— and least punctual— 94th Precinct Community Council meeting in years.
*Props go out to Elizabeth Hulson for this!
**As outlined per the NYPD per an anonymous tipster:
The New York City Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance with locating and apprehending the following 3 suspects wanted in connection with 12 grand larcenies that occurred within Queens. Details are as follows.
In each incident, the victim is approached by one of the suspects who distracts the victim usually by informing them that their vehicle has a flat tire. When the victim goes to inspect the damage, the other suspect(s) removes property from the interior of the vehicle.
Incident# 1 (109 Precinct) On Thursday, August 9, 2012 at approximately 1500 hours, the victim exited a Bank of America, located at Parsons and Northern Blvd, as he drove away, he was stopped by one of the suspects who informs him of a flat tire. As he inspected the damaged tire, in front of 35-10 College Point Blvd., a second suspect removed property from his vehicle.
Incident# 2 (111 Precinct) On Saturday, December 15, 2012 at approximately 1500 hours, the victim exited a TD Bank and headed to his vehicle when he was he was approached by one of the suspects who informed him of a flat tire. As he inspected the damaged tire, a second suspect removed property from the sun visor of his vehicle.
Incident# 3 (106 Precinct) On Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at approximately 1435 hours the victim noticed she had a flat tire and pulled her vehicle over at Crossbay Blvd and 163 Ave to inspect the damage. One of the suspects approached the victim and offered to assist. As she returned to her vehicle, she realized her property had been removed.
Incident# 4 (109 Precinct) On Saturday, January 19, 2013 at approximately 1240 hours, the victim was exiting the Chase parking lot, located at 33-45 154 Street, when she was approached by one of the suspects who informed her of a flat tire. When she pulled her vehicle over a short distance later to inspect the damage, the suspect removed property from her vehicle and jumped into an awaiting car.
Incident# 5 (109 Precinct) On Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at approximately 1033 hours, the victim noticed he had a flat tire and pulled the vehicle over in front of 150-02 Northern Blvd to change the tire. The victim was approached by two male suspects who offered to assist. As one of the suspects assisted, the other removed property from his vehicle.
Incident# 6 (104 Precinct) On Friday, February 1, 2013 at approximately 1340 hours, the victim was approached by one of the suspects who informed her that she had a flat tire and offered to help. As they worked on the tire, an second suspect removed property from the passenger side of her vehicle.
Incident# 7 (109 Precinct) On Saturday, February 2, 2013 at approximately 1508 hours, as the victim approached his vehicle, parked inside a supermarket parking lot located at 144-50 Northern Blvd, he noticed his car tire had been slashed. After changing the tire, he noticed property missing from inside his vehicle.
Incident# 8 (106 Precinct) On Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at approximately 1230 hours, the victim was informed, by one of the suspects, that she had a flat tire and offered to help. Upon changing the tire, the victim realized property missing from her vehicle.
Incident# 9 (105 Precinct) On Friday, February 15, 2013 at approximately 1330 hours, as the victim approached her car, parked in the vicinity of 216-03 Jamaica Ave, two of the suspects waved a parking ticket claiming that she was ticketed. Additionally, the victim stated that she believed one of the suspects sprayed shaving cream on the back of her jacket and began to wipe it off. When she returned home, she discovered that property had been removed from her jacket.
Incident# 10 (102 Precinct) On Friday, February 15, 2013 at approximately 1520 hours, as the victim was driving, he noticed that he had a flat tire and pulled his vehicle over at 94-24 131 St. to inspect the damage. One of the suspects approached the victim wearing an orange vest and offered to assist. Upon changing the tire, he noticed property had been removed from his vehicle.
Incident# 11 (108 Precinct) (That’s Long Island City, gentle readers— Ed. Note) On Thursday, February 21, 2013 at approximately 1600 hours, three suspects approached the victim at 38-20 Review Ave to inform the victim that she had a flat tire and offered to help. The victim declined and drove to a tire repair shop, located at 38-18 Queens Blvd, to have the tire changed, The suspects followed the victim to that location and offered to help again while another suspect removed property from her vehicle.
Incident# 12 (109 Precinct) On Thursday, February 28, 2013 at approximately 1557 hours, as victim pulled into a parking lot along Northern Blvd, one of the suspects approached the to informed him that he had a flat tire, while another suspect sprayed an unknown substance onto his jacket. The first suspect convinced the victim to remove his jacket and placed it in the car. While the victim was distracted, the second suspect removed his jacket and fled the location.
Video attached from incident# 12.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers’ website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
**** UPDATE DUFFY 4/01/13 ****
The following incidents have been added to the above listed citywide grand larceny pattern:
Incident #13 (61 Precinct) On Friday, 22, 2013 at approximately 1500 hours, when the victim pulled her car over near East 2 Street and Avenue T to check on a noise coming from a tire, one of the suspects approached, wearing an orange construction vest and holding a white bucket. The suspect stated he had a can of Fix-A-Flat and offered to assist her. While the suspect helped the victim, the second suspect went into the victim’s vehicle and removed cash.
Incident #14 (19 Precinct) On Monday, March 11, 2013 at approximately 1010 hours, the victim was sitting in her vehicle near 1st Avenue and East 82 Street when she was approached by a suspect who said that one of her rear tires was flat. The suspect offered her a can of Fix-a-Flat and told her to hold it against the tire. After the suspect walked away, the victim realized her handbag missing from inside the vehicle.
Incident #15 (102 Precinct) On Saturday, March 23, 2013 at approximately 1240 hours, the victim was parking her car near 101 Avenue and 121 Street when she was approached by a male wearing a construction vest who told her the air in her rear tires was low, and offered to help. While the suspect distracted the victim, a second suspect opened the victim’s vehicle and removed her purse.
Incident #16 (94 Precinct) On Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at approximately 1235 hours, the victim parked his car near Withers Street and Union Avenue and was approached by a suspect who told him the back of his jacket was dirty. The victim took the jacket off and placed it in his vehicle, before driving a short distance away. After parking, the second suspect approached the victim and told him the air was low in a rear tire. The suspect offered the help change the tire or to use a can of Fix-a-Flat. As the victim bent down to inspect the tire, the first suspect entered the victim’s car and removed cash from the victim’s jacket.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Community Advisory
On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at approximately 3:30 a.m., unknown perpetrator(s) did fire several gun shots on North 9th Street (Bedford Ave to Berry Street). One bullet struck a building at 139 North Street, causing property damage. There were no reported injuries. This incident is currently being investigated by the 94th Precinct Detective Squad.
If you should have any questions regarding the above notification please contact P.O. Adamo or P.O. Truglio (94th Precinct Community Affairs) at (718) 383-5298.
If this sounds vaguely familiar to some of you, there is a very sound reason: a man was shot on this very same block last year.
The Word On The Street, Part IV: Sans Copy Editor Edition
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Street Justice, The Word On The Street
Taken February 12, 2013.
New York Shitty Day Ender: Live From The 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
(Or: Welcome to the 94th, Commanding Officer Ryan!)
Given all the recent hoopla regarding the respite shelter at the Greenpoint Reformed Church* and a murder at Cooper Parks Houses, tonight’s meeting was, well, quite calm. Nonetheless we got to meet our new commanding officer and he got to meet us. More specifically: he got to meet a stalwart attendee of these convocations. I write of no one other than Phyllis. So help me, but I suspect she likes him— but you can draw your own conclusions, gentle readers. Without further ado, here we go!
- He likes Greenooint and North Williamsburg. Love it!
- Some more information about the stabbing/homicide at the Cooper Park Houses.
- Phyllis speaks!
- Rolfe Carle inquires about a woman who was hit by a car on Milton Street (skip to 1:48) January 24th. C.O. Ryan, promised to follow up on this
- A citizen complains about graffiti.
Otherwise, here’s some (more) news you can use:
1. The calendar for the 94th Precinct Community Council meetings for (the rest of) 2013.
2. The alternate side parking “suspension” calendar for (the rest of 2013).
And that’s all she wrote!
*Which will be relocated to the Church of the Ascension’s Hall on Java Street. This is where tonight’s meeting came to pass. Follows is an announcement from the Church of the Ascension’s website:
For those of you who are not in the know, this was the original location for this facility. Reverend Merz is a very caring, sensitive fellow and I have no doubt he will run it well. Regardless of the “controversy” surrounding this issue (and believe you me, there was a lot), I am simply happy to know ten of our “local” homeless will be provided a safe, warm place to sleep. They are our neighbors.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: A Word From The 94th Precinct
Filed under: 11211, Criminal Activity, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn
On Friday, February 1, 2013 at approximately 9:00 p.m. a male victim, 39 years old was stabbed in the upper thigh by an unknown perpretrator in front of 275 Jackson Street, Brooklyn (Cooper Park Houses Development). The victim was transported to Woodhull Medical Center. On Sunday, February 3, 2013 the victim died from his injuries. This occurrence is currently being investigated by the 94th Precinct Detective Squad.
If you should have any questions regarding the above notification please contact P.O. Adamo or P.O. Truglio (94th Precinct Community Affairs) at (718) 383-5298.
A brief Op Ed from yours truly:
Whenever I read/hear about violence at the Cooper Houses I think of this young woman:
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/greenpoint-goodness/69799
Kayleigh deserves to live in just as safe a home as the kitten she entrusted to my care. I will never forget her compassion via doggedness in ensuring the kitten she found (or more accurately: found and “chose” her!) would have a happy, safe life. We, as a community, should be doing our damnedest to give her the same.
NYS Flickr Pool
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