THIS WEEKEND: The Grandmother of All Stoop Sales

Lian of Kent Street the mastermind behind last month’s “Mother of all stoop sales” hits us again with another another one this weekend: THE MOTHER OF ALL STOOP SALES – Part II. The pickings look pretty good so it would probably be wise to get there bright and early before everything is picked over!

If you have a stoop sale, new business or event in the Greenpoint/North Brooklyn area and want to get the word out shoot me an email at missheather (at) newyorkshitty (dot) com. I’ll be delighted to post it if/when time permits.

Miss Heather

It’s Official

A number of people are wondering what will become of this old precinct house located on Herbert Street. Last night I bumped into Rich Mazur of the North Brooklyn Development Corporation and he gave me the good news: last month the papers were signed and it is to be converted into affordable housing. Apparently our representative, Joseph Lentol, pitched the proposal to Housing Preservation & Development, Diana Reyna secured $1,000,000 from the New York City Council and the Borough President’s Office chipped in another $500,000. I was not told how many there units will be, but with studios starting in the $100,000s it will indeed be affordable to a number of people who could not otherwise afford to live in our great neighborhood!

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Princess

From McGuinness Boulevard.

Miss Heather

THIS WEEKEND: Angel Street Thrift Shop

As I lover of all things junky and funky, I simply had to pass this along. “Angel Street” will definitely be on my “to do” list this weekend!

Miss Heather

Parking a la 94th Precinct: Guernsey Street

Inasmuch as I criticize the local police precinct, I understand that being charged with protecting the public is a tough job: the hours are grueling, the pay is low, and so forth.

However, as the guardians of law and order our boys in blue should themselves obey the laws they are hired to enforce.

As a citizen I find it more than a little disquieting to find motor vehicles belonging to New York’s Finest parked in such a manner.

It not only shows a disregard for public safety, but also a lack of respect for the community they profess to serve.

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Sunset

From Dupont Street.

Miss Heather

Salvation For Sale

Ever wondered what’s going on with that old church on Kent Street? Well, other from being a home for lost toys it’s slated to be converted into housing by Hirsch Enterprises. 35-38 units of it to be more or less precise. Will any of these units be affordable? At first Alfred V. Saulo answered “no” but shortly thereafter changed his answer to “I don’t know.”

Regardless he had ample material to present to Community Board 1.

The Landmarks Commission saw fit to preserve the stained glass windows on the first floor and the rose window, but clear glass will be employed on the upper floors to accommodate the new tenants of this building. Solar panels will be installed on the roof save the east section of the “Sunday School”, as the LPC thought it too visible from the street.

When questioned about the “precedent” for installing clear glass windows in a church conversion Mr. Saulo, architect, demurred. He also hedged aroundthe removal of the “religious icon” gracing said edifice, something that very much upset the residents of Kent street present. When queried as to what accommodations would be given in regards to providing parking this property, Mr. Saulo, however, gave a straight answer: none. This is because as a landmarked property it is exempt!

St. Elia’s (Elijah’s) is for sale! I wonder how much these units will cost. Anyone?

Miss Heather

Transmitter Park, Updated!

2004

2008!

Last night the Parks Department unveiled the revised plans for Transmitter Park— and they looked fantastic! The modifications from the original plan include moving the entrance to Kent Street, eliminating the pods on the pier to make it more friendly to marine life, a kayak launch and a pier for future ferry service! Click on the above image to see a larger image of the revised plan for yourself. Here are some highlights.

A rendering of the new pier which includes a “fish-cleaning pod”.

Why someone would want to fish on the East River —much less take their catch home and eat it— is beyond me. Then again, I am a vegetarian.

Here’s an artist’s rendering of the pier. Care was taken by the designers to ensure it was sufficiently elevated.

A rendering of the bridge and overlook on the waterfront.

The play area was downsized. Barbara Vetell, a member of the Friends of Transmitter Park Committee aired concerns about animals living in the “raised sand play area“.

In any case, here are a few appointments planned for said play area.

Here’s a cross-section of the shore of the park.

All in all it looked like a very nice proposal. But when will it happen?

Miss Heather