Greenpoint Bike du Jour: Nasty On Noble

Wanna sit on this seat?

Miss Heather

Comment of the Week

Yeah it’s only Wednesday, but this is a good one!

Seanisthegood writes (in regards to this post):

Wow. Let me first say I attended the public hearing with the intent of speaking against Studio B. I live around the corner at 112 Calyer Street. I am sometimes annoyed by bottles left on the street the day after a big show or party. That’s about it. After hearing the testimony of the six people that spoke I realized Studio B needs some defense. First, I live behind the building. My kitchen window overlooks the back of the building. I could watch them build the roof. My bedroom affords me a partial view of the back. Yes, I can hear a slight base thump, but this “chatter” and roof music have never, ever been loud enough to cause any sleep issues for me. I find backyard get together of people that live on Clifford Place and Calyer street to be louder than the club. Second, the club does NOT operate every night. Usually there are about three shows a week. A majority of nights the clubs doors are closed. This is far from a constant nuisance. Is it not acceptable for a night club to stay open until four on a Friday or Saturday? Third, Studio B is not just a drug haven, it is a world renown establishment that brings in acts from all over the world. Recently the New York Times wrote a on Hercules and the Love Affair’s debut show at Studio B.

Why is this comment so interesting (other than being a backhanded puff piece for Studio B)? Very simple: five people spoke against Studio B, not six. I filmed every single one of them. The previous commenter either attended this meeting and got confused or he looked at this blog and pretended he did.

Maybe “Sean” can tell us how Agnes “I live next door” Piekarska* likes the bidet in her illegal apartment office?

Or how much it rents for because it sounds and looks pretty phat! The above screencap was taken on June 12, 2008.

This one was taken July 16, 2008. Note how the hearing has been pushed back to September 15, 2008.

Miss Heather

*This is disputed. See Comments.

Just Another Day In Greenpoint

Anyone knocking around Manhattan Avenue today probably noticed there was a lot of filming going on. At Matchless (above) a feature entitled Three Girls was being shot.

Further north I happened upon this motley crew of characters. Curious to know what was going on I asked one of them (the woman in the leopard print pants in the above photograph).

Miss Heather: What’s with all the people sporting the luau get-up?
Woman: They’re filming Lipstick Jungle here today. We’re extras in a party scene.
Miss Heather: Thanks. I was just curious because it is sort of unusual to see people decked out like this here on a weekday.
Woman: It’s funny you mention that. You are the first person who has asked us what we’re doing. We have been walking back and forth from the location (Club Exit —Ed. Note) to the holding area and no one seems to care.
Miss Heather: That’s Greenpoint for you. We have all types here. You can pretty much do or be whatever you want and no one will pay any mind.

It’s true. You can do or be anything you want to be in the Garden Spot. I once wore a pair of fairy wings to the grocery store because I felt like it. Aside from a few bemused looks no one seemed to care.

And on that note I am sad to inform everyone that Greenpoint recently lost one of its more distinctive citizens to a heart attack. Her name was Jessica Cooper, but most of us knew her as that big gal with the pigtails who loved to wear her Catholic School uniform. While some (myself included) may not understand exactly what made Jessica tick, she had a huge heart. She was a frequent volunteer at the Greenpoint Food Pantry and will be sorely missed by her partner of 40 years, Dottie. Rest in peace Jessica, you will be missed by many.

Miss Heather

Another Restaurant Cometh To Greenpoint

I have long wondered exactly what is going in this space at 14 Bedford Avenue (which is located just around the corner from Le Brique). Today I finally took a peek at the permits posted in the window.

I have not found any applications for a liquor license pending on Community Board 1’s agenda and there will be no meeting next month, so it looks like we will have to wait until fall to learn more!

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: West Point In Greenpoint

From Franklin Street.

Miss Heather

The Greenpoint Lofts, Revisited

It’s been some time since I have written about this establishment. In fact, it is long overdue. Thankfully a reader named Colleen alerted me to their web site, reminding me of something I want to pass along to you, dear readers.

As some of you might recall the Greenpoint Lofts are “business ready loft condominiums” which sport such unbusiness-like amenities such as a fitness center, penthouses and a rooftop terrace with skyline views. The location leaves much to be desired, but it is not at all an unattractive conversion. Obviously someone else agrees with me regarding the latter because I recently discovered a new tenant: Porcupine Tattoo!

This isn’t your grandma’s business condo!

Miss Heather

Greenpoint Back In The Day

Ever had one of those days where you just can’t get motivated? Call it the summer doldrums or whatever you want, today I have it! Thankfully Laura Hofmann was kind enough to pass along these great old photographs of Greenpoint taken in the 1980’s. Enjoy!

This one should be recognizable to just about anyone: it is the site of our new(ish) Starbucks. The McDonalds is still with us although the pizzeria to the north is now a Polish deli. Somewhat related: the bar (which is obstructed by a van in the above image) looks untouched. This might change as I noticed the “For Rent” sign there has been removed. I wonder what will occupy this space? I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Here’s a view of the Greenpoint Avenue bridge and the site of our new and improved waste treatment plant.

Ah the joy that is (or would that be was) 1960’s architecture!

And of course what would a photographic record of old Greenpoint be without a nod to the “Texas tea” that makes our neighborhood (in)famous!

Miss Heather

Photo Credits: Laura Hofmann

Greenpoint Photo du Jour: Every Little Bit Helps

From Franklin Street.

Miss Heather