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Happy Birthday Borden Avenue Bridge!
Filed under: Long Island City
Next Wednesday, May 7th, this really nifty bridge (one of the two retractile bridges which grace our fair city) will be celebrating its 100th birthday (which has since come to pass) at NYDesigns. Here’s a general rundown from the NYC Bridge Centennial Organization’s web site:
Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall and LaGuardia Community College President Gail O. Mellow and the NYC Centennial Bridge Commission cordially invite you to the opening of the Borden Avenue Bridge Centennial Exhibition at NYDesigns, 45-50 30th Street, 7th Floor, Long Island City, New York.
Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and you can R.S.V.P. by calling (718) 482-5154.
Miss Heather
Bushwick Photo du Jour: Ring My Bell
Filed under: Bushwick
From P.S. 147 on Bushwick Avenue.
Miss Heather
The Boys Of Bed Stuy
Now that the weather is supposedly going to take a turn for the better, I can hardly wait to shake off the recent spate of dreary weather and go out for a walk. Those of you who have the luxury of doing the same this Tuesday morning and want to see one of the most beautiful buildings our borough has to offer should head to 832 Marcy Avenue, better known as the Brooklyn Boys High School.
The above photograph does not do this amazing building justice.
Curious to learn who was behind this beautiful piece of Romanesque revival architecture, I checked out nyc-architecture.com. Here’s what they had to say
The architect James W. Naughton (1840-1898), was the Superintendent of Buildings for Brooklyn and was responsible for all of Brooklyn’s fine school buildings built during his tenure from 1879 until his death. He was the architect for the Girls’ High School (1887) and the Boys’ High School (1891) and P.S. 9, all of which are designated as city landmarks.
It is also interesting to note that Mr. Naughton had a hand in the oldest continuously operating school in all the city of New York. Yes, I am speaking about Greenpoint’s very own P.S. 34*!
But let’s get back to Bed Stuy and look at a few of the faces which grace the Brooklyn Boys School, shall we?
This youngster doesn’t look too happy to be here. I cannot say I really blame him. I (like many other people) hated high school.
Perhaps this chap has something to do with his fellow student’s sullen affect? He looks like a troublemaker to me.
I’m not too sure what’s up with this guy’s eyes, but he is one handsome devil nonetheless.
But the previous are just a few of the wonderful things to be found at the Brooklyn Boy’s School. Why not go there and discover a few more of them for yourself?
Boy’s High School
832 Marcy Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11216
I personally guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Miss Heather
*Here’s a little Greenpoint secret: when Oakland Street (later to become McGuinness Boulevard) was widened it was done by razing the buildings on the northeastern side of the street. This was done so as to spare P.S. 34 from the wrecking ball.
Studio B: It Just Keeps Getting More Interesting
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Yesterday evening I received a provocative email from a tipster. If its contents are to be trusted it would appear that Studio B has more than just an out-of-date Certificate of Occupancy and a Stop Work Order* to contend with:
…the fact that any PA (Public Assembly — Ed. Note.) over 300 people requires, by law, a fire protection plan to be approved by the DOB and the FD. They have not filed one.
Whoops.
I suspect New York’s Bravest will be less than pleased when they get wind of this.
Miss Heather
*Which I have heard they promptly violated by working last weekend.
Phillip Hits The Silver Screen!
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
I was forwarded this preview of a short film written by and starring none other than the Greenpoint legend himself: Phillip! For those of you who are not in the know, he is not only the most stylish citizen the Garden Spot has to offer, but he is also a very talented poet and all-around nice guy.
I can hardly wait to see this film in its entirety. Check it out!
Miss Heather
Bed Stuy Photo du Jour: P.C. Food Center
Filed under: Bed-Stuy
From Bedford Avenue.
Miss Heather
Happy Construction Safety Week From New York Shitty!
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
After taking a weekend off (even puppets need a break, folks!), Hannah is pumped for Construction Safety Week. I admonished her that such stuff is a hit and miss proposition here. In other words, prepare for the worst.
CASE IN POINT: 1000 Manhattan Avenue
After being hit with $20,000 in fines (all of which are unpaid*) the ostensible owner of this building, one Carol Caputo (et. al.) has seen fit to remedy her/their leaning tower of piss.
On a weekend, no less. This photograph was taken Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.
Good thing this chap did his high wire act before Construction Safety Week. He might have gotten busted!
Miss Heather
*Or unenforced.
Williamsburg Phone(s) du Jour: Hanging On The Telephone
I’m in the phone booth, it’s the one across the hall
If you don’t answer, I’ll just ring it off the wall
I know he’s there, but I just had to call
Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone
Miss Heather
P.S.: This post goes out to the inimitable Deborah Harry, better known the as front woman for Blondie.
You inspire me.
Studio B: The Drama Continues
Filed under: Greenpoint Magic
Yes, it would appear that Studio B has been hit with a Stop Work Order.
April 21, 2008 to be precise.
For doing work they had no permission to do. That’s pretty much the par for the course here in Greenpoint. Do as thou whilst. What bothers me more than anything is this establishment was cited by the Department of Buildings for packing 650+ people in a space deemed safe for 461.
This gig (from January of this year) looks pretty packed. This photo comes courtesy of Studio B’s myspace page. I highly recommend checking this out— especially if you want to see a lot of posturing, guy liner and glassy eyes. Studio B has ’em all! 461+!
When Studio B gets that rooftop terrace done (permits be damned and they are well on their way, palm trees and all), there’ll be even more…
- People
- Noise
- Litter
- Fighting
And lest we forget: overcrowding.
If Studio B is permitted to allow, say 200 more people, how many patrons will actually occupy said premises? 700? 800? More?
Let’s face facts: their track record is pretty spotty. At best. They’re out to make a buck. More people = more money.
If the new (interim) Czar of the Department of Buildings* wants to make an example of someone in the Garden Spot I cannot think of a better establishment than Studio B.
Especially since their web site intimates they anticipate more capacity soon.
Intransigence, arrogance, chutzpah, hubris and/or graft, take your pick.
Miss Heather
*Or the F.D.N.Y.
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