Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
Four Accidents In As Many Weeks?
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
If what I have heard (via the North Brooklyn Community Facebook Group) this appears to be the case. Apparently a young man (purported to be of 16 years of age) riding a bicycle was struck by a livery cab at the intersection of Graham Avenue and Bayard Street (as indicated by the number “4” on the above map) around 11:00 p.m. The Fire Department and EMTs were on the scene immediately and he wqas taken to the hospital. As of 11:30 p.m. the police had yet to arrive.
This is all I know presently. However, I have inquired of the Head of the 94th Precinct as to exactly what happened— if this youth is okay (given the circumstances— and this is my primary concern). When I hear something, I’ll add it here. In closing this makes four accidents in a very small area in as many weeks. Three involved livery cabs. Three involved Graham Avenue. (You can read about the other three accidents as annotated on the above map by clicking here, here and here.) WTF??? Seriously.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Exploding Manhole & A Shooting On Bedford Avenue?
A fellow we’ll call “G” writes:
About 9:15 Outside the Lucky Dog… Firefighter said a transformer blew and the flames shot out a manhole cover, hit the bottom of a BMW. Guy who hangs out at the barber shop on S. 2nd says it’s his friend’s, wasn’t fully insured… hope Con Ed or National Grid are on the hook.
The locals helped redirect traffic until the firefighters and cops got there, and the poor drunk hipsters at the Lucky Dog were locked inside for an hour before the firefighters cleared them out.
While we’re on the subject of Bedford Avenue, there was apparently a shooting in the wee hours on North 9th Street just west on Bedford Avenue (THINK: behind Kasia’s). Accounts vary as to whether the victim survived or not. If/when I get more details I’ll post them here. Otherwise, if you have the 411 as to what happened please shoot me an email at: missheather (at) thatgreenpointblog (dot) com. Your identity will remain anonymous if you so desire. Thanks!
UPDATE, July 30, 2012: I have received word that Consolidated Edison is going to compensate bicycle owners whose rides were destroyed as a result of this incident. This is a good first step. Nonetheless, I hope they conduct a thorough investigation into exactly what happened and will share their findings with the public.
UPDATE, 10:14 p.m.: you can read the New York Daily News’s take on what happened by clicking here. The good (?) news: while listed in critical condition, the victim is expected to pull through.
UPDATE, 3:41 p.m.: Here’s another account of the fire in front of Lucky Dog.
Lest I have not made this clear: When I post missives from my inbox— especially when it involves an eyewitness of an event— I pretty much leave them “as is”. Their content/wording does not (and in fact, often) does not reflect my personal views of the subject at hand. I was not present when the manhole explosion occurred and by all accounts it sounds pretty terrifying— especially for those who had to wait on the premises of the Lucky Dog for over an hour until our Bravest got matters under control.
Do I necessarily like “G’s” how “G” relayed this event? No, not really. However, that was what I was sent and I opted to leave his/her words in intact. Perhaps this was mistake on my part? I am always open to reader feedback— but having someone wish I die of AIDS? Methinks this is going a bit too far. What’s more, it is against the law.
From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part II: Another Bicyclist Hit?
This item comes from our 50th Assembly District Democratic Leader (and all-around nice guy) Lincoln Restler. He writes:
I am emailing you because a good friend of mine was smashed by a car riding his bicycle in the early hours of Sunday morning at Graham and Skillman just a few blocks from C’s accident. A car stopped temporarily to let my friend pass and then the driver stuck his foot on the gas to hit him full force. He went flying and was knocked unconscious. He woke up in Woodhull. Not only was it a classic hit and run – but my friend’s bike was stolen. Well, actually he was borrowing another friend’s bike. It has been seen around the neighborhood, so I was wondering if you might do a post to get the word out that this is a stolen bike. Details below about the bike and my friend Tyler’s first person account of what happened. thanks so much.
Without further ado, here it is.
“On Saturday night I was hit by a car on a bicycle at the intersection of Graham and Skillman. I was knocked out cold from the collision and woke up in the Woodhull ER. Luckily I was wearing a helmet or it could have been much worse. The car took off and the bicycle was stolen form the scene sometime while I was unconscious or after the ambulance had taken me away. I am writing to ask for people to keep a look out for this bicycle, details below, in the neighborhood. A good friend had lent me the bike to ride home and we are desperately seeking to get it back in his hands (no questions asked). He is a free-lance reporter and relies on the bike to get around and cover the local news. It’s bad enough that this was a hit and run accident, but to have the bike disappear on top of it is just wrong. The local police (94th precinct) have been unhelpful, so we’re turning to the community. If you have any information about the bike or accident please contact me directly at tyler.griswold@gmail.com
Details on the bike:It is a red Lemond Tourmalet steel-framed (59cm) road bike with Shimano components, white bar tape and a Fizik Arione saddle (this is important for the identification because I had put a fancy racing seat on it). The bike was in excellent condition, although the rear derailleur had a creak.”
Mark Your Calendars: National Night Out
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Since I have been hearing a lot of buzz about police matters in our Precinct of late (and there will be no Community Council meetings until September) I feel compelled to note that in two short weeks the 94th will be hosting its annual National Night Out. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and chat with members of our police department. Have a concern you’d like to raise? This is an excellent time to do it! What’s more, I have heard it is a lot of fun (really). Check it out!
National Night Out
August 7, 2012 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Meserole Avenue at Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Williamsburg Photo Du Jour: And Now A Word From 373 Graham Avenue
Filed under: 11211, Crazy People, Criminal Activity, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
To Complain
94 Percint 1 718-Fuck-U
In NYC.
Or mind your own business.— Taken July 7, 2012.
LAST GASP: On The Subject Of Helicopters
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
As some of you recall— and bore witness— there has been a lot of helicopter activity in the Garden Spot this week. While this has become pretty much standard operating procedure on July 4th nowadays, after hearing buzz about a police officer being shot, I wanted to know what gives. To this end I sent an email to head of the 94th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Hurson. Follows is his reply:
There was a Police Officer shot in Manhattan that night (July 5th — Ed. Note), however I think people noticed the helicopter I called in to assist us in dispersing a roof top party at 110 Green Street that had turned unruly. People
started dropping fireworks down on pedestrians and when my Officer arrived started throwing beer bottles at them from the seventh floor roof.
Throwing fireworks at pedestrians? Volleying beer bottles at police officers? This is ridiculous folks. Really.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Wanted For Questioning Regarding A Burglary at 540 Driggs Avenue
Once again, from the NYPD via an anonymous tipster:
The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying the following individual wanted for a burglary which took place on May 30, 2012 at approx 1300 hours inside of 540 Driggs Avenue in the confines of the 94 Pct. The suspect entered a fire escape window and fled when the victim observed the suspect in the kitchen.
The suspect is described as M/H approx 35 years old 5’7 and 180 lbs
Photo attached
If you saw something, say something to the 94th: (718) 383 – 3879.
From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part I: Grand Larceny?
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
This items comes courtesy of the 94th Precinct via an anonymous tipster:
The New York City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following two suspects wanted for a grand larceny that took place within the confines of the 94th Precinct. The details are as follows:
On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at approximately 1750 hours, inside of 783 Manhattan Avenue (Rite Aid), two suspects proceeded to go to the cold and flu isle, place an undetermined amount of Mucinex cold medicine into a large red gift bag (emphasis mine— Ed. Note) and exit the location without paying for the merchandise.
The two (2) suspects are described as; Male black, 5’8′ 170 pounds, approximately 18 years old with short black hair.
Photos attached
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crimestoppers’ website and at nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
New York Shitty Videos Du Jour: Live From The B62
Filed under: 11222, Asshole, Crazy People, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
To preface: Today yours truly decided a walk across the Williamsburg Bridge (this is one of my favorite leisure time activities) was in order. Since I was running late I decided to take the B62 bus to the Southside in order to make up for lost time. It didn’t exactly work out that way. In my guesstimation my travel time (from Greenpoint Avenue) was one hour. How did this happen, you ask? Read on and find out!
Let me explain to you, dear readers, what you have just watched. Our intrepid bus driver, frustrated that a motorist elected to parallel park in front of his vehicle in a manner which precluded him from performing his duty (READ: driving)— and upon discovering honking his horn was useless— prevailed upon a police officer for help. First, I’ll tender the good news: our finest prevailed! And now the bad news…
Clearly displeased with the outcome of this exchange our motorist (being insane, an asshole or some combination thereof) decided running to the next bus stop and resuming (t)his altercation was in order. If you listen very carefully at the end he says (and I quote):
You want to kill me? You want to kill me? Let’s do it!
The next time you, gentle readers, get angry at a member of our Transit Authority for being gruff or downright rude I want to think about what you have just watched. I for one commend this bus driver’s restraint. I for one cannot fathom what it would be like to deal with this shit every day.
I suspect I speak for a number of my fellow mass transit patrons this afternoon when I write I had the utmost desire to take this fellow up on his offer. In closing, I would like to humbly suggest— moving forward— that if/when this chap wants a fight he should stick his head up his ass and fight for air. The rest of us have lives.
P.S.: If anyone from the M.T.A. is reading this give this bus driver a raise. Yesterday. He is an absolute prince— and I told him so!
From The New York Shitty Inbox, Part III: Homelessness Under The BQE?
A person we’ll call “N” writes:
Hi there —
Wanted to pass along some info about the homeless encampment that is starting to stink up the 5 block radius around it – I reported it to 311 and it turns out our police precinct seems to think it’s not under their jurisdiction to disband it. I’ve called the Department of Homeless Services and it seems that are also aware of the problem but have not done anything about it yet. Meanwhile the homeless guys have a BBQ, mattresses, and just tons and tons of shit piling up around there. They’ve been collecting stuff there for months now. It’s getting really disgusting. You should take a walk by there and check it out. Spread awareness and maybe if enough people complain the police or the homeless dept will get them some help. It’s really sad.
Thanks!
This afternoon I went to see this myself. The following photos and video footage pretty much say it all.
(speechless)
NYS Flickr Pool
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