Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
New York Shitty Day Starter: And On It Goes
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Looks like some more Loft Law “awareness”/“changing the script” needs to happen at 239 Banker Street.
Because the rest of us simply aren’t “getting it”.
P.S.: You didn’t really think I was going to quit showcasing the wretchedly comical farce that is this edifice? In any case “Joe” seems to specialize in room shares. For example:
But by far the following advertisement is my personal favorite.
If I had to hazard a guess, I’d say the towel holders are what made this apartment jump $300 in the above listing.
As you can see, they are quite nice. Nonetheless, Bushwick is just that: Bushwick.
New York Shitty Shitter Du Jour: Cooper Park
Filed under: 11211, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
Given the completely revolting image of a port-o-let hailing from McCarren Park (the purported crown jewel of Community Board 1’s parks) which was brought to my attention by a concerned citizen yesterday and the fact my ladybug toilet seat (part of my “No Toilet Left Behind Project”) has suffered from not-so-benign neglect, I have decided an audit of our public lavatories is in order. Today’s privy hails from Cooper Park’s comfort station which serves the wonderfully re-vamped (and heavily patronized) Carnegie Playground.
Bad News: clearly there is some room for improvement.
Good News: the second stall was a mite bit more “user friendly”.
TOMORROW: Community Board 1 Meeting & 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
The author of this missive (which can be found on Manhattan Avenue) might have his/her terminology wrong, but this was an excellent reminder nonetheless that tomorrow, January 10th, both our local Community Board and 94th Precinct Community Council will be convening to discuss matters north Brooklyn. I have been assured by Deputy Inspector Hurson moving forward he is going to coordinate with our Community Board so as to prevent scheduling conflicts like this in the future. In the meantime, here are the deets!
94th Precinct Community Council
January 10, 2012 starting at 7:00 p.m.
122 Java Street (the rear entrance of the Church of the Ascension)
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Community Board 1 Public Hearing & Board Meeting
January 10, 2012 starting at 6:30 p.m. (NOTE: you must sign in by 6:15 in order to speak)
Swinging 60’s Senior Citizens Center
211 Ainslie Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
(You can view the agenda by pointing and clicking your way to Community Board 1’s web site.)
TODAY: Community Board 1 Combined Public Hearing & Board Meeting
Filed under: 11211, 11222, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
This is but a fraction of the sidewalk cafe/liquor license goodness which awaits your delectation tomorrow at the Swinging 60’s Senior’s Center! Those of you who are curious can view the whole list here. Otherwise, I’d like to point out (once again) that this is a Combined Public Hearing and Board Meeting. Transportation Alternatives seems to be under the impression this is a Transportation Committee Meeting.* And saw fit to share this misinformation via an email blast:
Community Board 1 Combined Public Meeting & Board Meeting
November 9, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m. (NOTE: you must sign up by 6:15 p.m. in order to speak)
The Swinging 60’s Senior’s Center
211 Ainslie Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
*Which, had T.A. simply reviewed Community Board 1 BK’s calendar, they would have ascertained there is not a Transportation Committee meeting this month. But who I am to fret over such trivialities? This meeting is gonna be fun… right?
LAST GASP: 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting & Community Board 1’s Parks Subcommittee Meeting
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Both are set to happen the evening of October 11th! Am I the only person who would like to see greater coordination/communication between our Community Board, the Police Department and other community “groups” so as to prevent overlaps like this? Why should we Greenpointers be forced to, for example, pick and choose between learning more about the tragic (and I suspect preventable) suicide which came to pass at McGolrick Park and what’s on Community Board 1 Parks Subcommittee’s agenda (which happens to be pretty Garden Spot-centric):
1. Presentation on Improvements/Renovation for Cooper Park – by Mr Martin Maher, Chief of Staff/Brooklyn – Parks Department, and Ms. Portia Cook-Dyrenforth, Capital Projects, Brooklyn – Parks Department
2. Proposed Green Thumb Interim Use For 59 Java Street – by Mr. Jack Hammer, NYC HPD.
3. Pathways of McCarren Park – Project status discussion.
In any case, make/take your choice, Greenburgers:
Community Board 1 Parks Subcommittee Meeting
October 11, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Community Board 1 Headquarters
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
94th Precinct Community Council Meeting
October 11, 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Church of the Ascension
127 Kent Street
NOTE: you must enter via the Java Street entrance!
Brooklyn, New York 11222
UPDATE, October 11, 2011: Per the revised agenda, item #2 has been cancelled.
New York Shitty Day Ender: Live From Community Board 1
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
All in all it was a pretty dull evening at the Swinging 60’s Senior’s Center tonight. However, I did film OSA’s announcement regarding the concerts. Simply put, moving forward these will be located at 50 Kent Avenue (which is city-owned property) and they have scheduled a “town hall” meeting where concerned neighbors can voice their concerns; offer criticism (be it constructive or otherwise) and advice. Watch for yourself!
Nonetheless, very salient concerns were raised at the end of the meeting during the “public speaking” session:
New York Shitty analysis:
- On the surface 50 Kent Avenue may prove— at least financially— to be a better venue for the Open Space Alliance to conduct these concerts. It is city-owned property and as such they do not have to split the profits with East River State Park.
- This year’s concerts, per Ms. Thayer, netted an estimated $250,000. Mind you, this is before costs have been factored in and without taking into account that East River State Park gets half the take. So let’s say, optimistically, $250,000 was raised and there are no costs. This only leaves $125,000— a pittance as far as institutional funds are concerned— to ostensibly improve parks in the entirety of Community Board 1. What’s the point?
- Unless better crowd control and sensitivity to/coordination with public transportation— namely service suspensions by the MTA and perhaps special ferry service to and from Manhattan— are explored by OSA I honestly do not see things changing other than who will be doing the complaining. The “problem” has simply been moved.
- Does filming the aftermath of OSA’s “Widespread Panic” concert merit death threats? Really?
OSA Town Hall Meeting Regarding “The Concerts”
October 20th starting at 6:30 p.m.
Swinging Sixties Seniors Center
211 Ainslie Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
LAST GASP: Live From The Community Board 1 Public Safety Committee; Toshi Presents!
Toshi himself was present.
Floor plans were reviewed and residential apartments were noted.
Curbed was on this first when they wrote (on September 21st):
The Hotel Toshi outpost at 808 Driggs Avenue in Williamsburg has been a source of frustration for longer-term building tenants, some of whom broke their leases early because they were fed up with Toshi’s habits of allegedly leaving the building’s side door open, moving tenants’ mail, and renting out rooms for all-night parties. Some long-term renters remained—in fact, the Toshi outpost is apparently legal because the majority of the units are not Toshi-occupied—but they’re not all on board with Toshi’s latest plan: opening a cafe in the building. A tipster sends along the deets.
You can (and should) read the rest by clicking here. Here’s what I can tell you from last night’s proceedings:
1. Cafe Toshi will be offering “heat and eat” meals and touted support from residential tenants of said building.
2. Concerns about egress and overall compliance with Department of Buildings regulations were raised by the Committee.
3. Thus, the application was turned down until documentation about the legality of the “kitchen plus office” is confirmed by the Department of Buildings.
4. Inasmuch as I can recall, Mr. Toshi is the first and only attendee to bring his dog to a Community Board 1 meeting. He (she?) was in a rather nice carrier and kept quiet throughout the proceedings.
For more reading about the Toshi Empire (and its rather rapacious appetite for commandeering residential apartments for “hotel” use, among other things) click here, here, here, here, here and ESPECIALLY HERE.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: How Do I Complain?
Filed under: 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic
A lady we’ll called “Grumpy” (who sent me this delightful image) writes:
Hello Miss Heather.
Happy Sunday!
I wanted to share a lovely photo of what my entrance way (I live on Manhattan Ave. at Meserole)looked like when I returned home around 1:30 AM last night. There were super intoxicated, sluttily dressed, LOUD girls/ladies all up and down my block, sitting on stoops, texting, screetching about men who had ignored them and I am sure one of them was responsible for the disgusting mess all over my stoop. The puke was not only on the street and in my doorway but also in the vestibule into my building!
DISGUSTING.
Every Saturday night, around 4 AM it sounds like a friggin’ riot is happening, right under my window. Men fighting over ladies, men just fighting other men because they are drunk and stupid, people screaming, threatening each other, car doors being slammed, car tires peeling out, glass breaking, etc… it is NUTS! And although the police station is NEXT DOOR to Europa the police cannot seem to control these techno-loving, inebriated maniacs! The ruckus is really crazy and seems to be getting worse, week to week. I have lived in the same apt. for 7 years and although I have been woken up on occasion over the past 7 years, the past 2 months have been intolerable, I get woken up EVERY Saturday night (and some Friday nights) by what I now refer to as the 4 AM riots!
I stopped a police officer when I was getting home last Saturday, around 2 AM, to ask her what to do about the increased craziness of Europa’s patrons and she told me all that I could do was go to a community board meeting to express my unhappiness about the current situation of the streets when the club lets out. I certainly don’t want to be the old crank who wants the kids locked down with nowhere to go but I also feel like this has become SO ridiculous that I should do something! My friend and neighbor (who I think you know) also has similar stories of being awoken by these drunk dummies, who puke in front of her house, and sit on her stoop blabbing incoherently to each other, keeping her up all Saturday night as well.
Her and I think we should go to a meeting, she said that you attend all of them… if we were to go, should we bring evidence of the out of control shit that is happening weekly?
Any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated!!!!!
I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!
-grumpy in Greenpoint
First off, there’s no way I could possibly attend “all the meetings” which come to pass here. This is simply not humanly possible— but thanks! Secondly, as some of you might recall there was a rather nasty incident which came to pass at Club Europa weekend before last which culminated in (among other things) two police officers getting injured. This was expounded upon at the last 94th Precinct Community Council meeting by Deputy Inspector Hurson. Those of you who are not in the know can get his take on what happened by clicking here.
The previous having been written, the police officer’s advice is correct. Somewhat. Although I have written more posts about the subject of nightclubs, nuisances they can present; and how to go about complaining more than I care admit I’m going to do it one more time. Please pay attention, folks!
1. You know how the slogan for the MTA goes: If you see something, say something! The same applies when it comes to reporting bars and/or nightclubs which are proving not to be good neighbors. When you see (or in this case: hear) disorderly behavior call 311 and complain. At the end of the call you will be given a complaint number. Be sure to write this down as you will need it to…
2. Email it along with a general description of what happened to your local Community Board. In this case, Community Board 1 Brooklyn: bk01 (at) cb (dot) nyc (dot) gov
3. Meetings: these are an excellent way to follow up on your 311 complaint! Here are a few relevant ones to consider:
Public Safety Committee, Community Board 1 (this body oversees liquor license applications and criminal activity)
Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 27, starting at 6:30 p.m. (That’s tomorrow! NOTE: You must sign up to speak by 6:15 p.m.)
Community Board 1 Main Office
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
Community Board 1 Combined Hearing & Public Meeting
October 5, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m. (NOTE: once again, you must sign up to speak by 6:15 p.m. This rule is enforced with great vigilance)
Swinging 60’s Seniors Center
211 Ainslie Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
And last, but hardly least: 94th Precinct Community Council Meetings! The schedule for these has been changed to the second Tuesday of every month starting at 7:00 p.m. This would make the next meeting October 11th.
94th Precinct Community Council Meeting
October 11, 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m.
Church of the Ascension, back room
127 Kent Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
NOTE: You must gain entrance via Java Street!!!
This is how to get started, W. You can (and should) also bring your complaints to the attention of your local elected officials. Here are a few to get you started!
1. Assemblyman Joseph Lentol
2. City Councilman Steve Levin
3. Lincoln Restler; State Committee, 50th Assembly District
I hope this has been helpful. Good luck!
Spotted At Coco 68: Signs of Activity
Although nary a liquor license hearing notice was to be found on the premises— if what I saw while walking by this afternoon is any indication, Coco 68 is indeed making preparations to re-open.
Public Safety Committee Meeting (which oversees liquor license applications, albeit only in an advisory capacity)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m. (NOTE: you must sign in by 6:15 p.m. in order to speak)
Community Board 1 Main Office
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
Coming To 120 Franklin Street: Van Gogh’s Radio 2.0?
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
No liquor license hearing notice has been posted, but per the agenda for our local Community Board’s Public Safety Committee agenda this may very well be the case!
You will also notice, dear readers, that Coco 66 (albeit via 68 Greenpoint Avenue) is also on the docket. Hmm…
But back to 120 Franklin Street— and CKTP LLC. After some research I deduced the Greenpoint grapevine may very well be correct. The chap behind CKTP LLC endeavor, Christopher Klusak, has close ties to Van Gogh’s Radio.
Will Van Gogh’s Radio be making a comeback? It certainly appears to be the case. However, there’s still that liquor license hearing meeting on September 27th. Only then will we know for certain…
Community Board 1 Public Safety Committee Meeting
September 27, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m.
CB1 Main Office
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
NYS Flickr Pool
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