Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
Live From Community Board 1: Much Ado About Rats!
Since I posted this flier on September 3rd I have received a number of missives from residents regarding the rat situation in Greenpoint. Follows is a comment on the aforementioned post from someone who has been personally afflicted by these creatures. We’ll call her “B” and she has killed 36 rats. She writes:
My neighbor put these up–she lives on Calyer near McGuinness. But the problem is rampant for at least a three block radius. There is a network of rat colonies running in between the yards,and it is almost impossible to control since it extends between properties,and goes unchecked in the vacant lots. I live on Leonard btwn Meserole and Calyer–we killed 36 in our yard last summer (we are ok this year, post-an embarrassing Rat Busters appearance, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time). Our neighbor two doors down, next to an empty lot, killed 57 since last summer. The woman who put up the fliers has killed over 20.
At least on our block,ground zero seems to be an empty lot at 689 Leonard Street. Eckford St has a giant lot that is also a problem,and the lovely rat hotel (http://articles.nydailynews.com/2010-11-07/news/27080545_1_rats-property-taxes-brooklyn-building As noted by New York Shitty— via a reader— on October 21, 2010– Ed. Note.). I’ve lived here 8 years and last year was the first year we had any trouble–I’ve wondered if some of the recent construction projects kicked up a dormant colony? Not sure,but the strangest thing is the appearance of giant white rats mixed in with the regular Norways (one of our neighbors has pictures).
Despite numerous 311 complaints,nothing changes. I’ve tracked many of my own calls,and they are listed as “resolved,”but I know full well the inspectors never came,or did an extremely cursory job inspecting the property (e.g. if my complaint is about an infestation in a back yard,how can you claim you inspected the property if you never rang the doorbell and don’t have access to the yard??).
But it appears flurries of 311 complaints are our best defense. This is the only thing that the Community Board seems to respond to. So if I might make a plea to your readers–if you do have a similar situation,make many,many 311 complaints. The owners of the property will receive notices and tickets to clean up and seek treatment. Track the numbers and send unresolved/poorly resolved complaints to the community board (info on the flyer above).
And if you have a backyard,please take a look around. I was extremely unpleasantly surprised when I learned that the rats were burrowing underground,with a runway going between our yard and our neighbors,behind some bushes. Look for droppings or suspicious holes and clean up any debris,nesting materials,etc. And whack anyone who puts loaves of bread outside over the head.
Sorry for the long post. Rats make you crazy….
Then came the emails. Most were from reporters wanting to know if I had heard from people afflicted by these varmints. The answer is a resounding “Yes”! A lady we’ll call “A” writes:
Hi Heather,
Thanks so much for posting the rat flyer on your excellent bog New York Shitty.
My boyfriend and I moved to Greenpoint last June. At that time there was no rats that I saw. It was not until August of last year that an infestation began to occur. The problem was so bad that large rats were seen scurrying down the sidewalks—during the day. We caught 28 rats last year–that lasted from late August until the cold hit (October-November). My neighbor caught over 30 last year and the guy two houses down caught over 50–all in the months of (August-November). Some of these “little” fellas have infiltrated neighbors houses. This spring I caught so many I lost count, my neighbor kept a log. I do not recall how many he has caught thus far but the number is substantial. I was away for the entire summer…my boyfriend is scared of rats, so he just kept out of our lovely little yard this summer. We have called the city numerous times. The response has been minimal at best.
We have been working as a community to try and rid this area of rats. It is difficult though. The beauty shop on the corner of Calyer and Leonard sweeps away daily doses of excrement left behind by these vermin. These lil bastards are smart. They quickly learn how to maneuver traps and are virtually immune to bait. People need to keep the streets clean and dispose of their garbage in receptacles that are rat proof.
Thanks for your post.
Then I received correspondence from a lady named Jeanette Mocko (who provided me the “visual aids” and “rat log” which grace the beginning of this post). She made it known to me that she was going to speak at this evening’s Community Board 1 meeting. Naturally I made it a point to attend. And speak Jeanette did; albeit after providing Chairman Olechowski and his fellow board members with some rather impressive dossiers documenting her Greenpoint rat experience!
So now I suspect you, gentle readers, are wondering exactly what is being done to treat this problem. Chairman Olechowski did— and 50th Assembly District Leader Linda Minucci gave him the low-down.
So there have you. You call the city to complain about rats. They send out an inspector. If the inspector finds evidence of rats on your property you get fined. Nice…
New York Shitty Day Ender: Public Safety
This wonderful image of Community Board 1’s* very own Tom Burrows and the 94th’s head honcho, Deputy Inspector Hurson, having some much-needed fun at the Giglio Festival comes courtesy of Miss Mousey Brown.
Miss Heather
*And Public Safety Committee member!
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Rejection
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Last week yours truly and a few friends participated in NAG’s (Neighbors Allied for Good Growth’s) north Brooklyn Trivia fundraiser. We did so under the moniker of the UNofficial Community Board 1 Public Safety Committee Ladies Auxiliary. 
Ward Dennis, who is not only a member of the Public Safety Committee but also the head honcho of NAG thought the UCB1PSCLA was a gag. I assured him it wasn’t; we have meetings, take minutes and most importantly have a logo (as seen at right). Mr. Dennis should be thankful we did not roll with my first suggestion for a team name…
Ward Dennis’s Underpants
because we won every round, save one, emerged victorious and were really obnoxious about it.
But this post is not about winning or (sadly) Ward Dennis’s underpants. It is about rejection. One of the questions posed at NAG’s fundraiser by Mr. Dennis was (and I quote):
How many members are there on Community Board 1?
To wit, I raised my hand and requested a clarification:
The ones who actually show up or what’s stated on CB1’s web site?
This precipitated a great deal of snickering from the peanut gallery but Mr. Dennis told me the web site, e.g; 50 people. Speaking as someone who has attended said meetings I have seen 25 Community Board members at most. It’s usually less.
So you can imagine my dark delight when I learned a certain Greenpointer was rejected— once again— to be on Community Board 1 yesterday!
Here’s the punchline: the person in question submitted an application in 2005 and 2008. He was rejected and has since ceased and desisted. Borough President’s Office hasn’t— ceased and desisting sending him rejection letters. Here’s what his wife had to say about it:
Hi Heather!
Presenting (excised)’s most recent Community Board rejection. He applied twice. Once during the rezoning process and again, about 3 years ago. But the BP pumps out a reject letter for (excised) perhaps twice a year. LOL. I’m pissed though. I have another reject letter on my dresser from 2009, but (excised) can’t remember where he put the rest of his collection. I really want to save them ALL. Thanks for reminding me about this. (Excised) has been annoying me all day. So now I’ve begun to call him a CB1 reject. It’s pissing him off.
Here’s a roster of who constitutes Community Board 1 as of the writing of this post:
Exactly 49 people. Not that I— or members of CB1 for that matter— know who some of these people are. They are unidentifiable by the fact they never/rarely show up. Nonetheless, there appears to be a vacancy…
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Ender: Tidbits From Community Board 1
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Criminal Activity, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
I was told the agenda was light and for the most part light it was. There were even sounds of merrymaking behind yours truly.* At one point I heard the distinct “clinking” sound of a wine bottle being dropped. This of course garnered a great deal of attention from the (mostly) bored attendees. I personally assured our Public Safety Chair (whose jurisdiction oversees such stuff) that I was not responsible. Whether or not he actually believes me is anyone’s guess. The previous having been written, there were a few items of note from last night’s meeting. Some serious, some not so much. I will start with the latter first.
- Those of you who have always wondered which members of our board have perfect attendance records will be pleased as punch to know that Borough President Marty Markowitz’s office conferred just such awards last night! Follows is the riveting video footage I shot. Enjoy!
- Next up, a fellow Garden Spotter (who I presume was responsible for the rather jaunty fliers gracing the tables when I arrived— if anyone reading this managed to grab one please forward me a scan stat. I lost mine!) brings up the matter of expanding our current historic district to includes places North ‘Point.
Those of you who are intrigued by this chap’s proposal (I for one am) should make it a point to attend the next Land Use Committee later this month. I have it on very good intelligence that this gentlemen will be present.
Community Board 1 Land Use Committee Meeting
June 29, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m.
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
- Rounding out my video footage is a brief introduction from the Location Manager of the MTV series slated to grace the Garden Spot: I Just Want My Pants Back. (NOTE: You have to crank up the volume on this one.)
For those of you who are not in the know, the gentleman grilling this chap is our Public Safety Chair: Mieszko Kalita. The article to which he is referring comes from the Wall Street Journal and was a source of considerable anger in the Polish community hereabouts. The following passage should give you, gentle readers, a very good idea why:
The show’s other executive producer, David Bartis, who is based in Los Angeles, recalled the enjoyable unpredictability of filming on location in New York. He described an incident in which they called the police on an intoxicated bartender at Greenpoint bar Tommy’s Tavern, where they filmed the pilot. The bartender refused to leave the premises, Messrs. Bartis and Liman said, making it impossible for them to continue filming…
I suspect I speak on the behalf of a number of non-Polish, “newer” residents when I write that if the above anecdote is in fact true (and I have been assured by Mr. Kalita is isn’t), this gentleman is a hero. As our Public Safety Chair notes, there is a backlash against filming in this community (because there is so damned much of it). Those of you who are interested in taking up this chap’s offer for a dialogue (or simply want to watch the fireworks) will have an opportunity to do so June 23rd (once again) at the main office of Community Board 1.
Public Safety Committee Meeting
June 23, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Now I will round out this post with a few items which I did not film, but believe are important.
- On June 28th starting at 6:30 p.m. there will be a joint Executive Committee/Public Safety Committee meeting to discuss a course of action regarding the liquor license conundrum our community is currently facing. This too will come to pass at Community Board 1’s main office, so mark your calendar!
- By far the most disturbing part of the evening came to pass when a young woman spoke about she and two companions being the victim of anti-gay slurs on Greenpoint Avenue recently. Although I have reached out to this lady and her friends in the hopes of meeting with them and getting more details (for a later post) I will recounts what facts I did gather here and now. They were walking eastward on Greenpoint Avenue when a car pulled up and the men inside started shouting epithets. One of them threw a beer bottle at these women and one of them, being understandably angry, threw it back. This act, in turn, escalated the situation: the men in question followed them to the Gypsy bar (which is located at 159 Greenpoint Avenue) where a verbal confrontation ensued. One of the men asked of these ladies (and I quote) “Are you men or women? Because I do not hit women.” Exactly how this situation was resolved (or what, if any, action was taken by the management of this establishment) remains to be seen. However, it did end non-violently and it is my understanding that these ladies are going to work with the Anti-Violence Project to file a police report. When I learn anything new, dear readers, I will post it here. Otherwise, if any of my gay, lesbian or transgendered friends have the misfortune of being subjected to this unacceptable behavior, do not retaliate. Call 911 and let the police take up the matter. That’s they’re here for!
Miss Heather
*Who was engaged with a fellow member of the UCB1PSCLA playing Mad Libs using the evening’s proceedings as fodder. I have not transcribed them yet, but they look promising!
Spotted At Franklin & Eagle Street: Traffic Counters
If what I saw this morning is any indication the recent complaints about truck traffic in North ‘Point are being taken quite seriously by our elected officials and our local Community Board. I suspect I speak on the behalf of everyone who resides hereabouts when I write:
THANK YOU!!!
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Back In The Day: Special Community Board 1 Edition
Although I have posted this item in the past something was recently brought to my attention which (in my opinion) merits highlighting. The rather stylish chap to the left (for those of you who are not in the know) is a man named Gerry Esposito. He is the District Manager for Community Board 1. As you can see he is standing next to an orange, wood-sided Pinto station wagon.* 
What yours truly find compelling is the sign gracing this motor vehicle. It reads (and I quote): City of New York Community Board 1 Complaint Vehicle.
Some of the older (or more auto savvy) readers out there may recall that Ford Pintos had a bit of a problem. Namely, when hit from the rear the gas tanks would explode. This just goes to show that despite its manifold number of flaws 311 may very well be an improvement on the good ol’ days!
Miss Heather
*This is disputed (see comments).
From The New York Shitty Inbox: More Crane Hell
A person we’ll call “B” writes:
Dear Miss Heather,We read with interest the entire “incident on west st” story because we think what we experienced (which pales in comparison) is related. On Eagle betw. West and Franklin they are building a pricey soundstage–or rebuilding it perhaps. The afternoon and night of the 24th cranes were being brought in to build the roof–steel trusses and cranes. These must be the same cranes that were coming down West street in the other incident(s) described. Anyway…there is a residential parking lot right across from the soundstage–it was blocked all day as was the entire block. We were supposed to drive our special needs child to a medical appointment but the lot was blocked completely by steel whatnots, equipment, cranes etc. Nobody had warned us that, say, for 12 or more hours everyone with a car could not get in or out–no posters, no courtesy flyers, nix. We didn’t believe they had a permit to just take over the whole street and block the lot so my husband called 311; they did nothing and confessed they knew nothing but said we could call the precinct–gee thanks. My husband called the precinct (we were already late for the appointment at this point). They said “yeah we know about it–they’ll probably be done sometime this evening–nothing we can do about it.” No apologies nor did they state the construction crew had a permit (they seemed to avoid that question)–just admitted that they knew about it. I asked the Mr. to give a try going out and asking them to pwetty please move the cranes and or trusses so we could get our disabled kid to the doctors. Let’s just say the construction guys were far less than pleasant—nasty would be the word. Clearly they knew they could do what the f they pleased and nobody (certainly not the police) would do a dang thing about it. Is this because the entire nyc film industry employs many cops – is it a union thing? a teamster thing? I dunno but clearly the glory of reality tv (which graces said sound stage) usurps the rights of normal schubs like us and blocking active driveways is fine and dandy if you’re with the crew. Don’t ask how late we were to the medical appointment. The following day the Mister needed to get out of the lot again. The cranes were gone, but not the trucks and dross blocking the lot–again, a residential lot we pay for–not their lot. When asked nicely if they could move, the construction dudes told him “We’ll think about it after we f’ing finish our beers.” And they did. For ten minutes while the Mr waited and watched them (having no choice if he wanted to keep his teeth). It is not without irony that we are glad to know they have the full support of Greenpoint’s finest. Any ideas how the community at large can do something about these privileged meatheads as clearly the normal complaint routes are all blocked?
As I stated yesterday I have been on contact with our Community Board’s Transportation Chair, Karen Nieves, about this. Here’s where things stand as of today:
1. She wants to set up a meeting between herself, the offending company(ies) and the Department of Transportation.
2. She is going to raise this issue at the next community board meeting. I would strongly recommend that and all who have had issues of this nature show up and sign up to speak:
Community Board 1 Public Hearing & Board Meeting
June 14, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m. (you need to sign up to speak before 6:15 p.m.)
Swinging 60’s Senior’s Center
211 Ainslie Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
You should also consider going to the next Transportation Committee Meeting
Community Board 1 Transportation Committee Meeting
June 21, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Community Board 1 Main Office
435 Graham Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11211
3. Here’s the deal: Ms Nieves is just as— if not more so— troubled by what happened in front of Red Star Bar as the rest of us. However, she cannot help us out if she does not know there’s a problem! When incidences such as what we have learned about this week come to pass please call 311, file a complaint and forward the complaint number along with a description of what happened to Ms. Nieves via her Community Board 1 email address, knieves.tnt@gmail.com, and the address Community Board 1 proper: bk01@cb.nyc.gov
4. Since there is some measure of criminal activity seemingly involved (and our newish Deputy Inspector, Terence Hurson, is a very strong advocate for traffic enforcement) I would strongly encourage people to attend the next 94th Precinct Community Council Meeting and speak up! He’ll listen.
94th Precinct Community Council
June 16 20, 2011 starting at 7:30 p.m.
The Church of The Ascension
127 Kent Street
Brooklyn, New York 11222
5. And of course you should contact your elected officials! Here’s a couple for starters:
City Councilman Steve Levin’s Office
410 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 875-5200
Fax: (718) 643-6620
Email: slevin@council.nyc.gov
State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol
619 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 383-7474
Email: rarr@assembly.state.ny.us (NOTE: this is the email address for his Community Liaison in Albany)
Miss Heather
Live From Community Board 1: A Presentation Regarding Ferry Service
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
It took me awhile to upload it, but here it is. Footage from this week’s Transportation Committee meeting. A couple of items of interest were discussed:
- The ferry service set to commence next month.
- The proposed overhaul of West Street by the Department of Transportation.
For the purposes of this post I will focus on the ferry presentation. Enjoy!
New York Shitty analysis/synopsis:
- The price for this service has yet to be set. Initially it was planned to be $3.00 “within zone” and $5.00 “outside zone”.
- This service is subsidized by the city (Department of Economic Development).
- Concerns about India Street were raised. It was noted this point of departure is not located close to public transportation, the area is rather desolate and security measures (such as additional lighting) need to be put in place.
- Here’s my two cents: this is undoubtedly someone’s “pet project”. As a Greenpoint resident— and while it might be nice to, say, be able to go to Governor’s Island— I cannot honestly see how this service is going to alleviate our transportation woes in any real, lasting way. What’s more, it is rather expensive. In the case of India Street in particular it does not seem to be very well thought out. As stated, the location of this stop is not close to public transportation, there really isn’t anything in the way of sites of interest to be found nearby and being rather desolate the concerns about security which were raised are quite salient. In this respect I found the prospect of having an automated machine selling tickets somewhat troublesome; I lay odds this device will be both vandalized and looted on a routine basis. Lastly, I found it rather telling that the stops for this ferry were placed at locations where the city wants to foster economic development. This would certainly explain why it doesn’t go to 14th Street (which I suspect a number of folks hereabouts would find quite useful). Sorry folks, I cannot get terribly excited about this.
Miss Heather
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Because 24 Hours Notice Is Apparently Enough*
This item was received by yours truly from a member of Community Board 1 at 1:11 p.m. It was received by him/her, in turn, at 12:30 p.m. Tomorrow, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. the folks at Open Space Alliance will be having a community meeting regarding its waterfront concerts. Stay informed– attend the meeting!
O.S.A./Community Meeting On Concerts
May 18, 2011 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Swinging 60’s Center
211 Ainslie Street
Brooklyn, New York 11211
UPDATE, 2:36 p.m.: I have received an email from one of the co-chairs of OSA’s Community Committee. It casts this flier in a rather curious light:
As the Outgoing Co-Chair of the OSA’s Community Committee, I want to provide an important correction to the flyer. Tomorrow’s meeting is a previously scheduled quarterly meeting of OSA’s Community Committee. What happens at at these meetings? We receive updates on various parks projects and bring to attention to volunteer activities.
Not sure who the creator of the flyer is but if people are interested in the Community Committee or learning more about being involved in the park, please email me atI would recommend people looking for a meeting about the Concerts, should direct those inquiries directly to OSA staff and board. The Community Committee are just a bunch of volunteers try to improve our parks.
You can view the agenda for this meeting (which seems to have nothing whatsoever to do with concerts) by clicking here.
Miss Heather
*It isn’t.
Live From Community Board 1: OSA Presents
Filed under: 11206, 11211, 11222, East Williamsburg, East Williamsburg Brooklyn, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
It was a relatively tame evening last night despite a full house. I made the acquaintance of a New York Times reporter present. He asked me:
Is the turn-out usually like this?
To wit I replied:
No.
He then asked:
How many people are usually here?
Me:
Maybe half or one third.
When asked why the turn-out was so large. I told him:
They’re angry.
It has been my observation that citizens do not go to Community Board 1 meetings to give thanks and spread sunshine. Rather, they come to make their presence known because they’re pissed off. This is the north Brooklyn way. In any case, tonight’s spokesperson on the behalf of OSA (Open Space Alliance North Brooklyn) was Adam Perlmutter. This chap is the Secretary for said org and one of the founders of OSA Presents LLC (their concert arm). He spent the evening spreading sunshine— including to yours truly! Without further ado, here he is.
And by all appearances this seems to have mollified the concerned citizens present. Somewhat. Mr. Ricco makes it quite clear he will be keeping an eye on them (do give this a view).
And in a hardly dramatic conclusion the Board takes their recommendations to a vote.
So there have you.
New York Shitty Analysis/Op-Ed/Food For Thought:
- I found it rather interesting that the one show excised (so as to provide more “family-oriented” entertainment and reduce possibly problematic concert events) was the “Latino” concert. While I am certain concerns about revenue were at play, the fact of the matter is north Brooklyn has a rather large Hispanic population. I am certain they would very much enjoy a concert event with their families. By removing this event from the roster OSA has made a value judgment, gentle readers. I’ll leave it to you deduce what it is.
- I also found it interesting that Mr. Perlmutter (albeit obliquely— and not by name) called out Jelly NYC as a “concert promoter we did not want to work with” and then proceeded to excoriate them for not operating events in a professional matter. This does not dove-tail with how he felt about this same business in 2009. This makes one wonder why he has had an about-face?
- I for one am very excited at the prospect of viewing a line item account of OSA’s expenses and expenditures if for no other reason I want to see exactly how much money (if any) has been allocated for improvements and maintenance of Greenpoint’s parks because I have seen any difference whatsoever.
- Lastly, so the concerns about quality of life issues arising from the concerts at East River State Park have been allayed— or at least tabled. What about the same issues posed by OSA’s events at other open spaces? In other words: What about the rest of us?
Nonetheless this is a a small— but significant— step forward. Those of you who want a full rundown of last night’s (mind-boggling long) proceedings can get a very nice summary over at A Short Story. Check it out!
Miss Heather
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