Greenpoint
Lorven Pharmacy
Culture on the Cheap
New York Shitty Day Ender: Mixed Signals
This bit of (completely unintentional) Nassau construction-related humor was taken March 22, 2012.
Urban Fur: Nassau Avenue
You know what they say?
When the traffic’s away the cats come out to play!
Well, not really. But you get the idea…
April keeps a very vigilant watch over the herring at Rachel’s Garden.
I failed to get the name of this establishment. I suppose this is fitting since I was informed by an employee therein that this fellow does not have one! And last, but hardly least…
this petite lass. Naturally I had to inquire as to the name of this fetching femme. The proprietor said she did not have one. To me the answer was obvious.
One need only look up to what was providing essential shade for her be-spotted feet and tuckus…
April!
From The New York Shitty Inbox: What’s Up At BaNoNa?
READ: The intersection of North 15th, Banker Street and Nassau Avenue
Ann Kansfield, co-proprietress of our local Soup Kitchen/Food Pantry and all-around Garden Spot badass writes:
Where did the camper on the corner of Nassau and North 15 street go?
Well, I cannot answer that question but I CAN tell you what is happening. Per the gentlemen working on the site (which formerly housed a gas station), they are preparing it for a film shoot. I know, this is hardly shocking news: north Brooklyn is the location of choice for many a film company as well all know. Rather, I would like to pose a(nother) question:
What is going to happen after this plot has ceased to be used for this purpose?
I for one (and Ann concurred) think it would be a wonderful location for a community garden. Granted, the soil is probably laden with god-only-knows-what— and for this reason raised beds would have to be pressed into service. Nonetheless, if ever there was an area in our fair burgh that could use a little greenery this would be near the top of the list. Thoughts, anyone?
Closing on a somewhat related note I would like to take a moment to draw attention to something about which I feel quite strongly: the Greenpoint Reformed Church’s Soup Kitchen/Food Pantry. Many people reading this are undoubtedly aware of the great work Ann and Jen do. however, what you might not be aware of is on top of/despite having their funding cut last year, they are giving groceries to more people than ever. We’re talking in excess of 650 people, our neighbors, a week. If my memory serves me correctly this is triple the number of people they assisted a couple of years ago. Times are truly tough indeed!
For this reason I implore those who are able to make a donation of time or money to this very worthy cause. Those who are able to do so can make a monetary donation by clicking here. Otherwise, any/all interested volunteers can/should check out their “Volunteer” page.
Thanks!
UPDATE, 8:12 p.m.: This evening the Greenpoint Reformed Church gave groceries to over 700 people.
The Word On The Street, Part III: Li$ten
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, The Word On The Street
From Nassau Avenue.
Live From Nassau Avenue & Leonard Street: DO NOT ENTER!
Today, as promised, construction commenced on Nassau Avenue. And as I learned on at the corner of Leonard Street this afternoon it is already proving to be problematic— and downright dangerous!
The above sign graces the southeastern corner of the aforementioned intersection…
and unfortunately it appears to gone largely unnoticed by motorists. Especially those driving southbound on Leonard Street, as I personally observed.
Thus a number of Good Samaritans, including the folks at Proper Real Estate (which is located on this corner), elected to take turns flagging down motorists and making them aware of the traffic changes (and this sign). I was told by one person present that no less than twenty “close calls” (READ: near accidents) had come to pass on her watch.
As of approximately 1:30 p.m. (and numerous calls to the 94th Precinct, I’ll add) a traffic officer was stationed at this corner.
If you are wondering how something like this can happen, I’ll tell you. Per our Transportation Chair (who is keeping a very watchful on eye on this) the fault lies with the Department of Design and Construction. Or more specifically the contractor whom they have entrusted to do this work. You see, part of the contractor’s job is to ensure traffic officers are stationed at key intersections to ensure as seamless transition as is possible. As you can see, this did not happen. In addition, it was brought to my attention they did not see fit to station a traffic officer at Norman Avenue and McGuinness Boulevard (which is where a public school is located). Our Transportation Chair noticed this egregious oversight and has requested one be stationed there.
While the folks at Leonard and Nassau took this all in good humor (as seen above), the fact of the matter is this is no laughing matter. Until motorists become acclimatized to the new traffic changes (and the detours entailed therein) it is vital that our public servants be extra vigilant about raising awareness— and safe-guarding our well being. In this respect thus far they have failed miserably.
On that note if any of you, gentle readers, have witnessed any similar such problems— or simply want to make your concerns known— please contact our Community Board’s Transportation Chair, Karen Nieves, via Community Board 1’s email address at bk01@cb.nyc.gov. Thanks— and stay safe Greenpointers!
UPDATE, 8:50 p.m.: Here’s the word from the head of the 94th Precinct, D.I. Hurson:
Heather we have noticed the problems on Nassau today and tonight. I have a meeting tomorrow with the NYPD Chief of Transportation this issue will be discussed.
So we’re seeing some action on that front!
P.S.: Special thanks go out to Ms. Nieves and the head of the 94th, Deputy Inspector Hurson, for their attention to this matter— and my concerned emails!
From The New York Shitty Inbox: And Now An Announcement From the Department of Design & Construction
A great deal of the content of this site of late has been dedicated to the reconstruction of Nassau Avenue. This is because is because a number of people are confused and/or concerned about it (I have literally had people stop me on the street and ask me what is going on. No kidding.) and/or are very unhappy. Therefore I feel compelled to share the latest information as sent from the DDC’s Office of Community Outreach & Notification Office today, the Ides of March (via an anonymous tipster).
I have taken the liberty of highlighting what I find to be the most interesting passage of this tome:
on/about
New York Shitty Analysis: the Department of Design & Construction appears to be employing what is commonly known as “CYA”. For those of you who are not in the know as to what this acronym means you can get enlightened by clicking here.
To be continued… (no doubt)
Reader Contribution du Jour: Borne Under A Bad Sign
This added bit of Nassau Avenue construction/DOT hilarity hails from the intersection of Nassau Avenue and Humboldt Street and comes courtesy of Holly Wilson. NICE.
New York Shitty Day Starter: Whoops
The reconstruction of Nassau Avenue has thus far proven to be fraught with challenges. I for one do not find this encouraging given the actual work has not even commenced yet. The latest issue to be brought to my attention is the copious amount of signage which has been installed directing motorists to alternative thoroughfares. While certainly laudable, the powers-that-be seem to have overlooked that in so doing they are precluding pedestrians from actually using our city’s sidewalks. Which brings me to the above item (as spied by Sherry Wasserman). She writes:
Check out the new traffic sign on Diamond and Norman, which amusingly takes up more than half the sidewalk.
I certainly hope no one who happens to have mobility issues (READ: requires the assistance of a wheel chair or scooter to go about his/her daily life) resides on this block. Given the number of senior citizens in the Garden Spot this is highly likely. Conversely, this might prove to be an interesting deterrent for the increasing number of individuals who see fit to walk our community’s sidewalk while texting.
To be continued…?
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Failure To Communicate
D writes (again):
Hi Heather,
Thanks so much for working to keep the community updated! The signs said the detour would start on/about March 12, today, but nothing seemed to be different this morning. Would be nice to know exactly when the change will happen.
Well, the word on the street is construction is set to commence March 19th. It is interesting to note our Transportation Chair, Karen Nieves, was not alerted to this rather useful piece of information until last night. Not only did she voice her displeasure with this turn of events at last night’s Community Board meeting, but she is planning on organizing a public forum next month which will (hopefully) include our local elected officials. When I get the date/deets I will post them here.
Photo Credits: Special thanks go out to Holly Wilson for giving me permission to use these photos.
From The New York Shitty Inbox: Changes…
A person we’ll call “D” writes:
Hi! Have you seen the detour alerts by the b48 bus stops? It wasn’t able to snap a picture this morning, but it looks like they will be repaving Nassau Ave and detouring the b48 to Norman Ave from March 12- Fall 2012 – yikes!
Have you heard any details about this plan? thanks!
This project has been in the works for some time. In fact I attended a presentation regarding it some time ago. However, I wanted the most up-to-date information and to this end asked our the Transportation Chair, a very dedicated lady named Karen Nieves, for the more information. She delivered. The following material will (hopefully) clear up any confusing regarding:
- The scope of the work is being done.
- Why it is being done.
- Who is doing said work. And most importantly of all…
- Who to complain to!
Without further ado here we go!
NOTE: a number of my fellow citizen have voiced interest in a hearing being conducted so as to gain a better understanding of this project and voice their concerns. If and/or when one is scheduled I will post the details here. In the meantime I hope this was helpful, D!
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