It was very busy
on Smith Street
and traffic was heavy
as I stepped out for the day.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Have you ever seen anything as incredibly kitschy as this pink glaze-ware candy bowl, dear reader? Could it have been a souvenir item from a trip to Brooklyn, long ago?
The odd thing is, it was made in Germany.
How I would love to know the history of this little tchotchke.
For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking
327 President Street in 2007
327 President Street in 2009
Once boarded up
With new windows
What a difference new windows make
It was always a bit depressing walking by 327 President Street between Smith and Hoyt Street. For decades, this lovely brownstone had been boarded up, apparently tied up in a legal dispute after the owner's death. Even with plywood covering its windows, the house looked elegant, its detailed brownstone façade intact.
The house was finally sold in 2006. It took a while for the new owner to start on the renovation, but work has been progressing since last summer.
It is amazing what a difference the new windows make. It is so nice to see this house come alive again, don't you agree?
The house was finally sold in 2006. It took a while for the new owner to start on the renovation, but work has been progressing since last summer.
It is amazing what a difference the new windows make. It is so nice to see this house come alive again, don't you agree?
Related Reading
A Long Neglected Brownstone Beauty Finally Getting Some Love On President Street
Thursday, January 29, 2009
It appears as though 151 Carroll Street between Henry and Clinton Streets is finally nearing completion. But then, it has looked like that for most of 2008.
As of last week,however, work was still being done.
Once the site of one-story garages, construction on the condominium development began in 2006. Since then, the project has raked up its fair share of complaints and violations.
Pardon me for asking, but what is taking so long? It has been reported that there were some issues with this building. At one point, parts of the interior seem to have been ripped out again.
Does anybody have more information?
For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Taken shortly after its completion in the late 1920's, this great photo of the Williamsburg Savings Bank is quite a time document. Take a look at the interesting caption attached to the image. Considering what has happened to the Brooklyn skyline in the last ten years, it is rather funny. How could the writer know how Brooklyn would change in the ensuing 90 years.
Brooklyn's Biggest.
Brooklyn, most populous of the five boroughs of Greater New York, and long known as "the city of homes, churches, and rubber plants," is fast becoming a community of skyscrapers. Towering apartment dwellings are sticking their head into the clouds, and temples of business, and finance are reaching even further into the heavens in this town of more than 2,000,000 souls, that once was proud of the designation of New York's bedroom." Here's 'Brooklyn's latest skyscraper, likewise its biggest and, perhaps, its best---at the moment- the new "Williamsburg Building. This structure, dedicated to business and finance, towers 512 feet into the air, and has 46 stories. The clock on its tower is the second largest in the world.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking
You can't make this up!
Don't ask me how I find this stuff, but here is a rather straight forward question posted on www. answer. yahoo.com by a Brooklynite wanting to know if there are any motel rooms one can rent for one hour in our fair borough. Seriously.
Care to give advice? Click Here
Care to give advice? Click Here
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
255 Smith Street
It sure didn't take long for Alan Harding's former "Patois" restaurant to be put on the commercial rental market. A sign by Carroll Gardens Realty went up at the location a few days after the self-proclaimed 'restaurant mogul' closed his Smith street restaurant. A quick check on the realty's web site does indeed show a listing which fits the description. So how about it? Want to try your hand at playing restaurateur?
If Alan Harding is intending to re-open Patois across the street, as he had mentioned, there are no signs of any work yet. See photo below.
If Alan Harding is intending to re-open Patois across the street, as he had mentioned, there are no signs of any work yet. See photo below.
254 Smith Street
Former home of 'Refinery'
For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingFormer home of 'Refinery'
Monday, February 9th
Buster Keaton in
THE GENERAL
One of the great film comedies of all time!
This silent masterpiece combines romance, adventure, and comedy in, essentially, one long chase scene. Keaton shines with his tremendous dexterity, classic gags, unique slapstick, and exquisite deadpan in this rousing adventure. (1926, Silent, trt: 78 mins)
Mark your calendars!
BIG MOVIES FOR LITTLE KIDS
Winter 2009 Schedule
February 9 Buster Keaton in The General (1927)
February 23 Gulliver's Travels (1939)
March 9 Tom and Jerry cartoons (1965)
March 23 Shirley Temple in Curly Top (1935)
April 6 The Sound of Music (1965)
April 20 Rikki Tikki Tavi - a Chuck Jones animation (1975)
BIG Movies for Little Kids:
Time: 4pm (every other Monday, following the public school calender)
Ages: Films are carefully selected for children 2-8 (all ages welcome)
Location: Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler
Subway: F train to Bergen St.
Cost: $6.50/pp (as per theatre policy, all walkers need a ticket)
For more info: http://
Don't wait in line or out in the cold - advance tickets are strongly recommended and are available directly at the Box Office or, to secure your seat, you may purchase tickets on-line www.cobblehilltheatre.com
BIG Movies for Little Kids is the innovative, only-of-its-kind film series for children. Created by Brooklyn Moms, this unique series offers a gentle introduction to the wonderful world of cinema. Films are carefully pre-screened and thoughfully selected to include top-quality childhood favorites, diverse vintage animation, international gems and kid-friendly timeless selections. We offer classics from every era of cinema. Attention is paid to small details that make a big difference for your comfort and enjoyment, such as no previews/trailers, lower volume, dimmed - not dark - lighting, booster seats, stroller parking, and more. This is a unique communal experience that parents and kids can share together. Come join the fun and discover the magic of the movies - on the BIG silver screen - and dream big in the dark!
Photo Credit :Marc L. Photograph On Flickr.
Long Island College Hospital
Diabetes is on the rise in the US, largely due to lifestyle choices. Long Island College Hospital (LICH) of Brooklyn, in conjunction with the Dodge YMCA at Atlantic Ave., is hosting a community education workshop series about diabetes. The sessions include use of medication, foot care, new technology, counting carbs, glucose monitoring, type “A” diabetes vs. type “B” and more. Registration is required, but the sessions are free to the community.
WHEN:
Tuesday February 3, Tuesday February 10, Tuesday February 17, Tuesday February24
TIME: 1:00 – 2:30 pm,
community members may participate in any or all the workshops
WHERE:
Dodge YMCA
225 Atlantic Ave. (between Court St. and Boerum Place)
Classroom “B” (second level)
INFO/Registration: Sara Reyes – Dodge YMCA (212) 912-2421 or SReyes@ymcanyc.org
Long Island College Hospital
Diabetes Alert – FREE Community Education Workshop Series
Diabetes is on the rise in the US, largely due to lifestyle choices. Long Island College Hospital (LICH) of Brooklyn, in conjunction with the Dodge YMCA at Atlantic Ave., is hosting a community education workshop series about diabetes. The sessions include use of medication, foot care, new technology, counting carbs, glucose monitoring, type “A” diabetes vs. type “B” and more. Registration is required, but the sessions are free to the community.
WHEN:
Tuesday February 3, Tuesday February 10, Tuesday February 17, Tuesday February24
TIME: 1:00 – 2:30 pm,
community members may participate in any or all the workshops
WHERE:
Dodge YMCA
225 Atlantic Ave. (between Court St. and Boerum Place)
Classroom “B” (second level)
INFO/Registration: Sara Reyes – Dodge YMCA (212) 912-2421 or SReyes@ymcanyc.org
Monday, January 26, 2009
Vincent Joseph
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the swearing-in of Daniel Squadron to the office of State Senator, representing the 25th Senate District. The ceremony took place at St. Francis College yesterday. Senator Squadron had invited Carroll Gardener Vincent Joseph to speak at the inauguration. Mr. Joseph delivered a great speech.
I asked him if I could reprint it here for all and he was kind enough to agree.
Here it is.
Since December of 2007 I have served on the core committee of the Union-Sackett Block Association, an organization that formed for the purpose of giving a voice to our neighborhood in the face of large real estate development in Carroll Gardens. It is through my work for this group that I came to know Daniel Squadron, who was a fellow member of our association.
In the last week, with the inauguration of Barack Obama, we all experienced America making history in a positive way, in a way that we have not experienced in recent memory. Suddenly we are seeing new possibilities for the future of our nation.
Now, more than ever, it is very important for us to have representatives on the local level who are not interested in perpetuating the status quo.
I recognize there are limits to how much my state senator can get done on his own, but I do have some expectations.First, I expect him to be honest, always.
I expect my state senator to be more of a role model than a sports figure or a music or movie star. They never ask for my support or my vote, my proxy, but my senator has.
I want my senator to inspire trust, even during those times when we might not agree.
It is very important to me that my senator pay special attention to the marginalized, the less articulate, the old and also the young, as both these groups often have unique and enlightening points of view, as well as special needs.
I expect my senator to lead, but also to engage us, the constituents, in dialogue often, and to be in touch frequently.
Lastly, a sense of humor is an asset that can’t be underestimated!
I think we would all agree that Daniel Squadron fills the bill in every way. I am very proud to have him as my state senator and to be here on the day of his inauguration.
Italian style hot chocolate: a bit of paradise in a cup.
If you have never tasted it, do yourself a favor, especially on a freezing cold day and stop at D'Amico's at 309 Court Street. After over fifty years in business at the same location, this Italian family-run coffee house is a real landmark in the neighborhood. The coffee beans are still roasted to perfection right in the front window. So it only seems fitting that they should offer Italian hot chocolate, no? After all, this is still Carroll Gardens, right? For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking
LICH Land
Continuum Health Partners quietly put up for sale this month millions in real estate owned by Long Island College Hospital. The Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, real estate is one of the money-losing hospital's most valuable assets. It comprises multifamily townhouses used as residences and offices, two apartment buildings and a development site. Offered by Grubb & Ellis on an all-cash basis, the properties include 74, 76-78, 82 and 86 Amity St., and 113 Congress St. Of those, 74 Amity is a 12-unit walk-up apartment house; the others are townhouses. Also for sale is 43 Columbia Place, a four-story, 11-unit walkup. The last is 385-389 Hicks St., a one-building site that can be developed to about 23,000 square feet. Most of the buildings are vacant or will be by July.
For additional LICH info:
Please continue writing letters and emails to Gov. Paterson, DOH, and Attorney General Cuomo in support of an independent LICH.
For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking
My, what a crowd standing in the center of Atlantic Avenue. Sunday's freezing cold obviously did not discourage many brave souls from descending into, and visiting the abandoned Long Island Railroad tunnel.
The tunnel, which was originally opened in 1844, runs for a couple of blocks towards Brooklyn Heights. However, its use was discontinued by the 1860's. The tunnel was sealed and forgotten.
It was rediscovered by Robert "Bob" Diamond in 1981. He had tirelessly researched its existence. With a set of plans which he found at the Borough President's office, he was able to locate an opening at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Court Street.
It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
This sounds like it would be super fun. Skating in Prospect Park is always fun, but how about doing at at night, under the stars? Put on your long underwear, gloves and hats and enjoy.
The Prospect Park Junior Committee cordially invites you to
Skating Under the Stars
February 6, 2009
Wollman Rink - Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY
9:30 p.m. - midnight
We’re firing up the Zamboni and laying in supplies! Mikey Palms and the crew from Southpaw will be on hand to provide the soundtrack, and off the ice we’ll have rink snacks, retro candy, hot chocolate (spiked or not) and Brooklyn Beer. Not into skating? You can look for Trouble, get Boggled, and get up to other Trivial Pursuits in the game room. So, set your DVR for “Friday Night Lights” and head on out to the rink to party for the Park!Tickets start at $40. Groups of four available for $125.
Click here to buy tickets online now!
Special discounted tickets will be available for members of the Prospect Park Alliance. Individual tickets start at $30, and groups of four are $100. Join today!
Free trolley service will be provided between the Rink and points around the Park. Click here for schedule.Funds raised at this event support restoration and maintenance efforts around Prospect Park, including a much-needed new rink.
The Junior Benefit Committee of the Prospect Park Alliance hosts great events for Park enthusiasts in their 20's and 30's. Those interested in becoming involved with the Junior Benefit Committee to help plan future events can contact Jessie Betts at (718) 965-8988 or jbetts@prospectpark.org.
Questions? Call Alex at (718) 965-6992 or email us.
All tickets include admission, skate rental, snacks, and drinks.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thank you so very much to you, kind readers, for writing such lovely emails inquiring about our son.
He is doing slightly better and we are hopeful that he has started on the road to recovery.
He must have caught a very sneaky and especially nasty virus which really beat him down and brought with it all other kinds of not-so-fun side effects. The main problem was that he became terribly dehydrated which in turn made his blood pressure drop.
In short, he has been put through the wringer. Now we need to build him up again.
Come what may, I will be back to blogging by next week.
He is doing slightly better and we are hopeful that he has started on the road to recovery.
He must have caught a very sneaky and especially nasty virus which really beat him down and brought with it all other kinds of not-so-fun side effects. The main problem was that he became terribly dehydrated which in turn made his blood pressure drop.
In short, he has been put through the wringer. Now we need to build him up again.
Come what may, I will be back to blogging by next week.
So, I'll meet you back here on Monday morning.
Till then, thanks again for your thoughts.
Till then, thanks again for your thoughts.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Dear Readers,
Pardon me for not posting today, but sometimes,
this blogging girl needs to take care of more pressing things than blogging.
( Gasp! Did I just write that?)
I have been playing nurse to my sick son, so have not been out and about as usual to bring you tidbits about life in Carroll Gardens.
But please, please let me know the news from out there. It is dreadful
not knowing what I am missing.
I'll be back tomorrow or Monday at the latest, hopefully...
So check back.
Best, Katia
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I was so proud of my adopted country yesterday, so proud of what Obama's presidency represents. Years from now, when someone will ask what and where I was during this inauguration day, I will remember.
I was in my kitchen, cooking a mushroom risotto and tending to a sick child.
Such mundane activities for such a momentous occasion.
Yet, I will remember for years to come.
What were you doing? Where were you?
I recently checked the "Defend Gowanus (No Love Canal)" petition and took some time to read comments left by the signers. Taken as a whole, they echo the concerns felt by so many in the community. Below are just a few of them. Oh, and if you haven't signed the petition yet, may I suggest you take a few minutes to do so?
*The Gowanus Canal is steps from my home. For close to 30 years I have seen it go from bad to worse to better and back again - a few times. We residents have had many concerns about the environmental pollution that has not been able to be cleaned up - although it has been lessened at times. Because our neighborhood is built on wetlands we have many flooding problems as we slope down toward the canal. Putting up a large development would be yet another time where we go from bad to worse. It is essential that our voices be heard and our concerns addressed. The impact is wider than polluted water - add schools, hospitals (LICH is cutting back), fire stations (DeGraw St. station was shut down), traffic, and parking, to name some of the basics and we have issues that are real and deserve better than our elected officials and self designated officials are giving us. We have invested in this community for some time and expect better.
*I firmly oppose the Toll Brothers' development plan, and I am upset that the local government officials are so unconcerned with the safety of Brooklynites.
*I am fighting leukemia right now. The thought that I might have to move from my home simply to avoid further toxins in my life is alarming and deeply disturbing. Please keep this part of Brooklyn safe for everyone, especially those already at risk.
*The Gowanus Canal neighborhood needs a comprehensive, environmentally sound development plan that conforms to the scale of the neighborhhood surrounding the canal. 8- to 12-story apartment buildings are exploitative, and not a necessary element of a successful and respectful residential development.
*As a resident homeowner raising my family just one block from the Gowanus Canal, I am deeply concerned about development plans for building luxury housing along the Gowanus Canal. To say nothing of the inadequate attention being given to our community's current needs for more schools, better sewage and flood control, transportation and traffic issues, the very health of current residents is at stake when proposing profit driven construction along this highly polluted and toxic waterway. I urge our city government to pay closer attention to what's truly needed in the interest of the health and safety of the area's citizens.
*I oppose any & all spot zoning in Gowanus! Gowanus residents have worked for many years -- without government help -- to try to bring the Gowanus Canal & surrounding areas back to environmental health. Let the Gowanus continue to heal. Spot zoning would simply give carte blanche to Big Developers to pump new poisons into the Gowanus. NO SPOT ZONING IN GOWANUS, BROOKLYN -- EVER!!!
*When will the politicians ever learn? If you get the support and input of the community then the project will happen. If you always screw the community for some developer's interest, the community will hold it up for years and everybody loses. Wise Up!!!
*And especially in these challenged real estate times, there is no reason to create precedent-setting development that endangers the health and remediation of the canal. We do not need this project. There are plenty of empty units in current construction that will have difficulty being filled up.
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