Thursday, December 30, 2010

2010 In Carroll Gardens:A Year In PicturesJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberMy, how fast twelve months pass. 2010 has brought many changes to the neighborhood, some welcomed, some less so. A few beloved neighborhood stores have been lost forever, but there have been a few lovely new additions on both Court and Smith Streets. Some condo developments were finally completed, but received mixed reviews. Others...
Now that the snow has been plowed and shoveled off the streets and sidewalks,all we have to deal with are those giant black puddles at the intersections.The word of the day is "waterproof."°°°°°°°°°°°...
Yet another side-effect of unplowed streets. Blood donors were prevented from reaching their local New York City Blood Center. Quite a few emergency blood drives also had to be cancelled, leading to a shortage of blood here in the city. So, please, if you can, make and appointment now and help. Below is a press release from Public Advocate Bill De Blasio's office on the shortage.Dear Friend,The recent winter storm has precipitated a sharp decline...
Van Horn, the new sandwich shop coming to 231 Court Street, is advertising its upcoming opening with a sign in the window proclaiming their love for Cobble Hill."We are really happy to be here. We love our neighborhood and we look forward to serving you!" The place looks almost ready to open, though the "fried chicken sandwiches in the back yard" may have to wait till after the snow melts.°°°°°°°...
Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Pardon Me For Asking, But What Happened To The Mail":Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.This doesn't apply to New York City. ;)°°°°°°°°°°...
This coming Monday, Councilmember Brad Lander and State Senator Daniel Squadron will be joining community members to rally for 'shore power' and against the idling of the huge cruise ships that dock at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. This issue does not only affect our Columbia Waterfront neighbors, but all residents here in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Red Hook.Please read the press release below and come join the rally.Dear Neighbors,Please...

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Carroll Park Snow Ball FightWhat a blast they were having!°°°°°°°°°...
(photo above taken by Manny Simone)Over the last few months, work has progressed slowly at the 221 Smith Street space formerly occupied Caserta Vecchia. The Spanish eatery closed back in July. However, a new venture seems ready to open for business. Reader Manny Simone just sent along this photo of the note taped to the storefront's window. The new venture is called TJ's. No word yet on what kind of establishment this will be and what kind...
Now, I know it is difficult to get around our neighborhood since Sunday's blizzard, what with all of the unplowed side streets, but would that fully explain why I haven't gotten mail? After all, most mail carriers walk and don't drive. I have heard from some of my readers that they haven't gotten their delivery either. Sure would be nice to get the checks I am waiting for, so that I can pay my tax bill. And the water bill. You don't suppose Mayor...

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Take a look at this newsreel taken in 1947 after a major snowfall here in New York City. It sounds way too familiar... By the way, my street has still not been plowed. How about yours?°°°°°°°°°°°°°...
Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Borough Prez Marty Markowitz Wants To Hear From Brooklyn Regarding Inadequate Snow Removal":I am beginning to suspect that the rumors I have heard about a DOS work stoppage are true.When I got up to the corner of President and Hoyt and it looked like Hoyt had been plowed (note that President from Bond to Smith has NOT been plowed). I walked over to Union which has been plowed between Hoyt and...
There was quite a bit of excitement and a rather large police presence on Court Street this afternoon for, hold it....a giant icicle that was dangling from the cornice of number 218 Court Street. As officers closed the sidewalk in front of LOBO, the TexMex restaurant which is housed in the building, pedestrians looked up as an officer whacked the huge piece of ice with a shovel from the top floor window. After several tries, the piece finally...
As of this afternoon at 3 PM.Neighborhood blocks that haven't yet seen a snowplow. These were just a few I saw on a quick loop down Smith and back up on Court.Just received this notice from Borough President Marty Parkowitz's office regarding the slow (read non-exisiting) plowing on Brooklyn side streets. He apparently welcomes our complaints. Great...Above are some of the unplowed streets I walked along this afternoon in Carroll Gardens and Boerum...
A view down unplowed President Street between Smith and Hoyt.Is that a snow plowing garbage truck in the distance?Sure enough. It was parked right at the corner of Smith Street.The Sanitation worker taking a break.Donuts and hot coffee anyone?A reader from President Street was kind enough to send me the photos she just shot of her still-to-be-plowed block between Smith and Hoyt Streets. She writes: " I was told by the sanitation driver in the photos...
Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Hey Neighbors! Has Your Carroll Gardens Block Been Plowed Yet?": I want my Netflix DVD !!!!!!!!!!In the meantime I'm streaming like crazy :)))))))PS: I agree, hopefully there won't be an emergency in our nabe of commoners.°°°°°°°°°°...