Greetings From South Carolina: Rain, Nothing But Rain For Days

My apologies for not posting an update for a few days.  I am still down here in Surfside, South Carolina, where it has rained off and on (mostly on) since Sunday.  That is bad enough, but last night, the wind howled, whipped up menacing waves, which tore away at the dunes.  Rather frightening, I must tell you, dear Reader.

However, even under a gray sky, this place is pretty great and I am happy to be here.  Besides, it seems that Brooklyn has been treated to the same storm.  At least, we did not get tornado warnings down here.

Is there anything I am missing in Carroll Gardens?

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Rainy Morning in Surfside, South Carolina

Dear Readers,

This Monday morning finds me in Surfside Beach, South Carolina.  Will be spending the week here before heading back to Brooklyn on Sunday. Unfortunately, it is raining here, but the beach is beautiful, even under cloudy skies.  Check back, as I will be posting more photos soon.  Cheers, Katia

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Holy Crap! Video Shows Raw Sewage Flooding Into Canal During Last Week's Storm

By now, everyone in New York City knows that the Gowanus Canal, once a thriving industrial waterway, is one of the most toxic sites in the United States, so toxic in fact, that the United Sates Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the canal a Superfund Site this past spring. The agency is currently studying how best to remove the coal tar and other poisons which have accumulated at the bottom of the canal.

However, toxic industrial waste is only one of the problems facing the Gowanus Canal. Local residents know all too well what happens to the waterway after every major rainfall. When our antiquated, overburdened sewer system reaches capacity, run-off and raw sewage is diverted into the canal.

The New York City Department Of Environmental Protection is currently upgrading the flushing tunnel and pumping station at 201 Douglass Street at a cost of approximately $140 million. It is hoped that the upgrade will reduce the Combined Sewer Overflow (C.S.O.) by 34%.

Though this is a worthy goal, it only solves 1/3 of the problem.

No plan has yet been presented to stop it completely.

We need to demand one now.

The video above illustrates the problems very graphically. It was filmed close to the Douglass Street flushing tunnel on September 16th, the day of the tornado here in Brooklyn. It was posted on You Tube by someone called keanhokeanho.

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Picture Of The Day: Blue Sky And Cornice

The crystal clear sky,

brilliant sunlight...

The last few days have been perfect here in Carroll Gardens

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Lone Food Truck Setting Up Business On Smith Street's Restaurant Row?

Well, hello!!!!

The food truck selling Gyros and beef stew in front of Rite Aid on Smith Street, at the corner of President Street, was certainly an unusual sight. Though Smith Street, with its many eateries, has earned the name "Restaurant Row", this is the first time that I have seen a food truck setting up business on the strip.

The location certainly could not have been better. Commuters, heading back from Manhattan, were streaming out from the F train station at the corner.

With restaurants already having more difficulties during these financially leaner times, I wonder if Smith Street restaurateurs will welcome such competition.

Has anyone seen or eaten at this truck before? How is the food?

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First Glimpse Into 'Shen', Court Street's New Cosmetics Boutique

Here is a first glimpse into Shen, the new cosmetics boutique, which will open shortly in the space occupied until recently by Olá Baby at 315 Court Street. According to its web site, Shen will sell "a selection of high quality, varied and effective beauty products from innovators and specialists around the world."

Some of the brands featured will be Aromatherapy Associates, Amanda Lacey, SteamCream, Dr. Kenneth Mark, Madame Lubatti, Bubble Roome, Piggy Paint, Cut by Ric Pipino, Alexa Rudolfo candles, Nicole Paxson.

There will be skin care specialists to help customers and the boutique will offer make-up applications as well as eyebrow services.

Think this place will do well in the neighborhood?

Related Reading:

Olá Baby Calls It Quits On Court Street

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360 Smith Street Gets" Bricked"

KSQ Architects' design for 360 Smith Street/ 132 Second Street

All spring long, construction at the controversial building at 360 Smith Street, at the corner of Second Avenue, progressed steadily. By the middle of June, the new building had reached 70 feet (plus bulkhead) and was towering over the neighboring brownstones on Second Place. In the last three weeks, crews have been applying a dark brick façade to the building and most of the windows have been installed.

The design by Armand Quadrini of KSQ Architects seems to adhere closely to what was presented to the community back in February 2008. During that presentation, many local residents expressed their objection to the height and design of "Oliver House" and urged developer Bill Stein to, in particular, rethink the 70 foot glass tower at the corner of Smith Street, right above the former F train subway station. It was felt that it made the building look too industrial. However, it is unlikely that any changes were make to make the building more contextual with the neighborhood.

I suppose it could have been way worse. Originally the developer had retained the services of Brooklyn's 'Bad Boy Of Architecture', Robert Scarano. Below was his vision for that corner of Carroll Gardens. Mercifully, developer Stein and Scarano parted ways before construction started.

(picture credit: Scarano Architects)

Original design for 360 Smith Street By Scarano Architects

abandoned when the architect and developer parted ways in 2008.

To read more about 360 Smith Street, click here

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