Impressions And Testimonies From Tuesday Night's Hearing On Proposed Success Academy Co-Location At IS 293

IS 293 on Baltic StreetI was unable to attend Tuesday night's hearing on the proposed co-location of at the Success Academy Charter School at IS 293 at 293 - 284 Baltic Street in the Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill neighborhood.  The school building currently houses School for Global Studies and School for International Studies building. The proposal has generated quite a bit of controversy.My good friend C, a current public...

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Artist Jason Shelowitz Reminds Area Residents Of Proper Etiquette

Artist and graphic designer Jason Shelowitz, also known as Jay Shells, has brought his campaign to teach New Yorkers "urban etiquette" to our neighborhood. Recently, he has affixed his "Metropolitan Etiquette Authority" signs on posts along Smith Street.  The humorous reminders to "pay attention while walking" and to "clean up after your horse" are part of a series of four such signs that  Shelowitz is posting around the city.  The...

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Gowanus Canal Conservancy Hosting Winter Festival Event This Saturday

The Gowanus Canal Conservancy, a Brooklyn-based environmental organization that advocates for the restoration and green development of the Gowanus Canal, is hosting a Winter Festival Fundraiser on Saturday evening, December 3 from 6:30pm - 12:00am at  Build it Green's new Gowanus warehouse at 69 9th St in Brooklyn. The Conservancy's event "will include delicious, locally grown and prepared...

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Best Comment Of The Day: Playing Wack-A-Mole

Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Opponents Of 'Cobble Hill Success Academy' Urge Others To Join Fight For Public Education":"Playing Wack-A-Mole with the Stepford parents and teachers on the Gotham Schools message board is exasperating.If Eva Moskowitz wants to open a charter in D15 she should make the proposal to the CEC and not do this end run around the D15 CEC. Better yet, she should find her own space and pay for...

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Manos De Méxicanos: New Red Hook Gallery Features Work Of Mexican Artisans

(photos courtesy of Manos De México)Manos De Méxicanos Grand Opening In Red HookSupporting An Endangered SpeciesMexican ArtisansManos de Méxicanos (By Mexican Hands), a brand new Red Hook waterfront gallery, featuring the work of Mexican artisans, will officially open its doors to the public for the first time this coming Saturday.  The gallery was founded by Steve Tarpin of “Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie” and his wife Victoria.  They...

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Picture Of The Day: Glorious Gowanus

Gowanus looking glorious on a warm November eve.Have you noticed how amazing the sunsets have been in the last few da...

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Opponents Of 'Cobble Hill Success Academy' Urge Others To Join Fight For Public Education

Emotions are running high in regards to the latest school controversy in the neighborhood.It all started when it was announced that the Board Of Education was planning on allowing Eva Moskowitz of Success Academy Network to open a charter school in the Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill neighborhood. The new 'Cobble Hill Success Academy' is to occupy space in the School for Global Studies and School for International Studies building at 293 - 284 Baltic Street.The...

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Custom Built In Carroll Gardens: Femenella Guitars

Lou Femenella's basement studio in Carroll Gardens is the kind of place that would make serious guitar players swoon. Against one wall are some of the beautiful vintage guitars that Femenella has collected over the years. Among them are some of his own custom-built electric guitars, one more stunning than the next.  They are variations on Fender's iconic Stratocaster and Telecaster, the most popular electric guitars ever made.  And...

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After Eleanor, A Sheepdog, Is Attack By Another In Carroll Gardens, Her Owner Has Some Advice

While on a walk on President Street last week, Eleanor, the sweet dog in the photos above, was attacked by another dog and needed surgery.  Thankfully she is slowly recuperating,  The outcome could have been much different, however.  The other dog, a pit bull,had apparently shown aggression towards other dogs before.Eleanor's owner Elizabeth contacted me late last week to make me aware of the incident and to give sound advice others....

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Happy Thanksgiving To You All

I am knee deep in carrots and potatoes, the bird is ready to be taken out of the fridge to be stuffed, and there is still much to do before dinner.  I am sure it's the same in your household.I am thankful to you, my wonderful Readers and Friends, for your comments, encouragement and most importantly, for keeping me on my toes. I wish you and your loved ones a splendid Thanksgiving Day.&nb...

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Local Politicians Urge NYC Office Of Emergency Management To Reconsider Evacuation Route Out Of Carroll Gardens

 New York City Office Of Emergency Management map showing hurricane evacuation zones Flooding on Third Street near bridge over the Gowanus, September 23, 2011During most heavy rain events, Third Street near the Gowanus Canal has a tendency to flood, making it difficult or nearly impossible to drive over the 3rd Street Bridge, towards Park Slope.  Yet, in case of a hurricane or flood, the New York City Office Of Emergency Management ...

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Just In: Reported Robbery Attempt At Smith Street Laundromat

Just received a report that there was an attempted robbery at Super Laundromat on Smith, between Carroll and Second Street.  The incident occurred at about 7 Pm.  Apparently, the robber tried to choke one of the women who work at the place.  Officers from the 76th Precinct are there right now interviewing her and her co-worker.  No word yet if any arrests were made. *Thanks J. for alerting us to the incide...

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A Moment In Time: FDNY, Bridge And Boat

On a cool November day, down by the Brooklyn Brid...

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And Here They Are! First Live Christmas Trees Appear In Carroll Gardens

...just in time for Thanksgiving week-end!  Triunfel Grocery on Court Street appears to be the first place in the neighborhood to offer freshly-cut Christmas trees.  A bit too early for me, but I know that many of you will start decorating this coming week-end. (I know that my friend Dolores already put hers up....)Personally, I'm not quite ready for Christmas yet, but the sight of the trees put me in a festive mo...

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'Tis The Season: Tree Lighting And Caroling In Carroll Park

'Tis time once again for the yearly Christmas tree lighting in Carroll Park.  On Friday, December 2nd, come out and  sing carols, say hi to Santa, have a cup of hot chocolate and cookies, and have fun with your neighbors.  This yearly event is hosted by the Court Street Merchants, with the support of Friends of Carroll Park.  The rain date is Friday, December 9...

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