Picture Of The Day: Through Cracked Cement

The prettiest pink flowers growing through a crack in the sidewalk on Smith Street.

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'Nomad Mixer' At Proteus Gowanus This Saturday

 What better way for Proteus Gowanus than to end their year of Migration-themed exhibits and events with "Nomad Mixer" to benefit  the interdisciplinary gallery and reading room housed in an 1900 box factory along the canal   Looks like lots of fun.  Check it out.

Nomad Mixer At Proteus Gowanus

Saturday, June 2, 7-10 pm

(RAIN OR SHINE!)

543 Union Street

Brooklyn

718.243.1572

Free Wine, Beer and Nomad Food

Music, performance, film, seed-sowing, seduction, sleeping and fortune-telling:

(Joy and happiness if you come, sorrow and sad regrets if you miss out!)

You can still buy your ticket online and support Proteus Gowanus

Free Wine, Beer and Nomad Food
*Buy Your Tickets Here!*

Your support will ensure that our protean projects continue to unfold as we enter our 8th year!

F E A T U R I N G

The runaway-train sounds of the Union Street Preservation Society Band

Intimate encounters with the literary Gypsies of The Poetry Brothel

Uncanny Tarot card readings

A nomadic performance by Paul Benney

Katya Redpath sings Russian and English gypsy folk songs

Holus Bolus transformation of our alleyway into a Nomad Spectacle

The incredible steam-punk Seed Machine

A transformative Map Your Life workshop

Writing challenges courtesy of the Writhing Society

Shift Beds for transients and would-be horizontals

and a

Live Auction of Extra-Ordinary Experiences!

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'Who Is On First?': Children's Enrichment Studio Coming To First Place

According to a large banner on the fence in front of 46 First Place, between Clinton and Henry Streets,  a children's enrichment studio is (presumably) opening in the brownstone soon.  'Who's On First' will be offering playgroups, music classes, baby yoga, parties, art classes, languages, parenting groups.. and more.
The website, www.whosonfirstkids.com, doesn't offer any information yet, but if you are interested, you may want to call the number on the banner.

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At Tuesday Night's Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group Meeting

Jeff Edelstein, Gowanus CAG Facilitator

Tracy Bell And Terry Thompson representing National Grid

The Environmental Protection Agency's  Community Advisory Group for the Gowanus Canal met on Tuesday night at the Brooklyn Historical Society.
Natalie Loney, EPA's Community Involvement Co-Ordinator gave a brief overview of the Superfund schedule. She explained that Christos Tsiamis, Remedial Project Manager for the Gowanus Canal,
and Walter Mugdan, EPA District 2 Director,  will be presenting the Proposed Remedy for the Gowanus Canal Clean-Up to the National Remedy Review Board in Washington, D.C. the week of June 18th.

The National Remedy Review Board is "a peer review group that understands both the EPA regional and headquarters perspectives in the remedy selection process."

Generally, the Board reviews Superfund remedies that meet a certain financial threshold.  Natalie Loney explained:  "The Board wants to insure that there is consistency throughout the region.  They are looking at this project because of its size and its scope. They may ask questions or clarification, but they will not approve or disapprove the remedy.  That is not their function."   

She added: "The remedy that Region Two is presenting is technically sound.  We are very comfortable with it.  We are fully behind this proposed plan."
After the presentation to the Board, Christos Tsiamis, will have time to respond in writing to any questions raised during the meeting. Once this process is completed, Region 2 will be able to move forward with putting out the Gowanus Superfund  Remediation Plan and will most likely present it to the community at a public meeting by September.


The CAG has written its own letter to the National Review Boards.  It reads:

Dear Mr. Tsiamis and Members of the National Remedy Review Board,

A. BackgroundThe Gowanus Canal is located approximately 2 miles from Manhattan. Its watershed covers approximately 1700 acres (2.65 square miles). Based on the 2010 census, almost 150,000 people of all levels of economic stature live within the watershed. Of these, an estimated 44,000 people live within a 10 minute walk of the Canal. Further, there are many underserved families living in close proximity to the Gowanus Canal. Recent planning initiatives, including the City’s New Waterfront Revitalization Program and the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Restoration Plan support the community’s vision for increased public access, ecological restoration, and recreational use of the public waterways.

The Gowanus Canal community uses this waterway for many recreational, commercial, industrial, artistic, educational, and scientific purposes. These activities may result in ingestion of Canal water and direct and indirect contact with Canal water and sediments by adults, children, and pets. Existing on-water recreational uses such as sustenance-based fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and diving may result in primary and secondary contact. There are 2 public access points located along the Gowanus Canal and Bay and a total of 19 locations at which public streets either cross or terminate at the canal. These street-ends are routinely flooded by canal water during rain showers under high-tide conditions. Commercial activities including barging and scientific research may also result in secondary contact.

Gowanus is emerging as a creative district that is home to many artists and artisans and is a cultural and entertainment destination for City and non-City residents and tourists. The Gowanus landscape attracts artists from around the world to use as subject matter. It is because the canal is so intensely used in such a variety of ways that it is important to ensure that public health be protected under these circumstances. As awareness is raised about the Canal, public access both to, and into, the Canal improves, and redevelopment pressures increase, more and more people will continue to take advantage of the unique on-water recreational and explorational opportunities it presents.

B. Comments
The CAG supports the selection of a comprehensive remedy that protects human and ecological health and improves water quality consistent with the current and projected future use of the Gowanus Canal. To that end, the CAG has passed the following resolution:April 2012 Sediment Resolution to EPA

The Gowanus Superfund Community Advisory Group fully supports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in its finding that New York City’s Combined Sewer Overflows are a significant contributor of harmful sediment and Superfund regulated PAHs and metals to the canal. The CAG takes the position that the total elimination of CSOs into the Gowanus Canal is the only acceptable solution to the problem.

The CAG asks that the EPA, under their Superfund authority, take the necessary measures that will ensure protection of the proposed remedy from ongoing CSO sediment solids deposits and the release of PAHs and other toxins.

In summary, the CAG believes that the Superfund cleanup represents a unique opportunity to conduct a comprehensive cleanup of the Gowanus Canal and that it would be a waste of time, money, and energy to select a remedy that does not completely prevent recontamination by CSOs.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments.

Sincerely,The Gowanus Canal Superfund Site Community Advisory Group

On Tuesday night, the CAG also passed the following resolution:

"The Gowanus CAG asks that the cleanup of the Canal, including the Superfund Remedy, should be consistent with and advance current and future possibilities for ecological restoration, shoreline softening, riparian buffers, expanded wetlands, habitat restoration, and public access pursuant to the goals of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary Restoration Plan and the community's emerging vision for the waterway.We understand that some steel bulkheads may be necessary but that contiguous steel or new wooden bulkheads would not be compatible with the above stated goal."

Finally, the CAG voted and welcomed Rich Kampf and Jennivere Kenlon as full members.

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The Chocolate Room On Court Street Expanding To Offer More Sweet Temptations

Great new, especially for those with a sweet tooth! 
The Chocolate Room at 269 Court Street is expanding into the small neighboring storefront, which was recently vacated by Cobble Hill Car Service.  Combining the two spaces will allow Chocolate Room's owners Jon Payson and Naomi Josepher to serve more of their signature desserts and add home-made ice-cream, sorbet and toppings.
Can't wait...

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Get Ready For Summer: Great Line-Up For 2012 Kids' Concert Series In Carroll Park

The line-up for the 2012 Carroll Park Kids' Concert Series has just been finalized, and by the looks of it, this summer will be rocking for the children of this neighborhood.
The series consists of four concerts scheduled during the summer months and will feature some of the most beloved children's bands in Brooklyn.
As in years past, each concert will be held in collaboration with a local school or playgroup.
All concerts are shine only and will be held between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. There will be food and activities.

A big thanks to organizer and neighborhood mom Simmi Degnemark and her tireless volunteers for their hard work and for bringing so much joy to the little ones and their families.

For further information and updates, click here.

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EPA Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group Will Meet Tonight

The Environmental Protection Agency's Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group is holding its monthly general meeting on Tuesday, May 29th between 6:30 PM to 9 PM at the Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street.
Members of the community are invited.

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A Lovely Memorial Day Celebration In Carroll Park

As in years past, the Court Street Merchants Association and Friends of Carroll Park hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony to honor those who gave their lives to defend this country. Public officials and members of the community gathered in front of War Memorial in the Park on Monday to take part in the placing of the wreath.

Unfortunately, I was out of town, but my friend Maryann took the photos above to capture the event.
Thanks, Maryann!
It looks as though there was a nice turnout.  Where you here?

Just added.  A slide show of the event from the Court Street Merchant's Association

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A Moment In Time: In Uniform

Fleet Week on Smith Street

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Picture Of The Day: What's This? Sunlight?

Could it be?  

After a solid week of rain, the sun makes an appearance.

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This Saturday, Help Clean Up Ennis Park/Playground In Gowanus

Reader Kerrie, who used to live n Carroll Gardens, but is now a resident of Gowanus, pointed out that there will be a clean-up at Ennis Park this Saturday.

She writes:

I hope you will post about the Gowanus Canal Conservancy Ennis Park/Playground Cleanup going on this Saturday. Ennis Park is a great little under used park in the Gowanus (11th st and 2nd avenue, right behind Lowe's) and is located a very short walk from the south end of Carroll Gardens. It's super shady and never crowded like Carroll Park.
Thanks,  Kerrie

Ennis Park and Street Tree Stewardship, Block Party

Saturday, May 26, 11 AM

To participate in a Clean & Green volunteer day, please contact the Conservancy at: volunteer@gowanuscanalconservancy.org to RSVP.

More on the event from the Conservancy's web page here:
The day will begin at 11 am at Ennis Park and focus on litter removal, tree maintenance and pruning, planting, among other activities. After 1 pm, we will barbeque and offer fun, games, and crafts for kids. This also represents an opportunity for community members to come and meet each other and discuss neighborhood issues. We will end the day at around 5 pm.   Pathmark and Whole Foods  will supply food for the barbeque!

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It's Confirmed. Vinzee's On Court Street Is No More. Space Now For Rent

 

So now we know for sure. Vinzee's Magic Fountain at 412 Court Street isn't coming back. Obviously it wasn't so magic.  After just a year in business and an agonizingly slow decline from the moment it opened its doors, the hamburger joint is now for rent by Prudential Douglass Elliman for the rather insane prize of $15,000 a month.  The space is advertised as followed on the realty's web site:

Prime Carroll Gardens! Corner Location! 2800 sq.ft. with an additional 600 of outdoor space. This location provides an extraordinary amount of foot traffic as its sandwiched between the Smith street subway and steps from CVS and Capital One Bank . It also has the bus stop right outside the front door. Turn key operation that’s practically brand new. Seats 75 plus a full prep kitchen that’s designed for catering. Central air, Walk-in Refrigerator,Walk-in Freezer, Garland 4 burner range, CecilWare double fryer, Broiler, Griddle, Mofat convection oven, Henny Penny pressure fryer, Vita mixer, Chef Mate grinder, Taylor soft serve, and the list goes on and on... Ideal for the person who wants to skip the hassle of construction so they can earn from day one.

Perhaps someone with a bit more savvy can actually operate a viable business here. It's a great location.
What do you think of the rent?

Thanks, Nicholas for making me aware of the ad.

 

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No Big Surprise: Greek Restaurant 'Athena' Calls It Quits On Smith Street

Athena, the Greek restaurant at 213 Smith Street in Boerum Hill, has closed its doors.  This won't come as a big surprise to many in the neighborhood,   I am sure.   The Mediterranean eatery never really took off in the neighborhood and in recent weeks, the place seemed mostly empty.
Though the food was all right, the 'trendy' decor, with its white fake leather banquettes, was a bit tacky and didn't really have that "Smith Street" vibe. Athena didn't get much love from Yelp reviewers either. Eric S. wrote: "Athena is a grave insult to one of the world's oldest, richest and most soulful cuisines. Everything about this place bespeaks laziness, corner-cutting and general contempt for (or ignorance of) excellence. Oh, and it's way overpriced, too, adding insult to culinary injury."
Ouch!
Perhaps Athena's biggest problem was that, for a while, the restaurant's owner got himself into a bit of trouble regarding his liquor lisence and using the restaurant as a dance club.
In the fall of 2011, the owner of Athena submitted an on-premises liquor license to the NYState Liquor Authority.  When he came in front of Community Board 6 for a review of the application,  it was pointed out that the restaurant already had a full bar and was serving liquor to patrons.  When asked by members of CB6's Permits and Licenses  why he was serving alcohol without a proper license, he replied that he believed that he was covered under the previous owner's license.
Several neighbors attended the CB6 meeting, complaining that Athena turned into a dance club
at night. and hosted weekly Salsa dances.  The amplified music kept neighbors awake.
When asked by CB6 if he had a cabaret license, a necessity when allowing dancing in an establishment, Athena's owner admitted that he did not.
CB6 subsequently voted against supporting a liquor license for the establishment.

Athena's sister restaurant in Park Slope is still open.
The business on Smith Street is currently for sale.

Any thoughts on what would be a nice neighborhood addition in that space?

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Avoiding Manhattanization: Cobble Hill Association To Discuss Topic With Noted Preservationist

On Tuesday, May 29th, the Cobble Hill Association will be holding a reception to honor Christabel Gough, distinguished preservationist, and historian Francis Morrone.  As part of the evening's program, Christabel Gough will be the keynote speaker on an intriguing topic - "Can Cobble Hill Avoid Manhattanization?"
Sounds like an interesting discussion. Perhaps we should have the same discussion here in Carroll Gardens?

COBBLE HILL ASSOCIATION’S SPRING, 2012 GENERAL MEETING AND RECEPTION

Honoring Christabel Gough, distinguished preservationist, and historian Francis Morrone

Can Cobble Hill Avoid Manhattanization?

Keynote Speaker: Christabel Gough

May 29th, 2012

Reception: 6:00 PM

Meeting: 7:30 PM

Date: Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Place: Christ Church (corner of Clinton and Kane Streets)

For more information on the meeting, click here.

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"My Brooklyn": Documentary On The Battle For The Soul Of Our City Premieres At Brooklyn Film Festival

“My Brooklyn”, a feature -length independent documentary by filmmakers Kelly Anderson and Allison Lirish Dean is a must see for every Brooklynite. After six years in the making, it will be premiering at the Brooklyn Film Festival on Saturday, June 2 at 7:30pm and on Sunday, June 10 at 8:00pm.

The film examines the impact of re-zoning, re-vitalization and the ensuing displacement of long-time residents and raises the hard question of whose Brooklyn this really is.

From the press release:

In “My Brooklyn”, filmmakers Kelly Anderson and Allison Lirish Dean chronicle how, over the last decade, city government and corporate interests joined forces to remake Downtown Brooklyn, displacing small businesses and long-time residents. The film focuses on the policies and politics reshaping the Fulton Mall, one of the most successful and most maligned shopping destinations in New York City. The film also investigates the historical roots of this contemporary urban makeover, reaching as far back as far as the Great Depression, and expanding beyond Downtown to examine the origins of change in neighborhoods like Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bed-Stuy.

A personal as well as political journey, “My Brooklyn” also follows director Kelly Anderson's quest, as a Brooklyn "gentrifier," to understand the transformation of her neighborhood along lines of race and class. Anderson invites the audience on her hunt for answers as she witnesses the rapid rise of luxury condos and shiny new retail, meeting up with everyone from Downtown Brooklyn Partnership president Joe Chan, to M.I.T. history professor and Bed-Stuy native Craig Wilder. Throughout Anderson's journey, the powerful images of photographer Jamel Shabazz, shot during the 1970s, and 80s, celebrate the everyday life and culture of working-class black and Latino Brooklyn, and help tell a provocative story about the battle for the soul of a city.

Since 2001, the Bloomberg Administration has rezoned over a hundred neighborhoods in New York City, from Downtown Brooklyn to Harlem. Confronted with a broken public process, ordinary residents have largely been shut out of the decision-making. “My Brooklyn” reveals the dramatic impacts of arcane policy tools such as zoning, showing their effects on the ground, and letting the audience evaluate. The film also takes a unique look at seemingly benign "public-private partnerships," and their role in shielding development plans from genuine public scrutiny and input.

 “My Brooklyn” does not disparage new development, but asks how the planning process can be more inclusive and produce more equitable outcomes, especially in light of Brooklyn's past. "The gentrification debate often gets stuck on the role of individuals," says Producer Allison Dean, "but what's often missing is a larger understanding of the collusion of government and private interests that is the real story not just in New York, but in many cities globally as well. There is this belief that cities now have to have very rich people in order to be viable, to be successful. What's exciting is that there is an increasingly strong movement challenging this idea, and building power for people often excluded."

"Many new residents are bothered by gentrification," says Anderson, "and have this uneasy feeling that they are part of the problem, but aren't sure what to do about it. ‘My Brooklyn’ invites these folks to consider the bigger picture, refuse to be pawns in this larger system, and take an active role in promoting development that starts with the premise that everyone has a right to the city, to decent and affordable housing, and to good jobs." In the end, “My Brooklyn” offers hope for preserving the still-rich diversity of Brooklyn and beyond, and celebrates the local community activists and advocates that have stood up to powerful interests and shown us achievable alternatives.

To read more about the film, click here.
For all screening times and Brooklyn Film Festival information, click here.

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Best Comment Of The Day: Looking Forward To Trying 'Awash'

Reader Timothy has left the following comment on the post "Awash, Court Street's New Ethiopian Restaurant To Open On Tuesday":

Fantastic! South Brooklyn has very few Ethiopian restaurants - in fact, the only one I can think of is Ghenet on 4th Ave.We're were a bit saddened that Quercy couldn't make it since it had been around for nearly 10 years, however we weren't frequent visitors and found ourselves going to Watty and Meg when we wanted something nicer than the usual.We're definitely looking forward to trying Awash and hope it becomes a destination restaurant for us.

Has anyone tried Awash yet?

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This Monday, Let's Give Thanks To Carroll Gardens' Servicemen At Memorial Day Ceremony In Carroll Park

This Monday, May 28th, please take some time to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony in Carroll Park to honor those who gave their lives to defend this country.
The ceremony is sponsored by Court Street Merchants Association and Friends of Carroll Park.
It will take place at 12 PM by the War Memorial in the Park.

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