Porchetta Is Back On Smith For One Fleeting Moment

Just for one teeny moment, Porchetta, one of Smith Street's now defunced restaurants is back. But it's not what you think. This local dining spot has had a turbulent history. First it was Banania. Then it became Porchetta, followed by Carniceria which closed about 4-5 months ago. Yesterday, it was back to being Porchetta, but it was clear that yet another reincarnation is in its future. Newspapers are covering the windows. Though the "Porchetta" sign is clearly visible once more, there were strips of wood attached to it in preparation for yet a new name. Does anyone out there know what is coming to the location next?

Related reading:
Perfect For Halloween: Carniceria's Ghost Restaurant
Carniceria Bites The Dust On Smith




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Smith And 9th: 3,739 Subway Riders Without A Station

This is an interesting observation by Barbara Brookhart, member of the Carroll Garden's Neighborhood Association regarding the upcoming lengthy closure of the Smith and 9th Street subway station. So far, the details of how the M.T.A. plans to handle the closing have not been publicized. Will it be a nightmare? Well, yes. Of that you can be sure.

Has the MTA given the elected officials or the community board any figures as to what the ridership will be on the Carroll Subway Station platform when the MTA closes the 9th Street subway for repairs. According to the average weekly subway ridership by station published by the MTA, Smith Street has 3,739 weekday riders, and the Carroll Street station has 9,013 riders. I would like to know what percentage of the Smith Street ridership would use the Carroll Subway Station, as our platform is already overcrowded during the early morning commuter period.

Good point, Barbara! But I am sure we won't get an answer anytime soon.

Related reading:
Smith and 9th Subway StationTo Close for 12 Months

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Early December Snow, Brooklyn 2007

I love snow, the more the better. So you can imagine my glee at the first snow of the season here in Brooklyn. The odd thing is that there are still golden colored fall leaves on the trees, which makes for a really beautiful effect. I think I may make myself some hot chocolate!

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Who Needs Ikea In Red Hook?

Free dresser and drawers too, right at the corner of Union Street and Smith. Just in time for the holidays. Who needs Ikea in Red Hook? Here in Brooklyn, you can furnish your pad for free on the streets.

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Look, The G Train In 1938!

Another great internet find, this time from the New York City web site. This picture was taken in 1938, showing the G train leaving the Smith and 9th Street station., heading towards the Carroll Street Station. What is interesting is the skyline in the background. The tallest building in the 30's in Carroll Gardens is still a Church. Could it be Saint Stephen's?
The landscape sure has changed in the last 70 years.

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For Bill De Blasio, Dial 718 854 9791

For Bill De Blasio, dial 718 854 9791, but frankly, it won't do any good. Mr.De Balhblah seems to think of Carroll Gardens as a second-class citizen, ignoring pleas for help by its citizens to protect the neighborhood from developers. And the frustration is showing up everywhere, including on the wall next to the main F train Subway station at 2nd Place.
This just in from the good people at C.O.R.D:

It looks like an awful lot of people in Carroll Gardens are trying to "Wake
up Bill!!" (DeBlasio) as words to that effect plus his telephone number are
painted across the top of the mural. They seem to be saying:

Councilman, the clock is ticking on our beloved neighborhood (as we still
know it) and you are STILL ASLEEP at the wheel.....!!

T.S.
Hmmm.........

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Bill DeBlasio Makes An Appearance In Carroll Gardens And Gets Scolded By C.O.R.D.
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Graffiti Man On Court Street

Found On Court Street

No, I don't condone graffiti, but I love this very child-like spray painted stick drawing. Maybe its the fact that this little character is sticking his tongue out at passers-by.

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