June – 2012 – Brooklyn Bugle

‘Water On The Go’ Drinking Fountains Keep Brooklyn Bridge Park Green

June 21, 2012

New York’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) intends to utilize Brooklyn Bridge Park as a showcase for New York City’s pristine water supply in the battle against bottled water’s waste of plastic. Both Pier 1 and Pier 6 will offer its “Water On The Go” program, which will bring portable drinking fountains to the locale throughout the summer. The porta-sips will also pop up along the Borough Hall Plaza.

According to a story in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Water on the Go units pretty much resemble portable sinks with six nozzles, hooked up to a fire hydrant by a tube. There are also bowls for pets. A station was set up outside during the Brooklyn Historical Society Brooklyn Brewery Beer Gardens event May 30 in Brooklyn Heights, pictured here.

BBP President Regina Myer told the Eagle, “As a waterfront park, we pride ourselves on being a destination that offers something for everyone, and we’re happy to add the… park’s Water-on-the-Go station.” Brooklyn Bridge Park participated in Water-on-the-Go last year as well.

Read the full story at Brooklyn Daily Eagle here.

(Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42730

From the Web

First Day Of Summer 2012: We’re Having A Heatwave!

June 21, 2012

The weather forecasters certainly got it right on this first day of Summer 2012. Temps reached 95 degrees in Brooklyn today, with Thursday’s forecast calling for a high of 97 degrees. Mind you, it could be worse: In Needles, Calif., and Bouse, Ariz., the high hit 114 degrees on Tuesday. And then there’s the other extreme: Wednesday morning, it was 23 degrees in Stanley, Idaho.

(Photos: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42690

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights

Open Thread Wednesday: June 20, 2012

June 20, 2012

With scorching temps in the 90s today, it’s a perfect opportunity to heat up Wednesday’s Open Thread. What’s on your mind? Comment away! (Photo: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42681

From the Web

Hearing Scheduled Wednesday For Bossert Flip Back To Hotel

June 20, 2012

Reminder: A notice has been sent to all residents within 400 square feet of the Bossert Hotel, alerting them to the application filed with the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) to allow reconversion to its “original transient hotel use.” The Bossert at 98 Montague Street is currently zoned outside of such a commercial zone. As reported on BHB May 14, following its recent purchase for $90M+, developer David Bistricer intends to turn the former Watchtower-owned Bossert into a 302-unit hotel.

The presentation and Q&A takes place at the Land Use Commity of Community Board 2, today, Wednesday June 20 at 6 p.m. at the Polyechnic Institute, Dibner Library, Room LC 400 at 5 Metrotech Center.

At the meeting, the Land Use committee will review the application and is expected to vote on a formal recommendation to the BSA. Pre-register for the hearing at 718-596-5410, if interested in speaking.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42668

From the Web

It’s Going To Be A Scorcher!

June 20, 2012

This in from Notify NYC:

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the New York City area from noon Wednesday until 8 p.m. Thursday. Additionally, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday. These conditions are dangerous to health. Avoid strenuous activity. People without air conditioning, older adults and people with chronic health conditions are most at risk. Cooling Centers will be open tomorrow. For locations, hours and more information on avoiding heat illness and the Air Quality Index, visit www.bit.ly/NYCHeatAQI or call 311.

Video after the jump.

So, let’s make the best of it with Martha and the Vandellas.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42660

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, News

‘Brooklyn Eagle’ Sign Taken Down Tuesday

June 20, 2012

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle sign, a fixture at the newspaper’s former HQ at 30 Henry Street was taken down this morning by workers. A six story residential building is slated to be built at that location. Instagram photo via bmacmedia

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42656

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, News

Browning Frames Merging with Another Firm; Leaving Brooklyn Heights for Greenpoint

June 19, 2012

Catherine Browning, of Browning Frames and Prints, Inc., whose shop has been a fixture on Cranberry Street between Hicks and Willow for some time, announced that she is merging her firm with Gerlach Frames, Inc., owned by her mentor, Russell Gerlach, effective July 1. She will be closing her shop on Cranberry and moving to larger quarters in Greenpoint.

Ms. Browning sent us this message:

I am sad to be leaving the Brooklyn Heights storefront on Cranberry Street which has not only served as a wonderful place to consult with clients, but also a space where meaningful discussions, friendships and creative endeavors were launched. The neighborhood has been incredibly supportive and nurturing and, for that, I am eternally grateful. I feel lucky to have benefited from the support of such a wonderful community. I very much hope to maintain the relationships I have established over the past six years at the shop, and look forward to new ones.

She will be sending us new contact information (presumably including the new Greenpoint address) later, and we will pass it on to you.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42647

From the Web

News

Starwood & Toll Brothers Chosen to Develop Hotel & Residential Near Pier One

June 19, 2012

As anticipated, Mayor Bloomberg’s office announced today that the proposal for a hotel and residential complex on the space between Furman Street and Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park submitted by Starwood Capital Group and Toll Brothers has been selected. The image (thanks to Curbed) shows how the buildings will look from the Promenade. As you can see, they will partially obstruct the view of the Brooklyn Bridge and largely obscure the view of Pier 1.

According to the Curbed article linked above, the hotel will have 200 rooms and the residential portion will have 159 units. The article also quotes from the Mayor’s press release:

The proposed building plan will feature nearly 16,000 square feet of restaurant space, 16,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space, 2,000 square feet of retail space, a 6,000-square-foot spa and fitness center and 300 parking spaces. It also includes park restrooms as well as maintenance space for park operations.

The hotel will be named Hotel 1.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42634

From the Web

News

BBP Pool To Open Soon; Benepe Leaving Parks Department

June 19, 2012

The “temporary” swimming pool (we understand it will be around for five years) located just inland of Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park (see photo, taken from Promenade) is, according to Brownstoner, likely to open even sooner than a projected June 28 date. Stay tuned.

In other parks related news, the Wall Street Journal reports that City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe, seen here riding the lead horse on the first official spin of Jane’s Carousel, and here with Brooklyn Heights Association President Jane McGroarty at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s “Sunset Bhangra” party, is resigning to become head of the San Francisco based Trust for Public Land. Mr. Benepe served as Commissioner for ten years. Mayor Bloomberg has announced that Veronica M. White, now head of the City’s Center for Economic Opportunity, will be his successor.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42628

From the Web

Public Meeting On BBP Field House: Monday June 25

June 19, 2012

There will be a public meeting at which you may state your views or concerns about the proposed multi-use recreation facility to be sited on the uplands near Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park (location shown in photo), supported by a $40 million gift from philanthropist Joshua Rechnitz.

This proposal has aroused some controversy, especially concerning possible increases in vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The meeting will be from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. on Monday, June 25 at the Callahan Center, St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street (between Clinton and Court streets).

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42620