Archives

Downtown Brooklyn, News

Bike Share Program Delayed By ‘Software Glitch’ Until Summer’s End

July 20, 2012

New York’s City’s highly touted bike share program that included 600 locations in Brooklyn—but blew off Cobble Hill until at least Spring 2013—has been delayed because of what Mayor Bloomberg blames on a computer software glitch.

Boerum Hill was granted one of the CitiBike’s docks, on Fourth Avenue and Dean Street, with accommodations for 27 bikes, which was supposed to be installed in late July. But now the entire project has been stalled because “its software isn’t working yet,” Bloomie told the New York Times City Room blog. In typical flippant fashion, he added, “It’s fascinating. The people who did not want bicycle lanes at all are now screaming, ‘Well, where are they? Where are they? I want them quickly.’”

It’s unclear when the software issues will be resolved; the program’s website assures a start date sometime before the end of the summer. The bike share kiosks, most of which will be based in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights, include touchscreen monitors allowing riders to pay with credit or debit cards.

Aside from Boerum Hill, the closest bike share locations in the borough are in Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy.


Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7612

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn

NYC Bike Share Program Delayed To Summer’s End Because Of ‘Software Glitch’

July 20, 2012

For those anticipating New York City’s Bike Share Program, which included locations in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge Park and nearby Downtown Brooklyn, you might as well hang up your helmets.

The 600 city bike share stations, which were scheduled to be in place by the end of July, have been stalled until late summer, according to NYC Mayor Bloomberg, because of a computer software glitch. In typical flippant fashion, Bloomie told the New York Times City Room blog, “It’s fascinating. The people who did not want bicycle lanes at all are now screaming, ‘Well, where are they? Where are they? I want them quickly.’”

It’s unclear when the software issues will be resolved; the program’s website assures a start date sometime before the end of the summer. The bike share kiosks’ glitch appears to have to do with touchscreen monitors that allow riders to pay with credit or debit cards.

The program is sponsored by the city Department of Transportation with Alta Bicycle Share. DOT released a draft map of the first locations last month. The solar-powered, wireless docking stations will be located on sidewalks, curbside road space and plazas, and accommodate between 15 and 60 bikes each.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44528

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights

What A Difference A Week Makes…

July 20, 2012

Friday, July 20… 63 degrees and rainy. Friday, July 13… 93 degrees and blazing bright like a blow torch. (Photo/Collage: Chuck Taylor)


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44509

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights

As BBP Struggles For Funding, Self-Sustaining High Line Park Gets $5M Gift From City

July 20, 2012

While Brooklyn Bridge Park continues to scrounge together funding to continue buildout of the slow-as-molasses 85-acre waterfront project, Manhattan’s High Line Park has received a $5 million windfall from the city. This, despite the fact that the West Side tourist destination has raked in $85 million in private sector donations, in addition to a lucrative concessions deal and millions of dollars from adjoining building air rights.

DNAInfo.com reports that city park advocates are questioning why High Line was bestowed such a generous gift, which the city targeted to help build the third portion of the park, at a total cost of $90 million. Critics, for one, point to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which the city’s 2013 capital expenditures budget has slated for just $5.5 million, to develop the Pier 4 Beach and Habitat Island and a pedestrian entrance on its north side.

“Unlike the High Line—which pulls in massive cash from fundraising and private donations—Brooklyn Bridge Park relies almost entirely on the city for capital costs,” DNAInfo says. “Its fundraising organization, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, puts most of its funds toward programming at the park.” The story points to only two BBP capital projects donations: Jane’s Carousel and the controversial $40 million from New York City Fieldhouse Chairman Joshua Rechnitz to build a rec facility near Pier 5.

BBP’s 85 acres compares to the High Line’s 6.73. New York’s total 2013 appropriation is $105 million for 142 park projects. A spokeswoman for the City Council declined to respond to DNAInfo’s requests for comment.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44468

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights

This Should Be Fun To Watch: Belly Dancing At BBP Friday

July 20, 2012

Friday, July 20, Brooklyn Bridge Park will feature “Waterfront Workouts: Belly Dance with Dodge YMCA,” from 7-8 p.m. “Dance to Middle Eastern rhythms while learning traditional movements and combinations.” The class focuses on core muscles, emphasizing muscular isolations.

Because of rain, the Belly Dancing festivities will be held in the white tent at the entrance to Pier 1. No class next Friday, July 27.

Dodge YMCA is a community service organization that promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people with a focus on youth.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44464

From the Web

Plymouth Church Underground Thrift Store: Save 25% This Sunday

July 19, 2012

Bargain hunters alert: The Underground Thrift Store at Plymouth Church features 25% off all clothing beginning this Sunday, July 22. You’ll find a “curated collection of upscale and designer clothing and accessories for women, men and children,” along with collectibles for the home. Location: Upstairs at Plymouth Church, 65 Hicks Street between Orange & Cranberry streets in Brooklyn Heights. Summer hours are Sundays from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The Underground Thrift donates 25% of its net proceeds to organizations that fight human trafficking and modern-day slavery. See their Facebook page here. (Photo: Brooklyn Heights Press)


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44421

From the Web

Arts and Entertainment, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Events, Food

Dekalb Market Celebrates One-Year Anniversary With Weekend Blowout

July 19, 2012

To celebrate its one-year anniversary, Dekalb Market is planning a shipload of special events for Saturday, July 21, including live local music, face painting, a bouncy castle, raffle giveaways for $50 Dekalb Market gift certificates, free food samples, retail specials… and tons of fun. Situated over an entire square block at 138 Willoughby Street and Flatbush Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn, the destination comprises 60 food and retailer shops framed in recycled shipping containers.

Dekalb Market will also feature a slew of new weekly events throughout the summer, including Ladies Night, Baby Meetup and Happy Hour at “The Get Down,” Dekalb Market’s beer and wine garden, with local craft beer, wine and sangria. Additional summer events include family-oriented curated music, art, food and film experiences such as “Down & Derby” roller-skating, live music, dancing and yoga.

Dekalb Market was recently honored with the 2012 Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Building Brooklyn Award (BBA) for Retail. Among its kudos: “Brooklyn-ness.” See more details here.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44391

From the Web

Real Estate

Brownstones Drive Up Brooklyn Residential Prices In 2Q 2012

July 19, 2012

While residential prices held steady throughout Brooklyn in 2012′s second quarter, a marked decline in inventory and a notable uptick in brownstone sales raised the bar for pricing in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.

Read more on the Brooklyn Heights Blog here.


Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7603

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Celebrity Residents

Heights Rez Lena Dunham Garners Boatload Of Emmy Noms For HBO Series ‘Girls’

July 19, 2012

Lena Dunham might be needing a larger apartment at the Mansion House. The Brooklyn Heights resident and creator/star/writer of HBO’s freshman series “Girls,” cleaned up in the nominations for the 2012 prime-time Emmy Awards, announced Thursday morning.

Among her nods: Outstanding Comedy Series (against “The Big Bang Theory,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Modern Family,” “30 Rock” and “Veep”); Outstanding Lead In A Comedy Series (Dunham as Hannah Horvath); Outstanding Directing (Dunham); and Outstanding Writing (Dunham). The series, which has been renewed for a second season, also garnered a nomination for Casting.

The 64th annual Primetime Emmys will air live on ABC September 23 at 7 p.m. See all nominations here.

(Photo: Curbed)


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44400

From the Web

Arts and Entertainment, Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights Library Admits AC System Is Kaput

July 18, 2012

The Brooklyn Public Library has issued a one-sheet apologizing for the continued lack of air conditioning at its Heights branch, and the intermittent shutdown of the Cadman Plaza location as a result. “Please accept our apologies for the periodic closures at the Brooklyn Heights branch. The air conditioning system for most of the building no longer works, resulting in excessively high temperatures. In consideration of the safety of the Library’s patrons and employees, we are monitoring the temperature and closing the building as necessary,” the notice says.

Worse yet, because of the condition and age of the AC system, it cannot be repaired: “The only solution is to replace the entire system, which will take at least several months to complete upon receipt of the replacement equipment.” In its place, the branch is exploring a temporary central chilled water plant on the exterior of the building—which it admits will create “new disruptions related to noise and the smell of a diesel generator that must be refueled frequently”—as well as a timeline of several months to implement.

The library will continue to open the building only when “conditions are safe for the public and library staff,” although evening programs will continue as planned, since its auditorium has a separate AC system.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44363

From the Web