The ninth annual Brooklyn Book Festival will be on Sunday, September 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m at Borough Hall and Columbus Park (immediately north of Borough Hall). There will be readings by and discussions with writers, readings and activities for children, and books for sale. There’s more information here.

During the coming week and the Monday following the Festival there will be “Bookend” events held in various venues around the Borough. Among these venues are Book Court, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Brooklyn Historical Society, DUMBO Sky, the Powerhouse Arena, Smack Mellon Gallery, St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, St. Ann’s School, and Vineapple. A full schedule is here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/70198

They’re back! Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks have returned to the East River. Brooklyn Heights residents and many, many, many visitors will be checking out the show from the Promenade and close-up from Brooklyn Bridge Park. If you live near any streets leading to these areas check for No Parking signs (we spotted some on Cranberry Street this evening).

Here’s the full list (via Brooklyn Eagle):

• Joralemon Street from Furman Street to Court Street

• Montague Street from Hicks Street to Columbia Heights

• Columbia Heights from Remsen Street to Old Fulton Street

• Water Street from Main Street to Old Fulton Street

• Middagh Street from Cadman Plaza West to “Dead End”

• Cranberry Street from Columbia Heights to Hicks Street

• Vine Street from Columbia Heights to Hicks Street

• Cadman Plaza West from Tillary Street to Furman Street

The city is advising people to arrive 5pm to “snag” a good spot for the 9pm show.

Brooklyn Bridge Park posted their holiday schedule this afternoon:

Brooklyn Bridge Park will be open on July 4th. Please note the following:

Squibb Park and Bridge will be closed.
The Main Street section of the park will close at 4pm
Barbeques on Picnic Peninsula will be closed.
All playgrounds will close at 4pm.
The Pop-Up Pool will close at 4pm.
Pier 4 Beach will close at 4pm.
Jane’s Carousel will close at 6pm.
Volleyball courts will close at 4pm.
The Pier 2 sports courts will close at 4pm.
The Pier 5 sports fields will close at 4pm.
Chairs will not be allowed in the park.
Parking is extremely limited. Please use public transportation. See our Visitor Information page for subway, bus and ferry information.
To enter the park, please use the park’s main entrances at Old Fulton and Furman Streets or Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street.
Bags will be checked by NYPD at all entrances.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68274

Weeeeeee! Everybody in the pool! Brooklyn Bridge’s Pop Up Pool opens this Friday June 27. Vets of previous seasons know that swimming (and/or lounging) are available by sessions. Here’s the rundown of times via BBP:

SWIM SESSIONS: Wristbands for each session are distributed first-come, first-served.

10:00 am –10:45 am wristbands distributed at 10:00 am
11:00 am – 11:45 am wristbands distributed at 10:30 am
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm wristbands distributed at 11:30 am
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm wristbands distributed at 12:30 pm
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm wristbands distributed at 1:30 pm
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm wristbands distributed at 2:30 pm
4:00 pm – 4:45 pm wristbands distributed at 3:30 pm
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm wristbands distributed at 4:30 pm

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68166

The Fence, a photo exhibit featuring 40 photographers, opened last Wednesday at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. It will remain on view until October. So while you’re trying to find a bit of shade (the tree kind) while strolling through the park and throwing shade (the attitudinal kind) as you sweat and dodge tourists in Citibikes, you can enjoy some great art!

Check out @News12BK video coverage of our first public tour.THE FENCE is now on view til Oct. http://t.co/oabwl3XF0F pic.twitter.com/M5r0jwcecF

— UPI's Photoville (@photovillenyc) June 19, 2014

Photographer @gastonlacombe presenting "Penguinscapes" at #TheFence by @photovillenyc @United_Photo pic.twitter.com/GlKlJ5J4Vy

— Pauline Eiferman (@paulineeiferman) June 18, 2014

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/68039

Theater 2020, Brooklyn Heights’ own professional stage company, will present Shakespeare’s King Lear starting next weekend (video after the jump). There will be performances on Friday, May 23 and Saturday, May 24 starting at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 25 starting at 3:00 p.m. The play will run through the following two weekends (May 30-June 1 and June 6-8) with performances at the same times on the corresponding days. The venue is St. Charles Borromeo Church, 19 Sidney Place. Tickets are $18 and may be purchased in advance by credit card here or with cash at the door (for reservations call 718-624-3614 or e-mail theater2020@gmail.com). From Theater 2020:

You have never seen KING LEAR quite like this. Join us in the amazing interior of the Saint Charles Borromeo Church in Brooklyn Heights for a modern gothic take on one of Shakespeare’s most beloved tragedies. You will be at the center of the action as we explore both the humor (Yes! Humor!) and poignancy of the challenges of the aging body and mind in this timeless story of family greed and failure to communicate. Well known New York Indie Theater actor [and Heights resident] David Fuller stars as King Lear, and Kim Sullivan (Classical Theatre of Harlem) is Gloucester in this 15 member diverse and top notch cast.

Following the play’s run at St. Charles Borromeo, on the weekend of June 13-15, there will be three free outdoor performances, each starting at 7:00 p.m., on Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park. No reservations are required.

See our review of Theater 2020′s production of Candide in February of this year.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/67340

While the Pier 4 beach (photo) and Pier 2, with its athletic facilities (see photo after the jump) have been accessible to the public for several days now, they will both be officially opened this Thursday (May 22) afternoon.

From Brooklyn Bridge Park:

Our program will kick off promptly at 3:30pm with a celebratory ribbon-cutting, followed by clinics and programs on our bocce, shuffleboard, handball and basketball courts.

Pier 2 is the Park’s second active recreation pier, and features five acres of active recreation courts for basketball, handball, shuffleboard and bocce, as well as a full size roller skating rink, swings, picnic tables, restrooms and fitness equipment. Pier 4 Beach is a unique sandy shoreline that allows park visitors to access the East River for non-motorized boating and educational programs.

The ribbon-cutting will take place at the entrance to Pier 2. All are invited to this free event.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/67374

Brooklyn Bridge Park may be getting even more popular this summer — there’s a robust schedule of free events.

Here’s a handy list of all of them via the BBP Conservancy:

A FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – ALL FREE – FOLLOWS
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK 2014 SEASON SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ARTS & CULTURE

Celebrate Brooklyn! Dance Parties presented by BRIC
Sponsored by Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy
Thursdays, 7:00 pm, Pier 1
Sweeping views, great lawn, dance lessons, beer gardens, bike valet… and it’s free! Three spring evenings feature some of the coolest dance bands on the planet, the funkiest DJs under the stars, and the greatest view in the world on Pier 1!
May 15 Electro-Jamz Dance Party: Cibo Matto I Javelin | JD Samson
May 22 – African Dance Party: Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars I DJ Chief Boima

Syfy Movies With A View
Thursdays, with music at 6:00 pm and movies at sunset, Pier 1
Join us as we celebrate 15 Season of our movie series on Thursdays this summer! Shorts curated by BAMcinematek, DJs from Brooklyn Radio kick off the evening, and bike valet is provided by Transportation Alternatives.

July 10 – Duck Soup (G)
July 17 – Sharknado
July 24 – Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG)
July 31 – Beetlejuice (PG)
August 7 – Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (PG)
August 14 – Ghost Dog: The Way Of The Samurai (R)
August 21 – The Birds (PG)
August 28 – Public Vote!

Books Beneath the Bridge
Mondays, July 8 – August 12, 7:00 pm, Granite Prospect
Second annual outdoor literature series curated by six local, independent bookstores.
July 7 – Freebird
July 14 – Greenlight Bookstore
July 21 – Powerhouse Arena
July 28 – Community Bookstore Park Slope
August 4 – Word Bookstore
August 11 – Bookcourt

Danh Vo: We The People
Opening Saturday, May 17
Pier 3 Uplands
Presented by The Public Art Fund
A major new dual-site exhibition inspired by the Statue of Liberty, “We the People” is a full-scale copper replica of the statue in 250 individual parts fabricated over the course of four years using the original techniques and materials. Visitors to the Pier 3 Greenway Terrace will encounter a never-before-exhibited section of the statue: the draped sleeve of the statue’s right arm, which holds the golden torch. This colossal, 13-piece section will be assembled into three forms and presented alongside the ear of the statue. The exhibition continues at Manhattan’s City Hall Park.

John Street Pasture
Coming Spring 2014
John Street Pasture is a temporary living earthwork that celebrates green space, agriculture, and the transitional nature of urban land. This cover crop of crimson clover will bloom into a lush field of reds and greens all while creating a nutrient rich resource of nitrogenized soil for the now under-construction John Street section of Brooklyn Bridge Park. John Street Pasture is a collaboration of Andrea Reynosa, Alloy and Brooklyn Grange.

Pier Kids
Sundays, June 1 – August 3, 11:00 am
Pier 6
Sing, act, dance, and draw! Please join us on Pier 6 for a weekly family celebration of the arts. Engaging activities will vary each week and be accompanied by an outdoor pop-up reading room from the Uni Project. Each program is followed by art projects from Private Picassos and Project Art.

Walt Whitman’s Song Of Myself
Sunday, June 8, 4:00 pm
Granite Prospect
Annual marathon reading of Walt Whitman’s most critically acclaimed poem.

Shakespeare At Sunset
June 13-15 (King Lear) and July 18-20 (Taming of the Shrew), 7:00 pm
Granite Prospect
Free performances of King Lear by Theater 2020 and Taming of the Shrew by Random Access Theater.

BAMcinemafest Outdoor Screening
Thursday, June 19, Pier 1
Join BAMcinemaFest for an outdoor festival featuring live music, curated food and a special film screening! The films start at sunset.

Barolosolo Cirkus Company
June 21-22, 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Pier 1
A kiosk in a village square. What could be more ordinary? Join France’s Barolosolo Cirkus Company for an anything but ordinary New York premier of íle O, and watch as this intrepid team creates a delightful mash-up of modern physical theater around their kiosk-pool moving from comic to absurd in a universe filled with aquatic poetry and music. Presented in association with SummerStage. Kids presented by Disney.

Make Music NY
Saturday, June 21, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Pier 3 Greenway Terrace
The 8th Annual Make Music New York festival returns June 21 with more than 1,000 free concerts in public spaces across NYC. More details at makemusicny.org.

Met Opera
Wednesday, June 25, 7:00 pm
Pier 1
This summer recital features three rising Met stars: soprano Amber Wagner, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, and tenor Russell Thomas, joined by pianist Dan Saunders.

Hindu Lamp Ceremony
Saturday, August 2, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Main Street
Help Aeilushi Mistry bring peace and harmony to our shoreline as she performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at the park! Presented with Brooklyn Arts Council.

Jazzmobile: Arturo O’Farrill
Monday, August 18, 7:00 pm
Pier 1
Join us for a performance by Latin Jazz artist, Arturo O’Farrill who brings swinging rhythms to the park!

Battle Of Brooklyn Reenactment
Saturday, August 23, 12:00 pm
Main Street
Join reenactors from Glover’s Marblehead Regiment to learn how sailors saved George Washington’s army during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776.

Kite Festival
Saturday, September 13, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Pier 1
Watch your kite soar above the Manhattan skyline! Kites will be available for purchase or you can bring your own.

Photoville
September 18 – 21 & 25 – 28
Pier 5 Uplands
PHOTOVILLE will be a feisty mix of exhibitions, lectures, hands-on workshops, nighttime projections, photo dog run, and a summer beer-garden that will create a photographic destination like no other at the Pier 5 Uplands. In addition —and in collaboration with Photo District News—THE FENCE, Brooklyn’s premiere outdoor photographic exhibition will present the work of 40 talented photographers from around world. THE FENCE at the park measures 1000 ft in length and stretches along the Greenway. Presented by United Photo Industries.

Dumbo Arts Festival
September 21 – 28
Various locations
Brooklyn Bridge Park is participating in DUMBO Arts Festival again this fall! This three-day celebration of art and culture will feature a variety of scenic locations within the park hosting several of this year’s innovative art installations.

RECREATION

Get Active on the Brand New Pier 2 Courts!
5 acres dedicated to active recreation, Enjoy basketball, bocce, shuffleboard and handball courts, a roller/inline skating rink, swings, fitness equipment, picnic tables and half an acre of play turf. Restrooms, skate and equipment rentals, lockers, water fountains and bike racks are also available on site. Take part in fitness classes, leagues, and free play.

Free Skate
Mondays & Fridays, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sundays, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pier 2 (Opening late May. Dates TBD)
Cruise around the new Pier 2 roller/inline skating rink with Free Skate (kid approved) sessions during select hours each week.

Kayaking
June 7 – August 30
Saturdays, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursdays, 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
Pier 2 Dock
Glide along the water while kayaking with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 2 floating dock! Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present.

Family Field Days
July 26 and August 23, 10:00 am – 1:00pm
Various locations
Come play games of all shapes and sizes from volleyball, basketball, and soccer clinics to potato sack and relay races with celebrations on each of the park’s active piers.

Pop-Up Pool
Daily, Late June through Labor Day
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Pier 2 Uplands
Take in the sunshine and cool waters at the Pier 2 Pop-Up Pool! The 30’x50’ pool includes a sandy beach and play area with refreshing food and drinks from Lizzmonade. Swim lessons are available.

Pier 5 Fields
Check website for dates
Three turf fields invite soccer, flag football, field hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and ultimate frisbee players alike to play games looking out at the skyline. Check the website for open play time.
Conservancy Soccer Leagues: Get in the game. Coed and men’s adult soccer leagues play Wednesdays in spring, summer, and fall. Saturday morning youth leagues in spring and fall. Sign up for leagues at brooklynbridgepark.org.

Pier 6 Volleyball
Check website for dates
Walk-up Play: Bring your own volleyball.
League Play: Join a team for organized play on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and join in weekend tournaments.
Reserved Play: A limited number of courts can be reserved for an hour by individuals online at brooklynbridgepark.org.
Public Clinics: Brush up your game with free instruction for children, teens, and adults.

Bike NY Pedal Stops
Select Sundays, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Pier 1
Stop by the free rider assistance and information station where you can get a drink of water and healthy snack, then pick up safety instructions, bike maps, and route suggestions.

FITNESS

All Classes Are One Hour.
Senior Fitness with Dodge YMCA
Mondays, May 5 – June 30, 10:00 am
Pier 6

Outdoor Strength wth Brooklyn Strength
Mondays, June 9 – August 25, 7:00 pm
Pier 6

Sunset Pilates with Body In Balance
Wednesdays, June 18 – September 24, 7:00 pm
Pier 5

Pilates with The Fitness Guru
Tuesdays, June 24 – September 9, 7:00 pm
Empire Fulton Ferry

Early Morning Yoga With Dodge YMCA
Mondays, June 30 – August 18, 7:30 am
Pier 6

Zumba with Dodge YMCA
Sundays, July 6 – August 17, 4:00 pm
Pier 2

Hip Hop Aerobics with Dodge YMCA
Fridays, July 11 – August 22, 7:00 pm
Pier 2

Crossfit with Dumbo Crossfit
Sundays, July 13 – August 3, 2:30 pm
Pier 2

EDUCATION & ENVIRONMENT

Wednesday Night Tours
Wednesdays, May 7 – Oct 8, 6:30pm
Pier 1 Entrance
Take an evening’s stroll with New York’s finest scholars and learn about the extraordinary history, ecology, and design of Brooklyn Bridge Park!

The Brooklyn Bridge
May 7
Discover the epic story of this engineering marvel and New York icon as well as the men and women who built it.
David Frieder, The Roebling Museum

The Billion Oyster Project
May 14
Take a look at the park’s oyster gardens and discover the power of these ecosystem engineers.
Sam Janis, New York Harbor School

Natives & Newcomers
May 21
Explore the complex relationships between the Dutch and local Lenape clans as cultures collide.
Emma Nordin, New-York Historical Society

Bringing the Park to Life
May 28
Hear the story of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s creation and innovative approach to revitalizing urban space.
Regina Myer, BBP President

War on the Waterfront
June 4
From Ft. Hamilton to the Navy Yard, Brooklyn’s waterfront played a key role for America in WWII.
Andrew Gustafson, Turnstile Tours

Interactive Photography Tour
June 11
Explore the fundamentals of basic photography while capturing the beauty of the park. Topics covered: composition, lighting, and depth of field.
Alexa Hoyer, BBP Photographer

A Park with a View
June 18
Look across the water in an architectural tour of the historic and modern skyscrapers on the Manhattan skyline.
Kyle Johnson, AIA Architect

Native Plants In Designed Landscapes
June 25
Come on a tour of the park highlighting the use of native species and cultivars in a designed space.
Ulrich Lorimer, Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Abolition On The Water
July 2
Superstar minister Henry Ward Beecher gave voice to freedom and home to the Underground Railroad in 1850s Brooklyn.
Regina McIlvain, Plymouth Church Historian

Building A Sustainable Park
July 9
Gain an in-depth knowledge of BBP’s sustainable features from building materials to storm management.
Leigh Trucks, BBP Director of Capital Projects

The Atlantic Dock Co.
July 16
Learn about the men who built and ruled the docks spanning the waterfront from DUMBO to Red Hook.
Inna Guzenfeld, Historian

Coastal Wetlands
July 23
Where the land meets the sea, the marshlands along the park offer a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Emily Maxwell, The Nature Conservancy

Infrastructure Intersections
July 30
Unravel the tangled histories and structures of all the bridges, tunnels, and highways that keep NY moving.
John Kriskiewicz, Historian

Whales In The Harbor
August 6
Discover a new era when whales, dolphins, and seals have returned to NY Harbor in surprising numbers.
Paul Sieswerda, Gotham Whales

The Golden Age Of Brooklyn Distilleries
August 13
Amble through the historic rise of Brooklyn distilleries of the 1800′s until the death knell of the Volstead Act in 1920.
Jill Paradiso, Culinary Historian

Designing Brooklyn Bridge Park
August 20
Hear directly from one of the innovative minds behind Brooklyn Bridge Park’s award winning design.
Matt Urbanski, Principal, MVVA, Inc.

A Key to the Continent
August 27
The waters of the East River acted as a strategic hub in the American Revolution and the Civil War.
Barnet Schecter, Historian

Blooms and Bugs
September 3
Learn about Pier 1’s native plant gardens including the freshwater pools, woodlands, prairie, and salt marsh.
Matthew Wills, Naturalist

What Was Where
September 10
A journey from colonial times to present day, particularly focused on the industrial dockyards.
Matt Postal, Architectural Historian

My Hand in Yours, Walt
September 17
A literary walk through the legacy of the Brooklyn Bridge in works by Whitman, Crane, Bishop, and Moore.
Adam Fitzgerald, Poet

Interactive Photography Tour: Fall
September 24
Explore the fundamentals of street photography while capturing everyday moments of life in the park.
Alexa Hoyer, BBP Photographer

The Billion Oyster Project: Fall
October 1
See how the park’s oyster gardens have grown and learn the power of these tiny ecosystem engineers.
Sam Janis, New York Harbor School

Docent Tours
Sundays, 12:00 pm
Pier 1
Engage with our docents on a tour about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, BBP’s sustainable design, and how the park came to life!

Seining
Multiple Dates
Empire Fulton Ferry
Learn about the remarkable creatures of the East River as our scientists use a seining net to humanely catch and release these unique critters.

Wildflower Walk
Tuesday, May 13, 5:00 pm
Pier 1
Explore the parks spring blooms and the many buzzing pollinators that bring the park to life.
Rebecca McMackin, BBP Director of Horticulture

World Science Festival: From The Earth To The Stars
Saturday, May 31, 8:00 pm
Pier 1
It’s an outdoor party beneath the Brooklyn Bridge and the twinkling canvas of the night sky, and a night to explore and discover the vast wonders of the cosmos! Bring your telescope if you have one, or use one of the dozens we’ll have on hand.

Checkmate 101
Wednesdays, June 11 – August 30
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Pier 1
Come learn how to take your chess game to the next level! Best for beginners; limited boards available.

Journey To The Stars
Thursday Evenings, June 19 – Sept 18
Pier 1
The Amateur Astronomers will guide your eyes across the sky as you discover the wonders of the universe.

City Of Water Day
Thursday, July 12
Location and times to be determined
Join us for a celebration of the waterfront, with our free kayaking and seining programs!

VOLUNTEER EVENTS

Green Team
Saturdays, 10:00 am
Pier 1
Join this dedicated corps of volunteers who keep Brooklyn Bridge Park beautiful! The Green Team meets every Saturday to provide essential horticultural care to the park. The Green Team is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature and make the park look its best. Children are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian.

Coastal Clean Up Day
Saturday, September 20, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Pier 1
Team up with thousands of volunteers worldwide to combat pollution in our waterways and along our coastlines. Volunteers will care for our unique coastal environment by cleaning up the park’s beaches, shorelines, and salt marsh. It promises to be a remarkable stewardship experience.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/67225

Hail Freedonia!!

It’s the 15th year for Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Movies with a View which will kick off with the Marx Brothers’ Duck Soup on July 10 on the Harbor View Lawn.

All films this year have an “animal” theme…sorta…

7/10 – Duck Soup
“I’m in a hurry! To the House of Representatives! Ride like fury! If you run out of gas, get ethyl. If Ethel runs out, get Mabel! Now step on it!”
The Marx Brothers take fictional Europe in this Depression-era classic. To stay afloat, the small, bankrupt country of Freedonia must borrow a huge sum of cash from wealthy widow Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont). But there are strings attached to her loan: she insists on replacing the current president with crazy Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) and mayhem erupts. [G] Short: Silo by David Soll

7/17 – Sharknado
Description TBD. [NR]
Short: Phoebe’s Birthday Cheeseburger by Will Lennon

7/24- Fantastic Mr. Fox
“One of those slovenly farmers is probably wearing my tail for a necktie.”
One of Roald Dahl’s classics hits the big screen in Wes Anderson’s quirky, stop-motion animated film. Mr. Fox (voiced by George Clooney) and his thieving ways are threatened by three mean farmers, but his friends, family and neighbors come to his aid. [G] Short: Font Men by Dress Code

7/31 – Beetlejuice
“I’ve seen The Exorcist about a hundred and sixty-seven times, and it keeps gettin’ funnier every time I see it!”
A young couple (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis) lead an idyllic country life until they accidentally drown and become trapped in their old house as ghosts. This ghost couple attempts to scare off a family of cosmopolitan New Yorkers that move into their home, eventually enlisting the help of an insane poltergeist, Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton). A darkly funny vision of the afterlife that made director Tim Burton a household name. [PG] Short: Passer Passer by Louis Morton

8/7 – Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
“Careful Maggie, your claws are showing.”
The Tennessee Williams play comes to life as Maggie (Elizabeth Taylor) and Brick (Paul Newman) duke it out while celebrating his the 65th birthday of his father, Big Daddy (Burl Ives). The temperatures are high, but the tensions are higher in this classic. [PG] Short: Unlocking the Truth by Luke Meyer

8/14 – Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai
“All the rappers, they got names like that: Snoop Doggy Dogg, Ice Cube, Q-Tip, Method Man. My favorite was always Flavor Flav from Public Enemy. He got the funky fresh fly flavor.”
Hip hop, samurai culture, and italian gangsters come together in this oddly quiet action movie by independent spirit Jim Jarmusch. Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) is a reclusive hitman who lives by a strict samurai code. When his mafia employers turn against him, Ghost Dog must go to war against an gang of old-school Italians that simply do not understand his ways. [R] Short: The Roper by Ewan McNicol, Anna Sandilands

8/21 – The Birds
“The very concept is unimaginable. Why, if that happened, we wouldn’t stand a chance! How could we possibly hope to fight them?”
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece of horror, mystery, and slow-burning suspense. A beautiful socialite (Tippi Hedren) visits the sunny town of Bodega Bay, where the weekend’s peace is shattered by a series of inexplicable bird attacks, one more violent than the next. These attacks grow increasingly bigger and more gruesome until the entire town finds itself under siege from above. [PG] Short: Woodhouse by Fred Rowson

8/28 – Public Vote!
As is tradition, Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and Syfy invite the public to vote on the last film of the summer. Stay tuned to www.brooklynbridgepark.org for details throughout the summer.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/67052

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/66448

Brooklyn Bridge Park announced today that it has been named winner of the 2014 National Planning Excellence Award for Urban Design by the American Planning Association. The APA’s statement announcing the award says:

Brooklyn Bridge Park has successfully integrated the Brooklyn waterfront into the fabric of the neighborhood by creating urban nodes at the park’s main entrances and improving access with a new pedestrian bridge. The park was planned with several goals guiding its development, including returning the waterfront edge to the public; creating a multi-use civic space; and connecting with the adjacent neighborhoods.

The statement goes on to say that the Park “has had a transformative impact on the community.”

The Park’s press release includes this statement from Brooklyn Heights Association President Alexandra Bowie:

Since 2009, we have watched a stretch of abandoned piers and uplands below Brooklyn Heights become a world-class park. Visitors can now walk a shade-dappled path through native plants, picnic on a grass lawn with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge, and take in a performance or lecture sitting on the granite steps facing lower Manhattan.

Photo: C. Scales

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/65219

It seems like only yesterday that we welcomed Mark di Suvero‘s Sculpture “Yoga” sculpture to Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 for a limited run of “about a year”. Sure, for the first few weeks many of us thought the thing was totally WHACK (as we believe is the vernacular). But over time, we grew to love it. Kids loved it too.

And now… it’s gone. What a bummer.

Karl Junkersfeld reports:

While taking my daily walk through beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park, to my dismay, Mark di Suvero’s innovative sculpture called “Yoga” was being disassembled and placed on a flatbed truck to be transported to destination unknown. After repeated observations, I am going to miss this wonderful piece of art. Thank you both Mr. di Suvero and Brooklyn Bridge Park for what little time Yoga and I had together. The pleasure was all mine.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/63347

It was announced last week that Midtown Equities had been chosen as the developer for the adaptive re-use of the historic Empire Stores warehouse buildings, which extend along Water Street between Dock and Main streets in DUMBO. There was, however, no immediate announcement of which of the anonymous “team” entries revealed in June was the winning design. We now know that it was “Team 5″ that was chosen, a design by Studio V Architecture for Midtown Equities, which includes a glass arcade at the roof level.
Here’s another view, showing almost the whole building from above. Renderings are by Studio V Architecture, via DUMBO NYC. You can see more renderings at Brownstoner.

Empire Stores already has one announced major tenant, furniture mart West Elm, which will move its store and corporate headquarters there.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/62279

According to the Daily News, Shake Shack will be moving into the spot previously occupied by Pete’s, One Old Fulton Street, at the corner of Old Fulton and Water streets, near the Pier 1 entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park, in the Fulton Ferry Historic District. (The News piece quotes Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti saying he’s moving into DUMBO; we have news for him.) This means Brooklyn Heights will now be bracketed by Shake Shacks: one in downtown Brooklyn and a new one near the foot of Squibb Hill, expected to open in mid-2014.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/61763

Eleven designs were presented to the Brooklyn Bridge Park in June 2013, and team 11, or the Alloy/Monadnock team won. The development at John Street will include new parkland, to include pedestrian bridges over a tidal salt marsh, tree-lined pathways, and a 13,000-square-foot gathering lawn. The 12 story residential building will include 47 apartments and cultural and retail space on the ground floor, to be occupied by the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. The building will comprise a total of 96,440 square feet, 2,650 square feet of ground floor retail and 1,750 square feet of cultural space for the Brooklyn Children’s Museum annex.

More photos at DUMBONYC.

Source: Dumbo NYC
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DumboNyc/~3/y98OAqDYHQw/

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Pop-Up Pool at Pier 2 will open for business on June 27 at 10am. It will be open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM until Labor Day. This is the pool’s second year of operation. Last year, our Karl Junkersfeld took the plunge and filed this video.

A Lizzmonade stand, featuring ARTISANAL lemonade (hey it’s Brooklyn), will be open pool side. Read the full presser here:

BROOKLYN, June 20, 2013 – Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy will be opening the Pop-Up Pool at Pier 2 at 10:00 am on June 27, the same day as all New York City public pools.

The Pool will be open for the second year from 10 am to 6 pm seven days a week through Labor Day and is free to enter. Sized at 30’ by 50’, 3.5 feet deep, the pool is ideal for families. The day is divided into 45-minute swim sessions that begin every hour, on the hour, with a maximum capacity of 60 people per session. Moderately priced learn-to-swim lessons will be available from 8 am to 10 am beginning in July. Children under four feet two inches must be accompanied by an adult.

”Pull out your bathing suits and flip-flops and head down to the park,” said Nancy Webster, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. “With its spectacular waterfront location and beachfront vibe, the pop-up pool is a great location to swim, relax, eat and drink, and enjoy a glorious summer in Brooklyn Bridge Park.”

“We are excited to welcome swimmers back to the Pop-Up Pool,” said Regina Myer, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park. “Summer is almost here and this is a great way to beat the heat.”

The addition of the temporary pool was included in the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding agreed to by the City and State Senator Daniel Squadron, along with Assemblymember Joan Millman, which allowed for continued park progress. Senator Squadron secured $400,000 in state funding for the construction of the $700,000 pool.

“The pool made a huge splash with New York families last summer. And I know things will go just as swimmingly this year,” said Senator Daniel Squadron. “I was proud to secure the pool with Assemblymember Millman as part of our agreement to move the park forward, and to help fund the pool and beach. I look forward to continuing to work together to make the pool a permanent part of the park and expand active recreation.”

“Hooray! Hooray! I am delighted to see the pop up pool reopen at Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Assemblymember Millman. “This wonderful resource is the perfect summer attraction and one of the signature features that makes the park a unique destination for everyone.”

“The opening of the Pop-Up Pool on June 27 in Brooklyn Bridge Park is sure to make a big ‘splash.’ With its own sandy beach and stunning views of the ‘outer borough’ of Manhattan, the East River, and the world-renowned Brooklyn Bridge, there’s no doubt that visitors will be flooding in,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “Thanks to the great work of State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Assemblymember Joan Millman, City Councilmember Steve Levin, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, things are clearly going ‘swimmingly’ in Brooklyn Bridge Park this summer.”

“Support for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Pop-Up Pool is one issue no politician should flip-flop on,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “The return of the Pop-Up Pool gives swimmers the perfect place to hang out in the sun and stay cool – summer fun the way it should be done. Thanks to Regina Myer of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, Nancy Webster of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, Borough President Marty Markowitz, Senator Daniel Squadron, and Assemblymember Joan Millman for bringing back the Pop-Up Pool this summer.”

The area immediately surrounding the pool, which will be serviced by a new concessionaire, Lizzmonade Brooklyn, is bordered by a sandy beach with lounge chairs, picnic tables, and umbrellas where visitors can rest, enjoy snacks, or soak up the sun from 10 am to 11 pm.

Lizzmonade Brooklyn serves fresh, artisanal lemonades that are made to order, and will also offer light, pool-side fare for children and adults. After 6 pm, the lemonades will lend themselves to fresh sangrias, locals craft beers will be on tap, and activities such as trivia and bocce ball will be hosted on-site.

“We think there couldn’t be any more of a perfect fit than Lizzmonade and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Pop-Up Pool,” said Lizzette Pagan, owner of Lizzmonade. “Summer in New York City, a poolside beach and a refreshing fruity lemonade all make for a wonderful setting with friends and family!”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/60300

Back in September 28 2012, the Brooklyn Bridge Park issued a request for proposals to develop the Empire Stores building for the long-term lease, rehabilitation and operation of commercial and retail development in the historic structures (no condos). Submissions were due in December 2012, and 10 proposals were submitted. They were presented to the committee on March 19, 2013. Final selection to be decided this summer 2013.

The building is located within the Fulton Ferry Historic District and eligible for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Empire Stores was closed by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in 2008 after OGS determined that existing building conditions made the building uninhabitable without significant renovations.

The RFP required respondents to submit conceptual plans that demonstrate thoughtful adaptive reuse of the structures, responsiveness to the site design guidelines and a level of design that is on par with the investment made on the part of the public sector.

The full presentation of responses are posted on BrooklynBridgePark.org website. The ten teams presented the following renderings:

(Team 1)

(Team 1)

(Team 2)

(Team 2)

(Team 3)

(Team 3)

(Team 4)

(Team 4)

(Team 5)

(Team 5)

(Team 6)

(Team 6)

(Team 7)

(Team 7)

(Team 8)

(Team 8)

(Team 9)

(Team 9)

(Team 10)

(Team 10)

Which one(s) are your favorite proposals?

Related:
{Brooklyn Bridge Park Issues a Request to Develop Empire Stores, 02Oct2012}
{Empire Stores on Endangered List, 05Dec2008}

Source: Dumbo NYC
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DumboNyc/~3/6WQJOVsJ84w/

Back in December 2012, the Brooklyn Bridge Park issued a request for proposals to develop the 1 John Street, the section of John Street between Adams and Pearl Street of the park for residential development. Con Edison sold the 3.4 acres between John Street and the East River that it has owend for half a century in January 2013. Con Edison says its total investment in the property over the years is about $600,000, but the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation has agreed to pay $9.2 million for it. Revenue from a 96-year lease on the land under the building would help pay for the purchase.

Curbed reported that there are 11 condo designs that were presented with “the stated goals of the project to “enliven the northern entrance of the park,” build “high-quality, visually appealing residential development,” and “seamlessly integrate the park and the surrounding community.” The site allows for a maximum height of 130 feet, up to 130 residential units (101,000 sq ft of residential space), ground floor retail, and up to 110 parking spaces. The winning respondents will be selected this summer.

Which one should the park choose?

(Team 1)

(Team 2)

(Team 3)

(Team 4)

(Team 5)

(Team 6)

(Team 7)

(Team 8)

(Team 9)

(Team 10)

(Team 11)

For full RFP presentation, go to Project Approvals and Presentations, BrooklynBridgePark.org

Source: Dumbo NYC
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DumboNyc/~3/e_ICMXZ5xTg/

United Photo Industries, Photo District News, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Flash Forward Festival have announced the selected Photographers for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Fence, which will be unveiled Thursday June 13, and will be up throughout the summer, leading up to Photoville in the Fall.

Thousands of photos were submitted for the contest, with winners on the Photoville site, in the following categories: people, play, creatures, streets and home.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/59479

As BHB reported in February, Sing for Hope’s outdoor pianos—last seen the summer before last—will return next month to various locations in New York City, including Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1. The project launches June 1 and endures through the 16th, with 88 artist-designed pianos placed in parks & public spaces throughout the city for anyone to sit and plunk away upon.

The piano in BBP was designed by Stefan Sierhej, a cartoonist and freelance artist. It was designed to “look like a piece of white china with blue ornaments, and at the same time have it related to NYC as much as possible by using New York’s iconic images,” he says on Hope’s website.

Sing for Hope is a grassroots group of 1,000+ artists who volunteer “to make art broadly accessible to everyone.”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/59259

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is having “Sunset Ohana,” its 14th annual (which seems to go back to when the Park was still a gleam in some local citizens’ eyes) sunset party at Pier 1 on Thursday, June 6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This year the theme is Hawaiian.

Our little slice of Hawaii on the Brooklyn waterfront will include authentic Hawaiian steel guitars and classic surf music, tasty island treats, luau lawn games, a tropical specialty cocktail, hula sessions, and much more. Be sure to wear your most colorful shirt!

Among the “tasty island treats” will be “spam sliders with green papaya slaw.” Can’t wait! (I’m not kidding.)

More info here and buy tix here. Come and get lei’d!

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/58977

The Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica), of which there are many on Piers 1 and 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, are beginning to bloom (see maps for locations here). So, just like last year, BBP is having a contest for the best bluebell photos. Contest details are here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/58801

BRIC Arts Media and the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy are co-sponsoring a series of three Celebrate Brooklyn! dance parties on Pier 1 the next three Thursday evenings, starting at 7:00 p.m. This Thursday, May 9, the featured act is New Orleans’ Big Sam’s Funky Nation (photo). The NYC Freedom’s DJs will warm things up. Next Thursday, May 16, is an Afro-Cuban dance party with Pedrito Martinez and DJ Nickodemus. The final party, on May 23, is an Old School & Hip-Hop extravaganza with Zapp Band and D-Nice. More details here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/58733

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 has gotten greener, with the opening of a new farmer’s market. Down to Earth, based in Ossining, N.Y., and the manager of some 20 markets in and around New York City, will kick off its BBP locale June 2. The new Pier 6 market will feature a minumum of eight vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables primarily from upstate New York, along with meat, cheese, seafood, honey and baked goods.

Down to Earth spokeswoman Frankie Rowland tells DNAInfo.com, “All data pointed to the fact that this would be a great location for a new market offering fresh food. We think people will really welcome this new addition to the park.” It currently hosts markets in Park Slope and McGolrick Park in Brooklyn and in Manhattan’s Morningside Park, among others.

The farmer’s market will sit alongside the dog run, sand volleyball courts and playground of Pier 6.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/57727

You may recall the lengthy legal battle over the St. Ann’s Warehouse theater’s attempt to build a new performance space inside the 19th century Tobacco Warehouse in the Fulton Ferry Historic District, which led to a court decision holding that the transfer of the Tobacco Warehouse space from Brooklyn Bridge Park had not been done according to law. This legal obstacle has now been overcome by a transfer of new land into the Park in exchange for the Tobacco Warehouse, and St. Ann’s has presented new plans (see image) for a performance space, community room, and lobby to be built inside the roofless shell of the Warehouse. You can read more about the planned new facility and see more images in Theatermania.

The design proposal by St. Ann’s was considered by the Executive Committee of Community Board 2 at its meeting this last week and will go to the full board on May 8.

Note: This post has been modified since original publication.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/57706

As we reported last October, Steve Levin, who represents our district in the City Council, has $1 million in discretionary funds that may be used to bankroll projects in the area. Back then he had a community meeting to solicit ideas; now he has a list of sixteen “viable” projects and is asking constituents to vote this week for up to five of these projects to receive funding. The top vote getters, totalling up to $1 million, will be funded. A list of projects on the ballot is here.

Of the projects listed, several would benefit Brooklyn Heights or the immediate area. One would provide funds for laptops and smartboards at MS 8, which serves local students. Another would improve lighting in the Atlantic Avenue access to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Two others would improve Cadman Plaza Park; one by rehabilitating a presently closed comfort station, and the other by installing weight-based fitness equipment.

To vote you must be a resident of the district and sixteen or older. You must vote in person at a designated polling place, and bring ID proving age and residence. These are the locations and hours of operation of the polling places in this area:

The Moxie Spot, 81 Atlantic Avenue (between Henry and Hicks), today (Monday, April 1) through Saturday, April 6, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Borough Hall, 289 Joralemon Street, Wednesday, April 3, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

PS 8, 37 Hicks Street (between Middagh and Poplar), Friday, April 5, 7:45 to 9:45 a.m.

101 Clark Street Community Room, 101 Clark Street (between Henry and Cadman Plaza West), Sunday, April 7, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/57000

A combined penthouse unit and 3-bedroom 4-bath condo below at One Brooklyn Bridge Park could set a record-breaking residential price tag for Brooklyn Heights. According to a story in the New York Daily News, MNS CEO Andrew Barrocas is close to signing a $9 million contract for the duplex.

One Brooklyn Bridge Park, at 360 Furman Street, is located within Brooklyn Bridge Park across from Pier 6. “If sold, the combined unit would likely go to contract in the $9 million range, a record for a Brooklyn condominium,” reports real estate guru Jason Sheftell in the Daily News. Barrocas notes, “There is someone interested in combining a penthouse and the apartment on the floor below. What this says is the Brooklyn high-end is on fire. Prices are going one way, and that’s up. We’re having lots of bidding wars on the last few apartments left in the building.”

Listed at $4.25 million, one of the units, 1302, offers 2,687sf and a wrap-around terrace with Manhattan skyline views. Developed by RAL Companies, One Brooklyn Bridge is a former Jehovah’s Witness printing plant converted to 449 condo units.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/56906

Manhattan borough president Scott M. Stringer has proposed a beachfront park with kayaking, marshlands and a pedestrian bridge—on the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge—in a plan that appears to mimic many of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s amenities.

Stringer’s East River Blueway Plan, announced Thursday in his State of the Borough speech, calls for a public beach and kayaking directly beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, creation of two boat launches at Stuyvesant Cove at the ends of 20th & 23rd Streets, and installation of marshlands & sea walls in vulnerable flood zones. He also discussed a pedestrian bridge to elevate bike and pedestrian paths over F.D.R. Drive at 14th Street.

The New York Times reports today that the plan involved public meetings with community groups and consultations with seven city and state agencies. Stringer: “We want to open the waterfront from a recreation perspective, but we also want to protect our fragile waterfront by recognizing the reality of storm surges.” Stringer has already pledged $3.5 million in capital funding toward new marshlands.

Brooklyn Bridge Park opened its Boathouse at Pier 1 for kayaking and community rowing last June. Likewise, the much-heralded pop-up pool and BBP “beach” launched last summer on the Pier 2 uplands of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/54977

Run! Catch! Post! Brooklyn Bridge Park is accepting submissions for its “Cutest Dog at the Dog Run” contest, for those who bring their pooches to the BBP dog runs at Main Street and/or Pier 6. One winner at each location will receive a $50 gift certificate to Wag Club.

To enter, submit a jpeg pic of your pup playing at either of the Brooklyn Bridge Park dog runs by Tuesday, January 22 (info@brooklynbridgepark.org with the subject “Cutest Dog at the Dog Run”). Include dog’s name and age in the email, as well as which dog run. Please, one submission per dog, per owner. All entries will be posted on BBP’s Facebook page, and winners will be announced February 5, 2013.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/53628

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/52913

All are invited, and refreshments will be served. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the Brooklyn Bridge Park conservancy at (718) 802-0603.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/52666