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Government

Brooklyn Heights

Councilman Steve Levin Demands Restoration Of G/L Subway Lines

November 5, 2012

City Council Member Steve Levin, whose district includes Brooklyn Heights, is fuming that MTA has not yet restored G and L subway service following Hurricane Sandy. He tells The New York Observer, “Commuters along the G-train deserve the same service and respect that other lines get. And the same goes for the L-train.”

MTA has responded that fixing those lines is “our highest priority,” although it does not expect to restore service until some time this coming week, making these the last lines to resume even partial service.

“What I expect them to do is provide the fullest service possible,” Levin adds. “I expect that my constituents are treated the same as subway riders in every other neighborhood. It is a critical part of the city’s economy.” Levin represents Greenpoint and parts of the waterfront stretching from Williamsburg to Brooklyn Heights and into Park Slope. He is calling for shuttle bus service to help replace the absent trains.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz does not fully agree with Levin’s viewpoint. He says in the story, “The MTA has done a remarkable job of restoring more than 80% of the system under very difficult conditions, and making sure Brooklynites have as many transportation options to and from Manhattan, such as the bus bridge,” according to spokesman Mark Zustovich said. “Additionally, while we understand that the L line is heavily used, restoration of the J train provides at least some service close to Williamsburg and other areas served by the L.”

See more from the Observer story here.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51294

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Health, News

Don’t Go Near the Water

November 1, 2012

We’ve received word from Notify NYC that because flooding has allowed untreated wastewater to flow into local waterways, “direct contact with the Hudson River, East River, New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay and the Kill Van Kull for recreational activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, or any other water activity that would entail possible direct contact with the water should be avoided until further notice.”

This brings to my mind the Beach Boys’ song “Don’t Go Near the Water,” performed when my old Lion’s Head drinking buddy Blondie Chaplin (left in photo above) was with the group. Video of the song after the jump.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50884

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Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Chamber Offers Space For Displaced Member Businesses

October 31, 2012

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has set up a resource guide with information and phone numbers that borough businesses may contact for assistance and emergency loans in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. It is also offering temporary work space at its offices through the end of the year for Chamber members displaced by the storm. The location: 25 Elm Place. Contact the Chamber at 718-875-1000.

Carlo A. Scissura, Chamber President & CEO, says, “If Chamber members need help filling out applications, do not hesitate to come to our offices or call us. Together we can help businesses rebuild bigger and better and continue to make Brooklyn the wonderful place we all know it is.”


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50819

From the Web

84th Precinct Hurricane Advisory

October 29, 2012

Capt. Maximo Tolentino, new Commanding Officer of the 84th Precinct, has released this advisory:

1340 Hours: In connection with hurricane Sandy, staffing at the 84th Precinct has been consolidated into 2-12 hour tours, allowing for better coverage during this emergency. Since yesterday, 0700 hours, 84 Precinct personnel have been continuously visiting all areas looking for dangerous conditions and taking corrective action as necessary. Residential and commercial locations located in Zone “A” have all been visited. Public announcements directing an evacuation are also being made and recommended. There is 1 shelter, located at 285 Jay Street, confines of the 84th Precinct, that is currently housing approximately 35 people. There is room for upwards of 600 People. All critical care patients have been visited. If you elect not to evacuate, I recommend that for the duration of the storm that you stay indoors. Any emergency should be called into 911. Stay dry- stay safe.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50259

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News

D.I. Mark DiPaolo Leaving 84th Precinct Command for New Assignment

October 23, 2012

Deputy Inspector Mark DiPaolo, who has served as Commanding Officer of the 84th Precinct for the past four years, is being reassigned by the NYPD to command the 90th Precinct, in Williamsburg. His successor at the 84th will be Captain Maximo Tolentino.

D.I. DiPaolo offered these parting words:

Though I am excited about the challenges and tasks of [my new] assignment , I would be remiss in not admitting that I will miss the Precinct and community that I have called home for the last four years. I would like to thank all the members of the community for their past cooperation and help in reducing crime. I will miss the bonds and relationships that were formed. I truly appreciated the partnership created that is needed to be successful in running a Police Precinct. I would sincerely like to thank members of the community for the their sympathy and support during the tragic event that took the life of P.O. Alain Schaberger.

In closing, I am comforted by the fact that the 84th Precinct is getting a great choice in Captain Maximo Tolentino as its new Commanding Officer. I have no doubt that with the assistance of Precinct personnel and this wonderful community there will be continued success in our goal to always make this community a safer place to work and live.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49622

From the Web

Council Member Levin Wants Your Advice on How to Spend $1 Million

October 17, 2012

City Council Member Stephen Levin has a kitty of $1 million in “discretionary capital funding” to spend in his district, which includes Brooklyn Heights, and he’s asking his constituents for advice on how to spend it. So, he’s called a meeting fro Wednesday evening, October 17 (by the time you read this, that probably means “this evening”) from 6:00 to 9:00, at St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, to hear your ideas.

According to the Brooklyn Heights Association:

Examples of the type of eligible project that might result from the participatory budgeting effort are: buying new library collections, new playground equipment for a park, computers for schools, a school or community space renovation, new street furniture (trash cans, benches, bike racks, street lamps), public art, intersection safety improvements.

The “viable” projects that come from this and similar assemblies will be put on a ballot, and all residents of the council district 16 or older will be allowed to vote on them. Those receiving the most votes, up to a total of $1 million, will be assured of a place on the City’s forthcoming capital budget to be adopted next spring.


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/49334

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News

Cobble Hill Association’s Fall General Meeting: Monday, October 29

October 16, 2012

The Cobble Hill Association will hold its Fall General Meeting on Monday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m., at Long Island College Hospital, 339 Hicks Street. Two guest speakers will be present: John F. Williams, MD, EdD, MPH and the new President of SUNY Downstate Medical Center; and Tony Lewis, new CEO of the Cobble Hill Health Center.

CHA notes, “As always, there are many items to discuss in the neighborhood, from recently approved extended hours in our local park to safety enhancements on our local streets to ongoing repairs to our beloved Christ Church. For updates on these items as well as a presentation from representatives of Long Island College Hospital, please join us. All are welcome!”


Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7918

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News

Cobble Hill Residents Request Later Park Closure To Avoid Parking Tickets

October 15, 2012

Neighborhood residents are calling for a pushback on the closing time of Cobble Hill Park in an effort to reduce traffic tickets, following what the Brooklyn Paper deems “a mini-ticket blitz that (leaves) late-night visitors facing costly summonses.” A burgeoning group is fighting to extend the park’s curfew from 9 to 10 p.m. amid complaints that cops are issuing $250 tickets for “harmless after-hours activities,” bounded by Congress, Clinton & Henry streets and Verandah Place.

Community Board 6 recently met with members of the Cobble Hill Association to discuss the issue, insisting that later hours for the park would decrease the number of superfluous summonses. Detective Paul Grudzinski of the 76th Precinct counters, “We’re not looking to storm in 5 minutes after closing, then start writing tickets, but we have to enforce the rules fairly and across the board”—although he said that he supports the later curfew, which would also put the park in line with nearby Carroll Park’s hours. Read the full Brooklyn Paper story here. (Photo: Chuck Taylor)


Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7903

From the Web

Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 Meeting: Wednesday, September 12

September 7, 2012

Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 will hold its next general meeting Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the third-floor auditorium of The Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Avenue at St. Felix Street. The meet will include presentations from Dr. Richard Becker, President & CEO of The Brooklyn Hospital; and Dr. Stacy De-Lin, with the Committee of Residents and Interns at the Save Our Safety Net Campaign. Other items include the Chairperson’s Report from John Dew, District Manager’s Report from Robert Perris, as well as an Open Session for community issues.


Source: Cobble Hill Blog
http://cobblehillblog.com/archives/7816

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Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights ‘Signs’ Off On DOT’s Mixed-Case Lettering Mandate

August 16, 2012

Street signs in Brooklyn Heights will soon be following the letter of the law. The Federal Highway Administration has mandated that your tax dollars be spent on replacing 250,000 capital-letter street signs in New York City with mixed-case—specifically utilizing a condensed version of the Clearview typeface (licensed as ClearviewHwy).

So far, about 11,000 street name signs have been replaced around NYC’s five boroughs to meet national standards in typography and surface reflectivity, according to The New York Times—including some along Brooklyn Heights’ Montague Street. Brown historical signs will maintain their color.

Clearview was created in the 1990s by designers Donald Meeker and James Montalbano, working with the Thomas D. Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. “With its crisp, clean design, Clearview represents exactly what its name suggests,” says city transportation commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “Whether through signs, markings or sidewalks, we’re bringing clarity and simplicity to street design.”

Developer Montalbano recalls about two years ago crossing the East River from Brooklyn—where he lives—coming off the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing a sign for “Chinatown” with an arrow in Clearview. About a month ago, he also noticed Clearview signs on Montague Street in the Heights. “It’s very exciting,” he told NY Times. “We’ve been working on this project for a very long time.”

A number of the new signs replace those scheduled for routine maintenance, as well as when streets are under repair or reconstruction. “But sometimes, the new signs appear to have replaced perfectly serviceable older signs with all-uppercase lettering,” the Times notes, which has meant of tirade of criticism directed toward the Highway Administration, an agency of the federal Department of Transportation. As a result, DOT has since eased or eliminated some 46 deadlines and/or mandates for dutiful compliance.

(Graphic/New York Times)


Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45877

From the Web