In case you missed it, there are other Brooklynites besides a few (gasp!) NIMBY’s in Brooklyn Heights and other brownstone neighborhoods who are not only against Citi Bike Share (which launches this Monday) but have managed to keep the kiosks out of their neighborhood completely. Bike foes meet your new friends in the “Black Hat Hole”:

NYDN: CitiBike launches Monday with dozens of rental kiosks dotting the landscape throughout the gentrified sections of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights and Clinton Hill — but nary a single location in the part of South Williamsburg dominated by Hasidic Jews, who have opposed at every turn the Bloomberg Administration’s efforts to increase cycling.
“They put the racks where they are going to be used,” said Community Board 1 member Simon Weiser, who hashed out kiosk locations with the Department of Transportation. “Look at the Hasidic community. No one rides a bike here.”
It’s not just low ridership that created the so-called “black hat black hole” in the bike share plan, but outright hostility to cyclists.

Hasidic spokesperson Isaac Abraham adds that if bike share kiosks are every placed too close to their neighborhood, “We will put baby carriages there. We will make a baby carriage lane.”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/59307

On Monday evening, May 6, the Brooklyn Heights Association, the Park Slope Civic Council, and several other neighborhood civic groups, are co-sponsoring a Mayoral Candidates’ Forum to be held at Congregation Beth Elohim, 274 Garfield Place (at Eighth Avenue), from 7:00 to 9:00. All interested voters are invited, and no RSVP is necessary. You may submit questions for the candidates to Google Moderator. All mayoral candidates announced to date–Sal Albanese, Adolfo Carrion, John Catsimatidis, Bill de Blasio, Joe Lhota, John Liu, George McDonald, Christine Quinn, and Bill Thompson–have been invited.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/57793

Following the reopening of Red Hook’s Fairway Market March 1—which was all but wiped out by October’s Hurricane Sandy—there’s more good news for the borough. Heights locals looking to hop the R train for Coney Island’s seasonal goodies now have an official green light. Last Sunday, the Luna Park rides reopened, after being washed over with 5 feet of seawater.

The BK Chamber of Commerce shares that “Coney Island’s colorful rides only just emerged from an extensive rehabilitation. Workers were still finishing the repairs when families began to crowd the entrances on Sunday morning.”

Alberto Zamperla, CEO of the firm that operates Luna Park, tells the New York Times, which covered the reopening, “Our commitment after the hurricane, from Day 1, was to be ready on time for this event.” The rehab included everything from replacing electrical systems to dumping go-carts brined in seawater.

In attendance for opening day were state Senator Charles E. Schumer and Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz.

Luna is one of two privately owned amusement parks that opened in Coney Island on Sunday. Much more in the NYT story.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/56753

The 10th anniversary of Dine in Brooklyn week launches Monday through the 21st, with 200 area restaurants serving prix-fixe dinner for $28, lunch for $20.13 and 2-4-1 deals.

Among Brooklyn Heights destinations, the following are on the menu… It is recommended you call and mention “Dine In” to find out specials and make reservations. Bon Appetit!

Armando’s (718-624-7167)
Bevacco (718-624-1444)
Caffé Buon Gusto (718-624-3838)
Chez Moi (347-227-8337)
Heights Cafe (718-625-5555)
Queen Ristorante (718-596-5955)
Asya Indian Restaurant (718-858-6700)
Atlantic Chip Shop (718-855-7775)
Shuk (718-522-4500)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/56131

Downtown Brooklyn’s Shake Shake inarguably changed the face & fortunes of the once-sagging Fulton Mall, convincing many Heights residents to cross Court Street for the first time in years (decades?). Since its December 2011 opening, the burger joint has led to a renaissance, bringing the likes of Starbucks, Brooklyn Industries, H&M, Century 21, Gap, Seattle’s Best, TJ Maxx, Raymour & Flannigan… and on and on…

Union Square Hospitality Group has confirmed a second Shake Shack in Brooklyn this fall at 170 Flatbush Avenue, across from the 18,200-seat Barclays Center, which BHB first tipped in September.

Grub Street reports that the chain is expanding this year in London and Istanbul, and may be coming to the Upper West Side, in addition to Manhattan locations in Madison Square Park and Midtown.

In a press release, Shack Shack acclaims its “modern day roadside” burger stand known for all-natural burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more.” CEO Randy Garutti says, “Our second Brooklyn location will be directly across from the Barclays Center and plant us firmly within walking distance of several neighborhoods from Park Slope to Fort Greene. New York City is our hometown, and the Shack will be the place where New Yorkers can come together to celebrate the best of Brooklyn’s thriving culture, sports and entertainment.” (Photo: Brownstoner)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55254

Mallory Hagan, a 23-year-old Brooklyn resident by way of Alabama, was crowned Miss America 2013 on Saturday, January 12. Miss New York, who resides in nearby Park Slope, attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, and her platform issue is child sexual abuse prevention. Read more on the Cobble Hill Blog.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/53902

The MTA announced this morning that the G train has returned, albeit with “with extended waits between trains due to ongoing signal repairs,” according to Curbed. The train will have eight cars, up from its usual four, so it’s actually the size of a regular train. It is running between Court Square and Church Avenue.

City Council Member Steve Levin, whose district includes Greenpoint and parts of the waterfront stretching from Williamsburg to Brooklyn Heights and into Park Slope, raised sand Monday that G and L subway service had not yet returned following Hurricane Sandy. He told 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.”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51481

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

New York City Marathon officials continue to check damage caused by Hurricane Sandy before deciding what impact the storm will have on the race, scheduled this Sunday, November 4. Mayor Bloomberg said Tuesday the race will “go on as normal, as of now,” although he will continue to discuss logistics with city & marathon officials before a final decision. According to the Marathon website, “We will keep all options open with regard to making adjustments necessary to race day & race weekend events,” with updates as info becomes available.

The 26.2-mile course begins in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island and—while it does not enter Brooklyn Heights—it grazes the neighborhood past Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush close to Downtown Brooklyn, before heading down Lafayette toward Clinton Hill, Williamsburg and into Manhattan over the Queensboro Bridge, finishing in Central Park. See the route here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50779

Fantastic fun! A tilt-shift film shot in Brooklyn by German filmmaker Joerg Daiber. Below the jump, check out the locations in Brooklyn Bridge Park (heavily featured), Downtown, DUMBO, Brooklyn’s Main Public Library, Grand Army Plaza and Coney Island. Read details of the “making of” here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/46727

Crime has caved 78% in the 84th Precinct over the last two decades and 10% over the past year, according to the 84th Precinct Community Council—comprising the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, DUMBO and Vinegar Hill. An all-out celebration of safety was held Tuesday at Borough Hall for the 29th-annual “National Night Out Against Crime,” which builds relationships between cops and the communities they police.

Leslie Lewis, president of the 84th Precinct Council for 22 years, told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “We’re here to celebrate the success of the partnership between the community and the police. When this all started, it was too dangerous to walk around at night; nobody was on the streets. Now there are people on the streets, development everywhere. It’s a very different world. Because of the success of the partnership, developers started to spend money and encourage people to move here. It’s directly related.”

Cops from the 84th precinct grilled up hundreds of burgers and hotdogs at Tuesday’s celebration, with Deputy Inspector Mark Di Paolo serving as ringleader. He told the Eagle, “When it first began in 1984, this was a night where the community came out to feel safe, not victimized. Now, 29 years later, it’s more to celebrate how this partnership brought safety to the community.”

Crime is down 10% in the 84th Precinct overall this year, and down 5% in robberies, 22% in felony assault, and 60% in stolen cars.

Judy Stanton, executive director of the Brooklyn Heights Association, told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle that the 84th Precinct “is very responsive to local community needs as well as keeping a handle on the bigger issues in the precinct—terror targets, the bridge, etc. They give equal attention to big and little stuff.”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/45411

Pier 1 Imports has signed a lease for a space just beyond Brooklyn Heights at 252 Atlantic Avenue and Boerum Place, a block past Court Street. The home furnishings chain will set up shop in a new two-story commercial building called Atlantic Galleria, along with gym chain Retro Fitness. It’s the retailer’s first location in Brooklyn. Read more on the Cobble Hill blog here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44331

A group created by the American soft drink industry is fighting back against NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s latest Nanny State mandate: to ban sugar sodas larger than 16 ounces at restaurants, movie theaters and street carts. New Yorkers for Beverage Choices has been sending its message out across the city—including the local Regal/United Artists movie theater in Brooklyn Heights.

An article in The New York Times highlights efforts coordinated by the industry and several national movie theater chains in what is likely to be a major PR campaign against the ban’s insistence that adults cannot make their own decisions. On July 4th, an airborne banner flew along the Rockaways and Coney Island beaches, saying: “NO DRINK 4 U.” Likewise, at a Battery Park AMC movie theater, ushers, ticket-takers & concession workers wore T-shirts with the message, “I picked out my beverage all by myself.” And on the marquee outside the Regal Theater in Brooklyn Heights was a call to arms: “Say No to the NYC Ban.”

Bloomberg spokesman Stu Loeser insists the the city’s Board of Health “make(s) decisions about public health based on science.” That’s simply not true: All members of New York’s Board of Health are personally appointed by Mayor Bloomberg, insuring that the deck—and the vote—are stacked in his favor. Bloomberg’s latest war on fun looks to ban the sale of any cup or bottle of sweetened drink larger than 16 fluid ounces. The Board will vote on the mandate following a July 24 public hearing.

New Yorkers for Beverage Choices will continue its efforts, including high-flying airplane banners at area beaches again this weekend. And inside the Heights theater on Court Street, movie-goers can sign a petition against the mayor’s plan. Information cards and posters will also be displayed in United Artists and AMC venues. AMC spokesman Ryan Noonan notes, “We are bewildered by the proposal to choose an ineffective gimmick to address a critical health issue.”

(Photo: New York Times)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/43705

As progress on Brooklyn Bridge Park continues to ease forward—however controversial—other areas of Brooklyn are apparently not as fortunate. City officials admit that two stalled North Brooklyn parks will likely see little to no progress before Mayor Bloomberg’s term runs out in November 2012, because funding was allocated to other projects.

A long-promised waterfront recreation area in Williamsburg’s Greenpoint and a planned open space at Bushwick Inlet Park are both at risk of simply never materializing. The Brooklyn Paper reports that two top Bloomberg aides deflected a barrage of questions from Brooklyn council members over the projects, refusing to estimate when or if they might be completed, citing budget constraints. Parks Assistant Commissioner Joshua Laird: “We don’t have a bottomless pit of money. It’s just not possible to acquire property. The city has an obligation to its taxpayers.”

Open space advocates counter that the city also has an obligation to North Brooklyn after approving a controversial rezoning of 200 industrial blocks in Williamsburg and Greenpoint seven years ago in exchange for a commitment to build hundreds of affordable housing units, a mile-long esplanade abutting the East River and several new parks. Instead, a number of luxury residential towers have risen along the river’s edge.

For Bushwick Inlet Park, the city has only acquired half of the required lots to begins its buildout, while city budget planners reallocated $13 million of the $14 million intended for that park’s development for other projects. Bloomberg aides claim the city could raise funds by selling air rights to developers around adjacent commercial properties to fund the park.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42746

Coming this Saturday, June 16, is the Atlantic Avenue Extravaganza, 1-5 p.m., from the BQE entrance to Fourth Avenue. The event is designed to draw shoppers, foodies, families and art lovers to the sidewalks of the thoroughfare with a lineup of special events, performances, tastings and games in the name of making all more aware of Atlantic Ave’s burgeoning commerce, culture and community.

More details on our sister Cobble Hill Blog here. The Extravaganza is sponsored by the Atlantic Ave. Business Improvement District.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42352

While Heights’ residents have rightfully bitched about stepping in, jogging past or catching a waft of an irresponsible dog owner’s pooch’s poop on sidewalks and streets, the Sunday New York Post offers advice about dogs that become aggressive when they come bum to butt with other hounds. Two local Brooklyn experts are among those that weigh in.

John Squires, owner of Wag Club, a doggie day-care and grooming facility in the Heights, recommends that if your bitch gets bitchy, carefully “grab hold of the aggressor from behind, by the hips or back legs, and pull up so he’s on his front two paws. It will put him off-balance and make him look back to find out what’s going on.”

Cobble Hill’s Dr. Brett Levitzke, medical director at the Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group, adds to use caution: “Remember the natural instinct of the dog attacking is to follow, so you’re just bringing them close to you.” He also notes that “the biggest mistake people make is to reach in and try and grab their dog, but they can be bitten by the other dog or even their own dog in the heat of the fight.”

There’s more advice in the article from other Brooklyn experts, including Fort Greene’s Shannon Le Brun, founder of Waggy Walkers Pet Services.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/42132

The closing of a supermarket is always an unexpected phenomenon, particularly when they provide the neighborhood with one of its core services. In Brooklyn Heights, Montague Street’s Key Food has been around for decades… Can you imagine the neighborhood without it? (Gristede’s: uh, personal opinion, yes).

On June 30, the Key Food on Prospect Avenue in Windsor Terrace is closing its doors—to be replaced by pharmacy mega-chain Walgreens—and Marty Markowitz is not happy about it. According to the Windsor Terrace-Kensington Patch, a deal was finalized last week following the retirement of the grocery’s 80-year-old majority owner. Some 50 employees are now out of a job.

The Key Food closing is so dramatic for the region that Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is weighing in: He calls it “a terrible blow to local residents left with few to no options for one-stop shopping access to quality, affordable food. It’s extremely difficult to compete with major drug store chains and banks that are over-populating neighborhoods.” See his full statement below.

The closing of Key Food on Prospect Avenue in Windsor Terrace strikes a terrible blow to local residents who are left with few to no options for one-stop shopping access to quality, affordable food. While I’m a firm believer in free enterprise, the unfortunate reality is that when it comes to buying, renting or leasing these locations, it’s extremely difficult to compete with major drug store chains and banks that, one could argue, are over-populating neighborhoods that are under-populated with full service supermarkets.

My office has long advocated for food justice and better access to supermarkets and fresh, nutritious foods in our most underserved neighborhoods, and this is a troubling reminder of why that fight has to continue. In fact, efforts will be made to convince Walgreens to provide a green grocer/fresh fruits and vegetables sub-tenancy or green market stall in Windsor Terrace as it has done in Bay Ridge and at other locations across the country to complement the limited food selection at their stores.

I have spoken with the president of Key Food Stores Co-op, Inc. and it’s my expectation they will make every effort to determine if another suitable site can be found to serve the residents affected by the loss of the Windsor Terrace supermarket.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/41615