Clark Street Subway Elevators Useless

Having taken the 2,3 several times from Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights, I always wondered if there was another way out of the subway station to the street level aside from the three elevators. In the summer it's hot and disgusting, and you're forced to smoosh into the freight elevator with 20 other people.

A new report claims the elevators have broken down 400 times over the past 2 years, not to mention that fact that passengers have been trapped in the broken down elevators more than 20 times. According to the same article on the report, there is an 80 ft staircase but it's mostly used in emergencies.

I think an escalator is in order for Clark St station, along with a general clean up initiative. The station itself is disgusting and gives a horrible first impression of Brooklyn Heights.

Pigfest!

I came across a press release that was posted in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle about the upcoming Brooklyn Brewery event being held on May 12 in the Empire Fulton-Ferry State Park to benefit the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.

The festival is scheduled from 1-6 p.m. and will feature beer (no doubt!) from Brooklyn Brewery, in addition to live music and slow-cooked barbecue at the park’s Tobacco Warehouse (corner of Water and Dock streets in DUMBO).

Aptly named Pigfest, the team will be slow-cooking whole hogs, pork shoulder, chicken and delicious BBQ side dishes. Live music will be performed throughout the afternoon by The Cobble Hillbillies.

Tickets are $75 in advance through brooklynbrewery.com or $85 at the door, if available.

I Blog, Therefore I am Yuppie

From the NYT.com today:

"One Web site’s survey of the prevalence of blogs in urban neighborhoods found a link between gentrification and the number of people who feel compelled to think out loud about the changes in their backyards. The site, Outside.in, crowned Clinton Hill in Brooklyn as the most blogged-about neighborhood in America. Also on the top 10 list were Harlem; Shaw in Washington; downtown Los Angeles; Newton, Mass.; and Rogers Park/North Howard in Chicago."

"In Clinton Hill, Jonathan Butler, the publisher of Brownstoner, did not take his blogging title too seriously. 'This either means we’ve got a lot of creative, community-minded people in the neighborhood or a lot of recluses with too much time on their hands,' he wrote in an e-mail message."

DUMBO wasn't on the list -- yet.

My father asked me this weekend: "Why do you do this blog thing?" I can't explain it, I have a vested interest in my neighborhood and the community at large, and I'm in the communications business. It was a natural fit I guess.

Street Necrology of Brooklyn from Forgotten NY

Interesting site I found by way of Brooklyn Ramblings. It's called Forgotten NY and it offers insight into how street names have changed in areas like Brooklyn Heights, Red Hook and Cobble Hill. For example, what is now Atlantic Avenue used to be called District St.

The site also offers a lot of historical facts about streets we all know. Like how Montague Street was "originally named for the family of local landowner Hezekiah Pierrepont's wife, the name was changed to Montague in honor of Lady Mary Montague, a British author and member of the Pierrepont family." Previously it was named Constable St.

Definitely worth a browse!

Carla's Closets

For some reason I have failed to blog about my friend Carla, the brains behind Carla's Closets. I've known Carla since high school (yes we go way back) and she does some amazing work for her clients.

We've all been there -- a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. That's where Carla comes into the picture. With a strong background in fashion, she will come to you and help you streamline your wardrobe to elimate what doesn't work.

Once you've done some editing together (trust me, it's very theraputic), Carla will help you learn how to mix and match, layer, accessorize and do your body the most justice – with what you already own. During this process, she will take photos, which will be turned into a swatch book, so it is easier for you to remember what looked good and what works with what.

And then you'll have more room for stuff that works for your body. If you're interested, check out her Web site, or get in touch.

She'll even do a free consultation.

unCOMMon GRounDS

I wasn't able to attend last night, but the folks at unCOMMon GRounDS had what sounds like a great comedian that some of you may know from Last Comic Standing, Michele Balan.

Michele Balan was one of the four finalists on NBC’s 2006 “Last Comic Standing,” and she is "The Last Woman Comic." She was also voted one of the “Top 10 Comics” by Backstage Magazine in 2004. Balan is known as a brash, New York Stand-up comedian who has performed on Comedy Central as well as in top comedy clubs, theatres, festivals and on cruises all over the country.

I am a day late in posting, but Chris from Uncommon Grounds said that anyone who RSVPs with the below e-mail and mentions my blog will get the cover waived (thanks Chris!!!).

Unfortunately, I was a day late in posting so to those of you who actually read my blog, I'm sorry. I'm sure Chris will be kind enough to extend the same offer in the near future.

Also, I noticed on their Web site that interested artists can get in touch to potentially showcase their art on the walls of unCOMMon GRounDS (art (at) uncommonbrooklyn (dot) com).

57 Front Street, DUMBO

I have always been really curious about this property, 57 Front Street, especially now that its on the same block as the now infamous novo clutch building (which dumbonyc did a nice historical overview of btw). I can sort of see into the apts from my apt at 70 Washington and the units look really spacious, lofty and new.

I was poking around on the Corcoran Web site and came across a listing. From the photos posted (see photos at left), looks like all my assumptions were correct -- the units are very clean, open and nicely finished. There is a new gym (according to the pics) and the unit has river views as well, something I couldn't tell from over here. The only drawback seems to be the communal laundry room.

Brooklyn Industries F&F Sale

In my last post, I mentioned that I really like Brooklyn Industries. I got an e-mail about their Friends & Family sale. My friend used to work there and I think that's how I got on their list. Considering how much these types of sale codes get sent around, I'm sure they won't mind if I also spread the love. It's not like hundreds of people read my blog everyday anyway :-) (I can only hope!)

Anyhoo... I did like this t-shirt (notice DUMBO is on the map!). Between Wed 4/25 and Sun 4/29 you can save 20% online by entering FRIEND407 at checkout. Have fun!

Parsons Design Contest for BK Industries

I am a big fan of Brooklyn Industries and think their clothing is unique. I think it's great that they are very in tune with the local community on so many levels.

I just read that BK Industries will soon begin selling limited edition t-shirts created by Parsons Illustration students and commissioned by Brooklyn Industries. The t-shirts will be sold at the Brooklyn Industries store and via www.brooklynindustries.com

Initial Line-up Announced for Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

HipHopdx.com reports that Ghostface Killah will headline The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival along with Big Daddy Kane, Lupe Fiasco, Consequence, Skillz, Tanya Morgan and Rhymefest. The festival is set to take place in June (7, 14, 21, 22 and 23).

Update: Uncommon Grounds - Jazz Events Tonight

I spoke with someone at Uncommon Grounds and there is an event tonight that is open to the public. The invite only events are dedicated for those involved in the development of the space, vendors, laborers and their guests. The goal is to perfect the events before asking the public to pay.

The recipe must be successful as there are two Jazz shows tonight (8:30 and 10:00) and the $15 pp. cover includes 2 courses of small plates or desserts and unlimited wine bar during the show. You can reserve here or by phone at 718.243.2402.

I would love to go but can't make tonight's event. If someone else goes, please let me know how it is.

Update: Uncommon Ground - Jazz Events Tonight

I spoke with someone at Uncommon Ground and there is an event tonight that is open to the public. The invite only events are dedicated for those involved in the development of the space, vendors, laborers and their guests. The goal is to perfect the events before asking the public to pay.

The recipe must be successful as there are two Jazz shows tonight (8:30 and 10:00) and the $15 pp. cover includes 2 courses of small plates or desserts and unlimited wine bar during the show. You can reserve here or by phone at 718.243.2402.

I would love to go but can't make tonight's event. If someone else goes, please let me know how it is.

UNCOMMON GROUNDS

I haven't been yet, but Brooklyn Heights blog reports on a new coffee shop at the corner of Cranberry and Henry that is called Uncommon Grounds. The business Web site says the "founders of Uncommon Grounds were some of these early coffee pioneers, and in the beginning the coffee was roasted in an old peanut roaster down on the Brooklyn waterfront." Pretty cool.


In any case, they are hosting a series of "invitation only" music and comedy events.

Brooklyn Whale Goes to Sea in the Sky

According to CBS News, the baby (3,500 to 5,000 lbs) Minke whale that was swimming around the Brooklyn bay dies yesterday after swimming aimlessly in its waters for two days. It was pulled out with the help of two police divers.

Cute Brooklyn Gear

This cute Brooklyn bag came through my DailyCandy e-mail and thought it was super cute. Enjoy!

David Walentas Stirring Up Trouble

I can't attend the Landmark hearing today, but I do hope it goes through.

Rumors of a plan by David Walentas of Two Trees to build on Front Street is causing heartburn for some of the 70 Washington Residents, including myself. According to dumbonyc.com, "his first attempt to build a tall building on this site in 2004 failed due to opposition from community residents."

What's strange is that he would be cannibalizing his own customers who live at 70 Washington. The proposed building would truncate our views of the bridge and significantly impact the value of the property. I guess he doesn't care now that we've all paid for the condos and the loss would be our issue to deal with. I certainly hope this isn't the case.

It would be the old Novo Clutch building, which commenters on dumbonyc.com say recently saw the "illegal removal of dangerous asbestos as well on the roof to prep for the 'cheaper' demolition of the Nova Clutch building. Without informing the public, the airborne microscopic asbestos particles due to this inappropriate removal have unnecessarily exposed the local residents unknowingly."

Spa in DUMBO

I have been meaning to try out a spa in DUMBO that is off the beaten path. I found out about it from someone in my building and dumbonyc has posted a review from CitySearch about the spa. Called Pretty Inside, it's located on the second floor of 147 Front Street. I can't wait to try it although I agree the services are a bit on the high side, although still very comparable to Bliss. One spa I really like in the city is Oasis, but I prefer the 32nd and Park location. Definitely great for massages and somewhere your husband will feel comfortable going to as well.

Getting in Touch with My new Polish Side

Having married into a Polish family (well half Polish) I naturally wanted to try some Polish food. When my friend was here a few weeks ago, we all went to Greenpoint (naturally) to try some authentic food. My husband had been to a place last year called Krolewskie Jadlo ("King's Feast) with his father, who immigrated here a long time ago from Warsaw and gave his stamp of approval.

It's a neat little place, very small and very understaffed. But you get the sense that grandma is the only one in the back cooking your food, so you can't complain. The food is very inexpensive and the portions are large so definitely go hungry. The Polish plate was I think $8 and you get pierogies, kielbasa, potato pancakes and something else that was basically meat wrapped in cabbage. All very good - just can't remember the name.

Definitely stop in sometime ...
694 Manhattan Avenue,
between Nassau and Norman,
Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY 11222,
tel: 718 383 8993

Summer Concerts

It's gross, cold and rainy today so naturally my mind has drifted to thoughts of summer. I was reading brooklynvegan who has a bunch of concert information up for this summer. I used to really be big into electronic music, DJs and such, but have fallen out of that scene. Although it could be interesting to go see Paul Van Dyk at summer stage this year. Hmmm... also I would be interested to see Daft Punk at Coney Island. I heard this is the last year it will be open to the public and will be torn down to make condos. I have no idea if that is really going to happen, but that's the rumor. I also like some of Manu Chao's songs, but I don't know if it's enough to pay to see the concert.

Brooklyn Social

Anyone been here?

Parrots in Brooklyn

From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Pretty cool.

Wild South American parrots are seen, with pigeon “friends,” near Brooklyn College. The parrots have actually been roosting in the borough for decades, after most likely escaping from shipments from Argentina in the 1960s or ’70s.

Whole Foods Brooklyn

I feel like I may be the last one to know this, but there is a Whole Foods being built in Brooklyn that is set to open this Fall. I am so excited!!!

Brooklyn
Whole Foods Market
220 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY
52,000 sq. ft.
Opening date to be announced.

Rikers Going to Burst

Apparently Rikers is overflowing with prisoners and wants Brooklyn to help take the load off. I am sure the new developments in Downtown BK will love this. For those of you who don't know where the Brooklyn Dept of Correction is, it's on Atlantic Avenue on the way to Target.

Bon Jovi Comes to BK

Bon Jovi hits BK by picking up a hammer and pitching in to help Habitat for Humanity.

"On Tuesday, along with volunteers and money from Delta Airlines, the group committed to build two Habitat projects in Brooklyn -- affordable housing for working families in need. Delta recently donated $750,000 to the Bon Jovi-Habitat effort."