Archive for ‘FYI’

Update on Vehicular Safety Meeting for PS 29

By Tobey, 8 February, 2012, 1 Comment

Last week, we showed you the result of some seriously bad driving on Kane St., near PS 29. And Monday night, residents gathered to discuss how to slow drivers down in the neighborhood. Maureen Hogan, who hosted the meeting in her home, sent me just a few details to share–and she seems optimistic that something will be done to make the area safer for everyone. Though I couldn’t be there myself, here’s what was discussed:

Chris Hrones from the DOT, presented several options, and a subgroup is planning to apply for Speed Bumps, as well as exploring the potential for other traffic calming measures. he also explained the concept of “Slow Zones” (a program that reduces speed limits from 30 mph to 20 mph and adds safety measures, such as speed bumps, within a select area), which might be a good long range goal.

Both Hrones and Paul Grudzinsky from the 76th Pct. were well versed in the many problems in our area, especially on Hicks St and various Court St “problem areas” and were very receptive to discussion of problems immediately around the school and along Kane , Clinton, Baltic and Congress streets, which suffer from motorists that drive inappropriately for circumstances.

There was a general agreement that some measures are needed to prevent future tragedy, and a willingness from our representatives and elected officials and the Police dept to work towards some measures that will accomplish this.

Hicks St traffic calming studies are already underway, but the DOT might try in short term to put up a “your speed is” radar sign, and more signage. The timing of lights requires more research.

Now, we wait, and hope some of these issues will be addressed. In the meantime, you may not want to park your car at any corners!

Traffic Safety Meeting Planned in Cobble Hill

By Tobey, 31 January, 2012, 3 Comments

Quick update on our post from earlier in the week. We received this email from Maureen Hogan, we THINK the owner of that totaled Volvo on Kane and Henry St. If you’d like your say about traffic safety, you may want to stop by 155 Kane St next Monday, 6 Feb @7pm.

Meeting to discuss need for traffic calming on our roads around PS 29.
We will have a representative from the DOT: Christopher Hrones, and P.O. Paul Grudzinski from 76Pct.
Please spread the word, and ask people to bring specifics about accidents and near misses that they have witnessed, as the classification of accidents as “side swipes” or “disobeying of traffic lights” does not tell the whole tale as to the reckless driving we have been experiencing on our streets.
Various politicians are making every attempt to come, as well.
Thanks, and hope to see many of our neighbors there! m

Smashed Volvo in Cobble Hill Prompts Neighborhood Safety Meeting

By Tobey, 30 January, 2012, No Comment

All weekend, we kept walking by this smashed-up Volvo on the corner of Kane St. and Henry St., wondering what could have happened and does the owner have a clue? What we found out from neighbors is that around 11pm, a car at the crosswalk was apparently hit by another car (meaning someone went through a red light), then pummeled into this poor Volvo. And this morning, we saw a note attached to the trunk. It reads: Meeting to address issue of speed and safety of driving on our street with 76th precinct and DOT. Time: TBA. Do you think people are driving unsafely? Share! Contact us for details: Maureen.hogan@elliamn.com or Jblock@elliman.com
We think anyone who lives in Brownstone Brooklyn understands the implications of driving unsafely. Especially with so many kids running around and riding scooters. So we appreciate someone taking the issue one step farther. We’ll keep you posted on the meeting as it goes forward.

Carroll Gardens Plus-Size Store Getting Its Close-Up

By Tobey, 29 January, 2012, No Comment

Let’s face it ladies, sometimes we just can’t squeeze into that size 8. At least not all of us. So Lee Lee’s Valise, a plus-sized clothing store at 368 Court St., is a welcome oasis for larger sizes–10 to 18. According to Racked NY, the store will soon have its very own reality show with Stacy London of TLC’s What Not to Wear, giving the hood even more reality TV cred.

On each episode of the as-yet-unnamed show, London and the Dolans [Lisa and Jim] will give fashion advice to curvy women.

Prospect Park’s Winter Jam CANCELED: Too Warm!

By Tobey, 27 January, 2012, No Comment

This may come as no surprise, considering it was over 60 degrees today, but the big Winter Jam planned for 4 February in Prospect Park has been canceled. According to the Park’s Department, “It is simply too warm to make snow, and the long-range weather forecasts and current ground temperatures make it extremely unlikely that snow could be made.”

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Boogies It Up

By Tobey, 26 January, 2012, 2 Comments

It may be a while until the spring flowers push through the (almost) frozen ground, but the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens wants you to party with the posies. Its Lush Boogaloo & Latin Soul Dancy Party is an evening celebrating the Garden’s collection of over 6000 tropical orchids–but with the added fun of booze and tunes. The event takes place Friday, 10 Feb, from 8pm to midnight at the Palm House and features live music from boogaloo band, Spanglish Fly. Not only will you take in the beauty of these gorgeous flowers, there will also be an open bar and all kinds of Latin eats–like our favorite icy treats, Mexican fruit paletas by La Newyorkina. Also expect classic 45s spun by WFMU’s Mr. Fine Wine and DJ Turmix, a behind the scenes tour with orchid curator Dave Horak, and posing for leaf portraits with graphic novelist Aaron Birk. Tickets are $65 each and you can buy them here. Just remember ladies, tropical orchids can equal bad hair weather, so plan accordingly.

Recycle Those Trees @ Cobble Hill Park

By Tobey, 4 January, 2012, No Comment

As the weather swings from balmy to bone-chilling, you may be noticing the Christmas tree road kill along the sidewalks and streets of BoCoCa–patiently waiting pick-up from the Dept. of Sanitation. But if you haven’t ditched that aging fir just yet, bring it to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation MulchFest this weekend and give the gift of wood chips to the local greenery. Stop by Cobble Hill Park or The Amazing Garden (at Columbia and Carroll Streets) on 7 or 8 January from 10am to 2pm and you’ll even be able to take home a bag of mulch for your own garden.

Take A New Look at LICH-Now Part of Suny Downstate

By Tobey, 14 December, 2011, 1 Comment

Recently, a friend told me she schlepped all the way to an emergency room in Chelsea when her six year old broke his arm–because her pediatrician suggested it. She lives about three blocks from Long Island College Hospital. Ok, maybe LICH has not always had top notch ratings, but I’ve never had a bad experience taking my children there for care. And now that it has merged with Suny Downstate Medical Center (the new name is Downstate LICH), I felt it was time to check in with this diamond in the rough we are so lucky to have in neighborhood. When I reached out, they were happy to discuss what’s changed and what you can look forward to in its new iteration (specifically, a ramped up pediatrics department). Here is the letter I received from Debra Carey, CEO of the hospital. Whether you are a stalwart fan or would like to come back to give LICH another look, we think it’s a helpful insight into what’s been going on behind the scenes.

Downstate LICH – Back to Basics
By Debra Carey, Chief Executive Officer

I am pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Debra Carey, and I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Downstate hospitals, which now encompasses sites in Central Brooklyn, Long Island College Hospital and Bay Ridge (a fully renovated urgent care and ambulatory surgery center, whose patients will come to LICH for inpatient care).

The BoCoCa community knows that Long Island College Hospital has had a few rocky years. Its continued existence was in doubt. Downstate Medical Center acquired the hospital – thus ensuring its future as a vital neighborhood resource. Downstate LICH, as we are now calling the hospital, remains open with all services fully intact.

We want you back at Downstate LICH when you or a family member needs emergency or hospital care. We want to assure you that your excellent community physicians are still affiliated with Downstate LICH. And we pledge: Downstate LICH is fully committed to maternal and child health services.

You don’t have to go out of the neighborhood for care. Our Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments have capacity and will take care of you promptly and with great skill. Downstate LICH is investing millions of dollars in upgrades of medical equipment, including:
*A new CT scan in the Emergency Department
*State-of-the-art fetal monitoring equipment in the Labor & Delivery Suite
*Upgraded capabilities in the OB/GYN Ultrasound Unit
*An upgraded NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), with Board certified
*neonatologists and new equipment
*Advanced OB/GYN high-risk capabilities, such as first trimester screening, invasive prenatal diagnoses and fetal echocardiograms

We’re investing in human resources, as well. The Pediatric ER remains open, staffed by Board-certified Pediatric Emergency medicine specialists. Specialty pediatric services, such as Pediatric GI and Pediatric Endocrinology, are returning to Downstate LICH. In short, we’re going back to basics: delivering the excellent medical care you expect, right here in the community in which you reside.

Please give Downstate LICH another look. Our medical experts, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, are always available to speak at community forums such as PTA meetings or neighborhood associations. Visit us at www.downstate.edu/LICH and follow us on Facebook. Join our email list to be notified of events and screenings. And above all – do not hesitate to reach out to me at debracarey.ceo@downstate.edu.

Coney Island to Stay, Well, Coney Island

By Tobey, 13 December, 2011, No Comment

image via NY Daily News

Though darkness is falling at approximately 4:47pm, we’re here to tell you summer is right around the corner. Kind of. Sort of. Not really. But if you could bear with me and imagine a sunny day at Coney Island sometime in 2012, it should make you happy that Italian amusement operator Zamperla has decided to leave the boardwalk more Brooklyn than Miami Beach. Last November, we reported that the company was looking to gentrify the area–and asked nine longtime businesses to pack their bags and make way for $15 cocktails. But, according to the NY Daily News, Zamperla has seen the folly of its ways and decided to stick mainly with Brooklyn businesses–including Prospect Heights favorite Tom’s Restaurant. Other mainstays will include the beloved Ruby’s Bar and Paul’s Daughter (I see your bucket of Corona’s and raise you a paper plate of oysters).

“We understand that Coney Island is not Miami Beach. We want to keep what is already working there,” Zamperla USA President Valerio Ferrari told the Daily News Sunday. Zamperla, the Italian ride maker tapped by the city to take over its Coney Island land last year and open new amusement parks, did go ahead with evictions of several businesses: Beer Island, Cha Cha’s bar, Coney Island Souvenirs, Grillhouse, and Gyro Corner.
Also set to return with eight-year leases are the Lola Staar boutique, Coney Island Beach Shop, and Nathan’s — in a new bigger space.
Rounding out the Boardwalk space will be more new rides — including go-karts and the 109-foot SkyCoaster — and a beer garden run by Zamperla, Ferrari said.

PS 29 Wants YOU to Eat Pie and Shop for the Holidays

By Tobey, 23 November, 2011, 1 Comment

Come for the pie, stay for the shopping

Sure, there’s other holiday shopping events in the hood. But none come with the same bold promise of pie. That’s why the PS 29 Eat Pie and Shop event has always been one of my faves (even before my son started attending). So mark your calendars now, because it’s coming up on 4 December from 11am to 4pm at the Cobble Hill school (Henry St. between Kane and Baltic).
As mentioned, all types of pie will be available throughout the day–including fruit, creamy, savory and nut. And to make things more exciting, there will also be a pie competition with a panel of judges consisting of celebs like Gail Simmons, an editor at Food & Wine magazine and judge on Bravo fave “Top Chef,” and Danielle Kyrillos, from “Top Chef: Just Desserts,” as well as local restauranteurs like Marc Anthony Bynum, chef at the new MooBurger (fast turning into one of our faves) and Jeff Lederman, of Strong Place, Bocca Lupo and Nectar. The winner will receive a gift package from Food & Wine and bragging rights for the year. Judging will take place at 1pm.
In addition, as a special culinary treat, Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack will also be in attendance, doling out its signature frozen custard (the new storefront will open in Downtown Brooklyn by end of year), and Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain will be serving its ‘Grumble Grumble’ grilled cheese sandwiches.
Of course, after all that pigging out you simply must do some shopping, so stay for the gift fair overflowing with local artisans, craftspeople and merchants. Kids will be lured away from your efforts with holiday craft workshops hosted by art teachers from Children’s Museum of the Arts and face painting by Mini Max Toys & Cuts. And lastly, if you need the perfect shot for your holiday cards, professional photographers will be on hand for family photo shoots. Proceeds will go to PS 29, but this is the perfect event for anyyone with a sweet tooth and a gift list.