The Brooklyn Eagle discusses the new Urban Arts Market in this article. This will be a bi-weekly event on Myrtle Avenue between Grand Avenue and Emerson Place. Vist the Urban Arts Market site here…
Here’s an article from the NY Post detailing Parlor Jazz, a monthly jazz session in a Clinton Hill home.
Here’s the Brooklyn Paper’s weekly survey of crime in the 88th precinct. Make sure to lock your doors when you go to bed… This is still NYC!
Looks like the CakeMan hasn’t may not have been compensating his hardworking employees… An article in today’s Daily News states that he has not paid workers for overtime and owes upwards of $500,000. A couple excerpts…
“The Cake Man admitted he does not pay workers overtime but claimed he rewards his employees with bonuses.”
“Sometimes we were paid by check and sometimes by cash,” Jemine said. “But nothing extra.”
Bonuses? Sometimes checks sometimes cash? Sounds shady to me. I hope the CakeMan has a good lawyer (and accountant because this looks like something the IRS would be curious about as well). Let’s hope this is just an oversight on his part and he does the right thing… I would hate to see this neighborhood institution in trouble.
Tues. Aug. 5, 88th Precinct’s National Night Out Against Crime, 12-8 p.m., Fort Greene Park
Cosponsored by the 88th Precinct Community and Youth Council and Brooklyn Endeavor Experience, Inc. Held at Fort Greene Park. Events and activities include the Jumping Jammers, NYCHA Boys & Girls Choir, free food, rides, games and entertainment surprises for young adults. For information, contact 88th Precinct Community Affairs Officers Sargeant or Braithwaite: (718) 636-6526, or Saadia Adossa at (347) 677-3247.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz recently spoke on the dearth of supermarkets available in the immediate vicinity of the Navy Yard area (including the nearby public housing). He advocated the demolition of the historical Admirals’ Row in order to build an industrial building which will include a supermarket.
Is he positioning himself in contrast to John Catsimatidis, the billionaire who demolished the area’s only grocery store several years ago to build a luxury condo tower? Who’s gonna get a store in place first and claim the issue in his battle for Gracie Mansion? I wonder when we’re going to hear from Christine Quinn and Anthony Weiner on this one?
Here’s a portion of Marty’s comments…
“I know I speak for all of us here today when I say historical preservation is crucial. Residents from all over the borough have been part of successful efforts to use zoning and landmarking to preserve Brooklyn’s rich history. In this case, however, the structural viability makes a preservation project much too costly, and what the families living in this area need urgently is a quality supermarket. As it stands, too many Brooklynites are not within walking distance of supermarkets, which have been closing at alarming rates citywide. It is unconscionable that in this modern city, there are those for whom access to fresh fruits and vegetables—basic staples that keep Brooklynites and New Yorkers healthy and strong—is considered a luxury. We must do everything we can to reverse that trend.
Furthermore, the neighborhood around the Brooklyn Navy Yard will reap enormous benefits from the employment opportunities created by a new industrial building. Local residents will be considered first for these jobs, which will give the area a much-needed economic boost.”
The Pratt Area Community Council has been allocated $800,000 in next year’s NYC fiscal budget. The organization is dedicated to community & tenant organizing, facilitating home ownership, developing housing for low and middle income residents, property management, supportive housing for former homeless and the mentally ill and a myriad of other services of immense value to the local community. For more information on the City Council allocation read this article.
It looks like the battle royale between the parishioners of Queen of All Saints Church and the Brooklyn Flea (why can’t it just be a flea market, “the flea” is so corny) is coming to a head. Church goers are complaining about all the foot traffic and its consequences (increased noise, increased traffic, lack of parking, shoppers using church facilities). Basically the market is wreaking havoc on Sunday afternoons on what used to be a quiet residential neighborhood block.
While I see the benefits of the flea market for local small businesses, I think the current location is not ideal. The market has become more successful than even its founders envisioned. Its popularity has increased the number of people visiting. It is just not large enough space to house the flea market and it’s having negative effects on the surrounding area. It’s not about gentrification. There is a reason the area is zoned R6B. It’s a residential area. The flea markets organizers will be the first to state that it is a commercial enterprise. In my opinion that is primary reason it should be moved. This is a residential area that is not ideally suited for a commercial venture. Especially one bringing in thousands of people every Sunday. I’m not saying there’s not a need for a flea market, I’m saying they need a new location better suited for it. Again there are other areas of the borough in need of an economic stimulus. The businesses in Red Hood are struggling and the waterfront area or the fields would be a fantastic location. The Navy Yard or areas of Bed Stuy are also in need of an attraction such as the flea market. Yes, they may be less accessible on public transportation but that’s the whole point. Having something to attract people regardless. Those of you who have visited the Latin food vendor in Red Hood know that if the food/antiques/etc. are worthy, shoppers will come.
This article from the Brooklyn Paper details the recent spate of restaurant robberies on the Dekalb Avenue Restaurant Row.
Here’s an article from NY Magazine’s Daily Intelligencer discussing the community’s opposition to the weekly flea market on Lafayette. For the record I’m not a big fan of it but that is primarily due to it’s location. Brooklyn could use a good flea market but put it somewhere that needs the foot traffic. I’m sure the Navy Yard or Columbia Street in Red Hook would be happy to have it. Those are areas which would benefit from the increased foot traffic and consumer interest. We just don’t need it in the middle of a thriving neighborhood (yes that’s a NIMBY argument but I do think other areas would benefit more).
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