Happy Holidays!

I’ll most likely still be posting since I’m home with the family bored out of my mind (but happy to be with everyone).  Living in NYC makes just about any other place a little slow.  In the meantime enjoy this classic from Donny Hathaway…

Sidewalk Etiquette

I don’t know if there’s an influx of tourists or people who are new to NYC but please be courteous when using our neighborhood sidewalks.  Not that anybody actually reads this but it’s one of my biggest pet peeves so I’ll give my unofficial rules of the sidewalk.  In my experience this seems to pertain particularly to people new to the neighborhood.  Welcome to the hood but please stay out of my way.

• If you’re in a group do not walk more than 2 abreast and block the sidewalk then act as if I’m supposed to get out of your way
• If you’re walking your dog(s) please keep the leash at a short length so as to not block others and keep your dog curbside
• If you’ve got on an iPod and you’re oblivious to your surroundings at least walk on the side of the sidewalk so you don’t get pushed out of the way
• PLEASE be cognizant of other walkers if you’ve got a massive baby stroller (or the dreaded double wide stroller)
• If your kid throws a temper tantrum don’t allow him or her to sit there and rant in the middle of the sidewalk while you try to rationalize with a 3 year old
• Unless you’re a delivery guy and you’re pulling up to your restaurant DO NOT ride your bicycle on the sidewalk
• If you’re walking around ogling all the beautiful brownstones at a leisurely pace stay out of the middle of the sidewalk

Here’s an article with more on NYC street walking etiquette.

Quote of the Month

This is from BKNesto of ClintonHillChill…  The comment was made with regard to a dispute between longtime residents and some newcomers not happy with a local bar.

“If you have a distrust about a group of people, then maybe you should conquer that distrust within yourself before you move to a neighborhood predominately occupied by those same people…if you’re able to do that then you may see that those you distrust are more than willing to welcome you with open arms…until you do that it will continue to harbor, possibly get worse because although it’s not being said overtly, body language is universal…”

No CoHousing on Carlton?

I don’t really like to pull stories from other blogs but I can’t find any information elsewhere…  Brownstoner reports that the Brooklyn CoHousing project at the old Carlton Mews site is no more.  I was pretty harsh in my initial response on this project.  After being contacted by a few members of the group I felt slightly better but I’m still okay with not seeing this in the neighborhood.

It seems they have discovered its a buyer’s market and developers are eager to offload projects at discounted prices.  They definitely need to sell off as much inventory as possible…  They’re going to start giving condos away soon.

3 Found Dead at Local Nursing Home

Three residents of the New Carlton Rehabilitation and Nursing Home (on Carlton between Greene & Fulton) were found dead today.  All three residents lived on the same floor.  Police say the circumstances look “unusual”.   I hope they can come up with more than in their investigation.   Here’s the story from NY1…

Wednesday Crime Time

Image courtesy of The Brooklyn Paper

A relatively mild week of crime in this week’s Police Blotter from The Brooklyn Paper.  Can someone explain to me why a teacher would have $2,000 in cash in her wallet?  That’s got to be at least 5% of her annual salary (definitely if you look at it after tax).

It’s Official…Catherine Caffe is Open!

The menu (above) looks pretty basic and the prices are right.  I’ll go for lunch today and report back.   Omelettes, sandwiches, salads.  I will be ecstatic if I can get a real meal on the block.  I love the Clinton Hill Restaurant  (Diner) but we could use a new place in the low/medium end for a quick bite.

Update…  I went to grab a sandwich for lunch.  The interior is very nice.  The place looks to seat 25-30 people.  The owners were very nice as well.  I think they are Czech given their accents and the fact they serve goulash (and it’s under Czech food on the menu).  It’s basically a more upscale version of Bagel World.  Egg dishes, sandwiches, pastries, soup, etc.  My turkey club on rye was nothing to write home about but it was pretty good and served fairly quickly with a smile.  I’ll definitely be back.  As you can see I’m excited to have this new addition.  I may never have to leave the block now.

Cambodian Cuisine Going Out of Business (in Manhattan)

Cambodian Cuisine, which used to occupy the spot where Smoke Joint is now, is closing.  The owners left Fort Greene for the Upper East side for a larger space when the rent on their old spot began to rise.   Before Mullanes or Smoke Joint or Scopello or Stonehome or Pequena or 67 Burger or Connecticut Muffin or Habana Outpost were here, Cambodian Cuisine was one of the few culinary options in the Lafayette/Fulton area. The food wasn’t great but they were reliable.

The article describing Mr. Ley’s likely bankruptcy makes it sound like he should have stayed put.  The NYT has more details here…

Catherine Caffe near opening?

I strolled by today and saw that the paper is down from the windows, the tables are in place and they even put up some holiday decorations… They’re spelling is caffe as in coffee.  With Bittersweet (my favorite) and Smooch so close I hope they have more than coffee and coffee shop type nibbles.  I really want to be able to get a decent, quick lunch (salad, soup, etc.) without going to Bagel World.

Snapped a pic with the Blackberry camera so it’s not the highest quality but you get the point.

A letter from Christine Quinn…

Somehow I got this email from the Speaker of  our City Council…  While the email specifically covers the 6th precinct (West Village), it is very much applicable to the 88th as well.  I removed certain parts but the safety tips are most important…

December 11, 2008

Dear Neighbor,

It is with regret that I write to inform you of six violent muggings that have occurred in the West Village from November 15th to December 4th.  This past Monday, the 6th Precinct formally declared these muggings to be a pattern and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has escalated its response accordingly.

All of the incidents occurred between 11:00PM and 2:45AM, and the majority of the victims were white women.  Every time, the victim was approached from behind by two males, hit and then mugged.

Please take care to keep yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors safe.  Following are a couple important safety tips as recommended by the NYPD to remember when walking outside at night:

• Keep your keys separate from your purse.  If your bag is stolen the thief will not have access to your home.
• Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket, use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.
• When walking with a purse keep it over your shoulder on a short strap with the flap facing your body.
• Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry by only taking items that are necessary for the day.  Divide money between your purse/wallet and pockets.
• Be alert when approached by a stranger asking for directions or the time of day.  Thieves often use this approach when sizing up their victims.
• When going out in the evening try to walk with a friend; remember there is power in numbers.
• Remain alert; individuals on cell phones or wearing head phones are more susceptible to attack as they may appear distracted.

It is also critical that as a community we look out for one another.  Should you hear sounds of a struggle from the street while you are at home, please call 911 to report it.

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn
Speaker