Sorry for the lack of new posts…

I’ve been traveling and busy with other things.  I’ll get a few up this week…

Wow…Negative press on Fort Greene in the NYT

Amazing…  There’s an article in the NYT today which discusses the perceived rise in crime.  It actually uses an apartment break-in in Fort Greene as an example.  Given the paper’s love affair/infatuation with FG I’m almost surprised to see it shown in a negative light.   The article also highlights the naivete of many new to the neighborhood (or the city as a whole).  You should expect to get robbed if you’re going to leave your window open and then leave for a European vacation.

Common sense people…   Keep your doors and windows locked.  Keep your blinds/shades drawn so you don’t advertise the fact you have a 60″ plasma on the wall.  This is still Brooklyn, New York City and not everyone can afford a shiny new iPhone or MacBook (but everybody wants one).

A little paint goes a long way…

Along Park they are painting the support structure below the BQE.  The color is a little blah but anything is an improvement.  Now it only looks slightly like a post industrial wasteland straight out of  The Warriors.  It’s amazing how much better it looks.

Free Yoga in Fort Greene Park

I received this from a reader…

Hi Carlton, I am offering free yoga in Fort Greene Park and it would be simply lovely if you could post this on the blog: Free Outdoor Yoga in Fort Greene Park (outside near the Prison Ship Martyr’s Monument), Weather Permitting Tuesdays this summer, 7-8PM Bring Mat, Beginners Welcome Email me with any questions.

lindsayksage@gmail.com

Conflicted but at least he’s got some serious equity…

I have a friend in the neighborhood who, with his wife, I consider a real pioneer of Fort Greene.  They bought a brownstone  in 1968 and have been here ever since.  The couple was instrumental in the landmarking process that in many ways laid the foundation for the modern Fort Greene.   They are an older white couple who moved here when the neighborhood was full of jazz musicians, writers and artists.  Their brownstone is amazing.  As I was chatting with him yesterday he spoke of how conflicted he feels…

“I like having the coffee shops, the restaurants and other amenities that are here now.  I’m happy I can get two million for my house even in this market but there are just too many Volvos, too many strollers, too many white people.   Yes it used to be dangerous, but it was still a real neighborhood and different from other places.  Now none of my friends can afford to live here any more.  My neighbor, a jazz singer has been here for years and now has to leave…”

Again this is a white guy saying this…  What are your thoughts?  Of course I’m just trying to stir up a little debate.

Increased NYPD presence?

During the summer I’m not usually in the neighborhood on weekends so it may be the norm but I saw a lot more cops on the street than usual Saturday & Sunday.  They were pulling people over right and left.  Is this increased police presence on weekends new?  While I wish they would actually get out of their cars and interact with the people of the neighborhood a  little more, I’m happy to actually see some cops in the area (as long as they aren’t shooting that is).

New businesses in the neighborhood

As I was walking to get a haircut I noticed a couple new businesses …  Stem, what looks to be a high end flower shop is now open and it looks like the beer garden is just about ready to open it’s doors.

SummerFest!!! June 20th

2nd Annual SummerFest celebrating students, summer, and community!

Saturday, June 20th, 2009 from Noon to 3:00pm

The Urban Assembly Academy of Arts & Letters, 225 Adelphi St, Brooklyn, NY 11205 (between Dekalb and Willoughby in Fort Greene)  G train to Clinton-Washington; C train to Lafayette; R, N, D, Q trains to Dekalb

Free and open to the public, SummerFest invites all to this outdoor festival featuring an exhibition of student artwork, student performances, face painting, and games for all ages, including a dunk tank!  Enjoy our “Taste of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Food Fest” with food from: Bacchus, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Chez Lola & Chez Oscar, Graziella’s, Habana Outpost, iCi, Island Pride Restaurant, Kif, Kum Kau, La Villa Pizzeria & Restaurant, Mont Blanc Dessert, Olea Mediterranean Taverna, Red Bamboo, Roosters Chicken Rotisserie, Ruthie’s Restaurant of Brooklyn, and Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies.  Raffle items include a Park Slope YMCA family membership, a Giants football jacket signed by Carl Banks, 2 i-Pod nano’s, and a digital camera!  Join us!  Questions?: (718) 222-1605 x3042 or view www.uaaal.org.

www.uaaal.org

Rooftop Films this Saturday

I received this from a reader…

Hi,

My name is Hilary and I work with Rooftop Films
(www.rooftopfilms.com), a summer film series dedicated to showcasing
new, independent films and emerging bands in unique outdoor locations.
I’m contacting you with details about the 2009 Rooftop Films Summer
Series, and specifically our screening in Brooklyn for this weekend.

Sat, June 6
Stingray Sam (Feature length film)
A dazzling six-episode musical-western comedy that takes place in
outer space, written, directed by and starring Cory McAbee, the
creator of The American Astronaut. The filmmakers will be in
attendance. Watch a trailer at http://stingraysam.com/trailer.html
Venue: on the roof of the Brooklyn Tech
Address: 29 Fort Greene Place (Fort Greene, Brooklyn) MAP
8:00PM: Doors open
8:30PM: Sound Fix presents live music
9:00PM: Films
Tickets: $9, http://newyork.going.com/event-602737;Rooftop_Films_Stingray_Sam

We would really appreciate it if you could help spread the word about
this show, either via email, word of mouth or posting it online. We
screen every weekend, May – Sept all over the city. Our full schedule
can be found a www.rooftopfilms.com. For more information about these
event and the rest of our summer events, please contact:

Danielle Kourtesis
Music and Outreach Manager, Rooftop Films
718-417-7362
Danielle@rooftopfilms.com