The summer long reprieve is over. All the signage has been changed and street cleaning will only occur one day per week. Alternate side parking will be reinstated on Monday, July 20th. Unless my readership has grown significantly, I foresee a serious increase ticket revenue for the city next week.
A fundraiser will be held on July 27th at my favorite watering hole, Moe’s.
Letitia “Tish” James, Fort Greene & Clinton Hill’s City Councilwoman, is up against three opponents in this year’s Democratic primary. As most you probably know, Councilwoman James is a true advocate for the people of the 35th district. On issue after issue she has stood up against powerful forces within this city for the benefit of her constituents. Whether is be the blatant cronyism behind the Atlantic Yards project or the push to renew Myrtle Avenue or standing up to Mayor Bloomberg in his quest to circumvent established term limits (bypassing the will of the people by way of the City Council) or pushing for the NYCHA to hire residents to work on building renovations, Councilwoman James has distinguished herself if a city known for corrupt, self-absorbed politicians.
Delia Hunley-Adossa, president of the 88th Precinct’s community council, is probably the strongest opponent. As the signatory for the Community Benefits Agreement associated with the initial approval of the Atlantic Yards project, she has the backing of Bruce Ratner’s real estate powerhouse. Given the level of power he wields in this city his backing cannot be taken lightly. He’s bought everything else so a city council election is probably a bargain to him.
Medhanie Estiphanos, is a relative newcomer to the scene. From what I can read of his biography, he has done some good work in Los Angeles but at 32, fresh out of business school, I think he needs to spend some quality time in this city and get involved at a lower level before making the jump to City Hall.
Osaretin Ighile, a Brooklyn based sculptor from Nigeria, immigrated to the United States in 1992 and became a citizen in 2004. While he does mention a few laudable goals on his website there seems to be some confusion… On one page of his website he says… “Uncover and make sure hidden discretionary funds in the City’s budget are spent in the entirety before turning around to hit residents with more taxes, fines and liens — and stop rising costs of living for Brooklynites”, on the next page he says “Tax the rich”. This city already has the highest taxes in the nation. Mr. Ighile seems a bit confused but I’m in favor of the former. This city’s bloated cost structure is ridiculous.
In my opinion the choice is obvious. Two relatively unknown, inexperienced candidates who haven’t shown (at this point) a great deal of understanding regarding the myriad of issues facing this community. One candidate in the pocket of Bruce Ratner who seems to be one issue candidate. An experienced incumbent with history of fighting the good fight to stand up for her constituents.
Please attend the fundraiser and show your support.
I’ve mentioned these guys a few times but yesterday I went in for a turkey burger and I was once again amazed at the level of service. As soon as I finished my drink the guy was standing there asking me if I wanted a refill. It was almost as if he was waiting to hear the last slurp then ran over to get me a refill… The burgers are great and the service is excellent. The owner makes a point to hire local workers, whether they are cashiers or cooks. Big up to 67 Burger.
Now all they need is air conditioning. Those fans just aren’t cutting it…
What songs do you think define the neighborhood? What songs should define the area?
Fort Greene has always been a musical place. Even now you can still hear the occasional horn being played as a musician practices or a drum circle in one of the local parks. If you could choose (and for this exercise you can) some songs that would be the soundtrack of Fort Greene what would they be? Would it be Biggie Smalls? What about Fela Kuti? Bill Lee? Public Enemy? Bon Iver? I’m just curious what music comes to mind when you think about Fort Greene…
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