I know it’s been forever…

Sorry.  I’m at the beach alot during the summer.  The NYT Local blog pretty much covers everything I did so I don’t feel so bad about the lack of updates…

Alternate Side Parking Rules back in effect on Monday

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.

Support Tish James on July 27th at Moe’s

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.

More 67 Burger love…

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…

The Soundtrack of Fort Greene

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…

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.