By far, one of the loveliest storefronts on Court Street in the Cobble Hill area is #270, the space once occupied by Shakespeare's Sister. For more than 14 years, the gift store/ café was one of my favorites in the neighborhood. It offered quite unique jewelery, paper goods and cool beauty products. It also featured the work of many local artists.
Way before Starbucks invaded the neighborhood, Shakespeare's Sister was the place to go after a film at the Cobble Hill Cinema, since it was just across the street. Back then, nothing else was open after 11 Pm.
When the store closed in June 2008, the owners of Shakespeare's Sister hung the sign in their window:
The storefront sat empty ever since, but just in the last few weeks, there has been some action.
The entire store has been gutted, revealing a huge, sunny space. What exactly will take Shakespeare's place is not yet know.
I only hope that the new place will be as respectful to the neighborhood as Shakespeare's Sister was.
Related reading:
Reader Jacqueline left the following comment on the post "A Moment In Time: Summer Riding Buddies":
Bay Ridge is a great neighborhood, but do we really want to ship our kids off on two trains to get there so they can play on their skateboards? 14-17 years old kids are still kids, and our kids should be able to play in this neighborhood. Remember that song: "Streets are for cars and buses, not for bikes or balls or toys. Sidewalks, parks, and playgrounds are the places for girls and boys." I have balled out many kids who ride their skateboards on the World War I monument at the park. Am upset to see what's happening with the marble base. Talked to the kids about how important it is to respect neighborhood kids who weren't much older than them who died for us with the idea that we should a good life, that they should be respectful. Seems like it's the first time anyone talked to them like they were smart enough to understand (which they were). Wonder where their parents have been and how much their parents connect the past, however recent to the present. We do mostly have a very good life indeed. Healthy neighborhoods, whether in Carroll Gardens, Bay Ridge, or Timbuktu require safe places for kids of all ages to play. When the Gowanus is cleaned up correctly, as I pray it will be, there will be a Frank Verderame park for all kinds of fun things for kids to do, whether they are three, fourteen, or fifty.
The following email received from a reader sent me down to Court Street immediately. It simply said:
"Looks like some real action is happening at the old Blockbuster building. Windows have been sprayed to block what is going on inside and it looks like the ceiling has been removed.
Anyone know what is happening?"
Anonymous commented on the post "Carroll Gardens/ Columbia Street Contextual Rezoning Moves On To Brooklyn Borough Hall":
While there was overwhelming support for the majority of the plan, there was also VERY strong consensus against the different zoning (R6A) for the sections of Henry Street, Carroll Street, First Place and Columbia Street. This would allow buildings of up to 70 feet (60 feet plus an additional 10 after a set-back) on these streets. That would have a severe negative impact on those blocks. This was very strongly voiced at the Community Board's public hearing on June 25, but seems to have been overlooked since then. So, while we should support the basic plan, we should be very clear in asking them to change that specific feature. The community has strongly stated that it doesn't want to sacrifice Clinton, Henry, First Place and Columbia.
Statement from City Council Candidate Josh Skaller (D-39th District) on the Ending of the Public Comments Period Regarding the Proposed Gowanus Canal Superfund Designation
"I am proud that many Brooklynites took the time to express their support for an EPA Superfund designation of the Gowanus Canal. The most important thing is to get the Canal cleaned up. The City has had its chance, and look how things ended up. The City still does not have a plan, and it didn't even think about a plan until the EPA announced it was considering a Superfund designation.
"I support development in the neighborhoods around the Gowanus Canal, but it must be responsible development -- ensuring the safety of tenants and recognizing the concerns of the community. Before we build on the banks of the Canal, we must make sure that it is clean. If not, we risk another Love Canal. People will get sick. That can't happen on our watch.
"I am confident that Brooklynites will reject the propaganda put out by both the developer, Toll Brothers, and the Bloomberg administration. The people will choose a thorough federal cleanup. This will benefit the property values around the Canal, which have long been depressed by the Canal's infamous toxicity, and it will bring green jobs to Brooklyn.
"I hope we can use this conversation as a chance to move forward from the Canal's murky past to a vibrant future with a clean canal, responsible development on its banks, and a new economic engine to empowering our community."
"Are you closing your restaurant?" I asked the owner of the India House restaurant at 139 Court Street back in February, when I saw that his place of business was being advertised by Smith Hanten Real Estate. He seemed bemused and assured me that, no, he was not going anywhere. But he added:
" The owner of the building has tried to rent it out for a long time. I don't have a lease anymore. He wants too much money."
Well, obviously, something happened, because India House is closed now. It has been at that location for as long as I have lived in the neighborhood (25 years.) I am kind of sorry to see it gone, though I have to admit that I only set foot into the restaurant once.
The storefront is for rent for $7,000.
On Smith Hanten's Web site
Court St in Cobble Hill
- Very busy intersection
- Across the street from a new "Trader Joe's"
- Three (3) blocks to Express trains @ Boro Hall
- Basement Included
- Sorry - no food or Liquor allowed
At the request of Community Board 6, community and neighborhood groups, and local elected officials, the Department of City Planning proposes zoning map amendments for an approximately 86 block area of the Carroll Gardens and Columbia Street neighborhoods within Community District 6 in Brooklyn.
The rezoning area includes the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens and Columbia Street. The Carroll Gardens portion of the rezoning area is generally bounded by Degraw Street, Warren Street and Douglass Street to the north; Hoyt Street, Bond Street and Smith Street to the east; 3rd Street, 4th Street, 5th Street, Centre Street and Hamilton Avenue to the south; and Hicks Street to the west. The Columbia Street portion of the rezoning area consists of approximately 14 blocks bounded by Warren Street to the north, a line between Columbia Street and Van Brunt Street to the west, Hicks Street to the east and Woodhull Street to the south. The areas proposed to be rezoned are zoned entirely R6.
The rezoning proposal has been developed after extensive discussion with the Community Board, elected officials, and neighborhood residents. The rezoning responds to community concerns about recent out-of-scale development permitted under the current zoning by mapping contextual districts with height limits throughout the study area which would preserve the existing built character while allowing for new development and modest expansions where appropriate at a height and scale that is in keeping with the existing context. The rezoning would support and promote the local, vibrant retail corridors while protecting the residential character of nearby side streets.
The proposed rezoning builds upon the Department’s Carroll Gardens Narrow Streets Text Amendment which was undertaken at the community’s request and approved in 2008. That text amendment aimed to limit the size and configuration of new buildings and enlargements on certain streets with deep front courtyards which had been defined as wide streets under existing zoning and therefore permitted a higher density that was out of scale with the existing built context. The proposed rezoning of the Carroll Gardens and Columbia Street neighborhoods fulfills the Department’s commitment to return to the community with a more comprehensive set of zoning recommendations for the larger area.
From: JL
Sent: Tue 7/7/2009 10:53 AM
To: superfund.docket@epa.gov
Subject: Gowanus Canal, Brooklyn, NY, Docket No. EPA-HQ-SFUND-2009-0063Dear Sirs-
As an architect, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a 22-year resident of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, I write to urge you to approve EPA Superfunding for the environmental clean-up of our nearby polluted Gowanus Canal. The scale and historic nature of this environmental clean-up, and the protection of our neighboring Brooklyn residential communities throughout the clean-up period and beyond, mandate that this endeavor be accomplished under the skilled and watchful eyes of the federal EPA. No other agency or alternate plan details a better understanding of the remediation process that is required, or of the protection of the adjacent neighborhoods that is demanded. There is only one opportunity afforded to accomplish this clean-up correctly, with the focus and detail necessary for a safe and proper job, and it would be remiss of our EPA to let the task --and the health and safety of tens of thousands of nearby Brooklyn residents-- fall into less effective hands. The ONLY agency with the experience, manpower and judgement, unencumbered by local political in-fighting, to get this job done properly is the EPA. When you weigh this matter for decision, please consider the many families and communities that presently co-exist within close proximity to the Gowanus Canal, and the dramatic increase to these numbers that are planned for new residential developments along its banks. We, in Carroll Gardens, are amongst them, and we are worried for our futures, for our community's future, should this environmental clean-up fail to properly remediate the myriad of toxins that have leached into the surrounding land. Help us to ensure Carroll Gardens' future. Approve Superfund status for the Gowanus Canal.
Sincerest thanks
-JL
Anonymous has left the following comment on the post "Must Watch: "The City's Broken Promise: Superfunding The Gowanus":
Cas Holloway is paid a lot of money by us to spin the crap that comes from Mayor Mike's office and sewage overflows. We must remember Mayor Mike loves his middle class like we are his little puppies. People who live live in the projects and eat toxic Gowanus fish as a major source of protein were never even considered until the EPA stepped in.
We all make choices, and everyone who lives in a dreamworld chanting that for-profit development is the key to fixing everything will have to live with the karmic consequences to people's health, whether these are for profit developments like Toll's, or Public Place, as advocated by Brad Lander. They are delusional and it is up to us to remain vigilant and fight the good fight!
I spotted this new sign at 138 Court Street on my walk on Sunday. A new café, juice bar and grill called "Nature's Grill" is opening this summer, right next door to Trader Joe's. Modeled after the original "Nature's Grill" which is located in Bay Ridge, the menu will most probably offer the same healthy choices: Judging by the comments left on Citysearch, this will be a great addition to the neighborhood.
For Home Page, click Pardon Me For Asking
From: Jeff Miles
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2009 5:16 PM
To: 'munhall.dennis@epa.gov'
Subject: #EPA-HQ-SFUND-2009-0063
Dear Mr. Munhall:
The Gowanus Canal is an important feature of our neighborhood, and served the area for many years as an important economic engine, allowing local industry access to the NY area waterways. That early industrial success has also led to much of the pollution that has branded the Canal for many decades, yet the canal area is poised, by way of recent zoning changes, for something of a re-birth. Having recent experience with rear-garden soil so polluted with lead that tomatoes, grown there, were not suited for human consumption, the need for a comprehensive clean-up is clear. In my opinion and the opinions of many who have studied the issues, now is the time (or perhaps past-time) for remediation of the conditions that have plagued the canal.
The City of New York, without funding in place, has denigrated the suggestion that the canal be added to the Superfund list. Yet the City has already allowed development to go forward, with much more planned in the near future, without taking steps toward remediation. Though this “City Plan” may further the commercial interests of developers, it is likely to complicate any significant efforts to implement a comprehensive clean-up that the area deserves, and it will place the burden for whatever half measures are finally taken squarely on the shoulders of area residents.
Please consider the interests of all the area’s residents. Please list the site.
Regards,
Jeff Miles
Carroll Gardens
Brooklyn, NY
July 4th 2009
July 4th 2009
It is with a great pleasure and enthusiasm that I take this opportunity to introduce you to The Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy's ENVIROMEDIA MOBILE- The traveling
urban nature and maritime museum on wheels.
This summer starting on July 18th, UDEC ENVIROMEDIA MOBILE will emerge at a Brooklyn Waterfront
near you with The Urban Trekker' Tour 2009- a fun filled summer weekends of Environmental Education through Recreation, Environmental Stewardship, Cultural Enrichment, and maritime activities, in conjunction with the organization's 10th Anniversary Celebration in providing its resources and services to various communities along NY Harbor.Please see attached summer e-calendar: JOIN US, FOLLOW IT, Please post, list and HELP SPREAD THE WORD.
Twit @ twitter/urbanoutdoors.
The Urban Divers ENVIROMEDIA MOBILE " Urban Trekker Tour 2009(Designated Official Quadricentennial Ambassador by the State of New York).Activities include:
Sun Sept 27th.11am- 5pm@ Valentino Park- "Nature at the Beach Series"Sun Aug 16th,Sat Sept 26th-11am-5pm
@ Ikea/Erie Basin Park- " International Bay Fest Series"-
WIN A CHANCE TO RECEIVE a FREW HOME OFFICE DESIGN and FURNISHING.Sat July 19th,Sat Aug 15th,Sun Sept 13th,Sat Oct 10th-11am-5pm
@ Bensonhurst Park ( Bay Parkway/Next to Tennis House Bubble)- "International Bay Fest Series"-Sun July 26th,Sat Sept 5th,Sat Sept 19th-11am- 5pmProgram is subject to changes, please confirm, More dates may added later. For more info call 347-224-5828, or email enviromediamobile.udec@gmail.com .OTHER-COME EXPLORE THE RICHNESS and CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF NYC's WATERFRONT.ENJOY A DAY ON THE SCENIC HARLEM RIVER.The 4th ANNUAL HARLEM RIVER REVIVAL and FAMILY & KIDS DAY FESTIVAL- SAT JULY 11th , 11am-5PM" The Nature in the Hood Serie"Activities Include:The Great Muscoota River Paddle- Ecocruise on the Harlem River aboard our unique 32ft Indian shipping canoe that accomodates 21 paddlers at time.Western Performance and Horse Handling by the Federation of Black CowboysPerformance StageBirds of PreyArchery...and more@ The Harlem River Ecology Center located upstream at the Bronx, Harlem River Waterfront, at the southern end of Roberto Clemente State Park , NYC Bridge Park and River Park Towers, just north of the historic High Bridge, now in restorationTAKE THE METRO NORTH - HUDSON RIVER LINE TO MORRIS HEIGHTS STOPS RIGHT AT THE STATE PARK.See you there...The Urban Divers Estuary ConservancyENVIROMEDIA MOBILE
Just got this email from Senator Daniel Squadron's office. Squadron will be talking directly to his constituents via a conference call tonight to update everyone on what is happening in Albany.
Great idea! I know I will be dialing that number...
Here is the message from Daniel Squadron:
Dear Friend,
With all that’s happening in Albany, a lot of people have been asking
me what’s going on and where I think we should go from here.
In order to speak with you directly, share my perspective and answer
any questions you might have, I would love it if you would join a
conference call I'll be having at 6pm.
To listen to the call please dial this number and, when prompted,
enter the six-digit conference code number:
Dial-in: 1-712-432-3100
Conference code: 691380
If you have any questions or thoughts please email them ahead of time
to admin@danielsquadron.org. Please let us know that you'll be joining
us by emailing us at that address as well.
I hope to speak with you this evening!
Sincerely,
Daniel
Anonymous left the following comment on the post Toll Brothers' V.P. Von Spreckelsen Submits His Testimony To The EPA!
You have to admire the optimism of anyone who is opening a business during this harsher economic climate. But Madison Rose, a new designer maternity resale store at 313 Court Street may just be on to a great business idea. In a neighborhood that seems to have more babies and strollers per capita than any other in New York City, it seems logical to open a maternity clothing store. The fact that it is a resale store at which customers can buy at 50% off retail, as well as sell and trade, makes it a brilliant idea. Here are some additional details I found on the store on Craigslist:
A new destination has opened for designer maternity clothes. We are a resale boutique specializing in designer maternity clothing. Our prices start at 50% off original retail. We carry mostly designer brands but we also hand select the best fashionable pieces from lower end brands. Examples of the brands we carry are 7 For All Mankind, Citizen, Rock & Republic, Habitual, Liz Lange Collection, Juicy, Pea In The Pod, DVF, etc.
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