Happy New Year 2008

(Photo credit: Optical Illusion on flick)

(photo credit: Atif_65 on Flickr)

(Video Credit: Namoaproductions on YouTube)

Happy New Year 2008 From This
Carroll Garden Blogger To You!
I Love Even Years!

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Bill DeBlasio: He Is Not Your Neighborhood Politician

(photo credit: creepysleepy on flick)

Why is Bill deBlasio Helping Hillary In Iowa

While Carroll Gardens Is Still Waiting For Answers?

Back in 1999, when Bill deBlasio wanted to beef up his neighborhood credentials before running for City Council, he served on the Board of Education's District 15 School Board here in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, he was a bit distracted while he served in this position. So distracted in fact that he did not pay attention to the pleas of a group of parents from P.S. 58 to look into the excessive spending of District 15's Superintendent Frank DeStefano. I was one of those parents. Bill DeBlasio doggedly supported DeStefano, refusing to question the district's spending and to investigate the many budget irregularities.

After the Press exposed the District's more than $1 Million Dollar deficit, a direct result of DeStefano' expensive junkets, the Superintendent was finally sacked by the Board Of Education. By that time, the school children in the district had lost out big time. Programs had been cut, including a popular after-school reading program, because the district office was reshuffling money to cover their budget holes.
How could Bill DeBlasio have missed all the warning signs though he had been warned? The answer is very simple: while he sat on the School Board, he was Hillary Clinton's Campaign Manager for her New York State Senatorial Race. During that time, Bill was simply absent, busy with Hillary, busy with making a name for himself and most importantly busy with setting the stage for his own campaign for City Council a year later.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Bill DeBlasio let parents of District 15 down big time by showing up late and by taking telephone calls from Hillary instead of paying attention at meetings. It explains his continued support for DeStefano while the press was investigating and exposing his wrongdoings.
(Just five year later deStefano was booted out of Baltimore's School System after similar shenanigans)

As we all know, Bill DeBlasio went on to win the 39th District Council Seat. His performance as representative of the community has been lackluster at best. All one has to do is to check some of the comments left on neighborhood chat rooms and neighborhood blogs. His constituents are fed up with him.
Bill DeBlasio does not follow through on issues, runs a dysfunctional office and has been on the wrong side of more than a few issues. If you don't agree, just try to get someone from his Brooklyn office to return a call, or try to get some information from his assistants. I guarantee you won't get anywhere. Bill DeBlasio has been absent once again from the community that elected him.

And now news that Bill was campaigning for Hillary Clinton in Iowa last week. We should not be surprised. Four years ago, he was working on Edwards' campaign. While Carroll Gardeners are still trying to get the Councilman's help in down-zoning their neighborhood and in fighting off rogue architect Robert Scarano, deBlasio is dealing with national issues.
Good for him, but bad for his local constituents. But then, Bill did not become our Councilman because he cared about local issues. Rather, he used our district as a stepping stone to further his own political career, the same way that he used our school board and our children to get elected to City Council.
Bill deBlasio is slick: a great politician but a miserable representative. By that I mean that he will stop at nothing to claw his way to the top of the political ladder. However, he forgets that political office comes with responsibility. It is about time that we demand to be represented by a man who promised to be our advocate as well as our voice, a role he can hardly perform if he is in Iowa, working on Hillary Clinton's campaign as well as on his own campaign for Borough President.Let's make sure to let the rest of Brooklyn know that Bill has not lived up to his promises in the 39th Council District. Because it is not enough to be able to play the political game. It is more important to represent...and represent well. Something that Bill deBlasio has yet to learn.

Related Reading:
From The New York Observer, December 2007
Bill De Blasio back in Iowa

From the Village Voice, September 2001
The Park Slope Scramble:

Is the 39th CD DeBlasio's to loose?
From New York Times, 2000
Brooklyn School District Exceeded Spending Caps for Conferences, Audit Says


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Last Days Of 2007: Carroll Gardens At Dusk

A walk around the neighborhood at dusk. Smith Street
along the train tracks, looking up.

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Carroll Gardens' Moody Motorcycle Repair Shop For "Thick Skinned" Only

There is a small garage located at 316 Carroll Street between Hoyt and Bond that has always intrigued me. Attached to the peeling brick wall are some funny signs: harshly worded warnings about not parking there as well as some neighborly do's and don'ts.
A rusted motorcycle chain spells out "Motorcycle repair" in script and next to it, a globe made of old springs dangles down.
The "Motorcycle Works Limited" has been there for a long time. The garage belongs to a man named Tom, who seems to be a motorcycle repair god who can be a bit temperamental judging from the Citysearch page.
This Tom seems to be quite a character. According to the reviews below, one should not attempt to use his services unless one has a thick skin. A motorcycle repairman with attitude, here in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn? Is anyone surprised?
Read on.

07/27/2007 Posted by nevilleross

I have taken my BMW motorcycle to Tom for over four years. I would not trust anyone else to touch my motorcycle. I have spent thousands of dollars on my classic BMW at Motorcycle Works Limited, and even though it hurt when I had to pay (cash only) I knew that one truly great (albeit moody) mechanic worked on it. Appointments only. A truly unique, New York City experience.

Good mechanic 

08/02/2007 Posted by coldfish

He seems to evoke extreme responses - people either dislike him or revere him as a mechanical god. The truth is in between. He's a good mechanic, I've never had any problem with his work, and I trust him - he doesn't rip you off (certainly he charges less than the exorbitant Manhattan BMW!). It is sometimes hard to get an appointment. In a good mood he's really helpful, but other times it's like trying to deal with an irritable rock star or an exclusive maitre d . If you're thick-skinned or female, you'll probably do fine. If you're a sensitive soul and he makes you feel like you're asking him for a favor in looking at your bike, don't take it personally.

Fantastic Mechanic
10/01/2007 Posted by arzan

I have been going to Tom for over three years now. He has a wealth of knowledge and the first time I was there with my Honda Nighthawk he explained a whole bunch of stuff to me. Technically he is excellent. As other reviewers say he can be a bit moody, but I am sure that everyone going there do so for his professional skills, and not his inter-personal ones. You cannot walk in without an appointment. The guy works alone and has limited storage space so cant keep many bikes there. He does not mind if you hang around his shop and watch him work on your bike. He is the BMW guru, but did excellent work on my Honda Nighthawk and now my Yamaha Vmax. His rates are fair market price and definitely lower than the dealer. To the one reviewer who gave him negative....I think you should elaborate on the problem before you run him down.

Motorcycle Works doesn't work.
06/22/2007 Posted by fabiox

Tom was recommended to me as a great mechanic, and I went there and spent $1800 on my bike. He treated me like I was asking him a favor to fix my bike and after that it still leaks oil and the battery dies all the time.....you figure out if you can trust this guy. When I called him to ask him to check the bike one more time (paid), he told me to go to see the BMW dealer....not very accountable. His mood changes with the weather, so he may be nice to you at first...but beware. He made me feel like I somehow did something wrong, when all I did was want him to fix my bike. What else is he there for? It's like having a waitress who makes $1.80 an hour and works for tips, but gives you terrible service and rolls her eyes when you ask for ketchup. Unfortunately, Tom is the only one there, so I'd STRONGLY recommend passing him by. My motorcycle is at the BMW dealer now, and I will NOT go to Tom again. P.S. He also only takes cash, so you definitely will have no chance of a refund or the ability to stop a payment if he doesn't follow through with fixing your bike.

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Picture Of The Day: Hello From Carroll Park

A Cold and Gray Day, Carroll Park And An Itsy Bitsy Red Mitten Waving
From The Fence.

I am back in Brooklyn, dear readers, after a 14 hour car ride... Need I say more? My neck is stiff, the house is filled with luggage that needs to be unpacked and there is a big pile of mail to sort through. And what is the first thing I do? I sit here and blog...Ahhh, it's good to be back!

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A Brooklyn Blogger In South Carolina

Dear Reader,
I am not in Brooklyn any more!
I have left the familiarity of my Carroll Gardens neighborhood to visit my father in Greenville, South Carolina. A different world by any means. A bit more religious, a bit warmer and a lot cheaper if you are thinking about buying a house. Above, a few of the snapshots I took while walking up Main street one side and down the other which took most of half an hour.
It is not Smith Street and not Court Street, but I guess it has its own unique charm.



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The Tailor Of Court Street!

(photo credit: hbastos at flickr)

I thought that I would take a few days off from posting about my Brooklyn area , until this little bit of news landed in my email box. Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill residents are loosing yet another essential service business. This time it's the tailor on Court street. At this rate, in a few years Court Street and Smith Street will be strips of banks, coffee places and restaurants. Nice going....
And guess what, Bill de Blasio is apparently making an appearance in Carroll Gardens. I am out of town, but would somebody please tackle him and hold him down till we get some answers and some help from our councilman?
Here is the email:

Dear Neighbors

Many of you have used the Trusting Tailors on Court Street or have passed by their friendly shop.? After being at that location for more years than I can remember, the OH's are being evicted (new landlord, new HIGH rent)? Some neighbors have been in touch with Bill DiBlasio and other elected officials to try to prevent their eviction in March.? There is a petition in the store that will go to Bill DeBlasio to show community support to block their eviction.? Please walk by and sign the petition.? The store is generally open from 7 am to around 7 p.m.

The Oh family is lovely and always donate to community causes plus have a collection box for people to send snacks, or holiday cards, (and non-perishable items) to our troops in Iraq. The Oh's are wonderful neighbors and have a big heart. Please stop by and sign their petition.


Linda Blyer

Kane Street.
PS: I was told that Bill DiBlasio may stop by the store on Monday to show his support.? Please try to stop by and show your support as well
.

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Happy Holidays, Dear Readers!

I am spending a couple of days with family and enjoying the holidays. I will be posting again in a few days, so check back. Happy Holidays to all,
Katia

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Cabbages Grow In Brooklyn

In front of 360 Adams Street, the Supreme Court Building.
I love these purple cabbages that are hanging on for dear life in a stately cast iron urn. Not only trees grow in Brooklyn, you know?

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas: Part 6

Deflated On President

Did global warming finally get to Santa and to this sorry little Christmas penguin? If that is not enough to get you to trade in that S.U.V. I don't know what will.


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Fuming In Carroll Gardens!

This is it. I have definitely had it with Councilman Bill De Blasio and his dysfunctional office staff!
I am sure everybody remembers Bill's grand standing here in Carroll Gardens in the spring against Architect Robert Scarano. It made for a great photo op. However, after his little appearance, he must have forgotten that he wanted to make sure that the rogue architect would not build in our neighborhood again. But Mr. Mezzanine Scarano is still very much involved in two prominent building projects, one of which just got a go ahead after several months of stop-work orders.

Our Councilman has promised to help rezone Carroll Gardens, but he has been dragging his feet. Instead of using his office to insure that the change in zoning will get done in a timely manner, he has ignored the pleas of local residents.
So I am mad! I am fuming!
Bill, before you pursue higher office, follow through on your promises as a Councilman! Otherwise, you have no business asking for our votes!

Related Reading:

New Permit For Mr. Mezzanine's Carroll Gardens Carcass?

Where Was Bill De Blasio For The Last 7 Years?

The De Blasio Show Coming To A Street Corner Near You!

360 Smith, Bill De Blasio vs. Scarano Update

(photo credit: The Brooklyn Paper)

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Caution: Bent Calling Box!

Last week, across the street from the main post office at Cadman Plaza

Now I understand that there may be some danger associated from a bend old calling box, so I appreciate the caution tape. But pardon me for asking, why would it be necessary to snake the tape all the way down the block, slaloming in between bright yellow cones? Now, of course, I walked the extra steps to check out if I had missed something that paused a far greater danger than the leaning box, but I couldn't see anything. I guess it is better to be safe than sorry. You never know when one of these boxes attacks you!

More fun with calling boxes: Picture Of The Day: Curvy Calling Box

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New Permit For Mr. Mezzanine's Carroll Gardens Carcass?

Ever since the Buildings Department slapped a stop-work order on Mr. Mezzanine Scarano's condo conversion at 333 Carroll Street in Carroll Gardens, the site has been in construction limbo. But hold on! What's this? New permits have been issued just two days ago. Could it be? Please tell me Buildings Commissioner Patricia Lancaster and the Buildings Department have more sense than this?
I asked a friend who is an architect to take a look at the permit. This is her comment:

Yes it looks like permits have been re-issues for 333 Carroll.
The PAA, Post Approval Amendment, shown on the DOB site is Scarano's answer to the DOB objections. What I don't understand is that this PAA was filed with DOB on 1/08/07. Wasn't that before the community met at Borough Hall over this?

With permits issued, we are allowed to go to DOB and get copies of the filed papers and drawings. That way we can see what issues the DOB actually asked Scarano to address, and how he addressed them.

Here we are again. After all the controversy generated by this construction project
it is amazing that we are right back to where we were 7 Months ago.
And where is Bill DeBlasio and his man, Tom Gray? Do they know that the permit has been reissued?

For Related Reading:

Fuming In Carroll Gardens!

For the Buildings Department site, click here


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New Public Art At F Train Subway Plaza

The Art Dog did it again!

As before, this public message is calling on "All Pols and Mayor Bloomberg to help us" downsize here in Carroll Gardens. So far, none of our public officials have stepped up to use their political clout in order to help our community.
I share Artdog's frustration.

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Part 5

Santa Dancing With Rudolph On President

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Sorry, Can't Be Fixed!

Another Old Brooklyn Fixture Biting The Dust?
Looks as though the G & D Television store on Henry at the corner of Atlantic is being emptied of old T.V. sets. A huge dumpster right in front of the place was filled to the rim with them. Anyone know what's next for this place?

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Say, What Is The Name Of This Lovely Shade Of Green?

A neighborhood friend called me yesterday morning: " You have to come and get a load of the color they are painting the Western Union store on Court Street" From the tone in his voice, I knew it was bad.
"What color are they using?"
"The most awful green you can imagine" he communicated with apparent disgust in his voice. Well, I have never grabbed my camera so quickly.
Already from afar, I could see the bright green storefront. The word "awful" did not quite do this particular shade justice. "Jaw dropping" would be more appropriate. They were just putting the last brush strokes on the place when I arrived. They had only painted the ground level of the house. The floors above the store front remained a mess of peeling brown paint, which made the newly electric green part look even more horrific.
Obviously not everyone thought the color was terrible. Just as I was walking by, two nannies with their charges had stopped to inquire about the name of the paint. One of the painters was showing them the lid of one of the paint cans. I heard him say :
" Yes, you can get it at Lowe's. They mix it right up for you!"
I bet they do, I thought to myself...

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May I Present The Pardon Me For Asking Tee?

May I present the new Pardon Me For Asking Brooklyn Lover T-shirt Design?
Available for men, women and babes in a variety of styles. Also hats and bags.
Check them out here! Get one for yourself or for the Brooklyn lover in your life.

Click Here

Thanks to my friend Judy Rayner, graphic designer extraordinaire, without whose help I would never have gotten this T-shirt idea off the ground. Visit her web site at www.jgrcreativesolutions.com.

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