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163 comments:
What's happening to the Good Food store on Court Street near 3rd Place? Are they moving/closing?
I love going there since it's a family run store that has affordable prices... I would hate to see them go.
Oh, no! I love that place. What's happening? Are the windows papered over?
Not papered over, but the shelves are bare. I asked them what's going on and one of the sons said it's time to retire while the father made a scowling face. I didn't go any further...
I can't believe it. I will truly miss them . I will be back in town tomorrow and will stop by to take some photos .
I was there today and asked about the partially bare shelves. They said they had a month to go before closing. They said they were not opening anywhere else. Sad indeed.
I have been a victim of the "Parking Pig" vigilante two times as have several of my neighbors on Douglass Street. When he thinks you are taking up too much space with your car he takes the liberty of expressing himself on your window. He is an idiot, oftentimes through no fault of your own you are in the middle of too large spot.
Regarding the Children's Rock & Roll venue that Peter Shapiro is planning for Gowanus, I have a few thoughts. I live a few blocks away and am surprised by the uproar that the vocalists have made over it. I walked that street a few nights ago and it's desolate. Would some people dining and listening to jazz music really be a hardship? I'd love to have a place to take my 5 year old son to participate in music and would welcome an environment where he could play and we could have breakfast. I've been to Brooklyn Bowl and had a good time there. It hasn't destroyed that hood. It wasn't really a hood until BB opened. I'd rather see someone with experience and Brooklyn ties do this upfront than an EDM club. Doesn't sound like Barclay's or Wetlands or Wallmart to me. Sounds pretty good to me.
When I sent this same note to WAG's site, they failed to post it. I'm surprised by what a negative, one sided message that's being presented.
Would you mind if I add your comment under the actually Rock and Roll Playhouse post so that others can read it there?
My family has lived between Smith and Hoyt on 3rd St. Since the 20's.
The amount of people who die on our block from Cancer is at an alarming rate including several members of my family.
We have always blamed it on the Nation Grid's Citizens Gas Works site and the concrete factories down the block.
The fact that they are considering building on this site is a scary thought!
Katia.
You should head down to the dock at the end of second street and the canal...take a photo of the interesting art floating in the gowanus. It's a neon manequen parts with flowers...very weird and blog-worthy.
George from Union St.
Thanks, George. Will try to make it over there this afternoon.
Is the Art of Natural Beauty spa closing? I saw a posting for the storefront for rent for $10,500? Is that even possible to get that kind of rent now on Court St? Especially in a building with so many issues (mice, bugs, lack up upkeep)? Do you know what is happening?
Had no idea the place is for rent but will investigate. But yes, that seem so be the going rate right now...
Thanks for letting me know.
Does anyone know what's going on with Ciro's on Smith? It seemed to be doing well, but now has paper in the windows. Hopefully just a renovation?
Hi Anon,
Ciro's is closed for good and a new place is taking over. The reno work does not seem to have started yet.
Will report as soon as I find out anything.
Did you hear about the crazy guy that was breaking things in Smith & Vine last night? I didn't see him personally, but my roommate did. Would love to know what the hell happened.
No, I had not heard. The guy just went in the store and broke bottles?
I'll check it out. Thanks for telling me.
JL,
I talked to one of the owners of Smith and Vine. Apparently, it was just a drunk guy who came into the store and caused some commotion, but didn't break anything. He was ushered out of the store by staff.
It's that time of year again. Is anyone experiencing packages being stolen from their stoops/inside their door ways? We had a package delivered from UPS yesterday at 4:30pm. Came home at 6p - and the package was not there. Be cautious!
In response to packages being stolen... I live on 3rd Place and both myself and my neighbors have had multiple packages stolen. We have posted signs on the door for deliveries NOT to be left at the door and we also notified the police on Union Street.
Katia,
Have you heard anything about Revelations Day Spa on Court between West 9th and Garnet?
http://revelationsdayspany.com/Home/
It took forever to open, seemed to have opened for literally one day, and is now closed. They took all of the shampoos, products and furniture out.
Personally, I am not surprised, nor am I saddened by the swift closing time. Their workers were constantly loitering, it took forever to open, it looked like it didn't remotely fit into the neighborhood, and there was often lots of debris left in front of the store, like broken glass, which the workers or owners never swept up.
It would be wonderful to have something useful down there, like a grocer or drug store.
Hi Katia,
FYI Serenity beauty salon near Caruso's pizzeria closed after many years on Smith St. A sign was put up over the New Year. Also Copy Cottage is just completing a renovation of their store. The owner George is a great guy and its good to see a little guy make it.
Perhaps you can do a proper posting
Thank for listening.
Rich M.
Rich,
I am one step ahead of you. Just posted about the hair salon closure. I like your suggestion about Copy Cottage. Thanks. Was just in there myself yesterday and complimented George on his new interior. Looks great. I'll talk to him.
I was told that the brownstone on the corner of president and hoyt just sold for 2.2 million. I dont know how the broker gets people to pay such high numbers for these properties. What is going on with the prices in the area? Where is all this wealth coming from and why here?
I saw that some of the furniture had been moved out.
Classical Impressions next door to Court Pastry has a 50% "Going Out of Business" Sale going on. Another neighborhood store gone.
Thanks for the tip.
Believe it or not, just got home from taking photos of the storefront.
I saw a father, for the second time in 3 weeks, leave his 2-3 year old child unattended while he went back into his building for 3-4 minutes. We do not live in Peoria. A child can be abducted or get into an accident in a blink of an eye. Is it me or does this rise beyond the level of pure stupidity to the level of neglect? How should a member of our community respond when he or she becomes aware of the fact that an adult is jeopardizing a child's welfare by not actively watching the child?
It looks like Happy Pants Cafe is closed
Does anyone know when the DiMattina Dog Park is set to reopen?
I noticed Smith & Butler closed up last month but work is going on inside with no permits posted including new duct work inside the space. Wonder who they know to renovate the space without permits for construction?
I had noticed the closing and already took photos. Will put something up tomorrow or the next day. Thanks for reaching out
Reading between the lines here, but does 'off street parking" mean they intend to use the garden courtyard on a historic block as a parking lot?
http://commercialobserver.com/2014/03/carroll-gardens-building-sells-for-3-26m-slated-to-become-a-medical-offices/
Very interesting. The article forgets to mention that this building is on a landmarked block. It does have a carriage house in the back towards President Street that was turned into living space at one time. The driveway is actually just big enough for two cars, not more. The house, which at one time was a funeral home, has a title side yard, but there is no way that i can be turned into more parking without an outcry from the community.
Perhaps you or your readers may enjoy this short film about Taddo, who used to cut hair on Smith Street for many years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTodVKZ9yfE
How much fun. Can you tell me a bit more about this film? When was it made? Any info would be appreciated.
Here is more information on the film about Taddo, directed by Aaron Matthews: http://www.aaronmatthews.com/films/taddo/
Thanks you so much. Will certainly post the video. Love the glimpse of Smith Street in the late 90s. Do you know exactly where the barber shop used to be? By the looks, I would say it was where Refinery is now.
at 248 Smith Street?
Was it called Sal's? Thanks.
I'm sorry, my memory isn't clear on the precise location but based upon the shot at the end of the film I think you may be correct. I do vividly recall Taddo saying, "Come on in! They made a movie about me ya know!" and generally having a very enjoyable time when I got my hair cut there, so I was glad to finally get to see the film online.
If you send me your name or initials via email, I'll give you credit for letting everyone know about the movie. Thanks. Email is pardonmeinbrooklyn@gmail.com
Katia- Pompette on Court between West 9th and Garnet closed after only being open for one year. You might want to check that out as well. It stinks that many businesses are closing in that location. It would be great to see some viable businesses there.
Have heard about the closing and was planning on taking a walk over there. Thanks for reminding me.
A fire occurred at 81 1st Place today. Heard It was caused by a candle and was pretty bad. I have no other info.
Was that what the sirens were about this afternoon at about 4:30 PM?
http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140501/boerum-hill/man-found-dead-gowanus-canal-was-former-green-beret
Don't know if you saw this, the unfortunate man who was found in the canal has been identified. Very sad to read about him
Congrats on the Alj America news piece on the Gowanus Canal. Always enjoy your work in the neighborhood, keep it going.
Thanks, Simple Twig. I have not seen it yet since I don't have cable. I hope I didn't sound too bad.
Hi Katia,
Do you have any update as to the renovation of St Mary's park on Smith and Huntington? The sign says that work should have been done by the end of winter 2013...
Thanks for your blog.
Matt F.
Hi Matt,
Apparently,the Transit Authority is footing the bill for the play area of the park. They have the money and will be putting the job out to bid soon. Construction will most likely start in the middle of next summer.
The City is going to try to fund the second part of the park.
Obviously, it is taking a bit longer than the sign indicates.
Cheers, Katia
Hi Katia
Do you have any idea of what kind of business will open on 489 Court street (former George's Pot Pourri location)? Looks like it will be a restaurant.
Hi Anon, I don't have an answer to your question, but will most certainly check it out. Thanks for the tip.
Hi Katia
I am wondering if you can poll your readers. Last night I was sitting on my stoop and a woman with a large dog came walking along. She was deeply involved with her iphone....and was allowing her dog to walk slowly along the fences When they got to my house, she allowed the dog to sniff for a while and then the dog proceeded to urinate on the ivy edging of my garden.
I politely asked her if she could avoid allowing her dog to urinate on my ivy as the dog urine is killing it in sections. She ignored me and stayed buried in her iphone. I repeated myself and then she got angry...told me I had to be realistic....told me dogs needed to be free... I responded she was being un-neighborly and that there were plenty of nuetral places for her dog to do his business without killing my ivy. She started babbling about dogs needing to be free...I told her if she wanted to allow her dog to kill plants she should allow him to go in front of her own house.
Am I being unreasonable here?
Thanks.
Robert from Union Street.
Hi Robert,
I will put the question out to my readers in a post. Don't be surprised if it generates quite a reaction pro and con.
Katia I know that you're on vacation, but I thought you should know that Matty from Marietta's passed away. Passed by this morning to see the notice on the gate that someone passed away in the family. Didn't find out it was Matty until a few minutes ago.
A local business owner assaulted an employee at Abilene last night around 1115.
I see that the bicycle shop on Smith and Bergen is finished.
Yes, I walked by and saw that. Will check it out next time I pass by. Thanks.
Tonys, the Met, Bicycle shop,Ceol, Robin du Bois, Johnny's Bootery and now Sample has been sold. Before you know it it will just be boutiques, Thai, Coffee shops and Pizza on Smith.
Where's the Carroll Park tire swing??
It probably broke and has been removed by the Parks Department. I will check it out.
The tire swing was taken down the weekend after the man was killed by a tire swing in the East Village. Not sure if it's related.
Sadly, Maybelle's on Sackett and Henry, in the old Cammareri location, is closing this weekend.
That is very sad news indeed. Any reason? Thanks for letting me know. I will try to swing by in the next few days.
Tony's Hardware on Smith St closed on Saturday. Most of the store was cleared out but the remaining stock was 50% off. He said he planned to donate the rest. It was a great store since 1995 (and before that he worked at the now closed hardware store next door). He said he planned to retire but had no specific plans. His staff had moved on already to other jobs and I just saw him and one other person at Tony's working there.
Thank you so much for the information. A sad day for Smith Street and the neighborhood. I will let others know that Tony's is now officially closed.
Hi Katia - Bocca Lupo on Warren and Henry looks like it's closed. Shelves mostly empty, kitchen items boxed/disconnected, furniture moved off the floor. No note.
Thanks, Tim. Will check it out.
Katia,
Some interesting news on the current restauration of the Coignet buiding from Brownstoner.com:
http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2015/04/top-of-coignet-building-emerges-revealing-original-facade-not-seen-in-decades/
Mattf
That's terrific news. Finally, that building is getting some care. Thanks for sending the link.
Hello. Long time reader with a question. I've always wondered about a neighborhood regular in Carroll Gardens whom I've seen walking to the Carroll Street subway stop to work (I assume as he has a lunch bag with him.) He is elderly ( I was behind him at the cvs once when picking up a prescription and found out he is in his eighties) has white hair, wears a short white jacket in the spring and fall and a black coat in the winter, has a pronounced hunch and walks with a shuffle-like gait.
At least three to four times a week I pass him on the stairs at the Carroll Street stop as he heads to catch the F train.
I always wonder who he is and what's his story. (I imagine that he works at a place that was family owned ages ago in Manhattan and he sold it and now goes to work there just to keep himself busy and active) 😄
I am afraid I don't know who you are describing. Perhaps other may know?
I leave on Huntington Street near Smith. For the past month there has been truck back-up alarm noise coming at all hours of the night and weekends from Ferrara Brothers Building Materials site on Hoyt and 5th Street.
I would like to know if anyone has suggestions on how to get this stopped.
I have filed a noise complaint with 311 but that takes close to 2 weeks for them to start investigating and taking action.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Jim,
Is this still going on? I can put it out on PMFA if you want to find out if others have called 311 as well. Let me know.
Hi, Katia.
I thought you & your readers might enjoy this interesting article: http://gothamist.com/2015/04/30/gowanus_flushing_tunnel.php#photo-1
As a six-year resident of CG, I really value your blog - keep up the good work!
Thank you very much for the link, Anon. That is fascinating. Love the photos.
Hello, Katia.
Have you and your readers noticed a huge uptick in airplane flyover noise? I moved to this neighborhood because it was quieter in that regard than most other Brooklyn neighborhoods, but that seems to have suddenly changed as the landing routes to LGA are now overhead, with planes as frequently as every other minute because of the New Generation GPS. (Communities were told this technology would lessen aircraft noise, but of course that was a lie.) I don't know why exactly landing patterns changed recently, do you?
Those affected should file a complaint (it's very easy) at either http://www.planenoise.com/panynj/daPRAbr9/ or 1-800-225-1071.
It is important that the neighborhood react swiftly and loudly to the new disturbance. This is a big issue that can affect health and property values, and the PANJNY & FAA need to hear from residents.
Thank you for all that you do for the neighborhood.
Thank you so, so much for letting me know. Yes, I have heard more air traffic directly above my house for the past week. I did not know how to even go about sending a complaint, so I am truly thankful for the link.
I will go ahead and post your info on PMFA as soon as I can so that others can follow up as well.
And, ps, re the airport complaint line and web form, you can (and should) complain every time it disturbs you.
How about a story on the new sidewalk fruit stands outside of Trader Joes? Last week there was just one, but now this morning there are TWO fruit stands blocking the sidewalk and mucking up the pedestrian pathway. Combine this with the usual alternative energy folks, a food truck and the clothing/records/comic book sellers, which all makes it difficult to walk. I know our neighborhood won't ever be quiet and sleepy again, but can't we at least walk on the sidewalks? They set up the fruit stands at or before 530am, which is when I pass by on the way to the gym, and they take up the sidewalk with fruit boxes and their trucks unloading the fruit.
Help!
Thanks for letting me know. I'll swing by there tomorrow to check it out.
Thanks about the fruit stands. I filed a 311 complaint and gave the intersection, as requested by the form, but Consumer Affairs closed it out because it didn't have street address and "there wasn't enough info." How many Trader Joe entrances are there at the southwest corner of Atlantic Ave & Court St in Kings County? Why have the form ask for the intersection if that's the reason they'll close it out without investigating. Grrrr. I trust you'll find your way :), but it's at 130 Court St (trust me--I'll refile and I urge everyone else to do so, too).
Were you able to swing by there on Wednesday or Thursday? What did you think of the fruit stands outside of Trader Joes?
Just posted your comment and the photos I took on Tuesday a few minutes ago.
Thank you! :)
I just walked by the former South Brooklyn Pizza space next to the former PJ Hanley's and there is a DOB work permit in the window for the installation of a new gas oven. Any idea what is going in there? And on a related note, have you heard anything about the Hanley's space?
That entire South Brooklyn/ Hanley's/ Buschenschank situation is a mystery to me.
That Court Street building was for sale, then the owner pulled it, so who knows.
You have a typo. The mobile salon is on First Place, not first street. I figured you might want to know.
Thanks so much. just corrected.
Winn Discount is closing? Say it isn't so!!
Everything is closing up in cobble hill! Blue Marble ice cream, Ted & Honey, Winn Discount.....and there are so many empty store fronts. Its a sad era for sure.
Couldn't agree more. Lots of empty storefronts.
Did you hear about Brucie on Court Street?
http://ny.eater.com/2015/12/15/10220382/brucie-closing
Every time I walk by, it is always crowded. Wonder if it is a lifestyle change for her or if it has become too prohibitive to run a business in this neighborhood.
Ys, just heard a few moments ago. That is pretty sad. Thanks for the link.
I was walking down Court Street on Saturday and noticed a work crew painting over the Gloria Flower mosaic. I would have snapped a picture but was late for a movie. Sad to see that bit of neighborhood history go but at least the storefront is reopening as something.
Oh, no. I loved that tile. Thanks for letting me know. I'll stop by to take a look in the next day to two.
Hey Katia,
I've noticed that the new street signs on Court and Degraw St now have Degraw spelled as "De Graw" Just wondering if you have any insight? Thanks!
Hi Andy,
I personally always spelled it DeGraw, but I may have been wrong all along.
I'll stop by and take a photo and put the question out there to my readers. Thanks for letting me know.
RE: DeGraw vs De Graw
- I first noticed the misspelling about 2 years ago when the sign on 3rd Ave and DeGraw changed to De Graw. I laughed it off as a mistake but now it's not so funny as it's permeated down to our neck of the woods and it's not the correct spelling.
Corner of Douglas and Smith (across from American apparel)
- Does anyone know what is going with this space? It's been a vacant lot for over 10 years. I remember it being a bike shop when I was a kid (late 80s/early 90s) but I don't know why it's been left unused when real estate is at a premium. Although - as I type this - I hope it doesn't turn into a luxury apartment space.
Many have been wondering about that Smith Street property. I think I read a few months back that construction would starts soon…but we have heard that many times before.
Hi Katia - first off, love the site and keep up the great work!
After a spate of lost USPS packages, I started looking into our local post office and came across this USPS Inspector General report filed April 2015: City Delivery and Customer Service Operations – Red Hook Station, NY. While it's reassuring to hear I'm not the only one plagued by poor postal service, it doesn't feel like the local post office has made any of the changes it promised to the OIG.
Would you consider doing a post on Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront/Red Hook postal service, and asking readers to file as many instances of misdelivered or missing mail as possible to USPS? (https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm) The local PO's phone is always busy, and it has lied on two separate cases to USPS Consumer Affairs about following up with me when it hasn't. I'm hoping a greater volume of complaints directly to USPS will instigate change. (Not optimistic but it's better than suffering in silence!)
Hi Anon,
Will look into it and certainly post so that others may comment on service at the post office.
We notice that on our block ( on 2nd Pl and Clinton ), the sanitation has not been picking up trash this week on Monday and Thursday. I am new to the neighborhood. What is the best way to report the problem to sanitation department?
Good morning, Unknown, Welcome to the neighborhood.
The trash on my block has also not been picked up for the past week, though only on my side. I have no idea why, since it did not snow. The best thing to do is to call 311 to log a complaint, but that may not do much.
Thanks Katia. I hope this is not a recurring thing around here. The neighborhood does not look so great with the buckets full with trash. I will report to 311.
Famous local cat makes the news!
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/06/nyregion/the-cat-mayor-of-carroll-gardens.html
I came across this:
http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Brooklyn-New-York-NY-11231/pmf,pf_pt/apartment_duplex,land_type/30569536_zpid/62041_rid/2-_beds/500000-_price/1809-_mp/any_days/40.685629,-73.99226,40.680146,-74.000961_rect/16_zm/
'4 beds 4 baths 6,000 sqft - Build a single family home!' seems just a weird suggestion for that building aka 'Buschenschank'
Very strange indeed. Thanks for forwarding link.
Not the biggest news in the world, but I noticed that Cobble Grill had shut down the other night when I tried calling to place an order. I was a fan. A reliable, cheap dinner and frankly it was a miracle they were able to operate out of such a small space.
I think it has been closed for a few months now. A few people reported their demise. Though I never ate their food, I know it was a great option for those who live around Henry and Clinton.
In case you haven't already seen this article: http://www.bkmag.com/2016/03/22/the-rise-and-fall-of-smith-street/
Interesting read.
Have read it. Great article. Thanks.
I walked by the other day and saw a sign that said Teaffee on the corner of Court St and W 9th is closing. Any idea why Katia?
Bergen Hill will become a cocktail bar called August Laura. You heard it here first.
what is being built on smith street next to HBH sandwich shop? also, anyone ever go to HBH sandwich shop? looks cute but not much foot traffic on that part of smith street.
I think it is supposed to be a pub. Looks kind of cute.
As for HBH, I always wondered how they keep afloat. Have almost never seen anyone in the place. Perhaps they have a thriving delivery business?
Katia there is a yellow piece of paper taped to the gate of Marietta's on Court and Carroll Street. The paper announces the passing of the other owner and how his wake will be at Scotto's. I know you've been concerned about the health of the brother and the store.
Just got a photo of the note from another reader. So heartbroken. Will post as soon as I can.
Thanks for reaching out.
Hi Katia,
Tiny Brooklyn on 493 Court St has a FOR RENT sign on its windows. Any idea whats going on?
Sorry, no, but will inquire. Thanks for letting me know.
Katia,
Treats Truck Stop on 521 Court St, has a FOR RENT sign in their window. Guess business is not so good at the tail end of Court St these days...
You should be happy to hear that Buschenshank is closing today.
Aha, I was wondering when that would happen after the sale of the building. Where did you see/read about it?
Thanks for letting me know.
DeBlasio wants to run the Tram down Court street? Noooooooooo!!!
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/02/nyregion/city-unveils-possible-routes-for-streetcar-in-brooklyn-and-queens.html?_r=0
Just read that.
But looks like it's only as far south as Atlantic.
Yeah, more transit options are bad now?
Book Court?!!!!
I know, right? Depressing.
Katia,
Can you please do an update on the forgotten side of Court Street. Lots of changes to explore:
~Treats Truck closed and it sounds like she's totally shuttering the business, including the truck. Such a shame, what a sweet lady!
~New bar called Water Shed opened up in the old Teafee spot. It would be great to get more information on them.
~Rumor has it Garden Apothecary is closing. Their shelves are not being stocked well and there is never anyone in there. Do you know anything about this?
will get right on it. Was walking to the Red Hook Post office today anyway. Thanks for the tips.
Katia- the rumor that Garden Apothecary is closed is true. I live near 505 and I spoke to several employees who confirmed the news that the pharmacy is indeed shutting down in a few months. Can you please look into this? Another huge empty storefront is not what the area needs. Would it be too much to ask to get a grocery store in there?
That's sad. I had hoped that they would be able to survive with the patronage of the fairies that live on that end of Court Street.
It's a nice store. Thanks for letting me know.
It's Emma Straub, not Staub. Her father is the major novelist Peter Straub, frequent collaborator with Stephen King.
Will correct as soon as i can access my computer. Thanks for letting me know.
Notice that Raccuglia & Sons funeral home is closed. When did that happen?!?
Anyone know whats up with the guy who might or might not be living in, but is always in the green Range Rover with Vermont plates that is always parked on Court btwn 1st and Carroll?
Signage is up for a Sheila's Cafe/Restaurant in the old Dover Space and they're moving quick with the buildout. They've painted the facade a dark blue -I can't decide if I like that or not.
Gourmet Fresh has expanded into an additional storefront (the old nail salon). They're pricier than the Key Foods on Henry, but this takes them to a decent size which is great for this side of the neighborhood. They're not open yet, but they took the barricade down.
That's good news! Thanks for letting us know.
Have been in touch with the new owner and hope to be able to take some photos of the place soon.
Kimchi Grill is out of business. What's opening?
Hi Katia,
Looks like Garden Apothecary's days are numbered at 525 Court St. I was there yesterday and they've removed the nice display cabinets that were in front of the store. There is a store wide clearance sale going on. I'm sad to see them go. Hope whoever rents that spot next will have better luck.
Thanks. I walked by there yesterday. I wrote about the closing a while back. Sorry that we are losing the place. I always enjoyed shopping there.
Do you know anything about the construction on Union between Henry and Hicks? It looks like they are adding several stories on top of the police station. Given that this will make the building taller than everything around it, I'm surprised there hasn't been any discussion in the community (that I've heard at least). The pace of construction is also unbelievable; looks like they're adding a new story every day.
Wow, you mean on top of the 76th Precinct?
I was just standing in front of it two weeks ago and there was no construction going on. When did it start?
Yes, it looks like it's over the 76th precinct. It started late last week, and they've added at least 2 stories. I couldn't tell this morning, but it looked like they were starting a 3rd.
By the way, love your blog! It's my favorite source for what's happening in the neighborhood, so please keep it going!
Thanks so much. Will continue as long as there are stories to report on.
I’ll take a walk in the next few days to check it out. Had not heard that the precinct was expanding.
Katia, can you please do a write up of the absolutely delicious Market Kitchen Table in the old Treats Trucks spot on Court? The ladies are lovely and I am sure they will appreciate some buzz.
I believe the building the prior commenter refers to is 145 President Street:
https://145president.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjf7zmODh1wIVi0oNCh2wZg6nEAAYASAAEgKSLfD_BwE
I've been wondering about the height of this building, which now seems taller than the church (not the steeple, happily). They had been working on this at night with lights and cranes but now all work seems to have halted. Wondering if there are some permit/zoning issues. This building just seems to tall for the neighborhood but I don't know the zoning on that block.
Thanks for any light you can shed!
Isn't it dreadful, Janice?
Luckily, because of the dedicated work of a few people in the neighborhood, Carroll Gardens was down-zoned to a height limit of 50 feet.
However, there are some spots that allow for 70 feet. This particular development is on such a spot. The developer bought one of the little row houses right next to the site to increase his Floor Area Ration.
So as-of-right, he can build it like this without the community's input.
It makes me cringe that they are advertising as 'Scandinavian design.'
Thanks for the clarification, Katia. I know there are sometimes ways around the zoning restrictions. Oh well...
And sorry about the "Scandinavian" reference. It's just lipstick on a pig!
Carroll Gardens and local bike store owner (and now Manafort reference!):
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/inspired-life/wp/2018/03/16/i-posted-a-huge-note-for-the-thief-who-stole-my-bike-then-my-doorbell-rang/?utm_term=.91210faef069
Oh, this is so so good. Thanks for sending.
I have been in the neighborhood for long time and thought I knew it pretty well until today.
I was walking down Smith Street and saw a building that looked like it was ready for demolition. The sign in the window of, what appeared to be an old social club, said simply "Andrea Doria." I would love to have learn more about it.
The Andrea Doria was an Italian ocean liner that collided with the the RS Stockholm in 1956 killing 46 people just outside New York.
A shipping disaster is a peculiar name to pick for a social club. But not unique. There was another one on Mulberry Street in Little Italy where John Gotti had his last cigar before going to prison.
It would be great to know more. At best I would love to save the window. There is history there.
Has anybody else seen or have been the slightest bet curious about the stickers/post-its popping up around our neighborhood ? They never contain any trace of an identity but always have various poetic and sometimes cryptic message; "Where is the museum of bright ideas ?", "Thanks for not getting mad at me when I drew on your face when you were asleep.", "Wait, wait I had a dream about you." A white sticker with a telltale red border.
They seem to tell a story and I'd love to know how many other people are curious to the extent that I am. Recently I've noticed a few near Atlantic ave and some on Smith st. Always appearing on telephone poles, street lights, once I spotted on on a trash can. Personally I think these notes are intriguing and I'd love to know more. However it also seems like somebody has been removing them or the elements have been getting to them quicker than I thought.
I'm highly interested to know what the rest of the neighborhood thinks of these mysterious little notes.
Did you hear about Prime Meats closing/Frankies expanding? https://ny.eater.com/2018/9/18/17873642/prime-meats-frankies-457-frankie-umberto
The recycling bins on Court and Carroll (and I assume other intersections) have been taken away by the dept of sanitation. This will lead to more trash in the streets most likely.
Prime Meats is going to change to a larger Frankie's and Frankies is going to be a wine bar/ event space.
Frankie's is moving to PM.
Hi Katia,
I just now read your piece on the proposed 1000 units. What was never discussed is that it is in a flood plain. The neighbors surrounding will almost certainly have more severe flooding after heavy storms.
Do we have amnesia?
If I owned within six blocks of this proposed site, I would be beside myself.
It would be in the best interest of neighbors to hire an engineer and a lawyer because it sounds like this project will go through.
Best,
Lisa
Wouldn't it be interesting story if found and interviewed old=timers in the neighborhood who have recollections of Carmine Persico who just died in prison.
Certainly this was the neighborhood he knew and was known in.
Steve Calk was just indicted on the loans to Manafort's house on Union from the ironically named FSB bank in Chicago.
Re the post about Vaccarino's florist, there was another full page sponsor ad by them in St Agnes Seminary School - Agnesian Yearbook (Brooklyn, NY) - Class of 1957. I lived in Carroll Gardens in the late 1950's and remember that florist.
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