The
Red Hook StarªRevue
MAY 2015
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FREE
CITY COMPTROLLER CALLS BRING IT BACK “A CASE STUDY IN DYSFUNCTION” by George Fiala
I
n June, 2014, at a meeting at PS 15, Amy Peterson, Mayor de Blasio’s head of the Build It Back program, spoke to residents about the Build It Back program. We wrote at the time: “New York City’s answer to the major damage from Hurricane Sandy was meant to offer millions of dollars of assistance to families and businesses reconstructing their homes in the aftermath of the disaster. Five pathways were made available for victims: repair, repair and elevation, reconstruction, reimbursement, or acquisition.
However, a combination of factors including poor public communication, confusing qualification guidelines, and changing leadership neutralized the efforts of the program until recently. Amy explained that of the thousands of residents who sustained hurricane damage in Red Hook and Gowanus, only 121 had actually applied to the program. Of those, only eight had selected their assistance option. Amy was being polite. A few weeks before that meeting, City Comptroller Scott Stringer held a session in the same auditorium as part of a six neighborhood tour he was making to hear firsthand the problems people were having. We wrote of that meeting: “Mary Kyle, from Van Brunt’s Dry Dock Wine and Spirits, found her element in the audience. She regaled them, saying that having to appear
Stringer listening to Red Hookers tell their tales of woe last year at PS 15.
Red Hook Star-Revue
before Build-It-Back was like a trip to visit the great OZ – all smoke and no action. She almost broke into tears, saying that the alienation she feels from the city has been crippling. She was speaking both as a homeowner and business owner. “We need money – not cups of pudding!” was how she characterized the Sandy aid that she perceived since the storm.” Stringer’s Build It Back study was issued March 15, and to say it is damning is to put it mildly. The 87 page report, available online, is a compendium of mismanagement, bad decision making, fraud and outright theft of city money by hired contractors. Build It Back is a NYC program initiated by Mayor Bloomberg in 2013 to help owner-occupants of 1-4 family buildings that were ravaged by the Sandy floodwaters. Applicants, many from Red Hook, were initially encouraged by the city’s commitment to help them recover and rebuild their damaged homes. But that hope soon turned to utter frustration as they were led through an interminable process of paperwork which led to nothing. “New York City’s response to Sandy was a case study in dysfunction,” Stringer said in his press conference to introduce the study. “During the course of this audit, I went to affected communities to hear first-hand the stories of the recovery from hundreds of City residents - from the endless delays, to the lost paperwork and the maddening lack of progress. With this audit, we present a new level of detail about how the City allowed consultants to run amok and what must be done to make sure these mistakes are never again repeated.” The Bloomberg administration hired Public Financial Management, (PFM) a Pennsylvania based firm that boasts municipal clients throughout the US. However, they had absolutely no experience at managing disaster recov-
ery, according to a September 2014 NY Times article. PFM went on to hire various subcontractors to perform the intake work - the application process that homeowners needed to go through. Complaints about the program caused PFM to be terminated in December 2013, the last month of Bloomberg’s term, but the subcontractors remained, but without contracts. Stringer explains “If there are no valid contracts in place, the City has limited leverage over its vendors’ work and cannot hold them accountable for their performance. “ The city agency responsible for all oversight of Build It Back is the Office of Housing Recovery Operations (HRO). Before they were fired, PFM was paid over $17 million for their project management work. According to the audit, at least $6.8 million was paid for “work that did not conform to program requirements set out in PFM’s contract.” These were payments made for forms filled out by homeowners that were incomplete and useless. The incentive for all the contractors were to get paid for turning in forms. Whether the applicants were instructed properly in the filling out of the forms was not checked.
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The NY Times article gave a hint at how this could have happened. “PFM brought in another firm that had worked on prior disasters, URS Corporation, to run the intake centers, which it staffed with temporary workers. The custom-made computer system, into which all applications were to be entered and stored, was supposed to be delivered two to four weeks before opening day, a person involved in setting up the centers said. But it did not arrive until the night before opening day, leaving no time for any familiarization. “Everybody was pretty much on their own, trying to figure it out themselves,” said a man who worked as a recovery specialist and also would only speak anonymously to protect his chances of finding a new job. For months to come, records scanned into the computer system — proof of income, property ownership and storm damage — seemed to disappear. “People were told to come back with the same info, and the same form,” the man said. “I apologized to them a lot, because it was frustrating for me as well.” (c0ntinued on page 3)
May 2015, Page 1
The
Red Hook StarªRevue proudly introduces our new website
www.Star-Revue.com For Editorial, Advertising and Help Wanted Inquiries, email info@redhookstar.com, or call 718 624-5568
Happenings, etc. SATURDAY, MAY 2
Organizing meeting for the Friends of the Red Hook Library group. All are welcome, especially those who want to help Red Hook get a library with more books. At the library, 7 Wolcott Street, 3 - 4:30 pm
SUNDAY, MAY 3
Court Street Festival, between Union and West 9th Sts. Children’s rides, vendors, entertainment. Noon - 6 pm. Sponsored by the Gowanus Canal CDC
The Star-Revue is published by Kimberly G. Price & George Fiala 481 Van Brunt Street, 8A
TUESDAY, MAY 5
Youth Summer Internship & Job Fair for youth ages 14-21+ at the Miccio Center 4-6 pm. 110 W. 9th Street
FRIDAY, MAY 8
PS 15 PTA IS CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY SCHOOL! PS 15 PATRICK F. DALY MAGNET SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
**VENDORS WANTED**
**FOOD VENDORS WANTED**
Please come out join the
PS 15 PTA SPRING FLEA ON SATURDAY MAY 2ND, 2015
10 AM TO 5 PM
(RAIN DATE MAY 9TH) at the large playground.
Hot Wood Arts opening reception for Jack Robinson’s Scannograms with live music and open studios for artists in residence from 6-11 pm. Show runs May 9-June 14. 481 Van Brunt, 9B
SATURDAY, MAY 9
Join The Red Hook Boaters for the Its My Park Day beach cleanup with Riverkeeper May 9th from 3 - 5 on the beach at Valentino Park. If you have any questions, write info@redhookboaters.org. Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) kicks off its 23rd season in Red Hook on May 9, 2015 with three dynamic shows: the Spring Pier Show Renew, and two national juried shows -Wide Open 6, and Recycle BWAC is at 499 Van Brunt Street, across from Fairway.
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Waterfront Museums annual Pirate’s Ball on the barge from 6:30-10 pm a sunset reception, live music and Pirate’s punch honoring Captain David Sharps, and sisters Alice Scanlan and Josephine Myers. $75/ticket at barge100.com. 290 Conover Street Kentler International Drawing Space celebrates 25 years with their annual 150 Works on Paper Benefit. 353 Van Brunt Street
SATURDAY, MAY 16
All monies will go directly to support PTA sponsored school programs at PS 15.
CB 6 Youth Opportunity Summit. Enjoy an afternoon of networking, job search skill building, and information about civic engagement, employment and internship opportunities, and enrichment programs for young adults. 237 7th Ave. Park Slope, 1 - 5 pm
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
TUESDAY, MAY 26
CATHOLIC
SBIDC’s Sunset Swing honors Greg O’Connell, Sr., Li-Lac Chocolates and Architectural Grille at Pioneer Works from 5:30-9 pm. 159 Pioneer Works
Visitation Church 98 Richards St, (718) 624-1572. Office open Mon-Thursday 9 am - 3 pm. Saturday mass 5 pm; Spanish mass at 7 pm. Sunday 10 am English, 12:30 pm Spanish. Community Prayer Tuesday and Thursday, 8 pm. Youth Group Meetings on Friday, 4:30 - 6 pm. Baptisms are held every other month. Please call to arranged for baptisms, communions and weddings. We will visit the sick upon notification.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Saint Paul and Saint Agnes Parish St. Paul’s Church - Rectory & Church Office 234 Congress Street (718) 624-3425 Hours: M - F 830am-12 St. Agnes Church Office 433 Sackett Street, 718-625-1717 Hours: M-F 1pm-430pm Email:stpaulstagnes@gmail.com St. Agnes: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 9 am (English), 11:30am (Spanish) St. Paul’s: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 8 am & 9:30am (English); 11am (Spanish) Monday & Tuesday 8:30am (St. Paul’s) Wednesday & Thursday 8:30am (St. Agnes) Saturday 8am (St. Paul’s) http://stpaulstagnes.org/
Carroll Park Fair - Meet your neighbors while browsing for housewares, books, music, clothes, jewelry, antiques and collectibles! Valentino Ballfield, Court Street between Carroll and President All proceeds benefit Friends of Carroll Park. 10 am - 5 pm
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Saint Stephen Roman Catholic Church 125 Summit Street at Hicks Street info@sacredhearts-ststephen.com Saturday Vigil Mass 5:30pm Sunday Masses: 10am & 11:45am (Italian/English) Weekdays Masses: Tuesday Through Saturday 8:30am Confessions: Saturdays 4:45pm and by appointment. Baptisms: Every Third Sunday At 1pm. Please call the rectory one month before to make arrangements. Sick Calls: Please call the rectory to arrange for the sacrament of anointing whenever anyone is seriously ill. Marriages: Please call the rectory at least 6 months ahead for an appointment with a priest http://www.sacredhearts-ststephen.com St. Paul’s Carroll Street 199 Carroll Street Parish Office: 718-625-4126 Sunday Mass at 10 am Weekday Morning Prayer - Mon.-Thurs. at 7:30 am Weekday masses as announced Holy Days as announced (please see the Calendar) Church open for prayer Tues. 6-8pm & Sat. 2-4pm http://stpaulscarrollst.weebly.com/
Jewish
Kane Street Synagogue 236 Kane Street, (near Tompkins Place) 718 875-1550 http://kanestreet.org/ August 29 30, Shabbat Shoftim Candle Lighting 7:14 PM Shabbat ends 8:17 PM Friday night services, 6:00 PM Shabbat morning services, 9:15 AM Sunday Morning Services 9:00 AM Congregation B’nai Avraham/Chabad of Brooklyn Heights 117 Remsen St., 718 596 4840 x18 www.bnaiavraham.com, www.heightschabad.com Morning Services: Sunday: 8:45am Monday - Friday: 7:45am Holidays (during the week): 8:45am Saturday: 9:45am Evening Services: Sunday: Shabbat candle lighting time Monday - Thursday: 9:00pm Friday: Winter: 5 minutes before Shabbat candle lighting time Summer: 7:30pm Saturday: Shabbat candle lighting time
If your religious institution isn’t listed here, let us know by emailing info@redhookstar.com Thanks! Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue
Lego Club at the library. Monthly get-together of Lego loving lads and lasses who create beautiful things with Legos provided by the library. The club is open to new members. Red Hook Library, 4:30 - 6 pm, 7 Wolcott Street.
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Community Telephone Numbers: Red Hook Councilman Carlos Menchaca.................. 718 439-9012 Red Hook Assemblyman Felix Ortiz...........................718-492-6334 Red Hook State Senator Velmanette Montgomery.718-643-6140 Gowanus Councilman Brad Lander............................ 718 499-1090 Park Slope Councilman Steve Levin........................... 718 875-5200 CB6 District Manager Craig Hammerman ............... 718 643-3027 76th Police Precinct, 191 Union Street Main phone ..................................................................718-834-3211 Community Affairs...................................................... 718 834-3207 Traffic Safety................................................................ 718 834-3226 Eileen Dugan Senior Center, 380 Court Street........ 718 596-1956 Miccio Community Center, 110 East 9th Street...... 718 243-1528 Red Hook East Dev. Office, 62 Mill St......................... 718 852-6771 Red Hook West Dev. Office, 55 Dwight St................. 718 522-3880 Brownstone Republicans...info@brownstonerepublicanclub.com NYCHA Satellite Police Precinct, 80 Dwight Street Main Phone................................................................ (718) 265-7300 Community Affairs.................................................... (718) 265-7313 Domestic Violence.................................................... (718) 265-7310
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May 2015
Build it Back deficiencies detailed in Stringer report (continued from page 1)
Abe Zeinali, who owns a multi-family dwelling at 187 Richards Street that is now empty of tenants except for himself and his girlfriend, is a case study of the frustration and fraud detailed in the Stringer audit. He points out an additional problem not mentioned in the report. The longer his house stays unrepaired, the more expensive repairs become. He is worried that the structural integrity of his 1925 home has become an issue. After going through the familiar process of filling out forms and then refilling them as they became lost, he finally had a Build It Back supplied architect devise a repair plan - much of which Zeinali, who has engineering experience, provided. However, the plan fails to address the structural problems, meaning that the expensive repairs could eventually lead to his house falling down - and then “who is responsible” he says. One example he cites is the basement boiler, which he replaced at his own expense. “It’s a heavy boiler, and they want to move it to the second floor,” he explains. “Such a heavy piece of equipment would damage the integrity of the second floor. The answer is to replace it with lighter units - which they refuse to consider.” Another example he mentions is the placement of the electric meters. “All the other houses on the block have their meters
in the front - allowing for easy access in the event of another disaster. They insist on moving them to the back of the house. Why?” He believes that there are no incen-
Indeed,
even
though
Stringer’s
report
details
cases of outright fraud, there is no recommendation for the city to ask the contractors Stringer
for himself
refunds. can’t
believe that many of the same contractors are still on the city payroll.
tives for honesty and frugality in the whole process. The unsupervised contractors are more interested in billing than in performing an honest job. All he would like is a chance to discuss his rebuilding ideas with an honest city official with some honesty and common sense. Indeed, even though Stringer’s re-
port details cases of outright fraud, there is no recommendation for the city to ask the contractors for refunds. Stringer himself can’t believe that many of the same contractors are still on the city payroll. While Stringer acknowledges progress in the program since Amy Peterson was brought into it in March, 2013, he says more should be done. Recommendations include direct supervision. “City staff should manage the program more directly to ensure responsiveness, accountability and efficiency. Poor supervision of contractors allowed problems to snowball, costing taxpayers millions, while delaying Richard Street resident Abe Zeinali’s home remains in critical relief.” disrepair as he awaits Build It Back assistance. (photo More specifically: “The City by George Fiala) should explore ways to maximize the use of City resources rather than out- ing “HRO will follow an assessment side consultants for potential City- process in the ordinary course of its wide disasters. The City should have emergency preparedness operations.” qualified and experienced staff to de- It is now up to the City Council and sign, manage, and assess future disas- the public to see that this doesn’t ter recovery efforts.” happen again - but that is of little The de Blasio administration was given an opportunity to respond to the report. They basically agreed, say-
consolation to the many thousands who continue to try and live in damaged homes.
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GN RH Star_half0315.indd 2
Red Hook Star-Revue
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3/25/15 8:02 PM
May 2015, Page 3
Senior Center update
PHARMACY NOW OPEN!
by George Fiala
U
ntil Sandy shut it down, the Red Hook Senior Center was located across from the library at 6 Wolcott Street. Flooding caused major damage and the senior program, operated by RAICES, was moved to the Miccio Center, where it shares space with the many programs for youth that are run by Good Shepherd Services.
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FREE DELIVERY Open 7 Days a Week
After the storm, Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez allocated $1.8 million of city funds for the renovation of the empty PAL Miccio building, located next to the Miccio at 120 West 9th Street. The building had been empty since a Head Start program located there was closed by the Federal government. The building is NYCHA property, as is 6 Wolcott. At a public meeting last December, Sara’s successor, Carlos Menchaca affirmed his office’s commitment for the new Senior Center. NYCHA used the meeting to show off the new design and promised to have the new center open by December of this year. One other group had been lobbying for use of PAL Miccio. PAVE academy, a charter school that began life in PS 15 and then built it’s own building, with the help of $26 million from the Board of Ed., had it’s eyes on PAL Miccio ever since the Head Start closed. However, it was decided to move the seniors there instead. In a 2013 DNAinfo article, PAVE Director Spencer Robertson was quoted saying that he understood the decision and was now looking for an “alternate space.”
Seniors playing dominos at the Miccio.
Evidently, the search for a free alternate space has yielded no fruit, and the school still seems to be lobbying for PAL Miccio.
No action, says Pete In the meantime, the seniors, who are in the neighboring Miccio every day, are growing antsy as they fail to see any progress on the promised renovations. “I saw a couple of workmen one day, but they never came back,” says longtime resident and community leader Pete Morales. Lillie Marshall, TA President of Red Hook West, claims that there have been problems with the contractors, citing an unwillingness to paint the windows. “I have a bunch of volunteers ready to paint the windows this summer,” she says. She has been hounding Menchaca for over a year to get the seniors their promised home.
Red Hook East says all is fine Red Hook East TA leader Francis Brown disagrees with the above assessment, claiming that workmen have been busy getting PAL Miccio ready for the seniors. Faced with delays in reopening Coffey Park, and uncertainty about the future of the Red Hook library, Councilman Menchaca is looking to allay fears and is planning a community meeting with NYCHA to lay out the current situation. He also addresses the situation in his column on page 9.
Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue
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May 2015
Library dreams by George Fiala
L
ast July, the Red Hook library was filled with concerned residents who came to a community board meeting to hear about an alternate use for a part of the library.
these libraries, which seemed out of place in an urban city library. She felt that the group was being led in a direction, rather than being honestly asked about their opinion.
The plan was not to the liking of most of the people who attended, and so the library has gone back to the drawing board.
The handlers seemed unprepared to deal with dissension, and simply wanted to move on. Blondel expressed her opinion and declined to participate further.
The problem is that the amount of books checked out in Red Hook is less than at most other Brooklyn libraries. Most people who have been to the library say that the problem is a shortage of books, but the library has used a grant from the Fund for the City of NY to hire a company called NYCPublic.org, to see how it can better serve our neighborhood. An event called the “Community Engagement Lab” was scheduled for April 18, and held at PS 15. Fliers were posted around the neighborhood headlined “Dream a New Future for your Library.” Around forty people showed up to take part in the brainstorming session, but not all stayed for the entire five hours. About six handlers from NYCPublic. org led the group in a highly orchestrated facilitating session. People were asked to rank things they thought a library should have. Photos of other libraries were shown to see what we thought about them. One person - Karen Blondel, became agitated upon seeing the photos of
Barbara Longobardi and Karen Broughton.
Reg Flowers and Carlos Menchaca participated during the first hour or so, but then both left. Felix Ortiz arrived towards the end. Leroy Branch who works at the community board stayed for the whole session. A lunch of pasta and salad from Mark’s Pizza, was served. The final exercise had everyone post different colored dots onto pre-written sheets of paper with library ideas written out. These ideas included things like a workshop, a teen space, book stacks, an older person’s space, and a digital hub. The page with the most dots was the one championed by Leroy Branch - “a flexible community space.” Naila Rosario who was there representing the Brooklyn Public Library, promised that all the ideas would be presented in a report. To follow up, she welcomes emails at nrosario@ bklynlibrary.org. On Saturday, May 2nd there will be an organizing meeting of the Friends of the Red Hook Library, which will offer other ways to help our library. The meeting will take place at the library, 7 Wolcott Street, from 3 - 6 pm.
That’s Emma on the right, Karen Blondel on the left.
Felix Ortiz arrives to speak about the Red Hook library Carlos Menchaca with Leroy Branch in the background.
One of the wall questions.
Red Hook Star-Revue
The librarian attended the session!
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May 2015, Page 5
Red Hook East and West hold meetings in the same week
T
he Red Hook Houses are divided into East and West sections. Red Hook East consists of 27 six story buildings. It was completed in 1939, one of the first public housing projects built by the city. Red Hook West was built in the 1950’s, and has taller buildings, including 135 Richards Street. Each complex has it’s own Tenant Association President, and each one holds monthly tenant meetings.
by George Fiala
terschool program for middle schoolers. The after-school is open Monday through Fridays at the Rec Center on Bay Street. The Justice Center, represented on Tuesday by Viviana Gordon, and on Wednesday by Amanda Berman, spoke of the services that they offer aside from housing court. These include social work, GED programs, peacekeeping classes and more. Sandy Serrano from RHI promoted the upcoming Earth Day celebration,
Red Hook West meets the second Tuesday of each month, “The East meeting at times seems almost like a and Red Hook East meets religious revival, with Frances Brown exhorting the third Wednesday. NYCHA and her tenants to do their best.” Usually these meetings are a week and a day apart, but the April scheduled for April 25 at the NYCHA calendar caused them to occur a day Farm on Wolcott Street. apart, a week that was also the voting On Tuesday, President Lillie Marshall week for Participatory Budgeting. promoted her May 9 fundraiser at the Councilman Carlos Menchaca attend- Miccio Center. It is a dance that will go ed both meetings to encourage peo- from 7 pm til midnight, and will raise ple to vote for their favorite projects. money for school supplies for Red Menchaca wasn’t the only one who Hook children. attended these meetings back to back. Anna Bakis and Olivia Taussig came to both meetings to talk about a free af-
The next day, Frances Brown urged people to come out for her annual Mothers Against Gangs luncheon. It
Councilmember Menchaca speaks before the Red Hook East meeting, taking some heat because East did not receive a grant from the Councilman’s discretionary budget last year. He promised equality this year as long as the request is made in time.
will be at the Liberty Warehouse, 267 Conover Street on Friday, May 15 from noon - 3 pm. Both meetings provided a bite to eat. Miss Marshall makes sure everyone leaves with a simple hot meal, usually chicken and rice. Frances Brown made available a nice spread of turkey and ham sandwiches. Lillie Marshall presides over her meetings as a sometimes stern teach-
er who will abide no nonsense, while the East meeting at times can remind one of a religious revival, with Frances Brown exhorting NYCHA and her tenants to do the right things. These meetings are the one place where outside groups and local politicians can consistently update the Housing community about their programs. The meetings are informative and worth attending if one is to take advantage of things offered.
City funds free after-school program at the Rec Center by George Fiala
Emma Broughton, representing Felix Ortiz of the NY State Assembly, addresses the Red Hook East crowd as Councilman Menchaca listens. (photos by George Fiala)
Earth Day brings generations together at the NYCHA farm
Javier Ramos, Olivia Taussig and Anna Bakis run the free after-school program at the Rec Center.
Mayor de Blasio came into office fighting for Universal Pre-K. He also issued a mandate for more after school programs. Money has been provided through the CityParks Foundation for a free after-school program in two city neighborhoods. One of those neighborhoods is Red Hook, and the program is already underway. It is for grades 6-8, and includes free snacks, free trips and a program every day, from 3:30 - 6:30. We stopped by last week and spoke with Anna and Olivia, who introduced us to the two turtles in the program, Franklin and Leroy. Anna explained that the program is focused on science, media arts, healthy living and community service. The turtles are part of the science program, where the kids explore nature, including plants, stick bugs, chinchillas, and of course, tortoises. The media arts portion include instruction in video making, photography, animation and film editing.
That’s Judge Alex Calabrese from the Justice Center on the right, and his father, Alexander Calabrese on the left, with Ben Fuller-Googins of the Carroll Gardens Association in the middle. The Red Hook Initiative and the library were among the other groups who came out on the April 25 celebration.
Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue
So far there is only one middle-schooler signed up for the program. The program is free and signing up is easy - just call Anna at 917 816-6990 or email her at abakis@cityparksfoundation.org.
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May 2015
Summit Academy banquet a huge success by George Fiala
T
he Summit Academy one of Red Hook’s two local Charter Schools. They work to be a college preparatory academy, teaching grades 6 - 12, including special education students. Summit was founded in 2009 by Executive Director Natasha Campbell and is located in the former PS 27 building on Huntington Street. Their first ever awards dinner was held on Saturday, April 25 at Fort Greene’s Masonic Temple. Council-
man Carlos Menchaca gave a keynote address, and the honorees, dubbed “Local Heroes,” were all people from Red Hook with a lifetime of service to the community. The Local Heroes honored were Frances Brown, Judith Dailey and Pete Morales. Business Leaders were Costco, D&H Grill and Grocery, Kevins and Mark’s Pizza - the last three all businesses on Van Brunt Street. Frances Brown and her husband Hal
Carlos Menchaca, 2nd from right, with other honorees, including Pete Morales (2nd from left), Judith Dailey (center), Damien Jabar of D & H Grill (to the left of Judith), and Gene Moore of Kevins Restaurant (far left). Missing from the picture is crossing guard and President of Red Hook East Tenants Association Frances Brown. (photos by Summit Academy)
lead the Red Hook East Tenants Association. Frances is also the founder of Mother’s Against Gangs. Pete has spent a lifetime promoting sports for Red Hook’s youth as well as civic affairs. Judith was a PS 27 teacher for 37 years, and has co-chaired the Civic Association, among her many service achievements. She told us the food at the Masonic Lodge was outstanding!
Pete Morales, instrumental in the Red Hook Little League, the Justice Center, SNAP and the Senior Center, was joined by his family.
Left to right: SACS Board of Trustees member, John Bailin, CEO & President of Orbis International, Jenny Hourihan Bailin, SACS Executive Director, Natasha Campbell, SACS Board of Trustees Chair, Floyd Mitchell, and SACS Board of Trustees member, Michael Bernard.
Honoree and owner,Tony Kokale of Mark’s Pizza with Board of Trustees member, Michael Bernard.
EVERYBODY IN RED HOOK GOES TO
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m-6 pm 0 am-8 pm 10 am-8 pm am-8 pm am-6 pm 07 Norman Street
m-6 pm 0 am-6 pm 10 am-6 pm am-6 pm am-6 pm
fice, 410 Atlantic
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locations for each
ocumentation proving ng a picture ID, a e, even if they are not ipating districts age
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(718) 624-0690 Red Hook Star-Revue
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May 2015, Page 7
EDITORIAL:
Mark’s
Corner
Community Spaces
S
trong communities are involved communities. Red Hook is a strong community if one looks at the number of town meetings that people care enough to hold here.
BY MARK SHAMES
WORKS IN PROGRESS
N
one of the community or political things that I have been following have reached the next milestone. I will update you anyway. The alternative is to revert to a reverie of spring and hold forth on the rebirth it represents (my wife says that’s what writers do when they have nothing to say). Anyway that’s not me. Since the recent death of a dear cousin, I have been thinking more about endings than renewal.
Politics On the political front local clubs are holding their fundraising events and some folks with ambitions are preparing the fields for a fertile future but there is no real action. The only races are two special elections on May 5. The first is in Staten Island and part of Brooklyn to replace Michael Grimm in Congress. That race pits Republican DA Dan Donovan of Eric Garner notoriety against Democratic Councilman Vincent Gentile. While the grand jury may still be out it is generally assumed that Donovan will ride a tsunami from the south shore to victory. As an admirer of scientific method I, as always, support the Democrat. Councilman Gentile has generally run a professional campaign but I am disappointed in his position in support of voter (suppression) ID laws. In the 44th Assembly District race things have been entirely muddled by the failure of the local and county organizations to form a representative county committee. Inexplicably, but par for the course in Brooklyn politics, the gentleman who did have the few critical votes failed to timely file. There is no Democratic candidate. It seems anyone can win. District Leader Patterson running on the Independence line is the regular machine candidate. Diana Richardson has the Working Families line with the support of many unions and the Clarkes. Geoffrey Davis has been active in the community for many years. The Republican Candidate Menachem Raitport, although ordinarily a non-factor in the district, given the divided field could end up a one term Assemblyman with a large block vote. The biggest surprise so far is Scott Stringer’s endorsement of Richardson. That is the only clue to a result so far. The result in one truly special election probably won’t indicate a paradigm shift in any event.
Back to the Gowanus Let us turn to the dream of a clean and safely swimmable Gowanus Ca-
Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue
nal. The important news coming out of the canal isn’t as you might think the swimmer’s aborted Earth Day swim. You surely wouldn’t know that from the comparative press coverage but you just can’t compete with a good visual. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced its proposed plan for the remediation of the Fulton Manufactured Gas Plant site at Sackett and Degraw Streets from the canal to Nevins Street. The first and for now the only thing proposed is essentially the same style of winged barrier wall that is being proposed for the Public Place site which is now occupied in large part by Ferrara Concrete. The wall will be sunk to a depth of 50 to 60 feet and will prevent coal tar from entering the canal. The main difference in the proposals is that the source toxins at Public Place will be removed once they get around to relocating the concrete company while at Fulton the source toxins may be left in place indefinitely. This sounds troubling to those who always sought a “comprehensive cleanup” and it may very well be a serious breach of that promise. However, development pressures make it likely that all but Thomas Greene Park will be remediated sooner rather than later. Cost concerns could result in the hotspot at the park being left in place. Our concern may be short lived, if the City decides to place one of the stormwater retention tanks, that were mandated by the federal Environmental Protection Agency as part of its Superfund remedy, under the park site. For those unfamiliar the tanks are intended to prevent sewer overflows from recontaminating the canal once it is dredged and capped. The consensus in the community, including those who are friends of the park, is that remediation should be undertaken now and that alternate park and pool facilities be provided. The expense is significant but it is the logical next step along the path that was chosen. The EPA Gowanus Community Advisory Group has asked for an extension of the DEC comment period from early May until after the location of the tanks are known while still calling for immediate and comprehensive cleanup.
We have merchant meetings, Participatory Budgeting meetings, meetings about the library, meetings about Sandy relief, meetings about flood insurance, meetings about transportation - even meetings about smells. On top of that, we regularly host Community Board 6 meetings, Civic Association meetings, and Tenant Association meetings. What this means is that meeting spaces are at a premium. It is usually NYCHA’s Miccio Center, PS 15, Visitation Church, or the South Brooklyn HS that are gracious enough to open their doors for community meetings.
LETTERS: Votes for MoveNY In his latest column Mr. Shames makes a sound argument in opposition to “Move NY” but it did not persuade me to vote against the plan at the Community Board 6 meeting on April 8th( the plan was passed by the board) on which he and I both sit. Make no mistake, this plan is hardly perfect. I understand that tolls on all the bridges and other various costs are largely regressive. But seeking out revenue in such ways is a natural response to an underfunded transportation system that stems from a broken budgetary and political process. So, for now, this plan should be supported. However, if the state legislature and governor wake up one day and realize the budget should fund transportation properly I will change my tune and sing in harmony with Mr. Shames - Michael Racioppo
From the Teamsters The fact that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is being negotiated in
At the recent meeting about the library, which we write about in this issue - the top vote getter in library ideas was a greater use as a community center. While we still believe that the library is most important as a place for the discovery of great literature - a community space is another important function. The Oldtimer’s Committee has been able to hold it’s last two fundraising events in PAVE Academy’s gorgeous cafeteria. We applaud PAVE’s donation of it’s space for the Oldtimers one of Red Hook’s important yearly events. Oldtimers Day reunites former with current residents for a fun weekend every August. We hope that PAVE continues to make its cafeteria available for worthy community events, and we urge greater use of the library as a vital community resource. secret should concern every American worker. The entire progressive community, including UFCW Local 1500, environmental groups, civil rights organizations and consumer advocates, has been shut out of TPP negotiations. Meanwhile, 600 corporate lawyers are advising the U.S. Trade Representative. No one can reasonably expect a fair trade agreement to emerge from this undemocratic process. Given the current struggles of working families in New York, members of Congress should not be pursuing a fast track trade deal that widens the gap between the rich and the poor, threatens food safety, and gives working class families even less of a chance to find personal and professional success. Senator Schumer has recently spoken out against the TPP. If members of Congress truly care about America’s working and middle classes, they will oppose fast tracking this terrible trade agreement. Tony Speelman is the Secretary-Treasurer of New York’s largest grocery workers union, UFCW Local 1500 in Westbury, NY.
Coffey Park update
Brooklyn Parks Commission Kevin Jeffreys assures us that Coffey Park is expected to be completed and opened to the public in June 2015. He goes on to say that “ The project includes the installation of benches, new landscaping, new lighting, decorative paving in the main plaza area and repaving of all interior pathways, and water service.” We actually spotted a couple of guys working in the park last week. It’s hard to understand why there haven’t been larger crews working to get the park ready much more quickly.
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May 2015
MESSAGE FROM MENCHACA
That Crazy World of Politics by George Fiala
Since January, there have been State of the Union, State of the State and State of the City addresses. On April 12, we were invited to Carlos Menchaca’s first State of the District Address. We are not aware of other local politicos holding similar events, except for Daniel Squadron, who holds an annual “Community Convention.” We heartily approve pomp and circumstance in government. A cynical press, Republican propaganda, and occasional corruption has tarnished government in the eyes of many of us. Fun events like Carlos’ can return enthusiasm and pride in the workings of our country. Americans who condemn countries like China for not be-
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That Crazy World of Politics by George Fiala
Star-Revue! in the advertise Don’t be a fool -
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ing a democracy too often fail to take part in the system we have here. The State of the District, free and open to the public, was a throwback to the days of an engaged citizenry. The Star Spangled Banner was performed by a singer from Brooklyn’s Regina Opera Company. An Italian folk-dance was performed by a petite quartet from Young Dancers in Repertory. Carlos’ speech was preceded by accolades from fellow politicians and residents, including a greeting from US Senator Chuck Schumer - who in fact left early to speak at Squadron’s event. More than anything, we need to groom energetic future leaders. This helps.
In Red Hook we take care of our own Dear Neighbor, It has been almost 30 months since the senior center on Wolcott Street was destroyed by the waters of Super-Storm Sandy. However, the good news is the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is aggressively moving forward with plans to renovate the building next to the Joseph Miccio Community Center to serve as a fully functional senior center that will provide expanded space and additional programming for Red Hook’s seniors. Immediately following the Storm, elected officials like Congresswoman Velazquez echoed our calls for a new senior center— a move that I am proud to share that NYCHA is eventually led to securing the expected to open the Red Hook senior site next to the center in December of this year! Miccio Center. Since 2013, local leaders from the Red Hook Houses and from across the community have continued to engage my office and the NYCHA to develop a common-sense plan for the site. Additionally, the City Council allocated close to 2 million dollars to the project. The community planning process incorporated many voices and many experiences. The design of the senior center was created using a public process, and in the last few months, NYCHA’s Disaster Recovery Unit has hosted additional design meetings and needs-assessment sessions to continue to best gauge any outstanding concerns. From these sessions, a solid and representative consensus plan emerged. I am proud to share that NYCHA is expected to open the Red Hook senior center in December of this year! The new senior center in Red Hook speaks to our larger and ultimate goal: demanding attention from our city agencies to address the array of needs that face our community that include resilient and affordable housing, extracurricular programming for youth, Universal Pre-K seats, investing in our local libraries, and of course, post-Sandy infrastructure improvements to all public spaces in Red Hook. We deserve more from our City agencies. The building of a senior center sends the a strong message that in Red Hook—in New York City—we take care of our own. I invite you to join Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and other local elected officials, NYCHA staff, and myself for an update on the progress of the senior center’s reconstruction. Together, we will address any outstanding questions, and re-affirm our shared commitment to this important project. My office will follow-up in the coming days with more information on this important meeting. I look forward to seeing you all there! Visit http://redhookhub.org/ for Red Hook updates. In solidarity, Carlos Menchaca NYC Council Member | District 38
Red Hook Star-Revue
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May 2015, Page 9
Red Hook History:
When graft was “honest” - the story of Coffey Park by Connor Gaudet
I
n his folksy 1903 memoir Plunkitt of Tammany Hall, the very skilled ring democrat George Washington Plunkitt eloquently defended the manner in which so many politicians got rich off of taxpayer dollars. He states, “My party's in power in the city, and it's goin' to undertake a lot of public improvements. Well, I'm tipped off, say, that they're going to lay out a new park at a certain place. I see my opportunity and I take it. I go to that place and I buy up all the land I can in the neighborhood. Then the board of this or that makes its plan public, and there is a rush to get my land, which nobody cared particular for before. Ain't it perfectly honest to charge a good price and make a profit on my investment and foresight? Of course, it is. Well, that's honest graft.” It was graft to be sure - but it was honest graft. While we are impatient to see the reopening of our beloved Coffey Park, we should at least be thankful that we don’t have to wait as long as the citizens of Red Hook did when the plans for the park were first announced. Nearly an entire decade elapsed from the time the land for the park was purchased and when the gates finally opened. The reason for that long delay had a lot to do with its location and a simple matter of good old fashioned “honest” graft. Michael J. Coffey wanted a park. It was 1892 and he had been Alderman of Brooklyn’s 12th ward for about 8 years, was now President of the Board of Aldermen and a highly influential figure in Brooklyn politics. Red Hook was a busy industrial neighborhood without a public recreation area and Coffey wanted his constituents to have a place to stroll, relax, and breathe fresh air. He told Parks Commissioner George Brower he didn’t care where it was, so long as it was in his district. As if by coincidence, shortly after Coffey made his intentions known to Brower (but before anything had been made public), a humble machinist by the name of Frank S. Roake began purchasing land in a very specific area of Red Hook, just a few square blocks in area, bounded by Dwight, Richards, Verona and King Streets. It wasn’t very desirable land - it was a swamp. The surface was six feet below the level of the street, frequently used as a dumping ground for ashes, cans, bottles, scrap metal, and other refuse. It was also filled with water, sometimes to a depth of five feet and undoubtedly polluted with the run-off and effluvium of decades of industrial waste. He purchased as much “land” in that area he could from three different property owners who had held the deed in their families for generations, not thinking it to be of much value. Because it was a swampy dumping ground, Roake got it on the cheap. In the three transactions, conducted between June 10 and August 1, he pur-
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chased a total of 134 lots for $56,500 or roughly $421 each - about ten dollars less per lot than the value the city put on the land for taxation purposes. While a savvy investor may have held onto the purchase a bit long, Roake started selling it off before he even finished buying it. On July 10 he transferred 110 lots to a widow named Ellen Fullerton for $75,000, making a tidy profit. Interestingly, that same day, the good widow sold a portion of those lots (⅛ of a block or about 12.75 lots) to a man named John O’Brien for the magnanimous price of $1.00. On August 1, Roake sold 6 lots to a woman named Carrie Mesick for $1.00 - the same day he purchased them for $6,000, taking a staggering loss of $5,999. The high stakes world of real estate investment were apparently too much for Miss Mesick though, for later on that month she would sell those
At long last, on June 15, 1901, after nearly a decade of insider politics, bond sales, pork-barrel spending, and awarding nearly all work contracts to favored firms, the park was opened a true product of honest Brooklyn graft. story in January 1893 highlighting a number of remarkable coincidences and relationships between the buyers and Michael J. Coffey. Roake and Mesick were simply dummy buyers who likely got paid off - Roake with the $18,500 profit and Mesick with an unknown amount. Those who profited most however, were more well connected. John O’Brien was one of Michael Cof-
Coffey “Park” at time of purchase. Image from Brooklyn Daily Eagle
6 lots to Ellen Fullerton for the same price she paid, $1.00, thus breaking even and bowing from the scene. The big Three Card Monte game ends on November 13 when Roake sells the last of his holdings to Fullerton, 18 lots purchased from the Bergen Estate, again for the nominal price of $1.00. All these $1.00 transactions were simply what was recorded on paper. This was a ploy to prevent people from knowing who really paid what to whom. It was all smoke and mirrors - using intermediaries to get the land
Alderman Michael J. Coffey. Image from Brooklyn Daily Eagle
from the original holders to those who would ultimately reap the profit. Just a few days after the last transaction between Roake and Fullerton, the City of Brooklyn purchased 70 of Fullerton’s lots and all of O’Brien’s for a grand total of $120,166 or about $1,450 a piece - more than three times their assessed value. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle broke the
fey’s right hand men in the Twelfth Ward. He was not an elected official himself, but a friend and associate who happened to be a liquor dealer. In the 19th century, barkeepers and liquor dealers were powerful political allies to have in one’s corner, particularly in New York, where saloons were often political headquarters and repeat voters could be bought for the price of a few drinks. Ellen Fullerton turned out to be the sister of P.H. Flynn, another close associate and business partner of Coffey. In 1892, Coffey and Flynn were managing an electric rail company together. Flynn had also previously demonstrated a remarkable talent for “guessing” where parks would be placed in other areas of Brooklyn, buying low from owners and selling high to the city. With Fullerton at the center of the Red Hook Park deal, one might argue that this talent ran in the family - but the safe money would be on her having inside information from here dear brother.
Roake had simply made a wise investment at the right time and that they felt the city got the land for a fair price. It was in this way that the parties involved got away with charging Brooklyn $120,000 for 78 lots worth about $33,000. Unfortunately, because the land for the most part wasn’t actually land yet, it would take another $1.5-2 million and 8 years to drain, fill, plant and develop before the park could be opened to the public. At long last, on June 15, 1901, after nearly a decade of insider politics, bond sales, pork-barrel spending, and awarding nearly all work contracts to favored firms, the park was opened - a true product of honest Brooklyn graft. Park Commissioner George Brower and Former Mayor David Boody, both of whom had been instrumental in helping Coffey bring about the creation of the park, addressed the assembly at its opening. Coffey himself however, was conspicuously absent. Coffey had recently had a falling out with many of his former allies by
Coffey Park as it looked in 1901. Image from the New-York Tribune.
blocking the nomination of a candidate for Kings County Register, causing a rift in the democratic party. While the park was largely a result of his own efforts and had been popularly called Coffey Park by residents since it was announced, the Democratic leaders who had the honor of cutting the ribbon dubbed it Red Hook Park. The name would not be officially changed for decades to come.
When confronted with these remarkable circumstances, the party line was to deny any wrongdoing. Parks Commissioner Brower, who had paid the outrageously inflated price, Mayor Boody who had authorized him to do so, and of course Alderman Coffey himself all remained steadfast in their statements that This was Coffey Park trolley stop, across from Visitation Church
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May 2015
Man vs. Nature: The Life of a Barge by Kimberly Gail Price
T
he Lehigh Valley Barge #79 was built in 1914, and celebrated her 100th birthday last year. She is the last of her kind. The barge was built entirely of long-leaf yellow pine, or Pinus Palustris. Boards cut from these trees are very heavy and will not rot, making them extremely suitable for shipbuilding. The trees mature after 100 to 150 years and may live to be 500 years old. Vast forests of the species were once present along the southeastern Atlantic coast and Gulf Coast of the United States. The long-leaf pine forests were sourced by merchants and the navy to build ships, like the Lehigh Valley #79. Due to deforestation and over-harvesting, only about 3% of original long-leaf pine forests remain, and very few are replanted. Modern shipbuilders began using steel. The company that built #79 originated out of Lehigh Navigation Company. The company was one of 13 major railroad companies in the Northeastern U.S. around the turn of the 20th century. The NY Harbor was the biggest seaport in the world. By connecting railway to barges, the company was able to intersect land and water, railway to barging. During that time, the Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge #79 was one of thousands carrying cargo through the New York Harbor. As the shipping industry modernized, and bridges and tunnels were built, these barges became obsolete. Most were left to ruin; as of today, #79, David Sharps floating Waterfront Museum, is the only surviving wooden barge. The Lehigh Valley Navigation Company built sturdy canal barges with a bulkhead in the center and cross-bracing frames. The barges were built to last. Other companies had no experience building barges, building less durable “matchbox” vessels. Sharps credits #79’s design for her survival. Despite her strapping, well-made frame, the barge is struggling a different battle. Boats play a game with Mother Nature and Father Time. Natural elements deteriorate the barge on a daily basis. Rainwater, snow, ice, sunlight, flotsam and other elements compromise the integrity of the vessel. Other things bumping into the boat also cause damage. “Rock, paper, scissors - shoot!” Sharps says. “That game of steel, concrete, motion, wood seems to always leave wood the loser.” The barge is made of thousands of pieces of wood and thousands of seams. While saltwater beneath the boat doesn’t harm the wood, the fresh water can have immense effects. One droplet of water can make its way through the cracks and create a hole in the barge. “All disaster need is a toe in the door opportunity.” Sharps explained. Another major concern to the barge is parasitic creatures that eat their way into the wood just below the surface of the water, turning the underside of a wooden boat into Swiss cheese. . There are two main types. The shipworms or teredo - are actually mollusks. They can grow up to five feet long and nestle themselves into the wood, devouring planks of wood throughout their lives.
Red Hook Star-Revue
churned in the waters causing excess abrasion damage to the hull, especially around the vulnerable corners. The first high tide rose into the street equaling the height of Hurricane Irene the previous year. At this point the superstorm’s level of water never subsided. The river refused to ebb. Over the course of four successive tides and lasting close to 24 hours, crew with life jackets donned continually slackened lines to the west to allow for the barge to rise and tightened lines to the east in an effort to keep us from continually grinding into the dock. At one point as the barge was rising like Noah’s ark... Delicate is the dance between Sharps and Mother Nature. Father Time plays his part in the competition. But the Lehigh Valley Barge #79, the lone survivor aims to be around in another hundred years.
In 2002, a worker fills the seams of Lehigh Valley #79 with hemp during dry-docking. (photo by Helena Fierlinger)
The second threat are gribble worms, crustaceans that are about the size of a grain of rice. These creatures are very mobile and can move forward and backwards, jump and swim. The wood provides them with both nourishment and shelter. They eat out holes in the wood just under the surface of the water. Hoards of the gribbles can break off exterior layers on the ship, and dive right back in to the next layer to begin the process anew. Despite outward appearances of the wood being intact, repeated molestation of the planks can cause severe damage to the structural integrity. In 2002, Sharps was wrestling with the infestation of both of these pests. During dry-dock repairs, that year, he discovered that nearly half of the wood below the waterline had been eaten away. The worms were blasted out with pressure washing. Vulnerable wood was ripped out, and replaced with long-leaf yellow pine from the bottom of the barge to 18 inches above the waterline. The fresh wood was treated with asphalt primer and roofing cement, twelve inch wide wooden strips covered all seams, and then was treated again. Finally, the area was sheathed in a plastic material. Thirteen years later, Sharps is going back to dry-dock to find out if the shipworms and gribbles were able to find a way inside. He’ll also be looking for Mother Nature’s mark of deterioration. All of this, on top of the accelerated effects of damage caused during Hurricane Sandy will have to be repaired. Sharps described the barge’s encounter with Sandy: During the extreme height of the two incoming tidal surges, the vessel moved both past and above its normal rubber fender system thus damaging sacrificial wooden rubbing timbers. Ropes were slacked to accommodate the 13 foot storm surge which further accentuated the jostling and violent movement of the boat. The river was filled with flotsam and jetsam that included dozens of dangerous 30’ wooden poles that
Because he is listed with the National Registry of Historic Ships, he is required to replace like-wood with like-wood. But since the long-leaf yellow pine forests have been depleted, the wood can no longer be obtained. Sharps will be using plastic lumber as “fender timbers” for bumpers to protect the exterior of the barge. Depending on the damage uncovered by the inspection, Sharps says, “I need to make the best decisions I can.” But he won’t know until the barge is dry-docked. The cost of these repairs is estimated to be approximately $192,000. To date, only $45,000 has been raised. The 2nd Annual Pirate’s Ball on May 15 will help finance the repairs and 70 hour roundtrip. The event will feature a sunset cocktail hour, live music, local food, and even an opportunity to walk the plank. Tickets and more information are available at www. barge100.org , the Waterfront Museum, or by calling (718) 624-4719.
Falconworks presents spring performances at PS 15 by Kimberly Gail Price
Off the Hook , a youth showcase event by Falconworks, presented two nights of entertainment at PS 15 on April 24 and 25. Three young people wrote, directed and starred in their original plays, each tackling a major social issue in their lives. In “Letters to Will,” Regan Hockenberry, age 13, addressed dealing with the death of a close friend. Alpha Barry, 13 years old, satirized bullying in his play, “Bad Cousins.” At age 10, Dontae McCoy’s theme in “Andre’s Misunderstood World” emphasized that “being creative is just as important as book learning.” Hockenberry, who played Allie, walked the audience through the devastating aftermath of her best friend Will. The play focused on inspiring hope in the world around her by approaching the Department of Transportation’s perspective on distracted driving. The play incorporated real life statistics, an imaginary cafe called “Coffey Coffee” and a live drummer (Mark Ehrhardt) to emphasize emotion. “Andre’s Misunderstood World” ended with a dance number to Imagine Dragon’s “I’m on Top of the World,” which led into a final curtain call for all three performances. A talkback with the young playwrights followed the show. Reg Flowers, Senior Collaborator for the show, led a discussion on social issues. Barry said he wanted to bring attention to bullying. Hockenberry said she feels strong about traffic safety because she had two friends hit and killed by cars. “It was a really beautiful thing the way everybody came together [for the show],” she said. “I wanted to bring attention to it.” Councilman, Carlos Menchaca spoke directly to McCoy, saying that being creative is important because “art is one of the ways people can move our hearts.” In closing, Flowers said, “this is the end [of the show], but it’s the beginning of a conversation we can all continue in the world around us.”
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May 2015, Page 11
The story behind Van Brunt’s Penninsula Gallery by Alexandra K. Corbin
A
long Van Brunt street there are some interesting gallery spaces. What’s nice for Red Hook is that each one looks and feels quite different. That should come as no small surprise since the directors of each could not be more dissimilar. One of them, Peninsula Art Space, is the newest denizen of what was once an old foodmarket strip. It belongs to a man named Eric Fallen. “It grew out of an angry period,” he said, when he took on the teaching establishment and lost. An essay and creative writing professor at several institutions including Pratt and FIT, Eric had joined the staff of SUNY Maritime in the Bronx. He began as an adjunct, and his remarkable teaching gifts and a charismatic personality (to say the least) vaulted him to a full time instructor. This is rare but understandable if you learn a few things about this Canadian born ‘risk taker’ from Montreal.
An early underachiever “As a kid I always tried to organize my life,” he noted over a cup of coffee one late afternoon. I just waited, suspecting there would be a great punch line... And sure enough, “But it’s really two seconds before your death normally when you accept your nature.” This interview was getting very juicy. I thought that might not be the case for other people, why did he say that? It turns out this descendant of eastern Europeans from a tiny Jewish enclave called Chernowitz-Bucovina, is a restless soul, a risk taker, a natural born performer - impresario if you will. He was a terrible student throughout his schooling. Ironic isn’t it that he should be teaching college for twenty years. But there’s more irony. “I was not a writer or reader as a child but got into theater and acting.” His parents, a medical doctor father and artistic mother with her own radio talk show in Toronto, understood this hyper active creative child and sent him to summer theatre camps. And yes, he does write but very short plays consistent with this hyperactivity, plays that on average run about ten minutes in length but are not to be taken lightly. Sure, a lot of people write. It’s very self aggrandizing is it not, seeing your name ablaze across newsprint. In some ways it’s like art, who isn’t an artist, really? But Eric paid his dues. Despite pitiful grades at high school where much time was spent posturing as the cool kid, playing hooky, telling jokes, practicing cool smoking routines in the park, he managed to finesse his way into a prestigious media studies program at Concordia University. The application was unusual for the time, a very personal and open format for a smart kid to show his stuff. Eric did just that, explaining his personal response to, of all things, Aristotle’s Poetics. The comic in the park reads Aristotle, you gotta be kidding. “I made short films and minored in creative writing.” But he wasn’t prolific. “I managed to
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progress,” despite bringing up the rear of the class. After graduating he worked on the fringes of the film industry driving a prop truck and dressing sets until, as he says, he wondered “What the f... am I doing?” So he sat down and wrote a play called “The Chieftain.” The play was performed at the Toronto International Fringe Festival under his direction. With this fine result in hand he was accepted at Brooklyn College’s Playwriting Program. That program was created thirty years by Jack Gelber, whose play ‘The Connection” was the first great success of NY’s Living Theatre. Fallen rented a room from a female Jamaican taxi driver and immediately loved it here. “You think I grew up?” he asked me. It seemed an odd question, exposing such a serious heartfelt issue across an afternoon cuppa Joe. His Pulitzer Prize winning professor wondered why or when or even how come this obviously talented student wouldn’t produce anything. “I’m very bad at quiet work,” and luckily and again, ironically, all the others in his program were rather prolific. They were annoyed that none of their words saw the light of day and by the second year into the program were, “grumbling that their work needed to get produced.” Enter Eric. He drove to Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side, found a tiny theatre, held auditions, and produced their plays. “I like doing risky, throwing myself into things. That’s how this gallery got going.” And it’s also how he juggled three lives; that of the college professor, the writer and the business man/ gallery director. Sometimes it’s a good thing when you do an interview to get the subject to try and define themselves in a sound byte. So I asked him, “If you had to make an elevator pitch, what would you say?”
Eric Fallen outside his Van Brunt Street gallery
creative. And with Sandy and an unpleasant corporate fight under his belt he determined thereafter to be in tight control of his life. For the first time he did something out of character, he remained tight lipped and didn’t tell a soul about his plans, didn’t let anyone shoot him down. In short order, this man who had visited my first gallery with an idea to open one for photography actually did just that. Though it wasn’t really photography but rather a solo show of an artist who did black and white’s of urban landscapes. He started meeting and talking to other such entrepreneurs like Florence Neal of Kentler International Drawing Space. Florence is a trail blazer whose large and gracious space has brought art pioneers to the Hook for 25 years. And he started talking and meeting artists and young curators, realizing that his ‘real nature’ was to assemble their talents and let them run with it. So he ‘adopted’ guest curators like Rachel Valinsky, a recent Art History graduate of Columbia University who had just curated a show in Williamsburg. Along with another assistant director, Marion Guiraud, the Peninsula
has been up and running, diligent, enduring, through cold, and wind and snows. Their help has allowed Eric to continue his writing - short plays, of course. He entered one of them, The Monster into Samuel French’s annual one act play festival’s competing against 600 other applicants and was accepted. The following year he beat the odds with a consecutive win for ‘Perfect Weather’ both of which were performed during the festival’s run. Last year, his Who’s the Boldest was produced and selected for exhibition at Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Not too bad for the restless, histrionic show off in the park. You can meet him at 352 Van Brunt where his guest curator is none other than Florence Neal presenting 20 other artists from her ‘Flat Files’ to herald her own visionary steadfastness in this old, cobbled fishing village. A skyline once huge now broken by the giraffe necks of yellow cranes, Komatsu’s and Caterpillars. The show runs through May 3rd. Alexandra K. Corbin, is the owner and director of Gallery Small New York
I asked this at the beginning of our discussion and half way through is when he figured it out, “I like collaborative projects and the Gallery grew out of that sort of energy. I was angry at the way people get crushed by institutions, I lived in Throg’s Neck, near the SUNY campus and a whole department which was like a warm family and it ended miserably.” By the way, he was standing up for the little guy against some untoward cronyism. In all this turmoil, he was looking around, had always loved Red Hook and found a charming wonderful place right above Rocky Sullivan’s. “I responded to an ad on Craig’s List. I brought my check book and brought my soul.” Two weeks later Hurricane Sandy swept through. And in the interim immediately after he had been noticing on the corner of Sullivan and Van Brunt a certain glass storefront, a perfect spot for a gallery - although, “ I had no experience.” Other than confidence by way of osmosis and his family’s sensitivity to all things
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May 2015
EPA to hold meeting about contaminated Red Hook fields
EPA contractors were out taking ground samples from the ballfields
holding on to their vacant land or buildings in hopes of a future zoning change that would allow for residential development, making the properties more valuable. Committee member Victoria Hagman acknowledged this and posited that a solution would be a law preventing zoning changes in IBZ zones, bringing certainty to the real estate market which would facilitate economic development.
The Red Hook Little League has been unable to begin their season on time for the second year in a row. The StarRevue is told that the games may be relocated to Sunset Park.
Last year the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Corp. (SBIDC) received a $106,000 NYS Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) grant. Consultants were hired to prepare a report identifying potential sites in Red Hook that could house new industry. SBIDC presented the report at the April 20th meeting of the CB 6 Economic/Waterfront/Community Development & Housing committee. Red Hook’s assets include regional connectivity; interesting buildings;,waterfront views, access and open space, and a unique identity/culture, according to the report’s authors. Suggested industries are said to be Film Production and Lighting, Woodworking/Furniture Making, Clean Technology, Small Food manufacturing and Co-packing and cold storage. Four developmental sites were identified. One of them was identified as 151 Dwight Street. The rest will be discussed at a subsequent meeting. SBIDC hopes to attract industry to these sites. It was pointed out that many local property owners are
Red Hook Star-Revue
Drug use still here
Don’t forget to check out the bathrooms at the new Lobster Pound!
Botta De Vino raises money
This drilling barge was seen on two separate occasions drilling for samples off of 499 Van Brunt Street. The purpose is unknown to us, but perhaps this is preparatory work for the promised $200 million seawall project promised for us by Governor Cuomo.
Lobster Pound bulks up
Triciann Botta, who along with her husband Jeff run Van Brunt’s Botta De Vino wine and spirit shop, served Bellini’s on Saturday, April 25. She does this every year to raise money for Red Hook’s Dance Theater Etcetera. She does this every year as a way to give back to the neighborhood.
SBIDC reports on Red Hook BOA at CB 6 meeting
David Meade and Andrea Devening of SBIDC make their BOA presentation. CB 6 committee member Noah Berk-Rauch is on the right.
across the country, leaving for Seattle on May 15.
Seawall?
On May 4th at 6:30 pm at the Miccio Center, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Parks Department and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and Carlos Menchaca will discuss the results of the March 2015 testing of the Red Hook Ball Fields and the environmental cleanup plan. Ball fields 5-8 are now closed for the entirety of the 2015 season to address higher than expected lead levels in the surface soil. Other areas of Red Hook Park did not have those same elevated lead levels, but the EPA will continue to conduct testing alongside its remediation work.
making sure to maintain her proper standing in it. The Lobster Pound is at 284 Van Brunt Street, next to the Waterfront Laundry.
Susan Povich at her new Lobster Pound
The Lobster Pound, a somewhat accidental business that grew into a well loved and busy enterprise, shut their Van Brunt Street restaurant for a few months this winter for renovations.
A Bellini is a cocktail that originated at Harry’s Bar in Venice. Customers included Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis and Orson Welles. It is served straight up and consists of Prosecco and peach puree.
You can still order their famous lobster rolls, which can be augmented with a beer or cocktail. The expanded menu now also includes full entrees, such as a Blue Plate Special, Steamed Lobster or Fish and Chips. Soups include Bisque and Chowder, and you can even get Blueberry Funnel Cake for dessert. Povich is not wrong to suspect that the Red Hook restaurant scene is at the beginning of a boom, and she is
a. Turning Point Main Office 5220 4th Avenue Brooklyn 11220 b. Turning Point 3rd Avenue 968 3rd Avenue Brooklyn 11232 c. Turning Point Red Hook 713-715 Henry Street Brooklyn 11231
An opening on Court Street
A new library?
On April 23, Nancy and Frank Settecasi, lifelong Brooklynites, opened their back garden for the first time. Nancy and Frank, together with their son Vinny opened The Park Bench Café and Crèperie at 489 Court Street last August. It was an immediate hit.
They re-opened last week and the results are spectacular. They have grown from a friendly informal place to enjoy lobster rolls - somewhat reminiscent of a roadside stand - to a full service restaurant and bar which would be completely at home in upscale Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod. It’s hard to imagine that in the space of four months a nautically themed restaurant that looks like it’s been around for decades could be built, but owner Susan Povich, with the help of local architectural firm Hecho, Inc. did it.
We recently noticed this needle disposal box on the 700 block of Henry Street, off of Hamilton Avenue. We did a little checking around and found this: An ESAP registered medical provider furnishes syringes in their Sunset Park site and offsite via mobile van in Red Hook. In addition, an ESAP outreach team promotes the program to clients and distribute fitpacks to them. For additional information on where and when the ESAP provider is furnishing syringes from the mobile van, call: (718) 439 0077. Turning Point has placed a kiosk in the following sites:
Not a library, but a traveling art exhibit that doubles as a Hispanic bookstore. That is what has been occupying 360 Van Brunt since the departure of the Red Hook Volunteers. It is called Libreria Donceles and is actually a work of art created by local artist Pablo Helguera. Helguera, who also works at MOMA, bought 25,000 books on a trip to Mexico because he believes that there is a lack of vibrant Hispanic bookstores in the United States. All the books are for sale, with the proceeds going to nonprofits. Helguera is taking his bookstore
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During the long winter months, the Crèperie created a backyard space for their popular eating spot. Wood decking was installed. Potted flowers hung from a new wooden fence. To celebrate the occasion, the family hosted a small party. Balloons decorated the entrance. Members of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Investor’s Bank, CB 6 District Manager Craig Hammerman, family friends and loyal customers attended. Panini’s, crepes, waffles, and a variety of beverages were served freely. Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Carlos Scissora noted the occasion with a mid-afternoon champagne toast.
May 2015, Page 13
Wants to ford the Gowanus
9th Street Bridge Closure
The Gowanus Alliance (GA) is advocating for a pedestrian and bike-only bridge over the murky waters of the Gowanus Canal at 5th Street.
BWAC season opens May 9 The stage is set – a massive Civil Warera building, repurposed as a gallery space, and graced by industrial ruins that have taken on a beauty and mystery of their own. A spectacular waterfront view that opens wide onto Buttermilk Channel with ships drifting off to far-away places under Lady Liberty’s watchful gaze.
The 9th Street Bridge over the Gowanus Canal will be closed nightly from April 24 through October 19 due to construction work that the MTA contractor has to perform on the Culver Viaduct above the bridge. For the entirety of this closure the B61 will be detoured nightly (10pm6am) between 2nd Avenue and Smith Street. The westbound B61 will take 2nd Avenue to Hamilton Avenue to Smith Street then rejoin the route at 9th Street. The eastbound B61 will take Smith Street to 3rd Street to 3rd Avenue then rejoin the route at 9th Street. - KP
Business After-Hours by Kimberly Gail Price
The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC) kicks off its 23rd season in Red Hook on May 9, 2015 with three shows: the Spring Pier Show Renew, and two national juried shows -Wide Open 6, and Recycle. The theme Renew signals the return of spring and the return of art to Red Hook. Show chair, Anna Hagen has urged the artists to dust off winter’s cobwebs and re-do, re-think, re-paint, re-evaluate, re-form, re-invent, renew. The show displays work of the 200 BWAC exhibiting artists; art in every medium from the traditional to the cutting edge.
President of GA, Paul Basile believes more access is needed to the canal, especially now that the cleanup is underway. New developments and residential units will draw thousands to the area, and Absile is working to gain community support for the project. The bridge would connect 2nd Avenue to Smith Street, which would provide another passage between Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, which is currently a dead end at 5th Street. The bridge would pass by future development Gowanus Green and would be only a few blocks northeast of Lightstone’s residential unit. While no design or cost estimate for the bridge has been determined, GA is working on a “practical” plan. Basile wants to include a ramp to the edge of the water for easy entry for canoes and kayaks. The bridge would also need to be high enough for barges and boats that serve industrial manufacturers to pass under. Basile calls the project “feasible,” and plans on taking the idea to local officials for funding. - Kimberly Price
Carroll Gardens Dinner
Of the 1356 submissions to BWAC’s sixth annual national juried show, Wide Open, juror Rujeko Hockley, Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art at The Brooklyn Museum had this to say: “It was a strong and varied selection of work, which made it very difficult to pare it down to just 100 artists! In making my selections, my goal was to pick work that spoke to me, whether because aesthetically beautiful; politically resonant; unexpected or unusual in appearance, focus, or materials.”
Red Hook business owners gathered for a second networking event at Fort Defiance on April 14. The first was the final meeting of ReStore Red Hook back in March at Atelier Roquette. After ReStore Red Hook completed their mission to get businesses in the neighborhood back up and running, local owners decided they wanted to continue to meet on a regular basis. At the evening soiree, Florence Neal volunteered to hold May’s networking event in her space at Kentler, although the date hasn’t been announced yet. A representative from SBIDC also announced the closing of Van Brunt Street for a street fair on July 18, 2015.
Recycle, is a juried show of sophisticated two- and three- dimensional art crafted from cast-off, discarded and re-purposed materials. It is BWAC’s first official show in the re-use genre, where entries must incorporate at least 50 percent reused materials. It is juried by the Director of Exhibitions at the Socrates Sculpture Park Elissa Goldstone.
Special events are planned for every day of the show – including the Sunday acoustic performance series, UnPlugged in Red Hook, and a new These networking events are free and open to all Red Hook business owners. Saturday reading series, The Myriad – with poets, performers, playwrights and storytellers. On Sunday, June 7, in keeping with the renew/recycle theme are free screenings of the acadMore than 300 cyclists from 29 coun- emy award-nominated documentary, tries rode at a track laid out at the Wasteland, about art created from the Cruise Terminal on Saturday, April refuse of the world’s largest dump, lo25 for the Red Hook Criterium. Riders cated in Rio de Janeiro. Back by popucompete on fixed-gear bikes with no lar demand are the female drummers of Batala NYC Samba Band. (This brakes. The weather was better than in years event is sponsored by the Sims Mupast, when the event was held on nicipal Recycling Facility). Meet the Artists at the opening recepfounder David Trimble’s birthday. The Crit was featured on CBS TV news tion May 9, 1-6PM with music by the as well as GQ Magazine. Some of the for- Run of the Mill String Band. Renew, eign visitors were spotted enjoying din- Wide Open and Recycle run from May 9 through June 14, weekends only, ner on Friday night at Hope & Anchor. from 1-6PM.
Red Hook goes global for annual bike race
Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue
www.star-revue.com
Damien Nesbit getting ready to open his successful Dog Day Cyclery back in 2011.
The Carroll Gardens Association (CGA) will celebrate its 44th Anniversary at Marco Polo Restaurant on May 28, 2015. They will be honoring Sohne Brothers Real Estate Development; Rachel Demarest Gold, Esq., Deputy Commissioner and Special Counsel at the New York State Department of Labor; and Dog Day Cyclery, for its contribution to sustainable transportation options. Cynthia Gonzalez, CGA Board Chair, says: “Carroll Gardens Association’s 44th Anniversary Celebration gives us an occasion to celebrate leaders in the community while also furthering CGA’s mission. CGA manages a number of low-income housing in Red Hook, including the two family homes across from the Justice Center. “The annual fundraising dinner is an opportunity to strengthen commitments of donors and friends to the programs that CGA offers. These include preserving and developing affordable housing, enforcing quality housing management practices, promoting small business economic development, and providing and linking residents to social services and resources to improve the quality of their lives.” For more information contact Vilma Heramia, Executive Director, at 718243-9301 or via email at info@carrollgardensassociation.com.
May 2015
Good Sunday vibes at Hometown
Tom Ramirez, George Fiala, Stan Kosakowski and John Badiali rock Hometown BBQ for three sets of afternoon music on a recent Sunday. (photo by Kimberly G. Price)
H
ometown BBQ has been serving up live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Music was presented on Sunday for the first time the last week in April as local band Union took the stage for three sets beginning at 4 pm. Union is composed of two Port Authority retirees, Stan Kosakowski and Tom Ramirez. They worked in Red Hook since the 1980’s, repairing PA facilities and the piers. In the 1980’s the Port Authority still owned a large amount of property in Red Hook, including the Grain Terminal and the Beard Street warehouses. Union performs mostly original material written by Kosakowski who sings and plays guitar. His songs range from country rock to pop, with an occasional bluegress tune thrown in. Ramirez
is the lead guitarist. The band is rounded out by John Badiali on bass and George Fiala playing drums. Badiali has lived in the Monarch Luggage building, and his previous bands have played locally at Bait and Tackle and Lillie’s, a club that is now closed but was at Beard and Dwight Streets. The band was formed in 2010 when the various players met at a weekly jam that was held at Fiala’s former offices at 101 Union Street - the original home of the Star-Revue. They have played at various outdoor events sponsored by the newspaper, and are regulars at Rocky Sullivan’s of Red Hook.
Advertise in the Star-Revue for information call 718 624-5568 or email kimberly@redhookstar.com
Their next local performance will be at Rocky Sullivan’s, 34 Van Dyke Street, on Friday, May 8th at 9 pm.
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An invitation to join the Friends of the Red Hook Library by Kimberly Gail Price
I
learned to read when I was 4 years old. My older sister was already in school, and she would come home and teach me all of the things she had learned at school. Thus, one of my greatest life’s passions came to life. I was an insatiable reader. I read anything that had words. I read every road sign at the top of my lungs. I poured over our family phone book for hours. I perused the dictionary as if it had its own story to tell me. When I was 8 years old, my father sat me down to explain all of the wonders of the library. My 9th birthday was just around the corner, and I was going to get a library card. I still have that library card with my nine-year-old signature scrawled on the back.
With the support of the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), I am beginning a Friends of the Red Hook Library group. There are 16 similar Friends groups throughout the borough, each dedicated to a specific library. Friends groups help with four main functions: advocate on behalf of their local branch; community outreach and publicity; raise donations and supplies; and creating special projects. Over the past 8 years, BPL’s funding has been cut by 20%. A Friends group will help not only advocate for more public funding, but will also allow the community to decide what the library becomes. At the April 18 charrette, members of the community sat down with representatives from BPL to discuss the possibilities of our local branch. The Friends group will help carry that conversation forward from stakeholders directly to BPL.
My first trip to the library was magical. Thousands of books piled into rooms and rooms of shelving. A never-ending world of science, fantasy, art. I checked out more than a dozen books that day. They were so tall in my little arms that I In 1992, Andrea and Jay McKnight couldn’t see where I was going. founded the original Friends of the The library is not just a building of Red Hook Library group. For more books. It’s an enormous research cen- than a decade, their group lobbied for ter. An early literacy advocate. A place more hours, librarians, programs and of discovery. The Red Hook Library books for the branch. They had not should be all of these things. With only an executive board, but also an executive youth board. enough support, it can be.
Library Fun Facts The Red Hook branch was built in 1915 on the corner of Richards Street and Visitation Place. Richard A. Walker, architect of the library, also designed Grand Central Terminal. The original building was the only “Mediterranean Revival Style” branch. This style was much more common for buildings in Los Angeles and Miami. After a fire in 1946, the building was demolished. The library used rented quarters until it was rebuilt at 6 Wolcott Street. More than 60 branches make up BPL. The Red Hook Library offers dozens of programs monthly, including resume building, Read and Play, and Legos in the Library. BPL has a “floating collection.” Requested books will be sent to any branch. Red Hook is among 21 branches in need of a roof replacement. In 1992, Jay and Andrea McKnight founded the first Friends of the Red Hook Library group. In 1901, Andrew Carnegie donated $5.2 million to establish neighborhood library locations. He believed every New Yorker should live within walking distance of a library. Free wireless internet is available at every branch via 1,100 public computers. BPL is the 5th largest library system in the country.
An organizational meeting of the new
Friends of the Red Hook Library Saturday, May 2, 2015 @ 3 pm
Join an advocacy group as
we embark on a mission to ensure
the
Red
Hook
Library remains a resource to our community.
Be a part of building a brighter future for the Red Hook Library. Friends of Red Hook Library is supported by Brooklyn Public Library
Sandra Sutton
Red Hook Library
718.935.0203
7 Wolcott Street
ssutton@bklynlibrary.org Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue
Brooklyn, NY 11231 www.star-revue.com
May 2015