Red hook star revue, july 2014 to print

The JULY 2014

Red Hook StarªRevue SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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by Micah B. Rubin f all goes according to plan, Red Hook’s “back” will be unrecognizable within ten years.

The Los Angeles-based developer Est4te Four has a reputation for breathing new life into abandoned and derelict buildings. They’ve turned gritty neighborhoods in Milan and London into centers of culture and fashion. Their current projects at 160 Imlay Street and 202 Coffey Street are set to transform Red Hook’s waterfront into an engine of creativity.

“We were attracted by [Red Hook’s] strong artistic atmosphere,” the developers say in an interview in Hidden Pl4ces, a glossy magazine created to promote the 160 Imlay project.

“Everything started because I discovered Red Hook through some friends. I felt it was a very undiscovered jewel,” says Aldo Andreoli, of AA Studio, the project’s architect. “It was so close to everything but distant in a certain way.”

Purchased in 2012 for $25 million, Est4te Four’s plans include converting the “underappreciated” and “underutilized” New York Dock Company building into a mix of commercial and residential spaces catering to artists and creatives. (please turn to page 7)

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: It’s our birthday! Special Section starts page 9

Happenings, etc.

MONDAY, JUNE 23

Red Hook Long Term Community Recovery Plan Meeting A chance to walk through a plan that the Red Hook Coalition has been working on. Miccio Community Center, 110 West 9th Street. 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Cheryl Braxton’s Community Meeting at the Red Hook Library. Local issues to be discussed from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

Build it Back Meeting at P.S. 15, 77 Sullivan Street. 7:00 - 9:00 pm. This meeting is important for Build it Back/TDAP applicants and NYCHA residents and will include Dan Zarrilli giving updates on Integrated Coastal Protection proposals for Red Hook. Amy Peterson and Andrew Olsen from the Mayor’s Office will be present.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

The Six Sided Force and the Life of the Honey Bee with Bill Day. The Pfeiffer Center, 159 Pioneer Street, 7:00 pm. How do tens of thousands of bees decide where to forage for nectar, when to create a new queen, or swarm? In the course of their lives, worker bees perform a dozen different functions within and outside of the hive; how does the colony, with no central management, direct individual bees to fulfill its needs at any given time? What force or wisdom guides the bees in building comb, a vast collaboration that draws resources from the entire hive? Why do bees build six-sided cells to store their honey and raise their brood?

This talk will examine the beehive as an organism and as a social ideal.

Alternative ways of agriculture and beekeeping that can secure the bees’ future – and our own will also be discussed.

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Red Hook StarªRevue The Red Hook StarªRevue

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SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

In just two short years we have grown from a novelty Table of Contents Danny Cruz death. ..............

3 Politics....................... 13 to an institution.

Emergency meetings......... 5 Francis D’Angelo........ 14

JULY 2014

BROOKLYN’S

SOUTH COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

MONDAY, JULY 7

The Granite Prospect at the Brooklyn Bridge Park will be the location for a book reading organized with Freebird bookstore at 7:00 pm. The series, called Books Beneath the Bridge,” will continue on succeeding Mondays featuring Greenlight Bookstore, Powerhouse Arena, Community Bookstore Park Slope, Word, and Bookcourt.

THURSDAY, JULY 10

The 15th anniversary of “SyFy Movies with a View” kicks off with “Duck Soup” (rated G). DJs from Brooklyn Radio will begin playing music at 6:00 pm to sunset, when the movie will be screened. The short “Silo”

by David Soll will preceed the Marx Brothers howler. Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park.

SATURDAY, JULY 12

Celebrating Red Hook is a day-long trade show/arts festival taking place behind the outdoor IKEA parking lot. A chance to see the kinds of businesses that reside behind the walls in Red Hook. A chance to hear music and dance that thrive in the neighborhood. All day event topped off with IKEA’S fireworks show beginning at dusk. This annual event is a joint production of IKEA and the Red Hook Star-Revue.

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101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 Kimberly@redhookstar.com

Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue

718 624-5568 www.RedHookStar.com

www.RedHookStar.com

July, 2014

Late ambulance arrival costs a Red Hook resident his life

W

ednesday evening, May 21, Danny Cruz Jr. was busy making dinner for his three girls, Tea, 14; Savanna 12 and the youngest, Angel.

Dinner was hamburgers and potato puffs. He loved making dinner, helping his wife Tynisha, who works during the day. He was getting ready for the job he held since last November. He worked the 11 pm - 7 am shift as a night watchman at the Prospect Park Rink.

He never made work that night.

Danny was 40 years old and suffered from asthma. He hadn’t been feeling that well but didn’t tell anyone. All of a sudden, he had trouble breathing and told his wife to call 911. Tanisha saw his distress and frantically made the 911 call. She then started giving him

Daniel Cruz spent three days on life support at Methodist Hospital. His mother, Mercedes sits with him. (photo by George Fiala).

by George Fiala

resuscitation. The minutes passed by with no ambulance. She told her twin sister, Latisha, to keep him breathing and ran downstairs from their 16 Mill Street apartment, in the Red Hook Houses.

She ran up and down the street, looking for any emergency vehicle. She saw nothing, went back up, and then down again. By this time more than twenty minutes had gone by. She finally saw a policeman on the street and grabbed him. He ran up, assessed the situation, and made a phone call. Within three minutes the fire department and three ambulances arrived.

Tynisha’s aunt, Khadija James arrived in time to see Danny intubated and being taken down to an ambulances.

“The three drivers were arguing about who would take him,” James said. Cruz finally arrived at Methodist Hospital, but it was too late. A doctor told James that he had been without proper oxygen to his brain for almost 45 minutes, and was probably brain dead. They did manage to get his heart beating again, and he was kept alive by machines.

Today, at 5:00, with his family around him, the machines were turned off.

Danny was a registered organ donor,

and parts of him will go to save others.

But this is small consolation to his family.

Khadijah recalled that two years ago Cruz’s eldest daughter Tea had a critical asthma attack, and a LICH ambulance was on the scene within two minutes and she was Daniel Cruz, who just turned 40, had these family pictures taken properly taken recently. Picture are Cruz with his three daughters, Tea, Savanna and Angel. care of. LICH used to keep an ambulance at Rich- out exactly what caused the deadly deards Street, by Coffey Park, covering lay. Was it because of problems at 911, Red Hook emergencies. The drivers which have been well documented? knew their way around the Houses. For Was it because of the closing of LICH, someone unfamiliar with the streets which was beginning to take place on and buildings of the Red Hook Houses, the 21st of May? All this remains to be it could take a while to find an address seen. like 16 Mill Street.

What the facts do seem to indicate is It will take further investigation to find out exactly why this happened.

The family has hired a lawyer to find

that a young father of three is gone because he didn’t get to the hospital in time.

Celebrating the life of a great family man

D

aniel Cruz’s funeral service was held Monday night in the Rockaways, where he grew up. A loving crowd of about one hundred friends and family members filled the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church to celebrate Danny’s life of forty years.

Cruz was left on life support following an asthma attack on May 28th. He was feeding dinner to his three children when he gasped for breath and told his wife, Tynish Rogers-Cruz to call 911.

By the time an ambulance showed up to take him to Methodist Hospital, his brain had died due to lack of oxygen.

He was kept alive until May 30th, as he was a registered organ donor so in death he has saved others.

Danny was an ardent sports fan. Lying in state, he was wearing a Yankees hat and jersey, his hands clutching a baseball stamped with the Yankee logo.

Crystal Riddick read statements from cards the family had received, including one from Peggy Wyn-Madison, principal of Red Hook’s PS 15.

His sister-in-law, Latisha Rogers, read his obituary. It was a heartwarming statement of his life, and included “His family was everything to him and you would never see him without one or all of his daugthters’s by his side. He was not just their father but their constant companion, their protector and their world.”

Sister Marcy spoke lovingly of her brother. She recalled their frequent car rides together. He loved driving, and loved Honda vans. Family photos were flashing throughout on two television screens on the back wall of the church, and one of them showed Cruz beaming

Red Hook Star-Revue

by George Fiala

behind the wheel of a silver Honda van.

Marcy said that normally she wouldn’t be happy driving in an open car with her hair blowing all over, but with her brother that was just fine. She recalled one time when they sat by the side of the road with a flat tire. Her brother was too cheap to pay for Triple A, so they just waited for somebody to come by with a jack they could borrow. After a while he asked Marcy if maybe she could pray to speed up the process. All of a sudden, a man wearing white stopped and pulled out a gold jack from a case. Danny’s eyes lit up in amazement, and he looked at his sister and asked her to pray for a winning lottery ticket!

Marcy told about how she had lost the two leading men in her life in just three years. Their father, Danny Sr., passed away in 2011. Without breaking down,

A theme of the evening’s service was not the untimely loss of Danny Cruz, who had just turned 40, but the gift that God had given his family and friends by his life.

she explained how her brother Danny was her rock, made her feel safe, and would show up whenever she needed help with anything. “I was lucky to have those 40 years,” she said. “Danny was my younger brother - I was the luckiest sister in the world.”

Daniel Cruz lies in state at the funeral home in the Rockaways.

She ended by telling her brother that she would see him “on the next road trip.”

bring up her daughters, but a man’s voice is also important.

Reverend Darren A. Ferguson opened and closed the ceremony. His closing was rousing, introducing religious themes with simple street talk that everyone could understand. Looking at Danny’s family, he spoke of his own loss. His wife had died at the age of 42, over ten years ago. Dying of cancer, she made him promise that he would remarry someday. He protested, but afterwards he realized that while she would never leave his heart, in her love she wanted him to move on. He did in fact sport a large gold band on his ring finger, so probably he has.

A theme of the evening’s service was not the untimely loss of Danny Cruz, who had just turned 40, but the gift that God had given his family and friends by his life.

He told everyone in the room that a funeral is not a family reunion. In other words, it is everyone’s responsibility to be there for the Cruz family. Not that Mrs. Rogers-Cruz will not be able to

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Among the guests was local Councilman Carlos Menchaca, who greeted the family along with everyone else. After the ceremony he told the Star-Revue that an investigation into the circumstances involving the death is being undertaken by NYC Public Advocate, Letitia James, as well as lawyers hired by the family. He also expressed a continuing interest in starting a local volunteer ambulance service, an idea expressed at an emergency neighborhood meeting held last week.

Daniel Cruz was buried Tuesday morning, June 10th, at Cypress Hills Cemetary, baseball in hand.

July, 2014 Page 3

Community Calendar CB 6 - ALL MEETINGS AT 6:30 PM

Monday June 23: Environmental Protection/Permits & Licenses Presentation and review of a proposal to establish a beverage redemption center at 234 Butler Street (southwest corner Butler/Nevins Streets). Presentation and review of the renewal of an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of NY Koeln Corp. at 84 Saint Marks Place (between 4th/5th Avenues). Presentation and review of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Mixteca Restaurant LLC at 396 6th Avenue Presentation and review of a new unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Watty and Meg at 248 Court Street (between Kane/Baltic Street) to permit 8 tables and 24 seats. 78th Precinct 65 6th Ave.) Wednesday June 25: Youth/Human Services/Education Review and discussion of New York State Senate Bill S.7234B and Assembly Bill A.9610B respectively, an act to amend the public health law and the insurance law, in relation to the provision of maternal depression education, screening guidelines, and referrals for treatment as a followup to last month’s panel discussion on Postpartum Depression. Call for location (718) 643-3027 Thursday June 26: Landmarks/Land Use PUBLIC HEARING (continued) on 798-804 Union Street (BSA Cal. No. 997-84-BZ). Discussion and formulation of a recommendation on an application (BSA Cal. No. 997-84-BZ) submitted to the Board of Standards and Appeals on behalf of 222 Union Associates for changes of use to a mixed use building pursuant to Sections 11-412, 11-413 and 52-34 of the Zoning Resolution, with proposed commercial (retail) uses in Use Group 6 on the first floor and cellar, and proposed residences in Use Group 2 on second through sixth floors, and structural alterations for the confirming residential use at rear wall and at roof, and extinguishment of the term of the previous BSA approval upon commencement of alterations at 798-804 Union Street (Block 957, Lot 29), between 6th and 7th Avenues. Presentation and review of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for restoration of storefront fenestration and framing, replacement and alteration to main entrance doors at 6-8 Cheever Place \Cobble Hill Historic District.

Presentation and review of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for proposed legalization of the front elevation building color and alterations to restore fenestration, awning and security gate for the storefront at 168 Court Street (between Amity/ Congress Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District. Prospect Park YMCA 357 9th Street

OTHER EVENTS: Tuesday June 24, 6:30-9 pm: Gowanus CAG meeting, NYC DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd is the invited guest this month. St. Mary Star of the Sea, 41 1st Street.

Wed June 25, 7-9:00pm: Red Hook Civic Association, PS 15 Auditorium. All are invited to hear a set program and add what you like to the conversation.

“Bridging Gowanus” meeting, 6/25, 6:30-9:00pm, Wyckoff Gardens Community Center, 280 Wyckoff St.

FOR UPDATED LISTINGS GO TO www.redhookstar.com

Community Telephone Numbers: Red Hook Councilman Menchaca..........................718 439-9012 Gowanus Councilman Lander...............................718 499-1090 Park Slope Councilman Levin................................718 875-5200 CB6 District Manager 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 NYCHA Satellite Police Precinct, 80 Dwight Street Main Phone....................................................(718) 265-7300 Community Affairs...........................................(718) 265-7313 Domestic Violence...........................................(718) 265-7310 Youth Officer...................................................(718) 265-7314 Auxiliary/Law Enforcement Explorer Coordinator .(718) 265-7378 Detective Squad...............................................(718) 265-7327 Lillie Marshall and Phaedra Thomas at an EPA outreach meeting at PS 15.

Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue

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July, 2014

Oversight meeting uncovers mold and money shortages

by George Fiala

F

ormer Manhattan Borough President and new city comptroller Scott Stringer brought his traveling Sandy Oversight show to the auditorium of PS 15 Tuesday evening.

Flanked by his deputies, Councilman Carlos Menchaca and the Mayor’s director of Housing Recovery, Amy Peterson.

Stringer announced that he was in Red Hook to listen. This wasn’t to be the normal feel-good town meeting Two lines were set up for people to tell their Sandy stories. Stringer vowed that everyone who spoke would get a follow up call the next morning. He said that for each person who wasn’t called, someone in his office would lose their job. Solutions would be found.

they manage in Red Hook. “We had to change boilers and do mold remediation,” she said. CGA had to spend $1.1 million to remediate the Sandy damage.

They have been able to raise a half million from private sources, and is hoping that Build-It-Back would fund much of the rest, which has come from their operating accounts. “So far it’s been a big runaround,” she said.

Barbara, a resident of 80 Dwight Street, complained of black soot coming into her windows from the diesel powered temporary boilers that have been providing heat and hot water since the storm.

“It’s making people sick,” she said.

Stringer interjected to say that the first audit his office took on was one of NYCHA, which is ongoing.

The big complaints of the night came from homeowners and businesses being defeated by the Build it Back application process, and from NYCHA residents who are to this day suffering from mold and polluted air causing them various sicknesses including asthma.

Another NYCHA resident, Carol Mass, explained that her daughter’s asthma has been getting worse and worse, she has to use a pump much of the time. She attributed it to the soot and to mold, but when NYCHA workers show up, they “do nothing.”

Monica Byrne led off. She introduced herself as a founder of ReStore Red Hook.

She called it the only organization that was 100% voluntary, giving grants totaling $600,000 to businesses such as hers.

The grants were checks mailed to 51 Red Hook businesses to help them stay open. Her main complaint was echoed many times. First of all, SBA money were loans, and nobody wanted to take on debt. Grant programs such as BuildIt-Back required documentation of losses. She said that small businesses don’t always keep receipts of their purchases, and anyway, much paperwork was lost in the flood anyway. “The problem is in the application process,” she said. She also said that relief money should go directly to those that need it, not to programs.

She did not name any specific programs.

The Fifth Avenue Committee sent a slew of representatives to speak. They had suggestions for Stringer, and also seemed to be requesting a partnership with Build-It-Back to facilitate the process. One of their suggestions was that the Build-It-Back contractors be taught resiliency planning as well as simple rebuilding.

Vilma Heremia, representing the Carroll Gardens Association (CGA), told of losses to the 106 low-income homes

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 before Build-ItBack 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 asked her what government wait for an ambulance, plus an accident on Lorraine and Hicks that killed a 14 year-old-boy, led Wally Bazemore to call Felix Ortiz who called Carlos Menchaca who called together an emergency community meeting Monday, June 1 at 5 pm.

Carlos Menchaca and Captain Lenz look over a roomful of people with the blues.

Emergency community meeting called due to double tragedies

by George Fiala

People in Red Hook are slowly beginning to get the idea that the closing of the Long Island College Hospital is not good for the neighborhood, at least for the bulk of the neighborhood that lives in the Red Hook Houses.

A tragic combination of news about a death that followed a half hour or more

Red Hook Star-Revue

So many community stakeholders showed up that the meeting had to be moved from a small room in the basement to the cafeteria. Captain Lenz of the 76th precinct, along with other officers and Community Liaison Vincent Marrone were early arrivals at the meeting. Other attendees included Robert Berrios, Henrietta Perkins, Francis Brown, new head of Red Hook East tenants, her husband Hal, Victoria Hagman of Realty Collective, Mary from Dry Dock Wines and Spirit, Khadijah James and much of the Cruz family (it was Daniel Cruz Jr., who suffered an asthma attack and died before the hospital could help him), Wally Bazemore, John McGettrick, head of the Red Hook Civic Association,

organizations she was referring to, specifically. Mary thought a second and mentioned SBA, EMA, her insurance company, Build-It-Back and Red Hook Rising. “I got bupkus!” she said.

A Red Hook resident who is restoring her 1899 family home also complained about the enormous amounts of paperwork she has had to wade through. She has been able to move forward, and complimented local community organizations - specifically Red Hook Initiative, the Red Hook Volunteers, Rebuilding Together and the Good Shepherd Services. They have been “out of this world,” she said to applause. She suggested that these people be put to do the rest of the work.

Adam Armstrong, who led a campaign against diesel pollution from the Cruise Terminal, said that he felt for the people in the Houses suffering from the temporary generators. He said that he needed to fill the gap between what his insurance company paid to repair damage to Cheryl Braxton, Kimberly Gail Price, Leroy Branch from Community Board 6, Karen Blondell, two from Menchaca’s office and Mitu Maruf representing Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, who was in Albany.

The meeting began with a long discussion about traffic, prompted by the deadly accident earlier that day. Braxton pointed out that Lorraine Street has become much busier since IKEA opened up in 2006, but no stoplights had been added. Everyone agreed that Hicks and Lorraine has been problematic. Captain Lenz explained what happened that morning.

At about 6:50 am, a 14 year-old-boy saw the bus arriving across the street. He ran out to catch it. This was across from the ballfield at the corner of Hicks and Lorraine. A BMW with Jersey plates, who Lenz explained was someone who came to the area for work, also saw the bus and moved a bit to the right side of his lane, without slowing down. He never saw the boy, and hit him at full speed. The

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his two family house, and what he has had to spend. Thus far he has been unsuccessful at getting this money. He declined an SBA application because “it’s a loan.”

Carlos Menchaca spoke close to the end of the long evening, recalling the storm and the government response. We needed to do better and we will is what he said. At the time of the storm he represented City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in Red Hook, and got a first-hand look at the situation. Now he runs the 38th District.

He announced some upcoming meetings - a June 25th meeting back at PS 15 with Build It Back and a Long-Term Recovery Plan meeting June 12th at the Miccio Center. He closed by saying that the most important way to get government working for the people is for the people to show up. “We need community voices to speak up,” he said.

The community did a pretty good job this evening in front of the Comptroller. actual speed was not determined but as of last night he has not been charged with a crime. The boy was thrown onto the hood of the car and smashed the right side of the windshield. The BMW carried the boy across the intersection which is when he slammed on the brakes. Hitting the brakes caused the boy to fly off the car onto the ground.

Police and ambulances showed up, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Carlos asked for advice from the concerned gathering and promised to follow up everything with DOT and other branches of government. Someone asked about school crossing guards, and Captain Lenz said in fact that they have openings for guards, and he might be able to put a new person on Lorraine.

Other complaints included double parking, lack of stop lights and stop signs, and speeding cards. Someone suggested speed bumps, but it was explained that speed bumps are not put on roads that are part of an MTA bus route, nor are (continued on page 6)

July, 2014 Page 5

Emergency meeting (continued from page 5)

they put on two-way streets. Another suggested having the B 61 make some stops right near the houses, having school kids pick up the bus more safely. Mary from Dry Dock complained about 54 foot trucks and an accident on Van Brunt last month that the police haven’t prosecuted. Robert Berrios said that buses in New Jersey have decals on them that tell drivers to slow down when approaching.

After about 45 minutes, Khadijah James got up to speak eloquently about the death of her in-law. Daniel Cruz, Jr., suffered an asthma attack last week and died as his brain did not get oxygen for at least 40 minutes. The family is very upset, claiming that ambulances were very late showing up, and only showed up after they had to grab a police officer from the street. A long conversation ensued with people wondering how LICH could be allowed to close.

It was pointed out that a LICH ambulance used to be stationed by Coffey Park, with drivers who knew the neighborhood. Finding an address in the Red Hook Houses can be confusing to someone who has never done it before. With LICH closing, ambulances from all over are being sent to answer Red Hook calls.

In fact, one of the Cruz daughter’s suffered an asthma attack right at the Miccio Center. Captain Lenz himself radioed for an ambulance. Finally one from Maimonides showed up, and in total the family says it was a half hour before she was delivered to the hospital, with is on 48th Street and Tenth Avenue in Brooklyn.

Additional topics included soil and air contamination in Red Hook, and the overgrown condition of Coffey Park.

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SUNY gets their developer

We reproduce verbatim SUNY’s press release on what they consider the conclusion to our LICH ordeal Agreement Subject to Final Contract Between Parties and Approval by SUNY Board of Trustees Albany – The State University of New York today announced an agreement in principle with Fortis Property Group for the purchase of the former Long Island College Hospital (LICH) complex.

Under the agreement, there will be a seamless transition between SUNY and NYU Langone Medical Center to ensure continuous emergency medical services at LICH for the residents of Brooklyn as well as a guarantee to expand and diversify medical services offered to the Brooklyn community.

NYU Langone Medical Center’s Certificate of Need application has been approved by the Department of Health, satisfying a major step in the regulatory process and expediting its ability to operate the emergency department under its own license. Additional Certificates of Need for an ambulatory surgery center and a Federally Qualified Health Center have been submitted.

The total sale price is $240 million plus additional funds to cover the full operating costs for SUNY to run the Emergency Department during the transition period and $5 million for a Community Foundation to address the ongoing healthcare needs of the community.

The sale will be secured by a $24 million deposit, or 10 percent of the purchase price at contract.

The agreement in principle is subject to a final contract between the parties and (continued on page 19)

Don’t be a fool advertise in the Star-Revue!

Help Wanted at the Star-Revue Reporters needed for news coverage in Red Hook and her environs. Enthusiasm as important as experience.

Learn on the job.

Advertising positions also available.

We also accept submissions from the community on topics of local interest.

Call

718 624-5568 or email: info@redhookstar.com

Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue

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July, 2014

Red Hook’s Est4te Four makeover (continued from page 1) The building’s previous owners struggled for 5 years before successfully receiving mixed-use rezoning approval in 2008, and Est4te Four is reaping the benefit of the past owner’s labor.

Seventy loft-style apartments - with ceilings ranging from 12-16-feet tall -

seen a growth in development from stores like Steve’s Key Lime, Brooklyn Motor Works and Pier 44 Antiques.

Est4te Four also purchased 202 Coffey Street in 2012 for $11.8 million. The building dates back to the 1880s and served as a production warehouse for high-end purses as well a ship building parts company.

The red-painted brick building has ceilings up to 55-feet tall, exposed wooden trusses, exposed brick walls, oversized windows openings (that are currently bricked up, but will be reopened during renovation) and two courtyards.

are planned for the building’s 230,000 square feet, in addition to 6 commercial spaces: art studios, offices and a groundfloor café.

Andreoli minimized internal hallways and inserted 5 elevator cores, which allows for floor-through apartments with views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn on the building’s top 3 floors. The 6th floor, converted water-tower penthouse affords 360-degree views and a rooftop lounge. A garden is planned for building residents.

“I love the views, the location, the sense of space that is created by looking at the Bay of New York,” says Andreoli, who plans on moving into the building when construction is complete.

The building in its current gritty condition has served as a location for a Vogue Italy fashion shoot and last month, Falconworks Artist Group, a neighborhood theater company, completed an 8-run performance of Romeo and Juliet in the space.

Est4te Four’s first venture in New York began in Tribeca - creating a full-service film and photo studio for London’s Spring Studios. The studio has already excited the New York fashion community and designers like Michael Kors and Diane von Furstenberg hosted their Fashion Week runway shows at the These plans may sound ambitious, but Est4te Four’s reputation fledgling studio.

Apartments go on sale in July 2014 and will range in price from $650,000 to upwards of $5 million for a penthouse according to Patti Larroco, the Douglas Elliman broker handling the building’s sales.

A few blocks south of 160 Imlay is the 202 Coffey Street warehouse, just north of Valentino Park. The area has already

Daily News’s former printing press factories at 68 Ferris and according to the developer’s website, plans on converting the 790,000 square feet of waterfront buildings into a mixture of commercial and residential spaces - and possibly even a hotel.

of successful projects - most notably Milan’s Zona Tortona make success all but assured.

Plans for 202 Coffey Street are still under development, but Est4te Four’s vision includes converting the 130,000

These plans may sound ambitious, but Est4te Four’s reputation of successful projects - most notably Milan’s Zona Tortona make success all but assured.

Est4te Four transformed a derelict industrial zone in West Milan, Italy into a hub of international fashion with 3.5 million square feet of mixed-use space, which is now home to designers ranging from Armani to Zegna to Brioni, a hotel and the Museum Arnaldo Pomodoro.

To project the building against possible flooding, all of the buildings mechanical systems are on the roof and the 2nd floor, Andreoli says. In addition, floodgates will be installed to protect the first floor spaces.

In addition to adding Highlinesque greenery to Imlay Street’s industrial character, the building’s street-level landscaping will double as a sponge during heavy rains or inundation through the use of salt-tolerant plants.

Construction at 160 Imlay Street began in June. This rendering, taken from the Est4te Four promotional magazine, shows the view from the back.

They also turned Howlick Place, a for-

Neighborhood engagement has been part of the developers plan. The Hidd4n Places magazine featured local artists and business owners like Pier Glass founder Mary Ellen Buxton and The Good Fork’s Ben Schneider.

“My experience with them has been a good one so far. I think they are trying

square foot building into a “Global Hub for Art, Creativity, Fashion, Design and Events” the project architect, AA Studio’s website says.

In a 2012 interview with The Commercial Observer, Est4te Four’s head Alessandro Cajrati Crivelli said a photography school and artist studios would be features in the redeveloped space.

Est4te Four also owns the New York

mer mail sorting facility in London’s Victoria neighborhood, into the epicenter of a growing “cultural quarter” that includes fashion designer Tom Ford’s world headquarters and the contemporary-art auction house Phillips European headquarters.

Art world Jeffrey superstar is considering opening up a new space in Red Hook. His decision will be influenced by the success of Est4te in bringing new transportation options to the neighborhood. (all illustrations courtesy of Est4te Four).

Red Hook Star-Revue

As their Red Hook projects progress, Est4te Four is also working to improve the neighborhood’s accessibility on public transport by lobbying for a new water taxi station and creating a bike-share program (possibly securing the neighborhood a Citi Bike station) according to their self-produced promotional Hidd4n Places magazine.

“Through their expertise and connections [Est4te 4 is] able to bring people in the art and fashion business. There’s a movement of creative people that follows them,” Andreoli says.

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to do something dynamic,” Schneider says. “I’ve always been in love with [the 202 Imlay and 160 Coffey Street buildings]. They’re just so beautiful, so the mere fact that they’re not getting torn down is a great thing,” he says.

And building the community is what Est4te Four has in mind. “We are not only here to try and make money, but have an interest in really making the neighborhood more interesting and livable,” Andreoli says.

July, 2014 Page 7

EDITORIAL:

O

Is change inevitable?

ur cover story this issue details the Red Hook plans of a real estate developer.

They have big plans for the neighborhood, and many feel that this is a great thing for Red Hook.

that had already moved to China.

The developer has bought some of our old industrial buildings and have grandiose plans to turn Red Hook into a regional artistic hub.

This new change might be a bit more revolutionary. We are told that when a property is zoned ‘as-of-right,’ as Esta4te Four’s acquisitions are, neither City Planning or the Board of Standard’s and Appeals need to be consulted. The new property can do whatever they like, as long as the existing zoning regulations are complied with.

In a time seemingly eons ago, a local developer was able to buy many properties along the waterfront - the old warehouses. He was wise enough to save and restore most of the buildings he purchased, and repurposed them for the new types of manufacturing that was slowly springing up - replacing the simpler, and larger scale manufactured

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

(send yours to editor@redhookstar.com)

Albany bound

After having the privilege of serving the Southwest Brooklyn business community for the last nine years, I am excited to announce that I have accepted the position of Deputy Director, NYC Regional Economic Development Council at Empire State Development (ESD). While I will remain in the field of economic development, I will miss working side by the side on the ground with many of you. I have learned so much from all of the advocates, community partners and small businesses that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years and for that I am grateful. Thankfully, I will still have the opportunity to work with many of you in my new role. My last day at SBIDC will be Tuesday, June 17th. - Elizabeth Demetriou

Carlos reaches out

Please join us next Wednesday (6/25) for a NYC Build it Back Help Session to access Hurricane Sandy resources and updates. Community members are encouraged to come out to receive: Build it Back application assistance; Foreclosure prevention counseling; Legal and financial resources for homeowners and renters; Temporary Disaster Assistance; Resiliency and Coastal Protection Updates for Red Hook & NYC Who: Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Amy Peterson, Director for NYC Build it Back Program, Daniel Zarrilli, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency, and Representatives from NYC Housing Authority, Brooklyn Legal Services, Fifth Avenue Committee, Good Shepherds, and community members. When: Wednesday, June 25th. Where: P.S. 15, 71 Sullivan Street, Brooklyn NY, 11231. Time: 7 -9PM

Not another meeting!

Though I appreciate the constant efforts on the part of Carlos and other city officials in helping their attempts at furthering the community, I’m discouraged to find out this meeting on Monday is going

Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue

It was a different time, and while not everyone in Red Hook was completely pleased with the change, it was an evolutionary change that helped stabilize the community.

Red Hook is a neighborhood containing a lot of people with a lot of opinions. As we have seen with the recent experiences of the BASIS school and a planned drug

rehab clinic, the community likes to feel that they have some say in the future of the neighborhood, even when if by law they do not actually have any say. Right now, many people are upset about the lack of communication coming from the Parks Department as they redo Coffey Park.

Based upon the track record of Esta4te Four, it seems likely that the face of Red Hook will indeed change. Young urban professionals will be coming here to work, and perhaps to live, bringing lots of business to Van Brunt Street. Inevitably, what has happened to Smith Street and Bedford Avenue will start happening here.

Some of the mom and pop businesses will not be able to make the transition, as rents will no doubt head skyward.

to turn in to yet another ‘informational’ meeting where people from all the related agencies listed will tell us once again: 1. that help is just around the corner; 2. if you keep on attending all of the 7 or so meetings a week, keep telling your heart-breaking stories of abandonment that something will happen, and 3. the city genuinely feels your pain and is doing everything humanly possible to ease your burden, but really this time.

It is interesting how”payoffs” change peoples position! - Deedy Gad

How many more informational meetings do we expect to get in before everyone in the community either just stops coming, or gets real raucous and angry- it was on the edge of that at the last meeting with Mr. Stringer. Neither reaction is a productive solution, but neither are all these countless meetings that we’re attending.

Red Hook Volunteer news

Red Hook Hub maybe?

Unveiling of the Hub at Red Hook Fest.

Fingers crossed NYCHA may be one of the locations but it’s a really awesome concept. I think you guys on the LTCRP have talked about it Wally Bazemore. No? It’s in the LTCRP projects list. Saturday should be a great day to learn more about it.- Reg Flowers RHV’s new recovery initiative is the Materials Purchase Program. The Materials Purchase Program supports Sandy

The sleepy little village that many of us really appreciate, will become a bit more like the higher end neighborhoods that surround us. Possibly even more so.

This is not good nor is it bad. It is the price of success.

There will be lots more things to do - places to eat - boutiques to shop in.

Those of us that will stay will enjoy a happening neighborhood full of culture and modern people and better places to get a haircut, or rather a style.

There is only one red flag that we can see thus far. We would have thought that forward thinking developers looking to make a community theirs might want to reach out to the local paper.

The Star-Revue kind of found this all out by accident. survivors by providing supplies (up to $1000 in value) for recovery-related repairs, volunteer labor (skilled & unskilled), and case management assistance. The Materials Purchase Program is on track to complete at least 18 projects in Red Hook by September 2014.

Complete your application today!

All Materials Purchase Program applications must be submitted by 5pm, Monday, June 30, 2014. You may download the application at the link below or stop by the RHV office, 360 Van Brunt, for a copy. https://drive. google.com/file/ or call 718.306.9149

Coffey Park Watch

Don’t you think its time for something other than temporary means and long overdue promises unfulfilled, discussed repeatedly at meetings each with identical agendas.?

Its so disheartening to me, but I think I’ve heard it all at the last 6 meetings.

I’ll be at the store, trying to get some money in the only way I have since the storm. When build it back, or any of the other organization offering assistance, lets me know that the paperwork I submitted successfully more than 9 months ago will be ready for processing and a check will be prepared, I’ll be there in about 18 minutes, not 18 months like its taken them. - Mary Dudine Kyle

Coffey Park

I thought I saw them cutting down trees IN the park...I know the birds and squirrels are just as happy as can be, but they do need to let people know what is going on.... Louise Conti-Franqui

While the Star-Revue has been unable to get an answer from anyone at the Park’s Department, or from our City Councilman as to the status of Coffey Park, a sign was finally posted explaining the situation.

LICH outcome

The situation is that back in April fencing was put up closing the park for a year for a planned renovation. According to Glen Kelly, head of CB6’s Park Committee, the community is usually kept abreast of park renovations. In this case it wasn’t.

RFP process is manipulated & rigged& needs to be revisited & revised.

The sign contains no new information. It says that the paths will be reconstructed, tree pits enlarged and a barbecue area accessible to the handicapped will be constructed.

This certainly didn’t go far enough, hospital wasn’t even mentioned.

It is apparent that these local officials don’t seem to have any backbone.

There position seems to have changed from 6 months ago when hospital was being talked about.

Work, which has barely started, is scheduled to be done next spring.

They do give the phone number of the Queens contractor.

We are grateful that the park was finally mowed.

www.RedHookStar.com

July, 2014

The Red Hook Star-Revue Serving the Brooklyn Communities of Red Hook, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill

June 2010

Celebrating our Fifth Year covering the Hook

by George Fiala

I

think if you had told me back in 2010 that I would still be publishing the Star-Revue in 2014, I’d have been a bit surprised.

I didn’t have any sort of master plan, and I didn’t really know anybody in Red Hook. I first moved to Brooklyn in 1983, and lived in Boerum Hill and Windsor Terrace with brief stints in Williamsburg and Park Slope.

Except for Lillies, I really never came to Red Hook, and those times I didventure down to Beard Street, I inevitably got lost. I will attest to having ridden the B61 one time, to see a Kentler show on the eve of Desert Storm. I could have been traveling in Siberia - that’s how unfamiliar I was with the neighborhood.

The paper started as a sort of lark. I did have over a decade’s experience in local newspapering, which is what gave me the slightly wild idea that I could do it.

I had to move my regular business, a mail house over on Court Street, when that particular section began gentrifying (think Buttermilk Channel restaurant). By fate I found 101 Union Street. The easy next step was

Red Hook Star-Revue

to cross Hamilton Avenue, and I really liked what I saw.

I was surprised that such a diverse and dynamic neighborhood had no local paper. That kind of left the door open for me, and of course, I walked right through it. I kind of liked the idea of running a newspaper at one end of Long Island, perhaps thinking about the plethora of publications on the other end.

I must admit I had some wild ideas as I was getting to know the neighborhood - kind of a trial by fire.

One of my first ‘big ideas’ was to push for a monorail helping out the transportation issue here. I’ve always thought monorails were kind of futuristic, and figured it would be a much better idea than the trolley schemes that were being tossed around then.

It seemed perfect - running a monorails down the Columbia Waterfront District riverside, around the back of the tunnel, and up the less traveled Richards Street - connecting with both IKEA and Fairway, and then going back down again.

A big issue then, and still unresolved, was helicopter noise. I decided that a good way to cover that issue would be to have our first ace reporter, Matt Graber, take a trip on one of them and report. I believe I stunned him with the assignment, but he was a trooper.

I scraped together the $140 it cost and he came up with what I thought was a pretty good story.

I have to admit that I didn’t know all that much about what to put in the paper, but I learned quickly, and of course am still learning - we will always be a work in progress.

My first idea was to concentrate on arts coverage. We ran that way for a while, until I realize that there were plenty of other publications doing that better. Far fewer publication concentrated on local news - and so we dove right in.

I originally thought political cover-

age was boring - you can take a look at this issue and see how my mind changed on that one.

At first I didn’t realize how important it was to cover the goings on at the Red Hook Houses - but when I did finally run a few stories, I was amazed at how much that coverage was appreciated.

Of course, hurricanes and toxic sludge and hospital closings were the farthest thing from my mind - so of course these have been the three most important topics we’ve covered in these four years.

I have met lots of great people on both sides of town, and I guess I can say that maybe I have one of the greatest jobs in the world. And it gets better all the time.

Thanks so much for reading. Here’s hoping that both the neighborhood and its newspaper will keep getting better and better.

I still kind of like the idea, but I think a lot of locals were laughing at me.

www.RedHookStar.com

July, 2014 Page 9

Define Red Hook

by Kimberly Gail Price

A

s editor of the Red HookStar Revue, I often ask new writers to write a 500 word essay. Their topic: Define

Red Hook.

There are several reasons for the assignment. Mostly, I want to know if they can write a sentence correctly.

The secondary reason - which could easily be the first - is because I want to see what they see when they venture into this part of the city.

Some know Red Hook better than I do.

Others have heard of Red Hook and may have been out to IKEA once or twice. Some venture into Red Hook for the first time because of this assignment.

Through their eyes, I get a fresh perspective. What makes Red Hook unique?

What are the sights, sounds and smells they discover in the air around them?

What strikes them as memorable about us?

Their words often touch me. There is doubt that Red Hook is a special, magical place full of humanity and compassion. But I am biased because I have my heart invested here.

Their words on paper have become a reaffirmation of a community I love. As Red Hook looms closer and closer to the brink of gentrification, I would like to share this for the history books.

In the following quotes, a handful of writers define this neighborhood as we know it.

“Because neither of us had ever been there before, and because all roads lead to IKEA, we agreed to meet at IKEA.” “Salt and rust and brick.”

“A microcosm of sorts due to its subtle level of isolation.”

“One must walk a good amount from Borough Hall. Through highly populated streets, filled with pushing and shoving. Hectic faces and heavy chatter that can drown out one’s own subconscious thoughts. One must cross over a densely used ten lane highway. Automobiles of varied shapes, size, and functions. Loud horns honking beneath you. But once across, a new feeling may emerge. An authenticity of sorts. The environment brings out this feeling” “A diverse population, with people from many walks of life and areas of the world. Communities that are close knit, traditional and friendly.” “[Red Hook is] filled with the kindest people I have met.”

“Red Hook is one of the last true neighborhoods that is truly a Brooklyn neighborhood. A real representation of the borough, or what the borough once was.”

“The sun, even at its lowest, still manages to illuminate this neighborhood…

Only long after the sun disappears is the pavement taken over by the urban pinkish-yellow glow of streetlights and neon.”

“While Red Hook’s appearance may be barren and destitute, it is in fact quite brimming with activity.”

Red Hook is [both] relaxed and spirited, and it provides a breath of fresh air from the rest of fast-paced, noisy Brooklyn.”

“This little section of Brooklyn has come alive because of the people, the industries, the eateries, museums but mostly because of the feel of the neighborhood – the pride we have when we see how far we have come.”

“Committed life-timers and residents.”

“In the 1990’s it was named one of the worst neighborhoods in LIFE magazine.

Over 20 years later it has become an up and coming community that has proven its alliance to each other through thick and thin.”

“It’s a paint-chipped fishing town, New York City style - a hodgepodge of worlds both separate and intertwined.”

“Although at first glance it can appear sleepy, Red Hook’s insides a bursting with life, music and great food.”

“Not surprisingly, Red Hood is getting back on its feet [after Sandy], and with resilience and passion…and other New Yorkers are noticing.”

“How could it have taken me so long to realize that I was driving by a hidden treasure buried inside what - at first glance - might seem like nothing more than a bunch of hidden warehouses?”

“The first thing I noticed after arriving in Red Hook were four words spraypainted in blue across the side of a building: ‘Still strong after Sandy.’”

“Around every hidden twist and turn there seems to be [a stunning skyline.]”

“If you like the monotonous routine of everyday life, don’t come to Red Hook.”

Remembering Sal on this 4th of July

VFW Post 5195 325 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 (718) 624-9313

Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue

www.RedHookStar.com

July, 2014

Define Red Hook photos by Amanda Decker

“[Red Hook] is like a proud and protective island nation. And like any island nation, it’s had to deal with storms.”

Red Hook is not Club Med, but it is certainly made to keep stiletto-wearing, culture vultures like myself out.”

“The population dwindled, and the crime statistics soared…many people left…But many people stayed and others have come to build something new; they’re trying to shape their own histories down here.”

“There is a true bohemian vibe I felt just looking around at the various shops… I liked that feeling because it is like the complete opposite of what the rest of New York feels like.”

“If you’re quiet, you can hear the waves crashing up onto the tiny island-like neighborhood.”

I think of the [B61] as the magic bus that takes me to my choice of places to have fun.” “for one thing, there’s now a Starbucks[™] in Red Hook…For so many people, Red Hook means a lot more than Starbucks [™] and food trucks.”

“Red Hook represents so much more than just its residents. It represents changing of the tide in Brooklyn, as well as a growing, thriving community.” “[Gentrification] raises the fear of losing what makes Brooklyn special. Resistance to cookie cutter neighborhoods is what will keep the soul of the city.”

“The thing that was most visible in every part of town was pride. There’s a real feeling of pride in being ‘from Red Hook’ that sets this area apart from neighborhoods.”

“There are also people who fell in love with the charm and independence of this little part of Brooklyn that had survived off the radar of street services and city funds for decades.”

“Red Hook is a small, somewhat secluded community of about 11,000 people in New York, a city of over 8 million, which people all over the country and world aspire to get to their whole lives.

But if they are lucky enough to find their way out to this corner of land pointing at the Statue of Liberty, head on, they realize that this is the kind of neighborhood a person wants to be from.”

Red Hook Star-Revue

www.RedHookStar.com

July, 2014 Page 11

ILA LOCAL 1814 wishes

The United States of America & The Red Hook Star-Revue a

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Proudly manning the Brooklyn’s Waterfront Lou Pernice, President

When others were leaving, we were investing

LOPES ENTERPRISES BUILDER AND DEVELOPER

We would like to thank all those who spoke in support of the BASIS Independent School. We proudly bring a new 100,000 square foot private school to Red Hook.

For 32 years, Lopes Enterprises has brought business to the Red Hook community. Our commercial tenants have been important to the growth of Red Hook, Gowanus and Carroll Gardens. We continue to grow as a company. We were instrumental in building the permanent home of the Red Hook Initiative.

We are starting work on 12 new residential units on Coffey Street near Richards.

Our buildings are home to the Van Brunt Still House and OB Hair Salon, next to Marks Pizza. We are developers of the Smith Street Houses at Smith & 9th Sts. Please visit our website at www.hldynastyre.com to keep up-to-date with our current and future projects and listings.

H.L. DYNASTY REAL ESTATE CORP. Residential § Commercial § Industrial

197 Columbia Street (718) 834-8675 www.hldynastyre.com

hldynastyrecorp@gmail.com

Humberto Lopes, Prop.

Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue

www.RedHookStar.com

July, 2014

News from the Independent Neighborhood Democrats

by Mark Shames, President

That Crazy World of Politics

by George Fiala

Lander a no-show

Standing right next to Scott Stringers at the comptroller’s recent Sandy outreach was our Councilmember Carlos Menchaca. In addition, Menchaca has put together a follow-up meeting together with the Mayor’s office where Build-It-Back problems will be addressed further.

The Sandy Oversight meeting, held at PS 15, brought out many from Red Hook to express the continuing problems stemming from the storm. In addition to many Hookers, there was a significant Gowanus contingent who made the trip to Red Hook - among them five or six from the Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC). They seemed to be lobbying Stringer for Build-It-Back consulting work. Their lengthy presentation s unfortunately denied many, including John McGettrick, from being heard, as the school closes at 9:00 pm.

We thus thought it strange that former FAC head and current Council Member Brad Lander didn’t complement Menchaca. Turns out, he was busy attending a FAC fundraiser at the tony Brooklyn Academy of Music, along with 200 other guests.

Election time

You might not be aware of it, due to the paucity of campaigning going on, but there is a primary election on Tuesday, June 24. Nydia Velazquez is facing a challenger, Jeff Kurzon.

This race is in contrast to her last campaign, where Velazquez fought tirelessly against a candidate put up by the former Democratic powerhouse Vito Lopez.

We asked both candidates for a position statement, as we normally do before an election. We didn’t hear back from Velazquez, but Kurzon sent a statement, which we reproduce below: “When I am sworn into Congress next January to represent New York’s 7th district, I will be proud to give the people of Red Hook a true voice in Washington. Red Hook is one of Brooklyn’s most spirited and lively neighborhoods. This is why I chose to set up my campaign’s headquarters here in the community.

There are many ways we can make Red Hook a better and safer place to live.

As one of the hardest hit areas of Hurricane Sandy, Red Hook continues to feel the aftermath. The storm’s effects continue to plague NYCHA residents in Red Hook: Tenants residing in buildings affected by the super storm have griped about mold, leaks, and heating issues.

Many small business owners still struggle to receive federal storm assistance. This is unacceptable. We need leaders in the city and in Washington to make sure the people of Red Hook fully recover from past disasters and are safely guarded against future disasters. This involves investing in long-term infrastructure and urban planning improvements, as well as taking precaution to support efforts to curb climate change.

Red Hook Star-Revue

Two out of the three superfund sites in Brooklyn reside in Red Hook. We need a Congress that will look after the environmental well being of our communities. While I am in favor of cleaning up the Gowanus Canal, it needs to be done in a safe and thoughtful manner.

I am opposed to any solution that aims to stabilize the sludge on-site and keep it in Brooklyn. We need a greener and cleaner Red Hook.

All New Yorkers can feel the effects of an outdated and underfunded public transit system. No one feels it harder than the people of Red Hook. We need more buses and improved subway lines so Red Hook can affordably travel throughout the city. While we are thrilled that the MTA finally updated Smith and 9th Street, the subway stop does not accommodate people with disabilities or seniors. This is especially problematic for those consigned to wheelchairs. Smith & 9th’s structural layout according to the MTA precludes any possibility of an ADA elevator, but seems an excuse to say there are lack of funds and political will. My belief is that every possible station in NYC should have an ADA elevator and that we take steps to strengthen our communities’ public transportation for the benefit of everyone, whether parents with strollers, tourists or people who use wheelchairs.

New York’s 7th Congressional District has a median household income 20% below the national average. We can do better in New York City. We can lead in technological innovation and update and improve our infrastructure to create good jobs. We need to get the economy going again for the middle class to help small business owners and raise the standard of living for people in Red Hook and throughout our district. To do this, we need to invest in our education system, to expand affordable nursery and prek options for parents, but also to create and nurture meaningful after-school and summer programs so that our youth can become successful leaders of tomorrow.

Our campaign has refused monies from PACs and lobbyists because Washington is now representing corporate America more than the people of America.

We see large tax breaks and loopholes for the wealthiest and a growing distrust in our elected leaders who depend on them to finance their campaigns. We the taxpayers are subsidizing large corporate America at the expense of small businesses and workers. We can change this starting here in Red Hook and New York City – we can elect a leader not beholden to PACs, lobbyists and special interests. Red Hook needs a true representative of the people and I intend to be a strong advocate for improving the well-being of all Red Hook residents. I am privileged to be the position to ask for your vote and hope you will come to the polls for me on June 24. I hope you will visit our website at www.jeffkurzon. com to learn more, find your poll site location and let me know if we can do anything for you. I very much appreciate your support.”

Independent Neighborhood Democrats held its endorsement meeting on June 2nd. It was held on the 2nd because it was the earliest date available that didn’t conflict with a Jewish holiday. In a very close vote the club endorsed Pete Sikora for the Assembly in the 52nd Assembly District. The rest of the slate, endorsed overwhelmingly by the membership, is Paige Bellenbaum and Josh Skaller for female and male district leader in the 52nd Assembly District, and Jesse Hamilton III for State Senate in the 20th District. We again endorsed Velmanette Montgomery and Daniel Squadron for State Senate in their respective districts.

We, also, endorsed Diana Szuchet for the open Civil Court seat for the 6th Municipal District.

This period of transition was set into motion by the resignation of Assemblywoman Joan Millman who will now join the City’s Department of Aging. Her loss was wrenching to the club exposing raw feelings between the supporters of each of the two main Assembly candidates. We will miss those executive board members who are taking a leave of absence (a requirement of the IND Constitution) to work against the club’s choice. Fortunately, the team that put together the club’s most successful fundraiser in its history is nearly intact. We will see in September how well we can put all this back together. I was particularly disappointed by Joan’s departure because I was so comfortable working with her and thought she would stay one more term.

If Joan had to leave now, I am pleased that it was Pete Sikora who got our endorsement. He will be both best able to form coalitions that will reform antiquated practices in Albany and represent the interests of our community. Even if we don’t get term limits, he still has leadership skills to advance him and our interests when the Assembly is re-organized, as many think will happen after the next election cycle. He is also more likely to be around long enough to gain sufficient seniority to otherwise matter in the Assembly. Our team, also, is reflective of a generational transition that is in line with the changing demographic of our district.

There is likely to be little in the way of policy differences between the candidates but there will be nuanced distinctions together with those differences that are reflected in temperament, and background. Here again I agree with the club’s choice of Pete Sikora. Subsequent to receiving the IND endorsement, Pete received the endorsement of the Working Families Party presaging a titanic struggle between Pete’s camp and the remnants of the old-line powers that be in the district.

Until the petitioning period is over it is difficult to know who will be running, however, at the moment there is a rumor of one additional minor Assembly candidate but it still seems that Paige and Josh will be unopposed. Let’s see if a combination of a new, seemingly less authoritarian, county leadership and a set of achievement-oriented district leaders gets the county to finally honor a fair share of our local preferences.

Our June meeting is coming up this Thursday June 19, 2014 at 7:00 PM at the clubhouse on the second floor of 104 1St Place. We will get the latest tabulation results from our fundraiser and an update and further sign up for petitioning. We will also seek volunteers to man/woman our table at the Smith Street fair. There will be candidate literature, petitioning and voter registration our table. It will be a hot summer and it won’t just be global warming.

Vote if you can, and next issue we will look at the surprise race between Pete Sikora and Jo Ann Simon, which Mark Shames touches upon in his column to the right.

www.RedHookStar.com

July, 2014 Page 13

The Star-Revue speaks to a Red Hook Old-Timer

M

y name is Frances D’Angelo. I’m 91 years old. But I remember a lot of things... People ask me, “Have you lived in Red Hook your whole life?” I say, “I was born here.”

I remember the summer that girl got kidnapped. They took her on Columbia and Carroll. Then they found her body.

I don’t remember what year that was...

Red Hook used to be a big ship town back then. Visitation Church used to have excursions, they’d take us out on a boat around Red Hook. My family has been going to that church since they came to Red Hook. My grandparents went there. My grandfather move to 353 Columbia street in 1910. I still go to Visitation myself. There’s nobody left there that I know from the old days now. Used to be you knew everyone in the neighborhood. Today, most of my neighbors I don’t even know. These days people come and go.

The other day I was sitting on my porch and this girl passes by and starts talking to me. I asked her, “Where do you live?” She says, “371”. I said, “When my mother got married that was her honeymoon house.” It’s funny when you’ve been here so long...

Back then it was mostly Italian and Irish in the neighborhood. In the summer we used to go down to the park by the water and watch all the ships com-

Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue

interview by Amanda Decker ing in-- there were a lot of them back then. Out where Fairway supermarket is now we used to get in the water and go swimming-- all the kids did that back then. We would just dive right in without thinking about it. Things have changed so much here...

Things were so different back then, even small things, like, people only took a bath once a week, that was the norm. I remember my mom would put a big pot of water on the stove on Saturday nights and me and my sister would take baths. That’s the way things were back then.

“Things were so different back

In the summer everyone would be out in the streets. We would go down to the playground and spend all day there.

Those of us who had bikes would ride our bikes all around the neighborhood, back and forth.

then, even small things, like, people only took a bath once a week, that was the norm.”

I remember when the SS Normandie passed through our waters here. (The Normandie was the most powerful steam turbo ship ever built.)

There were beautiful homes in Red Hook then, all two family. There were playgrounds, and great apartments. It really was a nice neighborhood. On summer nights we would sit out on our porches, that’s what everyone did. Of course in the summer all the kids would be out in the street all day and night, they only came in for supper. They didn’t have toys, the most they had was a ball, but they made their own games.

That’s what we did then, we made our own games, we made our own entertainment. We didn’t have much, but what we had made us happy. I always say, “Today people have everything but they have nothing.”

There was this old grocery store in the neighborhood and every 4th of July they would set off round after round of fireworks all night long out in front in the street. The cops never bothered them about it back then. On Election Day they would erect a big fire in the middle of the street. You don’t see things like that today. We would also have our own May Day parade and put on home-made costumes and march around.

On Sundays in the summer there would be a man with a push-cart selling pretzels, and another selling all kinds of fish. We didn’t have ice cream trucks back then.

Sometimes me and my girlfriends would go to the movie theater and then we would go hide in the bathroom so we could see the same movie over again.

Didn’t realize how silly that was back then... but we did it, and we enjoyed ourselves.

Down in Coffey Park and Pier 27 there

www.RedHookStar.com

We met Francis as she was selling raffles at the recent Visitation Church fair.

was a summer program there we used to go to. Then when the Red Hook pool opened we would go there all the time- we’d get there in the early in morning and stay till noon. On some days in the summer my mother and aunt would take us out to Coney Island. We would take the trolley car. It was a nickel for adults and 3 cents for kids but my mom would tell us in Italian, “Just go under the turnstile, go under!”

Red Hook was a really nice place to grow up. We had nothing, but we had fun. I remember how the neighborhood used to be. I’ve lived in this place my whole life.

July, 2014

CB6 Board Recap

by Keith J. Klein

Brooklyn’s Community Board 6 held their monthly board meeting June 11th at The School for International Studies on Baltic Street. A moment of silence was held for Nicholas Soto, a tragic victim of the recent automobile accident in Red Hook. Regarding the young boy’s death, Chairman Daniel Kummer strongly urged, “We’ve all got to slow down” when driving. After respects were paid, he called the meeting to order.

The reduction of the default city speed limit to 25 MPH on surface streets received unanimous board support.

The development of housing within Brooklyn Bridge Park sparked debate.

The Board approved a motion to write a letter urging a second look at proposed building on Pier 6.

District Manager Craig Hammerman spoke about the High Level Storm Sewer Project, mentioning the DEP “intends to increase storm water capacity in the Park Slope and Gowanus area”.

Progress at what is being called Diverter Park on Columbia Street along Degraw was a topic. The 6 trucks of compost brought to the site and the DEP pulling the fences back to allow the DOT to install benches and bike racks. Hammerman said, “Our goal is to have an interim space until the full park is available”.

Manhattan. The majority of the room strongly opposed not just the building and development but the manner in which it is moving forward without an open public process, ignoring a review of the traffic grid.

The Environmental Protection/Permits & Licenses Committee reviewed permits and licenses. A potential Shake Shack on Flatbush Ave has withdrawn their request to permit tables and seating.

Phil’s Crummy Corner The 76th Precinct has received numerous complaints regarding Phil’s. Members of the board remarked, “Residents do nothing but complain about the place.” Someone mentioned a friend that had to move away because of the noise. Jerry Armer, making his return to the board proclaimed, “The history of this place has been less than stellar with complaints going on for 2 years.”

While someone remarked the problem is not with the proprietor but rather the clientele, Roger Rigolli replied “The saloon keeper is responsible for his patrons.”The board voted unanimously against the renewal and the motion failed to approve the liquor license at Phil’s Crummy Corner.

The six new members are Jerry

District Manager Craig Hammerman looks on as President Daniel Kummer holds court at the CB6 Executive Boark meeting at Cobble Hill’s School for International Studies 284 Baltic Street,

Armer, Victoria Hagman, Eric McClure, Jean Fritzner, Pauline Blake and Scott Mathews. This brings the board membership to 48. A majority of the seats (19) are from Park Slope with Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill having 16 members, Red Hook/Co-

lumbia Waterfront, 9 and Gowanus with 4.

Potential re-drawing of the Community Board’s borders was briefly discussed with the Chairman saying “Ideas are on the table”

Menchaca takes Center Stage at Precinct Meeting

Solar energy within CB6’s environs was discussed and an RFP will be going out this summer to approved solar installers.

This will take place in July with the goal of reducing the borough cost of solar generated energy.

It was noted that Assemblywoman Joan Millman will be stepping down, not seeking re-election after holding office for over 15 years. Latoya Benjamin, representing the District Attorney’s office, was present reminding everyone that cyber-bullying remains a problem and should be reported to the DA.

Reports from the politicians

After local political and community figures spoke, Captain Lenz issued the monthly report. Community affairs and crime prevention officers were also present. The Captain reported that overall crime was down 24% for the month, however identity theft remains hot. Captain Lenz wants the public to be aware that anytime someone uses an ATM or swipes a credit card, they should check for a scanning device or camera. Anything suspicious should be reported.

Councilman Brad Lander’s office announced the removal of the iconic Kentile Floors sign in Gowanus. The Councilman, along with The Gowanus Alliance, are fighting to preserve the historic letters.

Assemblywoman Joan Millman’s office touched upon the Vision Zero plan and how overall speed reduction plays a large role on a person’s survival. If struck by a moving vehicle, while there are varying factors, a person’s survival rate drastically increases when hit at 20 or 25 vs. 30 MPH. Zeeshan Ott representing State Senator Daniel Squadron spoke about the Senator leading the charge for further discussion on Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6, calling for an environmental impact study.

Committee Reports Brooklyn Bridge Park was the main topic reviewed by the Parks/Rec and Cultural Affairs Committee. The recommendation was made to request that housing proposed at Pier 6 be included in a ULURP process in order to include the community’s feedback in the planning. It was pointed out that the park lacks a main entrance, which would ideally be located at the end of Atlantic St, however this is the site where the multi-story buildings are being proposed. When the floor was opened to comment, a different perspective favoring the development was brought up suggesting that having more population in the area could support the need for a fully functioning Long Island College Hospital as well improvements in water transportation between Brooklyn and

Red Hook Star-Revue

Carlos Menchaca addresses some pressing Red Hook issues after being introduced by Jerry Armer (photo by Fiala)

The 76th Precinct Community Council Meeting held on June 3rd had a different format than usual. Because of recent activity in Red Hook, Captain Justin Lenz deferred to government officials to speak first. Appearing was 38th District Councilman Carlos Menchaca, Dan Wiley representing Congresswoman Velázquez and a Joan Millman staffer.

On June 2nd, one day before the meeting, a motorist fatally struck a young boy on the way to school and days prior, a father of three died due to asthmatic complications resulting from waiting for emergency care. Only a few weeks earlier at the Brooklyn Motor Inn there was an assault.

Menchaca spoke first addressing the untimely death of Nicholas Soto, aged 14, fatally struck by a car near the intersection of Hicks St. and Lorraine St on the way to school.

The Councilman mentioned the need for more crossing guards and speed bumps and said he was “in communication with the Mayor’s office” regarding the issue.

Menchaca also addressed the recent closing of Long Island College Hospital (LICH) fresh on everyone’s mind after the death of Danny Cruz due to the delay in receiving emergency treatment on May 28th. While the exact cause of Mr. Cruz’s death is to be determined, the general consensus was ambulance drivers who know the community well save precious time when responding to a call.

Dan Wiley paid his respects to the Cruz family and in light of the recent car accident brought up a $1.6 million dollar fund that is utilized for developing safe routes to school.

While the Congresswoman is not in control of this budget, its usage was questioned by community members attending the meeting.

Jonathan Viguers from the Mayor’s Office also introduced himself as the Brooklyn Borough Director - Community Affairs Unit, urging anyone in the community to reach out directly with any concerns. Mr. Viguers can be reached at 212-788-7929 or via email jviguers@cityhall.nyc.gov.

www.RedHookStar.com

Captain Lenz spoke about the fatality on Lorraine and Hicks stating the “car has been impounded” and the “investigation is ongoing.” It was reported that the vehicle operator never saw the boy until impact and a bus may have obstructed the driver’s vision. After initial impact, the driver slammed the brakes propelling the boy from the hood. The Captain had an opportunity to meet with the victim’s family and mentioned they are in the process of “re-adjusting the school crossing guard program” but they still “need help.”

Also on the topic of Vision Zero, the Captain mentioned that DWI check points have been ramped up. Regarding ticket writing, with strong conviction the Captain stated, “Summons must have a purpose”, suggesting that his officers don’t write tickets just for the sake of writing tickets rather only when it will prevent future infractions and enhance public safety.

Regarding the May 10th Brooklyn Motor Inn assault, the Captain described that allegedly some youths threw a bottle at a vehicle and in response the driver chased them.

The driver eventually cornered one of the boys in at the lobby of the motel braking one of their arms with a clublike auto theft device.

Following Captain Lenz, Community Affairs Officer Vincent Marrone discussed next steps from last month’s complainant regarding Butler & Hoyt St. activity mentioning “We have made some arrests”.

Monthly community meetings are held at the 76th Precinct at 191 Union Street, however there will be a hiatus during July and August with meetings resuming in September. Any community issues should be brought to the attention of local politicians and the precinct. For more information, members of the public can reach out to Community Affairs at (718) 834-3207. - Keith J. Klein

July, 2014 Page 15

Gallery Small reopens

T

he corner of 461 Van Brunt street is now occupied.

Right next to ‘Baked’ it has three large windows suitable for displaying large images. And that is precisely why Gallery Small New York has hung out its shingle again.

Determined to keep its brand alive in what had been a steadily growing business formerly lodged at 414 Van Brunt, Alexandra Corbin is delighted to have both improved the location to what she calls, “The best two block hub.’ What also makes it so nice, is the fact that floods don’t seem to lick at its door. This single block escaped the tides of Sandy.

The first show features large charcoals

by Ali Kraeler. There are a few progressions so viewers can see where the artist began the ideas and how they were finished up, morphing from more realistic to outright fantasy. The show runs through July 20th and then the gallery re-opens in September.

This time, Corbin is conducting a photography competition for one and all. The top three winners will share a show in November. All are welcome, young, old and new to the stage. “We really don’t care what you have done all we care about is how it looks and makes us feel.” For more information on how to submit, visit the website the first week of July or email smallnewyorkcity@yahoo.com. There is a small application fee. Among those judging will be a well known curator who will be listed on line.

Good Shepherd’s Pretty in Pink” a hit

by Kimberly G. Price

Ali Kraeler’s 30 x 40, charcoal, “On the Way to Oaxaca”

Now for the theme: Anything to do with the City at twilight. But remember ‘twilight’ means two lights, the early morning and dusk. So have fun.

Everything and anything is okay.

Finally, continuing the themes of the previous gallery, Corbin will intersperse contemporary shows with historical ones. One such show upcoming is an antique drawing show mixed in with tremendously fine work of young draftsmen.

You will see sketches from students of the Arts Students League dating from 1915 and sketches being hammered out as we speak. There will be French cartoonists from the 19th century and Italian mannerists. Gallery Small New York shows artists who think hard about what they make their hands design. It takes skill and expert craftsmanship to execute art.

Ms Corbin, herself an artist, has a long history in academia. But she has always said that it is far more taxing mentally to draw than to memorize the anatomy of the human brain. Gallery Small New York admires the artistic endeavor and welcomes all. 347 782 3729 smallnewyork.com

There’s always something good going on at Rocky’s of Red Hook!!

Tuesday Night is Irish Language Night Beginning Irish at 7 Advanced at 8 Taught by Brian Mallon Irish Traditional Music Sundays at 4, Tuesdays at 9 MONDAYS ARE NOW

MEATBALL MONDAYS!

Rangers, Devils, Islanders Best Place to watch the games!

On Thursday, June 19, Amir Lynch, a 3rd grade student at PS 676, led me over to his artwork. His piece was taped up on the concrete block wall of his school’s gymnasium along with the rest of the artwork from Group 3 - or “The Black Dragons.”

His piece was a brightly colored drawing that exclaimed, “Help the pets. They need us.” He used markers, stencils and construction paper to create an eyecatching work. He was inspired to raise awareness on this topic because, “animals need people’s help to survive,” he said.

Ciarah Haggins, who had tagged along with Amir and me, escorted us over to the goodies table. She had helped bake a variety of cupcakes, and she watched eagerly as I sampled her cuisine.

Amir and Ciarah are part of Good Shepherd Service’s (GSS) afterschool program. That evening, they, along with all of the other students got to show off their hard work.

The gym of PS 676 was not only lined wall to wall with artwork from the various groups, but also included a collection of short stories, a hip hop CD produced entirely by 10-11 year old students in the afterschool program, and clay sculptures of superheroes.

Ciarah, a 4th grader at PAVE Academy, worked with other kids in her group to make red velvet, dark chocolate flourless, and vanilla cupcakes. They were all iced and served in bite size portions. Ciarah confessed that the hardest part of all was “being patient for them to be done.” But she said it was worth it because the best part was “tasting the [different] icings.”

First graders built their own dolls with brightly colored hands and faces. The dolls were built on cardboard cones and were dressed in patterned clothe the kids

had created.

Second graders drew ornate letters on differently colored construction paper. The letters were combined to represent the entire alphabet and were strung together.

Edwin Pacheo of GSS emceed the event.

One group had worked on a special dance to present at the art show. Another act featured mentors dancing with soft plush dolls that were on display around the space.

Courtney Johnson, an instructor at GSS’s afterschool program, introduced Groups 6, 7, and 8’s CD release. The students self-produced six songs - two from each group - and a sample of each song with Courtney’s guidance.

The students who worked on the CD wrote the lyrics, worked on rhyme schemes, and developed their own beats.

The CD included a bonus track and was on sale for $3. About 25 supportive guests purchased a copy.

Courtney also promised that there were more songs “in the works.”

The final event of the art show was a notso-silent silent auction. The most coveted item of the night was a framed picture of the 2nd grade letters along with the title of the show “Pretty in Pink.” The bidding for the piece began at $3, and after much ado, finally sold for $55.

Another hot item of the auction was 3rd grader, Tyaire Paige’s “Best Fighter.” It sold for $40. Ciarah and her classmates’ chocolate flourless cake sold for $13.

The auction raised about $165 for the afterschool program. Rachel Schulder, art teacher in the afterschool program, closed the program. She addressed families of the students, saying, “We thank you for entrusting your kids with us. Thank you for everything!”

This month’s painting by Tashawn Davis

Available for Private Parties Shepherds Pie, Bangers and Mash and yummy Pizza made in our kitchen

Tashawn Davis is a student at the Red Hook Arts Project, corner of Richards and Wolcott. He is only 15 years old. Rhapp

Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue

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July, 2014

HEALTHY BY

TRACEY

Pucker Up with some Lemon Water!

W

ho knew the benefits of drinking lemon water?

If there’s one drink nutritionists and health experts swear by it’s lemon water. I know it sounds simple but it’s a powerhouse of a drink and it’s the perfect way to start your morning.

Lemons are packed with vital nutrients like calcium, magnesium, fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin C and B complex vitamins. They’re pretty much yellow balls of healthy goodness. Combine them with your morning H20 and you’ve got the ultimate morning drink.

Here’s five more benefits to drinking lemon water: 1. Helps Digestion: lemon helps your digestive system by stimulating your liver to produce more bile. It also helps it by adding more acid that helps breaks down food and flush toxins.

2. Relieves Constipation: lemon water is a natural way to relieve constipation quickly. Lemon stimulates the bowels, and it helps your intestines produce mucus, which your intestines need in order to function properly. It also hydrates the colon and adds moisture to dry stools.

3. Helps Give You Clear Skin: lemons are full of antioxidants that your skin needs in order to be blemish free. These antioxidants also help decrease wrinkles. Here’s a fun fact: when used topically, lemons can help diminish scars and dark spots!

4. Gives You Energy: drinking lemon water on a daily basis helps your body become healthy, which means that the energy that it was spending fighting off toxins and illnesses will be free to spend as you want.

Recent Client Testimonial:

5. Boosts Your Mood: lemons have a lot of potassium, which is an essential nutrient for proper nerve and muscle function.

Potassium is key in helping your nervous system produce and deliver the neurotransmitters that boost your mood. Low potassium levels have been linked with anxiety and depression.

FYI: do you crave sugar, need a “pick me up “ at 3 pm or perhaps a little cookie after dinner? Join me from the comfort of your home for a free conference call to my workshop:

Have you incorporated lemon water into your diet? Share your experience with me.

“Tracey is amazing at what she does. She is inspiring, and empathetic, knowledgable, really, just very excellent at what she does.”

“Kick the Sugar to the Street” The call will take place June 30@ 7pm.

We’ll be discussing why we crave the sweet stuff and how to get rid of our cravings for good! Sign up by emailing me Traceyoconnell@me.com.

Congratulations to the Red Hook Star-Revue on another birthday!

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Red Hook is the place to be this 4th of July

by Peter Axtman

a few steps to the south of Valentino Park. Pier 44 is a few notches below its neighbor in views, hampered by The Liberty Warehouse and Red Hook Winery. With many benches, Pier 44 offers an option for those without chairs or blankets. However, the narrow boardwalk may limit the available space.

Columbia St. Brooklyn Greenway

F

or the first time since 2009, Red Hook residents will have a prime view of Fourth of July fireworks. With the Macy’s annual fireworks show returning to its old East River location – at the behest of first-year mayor Bill de Blasio – Red Hook’s neighbors across the river will once again put on a fireworks display. de Blasio’s Jersey City counterpart, fellow first-year mayor, Steven Fulop, announced in May plans to re-instate what was once a New Jersey tradition.

The possibility of viewing fireworks from Red Hook has been met with a mix of excitement, optimism and confusion.

While Brooklyn Greenway Initiative Co-Founder, and Red Hook resident, Brian McCormick lauded the benefit for the local business the fireworks would bring, some workers at local establishments were unaware that the midsummer show will be viewable within the neighborhood.

From a public greenway to rooftop dining, much has changed in Red Hook since the last Jersey City fireworks display. In anticipation of the holiday, the Star-Revue has canvassed the neighborhood to find the best places for celebrating the midsummer lights show.

Public Parks Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier

One public place that many Red Hook residents agreed will have great views is Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier, located on Ferris St. between Coffey and Van Dyke Streets. The park and pier, home to neighborhood institution Steve’s Key Lime Pie, boasts the clearest views in the area of the Statue of Liberty, Governor’s Island and Liberty State Park. Given the open miles of viewing and free admission, the park and pier are likely to fill up quickly, putting seating areas at a premium.

Pier 44 Waterfront Park

Owned by local developer Greg O’Connell, Pier 44 Waterfront Park is

Page 18 Red Hook Star-Revue

The last time the fireworks were so clearly visible from Red Hook, the neighborhood did not have the free, public stretch of Greenway that will be available to viewers this year. Beginning on the west side of Van Brunt Street at the intersection with Imlay and Carroll Streets, the paved Greenway extends north to where Atlantic Ave meets Columbia Street (and beyond). McCormick welcomes the public to the Greenway but asks that spectators are considerate of foot, bike and car traffic.

Restaurants Brooklyn Crab

For the Reed Street multi-purpose restaurant, bar and beer garden, the Fourth of July will be popular business as usual, with one added bonus. According to manager James Ferrarone, the restaurant will host a special Fourth of July shrimp boil near the front entrance among the Adirondack chairs.

The summer staple will otherwise continue regular operations. The rooftop dining room is surrounded by eight large windows that will be open, according to Ferrarone, providing near panoramic views of the city and the river. For residents looking seeking these prime tables, patrons will be seated on a first-come, first-serve basis as usual, Ferrarone says. Those hoping to take in the fireworks from the three-year-old restaurant should budget in extra time in case of long wait times.

lation prize to those disappointed that the roof will be unavailable. Alma’s second floor dining room, which Leon points out has very large windows, will be open. The restaurant will provide a special menu, which has not yet been determined, though Leon warns that there will likely be an hour wait time.

Diners won’t be allowed to post up at the tables all night, so patrons will have to time their dinner just right to catch the fireworks through the windows.

Water Walkways

Directly south of the Fairway patio is the half-mile long publicly accessible walkway that will provide prime, unobstructed views toward Liberty State Park. About 10 feet wide, residents and fireworks watchers will likely claim their spots early in the day. The walkway begins at the south end of Conover Street and extends past Fairway and the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition building.

Other Options Private Viewing Parties

Even with great, publicly accessible options for watching the patriotic celebration, a common theme among residents is that some of the best views are from privately owned or rented roofs, boats and piers. McCormick mentioned that he’s had people over to his roof in the past, but he much prefers to be among the crowds on the Greenway, which conducts a better energy, he says.

A few VFW members explained that they’ve watched the fireworks on friends’ boats or as guests of private companies in the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal or Red Hook Container Terminal.

For those lucky enough to live or know someone who lives in the apartments and condos above Fairway, the building’s adjacent parking lot will provide opportunities to set up seats amid the cars. Meanwhile, apartments with a western exposure should offer prime window views.

Off-limits to the public

In addition to the Alma rooftop, a number of places that would otherwise be prime viewing spots are cordoned off to the public. According to Terminal Manager Dave Esposito, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will not have public access because it is a secured facility.

Aside from Pier 44, the rest of The O’Connell Organization’s property, including The Liberty Warehouse is private and not open to foot traffic.

Police Guidelines

According to a source in the 76th precinct, the police department will have officers throughout the neighborhood working details to ensure safety for all fireworks viewers. The department does not expect to close any streets and asks that revelers obey all laws and are considerate of traffic passing on the streets.

Jenny belin’s Art

Fairway

According to locals, the popular Fairway summer patio will be a prime spot for fireworks watchers. Fairway attendees should be able to see the fireworks, but a handful of trees to the patio’s west side could obstruct some views. The market is open daily until 10 p.m., but management was unavailable for comment on extended Fourth of July hours.

Alma

Thinking of trying to snag a table on Alma’s rooftop dining room? Unfortunately for the public, the restaurant will host a private party on the Fourth of July until close, making the neighborhood’s premier rooftop dining area off limits for the general public.

Manager Lourdes Leon offered a conso-

Our friend Jenny, who exhibits locally at the Brooklyn Collective, 212 Columbia Street, sends us this and tells us “Here is a portrait of a “Zonkey”....the love-child of a Donkey and a Zebra.” She paints many different subjects, and can paint a portrait of you pet. Her website is www.jennybelin.com

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July, 2014

Another Bumblebees R Us graduation

by Clarissa Sauter

On Friday, June 13, 31 4 and 5-year-olds lined up against their classroom walls. Some wore tiny gold caps and gowns, others corsages and sundresses.

All were prepared to move out of Pre-K or the Bumblebees R Us educational early child care program on Lorraine Street.

Both of the ceremonies began with singing and dancing. After a photo op, each child walked, skipped, or hopped across the room to receive their certificates.

The directors and teachers spoke about the students’ past year and their potential for the next.

Children entering kindergarten were given gift bags and lunch boxes for the coming year. Others held bouquets of flowers as tall as they were.

Staff and relatives chatted over refreshments while the recent graduates beamed in a makeshift photo booth. Both rooms were plastered with decorations and projects for the special day, which, according to Pre-K teacher Christine Rivera, had taken more than a month to make.

Rivera said she felt “bittersweet” about the children’s transition. “I’m happy they’re moving up, but sad to see them go,” she said.

Photographs and Fingerprints

On Wednesday, June 11, BumbleBeesRus opened their doors to families throughout the area to issue state identification (ID) cards to children of all ages.

The event was well attended, as the line of families lined up through the pre-kindergarten classroom and spilled into the hallways. All minors of any age were encouraged to participate. Children of all ages - from infants to 12 year olds - now have their very own ID. The IDs include a wide variety of information including physical appearance (hair and eye color, height and race); full name, including any nicknames; and health concerns, such as allergies or medications. The IDs also included a photo of each child, as well as their unique fingerprint.

Everything each child needed for the ID was provided. Pictures were taken on site. Stamp pads inked the children’s fingertips and were blotted onto a form, and then transferred. The IDs were then transferred and even laminated as soon as the proper information was collected.

New York Life Insurance Company donated their time at Bumblebees to administer the ID cards. The process was free and open to all.

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also issues ID cards to minors. The cards cost less than $10. IDs for families on public assistance or Medicaid are free.

Parents can call and make an appointment with their local DMV, so that their kids don’t have to suffer through extended wait times. - Kimberly Gail Price

LICH postmortem (continued from page 5)

• Free standing ED • Observation Beds • Urgent Care

approval by the SUNY Board of Trustees.

• Primary Care and Preventative

“Through the extraordinary efforts of many, including elected officials, SUNY leadership, Fortis, NYU Langone Medical Center, Lutheran HealthCare, and the court, particularly Judge Johnny Lee Baynes, the objectives set out in the stipulation and order and RFP have been met in principle through an agreement that guarantees continuity of emergency services and the delivery of diverse and world-class health care in Brooklyn,” said SUNY Communications Director David Doyle.

“The deal begins the process of easing the tremendous financial burden being shouldered by students and campuses across the state. Longstanding litigation and losses at LICH appear to be nearly over, allowing vital public higher education resources to move from the courtroom to the classroom where they belong. SUNY remains committed to Brooklyn and will continue to stabilize Downstate, one of the most diverse academic medical centers in the country, the source for health care for thousands, and a leading provider of affordable medical education.”

• Pediatrics

To ensure that the future health care services are responsive to community needs, Fortis and NYU will establish a LICH Transformation Advisory Panel, a Clinical Advisory Panel and a Community Ombudsperson, and reserve additional space for the expansion of health care services and community space as determined by the assessment by the Transformation and Clinical Advisory panels.

Fortis has committed to construct a new state-of-the-art primary medical facility that will be subject to a 20-year deed restriction for medical use.

Per the Fortis / NYU proposal, the health care services to be provided or coordinated will include:

• Dental • Geriatric • OB/Gyn • Internal Medicine • Specialty Care • Cardiology • Gastroenterology • Orthopedics • Physiatry • Pulmonary • Urology • Rheumatology • Neurology • Rehabilitation /Physical Therapy • Full service satellite of NYU Langone Cancer Center/ a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center • Diagnostic Imaging • Office Based Surgery • GI Endoscopy • Bronchoscopy • Dermatology • Cardiac Health Diagnostic Center • Ambulatory Surgery • Orthopedics • Ear, Nose and Throat • Ophthalmology • Urology • Plastics • General Surgery • Behavioral Health • HIV Clinic NYULMC and LHC will provide the community access to the following through other affiliations and partnerships: • Home Care • Long term Care • Dialysis

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