The
Red Hook StarªRevue
e n o G H C LI
JUNE 2014
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FREE
e 12 Story pag
Creating a cultural sanctuary in Red Hook by Micah B. Rubin
T
he Pioneer Works Center for Arts and Innovationstrives to build a thriving, inclusive community. Through classes, artist residency, workshops, lectures, exhibitions and other initiatives, Pioneer Works has created an incubator for creative exploration in the heart of Red Hook. In mid April, Pioneer Works hosted its first annual Hack Red Hook workshop. The “hackathon” brought together nearly 100 students, artists, developers and tech junkies – including the Red Hook Initiative’s Digital Stewards who provided logistical support – for 24 hours of learning and self exploration through technology. With the goal of creating apps to improve Red Hook resident’s lives, hackathon participants unveiled 12 apps. Of note: a community bulletin board for residents to share neighborhood information (especially in emergencies); an app that tracks street conditions and a low-cost DIY security system that alerts users if someone breaks into their property. For Pioneer Works, technology and science are as much a part of the arts as the more traditional mediums of paint and sculpture. Every year, Pioneer Works offers year-long residencies to emerging artists, scientists and innovators. They receive a workspace and access to Pioneer Works 3-D printer, recording studio, physics lab, metal shop, wood shop, digital and film darkroom, and a soon-to-be added observatory. (continued on page 10)
Noted artist Dustin Yellin is the brainchild behind the impressive Pioneer Works.
FEDS AUCTION SUMMIT STREET DRUG BUILDING by George Fiala On a recent Monday a steady stream of curiosity seekers were seen walking in and out of 41 Summit Street, a nondescript warehouse building next to the Chase. A bright red sign had gone up that morning announcing a public inspection of the property. A friendly young woman, who turned out to be an employee of the federal government, stood by the door welcoming people in and handing everyone a flyer. “SEIZED” the flyer proclaimed in bold, black letters. It advertised a public auction for this building and two others in Gowanus that were confiscated by the government in 1992 after the former owner of the properties was convicted on narcotics and other charges. 41 Summit Street is across from the Red Hook Container Port. It was home to Blue Chip Coffee. Blue Chip was a cof-
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
fee wholesaler that roasted and sold coffee to restaurants and stores back in the 1980’s. Someone who didn’t know the coffee business or Red Hook history would have no idea what they were looking at inside the warehouse. A large black coffee roaster and two large bean grinders faced the visitors as they walked in. Enormous metal ductwork lay on the floor. They were once used venting the smoke from the roasting machine. A dusty forklift sat forlornly in a corner. Assorted machinery lay hidden in the darkness of the back room. 20 year-old coffee beans still filled up one of the grinders. This place was shut in a hurry. Sealed for two decades, this was a walk into Red Hook’s past. There was a second floor, and we were invited up. All (continued on page 3)
Red Hook prom returns!
Happenings FRIDAY JUNE 6
Romeo and Juliet - opening night
Shakespeare’s tragic tale of “death-marked” love in a world of social upheaval and rebellion ripped from international headlines. Falconworks Artists Group’s Romeo and Juliet will feature Red Hook youth, community members, and a support network of theater artists in a production that explores the notion of “two houses, both alike in dignity” whose “ancient grudge” leads to tragic loss. 202 Coffey Street. 6/6, 6/7, 6/12, 6/13, 6/14 @ 8pm 6/8, 6/14, 6/15 @ 3pm
SATURDAY JUNE 14 Visitation Church Carnival For the second year in a row, Cora Dance held a 1980’s prom at the South Brooklyn High School. The event, complete with the coronation of a Prom Queen (this year’s winner was Reg Flowers), was a culinary and dancing success, and raised a nice some of money for our noted communitiy dance program. Led by Shannon Hummel (in the red dress above), Cora will be peforming next season at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. This year’s Prom was catered by Van Brunt Street’s Hope and Anchor.
Blast from the past!
A day of fun. Games and Prizes and Music. Fundraising for the church, 98 Visitation Place, 11 am - 6 pm
A Day of Doo Wop
Hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Dancing, Buffet Dinner, Beer, Wine (21+ to drink), Soda, Raffles, Hula Hoop Contest, Theme Costumes Encouraged. $35 per person. Cabrini Hall, Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, Summit and Hicks Street 7 pm
SATURDAY JUNE 21 BQE Steeple Flea Market
Bargains, Food Trucks Local Vendors, Antiques, Vintage Items, art and more. Parish Fundraiser. Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, Summit and Hicks Street 7 10 am - 4 pm
JULY 5 - 7
THE RED HOOK FEST Conover Street looked as it might have in the 1920’s recently as Home Box Office filmed a scene of their series Broadway Empire in Sunny’s Bar. The bar itself was given a oneday makeover to look even older than it does. The cobble stones fit right in.
Red Hook StarªRevue The Red Hook StarªRevue
The
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
In just two short years we have grown from a novelty Table of Contents LICH Update...................... 5 Coffey Park Renov..... 11 to an institution. Particip. Budgeting............ 7 Micah on Art.............. 12
JUNE 2014
BROOKLYN’S SOUTH COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Dance Theatre Etcetera presents the 21st annual Red Hook Fest Red Hook: Face to Face, Live Music & Dance on the Beautiful Brooklyn Waterfront. FREE and open to the public The 21st Annual Red Hook Fest features world-class music, dance, and fun activities for all ages like free kayak rides in New York Harbor (c/o the Red Hook Boaters), facepainting, a Red Hook trivia contest, and more. Scroll down for full details on this year’s festivities. THURS JUNE 5 BBQ/Dance Party (6pm-8pm) FRI JUNE 6 Youth Kick-Off Event (5:30pm-7pm) SAT JUNE 7 Mainstage Performances (12pm-7pm)
VOLUME 5 NO. 7
The
Red Hook StarªRevue SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Th
e d Hook StaProtection..... Editorial ............................ 8 ReCoastal 16 rªRevue Politics............................... 9 Healthy Tracey.......... 17 Father Claudio MAY 16 - 31, 201 2
SOUTH
BROOKLY
N’S COM
MUNITY
NEWSPA
PER
FREE
nthly
k HoTohe Red
bia
lum
“Co
re of
Featu
d Hook
the Re
Revue Hook Starr future
ing ou
know
’” lock
eC r past Hill e th ing ou and Cobble at th ll Gardens Hook, Carro Me eet munities of Red Brooklyn Com : ‘M
Know
evue:
Star-R
June 2010
A
STAFF
Serv lgingiathe
osta
tN tree
S
by Matt
Graber
ather Claudio atop a Antecini stands the churc shaking foldou t on a jammh entrance, pullin table at barely reached bolt lock which g down even with he evation the assiste can of d elstubborn, the table. The bolt is being and this wet open is makin andthe g it hard 5th thema grayold to Satwoode rke steps urd n door out onto gam front nally es a d the on ay, gam Maya Street of young officiaVeron You es . th Basthethe er memb John FiHynes were ers l firs ert of Koino Red hard-fo eba Baptis swept and ’ Heroe group in all nia - the the sea t Ho ughfromllItaly ok evang ’s Sou com by Viv thr t but son defeat thern s run . Bot Gib that pet Nancy ’ll The elicalee cat the has in the bs’ iana h lived edchurc egories ition wit inskil Royal Brookl Tru the h since and escki Gordo ny andand you with 2010 ng triu a pushDefen end , h win . , - pro fessionls works s, bot appro yn the or Son n broom The der. hop ners coachi achh wit finesse You, he mphed ers, on Unionites of e al sec was th hooks ove sWith practi a sco custom shop and-wh day. (Thnom blehea ond wee hthe Baseba ngcedstaf ballpla Associ the rbroom led top t.co of the re of bolt ll to f of yers and by form atio corner black- in its hey One then the handl and der pla k saw You head Pushand logspo n pulls Th k ly.) old strip . three e,6-2 nge, League BY yed ty.b fun. and n currener see the door Tie down , Ric e SA by 10- A. BY bet “Beau g on actualstreet bac ck. gam Da yorkci nds, had betwee wee tiful!” bous YO tlin es, swing rren A clo hie t es: e new 0 Fathe n tur bus pic swehe and ing lost r Claudhave t.open. The t frie Street ere wer Johnso Palaci Grays of the g street lumbia pt leapsHy nes’ a dou 14-9 e wo down - tion io cheer Red http:// vies, me Union sam feature Th lunHe din scores. the dou from fender n the n and os, Ian of Co . It sHo asok coache roesthe table. stan bia. City, mo lined Pastorble s also other The Sou table huge, east side Union ple lum houses, hing of hea Darryl strategin baseba roots, s, most et Lost , ts Co who gam the Imm peo der a of by t ordain car and rn Tru in , Decem of wh e agaed for pro ’t forg a 10ediate was y, wh ll ffield on the sident ugh tha ce, ks and movie tely notof the phy ber don 0churc ckHic stores, was ile imptechni vided ins om ly foll score.h, inst thea six-ye abo of She ynites Street It was n Pre n eno ar g pla tion que Absolue death which cannotDe in term ut oks owing okl shoe ttes. bia dig foot-eight, be and tructheimp arting se - tallerthe lifeat the Th thorbetwee l-know a meetininforma by Bro th Bro Colum big lap one ay. ak the a the gam than wel is as ortanc The of a sses col che tod t and ble ir e, Sou morning the first and on this e ballpla Fathe use gs to a life . was SA fiveal. Old To som a fairly e busine likewee lec is left r e of philoso y do Org early any edu yer. Claud io Anteci nic ent-vin . it ks, neg dressed k’sother, the wouldway the nd Centr ani YOMay buildin et as mories (St choice easy. seem like a few in s since cation ni has made e in ared ht) rec 501he iszati doc many the stre se me on)stly ude h assuming they in Gra neck sweat black slacks etim nt r (c) mode ess, ure (rig tough may re wit Gra istrato Athin 2010 the som disappe oldth youand 3a beige Last Saturd caused erased n’t era ish organivys charml hitect y spent lete (Graber role of admin boo e His most er and clunkyth age did oved new ay saw oughfa lot of the th. zation is a not arc photo) You rem not hav As one y’s got Based’s distinctive are blacks shoes. utterly But it the oldish a 13Red Hook an onslaught ple birthm gui e. een, zio at the -for-pr th and red-brickit’s where their you featur It was It may h the ever. mebod Immersion. of visitors to ark alongcation eded is the 18. Th wit h Romaofit bia forc nt o Fift e wit almost “So lum Red Hook tage, them, nights of his left and bypur‘70s. her, how We made e lyn teams n Catholic the Brook in Tw whous stro Preside resem .” me, to jaw, which taking get as a last sure they ay so, CoSmith Dioce for Go missionSA YO cho d by owned and which bles Ho But his ngh alto said to ewhere all picked part in Brook ditch effort, se of 0 or old athletics Mary, native iftha Saturd you Gra tribute shops a 196 urt and you Italian ok You to count lyn up the right willys the in the formamust have timer clock som a Hail can con ry churc succes s 0 to played h was tpresum paper. edu- (I can’t help Street border usly place th pro 190 some at Co tion ofSA the YO s admin commuthat vide it), in Gra Baspart On the genero lumbia and it ntom is of From was wh ay—the out, saw thihis sense monthly the the ed even within the ys humoeball Lea lifeistrati s sea of Co are . Th on church t gam your new bind together left Pha r. “Ther steps, fron Street s are tod ds, ate the measuring e Redto be in its player a son to have form es, the up this, icts to below ict two on the gue ds. the e e in On t pick existe t goo contra May 8th, their final days. just ey dep the heigh and d a gener t deptime to is tha d righ ens is there ed a as a vehicl by Matt neighborhoo Street your you con t ofs will ctor the top and the Red The l see were few shop Th ty Justic par al sense Graber er righ the goals is to serve hed Brooklyn ght left step down tin a bas difference ng bal we are hav ure tha Hook Comm landin tne locate uethe lowtaking e Cente you for bou tano. His first you wil was the in to the t the shakes of our at says playin eg the of our past, ce. If there Robertrshipresources to work that our cheris r hosted Youth uni- 75-10 his head. an at theaper. One shop. eball skil s and lplayers sely above Thank groungd. tos to Nino Pan tano. Choin you make up the rich history its tonewsp Summ org opp clo with,” audien citi toral 3rd that g pho iere, k “The He 0 seats by nge ls com came canput anizati com er Intern Annual pho ed in nity ortPlann The Disab zenshiADA readin Fair at sted in in the to Pan you loo The author ate voices unity ing rat the Director of crib The ships and togeth asidilities Institu grounded make up our the NYCH [Ame petlike LibSumm are intere San Act] Pase me if to Diocese. many dispar to the future orio erskil ntalsays pthat ls competition build in addon rick des below. who that itivewhoev Center. one foot Jobs into te, which Leaorgan Leade Street father, where er e, or if you er to feel free d eye “You felt came in rship I have bas for of gue izes Herná RepresentatA Joseph A. Micci et clo and r to stressesbaseba s from those itioto mural teams petitio heigh us to explor grapher, please With an would and youngnde for eba of organ nin t,” he Thramp by his theate The stre e picture wo e n to overse e thell ll skil every yet email ives from o mural you wish peopl contribution inc nlookin inch izations . z ofe pitc design recordsSA good good church’s declinbe coming s in their g,that was g rk- inform ls. of Rumo concern as a writer or photo Street, or better a variet open to theYO movie d film Shoe stor and youth offering Pastor hing lud ed paint and Gra. “You’ at orhood e.” rsfun eve the ramp. floate Union ure job traini y National Assoc communitie ys hav re Sab led fifty enr inchetha and develo da- d amon eim is a neighb contributione Fiala at 101 feat tioned It would olling s, tsoinc s; and bat nts in bas atin ng fession iation of a direct lud feet e a the Gothic struct g parishioners Florsh ants to themselves pment progra a arshhave to in fifty Georg struct making als New the g. Securities tinthe ms stae run conve perimeter becolleg es 31ofof pro that ion ips local merch blisher ure at tables venrted York co-publishercom. and Schol Pro- The front for our would to plaa zigzag two Defen - that trac into luxury would soon con- the Co-pu e wit contact tmail. astic Trainoffers the Finan questions of the gymnasium around the Progra nsive way area, at public. ir alu h ath This sentimk d- and ityears.take upy this condominiu be an inexpe the interested reached whole and hand george@selec Father to answe would be baseba m, a “rigor ing (FAST) cial letic mni ent of impen can be provide to ms. out Claudio ll ove backe Among r gram d by at a cost.” Track ign and ding sch ous nine-m goal is to offerings chin for that stands these organ flyers. r theby ol-convincing eviden doom was that Our other word about their an effective campa . onth rubbing Crown several minority exposes talent ization Heights problem,” his debt pasthe seconds. ed wome prohigh schoo t end of 2010, ce. Mainly spread the no will help plan 104 Union Street Community s were the nanci Center, had reach “This is he says, n and at l the studen Galea son lodic al offerin in his grainy a a $100, ed almos church servic accent. Weees indust Frank ts to the g the Youth Mediation , or in-per to Save t $150,000, k 000 annua fi, me- to A rep Our 9 AM3 Satury.” An ambi 917-365-8295 plus l deficit deterioratio gram, design Streets (YO Organizing Youth from 9the Hyn rday, , in additi tious plan AM NYC S.O.S.) n of its es Depar May Father from water to Union and11Comm on AM BYA @ @ tackle proble ed to empo physic pro- was 19 Sou tment Claudio s of music an Wee Defe wer Defe ther unity is stacles The parish damage and general structure k4 nde Devel nde n Truc of t the sound WORK hosted their comm ms such as gun youths to Summpresent with rs @ rs opme and seemifamiliar with king Satu y brough applic nt BYA violen gallery unities; problems. ob- less steadi had been shrink al neglect. rdayations Wee roll band No Gam ngly Fiel unexpectedl , May Groundswel ce in (SYEP er Youth k the corner for the Fiel ly since d #1 rock and ing more Emplo Take Visita unsolvable tion weeks 9 AM5 Satu es! as an ymen events that ), which bia. First, the closin l offers Mem26Progra or as a young sounds. A few School example. tion Churc 9 AM “offer Fiel d #9 and BYA rday, June toria saw two g of Visita and Colum wine as well d #9 11 AM work exper l Day m low Hyn @sDefe the , enjoyable their neighbors two h Lyceum (Visitand the board Last month en Van Brunt white Koinonia When he and Wee nde 2 for andraucus ience, Wee Sou es’ @ Sou requisite with his felation Hall) ing up of the rs ken Italy, members airich ther k served and (continued Street betwe d with the ly -block party ther brought When filled thewh anear arrive 9 AM6 Satu n Truc in the 1970s end-of replete n Truc e sandwiches were page in by Bisho d from kingon Father corner andbetweena held 9 AM Sou rday opening e, in s.usTh . @ Hynking6) Field his strate , Claudio 11 AM r Botteg up on the Scoote p DiMa sel pork Defe thern June 9 wn delicio e wid es’ Field #1 gic plan, ing ves or island, a mil who set submitted r- Hope Wee Hyn nders Trucking Street bus Fiel #9 neighb’s s, includ est is kno ed “Chri es’ k Union @ of ,” their d @ hment 7 by to nor larg #9 st Hyn bay later, the Bisho Jesus Our 9 AM g of the rter vers. Refres Satu @ Defendees’ BYA s joined elevat friend p early r Go 9 AM Hyn rday for the wanus unfort , perhap a qua bly unategeclosin Fiel theater rs scoote in 2011, 11 AM yn is perfor med. igable and Go ofsid Sou es’ @ , June 16 theera ad ranle in the future Star puppet Fiel d #1 about oklbands BYA uct l (continued Wee Defe thern Truc the old Fiel d #9 be possib t con l by nnel, now nav good nnebyprod floor. level. cting k maya bro th Bro cha nde d #9 on page onecha 6 PM8 WedThe rs @ king @ st parfestiva andis resurre ed Union it’s ground 5) butis but above block ite Sou milk Iftle, milk largermo there n, of BYA nesday, Souther Defende Fiel as part is lowff,planne tter occupiat 101 70 ft. d upo @ Sou June n Truc rs d #1 is that a the sMail, Oppos is Butter by cat en Bu are who city artsblu area Satu stops, it yn isorfor le king Field built 20 Select FIRS thern Truc rday of theming shore fordab d betwe okl Fiel #9 borderpar gular thickly rk. The T ROU a tperfor 9 AM , June d #9 new neighbE.way ND OF king S. Yo 9 AM 3rd 23 ich Lunar an irrets. It is and t thewith times of lan point. BroaS.modes PLAYOF Field ine New es wh et is 4th Place of #9 Plac @ 2nd portiond Hook ter. Th FS nam per tion ton stre yn Heigh bay of e CHA of Gam page 3 MPI @ 1st Place e as Re tide wa large por of Ful Brookl city and wn by the yn pro part 6 PM#1 Wed ONSHIP Place a the S. okl as SER new originalField above hills; t river Gam Low nesday, wn w of the ally kno es. Bro bay, and lliams #1 IES (BES Fiel crossw est e See June d #9 ord puzzle 9 AM#2 Satu of low the Eas sea, kno nt vie still loc nicipaliti out oklyn. Wi. d T 27 @ page OF llab High ng 11 Gam High rday, 3) of the gnifice tricts est t mu of Wa th Bro out bay est June Alo e #3 See 11 AM (if nec Seed 30 S. level s a ma eral dis distinc d Fiel llab @ Low Thir as Sou the city d #9 d Plac Lowestessary) est afford ces sev y were of the known N. of Wa 9 See See Satu e AM and s Gam is d d@ Trop embra en the tion Two e tion Highrday, June Field hy #9 city bore wh er por ic avenuetled por est follo Ceremonlosing page 8 See 30 old ant team wing d set from their the Chay will take s from they es the of Atl thickly Street taken the Red Place June mpions plac includ g S. on of Union e on hip Gam Tea es the lyin Fiel 23 Fiel at the end and project space all mediums. Page m this includ 1. e on d #9 imm d #1 gallery space across June 20 Re edia turned gallery South working tion of the burgh 30th tely rating artists a descrip nic’s garage 2. d
to is vital
A Mo
r ªRevu ther e of t n Truck he R in ed H g und ook efea You ted a th B fter aseb t all s wo we easo eks n
SouF
ry
to His
Red
Rere d vioove n ChurHch k sSta
Visitatio
Kimberly G. Price. Voice ity......................................Editor/Publisher ommun New C
ucing a
Introd
Justice
Center
sponso
rs youth fair
George Fiala.......................................... Graphics/Publisher Music Host to r Wate ith ds W
L SCHEAGU EDU E LE
& Fun
et ion Stre
Keith J. Klein......................................................... Reporter Also in ock of
First Bl
Un
n
dE
s an
egin
B tor y
This
Interv iew wi th the ne w polic e chief
Blue Pe
ncil
Issu
e:
Vince Musacchia..................................................Cartoons is
H ook
Spoofs pag
H Red
PLUS LOTS
democ ng is mecha of emergi ed ideas The followi is a former the exhibition and impart and place where WORK izing in g exchanged web site: a time ont special artists have of barriers. In tted to bringin and our Hook waterfr tion is commi 0 WORK the dissolu 201 reflection. ive, WORK y 2007, space in June ion and more expans l discuss Since Januar g to utilize the critica bigger and circles, for for more, cally, seekin searching into close next door. many are of culture a is right matters r Botteg important Street, Scoote at 65 Union Work is
e Star-Revu Hook The Red n Street 104 Unio NY 11231 Brooklyn,
d Presorte Rate Standard US Postage PAID , NY Brooklyn Permit 84
June 2010 e
r-Revu
e2
Pag
Red
k Sta
Hoo
Hook
e 10
Revue
MORE!
Red Ho Immers ok ion brings the crowdL s!EA
GU
ES TA
ND
Star-R
3.
evue
4.
ING
ern Trucki BYA Royal ng .... s .... Hynes ........ ............ W L Heroe ........ .... 2-0 s .... ....
S
De
fender .......2 ........ MAY Hynes’ 5TH RESU -1 s .... ........ ........ ........ SouthernHeroes 6, LTS ........ 1-2 Trucking Defender www.R ........ 6, BYA s 2 edH .....02 ookSta 2 r.com SouthernMAY 12TH BYA 10, Trucking RESULTS BYA 14 Southern 10, Defender Truc , Hyne s 0, s Hero king 10 (gam es 9, (gam e 1) e 2)
Contributors
Jenny Belin, Stefanie Deji Mary Ann Pietanza, Tracey Connell Micah Rubin, Graham McCulloch May
16 -
31,
2012
Thank you Brooklyn!
101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 Kimberly@redhookstar.com
Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue
member
718 624-5568 www.RedHookStar.com
www.RedHookStar.com
@RedHookStar
www.facebook.com/redhookstarrevue
June, 2014
Summit Street building once housed a flourishing cocaine business (continued from page 1)
statute. Contemporary court documents described the illegal activities:
A heavy room safe contained a floor safe.
furniture was long gone, but in plain view was a floor safe sitting inside of a much larger wall safe, such as one would find in a bank. Both safes had been drilled open. One can imagine huge stashes of cash, drugs and guns that might have been inside at one time. Blue Chip Coffee operated from 1984 to 1991 at this location and the two warehouses on Sackett Street over in Gowanus. Neighborhood old timers remember the smell of roasting coffee. A resident of nearby President Street told this reporter about one day in 1991 when he returned home from work to find Summit Street cordoned off with yellow police tape. That was the day that the man some dubbed Tony Coffee and his associates were caught and charged under the RICO racketeering
“As a result of the investigation, a grand jury indicted seventeen individuals... in a multi-count indictment charging offenses committed from 1984 until July 23, 1991. The government presented extensive evidence at trial in support of the charges. In summary, the indictment charged that XXXX and the other defendants assisted narcotics dealers in their efforts to import drugs into the United States through the Brooklyn waterfront. The drug owners would contact XXXX who, in turn, would use his influence and access to information to locate the drugs and remove them from the pier in circumvention of United States Customs regulat i o n s governing inspection of imported goods. The indictment also alThis now barren room was l e g e d probably the business office. that the defendants purloined cargo from the waterfront and then sold the goods on the black market. The government’s case
The roaster lies in the foreground, two large coffee bean grinders are alongside the left wall. (photos by George Fiala)
consisted of approximately forty witnesses, including three cooperating witnesses, and extensive recorded conversations obtained through over one year’s electronic surveillance of the office.” The government worker at the door explained that as far as she knew, the property had been seized over ten years ago (actually it was about 20). Some were wondering why the government had waited so long to dispose of the property. They wrote it off to the slow and plodding government. Truth was that Tony Coffee, serving ten life sentences in a Pennsylvania prison, lost his final appeal for the retun of the property only a year
ago. He had filed suit every few years in a vain attempt to annul the seizure. A federal judge wrote: “The frequency of his motions coupled with the length of his sentence portended a barrage of baseless filings to be endured by the Court without intermission and in perpetuity.” That decision, issued April 4, 2013 was the end of the line and the Feds were finally able to unload these properties. 41 Summit Street was auctioned off for $1.3 million. This is surely a great deal more than it would have fetched back in the 1990’s as real estate is the new Red Hook gold.
Captain Lenz a straight shooter at monthly precinct meeting by Keith Klein
C
aptain Justin C. Lenz led the monthly 76th Community Precinct meeting at 191 Union Street on Tuesday, May 6. Community affairs and crime prevention officers were also present. Representatives from the local assemblymen’s office, Red Hook Responders, Visitation Church, and the District Attorney’s (DA) office were also in attendance. Sergeant Ruthven Goddard was recognized as the Officer of the Month for his quick thinking and heroic actions. A man identified as Isabello Negron, age 45, stabbed a man during a domestic dispute and was wielding two butcher’s knives when Goddard arrived on the scene at 426 Columbia Street. After a two-hour standoff with the hostage negotiation team and his sister, Negron surrendered to police. During the incident, Goddard isolated and contained the armed suspect after learning he had fled the crime scene. Goddard was honored for his role in the successful apprehension without the use of deadly force. Lenz read off the latest crime stats. Four burglaries in one week were reported on Degraw Street, two of which occurred
Red Hook Star-Revue
in the same building. Reported incidents of grand larceny were less than the previous month. Vehicular and pedestrian accidents were way down, with no fatalities within the past 15 months. Lenz addressed bicycle safety. The number of cyclists multiplies as the weather improves, and public education is becoming increasingly important. Responding to a question about new Van Brunt Street markings in Red Hook, Lenz explained that the “official” bike lane is on Conover Street. Van Brunt is a shared road, and many are misunderstanding the DOT signs. Officer Carl Brady warned residents about Green Dot Card scams. Green Dot Cards are a reloadable debit card that can be purchased at over 50,000 locations nationwide. The scam involves someone calling and demanding money, or else the victim will be arrested, or taxes will be audited, or a utility - such as phone service - will be cut off. Federal law prohibits debtors from using threats, intimidation or harassment to collect money; a person cannot be jailed because of a debt. The Green Dot Cards are not linked to any bank account. The money is on the card. Once the number on the card
has been given, scammers can bleed the card dry, with no chance of detection. People using these cards should never give their numbers out to anyone. NYPD is also warning consumers against purchasing any kind of gift card that has an exposed number. These cards can also be used without the purchaser’s permission. Perps are copying the numbers and waiting for the card to be bought, and then using the money on the card themselves.
Fireworks Next Lenz spoke of the 4th of July fireworks. This year they are returning to the East River, giving Red Hook one of the best views in the city. The 76th is already making plans to ensure safety during the event, as hordes of onlookers are expected to descend upon the community. Following presentations, Captain Lenz opened up the floor for comments. One enraged Carroll Gardens resident complained about alleged drug activity near her house in Carroll Gardens. She said that she’s been filing complaints for ten years. “I want those jackasses gone,” she said. After the meeting, Lenz and other officers sat down with the complainant and assured her there would be a proper investigation, including the involvement
www.RedHookStar.com
of the Brooklyn South Narcotic. Lenz himself is a former narcotics detective. Robert Berrios expressed concerns regarding vehicles making illegal turns near the Red Hook Library on the corner of Dwight and Lorraine Streets. Officers recommended Berrios bring up these topics to the DOT as well as Community Board 6 (CB6). A representative from the Red Hook Responders reported that the “Friday Night Lights” program has been a suc(continued on page 15)
June, 2014 Page 3
Community Calendar CB 6 - ALL MEETINGS AT 6:30 PM
May 29 Youth/Human Services/Education Shining a Light on Postpartum Depression: The Role of Programs, Policy and Public Health 10 to 20% percent of new mothers in the United States suffer from Postpartum Depression (PPD), one of a group of perinatal mood disorders which also includes postpartum anxiety, and in the most severe cases, postpartum psychosis. PPD includes a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physiological reactions to childbirth. The stamina of the new mother is challenged and her ability to function, care for, and bond with her new born child is impaired. How can New York City and State ensure that mothers and their families have access to resources and treatment for this debilitating and sometimes life threatening condition? Join PPD service providers, specialist, and elected officials for a chance to discuss this important issue – and devise solutions to address it. Congregation Beth Elohim, 7-9 pm, 271 Garfield Place.
OTHER EVENTS: Tuesday May 27, 6:30-9 pm: Gowanus CAG meeting, St. Mary Star of the Sea, 41 1st Street Wed May 28, 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. Every Friday from 5 pm - 9 pm: Youth Basketball Instruction at the Miccio Center, 110 West 9th Street.
FOR UPDATED LISTINGS GO TO www.redhookstar.com
SHOWING OFF RED HOOK JULY 12 AT IKEA
Beginning at noon on Saturday, July 12, visitors will be treated with a sampling of all things Red Hook. In the back parking lot of IKEA’s outside parking lot, The Star-Revue will host Celebrate Red Hook with an exhibition of Red Hook businesses and institutions. In addition, the extreme talent of Red Hook based artisans and performers will be featured on the big stage under the crane. Local musicians will be performing all day, with guest appearances from other community based performances like Cora Dance. IKEA will finish out the day with their annual fireworks display. Two summers ago, Open House NY led a tour into Red Hook studio spaces. Partakers included fine artists, Kerry Quaid and Yeon Ji Yoo from the BeeHive in 7C, Brooklyn Waterfront Art Coalition, Red Hook Winery, Pier Glass/Scanlan Glass, and dozens more. This year, the Star-Revue is bringing many of those artists out of their spaces all at one place for a grand sampling of Red Hook craftsmanship. Space is still available for anyone who wants to join. There is no fee for participation; the only requirement is to supply your own table. For more information, email George@ RedHookStar.com, or call (718) 624-5568 Lillie Marshall and Phaedra Thomas at an EPA outreach meeting at PS 15.
Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014
Coffey Park renovation not yet begun, fenced off to public by George Fiala
A
s reported in the May Star-Revue, Coffey Park was closed this April for the next year to undergo a renovation. The closing was somewhat controversial, as few in Red Hook had any advance warning of this project, no one from the community was asked for input into the project.
the first 6 months, the last 6 months, steadily over the 12-month period, etc. As long as they get it done within the allotted time. Some City capital project contracts have early incentive clauses, some have late penalty clauses, and some don’t have either; honestly, I do not know whether this particular contract has either in place.”
Since the details of the project was announced, many Red Hookers have objected to the planned replacement of the paving stones with asphalt. These stones match the paving stones that are around the Red Hook Pool. They can be found in many other NYC parks. Evidently, they were more affordable in the past, or perhaps more to the point, when the city devoted more funding to the Parks Department - and to capital expenditures in general.
Hammerman continues:
The other shock was to the participants of the annual Red Hook Old Timers Day, and Family Day - two events held each August in Coffey Park. At a CB6 Parks Committee meeting held in April, Parks representative Marty Mahr was asked why the parks renovation could not proceed in two phases, so that at least half the park was open at all times. Mahr gave that suggestion short shrift, saying it would cost way too much money. At a recent Old Timers Committee meeting, members were divided as to whether the event should take place at T Park or at the stadium. Old Timers Day began at T Park over twenty years ago. They will be holding another meeting soon to decide - Robert Berrios and Henrietta Perkins have been publicizing the meetings with flyers in the neighborhood. To add insult to injury, Red Hookers have had to gaze upon a fenced off park for over six weeks in which no noticable renovation activity has taken place. The park is gated, the grass and weeds are not being tended and are overgrown. No further explanation in the form of signage has been forthcoming. This was promised at the Parks meeting. Rumors have started floating around that a pool is going in. Undoubtedly more rumors will develop until the facts are plainly written out. All that is being done for the $2.3 million budget is tearing up the stones, leveling the paths and paving over the paths with black asphalt. In addition, trees will be given more room for their roots, and new benches, chairs and barbecue pits will be added. There will be some work around the flagpole as well. All the work will be done by a private contractor from Queens.
“I understand how upsetting it can be to not ‘see’ work occurring, but that doesn’t mean nothing is being done. It is more likely that the contractor is doing the necessary preconstruction work - which may or may not take place on site, it may involve ordering the materials necessary to do the job, or may only involve visits to the site, or some combination thereof - but don’t let the fact that there isn’t torn up pavement, large piles of materials on site, and big equipment parked nearby in any way detract from the fact that the project
There is still time to tell them what you think. Parks Dept (718) 965-8900 Menchaca: (718) 439-90123 has officially started. The year-long timeclock has begun. The contractor could be there tomorrow or the next day or the day after that, to begin visible work. The meter is running.” Hammerman concludes: “It may seem logical that if the contractor is not working, that the community should have access to the site. But once a contractor assumes site control from the City, there are immediate liability issues that arise. The public would not be protected and may not be safe on an active construction site, even if there appears to be no evidence of activity. To ensure that the public is kept safe, the site has
In recent summers, Coffey Park has been host to Old Timer’s Day, Night Out Against Crime, and Family Day. At least some of those events will have to be moved this year while the park is closed for renovation.
to be deemed safe before the public can have access to it again.” As work has not yet commenced, there is still time to give the Parks Department and our political leaders opinions about all of this. Readers may contact the Parks Department with their opinions. Their main number is (718) 9658900. Ask for Capital Projects of for Chris Yandoli, Outreach Coordinator, 718 965-9882 or 917 272 8453. His
email is Chris.yandoli@parks.nyc.gov. Most of the funding for this renovation came from the City Council. Carlos Menchaca is our local council member, and he says that he is responsive to voices from our community. His district office is located in Sunset Park, at 56th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The office number is 718 4399012. His email address is Menchaca@ me.com.
The Old Timer’s Committee met outside the park on May 10th to plan this years event.
In a recent Daily News article, CB 6 District Manager Craig Hammerman describes the park as functioning “on many levels as a town square - a central, open civic space where Red Hook comes together.” In a recent email exchange between Hammerman and some interested Red Hookers, Hammerman defends the Park Department, explaining: “The contractor has a year to complete the project, whether they do it all in
Red Hook Star-Revue
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014 Page 5
Help Wanted at the Red Hook Star-Revue
Red Hook West officers sworn in
Reporters needed for news and arts coverage in Red Hook and her environs. Enthusiasm more important than experience. Learn on the job. Full and part-time positions available. Call us
718 624-5568
or email: info@redhookstar.com
You Are Invited!
RHAP Students’ Art Fair Sunday, June 8, 3 to 6 pm
In a ceremony at 428 Columbia Street, the new slate of officers of the Red Hook West Tenants Association was sworn in by a NYCHA official. The new officers include President: Lillie Marshall; Vice President: Anthony Johnson, and Danelle Johnson. Photo by Michael Eaddy
Carroll Garden’s Association honors Brooklyn Greenway and Red Hook Initiatives as well as Victoria Hagman of Realty Collective
In addition to the honorees, guests at the annual fundraising dinner included Brooklyn DA Kenneth Thompson, Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, President Cynthia Gonzalez and Councilmembers Carlos Menchaca and Brad Lander. The gala affair was held March 1st at Court Street’s Marco Polo restaurant. (photo by George Fiala)
JABUS BUILDING CORP. Serving Red Hook for over 25 years
Specializing in Construction and Historic Preservation • New construction • Renovations, additions and extensions • Masonry specialist • Concrete floors/radiant heated • Concrete/bluestone sidewalk repair • Flue linings, chimneys and fireplaces • Demolition and waste removal • Violation removals • Landmark Preservation contractor
Jim & Debbie Buscarello
98 Van Dyke Street, Red Hook (718) 852-5364 Fax: (718) 935-1263
www.jabusbuildingcorp.com HIC License #0883902
jabusbuildingcorp@gmail.com Trade Waste License #1135
Don’t be a fool advertise in the Star-Revue! Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014
Red Hook library needs weekend hours by George Fiala
C
ouncilmember Carlos Menchaca held his triumphant party celebrating the results of his first Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP) program at the Red Hook Library. The party was on a weeknight, as the library is currently closed every Saturday and Sunday. Among the PB bestowments is money to resuscitate the library’s community garden. This will be a wonderful amenity, however not have on the weekends. The Red Hook library at 7 Wolcott Street is one of 19 in the borough that is closed from Friday evening until Monday morning. The Brooklyn library system consists of 58 branches, including outposts in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights and a branch near the Barclay’s Center. All of these neighboring libraries are open at least one day over the weekend. Bushwick, Canarsie, Coney
Island and Midwood are among the branches without weekend hours. According to the Manhattan Library System, library funding has been cut six of the past 11 years. The Brooklyn system, with its 58 branches, is the fifth largest in the country. However, as the number of residents continue to increase, public spending for the system is decreasing. The Red Hook Library, at 7 Wolcott Street, suffered $750,000 damage from Sandy. It reopened April 2013 fully restored, with all books replaced. There are eight computers, four for adults and four for children. Use is limited to thirty minute sessions as there are often people waiting to use them, especially after 3 pm on school days. Sandra Sutton, Red Hook library supervisor, says that students would fill the library on the weekends, if only it was open. Library hours are controlled
by funding which comes from the city, and funding has been cut six out of the previous eleven years. The budget is prepared by the Mayor, and passed by the City Council. Menchaca is our local council member, and he says that he is
responsive to voices from the community. His district office is located in Sunset Park, at 56th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The office number is 718 439-9012. His email is Menchaca@ me.com.
Shore Power a year away
A
campaign led by Pioneer Street resident Adam Armstrong has resulted in Red Hook’s Cruise Terminal becoming the first East Coast port to invest in what is called “Shore Power.” Cruise ships need electricity to power their lights, cooling and refrigeration systems. While docked, they keep their
by George Fiala
engines idling for electricity, burning diesel fuel which keeps the engines running. Armstrong objected to these exhausts, and in 2011, a group of local politicians were successful in getting the Port Authority, other city agencies, and the Carnival Cruises to invest upwards of $20 million for the shore power project. With this new process, the ships that are docked will be refitted to allow them to plug into the electric grid. All the ships utilities will function using this local electricity, supplied by Con Ed, and will no longer need to keep the engines idling.
Local pols hold press conference demanding shore power in January 2011.
The photo above, taken on Ferris Street, shows progress made to date installing the Shore Power system. Cement has been laid for a platform and equipment installed. Two representatives from the Port Au-
This is what they have built so far on Ferris Street by the Cruise Terminal. It is scheduled to be operational by next spring.
thority attended CB6’s Waterfront Committee meeting on May 19, and stated that the project is halfway complete. The said that the below-ground infrastructure is in, and that the above
ground infrastructure will be completed by next spring. In the meantime, activity at the Cruise Terminal is at its lowest since its opening in 2006, with only 17 shore days
Help Wanted at the Star-Revue Reporters needed for news coverage in Red Hook and her environs. Enthusiasm more important than experience. Learn on the job. Advertising positions also available. We also accept submissions from the community on topics of local interest. Call Kimberly Gail Price
718 624-5568 or email: info@redhookstar.com
Red Hook Star-Revue
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014 Page 7
VIEWPOINT:
Government should provide affordable housing, not luxury real estate developers by George Fiala
I
have been mulling over Mayor de Blasio’s affordable housing plan. The idea is to make private developers supply 80,000 affordable units in exchange for the right to build higher and denser than existing zoning would allow. This is another example of government contracting to private business tasks formerly done by the city. Capitalism is built around the concept of incentives. The incentive guiding real estate developers is to maximize profit. If a company can make more money by erecting a taller building - even after accounting for a certain number of subsidized units - they will do so. Otherwise it wouldn’t be worth their while. Money will be spent to create high quality units for the luxury purchasers, while the subsized apartments will be made as cheaply as allowed. There is already controversy regarding separate entrances for the ‘lower classes’ with exclusion of building amenities such as gyms or rooftop decks. The NY Times in a recent article on
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
(send yours to editor@redhookstar.com)
Doesn’t like our house ad
You are the ones who makes yourselves fools with that ridiculous likeness of George Bush next to the word fool. Why don’t you use the likeness of the current president next to the words: Liar, Phony, Hypocrite, Narcissist, Community Organizer in Chief and Worst President in American History. Whatever your views, its in extremely poor taste and a dopey attempt to get a cheap laugh. Cut the crap. - JTS 4151
Loved the May issue!
My daughter lives in Red Hook and my wife and I visit often from Virginia. I always get a copy of your Red Hook StarRevue newspaper to read. The May 2014 issue was very good.
this subject states: “Mayor Bill de Blasio was elected on a platform that derided income inequality and the dwindling availability of affordable housing. His “tale of two cities” theme appears to also exist within buildings.” There can be another way. I have been reading the diaries of David Lilienthal. Lilienthal, the first chair of the Atomic Energy Commission, led the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for thirteen years. The TVA is a government corporation and a survivor of the New Deal. Lilienthal fought to keep it a regional entity, not taking orders or accepting patronage jobs from Washington. The TVA provided electricity for underserved areas, but it had a greater purpose as well - basically, the economic wellbeing of the areas it served. It has been model for economic development in lesser developed areas of the entire world - a decentralized government entity operating profitably and providing public service and modernization at the same time.
I read with interest the Lime Shortage affects pie man piece. I know that Steve Tarpin of Steve’s Key Lime Pies is beloved in Brooklyn. Even with his recent (two weeks ago) shipment of limes, I am sure he needs as many as he can get. My thought was...wouldn’t it be wonderful if his loyal customers and other Brooklynites brought him one (1) lime as a donation. Wow! Talk about Red Hook Strong or Brooklyn Strong. A loyal reader - Tom Bland
Instead of having private developers be responsible for providing what is in effect public housing - essentially bribing them to do so - why not have the city do the job, as it used to? I am no real estate expert. But I would say that it is a mistake to depend on the private sector for this. The city has the power of zoning and makes land use decisions. The city also has a huge staff of municipal planners and building experts. There is no reason why government service should not also be quality service. Government is not often given credit for its abilities. Web sites run by NYC have become increasingly useful and easier to use. Formerly hard-to-get information is now easily available. I pay my parking tickets with a click - and I’ve never had a problem. Instead of exchanging variances for apartments, why not tax the variances and use the money to buy land around the city onto which to build city owned affordable housing. I don’t mean clus-
ters of buildings segregating low income residents, but buildings scattered throughout the city. I would guess that not having to pay for land, and not having to pay taxes - and working in cooperation with its own building department - a way could be found to create and operate quality buildings with say, 70% low and middle income tenants, and 30% market rate, at a modest profit. The city already has architects on the payroll. They have well established relations with the building trade unions. All it has to do is create a new department where enthusiastic young college graduates led by smart and seasoned public servants can operate can create a new public housing paradigm, one not bound by politics. The goal would be not to maximize short term profits. Instead, they would be working towards a city where all classes of people have the ability to live comfortably, and to achieve their potential, creating a social fabric that indeed emphasizes social justice.
OUR PARK
Bill Appel retires
After 27 years (22 on the board of directors) and the last five as Executive Director I will be leaving the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation effective June 5th, 2014. For many of you this is not a goodbye! I will remain fully committed to this great Brooklyn community with special emphasis on affordable housing development and education. However, the time has come to spend more time with family, especially our three grandsons.
New local cartoonist Tashawn Davis is a student at the Red Hook Arts Project, corner of Richards and Wolcott. He will be exhibiting along with many other talented local youth at the RHAP Students’ Art Fair Sunday, June 8, 3 to 6 pm. He offers this cartoon to Star-Revue readers as an example of his talent.
Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue
This is a reminder to our readers that Coffey Park has been shut for the year for renovation. This picture, taken May 20, is what one will encounter in case they wish to use the park this spring or summer. Coffey Park was fenced off in the middle of April and is not scheduled to reopen until April 2015. So far it is six weeks that no workers have shown up to work on the park. Read more about the park on page 5 of this issue. www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014
News from the Independent Neighborhood Democrats by Mark Shames, President
That Crazy World of Politics by George Fiala
Joan Millman
Longtime Assemblywoman Joan Millman, a fixture in South Brooklyn even before her election to statewide office in 1997, surprised just about everyone last week when she announced that she would not run for re-election this fall. Instead, she will be joining the de Blasio administration with a position in the Department of Aging. We first knew of Joan back in 1991 when she ran for the City Council. She had been district leader, and was a well known educator and an advisor to Carol Bellamy and Martin Connor. In that race she received the endorsement of the NY Times as well as the City Council president. However, as we remember it, her leading opponent, Ken Fisher, received the backing of a Hasidic sect in Williamsburg - giving Fisher enough votes to win, despite Millman receiving more votes in Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill. This was a special election due to the retirement from the Council of Abe Gerges. We heard then that the deal with the Rabbi was made by Harold Fisher, Ken’s dad. Harold Fisher, onetime MTA chief, was an advisor to Mayors Koch and Dinkins and a force in Brooklyn machine politics. Ken Fisher ended up leaving elected office with a surprising loss to Marty Markowitz. He continued his law practice and has been representing SUNY Downstate in their yearlong battle with our community over the future of the Long Island College Hospital. Fisher has represented many powerful real estate developerss. In its 1991 Millman endorsement, the Times wrote: “Kenneth Fisher is a bright lawyer and talented campaigner. But there’s something unsettling about his plan to continue representing clients rather than serving the Council full time, as Ms. Millman would. His family’s law firm already has long, intimate ties to the regular Brooklyn Democratic organization.” Joan Millman gained elected office in another special election. This was in 1997, following the sudden death of the beloved Eileen Dugan. In a controversial race involving Ralph Perfetto and Steve DiBrienza, two names from the past, Millman managed the primary nomination and easily beat her Republican challenger and has served in the Assembly ever since. She is a fixture at local events and is known for her support of Brooklyn Bridge Park, including its controversial real estate aspects. She has worked closely with fellow politicians Brad Lander and Daniel Squadron. Her office on Court Street has been a training
Red Hook Star-Revue
Buddy Scotto with his sister Theresa, his daughter Debra, Bill de Blasio and his wife Chirlane at the recent IND dinner. Buddy was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Joan poses with her favorite Red Hook paper at the Columbia Street Fair a few years ago.
ground for many up and coming staffers, including Josh Levin, who is now Community Liaison for city comptroller Scott Stringer. What was surprising was the unexpected nature of her announcement to not run. A product of IND, she was a prominent guest at their annual fundraiser the week before, and did not mention her plans to anyone. The current front runner is Jo Anne Simon. Simon is the 52nd AD District Leader. A lawyer, for many years she headed the Boerum Hill Association. In 2004 she was encouraged by Millman to run for District Leader, and has served in that position since. She shares with Millman the distinction of losing a City Council race. She came in second in 2009 to Steve Levin, who coincidently, won with the support of an important faction of Hasidic Jews in Williamsburg.
Carlos Menchaca
A
t IND we are extremely happy for Assemblyperson Joan Millman. She is reenergized at the prospect of joining the de Blasio administration, where she will be doing special projects at the Department of Aging. The people of the 52nd Assembly District were fortunate to have someone always on their side that understood the issues, consulted with her constituents, attended their events and who maintained an exemplary attendance record in the legislature.
IND’s last major event under the leadership of our Assemblyperson was our 42nd Annual Dinner. Word has filtered back to me that it received nearly unanimous positive reviews. It was held at the rooftop at Fornino’s at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Fornino’s provided us with the lower level for our cocktail hour and the rooftop for our buffet dinner. Unlike most events that I have attended the food was supposedly really good. I didn’t get a chance to eat so this is hearsay but reliable hearsay nonetheless. We had some brief shout outs from Comptroller Stringer, Congresswoman Velasquez, and Councilmen Levin and Lander. Joan Millman, State Senator Squadron, and District Leader Simon gave out our first three awards. Our Executive Board Chair, Karen Johnson with a host of other old friends presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Buddy Scotto. Just before the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Mayor and his wife Chirlane McCray dropped by to say hello and mingle with an appreciative crowd.
The news around the Menchaca office this month is their upcoming move to a new office on 4th Avenue near 45th Street. Up until now they have been operating from Sara Gonzalez’s old district office on 56th Street. In addition, they are saying that they are looking for a satellite office in Red Hook as well.
Our dinner honorees were James Walden, Esq. who is leading the litigation to keep LICH open as a full service hospital, Regina Myers, who spearheads the effort to complete Brooklyn Bridge Park, Alexandria Sica, executive director of the DUMBO BID, and co-founder of IND, Buddy Scotto who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. I had the honor of writing Buddy’s biographical sketch for our journal.
The Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation is a Sunset Park based organization with a satellite office on Van Brunt Street. The Star-Revue has rarely found that office open lately, perhaps deskspace there would be the perfect spot for Carlos.
The departure of Assemblyperson Millman does create a void and there are likely to be a number of candidates eager to fill that void. The field is still in formation with only one candidate currently declared. As the Chinese say, concerning unsettled times, we at IND and the other area political clubs are living in interesting times. We are waiting to see what other openings may arise as a result of Joan’s departure?
Menchaca also took time out from his busy City Hall schedule to travel to the west coast. The trip was occasioned by his delivery of the commencement address at his alma mater, the Jesuit University of San Franciso.
IND is unlikely to endorse a candidate for the Assembly seat on May 22nd and it is yet to be determined whether the other scheduled endorsements will go forward but this issue goes to print before the meeting goes forward. You will have to find out online or in the next issue.
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014 Page 9
Creating a cultural sanctuary in Red Hook (continued from page 1)
“People come in here and all the sudden they have a whole new sense of what is possible,” says Dustin Yellin, the artist who founded Pioneer Works and serves as its director. Yellin discovered Red Hook in the 1990s and also lives and works in the neighborhood. “[Pioneer Works] has been a dream for a very long time, almost 20 years,” Yellin says. Pioneer Works began in 2011 when Yellin purchased the Pioneer Iron Works building. Originally built in 1866 (and later rebuilt after a fire in 1881), the building served as an ironworks factory until the end of World War I. It was a defunct storage facility, one of the parcels owned by Time Moving, when Yellin purchased it. Converting the space took time and energy, but the result is a cathedral to the arts with 40-foot ceilings, cascades of light with exposed bricks and beams. “The architecture of the space is an incredible lens for the energy of the people in the space,” Yellin says. “It creates a natural sense of community and [is] so inspiring. You almost feel like you’re in some sort of holy place.” Pioneer Works hasn’t only set up a creative environment, but also seeks to demystify the creation process itself, says Dave Sheinkopf, Pioneer Works’ Director of Education.
Rotating exhibitions In their main space, Pioneer Works hosts rotating exhibitions. “If you go to a show at a museum, you see art but don’t see [the creative] process. [Pioneer Works] is very much a museum of process. Not only do you get to see art that’s finished, but you get to see how it’s made, “ Yellin says. This includes visiting the studios of the art and science residents, and also through participating in the classes. “Classes are priced a lot less then other classes in the city. We want to set ourselves apart by making them really accessible,” Sheinkopf says. Pioneer Works began offering classes two years ago and now has nearly 30 instructors and an ever-growing curriculum. Have a great idea for a class? They are always open to new class ideas, Sheinkopf says. “There are so many people taking the classes,” Yellin says. “We really have a better turnout then we ever imagined.” Interested in making your own miso (think Japanese soup)? Sign up for “Miso: Preparation, Fermentation and Health” ($40) a class about everything miso: history, heath benefits, the fermentation process and how to make it yourself. Maybe you’re a shutterbug? Take the “Bobble Cap Tintypes” ($85) workshop and learn to make your own tintype – think sepia-toned photos from the old west printed on metal - the first widespread photographic process. For example, Pioneer Works also offers multiple classes on leatherworking. Learn to make a hand-made bag in “Crafting a Hand-Stitched Leather
Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue
Bag” ($885) or the secrets of master European leather workers in “Traditional European Leatherwork & Handstitching” ($155).
ment.
Many classes discussing technology are also offered at Pioneer Works. “Technology is lost to most people … by learning the process of something, you can pursue it on your own and – in the case of technology - have a lot more power over your world,” Sheinkopf says. Like hacking a DSLR to unlock hidden features. In “Hack Your Canon SLR” ($70) instructors will teach students to enable “magical” features on your camera using a simple and free firmware update. “Electronic Voices” ($35) explores the phenomenon of sound and current and historical recording techniques. Students also recreate experiments conducted by early recording pioneers through building a makeshift phonograph and a MacGyver-styled speaker out of a post-it note, a wire and a magnet.
Pioneer Works, outside and in.
Looking for love? “The Science of Romantic Relationships” ($25) explores how the originally radical idea people should marry for love hasn’t quite worked out as expected. With only a third of marriages happy and enduring, the class discusses the emerging science of why love can be so tough and what science says about a successful quest for love. And these are only shortlist of available classes. Right now, Pioneer Works is developing long-term classes that will last between 6 and 8 weeks and a gap-year program for post high school and precollege students. “There are so many kids who get out of high school and don’t have an idea of what they’re doing yet. I think this [program] would help give them some focus and expose them to the incredible people that could mentor them before college,” Yellin says.
Jenny belin’s Art
In continuing with its multidisciplinary leanings, Pioneer Works is developing a publishing arm. It currently publishes Intercourse, a biannual magazine discussing art, science and culture and published its first book “Settlements” in 2013.
Pop up restaurants to come In addition to the rotating exhibits, Pioneer Works hosts concerts and lectures and this summer, pop up restaurants will set up shop in their 20,000 square foot garden and sculpture park. Yellin is excited about all the great things happening at Pioneer Works and especially the effects the collaborations and classes are having on the community. “They have a whole new sense of what is possible,” he says. Pioneer Works is located at 159 Pioneer Street (between Imlay and Conover Streets). (718) 5967-3001 Hours: Wed. – Sun., 12 pm-6 pm when exhibits are up or events happening, otherwise by appoint-
Our friend Jenny, who exhibits locally at the Brooklyn Collective, 212 Columbia Street, sends us this and writes: “The image is a flower portrait! It is an ink and watercolor painting on paper, inspired by the Grape Hyacinth bouquet, that a friend gave to me at a recent art opening that I had in Prospect Heights.”
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014
Growing up poor but rich remembering our Red Hook communions by Mary Ann Pietanza
I
think for the most part, we were all pretty poor growing up as immigrant families in Red Hook. While we were rich in culinary and nutritional abundance because we grew and made mostly everything ourselves, we still wore hand-medowns, walked our shoes down to their soles, and never went on vacations. It was an obvious time of economic strife and we never gave into anything frivolous or unnecessary, but there were occasions, though, when our financial budgets overrode our poverty status to afford some important luxuries - namely, weddings and Catholic religious events such as Baptisms, Confirmations and Communions.
and sent us off with a hair net to wear overnight to keep the new “hair do” in place. We felt like little starlets. Then we went home and got into full costume for our photo shoot. There were probably a dozen photo studios in all of old Red Hook, but for us, there were two that were local on Columbia St., Natoli’s and Palmisano’s. (I got it on good sources that they were competitors who had their own followings of the neighborhood families.) Which is, no doubt, true, though I wouldn’t have remembered that since I thought only one existed - Palmisano’s, and which is why I was shocked to hear when I posted the question on the neighborhood group page, that Natoli’s was right across the It seemed all costs were spared to rec- street. I just always remembered that ognize and secure these treasured times Palmisano’s was located on Columbia in our family history. We had those old Street next to the old Packer’s Superblack and white touched-up photos of market near Carroll or Summit Street our parents and relatives of generations and was where all of our family portraits past as proof that those traditions were were taken. Natoli’s was by Sokol’s Furnot just a religious milestone in life, niture Store. but the opportunity to record our sac- In any event, our red-carpet line up raments in lavish-styled photographs. started here as many young girls were We absolutely had to look our finest for primped up, donning their beautiful new
“We were set up on leather benches or kneeled before the statue of Jesus who was posed offering us our first host, a chapel scene of sorts in the background.” dresses for on lookers to see as we formed a line waiting outside of the studio for our portraits. We sized up each other’s And I’m not kidding when I say it dresses, and was like a red-carpet event. We went blushed as shopping along Fifth Avenue or Fulneighbors ton Street looking for the perfect dress and strangand all the accessories - laced trimmed ers alike socks, white Mary-Janes, tiara and veil, commented white-laced gloves, knitted shawls on our beauin case it was cool, and a stylish little ty. Inside white pocketbook to hold our beautiful the studio, new rosaries and prayer books. Even we were set undergarments had to be new. In traup on leathditional sixties style, the dresses were er benches usually knee-length with balloon skirts. or kneeled And needless to say......everything was before the white. statue of The photo shoot Jesus who The excitement started almost imwas posed mediately from the point of shopping, offering and escalated as it got closer to the day us our first of dressing for the photo studio shots. host, a chaWe started by going to the “beauty parpel scene lor” first, a place where we were accusof sorts in Andrew Pietanza, my tomed to escorting our mothers to get brother, circa 1958 the backtheir hair “set” or permed (“permanent” ground. The photographers combed, was the popular word of the era.). My re-combed and made sure not a hair was mother, in particular, loved the down- out of place for our photos. And for my town scene and so her favorite beauty sister and me, it was the first time that parlor was John Charles’ on Fulton our mother allowed us to wear a little Street. There, our hair was washed, set “rouge” (blush) and lipstick for our in curlers, put under the (chair) dryer, photographs. The boys all wore their and then styled (without a blow dryer) little blue suits and shiny black shoes, with precision of waves that made us but part of the required attire were these feel like actresses. This was all topped huge white bows that served as, or maywith a quarter of a can of hair spray. be were, neckties. For some, those bows The adult “beauticians” fussed over us looked bigger than the boys wearing these occasions - our parents oftentimes dressed to the nines themselves - and in the case of our First Holy Communion, it was like having a red-carpet event for us as kids, especially for the girls.
Red Hook Star-Revue
them. Their hair was also cut short, parted on the side, and impeccably groomed. The next day, the day of the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, continued our red-carpet-like affair. We showed up early at church and formed lines outside as we waited for our procession to begin, looking and feeling like little brides. One could just imagine how many little boys and girls were there when considering that one class alone had anywhere between 50 and 70 students in it! After we received our My sister, Catherine Pietanza, circa 1960 sacrament, we lingered outside to socialize and take pictures with the priests or nuns, and our famioutside with us and talked and complilies. mented our loveliness, offering gifts of The Polaroid camera was recent at that money, while others invited us inside time and so we were able to get instant where we were served espresso or brown pictures, as well. Afterward, we went coffee with Italian cookies or candy, also back home to have our usual Sun- offering gifts of money. I oftentimes asday lunch, removing all of our com- sumed since our apartments weren’t big munion garb, only to dress up again enough for parties, that our ceremonial later when our parents proudly strolled walks took its place. Yet, some have the neighborhood with us, bouquet in said that this was a common occurrence hand, as they stopped to visit friends in Italy and that the immigrants were and neighbors. We were on display, just following their usual custom. sort of like our very own debutante parade. But it was also as if, instead of everyone coming to a party for us, we went to them. Some neighbors stood
www.RedHookStar.com Untitled-3 1
When I think of the difference between my children’s Communion ceremonies and mine, I often wish the passage of time didn’t take away the sanctity of those old fashioned values that we hold
June, 2014 Page 11
11/20/2013 11:38:35 AM
CB6 Board Meeting long and sometimes tedious, by Keith J. Klein
At the start of the Community Board 6 (CB6) General Board meeting on May 14, Youth Recognition Awards were presented. Chairman Daniel Kummer then called the meeting to order. The minutes from the previous month’s meeting were approved, and it was noted that Elizabeth Shipley resigned as Secretary. District Manager, Craig Hammerman discussed various items including the potential industrial business improvement district in Gowanus, DOT issues regarding the resurfacing of Bond Street and the near completion of the reconstruction on Columbia Street below Degraw. Also brought up were the recent developments of Diverter Park, the section of open space on the west side of Columbia St. between Kane and Degraw. Plans include new vegetation and plantings, park benches, bike racks and other amenities found in green spaces. Hammerman neglected to mention the efforts of the Brookyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) to ensure the land would divert to a park area once the Degraw Street construction was completed and the land no longer needed as a construction staging area. This particular strip of land is owned by the city, as opposed to the rest of the area west of Columbia and Van Brunt which is Port Authority property. Previously, DOT acquired this parcel to divert trucks traveling between the piers west of the site, hence the new parks name. The future park will be one of a series of parks along BGI’s pathway, an off-street bicycle route connecting neighborhoods to four major parks, including Brooklyn Bridge Park and over a dozen local open spaces along Brooklyn’s waterfront.
Political reports Reports from politicians came next. Jim Brennan from Park Slope spoke about some of his local initiatives. Kai Feder from the Borough President’s office spoke of renewable energy and mentioned Red Hook’s IBZ zone. Lee Wellington, speaking for councilman Carlos Menchaca plugged their municipal ID program as well as progress from the Red Hook Coalition. Brad Lander himself gave an update on the the Prospect Park Residence situation. Over 100 seniors are facing eviction as the intends to close. The seniors were given only 90 days notice. A suit has been filed to prevent the pending eviction. A LICH update mentioned the problems of Brooklyn Health Partners, the failed winner of the recent court man-
dated RFP process. Dan Wiley, from Nydia Velazquez’s office, spoke of Congresswoman’s efforts in seeing that funds from Housing and Urban Development came to Red Hook. The Environmental Protection/Permits & Licenses Committee reviewed sidewalk café permits renewals for Zaytoon’s of Smith Street, El Pollito of 5th Ave., Abilene and Marco Polo of Court St. Permits were approved for the establishments. The Landmarks and Land Use Committee brought up cases including 321 Clinton Street where front windows are proposed to be changed and solar panels added to the roof. It was also proposed that 132 Kane St., at the corner of Cheever St, a site of a former antique store be converted from one to two tax lots. The property owner also wants to add a bulkhead for an additional room or roof deck. Approvals were conditional and it was stated that the new build was “too large” and “not like neighboring structures.”
Building encroachment At 158 Dikeman St. between Ferris and Conover in Red Hook, a mixed use property was reviewed. Specifically
This young couple is having trouble sleeping due to the unending noise and vibrations from the BQE, adjacent to their Columbia Waterfront District apartment.
- the fact that the owner is trying to acquire 17 feet from the city as the current structure encroaches a tiny bit of city property. The current owner has spent over $100,000 in legal fees to facilitate their proposal, thus far, as demapping and other legal machinations are involved. The previous tenants hadn’t bothered to legitimatize the mistakes of their architect, who had renovated the structure in the early 1990’s. CB approval, which was granted, is just one of many steps before the matter can be considered closed. When the floor was opened up for general comments, a young couple living near the highway brought up noise and vibration issues emanating from the BQE. They claimed the rough winter caused potholes to become large ditches making life nearby miserable as peace and quiet have become lost commodities. They are anxious for a repaving of the BQE, and wanted local leaders to be aware of the issue.
It was a bittersweet last day for LICH’s ICU nursing staff. (Photo by Price)
Curtain closes on Long Island College Hospital by Kimberly Gail Price
O
n February 8, 2013, SUNY Downstate Medical Center voted unanimously to shut down Long Island College Hospital, triggering a nearly fifteen month battle for a land grab. On Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 7:30 pm, the majority of staff was being cleared out of the once vibrant hospital. After many months in the court of Supreme Court Justice Johnny Lee Baynes, the deal all came to a climax earlier that day when Peebles successfully negotiated the deal with Downstate that would allow a “full-service” emergency department and an urgent care center that will include primary, specialty and diagnostic services. A true full-service emergency room (ER) relies on other specialties to provide follow up care. Free standing ERs do not offer other critical care services necessary to save lives. For example, a patient suffering a heart attack would only have access to stabilization, possibly a minor operation if absolutely necessary, before being transported to another hospital miles and minutes away. Nurses, doctors and EMTs have said on numerous occasions that any time a critically impaired patient is transferred, the risk of death is greatly increased during the trip to the next facility. Now, for LICH, all patients in need of additional services must be sent elsewhere. Being transferred to another hospital is not simply a matter of the nearest hospital. The chosen facility must have an available bed and adequate staffing levels. If the nearest hospital is overwhelmed with patients - as Brooklyn Hospital, New York Methodist, and Lutheran were last summer when ambulances were diverted - the patient would have to be transported to the nearest available hospital. Last year, ICU patients at LICH were being transferred and far away as Staten Island and Queens because there were no available hospital beds throughout the entire borough of Brooklyn. As the population of Brooklyn continues to rise, the problem will become even more exacerbated.
Craig Hammerman, Daniel Kummert and Lou Sones preside over the Borough Hall meeting of Community Board 6. (photo by George Fiala)
Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue
LICH previously had 16 operating rooms. After a deal with Peebles is reached, there will be none. ICU will be discontinued. Obstetrics and pediatrics will no longer exist at the facility.
www.RedHookStar.com
Numerous other services will be discontinued as well. If Peebles cannot reach a deal with SUNY Downstate by June 6, they will be disqualified. Fortis would then be eligible to negotiate an agreement. Fortis also would only be offering a standalone emergency room. Under the newest settlement, an independent Community Health Assessment must be completed. If the assessment finds needs of the community not being met, Peebles has agreed to provide those services if they can afford to do so. With the real estate deal raking in millions for the real estate corporation, logically Peebles should be able to afford to do so. If the assessment finds that a full service hospital is needed in the area, the possibility that LICH will be revived still exists. But many believe now that the hospital is shut down, reopening will not be a feasible option. The health assessment should begin in the near future and will take at least 2-3 months. However a tentative date for the process to begin has not yet been determined. At the present time, ambulatory services are scheduled to resume July 15. Peebles has suggested that this date may be changed at some point. All non-ER hospital staffers were told they would be escorted out of the LICH buildings at 11:59 pm Thursday night. Fearing a large media presence, SUNY Downstate told employees arriving for their 7:30 pm shift that they could leave any time before midnight because all patients had been transferred out of the hospital earlier in the afternoon. Jim Walden, lead attorney for LICH called the settlement “a bitter, sweet day.” After the final decision had been handed down, the atmosphere in the hospital was somber. Colleagues embraced, exchanged phone numbers, and took pictures of their final moments at the institution they had worked so hard to preserve. While the outcome of whose iron fist the keys to LICH will end up in is still undecided, the overall fate of the 155 year old hospital is bleak. Without one more last minute miracle, the fight for LICH is finally over.
June, 2014
HEALTHY BY
TRACEY It’s Healthy Barbecue Season! M emorial Day is a special occasion for every American. It is a day to honor those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom. It’s an opportunity for us to stop and give thanks to the men and women who have died protecting that freedom. For me, it’s very humbling to live in America because both my parents are immigrants. Here’s my short story: My grandmother came here solo on a boat and stayed with her sister in America. Meanwhile, my dad, two uncles and my grandfather stayed in Italy. My Grandma looked for work and a place to raise her family. Two years later my Dad and the rest of the family came over by boat. I remember my Dad telling me the story. “Grandma had booked us on the Andrea Doria, but at the last minute Grandpa changed his mind and we sailed on the Christopher Columbus instead.” The Andrea Doria sank. Today, I’m so thankful that my Grandma decided (against my Grandfather’s wishes) to come to America and start a beautiful life for her family. I’m forever grateful. I’m also grateful and proud of my Uuncle for his service in the US military for many years. On my maternal side, my mom came to America in the mid 60s from Glasgow, Scotland. Her sister, Margaret was already here. I remember mom telling me the story about visiting America. “ was on the phone with your aunt and she told me to come and see America…try it out for 6 months.” That was almost 50 years ago! I feel so honored and privileged to be in America and to have my parents’ rich history. Memorial Day also reminds me of the unofficial start of summer. It means barbecues, mingling with friends, picnics and outdoor activities. It also means having a lot of opportunities to indulge in not-so-healthy-but-just-one-more-bite barbecue treats. If you’re looking to enjoy your weekend festivities and keep them guilt free, this article is for you. Healthy Tip #1: EAT A HEALTHY SNACK BEFORE YOU GO I used to be guilty of not eating before a party; by the time I arrived, I was starving. I would eat the first thing I saw, and it was usually unhealthy. Now, I snack on a piece of fruit and some almonds before I go. This way, I am not devouring the whole table of summer treats.
• a jar of organic salsa, • half a lime/lemon • a handful of fresh cilantro. Mash the avocado into a bowl with a fork, add the salsa and mix. Squeeze the lime/lemon over the mixture and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Forget the chips and bring fresh cut veggies for dipping instead. Healthy Tip #3 DON’T HAVE AN ALL OR NOTHING MENTALITY: Don’t go completely overboard during the weekend and say you’ll start over come Tuesday but don’t completely deprive yourself of something you want. Everything in moderation. Healthy Tip #4 MAKE SMART CHOICES
I like to share my favorite, healthy, yummy recipe for Guacamole:
If you are a meat eater, stick to leaner pieces of protein like grilled chicken breast. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume to 1-2 max, and drink lots of water. Stay away from the mayo laden foods like potato and macaroni salad. Load up on fresh veggies and fruit for continuous energy.
• 2 ripe avocados,
Don’t graze by the table. Take a plate, load it
Healthy Tip #2 BRING SOMETHING YOU LOVE TO EAT AND WANT TO SHARE
up, eat it and go mingle. Healthy Tip #5 GET ACTIVE: The weather is usually beautiful for the long weekend. If there’s frisbee or other activity going on at the BBQ, take advantage and have some fun. Healthy Tip #6 DETOX AFTER THE LONG WEEKEND. Most of us probably indulge during the Memorial Day weekend. The best way to get back on track is to detox with my 10 day Veggie Pledge. It will fill you up so there’s no deprivation at all. Plus you will feel refreshed and back on track after 10 days. It’s free, super easy and you can sign up for it at healthybytracey.com. Also, I will be taking part in the Carroll Street Fair on May 31st from 10 till 5, stop by and pick up a free positive affirmation card! Have a great long weekend everyone! Tracey is a Red Hook resident and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She works with her clients to build and maintain healthy lifestyles. If you have comments or suggestions on a topic you would like addressed, email editor@redhookstar.com.
101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 718 624-5568 george@redhookstar.com www.RedHookStar.com Red Hook Star-Revue
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014 Page 13
LICH FACTOIDS
BY PRICE
A Star-Revue Top Ten List
• SUNY Downstate Medical Center originated as a residency at LICH in 1969. Downstate has essentially murdered their parent by boarding up LICH. • Governor Andrew Cuomo’s sister was dismissed as an intern in the radiology department of LICH many years ago. • Brooklyn Hospital is a client of Sachs Consulting. Jeffery Sachs is Governor Cuomo’s closest friend; Brooklyn Hospital is the closest hospital to LICH. • Peebles was ranked as the second bidder behind Brooklyn Health Partners (BHP) in the scoring process for bidders. After BHP was eliminated, Peebles was the next choice. Although Peebles was rated sixth under the technical criteria, they were ranked first under financial criteria. Only Downstate scorers were allowed to vote on the financial criteria. • If Peebles had not been ranked highest financially, they would not have been ranked second overall. • Peebles also was the highest bidder for LICH. They refused to reveal their financial bid until all other bids were finalized to avoid being outbid. After all bids had been revealed, Peebles drove their bid up just beyond the second highest bidder. • Despite the technical criteria of the settlement being written to encourage a full-service hospital, one SUNY scorer graded all four full service hospital bids zero. • For many years, Red Hook was designated as a federal health professional shortage area. There are not enough health services or professionals in the area to provide comprehensive care to the population. • Although the designation is federal, New York State actually makes the decision based on the ration of medical professionals and population. • Last year, just as the LICH battle was heating up, the designation for Red Hook was withdrawn. • A Department of Health employee explained that the withdrawal was due to either more health professionals in the area or “the population has decreased - which I seriously doubt.” • DOH was unable to provide any statistical evidence for the withdrawal; to the best of our knowledge, no new significant health care or professionals have become available within the immediate area.
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!
Available for Private Parties Shepherds Pie, Bangers and Mash and yummy Pizza made in our kitchen
A
long with IKEA, the Red Hook skyline is notable for the Grain Terminal Building. It was built by NY State in 1922 with the hope of maintaining the Erie Basin as an important cog in the shipment of American wheat, but things didn’t quite work out. As written on the website Abandoned NYC: Red Hook’s grain elevator is one of many similar structures built across the country in the 1920s, most notably in Buffalo, NY. Guided by practical concerns and the laws of nature, American engineers had arrived at a new style of architecture, making a lasting impression on European architects. In Toward an Architecture (1928), Le Corbusier called the American elevators “the first fruits of a new age.” Their influence can be traced through the Brutalist movement of the 50s and 60s, through which inexpensive, unadorned cement structures dominated post-war reconstruction in Europe. The Grain Elevator was an engineering marvel, but never became a commercial success. The structure quickly became obsolete in the mid-20th century as grain trade in the Port of New York steadily declined from 90 million bushels a year in the 1930s to less than 2 million in the 1960s. Contractors grew to avoid the New York Harbor, where the cost of unloading grain came to three to four times the rate of competing ports in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, largely due to local union restrictions.
So with that in mind, we offer our Top Ten list for new uses of the Grain Terminal Building... 1. Luxury boxes for Red Hook Ballfield baseball games. 2. Secret signalling to UFO’s and other space vehicles. 3. Huge Screen for Red Hook Flix 4. Mold remediation instruction
5. Tourist attraction for listing on the Red Hook map
6. Site for MLB Home Run hitting contest - first ball over the building wins an orange and yellow cement truck.
7. Red Hook’s first line of defense against lightning bolts thrown by Zeus 8. Bald eagle nesting area 9. Giant roof farm, and... drum roll please...
10. Putting it on wheels for conversion to a swinging Red Hook flood gate.
Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014
Red Hook Volunteers seeks volunteers
Police meeting
(continued from page 3)
They are in need of skilled volunteers, people skilled at construction type tasks including painting, drywall, mold removal etc.
cess with the youth of the community. Every Friday night at the Miccio Center, young people ages 11-18 enjoy healthy competition by playing basketball with their peers. The program was designed by the DA’s office and is run by the Red Hook Community Justice Center and Good Shepherd Services as a safe alternative to keep kids out of trouble.
Homeowners/tenants/businesses,are all eligible to apply, the sooner residents apply the better, the priority review deadline is 5pm Friday, May 30, 2014, those who apply by this date will be notified of their award status by Friday, June 6, 2014. Applications are available at the Red Hook Library and at the Voluntters office at 360 Van Brunt Street.
Latoya Benjamin from the DA’s office reminded people that they can also report criminal activity directly to the District attorney’s office in addition to the local police precinct. She mentioned that cyber-bullying remains an issue and should be reported to the DA. A resident asked for Phil’s Crummy Bar on Columbia Street to be monitored on Friday and Saturday nights. The neighborhood bar, whose liquor license is up for renewal, has been causing a disruption to neighbors, who say patrons are exiting the bar around 4 am, remaining in the street and allegedly engaging in drug usage. Video footage showing the disturbance has been passed along to the 76th Precinct. The monthly precinct meetings are opportunities for the community to learn about local updates directly from the precinct. They are also important exchanges between the public and the police. The meetings are always open to the public and are generally held the first Tuesday of the month. The next meeting will be on June 3, at 7:30 pm at 191 Union Street. For more information, members of the public can reach out to Community Affairs at (718) 834-3207.
Marvy out at Added Value
Happy Anniversary Crocheters and Knitters
by Harriet Libstag On May 24 at the Carroll Gardens Library, the first session of the Crocheters and Knitters group gathered in the library auditorium. The group instructors were Roalie Wysokowski and myself. Rai Aziz was one of the participants who was a non crocheter, but an ardent student. With Rosalie’s instruction, Rai learned very quickly and began producing many beautiful items. As her skills increased, and with her superb sense of color, she began crafting clothing for her daughter Viva. The shrug Viva is wearing in the picture was made by Rai as was the afghan square vest. What a proud moment for mother and daughter when her child donned the items. Rai still attends the group on Tuesdays, from 3 pm to 5 pm. Participants arrive and leave according to their personal schedules. Ages range from ten years on up. All are invited to join this sociable group and learn to crochet and knit. Advanced instruction is also offered. For additional information please call the library at (718) 596-6972. The group will be celebrating its third anniversary on May 27.
Ian Marvy, founder of the world famous Added Value farm, has been terminated is Executive Director of Added Value, in a decision of the Board of Directors. An interim team is in place during this
period of transition. The Star-Revue was told that Marvy will remain part of the Added Value staff.
Red Hook Coalition meeting
The next public meeting of the EMMT’s Red Hook Recovery Plan, presented by the Red Hook Coalition, takes place on Thursday, May 29th at the Miccio Center, from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. No agenda had been presented to the Star-Revue by presstime. There have been three public input meetings which have followed three committee meetings. At the last meeting it was announced that two additional meetings would be scheduled of which this is the first. The Red Hook Coalition is funding this program with a grant from American Red Cross and the Brooklyn Recovery Fund.
Van Brunt Street greened by volunteers from Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs employees spent a day giving back to the community by planting the newly completed Van Brunt Street segment of the Greenway with several thousand native shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, all on company-paid time. This new landscape was designed by Nancy Seaton and Bryan Quinn of One Nature. As part of Goldman Sachs’s Community TeamWorks program, the firm made a $2,000 contribution for supplies, materials and tools for the planting day and insures that the work BGI does can continue beyond this volunteer day. Community TeamWorks is the firm’s volunteer initiative that allows their people
to take a day out of the office and spend it volunteering with local nonprofit organizations.
The Goldman Sachs volunteers enjoyed a tasty meal donated by Paul D’Agostino of the House of Pizza and Calzone.
Star-Revue Classifieds CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACTING
NEW HEIGHTS CONSTRUCTION LLC
NYC Licence # 1191201
Free Estimates
Siding • Windows • Roofing • Fences • Kitchens • Painting • Baths • Basements • Decks • Doors • Awnings • Patio Enclosures • Brick Pointing • Concrete Stucco VISIT OUR ONLINE SHOWROOM
Ask about our Window Specials!
www.NewHeightsConstructionNy.com
800-525-5102 718-767-0044
Don’t be a fool - advertise in the Star-Revue! Red Hook Star-Revue
PLUMBING
JABUS BUILDING CORP.
Serving Red Hook for over 25 years
Specializing in Construction and Historic Preservation • New construction • Renovations, additions and extensions • Masonry specialist • Concrete floors/radiant heated • Concrete/bluestone sidewalk repair • Flue linings, chimneys and fireplaces • Demolition and waste removal • Violation removals • Landmark Preservation contractor
Jim & Debbie Buscarello PHONE: (718) 852-5364 Fax: (347) 935-1263 www.jabusbuildingcorp.com jabusbuildingcorp@gmail.com HIC License #0883902 Trade Waste License #1135
www.RedHookStar.com
No job too big or too small
Toilets, Boilers, Heating, Faucets, Hot Water Heaters,
Pool Heaters.
B & D HEATING 507 Court Street 718 625-1396 June, 2014 Page 15
Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue
www.RedHookStar.com
June, 2014