The
Red Hook StarªRevue
JULY 2015
FREE
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
WILL A NINE STORY NURSING HOME BECOME PIONEER WORKS’ NEW NEIGHBOR?
M
uch of Red Hook first learned of a plan to locate a large, for-profit nursing home facility behind Van Brunt Street, adjacent to Pioneer Works, at the monthly Red Hook Civic Association meeting on June 24. The property, which was purchased by the nursing home operator back in 2003, has been rented out on a monthto-month basis to an ironworker and bus operators, while the Oxford Nursing Home - currently located in Fort Greene - laid the groundwork for their move to Red Hook. The presentation, using power point slides, was made before a local crowd, many of whom expressed shock and surprise by the location of a medical facility in a flood plain - as well as by the enormity of the proposed complex consisting three connecting buildings rising 7, 8 and 9 stories, in an area zoned for four and five story buildings. Nora Martins, an earnest and practiced attorney with, began the presentation. She is with Davidoff, Hutcher and Citron, a law firm founded in 1975 that has become known as one of the top lobbying firms in NY State. David Mammina, the project’s architect, was the next presenter. Mammina ran his own firm for 27 years before being joining forces with H2M Architects and Engineers in 2013. With the larger firm out of Long Island, Mammina’s company has done multiple projects for the Ridgewood-Bushwick Senior Citizen Center, a nonprofit founded by former Kings County Democratic Leader and Assemblyman, Vito Lopez. Lopez preceded Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos in being ousted from office due to questionable practices. A 2010 NY Daily News article questioned Mammina’s connections with Lopez and the Senior Center. The Center is a much needed and loved community service, but has been tainted by corruption investigations involving Lopez, his staff, women, and money.
Nursing home a family business Braunstein bought land in Red Hook in 2003 with plans to relocate his Oxford Nursing home. As he explained, the current Oxford building at 144 South Oxford Street near the Barclay Center is obsolete. It was built as an Elks Club a hundred years ago, and is unsuitable for today’s medical needs. He explained that the Board of Health has only allowed him to remain operating
Red Hook Star-Revue
by George Fiala
because they knew he had plans for this new building. Barry Braunstein’s family has been in the nursing home business for multiple generations, operating facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn and New Jersey. He owns the Bronx Laconia Nursing Home, the Brooklyn Oxford Nursing Home, and is listed as a Director of the Bedford Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Project delayed Zoning issues have delayed these plans, starting with the 2005 designation of much of Red Hook an IBZ zone. IBZ was developed by the Bloomberg administration as a zoning tool to protect industrial use. In 2012 the IBZ zones were given a second look and city agencies asked for local input. In Red Hook, a group of property owners - including Braunstein - petitioned to be removed from IBZ so that their own projects could blossom. The subsequent properties were removed from the IBZ in the fall of 2013, which returned a central swath of Red Hook to its previous zoning. Rezoning allowed Oxford to move forward. Their land is currently zoned M21, medium industrial use. They are currently requesting Uniformed Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) to change the zoning to M-5/R7. This would allow them to build the proposed nine story nursing home, using a greater floor area ratio multiplier because it would qualify as a community facility. They are at the beginning stage of ULURP, with their proposal “certified” by the Department of City Planning; the application is complete, and ready for public review.
ULURP a multi-step process
An artist rendering of the proposed building showing the corner of Conover and King. Inset shows how it looks today. Pioneerworks is to the left.
that the presentation is informational only; there would be no voting on the plan that night. The voting will happen in September or October, he explained. At the Civic Association, much of audience’s concern was about traffic, park-
CB 6 brought out a more nuanced crowd, and while traffic and height were major concerns, the issue of ap(continued on page 5)
Dead Moon make rare appearance at Pioneer Works
B
by Halley Bondy
efore June 20, if you found yourself in a crowd of about 1,000 tattooed people bobbing their heads to one of the most beloved underground punk bands of all time, you were probably in Williamsburg, not Red Hook.
The next step is Community Board 6 (CB 6) review. The application then goes to the Borough President, then City Planning, and finally, a full vote of the City Council. In many cases, the position of the local council member determines the success or failure of the application. The Mayor has the option of vetoing a ULURP decision, although that can be overridden with a twothirds vote of the Council.
On Saturday, Portland’s gritty rock trio Dead Moon changed all that.
On Thursday, June 27th, the CB 6 Landmarks/Land Use Committee met at the Miccio Center and heard the same presentation made the night before at the Civic Association. A presentation has also been made to Councilman Menchaca, who did not attend either meeting.
The show marked the second year of the concert series, which is a collaboration between Pioneer Works and the downtown Brooklyn arts center, ISSUE Project Room.
Committee Chair Bob Levine explained
ing, building in a flood plain, and the great bulk and height of the building.
Dead Moon, a DIY garage punk trio with a rabid cult following, kicked off this year’s epic weekly summer concert series at Pioneer Works. The concert -- which sold out in just three hours at about $25 a ticket -- drove music lovers from all over the country to eat, drink, and mosh on Imlay street and beyond.
Fans were certainly eager. Dead Moon has been accumulating a cult base since 1987 through a re-
www.star-revue.com
Bassist/Vocalist Toody and Guitarist/ Vocalist Fred Cole (both aged 66) have been fronting Dead Moon since 1987. This is their first time in Red Hook -- and this is their only New York City tour stop. They are celebrating their 48th anniversary this year. (photos by Tim Corbett)
markably DIY approach: they release records on their own label, they’ve never kowtowed to the mu(continued on page 7)
July 2015, Page 1
FREE Neighborhood Services Frank McCrea from the NYC Department of Aging is at the Miccio Center every Monday from 10 - 2 pm. He will help you solve any problem you may have dealing with any NYC agency, such as child welfare, support groups, benefits, etc.
and referrals for victims of crime. Accompaniment to partner agencies and criminal justice appointments. Located at the Community Justice Center, 88 Visitation Place. To make a referrall call Laura Volz, 347 4049910 or email lvolz@nycourts.gov
Free CPR Training Class at the Red Hook Public Library Help Save A Life, Learn CPR. Join us Tuesday July 14th at 6:30pm for a Free non certifying CPR Training hosted by the FDNY. Learn compression CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator. Includes hands on participation and giveaways!
Stronger Together services are free and prioritize Red Hook and other local NYCHA development residents. Their services include Adult Education, Job Readiness, Community Services, which include benefits counseling, legal advice, financial coaching and tax preparations. The services are free because the Red Hook Initiative, Fifth Avenue Committee, SBIDC and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations have been paid by the NY City Council to provide these services. So take advantage of them! For information call 718 8586782 or go the the Red Hook Initiative at 767 Hicks Street (at W 9th).
Sandy Recovery Worforce1. Services for NYCHA residents include career counseling, resume editing, interview advice, job recruitment events with Build It Back contractors, Vouchers for pre-apprenticeship, construction skills and other job training programs. 1906 Mermaid Ave, 2nd Fl; Brooklyn, 11224 Tel: (646) 927-6093 Hours: 9am to 5pm. Lots more information at http://www.nyc.gov/html/sbs/wf1/html/sandy_ recovery/home.shtml. Karen Blondel who lives in the Red Hook Houses is always available for additional guidance. Her number is 718 809-2070 Free use of computers at the Justice Center. Not everyone has access to a desktop computer, and yet many job and educational opportunities require one. So the Justice Center offers its computers to the community for free, every Wednesday from 10 am - 1 pm, room 101. The Justice Center is on Visitation Place between Richards and Van Brunt. For more information call Sabrina Carter 718 923-8261 Brooklyn Workforce Innovations - Certificate courses in TV/Film production, woodworking and cabinet making, cable installation as well as driving lessons are available. For information stop by 621 Degraw Street (near 4th Avenue) or call 718 2372017. www.bwiny.org OpportunityNYCHA - the REES program administers the “Section 3” program. This is a HUD mandate that requires employment and other economic opportunities coming from the Federal Government to be directed towards public housing residents. NYC has a similar program requiring that 15% of the labor amount of NYCHA contracts greater than $500,000 to go NYCHA residents. Eligibility requirements, according to Karen Blondell, are that you must either be 1 - on the lease, 2 - economically disadvantaged (receiving SNAP benefits), or 3 -live withing 10 blocks of a NYCHA development. To register call the REES Hotline at (718) 289-8100. Examples of opportunities include web development, home health aide training, NYPD tutorial, NRTA Construction Training. REES conducts information sessions at the Brooklyn office every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30am. Address: 787 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238. Red Hook Cares (Counseling and Restorative Services). Including advocacy, case management
The Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills provides training and employment in the unionized construction industry. CSKILLS has placed more than 1600 New Yorkers into union apprentice programs over the past 15 years. To be considered you must be 18 years or older, be a legal citizen, HS or GED, 9th grade reading and math scores and available to attend training 5 days a week 7 hours a day. Their website is www.constructionskills. org. It looks like the best way to navigate that website is to check under apprenticeship training and choose a union program, and also to go to useful links, where you can find a whole host of other opportunities, including Helmets to Hardhats - a workforce program for veterans. Free Summer Camp for Middle Schoolers. Monday thru Friday from 10 am - 5 pm. Applications are available by calling Ms. Samora at 718 858-6782, or stopping by the Red Hook Initiative, 767 Hicks St The Child Place for Children with Special Needs holds a Read and Play afternoon in the Red Hook library every Monday at 1 - 2:00 pm. Kids 5 and under. Parent or guardians must accompany children, who will be able to meet, make friends and play! Red Hook Library, 7 Wolcott Street The Red Hook Library offers a free Lego Club for Red Hook youngsters. It meets at the library the last Friday of the month at 4:30pm. Next meeting is Friday, June 26. Celebrating Red Hook Celebration, Saturday July 25 from noon - 10 pm. Free booths are available for Red Hook residents to exhibit and sell things they make. For more information write to Kimberly@ redhookstar.com or call 718 624-5568 If you have a listing that you feel appropriate for this page, email george@redhookstar.com. There is no charge, as this is a free service as well!
RELIGIOUS SERVICES Christian
River Of God Christian Center 110 Wolcott Street, 646-226-6135, Secretary, Sister Roslyn Chatman. Sunday - Family Worship 11:00 - 1:00 pm Scripture, read in English and Spanish Wednesday - At The Gate 12:00 noon, Prayer 7:00 - 7:30 pm, Bible Studies 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Thursday Prayer 7:30 - 8:30pm, Friday Youth ABLAZED Ministries 6:00 - 7:30pm, Senior Pastor, Donald Gray Visitation Church 98 Richards St, (718) 624-1572. Office open Mon-Thursday 9 am - 3 pm. Saturday mass 5 pm; Spanish mass at 7 pm. Sunday 10 am English, 12:30 pm Spanish. Community Prayer Tuesday and Thursday, 8 pm. Youth Group Meetings on Friday, 4:30 - 6 pm. Baptisms are held every other month. Please call to arranged for baptisms, communions and weddings. St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish 467 Court Street. (718) 625-2270 Rectory Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 am-11:30 am, 1 pm-4 pm, Friday 9 am- 12 noon. Masses: Saturday 5:30 pm, Sunday 10 am, Monday- Thursday 9:30 am. Religious Education grades 1,2, 3 -Register now for this September! Please visit our website for more information and to view our weekly bulletin www.stmarystarbrooklyn.com Saint Paul and Saint Agnes Parish Church Office 234 Congress Street (718) 624-3425 Hours: M - F 830am-12 St. Agnes Church Office 433 Sackett Street, 718-625-1717 Hours: M-F 1pm-430pm Email: stpaulstagnes@gmail. com St. Agnes: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 9 am (English), 11:30am (Spanish) St. Paul’s: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 8 am & 9:30am (English); 11am (Spanish) Monday & Tuesday 8:30am (St. Paul’s) Wednesday & Thursday 8:30am (St. Agnes) Saturday 8am (St. Paul’s) Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Saint Stephen Roman Catholic Church 125 Summit Street at Hicks Street info@sacredhearts-ststephen.com Saturday Vigil Mass 5:30pm Sunday Masses: 10am & 11:45am (Italian/English) Weekdays Masses: Tuesday Through Saturday 8:30am Confessions: Saturdays 4:45pm and by appointment. Baptisms: Every Third Sunday At 1pm. Please call the rectory one month before to make arrangements. St. Paul’s Carroll Street 199 Carroll Street Parish Office: 718-625-4126 Sunday Mass at 10 am Weekday Morning Prayer - Mon.-Thurs. at 7:30 am Weekday masses as announced Holy Days as announced \ Church open for prayer Tues. 6-8pm & Sat. 2-4pm http://stpaulscarrollst.weebly.com/
Jewish
Kane Street Synagogue 236 Kane Street, 718 875-1550 http://kanestreet.org/ Friday night services, 6:00 PM Shabbat services, 9:15 AM Sunday Services 9:00 AM Congregation B’nai Avraham/Chabad of Brooklyn Heights 117 Remsen St., 718 596 4840 x18 www.bnaiavraham.com, www.heightschabad.com Morning Services: Sunday: 8:45am Monday - Friday: 7:45am Holidays (during the week): 8:45am Saturday: 9:45am Evening Services: Sunday: Shabbat candle lighting time Monday - Thursday: 9:00pm Friday: Winter: 5 minutes before Shabbat candle lighting time Summer: 7:30pm Saturday: Shabbat candle lighting time
If your religious institution isn’t listed here, let us know by emailing info@redhookstar.com Thanks! Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue
Happenings, etc. TUESDAY, JUNE 30
Thank you to Leroy Branch. Please join us in raising a glass to say THANK YOU to our Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch for his outstanding service to our communities as he finishes his tenure at Brooklyn Community Board 6. The Brazen Head, 228 Atlantic Ave. (Between Court St & Boerum Place) 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
FRIDAY, JULY 10 UNITED HEALTHCARE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS EVENT - Meet your local UHC representatives to find out more about UHC’s Medicare Advantage Plans. Nate’s Pharmacy 376 Van Brunt Street between Dikeman & Wolcott Streets.10 am - Noon Carroll Gardens walking tour on Friday July 10th at 2pm meeting infront of Marco Polo restaurant at 4th and union St. $25 per person. Call Mauricio (718) 789-0430
SUNDAY, JULY 12 SECOND SUNDAYS at Pioneer Works. BandBULLA EN EL BARRIO 6:30pm Barranquilla native Carolina Oliveros, the drummers and singers of Bulla en el Barrio explore new and classic Bailes Cantados of Bullerengue. SUPERMAMBO A Vibes Tribute to TITO PUENTE 8:00pm Mambo King and timbalero extraordinaire Tito Puente was also an accomplished vibraphone player. Featuring a group of musicians who have collectively played with some of the greatest Latin musicians – Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colon and the late Tito Puente himself. 159 Pioneer Street.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
This summer SBIDC is pleased to host Red Hook Walks, a dynamic and fun event for the entire neighborhood on Van Brunt Street between Van Dyke and Visitation Streets. Our street fair will include outdoor cafes, curated art projects, music, dancing and more from the local community. Come join us for this family-friendly event in our seaside village of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Van Brunt St. from Van Dyke to Visitation. 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Volunteer at Coffey Park, Friends of Red Hook Recreation Center in collaboration with Red Hook Parks Maintenance Dept. and other partners are seeking volunteers to do clean-up, weeding, and painting at Coffey Park and other RH parks. If you are interested in volunteering please contact friendsofredhookrc@yahoo.com with the number of volunteers that will be attending. Volunteers will meet at the RH Recreation Center on Bay Street at 9:30 am. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring drinking water and if possible a pair of latex or work gloves. 9:30-2:00 pmm 11 am-7 pm. Fundraiser to build a wheelchair ramp and elevator. 98 Visitation Place
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Celebrating Red Hook A full day of celebrating all that makes our community unique and dynamic. The event celebrates the diversity and artisan community of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Featuring RED HOOK ARTS - CRAFTS - ARTISANS - MUSICIANS - DANCERS - PHOTOGRAPHERS - METALWORKERS & MORE! Erie Basin Park, in back of IKEA, noon - 10 pm.
Community Telephone Numbers: Red Hook Councilman Carlos Menchaca.................. 718 439-9012 Red Hook Assemblyman Felix Ortiz...........................718-492-6334 Red Hook State Senator Velmanette Montgomery.718-643-6140 Gowanus Councilman Brad Lander............................ 718 499-1090 Park Slope Councilman Steve Levin........................... 718 875-5200 CB6 District Manager Craig Hammerman ............... 718 643-3027 76th Police Precinct, 191 Union Street Main phone ..................................................................718-834-3211 Community Affairs...................................................... 718 834-3207 Traffic Safety................................................................ 718 834-3226 Eileen Dugan Senior Center, 380 Court Street........ 718 596-1956 Miccio Community Center, 110 East 9th Street...... 718 243-1528 Red Hook East Dev. Office, 62 Mill St......................... 718 852-6771 Red Hook West Dev. Office, 55 Dwight St................. 718 522-3880 Brownstone Republicans...info@brownstonerepublicanclub.com NYCHA Satellite Police Precinct, 80 Dwight Street Main Phone................................................................ (718) 265-7300 Community Affairs.................................................... (718) 265-7313 Domestic Violence.................................................... (718) 265-7310
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July 2015
Forest City Ratner uses Red Hook for some good publicity by George Fiala
R
ebuilding Together, a large national non-profit organization founded in 1999, came to Red Hook after Hurricane Sandy and set up shop at 285 Van Brunt Street, taking over the office abandoned by Max Pollack Insurance. They have stayed, making it their NYC headquarters.
of Forest City Ratner Companies. For this year’s Community Day, Forest City chose Red Hook as its community of focus, and called on Rebuilding to guide them through the day.
Painting fire pumps On Thursday, June 11th, Rebuilding brought Forest City, to Red Hook to
Their mission, as stated on their 990 tax form, is to “bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need.” Their website proclaims that “ We exist to serve the pressing needs of low-income homeowners and nonprofit organizations throughout New York City. With the help of our corporate sponsors and civic-minded volunteers, we make this happen at no cost to the homeowner or organization that benefits from our programs.” One of Rebuilding Together’s corporate partners is the Cleveland-based real estate developer Forest City Ratner Companies. Like a number of wealthy corporations, Forest City makes a practice of donating some employee time to selected community groups. They call this “Community Day,” and they have partnered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, Good Will and the Ronald McDonald House. As Forest City explains in a 2014 press release: “Since 2004, Community Day has been a chance for all of Forest City to come together as one company and demonstrate commitment to our core values,” said David J. LaRue, Forest City president and chief executive officer. “We believe in proactive community involvement that enhances the vitality of the communities where we live and work. It’s also a chance for us to give back as an organization and to show our commitment to good corporate citizenship.” Our local Rebuilding ToCouncilman Menchaca gether office was invited by Forest has developed City to make remarks a relationship with the Brooklyn Nets and it’s part owner Bruce Ratner, who is the former CEO and current Executive Director
The
was asked by Forest City to deliver some remarks on behalf of Forest City’s giving, which he did at the Miccio Center gym. Karen Broughton and Jill Eisenhard also spoke. The Brooklyn Eagle quoted Bruce Ratner: “Forest City Ratner Companies is not only in the business of creatFormer Forest City Ratner CEO Bruce Ratner poses with RHI members at the Red Hook Initiative. (photo courtesy Red ing new dynamic Hook Initiative). neighborhood destinations, we are affront and not welcoming. deeply committed to supporting and A 2004 NY Times article described amplifying the existing city fabric by the shopping center: making important investments in lo“The Atlantic Center mall is not like cal communities.” other malls.
Forest City’s Brooklyn history
The Forest City people painted fire hydrants.
celebrate what they called: “Revitalizing Red Hook Day.” Bruce Ratner himself, along with Ashley Cotton, VP of External Affairs together with 115 Forest City employees showed up wearing official grey Community Day Red Hook T-shirts. They came prepared to work. The volunteers were taken through Red Hook and painted fire hydrants and installed solar activated security lights (part of an existing Rebuilding Together initiative). They went to the Red Hook Initiative and built shelves and painted their walls. They went to the Miccio Center as guests of Good Shepherd Services and did more painting and some outdoor planting. Then they went over to Visitation Church and did some more planting and landscaping on behalf of the new daycare program coming to the church.
Forest City Ratner first came to Brooklyn in 1985, to develop the MetroTech. MetroTech was a city initiative to establish Brooklyn as an alternative for businesses who were thinking of moving from Manhattan to New Jersey. The city was worried about the loss of jobs. Forest City was given $329 million in tax and other incentives and went to work, completing the first phase of the office and educational complex in 1990. Having a background in suburban malls, Forest City next decided to tackle an urban mall. The Atlantic Center mall, with Caldor’s as an anchor tenant, opened in the fall of 1996. However, many in the surrounding Fort Greene neighborhood felt it an
Instead of open, multilevel atriums where dozens of storefronts are easily captured by the naked consumerist eye, there are vast expanses of nothingness and dead corridors leading, it seems, to nowhere. In place of furnished common areas offering respite between purchasing bouts, there are broad stretches of shiny institutional floor tile and walls left bare save a hodgepodge of clown-colored signs advertising stores that no longer exist, or that cannot be reached without wending a route of circuitous switchbacks, or leaving the structure entirely.”
The article went on to quote the same Bruce Ratner who came to Red Hook last week: “You would bring investors over the Brooklyn Bridge,’’ he said, ‘’and they would only see (continued on page 11)
ARTISANS of RED HOOK ARTISTS - CRAFTERS - CHEFS - MUSICIANS - PAINTERS PHOTOGRAPHERS - DANCERS - WOODWORKERS - GLASSMAKERS - BLACKSMITHS - AND MORE: We would love to feature your work at Celebrating RED HOOK on July 25. This is an event to show the rest of the city how great we are!
Celebrating
RED HOOK
Deeply committed A selected group of local news reporters, including Channel 12 and the Brooklyn Eagle, were invited by Forest City to document their service to Red Hook. Councilman Carlos Menchaca
July 25, 2015 12-9 pm ERIE BASIN PARK
499 Beard Street, Brooklyn, NY
Red Hook StarªRevue
481 Van Brunt Street, 8A, Brooklyn, NY 11231 FOR EDITORIAL, ADVERTISING OR EMPLOYMENT INQUIRIES, email: info@redhookstar.com, or call 718 624-5568
To participate or more info Email Kimberly at Kimberly@RedHook Star.com or call (718) 624-5568
Table Space in which to exhibit products and services is FREE. There will be opportunities to sell food, drink, wares and services during the event.
A full day of celebrating all that makes the community unique and dynamic
The Star-Revue is published by
Kimberly G. Price & George Fiala Halley Bondy, Alexandra Corbin, Mary Ann Pietanza, Marc Jackson and Connor Gaudet, contributors
Red Hook Star-Revue
www.star-revue.com
July 2015, Page 3
RELIGIOUS NEWS
PHARMACY NOW OPEN!
BY LAURA ENG laura.eng59@aol.com.
Wave of Vandalism Hits Local Churches
Several local churches were hit with unrelated acts of vandalism in recent weeks.
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On the evening of June 8, before the start of a weeklong novena, a man attacked the statue of St. Michael the Archangel inside Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church on Summit and Hicks Streets. Father Cletus Forson, Parochial Vicar at SHSS, had heard the man’s confession prior to the incident. Sensing that the man was troubled when he complained that “St. Michael was torturing him,” Father Cletus offered to make an appointment for him to visit the rectory at a later date. The man declined the offer and appeared to be leaving when he instead walked over to the statue of St. Michael, grabbed the spear from the statue’s right hand and proceeded to strike the statue. The man then exited the church. Luckily, the statue sustained minimal damage with some chipping about the face and on the left leg. The tip of the spear was also damaged. Later that week, in the early hours of Friday, June 12, a bronze statue of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus was forcibly toppled off its cement pedestal in the front garden of the St. Charles Borromeo rectory on Sidney Place. Two men were involved in the incident which was captured by a surveillance camera. The statue was not badly damaged but the cost of restoring it to its base could cost anywhere from $2,000-$6,000. Father Edward Doran, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, said “I would like to speak to them, educate them about religious symbolism of any religion really.” Father Doran is also Dean of the Brooklyn Diocese’s Deanery #3 which comprises all of the Roman Catholic Churches in Red Hook, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights. In an email to Deanery #3 members, Father Doran reported there were other unspecified incidents of vandalism at St. Agnes/St. Paul and a trespasser at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church. In that case, a woman was able to gain access to the church after closing. Father
Doran encouraged all to be vigilant and emphasized the need to report any incidents to the police.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Holy Name of Jesus Church 245 Prospect Park West Mass of Inclusion, Sunday, June 28 at 12:00 noon. Arrangements will be made for those with physical, mental or emotional needs. All are welcome including family members, companions and friends. The church building, reception site and rest rooms are accessible and American Sign Language will be offered as well as screen captioning. Volunteers will be on hand for assistance. For more information, call Phil Murray at 718-875-5407. Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Summit & Hicks Streets Book Club - Next meeting to discuss Blood Will Out by Jodi Picoult will be on Monday, July 13 at 7:00 pm in the Parish House at 108 Carroll Street. Parish Block Party - Sunday, July 19 from 12:00 noon to 7:00 pm Summer Film Festival - Saturdays at 7:30 pm in the courtyard. Schedule is as follows: July 25, The Sound of Music; August 1, It Happened in Brooklyn; August 8, to be announced; August 15, Sister Act; August 22, West Side Story. Admission is free and food will be available for purchase. St. Agnes Church Hoyt & DeGraw Streets French Mass each Sunday 11 am Visitation BVM Church 98 Richards Street Summer Dance Workshop for children ages 6 - 13 years to be held on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:00 pm, beginning June 24. Forms are available in the church bulletin. For more information, call 718-624-1572. Healing Mass - Friday, July 31 at 7:00 pm.
EVERGREEN LIQUOR STORE INC. 718 643-0739 196 Columbia Street, between Sackett & Degraw evergreenliquor@yahoo.com
Mon. - Thurs. 11 am - 10:30 pm; Fri & Sat. 11 am - 11:30 pm; Sun. 1 pm - 9 pm
Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue
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July 2015
Huge nursing home planned for lot near Van Brunt Street (continued from page 1)
propriateness and aesthetics was also discussed. Melissa Stewart, an attorney who lives in Red Hook, made the obvious point that the proposed height doesn’t fit in at all with the neighborhood. She pointed out that existing traffic is already a major problem on Van Brunt and the side streets. And she commended Pioneer Works, which would end up being neighbor to the nursing home. “Pioneer Works is a absolute gem,” she said. “They have a beautiful outdoor garden whose sunlight will be blocked.” Someone else pointed out that Pioneer Works has brought many art and concert goers to the neighborhood, which is perfectly appropriate to the mixed industrial/residential community with a large percentage of artists. Marshall Sohne, who is a local real estate developer, questioned whether the ULURP was actually an illegal case of “spot zoning.” According to a NY State document on zoning, “ Spot zoning refers to the rezoning of a parcel of land to a use category different from the surrounding area, usually to benefit a single owner or a single development interest.” Sohne’s objection was brushed over by the Oxford’s legal representative, but in fact, much of the presentation attempted to present the nursing home as a beneficial addition to the community. Promises include local employment, local purchasing from Oxford as well as an “expanded customer base to support local retail and restaurants.” One of their slides even mentions the 1990 era 197A plan for Red Hook. They claim that the home fits in with the goals of “opportunities for improved housing, social and youth services and expansion of the residential population.” The land has mostly been home to parked buses and trucks for more than a decade. During that time, it has been owned by Braunstein, who has rented out his land on a month to month basis for those uses while planning to build the nursing home. It was also stressed a number of times in the presentation that the ULURP application includes two existing building adjacent to the proposed nursing home. The presentation said that these buildings would be brought into zoning conformity once the zon-
517 Court Street, corner West 9th www.teaffee.com
Red Hook Star-Revue
ing change is made. By incorporating theses other two buildings into the application, the nursing home avoids an illegal charge of spot-zoning. CB 6 member and Red Hook resident, Jerry Armer commented that despite the claim that the architect was thinking of Red Hook when designing the building, it looked to him like it belonged in Queens. Afterwards, Armer confided that he was being kind, and really should have said New Jersey. Councilmember Menchaca, who is the most important player in local zoning issues, gave us this statement: “The developers proposing a nursing facility at 141 Conover Street in Red Hook met with me and my staff in June. They presented detailed architectural renderings and described their intentions for the property. The developers have submitted an application for a change to the zoning of the site to the Department of City Planning.
Annette Amendola, who once worked at the Long Island College Hospital, wants to know whether the nursing home will hire members of the 1199 union. (photos by Fiala)
I expressed to them my concerns about maintaining manufacturing uses, locating vulnerable nursing home residents within a flood zone, the scale and context of the project, resilience, and impact on the community. When we met, I directed the developers to engage directly with the Red Hook community and report back to me with results. Since then, they’ve made presentations with Community Board 6, and the Civic Association. They may seek to meet with other local groups. I strongly encourage them to do so.
Barry Braunstein, the owner of the nursing home, answers questions at the community board meeting.
I will continue to foster and monitor community engagement on this topic. While I recognize the value of nursing homes and I encourage investment in Red Hook, the placement, scale and complexity of the proposed project demands a careful examination of community impact. Residents and Business owners in Red Hook deserve responsible, sustainable growth in line with my longstanding commitment to preserving manufacturing zones, developing local employment and preserving essential aspects of Red Hook’s neighborhood character.” Red Hook will have the summer to decide if they want a nine story nursing home in the middle of what might otherwise become a cultural center.
(718) 522-4410 www.facebook.com/Teaffee
Melissa Stewart has a lot of questions about traffic and appropriateness.
Bea Byrd was one of the few people representing the Red Hook Houses at the meetings.
John McGettrick’s Civic Society brought the presentation to PS 15 the night before they appeared before Community Board.
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July 2015, Page 5
Red Hook is King at week long SummerFest by George Fiala
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ed Hook was treated to almost six nights of world class entertainment courtesy of City Park’s SummerStage. The word almost is used because the opening show, scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, rained out at the last minute. Those that did show up at the soccer field in front of the Red Hook Rec Center did get to see the legendary Scarface, who was waiting for the rain to stop with the rest of us, but the moisture made it dangerous to power up the sound system. The weather held up for the rest of the week, which turned into something like Red Hook’s own Tanglewood Festival. Unlike Tanglewood though, you didn’t have to spend a penny and you could walk right over. Last year SummerStage gave us three hip hop shows - this year the programming was more diverse and of interest to the whole neighborhood. The Star-Revue was at every show, hosting a sponsor table. This turned out not to be a task but a pleasure. On Sunday night I found myself wandering through the back of the park, while a movie was playing. I saw a brightly lit ship across the Henry Street Basin, an illuminated baseball diamond where softballers were practicing, and a beautiful stand of oak trees. All this, together with some Red Hook cool breezes, made me think that this might be as close to utopia as one gets. Hard to believe if you can remember those days when a late night walk through Red Hook Park (as many others) was ill advised. The music ranged from hard core rap to Alt. country. Dance ranged from extreme street to traditional West African. There was a film showing and a poetry reading. There were cellos, electric basses and upright string basses.
Scarface rained out As mentioned, the first night’s much anticipated appearance of Scarface - an “old-school” rapper, was cancelled due to rain, although he did end up taking his performance indoors to Manhattan later that night. Phony Ppl opened the show Wednesday night. I have been listening to music for many years, but my relationship with hip hop begins and almost ends with the Talking Heads album “Remain in Light.” That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the show. Phony Ppl played mellow hip hop - at least that’s how it sounded to me. The musicianship is great - the bassist looks like the prototypical musician, neo mohawk with a bright yellow embroidered dashiki shirt, Fu manchu moustache and playing some mean bass lines. There were two vocalists - one sang in the mode of a rapper, the other, a tall willowy man with long dreads and pants that went out and then in again, sang gently, you might even say he crooned. It worked. After an intermission, a whole crew of men, led by the main man - Troy Ave - overwhelmed the stage to the sound of gunshots. They were just sounds, al-
Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue
though later I heard that people living nearby were kind of wondering what was going on. The chanting that took place included all kinds of phrases that on the one hand were kind of liberating to hear, but on the other hand, I’m not going to repeat them here. The audience enjoyed the music, and when it was over, everybody picked themselves up and headed out into the Red Hook night. One couldn’t have asked for a more polite crowd. There was minimal police presence, which was appropriate as none was needed. The Felice Brothers, a popular country rock band from the Hudson Valley, were the main act on Thursday. A lot of the acts shouted out for Brooklyn, but The Felice Brothers were much more local, shouting out Bait and Tackle, where they played many years ago. The warmup band started at 6:30 and they were great. The Barr Brothers is a Montreal based band that plays what some call folk music, I call it heady rock. When I mentioned this to the singer after the set, he remarked that the only covers they ever do are Pink Floyd. Smack dab in the middle of the stage sat a full sized harp, alongside the more typical bass, guitar and drums. If one looked carefully, though, you would see that the drum set included something that looked like a bicycle wheel, and the piano was an interesting looking beat up wooden thing with pedals. All went to make for a distinct, complex sound. A think-good, rather than feel-good band - although I felt real good listening to them.
Iambic pentameter in the park I didn’t research any of these acts before seeing them - I guess I wanted to be surprised. I was really surprised when Lemon Anderson came onstage Friday night. He followed some fun music featuring a man and woman singing with a band calling themselves #LoveHustle. The music was soulful and like many of the other acts who performed this week in Red Hook, they exuded humility - grateful to have been booked by SummerStage and to have a career in the arts, but not forgetting where they came from. Maybe the performers felt it important to say that in Red Hook, as opposed to say, Las Vegas, but while it’s true that Red Hook is home to a large low-income community, it is one of the safer places in a safe city, including the Houses. And to have the luxury of a beautiful and well-maintained Red Hook Park isn’t too shabby. So I didn’t know what to expect as Lemon came to the stage. He spoke of growing up nearby, playing in what the abandoned Grain Terminal that loomed over the park, walking to the methadone clinic as a young child with his mother. Then he started reciting poetry, in a kind of hip hop way, at least I thought so at first, but then I started hearing echoes of Shakespeare and then Allen Ginsberg. A 21st century Allen Ginsburg is what I ended up think-
Scenes from SummerStage: (clockwise from top left) The KanDouran West African Dancers; Scarface interviewed before the rains came); Unlocking the Truth; Lemon Anderson.
ing. A very homeboy looking woman in a green outfit stood gyrating right in front of the stage, and after a while, Andersen very graciously acknowledge her as a show stealer and allowed her a few minutes of fame.
trepreneurial pursuits, and who credit KanKouran with instilling within them the discipline, pride and commitment to self and community which have made their life pursuits meaningful as well as successful.”
He then took out a book and started reading more poetry. All of a sudden I started hearing something that brought forth a memory - I must have encountered Anderson sometime in the past as the words of his poem “Tito Puente,” came back to me. It is a gripping poem about the great Puerto Rican musician.
Their joy at performing was infectuous and it was heart warming to see how caring they were to some of the younger members (obviously way to young for graduate school), who both danced and played percussion.
Anderson was an inspiring performer and like just about everything I watched this week, an unexpected pleasure and surprise. SummerStage doesn’t mess around with their bookings - this was a great program for Red Hook - it would be for anywhere at any price. Saturday night featured one act - the KanKouran West African Dance Company. The night began with a class - audience members came up on stage and were taught movements and danced alongside the troupe, which featured a number of amazing drummers. What was a class became a performance as the audience members turned dancers followed the movement of leader Assane Konte for a full 45 minutes. I was glad actually that I didn’t run up - as I’m not sure I could have made 15. After a short break, the stage became awash in color as the company, dressed in traditional African garb came on stage. The drummers wore a bright yellow, the male dancers a bright red, and the woman wore colorful robin’s-egg blue dresses with splashes of magenta and yellow, and yellow head scarves. For over an hour we were presented with a show that one might see as part of an Ivy League college’s cultural program. Konte told the audience that all the performers had doctoral degrees. A peak at their website informs that indeed all the performers “are involved in diverse academic, professional and en-
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Youth was the theme on Sunday as teenage rock bands ruled the stage from 4 - 7 pm. Another commitment caused me to miss the girl bands that were part of the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, but I heard they were outstanding. I did catch a trio of local 14 year olds rock the place out with Hendrix inspired heavy metal. “Unlocking the Truth.” Heavy metal was never my thing, but these kids were just so very professional and decent musicians to boot. I looked them up on the internet and found that they’ve played Bonaroo and SXSW and have made a documentary. What I saw with my own eyes was the young lead singer/guitarist loading up his equipment in his parents Honda and drive home. Like so many of the other musicians that played Red Hook this week, their graceful humility showed through. The Battlefest League is an organization entity about movement in freestyle, extreme dancing contests. The dancers gyrate and move to their own beat in contests all over the country. Like just about everything else this week on the Red Hook stage, the performers used movement and music coming from their everyday lives to create moving art. A puffy, inflatable movie screen was lowered onto the stage, and when it got dark the Battlefield documentary, Flex is Kings, began showing. It was towards the end of the film that I wandered to the back of the park thinking I must be in heaven.
July 2015
Pioneer Works brings art lovers to Red Hook
(continued from page 1)
sic industry, and their uncomplicated, haggard blend of punk, country, and garage rock has remained essentially the same. In 2006, the group went on hiatus for eight years. After dealing with some serious health issues (guitarist Fred Cole had open heart surgery, and their drummer Andrew Loomis was diagnosed with cancer) they are back on a light tour with interim drummer Kelly Halliburton. Red Hook was the band’s only New York tour stop. ISSUE Project artistic director Lawrence Kumpf arranged the booking through a mutual connection at Mississippi Records in Portland, his hometown -- and Dead Moon’s. “Dead Moon is one of my favorite bands. They’re highly influential, and yet they’re not asked to perform very often in New York,” said Kumpf. “We look to bring in global bands with an experimental feel. Dead Moon definitely fits that.”
love songs for one another through the years, and they would warm even the most coldest punk hearts). It was hard not to leave the show with a childlike, ear-to-ear grin. Though the band has been around for almost 30 years, they attracted a strikingly young crowd Saturday that lined up around the block. Michael, 26, drove up from Philadelphia to see the band for the second time in three months. “When I was first introduced to Dead Moon, I really liked them. I thought they had very touching acoustic,” he said outside the entrance of Pioneer
“Honestly, until a few hours ago I thought we were playing in Red Hook, the town upstate!” said bassist/vocalist Toody Cole during a back-
66-year-olds Fred and Toody Cole, the famously charming married couple that fronts the band, actually hadn’t intended to come in to New York City at all.
stage interview. “But [Pioneer
“Honestly, until a few hours ago I thought we were playing in Red Hook, the town upstate!” said bassist/vocalist Toody Cole during a backstage interview. “But [Pioneer Works] is a great space, and this crowd has completely blown us away!”
blown us away!”
The band didn’t disappoint. After performances by strong openers J Mascis, Borbetomagus, and Das Audit, Dead Moon delivered their signature stripped-down rock: all lo-fi, and lots of fun. The dense crowd shouted along to their raw anthems “I Hate The Blues,” and “Down The Road,” while some moshed near the front of the stage. The truth is, Dead Moon isn’t for everybody. Anyone walking into the concert without serious fan blinders on might have been perplexed by the staunch simplicity of it all. Dead Moon has never exactly played cleanly or immaculately mixed, and Saturday’s show was no exception. Fred’s hoarse -- and now aged -- voice barreled unevenly through their extensive canon of garage rock ditties, while Toody wailed on her old hits like “Johnny’s Got a Gun” with her time-honored, untrained showmanship. Their equipment has been kicked around a fair share, offering up a grit reminiscent of your old high school band. Their high-energy, unpretentious tunes are relics of truly distilled punk rock -- for better or for worse. Yet, clean guitar lines and perfect effects are not the point of Dead Moon. That the band exists at all -- and continues to exist -- is their charm. Though it was stuffy in the 1,000+ crowd, Toody and Fred’s exuberant smiles and timeless love for one another was infectious (they have written countless of
Red Hook Star-Revue
Works] is a great space, and this crowd has completely
Works. “It’s my first time in Red Hook. I had some great Thai food earlier at Kao Soy!” Julie, 27, is from Bed-Stuy. Her 22-year-old cousin Malcolm came up from Richmond, Virginia to see the band. “He came for Dead Moon, but I really like coming here,” said Julie. “Pioneer Works is this really cool isolated venue near the water. I come out here a few times during the summer.” It was the same seaside vibe that drew artist and Red Hook resident Dustin Yellin to launch Pioneer Works in 2011. For Yellin, the non-profit 25,000-square foot space is meant to be an all-purpose community arts center. From teacher forums to concerts to fermented soda preparation classes, its list of events, classes, and workshops is seemingly endless.
A sold-out Pioneer Works crowd loving the punk band Dead Moon. (Corbett photo)
rents are soaring, Pioneer Works is already a flagship institution with considerable influence over the neighborhood. It attracts thousands of people to the neighborhood every summer (not to mention celebrities: Maggie Gyllenhaal and Liv Tyler attended a Pioneer Works party last year) -- potentially tipping Red Hook toward further gentrification.
age Saturday walk-in business thanks to Dead Moon concert stragglers, according to owner Tony Kokale. Generally, the crowds from Pioneer Works events have been orderly, pleasant, and above all, paying.
Yellin said he was all too aware of the changes in the neighborhood, and maintained that the center is not only about big events for particular crowds. Pioneer Works’ offerings are numerous and diverse, he said, and heavy local involvement is essential to his artistic utopic vision. He is currently developing a local education program in partnership with Red Hook Initiative, for example, and a few weeks ago, he launched Pioneer Books on Van Brunt Street to combat the lack of bookstores in the neighborhood.
Ice House on Van Brunt Street had a similar boom on Saturday, with a late crowd coming in after the show.
“I want Red Hook to remain a small town,” he said. “Many things can contribute to gentrification, but our institution has to remain mindful. We have to engage with the community as much as possible. We want to create an open door and keep this a grassroots-run institution. We want to make the community better.” Not that you’ll catch some of the local businesses complaining. Mark’s Red Hook Pizza Restaurant on Van Brunt Street gained at least twice its aver-
“For a small business like us, these crowds are a big deal,” said Kokale. “I wish there would be events like this more often than once a week.”
“It was swamped,” said Ice House manager Carmel Morales. “People pass us on the way to Pioneer Works, so they decide to come by later. We usually get packed to capacity on Saturday nights anyway but these shows definitely bring an influx. It has been very positive.” In the end, Dead Moon fit perfectly into Pioneer Works. The concert demonstrated their endurance, grit, and tough-as-nails attitude, as well as their loyalty toward their biggest fans. Dead Moon feels, in other words, a lot like Red Hook. Their visit marked yet another performance that this unusual band could check off their list, while the neighborhood could enjoy a new milestone in cultural offerings this summer. For more information about Pioneer Works’ events, visit their website: http://pioneerworks.org/
“We want to create a diversity in our events -- there’s a Dead Moon concert one week, an education summit the next, and a poetry reading the next,” said Yellin during a phone interview. “I love the seaside, small-town feel of Red Hook, and hopefully people will come to the community for these events. Maybe they’ll get donuts or coffee in the meantime to support the local businesses.” Indie rock icons Yo La Tengo will be performing in the concert series this upcoming Saturday. Pioneer Works’ larger, more publicized events would make any Red Hook resident leery. In a neighborhood where developers are paying record prices for industrial space and
These Dead Moon fans came down from Rochester to enjoy the band and Mark’s Pizza Restaurant on Van Brunt. (Tim Corbett photo)
www.star-revue.com
July 2015, Page 7
EDITORIAL:
We have the power
Red Hookers have a decision to make that possibly will have more impact on our future than the EPA dustup a few years back.
There are plans to build a high rise nursing home on Conover Street between King and Sullivan. The land has been rented out to trucks and buses for the past 12 years while various zoning issues has held up construction.
hear from us, and the outcome of the vote depends very much on his recommendation. This is the time for our community to come together and decide what we want for the future of Red Hook.
The final step before construction begins is a zoning change for the lot.
A nursing facility will bring some economic development to the community. However, it will also preclude other types of development on the site, which is right in the middle of a burgeoning cultural area.
Their application for this change is dependent on a vote of the city council. Our council member is waiting to
We urge a healthy and open community discussion. Our councilman will be listening.
LETTER:
Dear Editor: I am writing to you because I believe your paper reaches many Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens residents, especially dog owners. It is really becoming impossible to walk within “Cobble Hill” with your head up because your head is not down looking at your cell phones but making sure you are not stepping in dog excrement (I’m being nice about my choice of word). Unfortunately, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” may have been true in the 40’s but there are so many trees that they have become “out houses” for dogs. It has become a major problem - dog walkers - walking 5 even 6 dogs at one time - where do the walkers “drop” the “droppings?” They simply toss it in the nearest trash can so that the owner of the building gets a surprise when they take the trash cans out. ORRRRRR - they simply throw it in the space at the base of a tree or just in the street. I have seen cars hit one of these surprises and spread the “goodies” to the nearby car. NOW for my major “displeasure” (again I’m choosing my words carefully”.)
Several years ago I hung satin strings along my fence, at the end of the strings were dog biscuits so the neighborhood dogs could get a treat - WELLLLL that ended when someone decided to replace the dog biscuit with “the surprise”. To the dismay of the true dog lovers, they were has hurt as I - so the satin strings never appeared again. This year I decided to keep a large supply of dog goodies in a large plastic jug so that the dogs could do their tricks and get their treat. The parent would also be given a treat so that the dog would go home. WELLLL - here we go again - someone decided to enter my gate and take the entire jug of treats. YYYEETTT - I did not give up - I replaced the jug and hand out the treat. WELLL I guess you can figure out what happened today - someone entered my gate, gave their dog a treat and left a “surprise” for me. As they “three strikes and your out” WELL I’M out. No more dog treats here. Sadly, this may have been done to hurt me BUT it hurts the dogs more. Pauline A. Bonaventura, Cheever St.
Coffey Park update
(continued on page 15)
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Anyone who has passed by the fenced off Coffey park over the past 15 months would have been hard pressed to find more than a couple of workers doing renovation work. That is, until the past few weeks, when the contractor finally sent out full crews in order to get the park open by the end of June, as promised (it was originally supposed to be finished in April). It seems as if 50% of the work took 14 months, and the other 50% took 1 month. The park is scheduled to open Saturday, June 27, with a community picnic to take place the next day. We have heard rumors that government officials will attend the picnic which would be the perfect time to demand a more efficient contractor system, or perhaps in-sourcing the work which might provide a better and more timely product.
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July 2015
OP ED: Watching neighborhoods transform
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by George Fiala
ast month I had a chance to see the corporate mind working. I was invited to take part in a weeklong public relations event held by BASF, the world’s largest chemical company. At their NYC event held as part of their 150th birthday celebration, they decided to focus on Red Hook as a city of tomorrow. BASF is very excited to be creating technology to allow cities of tomorrow the ability to grow and absorb an extra two billion humans predicted for 2050.
limit to the historic hospital. No one dreamed the one day LICH would be no more.
At a brief media session, I got to ask the CEO of their North American operations a question.
The Brooklyn waterfront
I asked him whether it might not be a better idea to not get up to 9 billion. I kind of remembered Al Gore saying that it wouldn’t be such a good idea. He looked at me as if I was some sort of Luddite, and said that man has always beat back challenges, including population growth. My opinion is that there’s already a lot of people walking around, and my city is already pretty crowded, but his idea was that more people equal growing sales. I could see it in his eyes. This exchange made me realize something. Our politicians are forced to speak out of both sides of their mouth. One one side is the pressure to accommodate corporate interests who cheer for increasing population, ensuring ever growing profits. This is the segment of the population that currently funds much of the election process. The other side is the perception that government also works for non business interests - which of course in many cases is often true. Our recent story on the fate of the Long Island College Hospital (LICH) campus illustrates business interests versus the community of Cobble Hill. Cobble Hill was once a blue collar neighborhood. It’s NYC Landmark designation in 1969 helped transition it to the highly desirable residential community it is today. A 50 foot rule on building height prevented an invasion of high rises. Families who bought Cobble Hill brownstones did so with the belief that this would never change. Because of a loophole it will change. Nobody thought to extend the 50 foot
The market for high priced Manhattan and Brooklyn condos has become global, and money is spewing into the country faster than developers can create them. The temptation to use the LICH zoning loophole proved to be to much for the state government in tandem with their corporate sponsors, and so LICH was sold off, leaving the prospect of 44 story high rises for the Cobble Hillers.
the community. The compromise is that the two towers will be slightly smaller and will include some affordable housing. which the city administration deems a fair trade for ever increasing density. The LICH proposal consists of three towers on the other side of the highway from Pier 6. Having lower Pier 6 towers means better views from the Cobble Hill towers. So in reality, a double win for the developers. We wrote earlier this year about the
“Our political leaders continue
The next great real estate frontier in our area are the piers extending from to insist on the importance of a Atlantic to Hamilton Avenues. Once providing jobs for immigrants flood- working waterfront - but in fact ing our shores, they are now seen by the condo builders as a logical place they do little to support one. “ to earn their next billion or two. The political challenge accommodate this land grab without spurring a revolt of the rest of the people they represent. It has to be done in stages, framed in such a way as to pull the wool over their constituents’ eyes without them realizing it. The first step was Brooklyn Bridge Park. In a city that has underfunded parks since the 1970’s, a new, fancy park is seen by almost everybody as a great plus. It began as a community project, but was soon taken over by a corporation - the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation - who took advantage of a fad called public-private partnerships, to create at first a fancy park, and now a fancy park serving as a backyard for luxury condominiums and a hotel. The Brooklyn Heights Association at first was delighted at what seemed to be a use of the park that favored exclusivity. But the joke turned out to be on them as they have lost some cherished views of the Brooklyn Bridge due to the Toll Brothers hotel. The next set of towers, planned for Pier Six, has just received approval in what is being framed as a compromise with the community. The advocacy group that was trying to prevent the building of the towers was for some reason represented by the same lawyer who represented the State of NY in its mission to shut the hospital. His fight there was against the community, his fight here is to represent
battle for Sunset Park’s South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, as the NYC Economic Development Corp. was initially thwarted by the local councilman in a bid to retain control over the property. A compromise was reached, and one of the terms was the removal of an old oil tanker from Pier 9A to Pier 11. This solves the problem of the oil tanker, and also starts a process to clear Pier 9 for luxury development. Recently we heard Marshall Sohne, a local real estate developer, speak of those piers, now occupied by the Red Hook Container Terminal. “The City promises us a working waterfront, but instead we get garbage trucks.” He is, of course, correct. Instead of a waterfront teeming with industrial activity, with maximum industrial and commercial use of the 80 acres of what is now prime real estate - the terminal operator is forced to raise income by leasing large parts of it as a commercial parking lot, including a fleet of stinking garbage trucks.
False words Our political leaders continue to insist on the importance of a working waterfront - but in fact they do little to support one. Coordinated government support could no doubt induce more companies to ship to this side of the river. But it seems all they really do is offer platitudes. The ILA, the union representing the dockworkers, has been trying in vain to interest our lo-
cal politicians, including the borough president, to take part in a working group designed to brainstorm ways to assure the future of a dynamic working waterfront. This would of course bring with it well paying blue collar jobs. So far it hasn’t happened. Their first meeting, to take place in Borough Hall on May 1st, was cancelled at the last minute, and is yet to be rescheduled. The ILA is also seeking to bring more cruise ships to Red Hook, now that $20 million has been spent for shore power (for which every local politician carried water for), but has been foiled thus far by EDC and the inaction of local government. Instead, we hear that Alicia Glen, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development, and a Goldman Sachs alumna, recently toured Piers 7 and 8. It can be assumed it wasn’t a sightseeing visit. Pier 7 is occupied by a company called Phoenix Beverage. Phoenix distributes Heineken Beer, and receives their beer imports directly off the container ships unloading in the pier. Another company there imports Red Bull. Phoenix also controls the stevedore operations. All these leases are up in 2018. We speculated earlier this year that they could all be moved to Sunset Park, opening up our waterfront for the luxury condos. As of yet, nobody has told us we are wrong. Renting to garbage trucks is the first step in convincing the neighborhood that losing the maritime industry from Columbia Street will be a good thing. Undoubtedly, plans and renderings are already being prepared for beautiful scenic parks along the waterfront. Bicycle paths and nature trails will be part. However, these are the sweeteners that will be used as a ploy for a zoning change, allowing for 50 story towers. We will be sorry to see our communities change, but, after seeing how corporate executives think, and knowing that these executives are, after all, human beings just like us, we do get it. In the old days it was called, ‘What’s good for General Motors....”
The Star-Revue Online There are a number of ways that we community electronically: 1 - Our Email Blast List - sign up for it at www.redhookstar.com 2 - Our online calendar - keep current with local events as we hear about them - at www. redhookstar.com 3 - Our newspaper blog where you can read and share selected articles - at www.star-revue. com 4 - We also have two Facebook pages and a Twitter feed
Red Hook Star-Revue
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July 2015, Page 9
Debutaunt premiere: “Am I a Lady now?” by kimberly Gail Price
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hat makes a Southern girl a Lady? Is it her manners? Her grace? Or is it her presentation of herself?
Director, producer and writer, Mary John Frank explores this question in her interactive show Debutaunt, which premiered in Red Hook’s Atelier Roquette in June. debutante [deb-yoo-tant] n. a person who makes a debut into professional career or before the public. [Source: Dictionary.com] The show begins outside of the transformed catering space, as guests to the Debutante Ball wait outside to be admitted. Martha McMillan (Catherine C. Ryan), Mistress of Ceremonies, explains the evening followed hearty (and mandatory), “Yes Ma’am!” before escorting the slightly confused Northern crowd into the venue. “Debut presentations vary by regional culture and are also frequently referenced as ‘debutante balls,’ ‘cotillion balls’ or ‘coming-out’ parties.” [Source: Wikipedia] Once inside, we see a variety of activities, which we are encouraged to get involved in. A photo booth takes pictures of the guests with their debutantes. A vanity mirror is set up for the girls to powder their faces and touch up their loose hairs. A full length mirror is set up for the girls to examine their bodies and criticize their postures.
“From the French débutante, ‘female beginner,’ is a girl or young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity and, as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal ‘debut’ presentation.” [Source: Wikipedia] Miss McMillan coaches the girls around the space. They practice curtseys, balancing books on their heads, and practicing their etiquette on visitors under Miss McMillan’s watchful eye. They are preparing for their formal introduction at their debutante ball, which occurs later in the evening. “A cotillion or débutante ball is a formal presentation of young ladies, débutantes, to ‘polite society,’ typically hosted by a charity or society. The ladies introduced can vary from the ages of 16 to 21.” [Source: Wikipedia] The show presents five debs: Beatrice, Josephine, Charlotte, Katherine, and Melanie. (Debs played by Cara Seymour, Brittany Posas, Rachel Guest, Elizabeth Dunn and Melanie Comeau.)
Beatrice is the perfectionist. She is constantly struggling to live up to Miss McMillan’s expectations, only to be outshined by Katherine. Josephine is the rebel. She escapes Miss McMillan’s grasp to sneak off to smoke and drink. At one point, she is caught orange-gloved with her hand in a bag of Cheetos™ . By the time of the ball begins, she is stuporing drunk. Charlotte, or “Sissy,” is goaded constantly by her mother. While her mother brags to guests about Sissy, she is constantly criticizing her daughter. Sissy, always trying to please her mother, in turn depreciates herself. Katherine, defined by Miss McMillan as “charmed,” is the pet deb and “life is easy for her.” She is the standard all of the other girls are measure - and usually degraded - against. Melanie is the defiant one. She isn’t represented with an escort at the ball. She challenges being taught to be submissive and challenges Miss McMillan’s idea of what a lady ought to be. After the girls have introduced themselves and greeted their guests - whose full participation is encouraged - the ball begins. Each deb is presented to formal society (the audience) at the ball. But the presentation does not happen quite as smoothly as Miss McMillan anticipates.
Debs make their formal appearance at the ball, while Miss McMillan coaches.
The male escorts are played by Julian Devine, Micheal Spencer Phillips, Ted-
Josephine and Catherine practice balancing books on their heads while interacting with guests. (photos by Kimberly G. Price)
dy Tedholm and Tanner Van Kuren. Debutant Support included Julia Discenza, Kristin Eliasberg, Donna Fish, Beck Hartke and Cecily McCullough. Shows are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 7 pm through June 28. Atelier Roquette, 63 Connerece Street, Brooklyn. Tickets: $35. Editor’s Note: The title is intentionally misspelled by the writer, and is a play on words.
22nd Annual Red Hook Fest a weekend of community
Martha Bowers’ Dance Theatre Etcetera is one of Red Hook longest running shows, and for the first week of June they presented their 22nd annual Red Hook Fest. The Fest runs three days. Thursday night they held their Happy Hour Kickoff at Hometown Bar-B-Que at Van Brunt and Reed. A delicious spread was set out for guests, DTE’s history was spread out on the walls, and a preview of the Saturday entertainment was presented. On Friday, DTE hosted a community cookout where burgers and franks were prepared (free of charge) for all. The cookout was held at PS 15’s playground and people from all over the neighborhood mingled and enjoyed the food and each other. The big event is always held Saturday at Valentino Pier Park. A full day of
Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue
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music and dance, including local singer Tyquan Carter, Palo Seco Flamenco, Chop and Quench, the Fela! Band, Mawu Dance and the Laurie M. Taylor/Soul Movement entertained the local crowd. There were also tables set up for local groups including the Red Hook Library and even the Peace Corps, which is still going strong according the recruiter who talked to people all day. DTE’s award winning site-specific projects have served as important opportunities for advanced dance and theatre students to take part in professional productions as part of their learning process. They are located at 499 Van Brunt Street, in space donated by The O’Connell Organization
July 2015
Justice Center’s Restitution Crew upgrades the neighborhood by George Fiala
A few weeks ago I noticed a couple of photos on the Facebook page of the Red Hook Community Justice Center. They featured the work of what is called the “Neighborhood Restitution Crew.” What was especially interesting was that the photos showed that this crew was addressing some of the concerns of the Red Hook Transportation Study, published last year by the Department of City Planning. The Visitation crew had done a nice cleanup on Hamilton Avenue, un-
derneath the Gowanus, and they also cleared some sidewalks of weeds and other brush. I was intrigued and contacted Viviana Gordon at the center. She put me in touch with Derek Goddard, and the other day I went over to Clinton and Mill to watch his crew in action. Derek is the Community Service Superviser at the Justice Center. He explained to me that his job is to find things in the neighborhood that need fixing. His workers are people who come before Judge Calabrese found guilty of light crimes - things like turnstile jumping. Instead of sending them to jail, he sentences them to varying lengths of community service. Goddard is their supervisor. He makes sure they have necessary supplies, and on hot days makes sure they have plenty of water.
Goddard helps the Justice Center in their mission of social justice.
Forest City (continued from page 3)
the color of people’s skin on Fulton Street, and they didn’t see the color of their American Express cards.’’ Modifications were eventually made, and a second mall built next door. A much larger project was then planned to be adjacent to both malls, above the LIRR railroad yards. It was a contentious project which involved eminent domain and what some thought of as sweetheart deals. A 10 year court battle with a neighborhood group called Develop Don’t Destroy ensued. Forest City slowly won each decision. They built a basketball arena and are in the process of building additional towers, although not the Frank Gehry designed office towers that were originally planned. A mix of luxury condos and affordable apartments are planned. They have taken on Russian and Chinese partners to help finance things. Ed Weintrob, founder and then publisher of the Brooklyn Paper, which covered much of the Forest City history, wrote the following in 2006: “Over the last 12 months, no story has been as important to Brooklyn — and, as a result, to this newspaper — as Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards megadevelopment. With its 16-towers, 19,000-seat basketball arena, 6,000 units of housing and hundreds of thousands of square feet of office and retail space, Ratner’s mini-city is the biggest single-developer project in the history of Brooklyn. As such, it deserved — and got — our attention, sometimes obsessively so. As we prepared our year-in-review issue, we noticed that not a single issue this year was devoid of coverage of some element of the Ratner proposal. Yet our laser-like focus has earned us little praise and sometimes even outright scorn from local elected officials. In an
Red Hook Star-Revue
The crew works both inside and out. They have recently helped with a cleanup and painting of the basement of the River of God Church on Wolcott
interview in this week’s Papers, the project’s biggest booster, Borough President Markowitz, calls us “biased” because our coverage revealed the shocking density of the project, the traffic it would cause, and the subsidy-enriched sweetheart deal Gov. Pataki’s cronies cooked up in Albany to make this project work for Ratner. Given how we’ve been attacked for such coverage — and the overwhelming support the project enjoys among city and state powerbrokers — many of our readers have wondered why we even bothered. Indeed, it would have been far easier for us to blow off Atlantic Yards, as did the daily papers, and our weekly competitor, the New York Post-owned, Sheepshead Bay-based, Courier-Life chain. For most of the year, the supposedly ravenous local press corps took a pass on Atlantic Yards, swallowing whole such Ratner myths as the notion that the project would be a boon to the
Derek Goddard of the Community Justice Center supervises the Rehabilition crew as they paint over an eyesore - a large wall on Clinton and Mill Street. (photo by Fiala)
Street. They have helped work on the garden at Visitation Church in preparation for a pre-K program.
seven years running his own contracting company, so he is well qualified as a supervisor.
Goddard is from Red Hook, and loves helping both the neighborhood and his crew. His background includes
He is always looking for worthy project ideas and can be reached at 917 386-7649.
lower and lower-middle classes (actual state analysis shows it would hasten, not forestall, gentrification in Prospect Heights), and that Brooklyn needs lots of shiny new skyscrapers to feel good about itself (as Markowitz says in the interview). For some reason, everyone seemed to accept Ratner’s economic projections, even as they dropped and dropped again during the public approval process. And everyone was happy to accept the already-inaccurate traffic analysis provided by Ratner’s state partners. So why did we persist in our aggressive reporting? Markowitz contends in the interview that we did it because we simply hate Bruce Ratner. We actually do not hate Bruce Ratner. This isn’t personal.
Our obsession with the project’s taxpayer-supported financing, its outright lies about job creation, and it’s preposterous density is a reflection of exactly what journalists are supposed to do: question authority and ensure that elected officials are doing their jobs. Yet the elected officials ignored our objective and non-biased reports, which week in and week out demonstrated the flaws of Atlantic Yards. They did so at their own peril, setting the stage for a costly, permanent change in the heart of Brooklyn.”
The Red Hook Star-Revue has no knowledge of any plans that Forest City may or may not have to bring their development style to Red Hook. For now, it’s just painting, planting and a little publicity.
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July 2015, Page 11
Civil War obsession leads to incredible portraits by Halley Bondy
H
ow many Civil War-era figures can you recognize?
Who fought for the North? The South? Who didn’t make it to the end of the war? Most importantly, which Civil Warera personality are you? For two years, 16 Civil War-era photorealistic paintings have graced the walls of Jalopy Tavern, prompting these questions on a nightly basis. Initially part of an exhibit next door in the Jalopy Theatre, the hand-painted images have become a fixture in the Tavern and in Red Hook’s rustic scenery. Patrons love to guess who’s who, or to match up personalities in the bar with the paintings. One time a fight almost broke out, said Jalopy owner Geoff Wiley, over whether one of the paintings portrayed Civil War photographer Matthew Brady or Sigmund Freud. (Answer: the former.) “We basically kidnapped them from the Theatre two years ago and never let them go,” said Wiley. “They’ve become an integral part of a community setting that’s all about folk music and folk history.” The artist LJ Lindhurst is an understated, wryly charming full-time web designer who lives in Greenwood Heights. She lived in Red Hook for almost two decades before Hurricane Sandy forced her out of her apartment. She continues to visit regularly, however, if only to make sure there’s no barbecue sauce on her paintings. “I’d rather have my art in Jalopy than in a gallery,” said Lindhust in an interview at the Jalopy Tavern. “These are my people.” Lindhurst has a background in collage and video art, but her current focus is on photorealism: the art of painting photographs down to their realistic details, including all the smudges and errors incurred by mid-19th Century cameras. Through the years, her jarringly lifelike paintings have depicted everything from the historical figures to candy wrappers to marbles to water guns]. She is completely self-taught. “I’m really a technical person,” she said. “I’m not one of these expressive
‘arteests.’ I’m much more about getting the lines just right. I used to study music, and I was way more interested in the scales than anything else. I think I love photorealism for the same reasons.” Lindhurst became intrigued by Civil War-era photography when she came across a wide-eyed photo of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman. The photo had been taken after a series of difficulties and personal tragedy. In 1863, the General was so confident in his wartime camp conditions in Vicksburg, Mississippi, that he invited his family for a visit. Unfortunately, his favorite son Willie died of typhoid fever on the trip, for which Sherman would always blame himself. He also had a history of breakdowns and crippling anxiety throughout his command. “He looks haunted in the photo,” Lindhurst said “I wanted to capture the depths in his eyes. The stuff he’s seen? My God. It shows a man who has lost his humanity. I thought it was a beautiful photograph.” After that, Lindhurst went on a tear. She watched the nine-part Ken Burns Civil War documentary, she read Civil War books, she visited Sherman’s grave in her home town St. Louis, she spent hours in the Library of Congress, combing mainly through original works of Civil War photographer Matthew Brady. Eventually, Lindhurst landed on 16 figures total, including Brady, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Walt Whitman, John Brown, and General Robert E. Lee. Although he is not directly related to the Civil War, Lakota resistance leader Sitting Bull made it into the series due to a striking photograph Lindhurst found in her research. Lindhurst also threw in some non-famous figures, including an unidentified girl in mourning, an unidentified Confederate soldier, and an essentially unknown Union soldier named Nimrod Burke. “When I was in the Library of Congress, I saw photo after photo of these
Clockwise from upper left: Sherman, Sitting Bull and Nimrod Burke are just three of the 15 portraits that hang at Jalopy. The artist, LJ Lindhurst stands with her work at Jalopy.
plaintive teenage boys who were young, uneducated, and scared in this terrible trench war,” she said. “They had no idea what was going on, and they had probably never been photographed before.”
“As long as people are looking at them, talking about them, wondering who is who -- that to me is worth more than any money,” Lindhurst said. “But, if someone were to buy them, that would be great too.”
To recreate the images, Lindhurst first projected the photos onto a small canvas. She took note of the basic features: locations of the eyes and the nose, for example. Then, she hand-painted the full image in acrylic without the use of the projector. All told, each painting took about a month of painstaking work, or about 96 hours total.
The Civil War paintings are on sale for $1,500 apiece. Lindhurst is also selling prints of the series on her website (ljlindhurst.com) for $80 plus shipping and handling.
Despite being some of the of the most consistent conversation pieces in the neighborhood, the paintings have gone completely unsold in their two years on display (with the exception of one Sherman painting, which was purchased by Lindhurst’s husband). For Lindhurst, however, it doesn’t matter.
Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue
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Until they are sold, the paintings will remain at Jalopy indefinitely, thrilling and confounding the patrons. ”I’m not sure where we would be without them,” Wiley said. “As long as [LJ] will let us keep them, they will stay here.” Anyone interested in purchasing the paintings should speak with the staff at Jalopy Tavern. To buy prints and to learn more about LJ Lindhurst and her work, head to her website: ljlindhurst.com
July 2015
Edward’s Lunch spices up Lorraine Street by George Fiala
L
orraine Street is starting to glitz up. In the past five years, the shopping strip has gained a well run liquor store, an Associated Food Market, a large day care center, corner candy store and a pizza shop. Last month, Edward Lunch & Restaurant opened up at 56 Lorraine, next door to the Associated. It is a clean, well lit place with modern decorations. It is owned by the same people who have refurbished the deli, changing it into a modern supermarket - filling the need caused by the closing of the Fine Faire Supermarket, which flooded during Sandy and never reopened. Despite its modern look, Edward Lunch serves old style, delicious Spanish food. A modern kitchen in the back cooks many dishes which are kept hot on the steam table that one sees upon entry. You will see fresh baked chicken, pernil, fish, rice with peas or beans, yellow rice, various sausages, even hard boiled eggs. Oxtails, pork chops, minute steak, soup and more fill up the case. To the left is another chilled counter case where you can see fresh salads, including shrimp and avacado.
clude Lobster Enchilada, Camarones A La Aparilla, and Pulpo Enchiladas. Translated that’s lobster in hot sauce, broiled shrimp and octopus in hot sauce. For only $11.95 you can get a fish dinner - your choice of fillet (broiled or fried), red snapper (in season) or fish steak. Edward Lunch serves pasta, including spaghetti and linguini, 11 types of mofongo (fried mashed green plantains); burgers (a simple hamburger is only $3); Spanish or American breakfast, soupy rice, all kinds of steak and rib dishes; and of course chicken. Rotisserie chicken. Fried chicken. Chicken parmigiana. French style chicken. Breaded chicken. Cutlets, breasts, chunks. There are different specials every day, and there are combo specials. One combo specials features pork chops. It is Combo #4 and is called Chuletas Fritas. For $17.95 you get rice, beans, salad, and pork chops. This might not
seem like a lot for your $18, but wait til you see the portions. It will surely feed a decent sized family. All orders can be made to go, and of course they offer delivery. But if you like, you can enjoy a very pleasant dining experience right inside the restaurant at one of their clean and shiny tables. Edward Lunch opens bright and early at 6 am, and stays open til 11 pm every day including Sundays. They stay open til midnight on Friday and Saturdays. Oh - did I mention the papaya, tamarind, mango or fresh carrot juices? Or the batidos? or the cod stew? or the cow foot soup? or the guanabana? Do yourself a favor and stop by 56 Lorraine Street and pick up one of their menus. You may end up with your belly full! Edward Lunch, 56 Lorraine Street, 718 260-8284
Another BumbleBeesRus graduation
You look around at the freshly painted yellow walls with brightly colored blue lightholders to the back wall and see the door to the kitchen. That kitchen must be busy indeed, because Edward Lunch serves many dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner - aside from what is available in the front. You can order paella, which is a traditional soup full of all kinds of seafood, for $34 which is meant for at least two people. Other seafood dishes in-
BumbleBeesRus, which opened on Lorraine Street in 2012, celebrated another UPK graduation on June 17. Director Jessica Figuly welcomed the graduates and their parents before a ceremony which included singing, poetry reading and diplomas, follwed by some welcome refreshments!
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(718) 624-0690 July 2015, Page 13
Red Hook History:
When the Pointers & the Creekers divided Red Hook
D
by Connor Eugene Gaudet
uring much of the 19th century, most of Red Hook east of Dwight Street was basically underwater. Even while they built up the criss-crossing grid of streets, the lots between graded roads were dominated by marshes and tidal pools. To fill it in, the owner, William Beard, leased it out to “carters,” who would pick up people’s garbage and the ashes from furnaces, stoves and fireplaces, and dump them in the low lots between streets. It was swampy, full of garbage, and could not be developed until it was higher and dryer. This kept the value of the land very low. However, the very thing that made it unappealing to developers, made it very appealing to another population. They were junkmen and their families, and by the end of the 1860’s, their shantytowns came to define Red Hook’s landscape east of Dwight Street. Junkmen made a living off the dumps, salvaging and reselling anything that had a value. Some focused on particular kinds of junk. Rag collectors sold their finds by the pound to paper makers. Bonemen had similar arrangements with soap factories, glue manufacturers, and rendering plants. Some would melt down tin cans in order to separate the solder from the iron, both of which could be sold to local foundries. The junkmen made their homes right on the dumps, using materials they found there amid the trash or purchased from local lumber yards. In 1857, the shanties were so numerous at the foot of Columbia Street that the area was given its own village name “Tinkerville” inhabited by about 160 families. By 1862, nearby communities had grown large enough to be given named identities as well: Dutchtown, Texas, and Pig Hollow. In 1865, there were 643 inhabited shanties in the twelfth ward.
on Church (now West 9th), Garnet, Center, and Bush Streets in the 100th Electoral District in the census of 1880, only three of them housed more than one family. That’s 60 families in 57 dwellings, all of which were located in the Erie Basin section. Compare this number with the first 57 dwellings listed in the 97th Electoral District, situated on Conover and Partition (now Coffey) Streets, on “the Point” that same year. Those 57 dwellings contained 179 families, sometimes with as many as 7 families and up to 30 people in a single building.
Dwight Street, did not see the shanties as a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Because the dumping grounds and shanties were located almost entirely on the eastern side of Dwight Street (and hence on the eastern side of the “creek”), the people who lived West of Dwight Street on Red Hook Point called the shanty dwellers Creekers. The Creekers, in turn, had a name for those who lived on Red Hook Point - Pointers. It was never recorded why the “Pointers” and the “Creekers” disliked each other, but a number of theories have been put forward. Some have speculated that the Pointers saw the Creekers as a transient, shadowy, anonymous population, drifting in and out with the tide or change of seasons, because the Erie Basin area was used by canalers to tie up and dock during winter. Canalers
The breakwater protected them from the winds and waves of storms coming either up or down the coast. Pointers called the canalers “harbor gypsies” and felt they were fly by night out-oftowners who didn’t belong in their community. Another supposition is that Pointers may have simply been embarrassed of being associated with these strange, uncivilized, garbage dump dwellers. New York newspapers lumped all of Red Hook in together. In 1859, The Tribune called Red Hook the “fag end of a forgotten creation - a ruined town gone to seed, a dilapidated, out-of-the-way, forsaken, forgotten, benighted district of sin and misery, good for nothing under heaven” and claimed that the population was five parts adults, fiftyfive parts children, and the remaining forty per cent about equally divided
The dividing line between the dumps and the developed area was a tidal creek that ran along the first five or six blocks of Dwight Street. Just after the creek turned away from Dwight Street, it (Dwight Street) ran along the edge of the old Van Dyke mill pond, the western shore of which had been split from the rest of it, giving the appearance of the stream’s continuation over the next several blocks (outlined in red on map). The residents on the west side of
1874 Brooklyn Farmland overlay map. Composite created by the author.
owned canal barges and engaged in commerce up and down the Erie Canal. Frequently entire families would live on the boat together. Wherever they found themselves when the canal froze over, making it impossible to conduct their livelihood, they would tie up for winter and live there until Image of a Red Hook shack from the the spring thaw. Many of the canalers Brooklyn Daily Eagle, June 22, 1890. wintered in Brooklyn, using the Erie Center top image “Collecting fruit cans Basin because of its protected position on the dump” from the Brooklyn Daily at the southern inlet of Gowanus Bay.
Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue
between goats, pigs and dogs. There may also have been a hint of jealousy in the Pointers’ derision of the Creekers. While the shanty dwellers did live in apparent filth, they had their own homes, were their own masters and had room to move around. Most Pointers were crammed into tenements that could easily match any of their more famous Manhattan counterparts for crowding, filth, or poor ventilation. Of the 57 dwellings listed
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This feud however, was largely a cold war. Pointers tended to stay on their side of Dwight Street, and Creekers on
“The Creekers, in turn, had a name for those who lived on Red Hook Point - Pointers. It was never recorded why the “Pointers” and the “Creekers” disliked each other, but a number of theories have been put forward.” theirs. There was a tension between them though, that usually manifested itself in schoolyard fights between children from either side. Large groups of boys, approximately age 8 to 13 would wage war on each other, throwing rocks and other projectiles, usually over the small piece of marsh that was a kind of no-man’s land between the two group’s turfs. So heavy did the battles become, it was once reported that between 300 and 400 children had been engaged in a single fight, resulting in the arrests of 30 to 60 boys. By the 1920s, the Pointer/Creeker feud had become a thing of nostalgic storytelling for those boys, now grown up, who once pelted each other with stones. The Creek was gone and nearly all of Red Hook, east and west of Dwight Street had been filled in. Most of the shanties had been swept away with the waves of progress and those few that remained had been converted into more permanent domiciles. Whatever differences the Pointers and Creekers had perceived of each other during those years of animosity were probably in fact just that – perceptions. The truth was that they had a whole lot more in common than they realized. The problems that were caused by the garbage dumps and smoke-spewing factories affected everyone in the neighborhood. Focusing on their differences prevented them from being able to work together toward goals that would have benefited both communities. Regardless of what side of Dwight Street they were on, they all lived in the same Red Hook.
July 2015
Addabo names new CEO The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., has announced the appointment of Marjorie J. Hill, Ph. D., as its new Chief Executive Officer. A proven public health leader, Dr. Hill brings over two decades of hospital management, program administration, and community development to the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center. Dr. Hill’s appointment is effective immediately. “The Addabbo Family Health Center Board of Directors has finally completed its arduous task of searching for a CEO with integrity and vision,” said Mr. Sylvester Okonkwo, Chair of Addabbo Board of Directors. “It is very fulfilling to have found such rare qualities in the person of Dr. Hill, a proven administrator with exemplary clinical skill and business acumen.” “The Board of Directors conducted a national search and a rigorous six month selection process,” Ms. Betty Leon, the Addabbo Board of Directors Vice-Chair states. “Dr. Hill is a passionate leader with the expertise, motivation, and enthusiasm needed to bring the Addabbo Family Health Centers into the forefront of Health
experience in hospital quality assurance, continuing medical education (CME) and crisis intervention management experience. With over twenty years of executive leadership in the nonprofit sector, Dr. Hill is a proven leader in the field of HIV/AIDS. She has 17-year history of service to GMHC, the oldest AIDS provider in the world. Dr. Hill served as a volunteer, Board member, and Board Chair, and was the longest tenured Chief Executive Officer in the agency’s history. New CEO Marjorie Hill
Centers in Southeast Queens, Brooklyn, and Far Rockaway. One week into the position, Dr. Hill has hit the ground running.” “It is an honor to have been selected by the Addabbo Board of Directors to lead this truly exceptional organization of dedicated and talented, health care and health promotion professionals,” said Dr. Hill. “With outstanding Board leadership and our longstanding government and community partners, I am confident we will attain the strategic planning goal of making the Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc., number one in the nation.”
ABOUT DR. MARJORIE J. HILL: A licensed clinical psychologist and a former New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation provider and administrator, Dr. Hill has extensive
Dr. Hill has also served as Assistant Commissioner for HIV/ AIDS at the NYC Department of Health, managing a $400M portfolio of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Ryan White Program direction, housing, and support services. Dr. Hill has had numerous significant public service appointments by Mayor David Dinkins, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Governor Mario Cuomo, and Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sibelius. Dr. Hill currently serves on the CDC/ HRSA Advisory Board. She was appointed Chair of the NYS AIDS Advisory Board by Governor Andrew Cuomo. A frequent presenter at national conferences and symposia, Dr. Hill has several publications on cultural diversity, mental health issues, and HIV/AIDS. A proud Queens’s resident, Dr. Hill is committed to public service and community empowerment.
76th gets another precinct commander
Officer Colon was notified suddenly a few weeks ago that he needed to report to the 76th Precinct Commanding Officer. He replaces Natalie Maldonado, who the community was just getting to know. Colon was introduced at the recent Civic Association meeting, where he was met with a barrage of angry homeowners complaining about a recent flood of truck traffic.
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