American Idled
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BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260–2500 • Brooklyn, NY • ©2014 Serving Brownstone Brooklyn and Williamsburg AWP/14 pages • Vol. 37, No. 16 • April 18–24, 2014 • FREE BLAST FROM THE PAST Macy’s Fireworks to return this July 4th By Nathan Tempey lighting our skyline every Fourth the Brooklyn Bridge, the harbor, The Brooklyn Paper of July — and I’m thrilled that, and our skyline.” Sparks are going to fly on the after years of working with Ma- The succession of dark nights East River once again. cy’s and my colleagues to make on the United States’ birthday sad- After five years of holding this a reality, the fireworks will dened Brooklynites and borough its annual July 4 fireworks dis- return to the East River this year,” pols, who called on the city and play on barges along the distant DeBlasio said, pointing out that the Big Cotton vendor to return Hudson River, Macy’s is restor- New Jersey residents will no lon- the razzle-dazzle to its rightful ing the light show to its longtime ger bask in the glow of the re- place on the East River.
home in Brooklyn’s front yard, tail giant’s largesse. “Now even This year’s spectacle will in- Community Newspaper Group / Matthew Perlman
File photo Callan by Tom Mayor DeBlasio announced on more New Yorkers will get to take clude fireworks launched from Mayor DeBlasio, former Borough President Marty Markow- The old glow of American spirit is coming back to Brook- Monday. part in this extraordinary cele- the Brooklyn Bridge, according itz, and current Beep Eric Adams formed like Voltron to lyn’s doorstep and will look a lot like this. “We’re grateful to Macy’s for bration, against the backdrop of See FIREWORKS on page 6 announce the return of the Macy’s fireworks to Brooklyn. American idled Bishop Ford to close Auditioning for spotlight at Barclays After 52 years, Catholic school quits By Megan Riesz By Will Bredderman The Brooklyn Paper See a video of The Brooklyn Paper Any reporter worth the mortifying Bishop Ford High School, her keyboard is willing to tryout online at a 52-year-old Windsor Ter- make a fool out of herself race Catholic academy, will for a story. BrooklynPaper.com close its doors at the end of So when I heard that the the school year in June. Barclays Center was holding The closure, announced public auditions for the chance formance of “Colors of the more or less, but at sporting on Monday, is due to declin- to belt out the national anthem Wind,” and my cello-playing events I am usually scouring ing enrollment and income, at a Nets playoff game, there days are as distant a mem- the aisles for a beer when our administrators said. was no way I could pass up ory as my calluses. republic’s signature ditty is be- “There has not been a suf- the opportunity to throw my But pride be damned. On ing sung and I figured I could ficient revenue stream other singing voice, such as it is, Monday morning, I started stand to brush up. than tuition, which alone can- into the running. to prepare for my afternoon I then rifled my closet not support the operation,” Photo by Jason Speakman I am by no means a singer tryout as any good American for some patriotic garb and said principal Thomas Arria Bishop Ford High School served as a location for or musician. The last time I would — by printing out the came up with a black leather Community Newspaper Group / Matthew Perlman in a statement. “Thus, it was music videos by Drake and R.E.M and educated really let my pipes soar was lyrics to “The Star-Spangled jacket, because to me, there is Reporter Megan Riesz gave it her all, until the judg- determined that, despite Her- such luminaries as Prime Minister Pete Nice of the in a middle-school choir per- Banner.” I know the words, See ANTHEM on page 5 es demanded that she stop a few seconds later. See BISHOP on page 12 early-1990s rap group 3rd Bass. ‘Worst’ parks to get makeover Dumbo’s grim Bridge Parks to become part of fi tness loop By Matthew Perlman ness track. Designers can incorpo- The Brooklyn Paper rate signs, paint, custom workout Brooklyn’s worst parks ever equipment, and other elements — could be getting a temporary as long as they get people mov- makeover. ing, Sica said. The Dumbo Improvement Dis- The Bridge Parks, which we trict is looking for designers to profiled in September, live up help transform Bridge Park 1, to their Soviet-sounding names, Bridge Park 2, and Bridge Park 3, tucked as they are into the shad- barren concrete parks at the base ows of the Brooklyn and Man- Photo by Stefano Giovannini of the Brooklyn–Queens Express- hattan bridges and the elevated Bridge Park 1, off of Jay way, into a workout loop. expressway and consisting of lit- Street in Dumbo, looks “These are very under-utilized tle more than cracked pavement, more like a place to curl up areas,” said Alexandria Sica, exec- a rusty playground, and a soli- next to a warm trash barrel utive director of the pro-business tary basketball hoop. A few well- than a city park. group. “We’re hoping to breathe placed touches could turn the area some life into them.” from a dump into the perfect place tute for Graphic Arts, which is The organization wants to take to get your heart pumping, a de- helping with the project. “Graphic eight small parks in the area, in- sign firm honcho said. design could really help enhance cluding the Bridge Parks, which “It’s an urban environment. It’s its sense of place.” are a far cry from the nearby lux- pretty nasty. It’s tough. It’s noisy,” The planned workout course is ury of Brooklyn Bridge Park, and A map of the fitness route planned to criss-cross around said Laetitia Wolff, program di- supposed to remain in place for a turn them into a mile-long fit- Dumbo, with stops in some of the borough’s worst parks. rector with the American Insti- See PARKS on page 11 It’s van-demonium Cyclist killed “Most drivers are Caribbean Activists blast police over or people of color,” said Imani Henry, an organizer with the com- ‘racist’ dollar-van crackdown munity group Equality for Flat-
Photo by Tyrone Z. McCants bush, which is campaigning to By Megan Riesz in hit-and-run Sandra Jivcovic plays with Lady at the Bark Avenue pet stop the anti-van initiative. “This The Brooklyn Paper adoption event in Carroll Park. is their income and people are try- By Danielle Furfaro the cyclist unconscious and Park Slope cops have been tick- ing to feed their families.” The Brooklyn Paper unresponsive in the street, ac- eting and seizing unlicensed dol- A longtime dollar-van rider A hit-and-run driver cording to authorities. An am- lar vans since January, a move echoed Henry’s concerns, say- slammed into a bicyclist in bulance took the bike-rider activists are calling a racially mo- ing that the city is trying to scrub Bark in the park Bushwick last Wednesday to Woodhull Hospital, where tivated blow against drivers try- Flatbush Avenue of its trademark medical staffers declared him ing to make a living. conveyances to appease future morning, killing him on im- dead, officers said. Pet adoptions for C’Gardens Prospect Heights’ 78th po- residents of luxury developments pact, cops said. lice precinct has cited nine un- Photo by Steve Solomonson along the thoroughfare. The motorist behind the After smashing into By Megan Riesz Adopt-athon in Carroll Park on credentialed drivers and seized Cops are ticketing and seiz- “This is gentrification 101,” wheel of a 2014 Bavarian Mo- the cyclist, the driver hit a The Brooklyn Paper Sunday afternoon. The match- 14 of the permitless vans, which ing dollar vans on major said Derrick Edwards, who has tor Works buggy hit 46-year- parked car at the same inter- Carroll Gardens got a special making session was a tail-wag- these days charge $2 for some- thoroughfares such as Atlan- lived on Flatbush Avenue for old Angel Torres, who was section, cops said. Then he delivery of more than a dozen ging good time, according to times-wild rides along major thor- tic and Flatbush avenues. four years. cycling at the corner of Broad- turned down Chauncey Street furry bundles of joy at a pet the organizer. oughfares such as Atlantic and Another veteran dollar-van way and Halsey Street at and onto Boyland Street and adoption event last weekend. “It was a huge success,” Flatbush avenues, according to ist reaction to black and Carib- commuter said the no-frills rides 7:50 am, police reported. slammed into a 2000 Toyota The fidos and felines found said Marion Fiore, a Brooklyn cops. A community organizer ar- bean people who are just looking fill in the gaps left by the Metro- Emergency services found See CYCLIST on page 4 new owners at the Bark Avenue See BARK on page 6 gues that the crackdown is a rac- to bring home a paycheck. See VANS on page 11 A showdown at the BK corral Williamsburg board snubs on-street bike racks, claiming car-park poverty
By Danielle Furfaro The four businesses that requested owner Jason Merritt. “And it is ben- The Brooklyn Paper the corrals are Summers Juice and Cof- eficial to businesses to have safe bike A local panel is not letting any more MEAN fee on S. Fourth Street, Tutu’s, a bar parking that is not on street signs and Williamsburg and Greenpoint parking on Bogart Street, Bike Smith II, a bi- posts.” spaces get turned over to bike racks cycle store on Grand Street, and the Board members who voted against without a fight. Streets CrossFit Virtuosity gym at on Bayard the corrals argued that there is plenty Last week, the board voted against The battle for Brooklyn’s byways Street, all in Williamsburg. of room on sidewalks for bike parking four bike corrals proposed for the area The proprietor of one rejected busi- and that their turf has lost too many overseen by Community Board 1 be- put it on the sidewalk and stop tak- ness said that he wanted a bike cor- parking spaces to the CitiBike bike- cause each of them would replace an ing away car parking spaces.” ral to help rid the area of the eyesore share program and the planned de- on-street parking spot. The vote was The corrals are a city initiative to created by two-wheelers locked willy- mapping of Union Avenue in the mid- 12–7 against the bids, not because of place bike racks on the street rather nilly to poles, to spare pedestrians the dle of McCarren Park, which is meant the merits of the individual proposals, than on the sidewalk. Businesses can hazard posed by such wanton steed- to make the greensward more pedes- but because the War on Cars has got to currently request corrals in front of hitching, and to make customers’ bikes trian-friendly. Parking is now more stop, one board member said. their storefronts and partner with the more difficult to steal. difficult than it was a few years ago, Photo by Elizabeth Graham “Enough is enough,” said board city to maintain them. Each corral is “We believe it is our responsibility Weiser argued. Tutu’s co-owner Jason Merritt thinks bike corrals would help cut down member Simon Weiser. “They can designed to hold eight bicycles. to beautify the area,” said Tutu’s co- See BIKES on page 6 on the blight of abandoned bikes in industrial Williamsburg. 2 AWP The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 April 18–24, 2014 Once upon a time, there was an empty table in a fabulous, trendy restaurant.
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BROOKLYN NETS COVERAGE Nets will eat up Raptors And with three out of would tend to give the edge they be able to raise their FRONT four match-ups this season to the team with home-court game come playoff time? being settled with four points advantage: the Raptors. How will they react to the COURT or less, the Nets are keenly However, the Nets have first adversity they face? How By Tom Lafe aware of this first-round op- something that matters more will Jonas Valanciunas fare By Tom Lafe ponent. than home court come play- against Kevin Garnett? Will Coming in to the season, offs time: veteran leadership. they adjust well enough to Many Nets fans are proba- the Nets and Raptors entered The offseason acquisitions of the Nets superb pick-and- bly happy to be seeing the To- at opposite ends of the spec- Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, roll defense? <8JK cially after last year’s em- the Raptors were an after- stack the deck against an inex- Nets’ experience will prove barrassing loss to the Chi- thought. perienced Raptors squad. too much for them to han- :FCC<:K@FE cago Bulls. Now, the Nets will have to The Raptors’ Demar dle. JL@KJ8C< But those fans probably take down the team they have DeRozen and Kyle Lowry, Nets in six. haven’t watched the Raptors been staring up at in the stand- who may be the best back- Tom Lafe is a 6-foot-5 play too much this season. ings all season just to get a court no one is talking about, sports-world insider with a All the Canadians have shot at the Heat or Pacers. have managed to score at will middling high school bas- done this year is set the Through four contests, the against the Nets this season, ketball career who believes franchise record for wins two look like evenly matched but combined they have only the Nets will be driven by and claim their second At- teams, which, in a best-of- have Lowry’s one appearance the success of the team’s 9LP(JL@K lantic Division title. seven playoff series, you in the ’08–’09 season. Will big men. 8KK?<M8CL<GI@:< > This is what all that money was for. >I8E; In July, when Brooklyn Yfpj[\gXikd\ek%%%Y`^ kXcc sent shock waves across the FG Klo\[fj FREE I\ekXcj]ifd 9lp]ifd =fidXc +0%00 Jl`kj .0%00 K?<C8I> $ ! & % #" #" ! " " "" # 8ccd\iZ_Xe[`j\efk`eXccjkfi\j%8ccjXm`e^jf]]mXcl\gi`Z\jn_`c\hlXek`k`\jcXjk%JXc\gi`Z\jk_ifl^_8gi`c).% 4 AWP The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 April 18–24, 2014 W’burg home invade horror and I won’t hurt you,” ac- 90TH PRECINCT cording to cops. Southside–Bushwick POLICE BLOTTER The lout walloped her in Two gun-toting scoundrels the face and another galoot, barged into a Lorimer Street Find more online every Wednesday at who was wearing a leather apartment wearing ski-masks BrooklynPaper.com/blotter jacket and blue jeans, joined on April 8 and tied up the oc- in, according to the authori- cupants and stole their prop- ties. The dastardly duo stole erty, cops said. the back seat, according to a they say beat his friend with her iPhone, wallet, brown The victims said they were police report. an umbrella while the friend bag, brown pouch, makeup, at their home between Stagg The guy told cops he left was driving on Navy Street Bank of America card, and Keeping Brooklyn and Scholes streets at 10 pm the car near Prospect Street on April 8. California identification when there was a knock on at 1:30 pm, and when he re- The victim said he was card, cops said. the door. A woman answered turned at 4:15 pm, he found driving near the intersec- and two terrifying goons the rear passenger-side win- tion of Park Avenue when Struck Noodles kicked their way in wear- dow busted and a purse be- the two got into an argument A man who goes by the ing black masks and hold- longing to his 66-year-old at 3 pm. The bully started nickname Noodles allegedly Healthy Contest ing black firearms. mother missing. The bag con- punching and hitting the vic- hit a man with a pole during The predatory pair tied tained a credit card and a cell- tim with an umbrella, a po- a game of basketball on the up the victims with red zip phone, the report says. lice report says. corner of Henry and Lorraine ties and covered their heads Backfire Frenemies streets on April 13. with towels, police reported. Noodles, 18, got into a A gunman shot a 23-year- Cops arrested two men for fight with the 22-year-old vic- Winner! They then stole a laptop, wed- old fellow in the back on allegedly attempting to rob ding band, necklace, $2,000 tim around 4 pm and banged York Street near the Far- a 19-year-old in his N. Port- him on the left arm with the in cash, a cellphone, sneak- ragut Houses on April 1, land Avenue apartment on ers, and earrings, according metal weapon, fracturing his officers stated. April 10. elbow, cops said. to a report. The victim was between The teen told cops he was The slippery suspect has Bridge and Gold streets at in the apartment between Unfortunate yet to be collared, officers 5:20 pm when the shooter Myrtle and Park avenues Cops cuffed a trio of men stated. WE ASKED BROOKLYN who they say tried to rob a opened up on him from be- with three acquaintances at Chinese restaurant on Hum- hind, according to cops. The around noon when one of the Dare to tread boldt Street on April 8. victim walked to the Brook- guys pulled out a gun and A group of vandals slashed FOR ADVICE ON The husband-and-wife lyn Hospital Center for treat- pointed it at him. all four tires of a woman’s car owners of the eatery be- ment, a police report says. “I’ll shoot you. Give me on Wolcott Street sometime tween Seigel and Moore Smoke-out all your s---,” the suspect between April 9 and 10, law said, according to a police streeets told police that the Police suspected a man enforcement officials said. report. STAYING HEALTHY IN threesome entered the store was smoking pot inside a The 36-year-old victim Another suspect grabbed at 8:55 pm. One of the men cell in Central Booking on parked her white sedan be- a hammer and broke the lock climbed over the counter and Schermerhorn Street on tween Van Brunt and Rich- off the teen’s bedroom door, stuck his body through the April 3 and arrested him ards streets on April 9 around NYC’S GREATEST BOROUGH. and the third guy finished bulletproof service glass, ac- when he allegedly refused 4 pm, and when she returned knocking the door in, the re- cording to police. to be searched and resisted on April 10 at 10 am, she saw port says. The three punks “Give me the money,” the arrest. the damage done, cops said. fled when the teen’s mom guy allegedly demanded. Cops thought they saw — Megan Riesz called the cops, but police The woman screamed and the guy toking up in a tem- found two of them in front HERE’S WHAT ONE CONTEST her husband came running porary holding cell inside 68TH PRECINCT of the building, according out from the back in time the Criminal Court build- to cops. Bay Ridge–Dyker Heights to see the three running ing between Boerum Place Officers cuffed a 23-year- away, cops said. Police ar- and Smith Street at 11:10 pm, Bagged one WINNER HAD TO SAY! old, and found a bunch of rested three suspects later authorities said. A punk poached a wom- marijuana on him, and a and charged them all with When officers confronted an’s purse as she was with- 19-year-old, who had ham- attempted robbery. the suspect, he tried not to let drawing money from an mer, authorities said. Young guns them go through his pockets 86th Street automatic teller — Matthew Perlman A crew of teenagers shot and he started flailing when machine on April 12, cops at another teen as he was rid- they tried to cuff him, ac- stated. ing by in a taxi on Flushing cording to a report. 76TH PRECINCT The victim said she went Avenue on April 5, accord- Phone phishing Carroll Gardens– to the cash dispenser near ing to the authorities. Cobble Hill–Red Hook Fifth Avenue at 1 pm and set A scam artist tricked an her pocketbook — contain- The 16-year-old victim 88-year-old Hicks Street man said he was a passenger in Air-not-so-soft ing her credit cards, green into giving over his bank- A man was arrested for al- card, Social Security card, a cab driving past the pub- ing information on March lic housing building between legedly shooting another man and healthcare cards — on 31, cops stated. in the thigh with a “pellet- the sidewalk. Humboldt Street and Bush- The man told police he got wick Avenue at 10 pm when type gun” outside an apart- A second later, as she was the call at his home, between ment on Tiffany Place on swiping a card in the ma- he saw a group of youngsters Orange and Pineapple streets, April 11. chine, a fleet-footed fiend he knew. The kids saw him at 2 pm. The voice on the The 31-year-old victim ran by and swiped her bag, and surrounded the taxi, phone said he was a Micro- was smoking a cigar in front police reported. cops said. soft employee and convinced The hack drove off quickly of the apartment complex the senior to give over his per- between Kane and Degraw Fan-fare and the ruffians chased af- sonal information, according A villain pillaged a 65th ter the cab, officers reported. streets around 3 pm when to a police report. his 29-year-old pal popped Street construction site of six One of the teens pulled a The victim noticed ceiling fans, several lengths handgun and started firing him in the thigh with the $1,448.21 missing from his pain-making toy, accord- of copper tubing, and four at the buggy, but neither the account later that day, the re- power drills overnight on passenger nor the driver were ing to police. port says. April 8, according to cops. injured, and the taxi was not The suspect was arrested The building owner re- damaged, according to a re- and charged with intent to ported leaving the structure port. 88TH PRECINCT cause serious injury and criminal possession of a between 12th and 13th ave- Fort Greene–Clinton Hill nues at 5:40 pm, and returned 94TH PRECINCT weapon. Knife squared Predators the next day at 8:30 am. When Greenpoint–Northside A gaggle of goons robbed he arrived, he discovered the a 19-year-old of a chef’s knife Two brutes punched a hanging propellers, the pip- Gun-fare at knife-point in the Clinton– woman and stole her iPhone ing, and the power tools all A taxi passenger held up Washington C subway station and wallet on Hoyt Street on missing, cops said. April 13, police stated. a hack at gunpoint on Driggs on April 9, cops said. Doorbuster “An apple a day Avenue early in the morning The victim told police he The 18-year-old vic- of April 12, cops said. was riding the train at 8:50 tim was walking down the A burglar burst through The victim told police that pm and exited at the stop at stairs in the Gowanus Houses the basement entrance of a he was driving at the corner the corner of Fulton Street apartment complex between Seventh Avenue home be- of N. 12th Street at 4 am when and Washington Avenue. Baltic and Douglass streets tween 82nd and 83rd streets keeps the doctor he picked up the rider. The The three toughs approached when a lout wearing black and made off with thousands goon told him he was going him, one wielding a knife, he jogging clothes came up to in valuables on April 10, cops to Myrtle Avenue and Broad- said. “Give me your bag,” the her and said, “Don’t move said. — Will Bredderman way, so the cabbie made a blade-waving bandit suppos- left turn onto Driggs Avenue edly demanded. away. Note: apples and drove to N. Ninth Street. One of the other fiends Suddenly, the robber flashed grabbed the teen’s bag and all a handgun and put it to the three hopped on the train as it CYCLIST... taxi driver’s neck. pulled away, a report said. In Continued from page 1 The driver abandoned the “Give me everything,” the addition to the knife, the bag 4-Runner that was pulling out Beemer after hitting the last scoundrel supposedly said. from your local also contained other kitchen of a driveway, cops said. Both car and ran off, cops said. Instead of handing over tools, a polo shirt, and a pass- the driver and the passenger Police said they are not sure any cash, the driver pulled port, police said. over the side of the road and of the Toyota are at Woodhull whether the vehicle was sto- jumped out of the car, ac- Taking umbrage Hospital in stable condition, len and that the investigation farmers market — cording to a report. The vil- Cops cuffed a man who authorities stated. is ongoing. lain chased the poor sap to- wards Roebling Street until the driver asked passersby to call 911 and, by the time like the one in Fort cops arrived, the gunman was gone, officers said. Over the collar Advertise your A disgruntled customer threw a cup of coffee in a Greene on Saturdays Kingsland Avenue deli em- Clinical Studies in ployee’s face on April 10, ac- cording to police. The 40-year-old victim reported he got into an ar- New York’s — have extra fiber gument with the guy at the deli at the corner of Jackson Street at 11:30 am and, with- out warning, the rapscallion largest group splashed the scalding bever- and count as two age all over him. The victim called police but declined to go to the hos- of community pital, cops stated. days. :)” — Danielle Furfaro 84TH PRECINCT newspapers. Brooklyn Heights– DUMBO–Boerum Hill– - Weekly bannered directory —Elizabeth Hernandez, MS, Downtown Fool me once - Ads will also appear in Classifi eds Cops are looking for a Fort Greene 40-year-old man who they and Online say swiped a phone from a woman’s pocket and nearly got her wallet on an A train on April 2. The 35-year-old victim said she was in a Manhattan- ASK HOW YOU CAN GET bound A at 10:10 am when Visit she noticed the scoundrel re- moving her billfold from the EDITORIAL COVERAGE pocket of her bag. She con- fronted the lowlife and he OF YOUR STUDY www.tbh.org/ContestWinners gave back her wallet, then jumped off the train at High Street station, police said. to see all of the top tips on After the train pulled away, the unlucky lady re- Call Brian Rice alized her mobile device had gone missing, cops said. Keeping Healthy in Brooklyn! Purse-loined 718-260-4537 A crook broke into a man’s parked car on Jay Street on April 5 and stole a purse from April 18–24, 2014 The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 AWP 5 man jacked up his rent when his first lease expired, resi- dents said. Rent de-stabilization Mikela Atherton lives in Yards on one of the Brooklyn Avenue Tenants sue landlord, claiming racial bias buildings with her mother and three kids. She said the family By Matthew Perlman paid their rent on time every The Brooklyn Paper month, but came home one A Prospect Lefferts Gar- day to find an eviction notice the table taped to her door, demanding dens landlord is harassing his rent-stabilized, black tenants 10 months in back rent. Community board vies and letting their apartments “I was like, ‘What?’ ” she crumble around them to move said. “It’s scary. He’s harass- in wealthy white people, a ing these people so much — to annex Atlantic Yards lawsuit alleges. until they get fed up and just leave.” Residents of Homewood By Matthew Perlman enue and Pacific Street, be- Worse is the landlord’s ne- Gardens, a partially rent- The Brooklyn Paper hind the Barclays Center. Photo by Stefano Giovannini glect of apartments rented by regulated complex near the The arena itself is split be- THREE POINTS: The boundaries of community Photo by Jason Speakman long-term tenants, Altherton A border dispute is brew- State University of New York ing over which community tween community boards 2 boards 2, 6, and 8 meet smack in the middle of the Tenants, from left, Paulette James, Beverly Riv- said. The sink in her bath- and 6 and a portion of the planned Atlantic Yards mega-development. Downstate Medical Center, room fell off the wall recently, board should have the priv- filed the federal suit on Mon- ers, Lloyd Smith, and Alston Pilgrim. ilege of holding the Atlan- planned residential devel- nearly crushing her 6-year- opment, which a Chinese- day, claiming that building old son, she said. tic Yards mega-development completed by 2016, but which “They want to ensure those owner Yeshaya Wasserman a long time. I don’t really care sively with white renters, the within its boundaries. government-owned devel- “He was shaking,” she said. oper plans to finance, falls now has no public deadline, promises are kept.” is refusing to make repairs to go anyplace else.” court papers say. “He was really scared.” The panel overseeing familiarized the boards with Robert Perris, the pan- within Prospect Heights’ and making fake claims about Wasserman, who bought “This goes beyond just The landlord had the sink Downtown and Fort Greene each other, one bureaucratic el’s one full-time employee, missing rent checks, illegal the 52-apartment complex harassment,” said Edward made the first offensive when board 8, a member of which replaced later the same day, stalwart said. tasked with administrating appliances, and pet owner- in 2009, is not cashing their Josephson, director of litiga- it voted 22–7–2 on Wednes- says it is the rightful arbiter but Altherton said the fix was “We share interests be- the sometimes-unwieldy vol- ship. The predominately Af- rent checks and is claiming tion at Legal Services NYC, day night to rejigger the dis- of the compound. a shoddy one. cause we share borders,” unteer body, says he does rican-American renters claim long-tolerated washing ma- which helped file the law- trict boundaries so that all “Future residents of At- “They came and just said Craig Hammerman, dis- not care which group ends the tactics constitute a cam- chines and pets are not al- suit. “This is discrimination. of the mega-development is lantic Yards are going to con- slapped a new one up. Now trict manager for Community up in charge, so long as it paign to clear them out and lowed in a bid to put their They’re trying to push out within its grip, which would sider themselves residents of it’s leaking,” she said. Board 6. “Atlantic Yards has is just one. replace them with affluent owners out on the street, the people who have been end the project’s years as the Prospect Heights,” said Gib One of the tenants’ law- brought us together.” “It’s inefficient for three white people, in violation of tenants claimed at a press here for decades.” famous Three Corners of Veconi, a member of Commu- yers said this type of half- But now that the three different district manag- federal civil rights law. conference inside Saint Ga- The buildings are lo- Brooklyn, where it is possible nity Board 8’s housing com- hearted upkeep is part of boards have gotten a taste ers to be managing one de- “His motivation is to get briel’s Episcopal Church on cated along Hawthorne and to stand in community boards mittee. “You need to respect Wasserman’s strategy. of the complex, none is ea- velopment site,” said Rob- people like me out,” said Al- Hawthorne Street on Tues- Brooklyn avenues near Win- 2, 6, and 8 at once. In pitching neighborhood boundaries.” “They do a sort of parody ger to part with it. The com- ert Perris, board 2’s district ston Pilgrim, a math profes- day. Since buying the place, gate Park and all the units the idea, which would sim- Aside from their advisory of repairs,” said Josephson. munity boards used to share manager, explaining that as sor at Medgar Evers College Wasserman has managed to are three-bedrooms. The plify who picks up the trash duties on land use issues, the Wasserman’s lawyer did boundaries with the local po- the 32-story B2 tower rises who has lived in his apartment drive out 20 tenants and has only new black tenant left and sweeps the streets at the appointed community boards not respond to requests for lice precincts, as is common and an additional 15 loom since 1980. “But I’ve been here replaced them almost exclu- the complex after Wasser- comment. planned 16-tower town cen- are also the conduit for resi- citywide, but the police de- in theory, the problem can tered around Flatbush and dents to communicate with partment changed precinct only worsen. “With each suc- Atlantic avenues, leadership city agencies about services lines in 2012 ahead of the cessive building it becomes from Fort Greene’s Commu- such as trash-pickup, street- Barclays Center’s grand open- more of an issue.” nity Board 2 insisted that the sweeping, and policing. The ing , giving Prospect Heights’ The city charter provides move was to make govern- three boards all weighed in 78th Precinct full responsibil- an opportunity to redraw the ment more efficient, not to during the early phases of ity for the arena, and Commu- lines every 10 years and the LOANS bogart the right to have a say the project, and they all get nity Board 2 is against follow- window is rapidly closing. over the project. preferential treatment when ing suit because to do so would Mayor DeBlasio would “This is not a land grab,” it comes to job training pro- be to lose its sway over the de- have to submit a proposal said board 2 chairwoman Shir- grams and affordable hous- velopment, McRae said. for changes to the districts ley McRae, who voted against ing tied to the plan. “The board members feel by May 1 and Perris and MADE the measure. “I don’t want this The process surrounding very passionately about the Hammerman both said the to be misinterpreted.” the city approval of the hot- promises that were made city is unlikely to make any The three boards’ bound- button complex, which Forest with Atlantic Yards,” said changes unless all three aries converge on Sixth Av- City once promised to have McRae after the meeting. boards agree. EASY were lucky, “home of the “Is this your first audi- & THAT’S THE TRUTH! brave,” each judge holding tion?” another judge asked. ANTHEM... up one hand to mark the point Well, duh. Continued from page 1 who was wheeling around of her or his disapproval. I hurried off the court with Before I knew what was the composure of an antelope nothing more American than a wooden hand-drum, and happening, it was my turn to that is about to be mauled. shopping at Marshall’s. a young girl who, in an om- show them what I had to offer, But not all the reviews inous turn, burst into tears Outside the Barclays Cen- which was nothing more than were so harsh. The tap dancer Truth in and backed out at the last min- Borrow ter, I found a line of would- a box of mints and some gos- in my group, who turned out $10,000 Lending be Celine Dions waiting for ute. We were led to a prac- sip about Long Island College to be a producer of the an- for as low as $300 per month their shot at the big time. I tice court inside the massive Hospital. I stepped up to the nual Fort Greene Jazz Festi- was certain that at least one arena and instructed to sit in mic stand, lyrics in hand, and val, said I could actually be MAIN OFFICE: or two of them would be even a line of plush chairs that of- only made it as far as “broad an in-demand entertainer — UÊ >Ê,>ÌiÃÊ ÜiÀÊ/ >Ê Ài`ÌÊ >À`Ê,>Ìià 1750 86th Street U Brooklyn, NY 11214 more abysmal vocalists than fered a front-and-center view stripes” when the judges be- with some practice. Phone: 718-680-2121 I, but after a few eagerly burst of our competition. gan waving for me to halt my “With some voice lessons, UÊÃÌ>iÌÊ >ÃÊ,>ÃiÊ9ÕÀÊ Ài`ÌÊ-VÀi into song for gathered televi- And it was as fierce as I screeching. They used both you could be smokin,’ ” com- UÊ««ÞÊ"i]Ê ÞÊ* i]ÊÀÊ-Ì«Ê sion reporters, I realized this had feared. From my seat, I hands and pulled no punches poser Eric Frazier said. BRANCH: was less talent show and more watched a steady procession when it came to assessing my I probably will not be belt- 1609 Avenue Z U Brooklyn, NY 11235 “American Idol.” Cue clammy of Brooklynites hit notes that chances at stage stardom. ing out the opening number Apply online at www.brfcu.org Phone: 718-934-6809 hands and those familiar mid- made me hang my head in “Try an easier song next at a Nets game anytime soon, dle-school butterflies. shame. The table of judges time — maybe ‘Mary Had but I might one day improve I was grouped in with five was less impressed, cutting a Little Lamb?’ ” said Petra enough to make it through Payments above are based on 8.95% annual percentage rate with automatic loan payments. Rates are based on credit other eager beavers — includ- off top operatic talents mid- Pope, marketing head for at least to “gallantly stream- worthiness. Other rates and terms available. Higher loan amounts available. Credit Union membership eligibility is required. ing a violinist, a tap dancer ”banners yet wave” or, if they the Nets. ing.” Watch out, world. Happy Easter SUNDAY, APRIL 20th SERVING PARK SLOPE SINCE 1986 #!+%3 s 0!342)%3 s 0)%3 s #//+)%3 Specialty Cakes by Madison Lee www.madisonleescakes.com www.CousinJohnsBakery.com Open 7 Days from 7am-10pm: Breakfast, Lunch & Sunday Brunch 3EVENTH !VENUE s "ROOKLYN (718) 622-7333 6 AWP The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 April 18–24, 2014 famed communist playwright Bertolt Brecht, was founded Clear Healthy Skin in 1975 by a group of Marx- Bertolt bereft ist civil rights and commu- nity activists, according to isn’t it time you call? the institution’s website. Boerum Hill leftist haven to disband The space was crucial for Medical Services we accept: people who wanted to talk GHI, HIP, 1199, AETNA, CIGNA, UNITED, OXFORD, By Megan Riesz as $9,000 a month, accord- The venue hosted the about the burning issues of HORIZON, HEALTHNET, MEDICARE, BLUE CROSS, The Brooklyn Paper ing to the executive direc- likes of prolific pamphle- our time, such as social jus- A leftist hub on Atlantic tor, but Brooklyn proved not teer Noam Chomsky and Oc- tice and socialism, accord- MAGNACARE, AMERICHOICE, ELDERPLAN Avenue will shutter due to to be the economic safe ha- cupy Wall Street protesters ing to Birkhold. Cosmetic Services Botox, Restylane, out-of-control debts and its ven the anti-capitalist rab- before the organization’s for- “What I will miss the most organizers are blaming gen- ble-rousers were struggling mer landlord sued the group is the ability to feel like I con- Juvederm, Radiesse, Sculptra, Laser Hair Removal, trification. to find. for back rent in February and tribute to a space in which Laser Tattoo Removal, Laser Vein Removal, Torn The Brecht Forum served “We too were hopeful the staff, which was already people can work through for our new beginning, but diminished from three full- Press Associated very important political Earlobe Repair, Keloid Surgery… as a gathering place for left- The Brecht Forum, it has become clear that in a time workers to one, realized questions,” he said. wing activists of all stripes named for radical Ger- Coolsculpting Trim Fat, No Needles, No Downtime for the past 39 years, but was rapidly gentrifying city, we the arc of history was bend- The outfit will cease to have been living on borrowed ing towards closure. man playwright Bertolt legally exist on May 8, but a new arrival in Boerum Hill, Brecht, pictured, will between Bond and Hoyt time, and that despite the “We just couldn’t make its spirit will live on, Birk- 254 Prospect Park West, Park Slope soon be closed. 136 West 17th Street, NYC streets, where it moved in strong support of our com- ends meet like so many other hold said. November to seek refuge munity, this configuration small organizations and The venue hosted a fare- from soaring rents in Man- of our project is un-sustain- small businesses through- or ideology disagreements — well discussion about what it Javier Zelaya, MD hattan’s Greenwich Village. able,” the venue’s board of out the city,” executive di- we just couldn’t deal with the could have done differently Verna Broughton, PA 718.832.3313 The venue’s rent across the directors wrote in an e-mail rector Matt Birkhold said. financial burdens.” and what is next on Wednes- East River rose to as much announcing the closure. “There were no intellectual The Forum, named after day, after press time. ft FIREWORKS... i ! EQUAL HOUSING g u LENDER Continued from page 1 ams and other pols around r o to Macy’s. the podium on the Brooklyn u y The pyrotechnic barges Heights Promenade. oour gift will be positioned along the As for New Jersey, the o river from below the Man- state across the harbor is tto you! hattan Bridge to alongside going to have to find its Brooklyn Bridge Park, or- own flashy, big-spending ganizers said. benefactor, state Sen. Dan- The announcement was iel Squadron (D–Brooklyn so momentous that it drew Heights) said. an appearance from former “The big loser today is Borough President Marty New Jersey,” Squadron said. Markowitz, who, newly “And I want to say to New employed as vice outer-bor- Jersey, we hope you have a ough tourism czar for the city, wonderful July Fourth.” joined current Beep Eric Ad- — with Matthew Perlman If you think it’s impossible to your home, DOGS... Continued from page 1 about 10 years ago. Fiore had Heights real estate agent and no idea that her four-legged big-time animal lover. “It was friend would be put down so beautiful to see an idea that when she gave the pet up THINK AGAIN! you create be implemented by and the adopt-athon helped everyone around you.” to alleviate her guilt. Twelve dogs and two fe- “This was my way of help- lines found new homes and ing to redeem myself to make some of the pooches paraded up it for it,” she said. “Really, Even if you were turned down before, you may now qualify down a red carpet and danced the message in that story is with their would-be owners, that every time you adopt, Fiore said. you save a life.” for the The pet coordinator orga- Fiore hopes to organize an- nized the event in memory other one of the events in Park of one of her dogs who was Slope next year called — you euthanized in a city shelter guessed it — Bark Slope. Contact Robert Peck - Mortgage Consultant at 212.850.4738 to learn more. NMLS#859221 BIKES... Continued from page 1 board would side against al- Copyright © 2014 Emigrant Mortgage Company, Incorporated - NMLS#1577 (Emigrant). All rights reserved. Emigrant Mortgage Company is a subsidiary of Emigrant Bank. Member FDIC. Emigrant is an Equal Opportunity Lender and an Equal Opportunity “We need to keep the park- ternative transportation and Employer. The information, products and services contained in this advertisement are believed to be correct but may include inaccuracies, typographical errors and/or omissions. Emigrant does not guarantee the accuracy of the data contained herein. This is not an offer or guarantee to extend consumer credit by Emigrant. Program guidelines, terms and/or conditions are subject to change by Emigrant without notice. All loans are subject to submission of a complete application, underwriting review and credit and property ing we have,” he said. neighborhood beautifica- approval by Emigrant. Not all products, and/or programs, or incentives are available in all states and/or localities and/or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. New York Mortgage Banker License*, New York State Department of Financial The businesses that ap- tion,” said Merritt. Services, One State Street, New York, New York, 10004 Emigrant is registered or licensed with the Banking Departments or Divisions in CT, DE, FL, MA, NH, NJ, NY* and PA./// 04/15/2014 *Mortgage Banker activities authorized pending issuance. plied for the corral said they The community board’s were baffled by the snub. vote is advisory and the city If the new loan is secured by your primary residence and the unpaid principal balance exceeds the property’s fair *Mortgagemarket value, Banker the interest activities on the authorized portion of pending the unpaid issuance. principal balance that is greater than the fair market value of your primary residence is not deductible for federal income tax purposes. You should consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the deductibility of interest and charges. “It is worrying and confus- can still proceed with the cor- ing to me that any community ral project if it wants to. Pre-Kindergarten: Opportunity Starts Now 4,200 New Full-Day Seats Added! All children born in 2010 who live in New York City are eligible for pre-kindergarten in public schools and community-based organizations starting in September 2014. CALL: 311 VISIT: schools.nyc.gov/prek Public school applications are due April 23, 2014. To apply to a community-based organization pre-k, please contact the program directly. PHOTOS: Imagine ELC @ Jamaica Kids, Queens / P.S. 63 Author’s Academy, Bronx Apply Now for Free Pre-K! nycschools nycschools INSIDE DINING | PERFORMING ARTS | NIGHTLIFE | BOOKS | CINEMA OPERA Robopera Bow down to your new robot opera-lords. On April 22, a Boerum Hill theater will play host to a one-act opera featuring a futuristic world chock-full of biomorphic androids who perform menial household duties and have sex on command. The produc- tion should inspire some laughs, said the show’s artistic director, but it is also deadly serious. “There are themes of sex and a lot of dirty jokes, but at the same time it’s looking at these deep issues of inner long- ing and what it means to be human,” said Amelia Lukas of the Ear Heart Music modern chamber music series, which is put- ting on the production along with American Mod- ern Ensemble and American Opera Projects. (718) 260–2500 April 18–24, 2014 Penned by composer Robert Paterson, “The The Brooklyn Paper’s essential guide to the Borough of Kings Companion” — which is only 35 minutes long — follows a corporate executive named Maya who is unhappy with Joe, a robot that is percep- tive and handsome but not emotionally available. Maya calls tech support worker Dax to upgrades Joe, but after a bout of flirting, Maya realizes it is the human Dax she wants after all. The opera is unique in that it is written al- most like a play and presents a sophisticated acting challenge to the singers, according to the stage director. “It changes constantly from moment to mo- For the record! ment and there’s a lot of subtle dynamics be- tween characters,” said Walker Lewis, who just returned from directing “The Threepenny Photographer captures vinyl collectors’ treasure troves Opera” in Texas. “It’s an amazing fusion of theater and opera at the same time.” By Max Jaeger And the arias do not stop with androids. An- The Brooklyn Paper other 30-minute opera exploring the human and nonhuman aspects of the Virgin Mary, “The ake this book for a spin. Wanton Sublime,” will precede the robotic re- A Carroll Gardens photog- vue. The biblical display has more of an ethe- T rapher is releasing a book of real and slightly neo-romantic music style to images that peer into the lives of it, according to Lukas, who wanted to pair the vinyl fetishists — the record-col- operas together out of sheer contrariety. lecting kind — and you can get “It is that contrast and dichotomy that I found your hands on an initial pressing really fascinating,” Lukas said. “The two operas during the book’s launch party at are actually extremely different, both in their Dumbo’s PowerHouse Arena on musical aesthetic and also in their content.” April 19. Photo by Laura Banish “The Wanton Sublime” and “The Compan- “Dust & Grooves: Adventures Press record: (Above) Car- ion” at Roulette [509 Atlantic Ave. between in Record Collecting” chronicles roll Gardens photographer Third Avenue and Nevins Street in Boerum 130 vinyl record collectors and Eilon Paz is releasing a book Hill, www.roulette.org, (212) 219–8242]. April their hoards, giving voyeuristic chronicling vinyl fanatics and 22 at 8 pm. $20 general, $15 members and vinyl fans an exciting glimpse into their massive collections. seniors. — Megan Riesz some really saucy stacks. (Pictured left) Brooklyn DJ “It’s like when you hear about Danny Akalepse blends two ‘food porn,’” said photographer covers from his nearly 20,000 and author Eilon Paz, referring to LP collection. He is one of 130 FILMS the practice of taking glamorized photos of food. “People get a kick vinyl collectors documented out of vicariously living through in “Dust & Grooves.” other people’s vinyl.” Paz dreamed up the project not ing the April 19 launch — which Found flicks long after moving from Israel to also happens to be Record Store In spite of all the shoulder pads, hair spray, Brooklyn during the depths of the Day. There will also be a book- and neon clothes, the 1980s were a bastion of Great Recession. signing, a raffle for limited-edi- earnestness. “There were just no jobs, so tion vinyl, and an after party — but That is the main point that comes across I found myself in record stores not before Paz, himself a collec- in the Found Footage Festival, a roving film killing time, and then the idea hit tor, drops the needle on one of Photo by Eilon Paz fest that collects unintentionally hilarious vid- me,” he said. his favorite LPs — Quincy Jones’ eos culled from base- “Dust & Grooves” started as a pet proj- “They’re nerdy, a bit anal, mostly men, “They don’t have this urge to show off,” “Walking In Space.” ments and dusty dis- ect — Paz would photograph a collector and most of them have cats,” he said. he said. “With the men, it’s almost like “I think it’s just a perfect album in so count bins across the and post shots to a blog — but soon vi- But expect a more varied view from they are showing me their trophies.” many aspects — it just fits any mood,” world, and puts them nyl fans were clamoring for encores. Af- “Dust & Grooves.” Paz deliberately sought But he has managed to amass a diverse Paz said. on the big screen. ter four years of shooting, Paz parlayed out people who didn’t fit that demographic collection of collectors for the book — “Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Re- “There was such a the project into a book. — though finding female record collec- young and old, men and women, the anal cord Collecting” launch at PowerHouse wide-eyed innocence There was no shortage of source material, tors who wanted to flaunt their stuff was and the unfastidious. Arena [37 Main St. near Water Street, and naivety back then,” but Paz said he found that the record-collect- like looking for a needle in a record stack, About 20 of the book’s subjects will be (718) 666–3049, www.powerhousearena. said Nick Prueher, co- ing set fit a pretty narrow stereotype. he said. spinning cuts from their collections dur- com]. April 19 at 4 pm. Free. founder of the festival. “People record them- Found Footage Festival selves now and there is much more control and self-awareness about it. They know it could be seen all over the world. We cannot go back to Record keepers those simpler times.” Brooklyn is spinning right round like a record, baby! Saturday April 19 is Re- This is the 10th anniversary of the fest, which cord Store Day — an annual event in which vinyl vendors across the country Prueher and his partner Joe Pickett founded after years spent amassing VHS tapes. sell limited edition releases, often accompanied by in-store events. The two started collecting the tapes when Not all local music merchants opt to become “official” vendors of the Re- they were bored teenagers living in a small cord Store Day exclusive titles, but many still use the opportunity to hold sales, town in Wisconsin. Prueher and Pickett would shows, and other festivities. Here is a guide to the borough record retailers dive through thrift-store troves and then in- that will be doing something special on the day. vite friends over to watch the strange finds. The pair soon realized there was a big audi- ence out there for vintage videos. store will not be selling official Record Store “It was revelatory that people found this Rough Trade Day releases, but it promises discounts on stuff as funny as we did,” said Prueher. The Williamsburg indie-music megamart all inventory in the store. Today, the pair has accrued a collection of is going all out for its first Record Store Day, [168 Johnson Ave. near Graham Avenue more than 6,000 VHS tapes. Of course, they with a whopping 13 bands and DJs playing in- in Williamsburg, (347) 987–3362, www.hu- transfer the tapes to digital video before they store throughout the day. The eclectic lineup manheadnyc.com]. travel the world with them. includes British duo the Rails, former Mir- Some of their favorite clips from their col- acle Legion front-man Mark Mulcahy, and Academy Records Annex lection include a middle-aged woman leading a DJ set from former Cocteau Twins bass- Academy’s Greenpoint outlet will be sell- a face-workout, a 1997 instructional video on ist Simon Raymonde. ing Record Store Day releases and hosting Associated Press / Richard Drew cybersex, and a roundtable on whelping. a performance by singer-songwriter Steve [64 N. Ninth St. between Kent and Wythe Turn the beat around: Sort through stacks of special release and on-sale re- “They say things like ‘by now you should Gunn (formerly of Kurt Vile and the Vio- avenues in Williamsburg, (718) 388–4111, cords at your local vinyl emporium on April 19. know that your b---- is pregnant’ and ‘shave lators). www.roughtradenyc.com]. your b---- down’ all with a straight face,” said [85 Oak St. at Franklin Street in Green- Prueher. “Our show really has not matured at Human Head Records cord Store Day limited release in stock. ist is not stocking any of the official Record point, (718) 218–8200, www.academy-lps. all in the past 10 years.” The prize for the most inventive Record com]. [181 Franklin St. between Greenwich and Store Day releases, but has stockpiled around Store Day celebration goes to Williamsburg Hudson streets in Greenpoint, (718) 383– 1,000 rare records, which it will be unleash- Found Footage Festival at the BAM Rose Cinemas [30 Lafayette Ave. between vinyl emporium Human Head. The store will Permanent Records 4083, www.permanentrecords.info]. ing on the day. Ashland Place and St. Felix Street in Fort be hosting a record-cutting expert, who will This friendly Greenpoint neighborhood re- [184 Noll St. between Flushing and Wil- Greene, (718) 636–4100, www.bam.org]. burn any song you bring in — on CD or mp3 cord retailer will open early at 10 am to pack Heaven Street son avenues in Bushwick, (718) 381–5703]. — onto a 7-inch vinyl while you wait. The in more buying time, and will have every Re- This Bushwick metal and hardcore special- See VINYL on page 10 April 25 at 7:30 pm. $10 members, $15 non- members. — Danielle Furfaro GASTROPUB RERUN THEATER Don’t miss a Bar Scrawl. Find them all at BrooklynPaper.com FOLLOW OUR DAILY UPDATES ON SAVE TIME! Buy Tickets Online AutoShowNY.com Tickets are just $15, children $5 WWW. Save on discount rail and show packages with LIRR and Metro-North at mta.info RERUNTHEATER.COM RECORDED INFO: 800-282-3336 twitter.com/Brooklyn_Paper For security purposes, bags may be checked. An activity of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association. 8 AWP The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 April 18–24, 2014 WHERE TO EDITORS’ PICKS FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY April 18 April 19 April 20 April 23 April 24 The Wei Parton back glance Ai Weiwei is back in Celebrate Secretary’s Brooklyn — sort of. Day (which is appar- The famed Chinese ently a real thing that artist and dissident, exists) at Nitehawk’s who lived in Wil- screening of the 1980 Swede liamsburg in the film “9 to 5,” in which dreams ’80s, is not allowed Dolly Parton, Lily Tom- The Ultima Oslo to leave China, but Folk off lin, and Jane Fonda Contemporary Hoop his work will be at Gather up your kin and play, yep, secretaries. Music Festival is the head down to the dreamers the Brooklyn Before the movie, largest contempo- Museum for his lat- Brooklyn Folk Festival, there will be a perfor- rary music festival in The best high-school est exhibition “Ai taking place at the Bell mance by “Brooklyn’s the Nordic region — basketballers in New House April 18–20. Weiwei: According premiere Dolly Parton and now it is the York, the nation, and This final day of folky to What?” tribute band,” Doll largest contempo- the world bounce festivities will include Parts, plus compli- Noon at Brooklyn rary Nordic music into the Barclays performances from mentary martinis. Museum [200 Eastern festival in Brooklyn! Center for the Jor- Parkway between Jerron “Blindboy” 7 pm at Nitehawk Washington and Flatbush Top musicians and dan Brand Classic. Paxton, Hubby Jen- Cinema [136 avenues in Prospect composers from The international kins, and the Whiskey Metropolitan Ave. near Heights, (718) 638–5000, Berry Street in Scandinavia, Iceland, game will take place www.brooklynmuseum. Spitters, plus a square Williamsburg, (718) 384– and Finland will play at 2:30 pm, followed org]. $15. dance, a Pete Seeger 3980, www.nitehawkcine- at the Issue Project by the New York sing-a-long tribute, ma.com]. $16. regional game at and of course, the fes- Room April 23–26 4:30 pm, then the tival’s famous banjo for the first Ultima main event at 7 pm. tossing competition. Festival New York. 2:30 pm at Barclays 1 pm at the Bell House 8 pm at Issue Project Center [620 Atlantic Ave. [149 Seventh St. between Room [22 Boerum Pl. at at Flatbush Avenue in Second and Third ave- Livingston Street in Prospect Heights, (917) nues in Gowanus, (718) Downtown, (718) 330– 618– 6100, www.barclay- 643–6510, www.brooklyn- 0313, www.issueproject- scenter.com]. $10–$85. folkfest.com]. $15–$30. room.org]. $15. NINE DAYS IN BROOKLYN FRI, APRIL 18 “F--- WINTER” VINTAGE POP-UP: Shed the winter blues with new/old spring and summer vintage duds. Free. 10 am–7 pm. Film Biz Recy- cling (540 President St. between Find lots more listings online at Third and Fourth avenues in Gow- BrooklynPaper.com/Events anus), www.cncpopupshop.com. ART, “AI WEIWEI — ACCORDING Ave. between Stafford and E. 10th TO WHAT?”: Works from the pro- Street in Kensington, (718) 469– vocative Chinese conceptual artist, 0140], facebook.com/litatlark. fi lmmaker, and activist. $12 (sug- gested). 11 am–6 pm. Brooklyn Mu- TALK, “AFTER THE FALL: History, seum [200 Eastern Pkwy. at Wash- Anatomy and The Sublime”: Visiting ington Avenue in Prospect Heights, scholar Dr. Richard Barnett leads (718) 638–5000], www.brooklynmu- four-part reading and discussion seum.org. examining corporeal history and man’s relationship with death. $60. ART, JENNI NG SOLO SHOW: New 6:45 pm. Morbid Anatomy Museum work by local artist raised in Manila, (543 Union St. at Nevins Street in Philippines. Free. Noon–6 pm. Gowanus), www.morbidanatomy- Ouchi Gallery [170 Tillary St. #105 museum.org. at Gold Street in Downtown, (347) 987–4606], www.ouchigallery.com. ART, “100 WORKS ON PAPER”: See TUES, APRIL 22 work from more than 100 artists who have donated work in sup- MUSIC, DARLING CZAR, KARMA port of Kentler Gallery’s annual DARWIN, LUX DELUXE: $8–$10. benefi t. Free. Noon–5 pm. Kentler 7:30 pm. Rock Shop [249 Fourth International Drawing Space [353 Associated Press / Rick Bowmer Ave. between Carroll and President Van Brunt St. between Wolcott and Here comes your man: Black Francis, AKA Frank Black, AKA the streets in Park Slope, (718) 230– Dikeman streets in Red Hook, (718) 5740], www.therockshopny.com. 875–2098], www.kentlergallery.org. lead singer of the Pixies, will be at PowerHouse Arena on April 25 COMEDY, “THE FANCY SHOW”: ART, “DRESSED IN LIGHT”: Peter Le to celebrate the release of his new novel, “The Good Inn.” Producers Michael Joyce, Langston Grand’s infrared nude photographs Kerman, Lane Pieschel, Simmons shot over the course of more than McDavid and Jenny Zigrino share two decades. Free. 1–6 pm. Arma- B-SIDES, R.A.T.M. TRIBUTE: $8. 8 between Glenwood and Farragut the stage with local talent. Free. ture Art Space [316 Weirfi eld St. be- pm. Trash Bar [256 Grand St. at Dri- roads in Flatbush), www.koolpure- 8 pm. Bar Reis [375 Fifth Ave. be- tween Irving and Knickerbocker av- ggs Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) white.eventbrite.com. tween 5th and 6th streets in Park enues in Bushwick, (646) 926–2764], 599–1000], www.thetrashbar.com. MUSIC, ANACORTES: Proceeds from Slope, (718) 974–2412]. armatureartspace.org. MUSIC, THE THIGH-HIGHS, BIPOLAR performance and April album sales MUSIC, “THE WAY YA LIKE” OPEN @bkindiemedia THEATER, “RED VELVET”: In London EXPLORER, THE DENIALS: $8. 8 benefi t Lustgarten Foundation’s MIC: Local bands, musicians, art- in 1833, a black American breaks pm. Rock Shop [249 Fourth Ave. be- cancer research. Free. 10 pm. Tea ists, and poets ply their craft on an precedent and plays Othello when tween Carroll and President streets Lounge [837 Union St. at Seventh open stage. Free. 8 pm. Goodbye another actor cannot perform. $45- in Park Slope, (718) 230–5740], www. Avenue in Park Slope, (718) 789– Blue Monday [1087 Broadway, 55. 8 pm. St. Ann’s Warehouse [29 therockshopny.com. 2762], www.tealoungeny.com. between Lawton and Dodworth Jay St. between John and Plymouth THEATER, “HAMLET — THE BACK- streets in Bedford-Stuyvesant, (718) streets in Dumbo, (718) 254–8779], YARD BROOKLYN EXPERIENCE”: 453–6343], www.myspace.com/ www.stannswarehouse.org. The Gross Masons perform the SUN, APRIL 20 goodbyebluemondayinc. THEATER, “THE TOWER”: A histori- Shakespeare classic in a back- TALK, SECRET SCIENCE CLUB: Ste- MUSIC, THERMITE, COUCHES, ven Pinker: Psychologist Steven cal, psychedelic look at the Donner yard in Brooklyn, with compli- LAW$UITS: $8–$10. 7:30 pm. Rock Party, snowbound pioneers who re- Pinker explores war and peace, mentary wine. $10. 8 pm. (983 Shop [249 Fourth Ave. between sorted to cannibalism to survive the violence, and the better angels of Hancock Street, Apt. #1 between Carroll and President streets in winter of 1846-47. $15. 8 pm. Stan- Broadway and Bushwick Avenue our nature. Free. 8 pm. Bell House dard ToyKraft (722 Metropolitan Park Slope, (718) 230–5740], www. [149 Seventh St. at Third Avenue in in Bushwick), www.facebook.com/ therockshopny.com. Ave., near Graham Avenue in Wil- events/615268021885529. Gowanus, (718) 643–6510], www. MUSIC, BOYS, GHOST MOUSE, THE liamsburg), standardtoykraft.org. MUSIC, BAMCAFE: Oscar Penas: thebellhouseny.com. THEATER, BROWN GIRLS BUR- BLEED, HOT TOTTIE: $7. 8 pm. MUSIC, MODERN RIVALS (ALBUM Free. 9 pm. Brooklyn Academy of Trash Bar [256 Grand St. at Driggs LESQUE: Multimedia theatrical Music [30 Lafayette Ave. between RELEASE PARTY), PRETTY & spectacle based on reality TV. Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 599– NICE, CULTFEVER, DENTIST: $10. Ashland Place and St. Felix Street 1000], www.thetrashbar.com. $20–$25. 8 pm. Kumble Theater at in Fort Greene, (718) 636–4100], 8:30 pm. Glasslands (289 Kent Ave. Long Island University [DeKalb and www.bam.org. THEATER, “VAVA VARIETY SHOW”: at S. Second Street in Williams- Music, burlesque, circus perform- burg), www.glasslands.com. Flatbush avenues in Downtown, MUSIC, “LAZERPOP:” Mustard Pimp, (718) 488–1624], www.brooklyn.liu. ers, spoken word, writers and Run DMT, Cobra Krames: $12–$15. other eclectic artists both local and edu/kumbletheater. 11:30 pm. Glasslands (289 Kent Ave. MUSIC, BROOKLYN FOLK FEST: nation. $7. 9 pm. Goodbye Blue WED, APRIL 23 at S. Second Street in Williams- Monday [1087 Broadway, between Weekend festival of old-time rev- burg), www.glasslands.com. READING, DANIEL ALARCON: The elry; day and evening concerts; Lawton and Dodworth streets in %!"% Bedford-Stuyvesant, (718) 453– author talks with Deborah Treisman highlights include R. Crumb as part of the series “Eat, Drink and with the East River String Band, 6343], www.myspace.com/good- SAT, APRIL 19 byebluemondayinc. Be Literary.” The evening includes Hubby Jenkins and Dom Flemons. dinner and wine. $55. 6:30 pm. $15_$75. 8:00pm. Bell House [149 MUSIC, BAMCAFE: Trio Feral: Free. 9 FOOD TRUCK RALLY: Sample treats Brooklyn Academy of Music [30 ! Seventh St. at Third Avenue in Gow- pm. Brooklyn Academy of Music [30 from New York’s best food trucks. Lafayette Ave. between Ashland anus, (718) 643–6510], www.thebell- Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Free. 11 am–5 pm. Grand Army Place and St. Felix Street in Fort houseny.com. Place and St. Felix Street in Fort Plaza (Union Street between Flat- Greene, (718) 636–4100], www. MUSIC, MA, THE WET DARLINGS, Greene, (718) 636–4100], www. bush Avenue and Prospect Park bam.org. LONG KILL, VAMANOS: $8–$10. bam.org. West in Park Slope). READING, DEE WILLIAMS: Author of % $ 7:30 pm. Rock Shop [249 Fourth MUSIC, “ALL WHITE BALL”: Wear READING, LIT AT LARK: Hear fi ction “The Big Tiny,” in conversation with Ave. between Carroll and President white; drink and dance to music and nonfi ction by award-winning, the New Yorker’s Alec Wilkinson. streets in Park Slope, (718) 230– from Dr. Wax, Sound4Life, Pantrin best-selling, and up-and-coming Free. 7 pm. PowerHouse Arena [37 5740], www.therockshopny.com. Vybez, Platinum. $20. 10 pm–4 am. writers during this monthly series. MUSIC, DARK SISTER, NIRVANA Crystal Manor (1460 Flatbush Ave. Free. 5 pm. Lark Cafe [1007 Church See 9 DAYS on page 10 ! #" " Your Neighborhood — Your News ® Published weekly at Online at www.BrooklynPaper.com 1 Metrotech Center North, Suite 1001, Brooklyn NY 11201 (718) 260–2500 PUBLISHER ADVERTISING STAFF The Brooklyn Paper incorporates the following newspapers: (718) 260–4503 Renewable energy sources reduce our Celia Weintrob DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES Brooklyn Heights Paper, Downtown News, Jay Pelc (718) 260–2570 dependence on fossil fuels. EDITORIAL STAFF Andrew Mark (718) 260–2578 Park Slope Paper, Sunset Park Paper, Windsor Terrace Paper, Waste Management is a renewable energy provider, EDITOR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES Carroll Gardens–Cobble Hill Paper, Vince DiMiceli (718) 260–4508 Michael Filippi (718) 260–4501 Fort Greene–Clinton Hill Paper, producing more than twice the amount of renewable DEPUTY EDITOR OFFICE MANAGER electricity than the entire US solar industry. Nathan Tempey (718) 260–4504 Lisa Malwitz (718) 260–2594 Bay Ridge Paper, Bensonhurst Paper, By 2020, we expect to double that output, creating ARTS EDITOR PRODUCTION STAFF Bushwick Paper, Greenpoint Paper, Williamsburg Paper Ruth Brown (718) 260–8309 enough power for more than two million homes, ART DIRECTOR STAFF REPORTERS Leah Mitch (718) 260–4510 through advanced technologies that convert waste to Danielle Furfaro (718) 260–2511 © Copyright 2014 Courier Life, Inc. All Rights Reserved. WEB DESIGNER Matthew Perlman (718) 260–8310 Unsolicited submissions become the property of Courier Life, Inc. and clean, green energy. Sylvan Migdal (718) 260–4509 Megan Riesz (718) 260–4504 may be used, copied, sublicensed, adapted, transmitted, distributed, PRODUCTION ARTIST publicly performed, published, displayed or deleted as Courier Life, Inc. Earl Ferrer (718) 260–2528 sees fi t. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Courier Life, Inc. will not give any compensation, credit or notice of its use of unsolicited submissions. PUBLISHER EMERITUS Ed Weintrob HOW TO E-mail news and arts releases to [email protected] Listed: E-mail calendar listings to [email protected] CONTACT E-mail nightlife listings to [email protected] ©2013 Waste Management, Inc. THE PAPER To e-mail a staff member, use first initial last name @cnglocal.com April 18–24, 2014 The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 AWP 9 folks, with other books that I totally respect,” said Sarah Zorn, a former Brooklyn Paper scribe and author of “The Brooklyn Chef’s Table.” Other Brooklyn competitors in- clude food photographer Noah Fecks, Food (book) fi ght! Food Network regular Ben Sargent, Rawia Bishara from Bay Ridge’s Tan- oreen, and butcher Tom Mylan from the Meat Hook in Williamsburg. Cookbook authors face off live on stage Mylan said he is confident his book, “The Meat Hook Meat Book,” By Sarah Iannone has the right ingredients to be a crowd for The Brooklyn Paper pleaser. “It’s a pretty diverse lot I’m com- battle of words is cooking in peting against so I think everyone Brooklyn. will have their advantages and dis- A On April 26, the annual Food advantages, but I’m pretty confident Book Fair will turn a book reading in my writing in the book,” he said. into a heated competition with its “It’s fun, conversational, and full of first “Food Book Slam” — in which explicatives.” 10 cookbook authors will try to win Zorn said she plans on keeping over a live audience with the best on- things above the belt with her fel- stage readings of their own comes- low Brooklynites. tible-centric publications. “I make my career talking about “It’s a legitimate competition, but amazing Brooklyn-based restau- it’s all in fun — hopefully,” said Kim- rants and food folks, so I have total berly Wetherell, who is co-organiz- respect for people like Tom Mylan ing the event with David Gutowski, and Rawia Bishara,” she said. with whom she also runs the food-fo- But the organizers are hoping the cused “Dish” reading series at Hous- contestants will all put up a good ing Works in Manhattan. fight. To encourage some healthy Each of the culinary authors will competition, they are encouraging have five minutes to read the most the authors to win over the audience succulent part of their book — which by almost any means necessary. can be a juicy recipe, a poignant story “Costumes, T-shirt cannons, play- about a dish, or even just reciting ing with the audience — we’re tell- the blurb, explained Wetherell. The ing the authors that everything is winner will be determined by the fair game,” said Wetherell. “They amount of applause their monologue can really pull out all the stops and receives from the audience. make it a lot of fun.” One competitor said she is already “Food Book Slam” at the Wythe pumped up for the foodie feud, which Hotel [80 Wythe Ave. between N. will take place at the Wythe Hotel Photo by Stefano Giovannini 11th and N. 12 streets in Williams- in Williamsburg. The knives are out: Tom Mylan, butcher and author of “The burg, (718) 460–8000, www.food- “I’m so excited to be doing some- Meat Hook Meat Book,” is ready to do battle (with his words) at bookfair.com]. April 26 at 10 am. thing with other writers and food the “Food Book Slam” on April 26. $25. siege, but most of the writing could be generously described as workmanlike. The collec- tive behind “Altai” clearly ap- A novel with great novelty preciates the art of the airport potboiler, but whether they indulge in its tropes wink- Dumbo-published book has mystery authors ingly or because they find it an effective literary mode, ner workings make him the Jews) might play in a world readers with snootier sensi- valuable to his former defined by empires. Along the bilities may not be amused 'FCSVBSZ patron’s enemies, and way, De Zante learns to accept by frequent patches of ma- )PVTFT he eventually ends up and then embrace his own cho bramble — terse declar- By Jules Bentley in an odd corner of the previously renounced Jew- atory sentences and showers Ottoman Empire, aid- ishness, a straight-forward of fragmentary noun phrase his historical thriller of- ing a man with a Mo- interior journey in contrast meant to drive home the im- fers an intriguing look ses complex who wants to to his dizzying geographi- port of a situation or event. T at some fresh fictional seize Cypress and make it a cal movements. As de Zante eavesdrops on possibilities. new Jewish homeland. “Altai” also differs from the 100th turbaned conspirator “Altai,” published by The novel’s short, punchy most thrillers in that our sharing a strategic secret with Brooklyn. Dumbo’s Verso Books, is chapters conclude with cliff- protagonist is a watcher, the 101st, readers had better written not by a single au- hangers. Its episodic shape a listener, and a loyal ser- enjoy the texture and tenor of Enhance your culture. thor but by an anonymous and helter-skelter, scaven- vant, not someone who the book rather than trying Improve your bottom line. collective using a method ger-hunt nature are similar to tends to take action on his to keep straight every name, they compare to jazz im- Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci own behalf. Whether as place, and political allegiance. provisation. Code.” Outlandish characters prisoner, refugee or emis- Soon enough, de Zante will As “Altai” opens, a 16-cen- with unnecessary backstories sary, de Zante is very of- be whisked away to another Move your business tury spy catcher named pop up, proffering a bridge to ten shuttled around at the exotic locale, enmeshed in a to DUMBO, Brooklyn. Emanuele de Zante finds whatever or wherever’s next, day” — templates of thriller- whims of more powerful men. fresh conspiracy. Find out how by visiting, himself on the wrong side and there is no time to breathe dom from which “Altai” dif- He is frequently a witness, “February Houses” spot- TwoTreesNY.com of his trade, framed by his or question coincidence. fers mostly in its absence of rarely a participant shaping lights recent or noteworthy Venetian masters for a crime It is a form at least as old racism and its liberatory politi- the outcome of events. literature from Brooklyn he didn’t commit and pur- as Buchan’s “The Thirty-Nine cal underpinnings. It is in part There are very good pas- publishers. To send books Two Trees Management Co, LLC 45 Main Street, Suite 602, DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY 11201 sued across continents. His Steps” or G.K. 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It will also be selling the Earwax Records special releases. VINYL... Williamsburg’s stalwart [57 Pearl St. at Water vinyl slingers will be sell- Street in Dumbo, (718) 260– Continued from page 7 ing Record Store Day re- 9299, www.halcyontheshop. leases. com]. Landscape art-itecture Record Grouch [167 N. Ninth St. be- There is no reason to be tween Bedford and Driggs Black Gold grouchy at this Greenpoint avenues in Williamsburg, This cosy Carroll Gardens Street artist builds giant tree inside museum store, which is not an official (718) 486–3771, www.ear- coffee, antique, and record Record Store Day retailer, waxrecords.net]. store will be selling the lim- By Matthew Perlman Biennale — stopping to perform but will be selling some of ited edition releases, plus put- The Brooklyn Paper music and puppetry acts for on- the special releases none- Halcyon ting some of its regular stock lookers on land. The new show theless. Dumbo vinyl store Hal- on sale and unveiling new woon has sailed in to the Brook- gives people a closer look at the [986 Manhattan Ave. cyon is celebrating the day arrivals. lyn Museum. unwieldy ships. between Huron and India with live DJ sets from Sap- [461 Court St. near Lu- S A major new exhibition from “When we pulled them out of streets in Greenpoint, (718) phire Mansions, DJ Dome- quer Street, (347) 227–8227, Brooklyn artist Swoon has trans- the water, they were such mon- 389–0122, www.recordg- wrecka, Roman Lindau, and www.blackgoldbrooklyn. formed the rotunda of the Brook- strosities,” Swoon said. “I thought rouch.com]. Anthony Collins from noon–8 com]. lyn Museum into a fanciful land- it would be good if people could scape with a giant aluminum tree, spend some time with them. And boats made from salvaged refuse, be close to them.” and a gazebo that acts like a kind of The boats, like much of Swoon’s By Bill Roundy temple. The artist said she wanted work, are a commentary on climate BAR SCRAWL to go big for her borough. change issues. And the exhibition’s “This place is my home,” said name conjures the loss of homelands Swoon, whose real name is Caledo- that can be caused by environmen- nia Curry. “I poured all of my own tal devastation. energy and resources into this. And “I was looking at the vulnerabil- I think we were really able to pull ity of motherlands,” she said. “And something together here, we haven’t looking at cultures that were de- been able to anywhere else.” stroyed because of their land be- The centerpiece of “Swoon: ing lost.” Submerged Motherlands,” which Swoon, who studied at the Pratt opened on April 11 and runs Institute and has lived in Brooklyn through August 24, is an enormous since the late 1990s, keeps her street- aluminum tree sculpture, strewn art roots close at hand — even inside with hand-dyed fabric and cut pa- the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibi- per. The whimsical arbor nearly tion includes a number of the intri- reaches the top of the domed ceil- cate wheat-pasting prints for which ing, and weighs so much installers she first became known. had some trouble hoisting it up. The artist said she enjoys working But the curator said it was worth on both types of platforms. the work. “A museum is a protected envi- “The tree really fills the space,” ronment in which you get to create said Sharon Matt Atkins, managing your own world,” she said. “Out- curator at the Brooklyn Museum. side, I get to make these fleeting in- “It uses the height of the rotunda in terventions. For me, these are both a way I’ve never seen.” spokes on a wheel.” Another big part of the show “Swoon: Submerged Mother- are the boats Swoon designed for a lands” at the Brooklyn Museum previous project, “The Swimming [200 Eastern Parkway, between Cities of Serenissima.” Made from Washington and Flatbush avenues salvaged materials, Swoon and a Photo by Stefano Giovannini in Prospect Heights, (718) 638– crew sailed the hodgepodge ves- Swooning: Swoon’s new installation at the Brooklyn Museum 5000, www.brooklynmuseum.org]. sels into Venice during the 2009 has tranformed the rotunda into a fanciful landscape. April 11–Aug. 24. Free. of “S--- Rough Drafts,” hosted by $15–$25 (children and seniors $12– tanic Garden. 2014 events focus on “Alice in Tumblr-land” creator Tim $15). 8 pm. Billie Holiday Theatre Japanese fashion with kimono run- Manley. Free. 7 pm. PowerHouse [1368 Fulton St. between Marcy way shows. $25 (Free with garden 9 DAYS... Arena [37 Main St. at Water Street and Brooklyn avenues in Bedford- admission). 10 am–6 pm. Brooklyn in Dumbo, (718) 666–3049], www. Stuyvesant, (718) 636–0918], www. Botanic Garden [1000 Washington Continued from page 8 powerhousearena.com. thebillieholiday.org. Ave., at Eastern Parkway in Crown Main St. at Water Street in Dumbo, READING, “HOW TO BUILD A THEATER, “THE BRINK OF US”: Heights, (718) 623–7220], www. (718) 666–3049], www.powerhou- FIRE”: Prominent community Friends take a weekend getaway; bbg.org. searena.com. members share true tales in this a dark secret binds them together, ART, FIREWORKS — “A BUTTER- MUSIC, “THE BELLS KEEP RING- monthly series curated by poet Ter- but a revelation threatens to tear FLY FOR BROOKLYN”: Twenty- ING”: An evening of music and ence Degnan. Free. 7:30–10 pm. them apart. World premiere. $20 minute pyrotechnic performance spoken word celebrating the life Open Source Gallery [306 17th St. ($18 students). 8 pm. South Oxford piece in Prospect Park by artist and music of Lou Reed. Free. 8 pm. between Fifth and Sixth avenues Space [138 South Oxford St. near Judy Chicago. Free. 7:30 pm. Long 61 Local [61 Bergen St. between in South Slope, (646) 279–3969], Hanson Place in Fort Greene, (800) Meadow, Prospect Park (Enter Boerum Place and Smith Street open-source-gallery.org/how-to- 836–3006], brinkofus.brownpaper- at Grand Army Plaza in Prospect in Boerum Hill, (718) 875–1150], build-a-fi re. tickets.com. Park). www.61local.com. MUSIC, 6TH ANNUAL NYC BUSKER READING, BLACK FRANCIS AND THEATER, “RENT”: Performed by the BALL: Take in the best subway JOSH FRANK: Pixies frontman Gallery Players. $18 ($14 children talent. $10 (suggested). 7:30 pm. Black Francis and co-author Josh under 12, seniors). 2 pm, 8 pm. Gal- THURS, APRIL 24 Spike Hill Tavern [184 Bedford Frank celebrate their new novel, lery Players [199 14th St., between Ave. at N. Seventh Street in Wil- “The Good Inn.” $10. 8 pm. Power- Fourth and Fifth avenues in Park TALK, “BROOKLYN STREET ART”: liamsburg, (718) 218–9737], www. House Arena [37 Main St. at Water Slope, (212) 352–3101], galleryplay- Multimedia conversation exploring spikehill.com. Street in Dumbo, (718) 666–3049], ers.com. the evolution of street art stories www.powerhousearena.com. BROOKLYN ZINE FEST: Featuring as told by graffi ti writers to today’s 150 writers, artists, and publishers artists. $12 (members free). 7 pm. FRI, APRIL 25 from the fi ve boroughs and be- Brooklyn Museum [200 Eastern SAT, APRIL 26 yond. Free. 11 am–6 pm. Brooklyn Pkwy. at Washington Avenue in THEATER, “THE SEEDS OF ABRA- Happy Fun Hideaway [1211 Myrtle Ave. between Bushwick and Willoughby HAM: Part Two of the Prophet’s SAKURA MATSURI CHERRY BLOS- Historical Society [128 Pierrepont Prospect Heights, (718) 638–5000], St. at Clinton Street in Brooklyn avenues in Bushwick. No phone. www.facebook.com/HappyfunHideaway]. www.brooklynmuseum.org. Cycle”: Family drama for teens SOM FESTIVAL: Celebration of and up, written by Angelica Cheri. Japanese culture at Brooklyn Bo- Heights, (718) 222–4111], brooklyn- Open daily, 4 pm–4 am. READING, PAUL LAUDIERO: Author zinefest.com. BUSINESS, BROOKLYN STYLE – ADVERTISEMENT Istanbul Park sets itself apart from the rest with delicious Turkish fare 9P:8D@CC<JG burg, Bushwick, and Green- point offering free books — to have and to borrow — to The people’s choices poor kids. The group needs an additional $27,000 to fin- ish decking out the bus and Latest picks for participatory budget another $100,000 to operate it for a year. But the first wind- By Danielle Furfaro fall is much appreciated, a The Brooklyn Paper group rep said. A bookmobile, a play- “We’re incredibly grate- ground overhaul, and a ful that North Brooklyn resi- dirty-bathroom clean-up dents recognized the impor- are top priority city proj- tance of fostering literacy in ects, according to residents our community,” said Greg of neighborhoods from Gow- Hanlon, spokesman for the anus to Greenpoint who put advocacy group. their heads together to de- Other winners included cide how $1 million of public a handful of playgrounds money should be spent. in public housing develop- More than 2,000 voters ments, the Gowanus Houses’ turned out from March 30 community center, and the to April 6 for the so-called bathrooms at PS 261 in “participatory budgeting” St. Nicks Alliance Boerum Hill, where many process to choose pet projects Saint Nicks Alliance wants to build a bookmobile toilets currently do not flush, for the 33rd Council district, that looks like this. many stalls will not lock, and which encompasses Brook- there are no soap and towel lyn Heights, Greenpoint, “The playground has been planks are splintery, the paint dispensers, according to the and parts of Williamsburg, debilitated in recent years and is chipping, and the benches New York Post. Park Slope, and Boerum kids are getting injured,” said are in rough shape, a park The schoolhouse’s royal Hill. Fixing the dilapidated Mike Schade, a member of regular said. flush harkens back to the playground in Greenpoint’s the McGolrick Park Neigh- Affordable housing 2013 citizen pick of Car- McGolrick Park got the sup- borhood Alliance. “We are group Saint Nick’s Alli- roll Gradens’ PS 51, where port of neighbors to the tune so grateful that we will be ances scored $198,000 for nasty lavatories got a high- of $450,000 — and to the de- able to fix it up.” its Booklyn Shuttle, which tech upgrade in the neigh- light of area activists. The playground’s wooden will drive around Williams- boring 39th District. tered or that drivers are prop- lobbied to get a shot at the erly licensed, according to a 6,000 livery-cab street hail VANS... Taxi and Limousine Com- permits the city sold off for Continued from page 1 ficer Brian Laffey. mission rep. $1,500 each starting in 2012. politan Transportation Au- Slopers and Prospect Van drivers playing by the All but 10 of the permits have thority’s spotty service. Heights residents complain rules, which would techni- been sold, according to city “The MTA is not always that the vans often block traf- cally include only picking up records . The illegal-but-long- reliable,” said Cheryl Sealey, fic near bus stops to pick up passengers who call ahead for tolerated vans are so ingrained a Flatbush resident. “Folks and drop off passengers, ac- rides, have nothing to fear, into Brooklynites’ transit hab- Celebrating Brooklyn use them as regular trans- cording to Laffey. The 78th the spokesman said. The its that the city recruited dol- portation not because they’re Precinct is still pouncing city offers licenses for pas- lar-van hacks to pick up pe- cheaper or anything, but to on scofflaw private-shuttle senger-van drivers and op- destrians along terminated bus cut the time people have to drivers and handing them erators which are contingent routes in 2010, but the plan with an exclusive limited time offer wait at bus stations to get to over to the Taxi and Lim- on thrice-yearly van inspec- fell apart when too few people work on time.” ousine Commission, which tions, rider insurance, and used the vans, officials said. But cops’ take is that the will seize the vehicles and drug tests and background The buggies also plied the lead-footed drivers piloting charge owners $1,500 to get checks for drivers. roads in the immediate after- un-permitted passenger vans them back, Laffey said. Dollar van drivers and com- math of the Sept. 11 attacks and and illegally picking up street Dollar vans are rolling li- pany owners unsuccessfully hurricanes Irene and Sandy. hails pose a hazard to every- abilities because they often % one else on the road. do not have adequate insur- “We want to send a mes- ance, and there are no guar- sage that they’re not safe,” antees that the vans have been APY said community affairs of- properly inspected and regis- PARKS... 1.25 Continued from page 1 makes it clear that they were Affordable Family Dentistry year after it gets installed this afterthoughts. 24 MONTH CD fall. The city’s Department “The shapes are dictated in modern pleasant surroundings of Small Business Services by the way the streets are State of the Art Sterilization (autoclave) is footing the bill, which is sliced,” Sica said. Emergencies treated promptly expected to come to $40,000. Sica hopes sprucing up the Special care for children & anxious patients Robert Moses spearheaded desolate expanses will en- construction of the portion courage people to move be- WE NOW ACCEPT OXFORD of the Brooklyn-Queens Ex- tween Brooklyn Heights and % • Tooth Bleaching (whitening) • Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Facings & Inlays, Bonding pressway that today separates Dumbo more. The planned Crowns & Bridges (Capping) Downtown from Dumbo in gym-rat route starts at the • Painless, Non-Surgical Gum Treatment the 1950s and 1960s. The Cadman Plaza running loop, • Root Canal • Extractions • Dentures • Cleanings APY • Implant Dentistry • Fillings (tooth colored) planned route for the el- winds past Clumber Corner • Stereo headphones • Analgesia (Sweet air) 1.15 evated highway was ad- and through Bar and Grill Dr. Jeffrey M. Kramer justed to avoid cutting di- Park, similarly uninviting 18 MONTH CD 544 Court Street, Carroll Gardens rectly through Downtown slivers of grass, parts of them and Brooklyn Heights. The sloping up to meet the free- 624-5554 U 624-7055 Bridge Parks were made out way, and finishes by travel- Convenient Office Hours & Ample Parking of leftover space at the foot ing through the three Bridge and insurance plans accommodated of the overpass and a visit Parks. % Celebrate Brooklyn’s 1.05APY Women of Distinction 13 MONTH CD Join us for Stop in and experience the e e t t Gala Dinner & Awards at one of our locations: 7EDNESDAY -AY s PM — 9PM at Patricia Naveed Irina Laffer 18th Avenue Brighton Beach 6117 18th Avenue 207 Brighton Beach Avenue COUNTRY CLUB CATERERS 718-234-3254 718-743-0895 5945 Strickland Ave, Mill Basin George Karayev Erika Duchonovic Avenue J Bensonhurst Our Keynote Speaker 1505 Avenue J 2054 86th Street 718-677-0142 718-975-0890 Jason B. Furr John P. Mongiat Our Guest Speaker Avenue M Borough Park 1212 Avenue M 4501 13th Avenue Ellen Freudenheim Letitia James 718-645-1107 718-633-9470 Brooklyn Expert for About.com NYC Public Advocate Guide to Brooklyn Madelyn Hernandez Andrew A. Alesi Avenue U Bay Ridge 2902 Avenue U 7726 3rd Avenue 718-934-9180 718-833-0469 For advertising information call: Irina Laffer Stephanie Stellaccio Sheepshead Bay (718) 260-2575 1633 Sheepshead Bay Road [email protected] 718-332-2318 Order Tickets for FOR INFORMATION Family & Friends: Call Jennifer Stern: (718) 260-8302 The Perfect Fit $100 per person Email Stephanie Stellaccio: [email protected] Name:______800-522-4100 Address______valleynationalbank.com Tel.______Email______O Check Enclosed Quantity____ ® O Master Card O VISA O AMEX Card #______EXP.______Sec. Code_____ Offer available in Brooklyn and Queens branches only and may be withdrawn or modified without prior notice. Fax to (718) 260-2579 or Mail: Minimum deposit $500. The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective and accurate as of 04/14/2014. The APY assumes monies will be on deposit until maturity. Early withdrawal penalties may be imposed and the fee One MetroTech Center North 10th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201 could reduce interest. See a Valley representative for complete terms and conditions. © 2014 Valley National Ticket orders must be in no later than May 12, 2014 Bank®. Member FDIC. All Rights Reserved. VCS-5604 12 AWP The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 April 18–24, 2014 Looking for something while he’s in school? PARENT A decision gone wrong Something that will really id you hear the one But if we, as a sider adequate medical care about the parents family, moved doesn’t exist. Should those connect you to your community? D who took two tod- to Antarctica, I The parents go before some re- dlers on a 36-foot sailboat admit my girls view board to defend their and started to go around the wouldn’t have choice? world? It sounds like the start had much choice When I worry about Long of a joke, but it’s not. Dad Island College Hospital clos- in the matter. Charlotte and Eric Kauf- This is not By Scott Sager ing and the possible risk my man made international head- about risks. Fam- family will face from the ad- lines when they needed to be ilies take risks and face un- sion? What if I was taking ditional minutes it will take rescued at sea with their 1- foreseen dangers all the time. my family to another coun- to get to a hospital, it is easy and 3-year-old daughters 900 Years ago, there was the fam- try, or to live in the moun- to forget that in most of the miles off the coast of Mex- ily that pulled off the highway tains off the grid? world, access to care is hours ico last week. in Los Angeles and ended up I remember reading my or days away, and an infected cut can mean disfigurement, In the midst of the drama in a gang-infested neighbor- kids “The Little House in horrible disease, or even death. surrounding their plight — hood on a dead-end street. the Big Wood,” a fiction- the youngest girl was sick, They were shot at, and one Does this mean I shouldn’t be alized account of Laura In- allowed to take my children an Air National Guard rescue girl was killed in the ensu- galls Wilder’s childhood team parachuted to the boat to these places? ing violence. There is also in the wilds of Wisconsin. — parents around the world The Kaufmans have a the story of the Kim fam- By today’s standards, this condemned them for risking passion and they built their ily, who took a wrong turn, was a brutal life, but fami- their children’s lives. got stranded in the moun- family’s life around the sea. lies choose this path now as The truth is, parents have tains of Oregon where the They prepared, they prac- for centuries dragged their father died. These are situa- missionaries, diplomats, aid ticed, and they failed. That kids along into the unknown. tions where normal life turns workers, and sailors, heading doesn’t make them bad par- They have done it out of fear, horribly wrong. to places where what we con- ents — just bad sailors. passion, and the pursuit of a My family made the meaningful life. It’s called choice to move to Brook- *, Ê- "* ÊUÊ7 -",Ê/ ,, being a family and is totally lyn from New Hampshire. 9Ê, ÊUÊ ,," Ê, - different from allowing your No real risks were involved, children to take risks on their but we chose between two own. very different lifestyles and If either of my daughters dragged my then 1-year-old had wanted to take up drag girl along with us. Should I You could be a local advertising rep for this newspaper, plus its racing at the age of 10, they have gone before a review would have been out of luck. board to defend this deci- websites, apps, and magazines. You’ll get to know every merchant in the community, meet loads BISHOP... of new neighbors, get the low-down on all the best local deals, Continued from page 1 (R–Bay Ridge) blamed the and discover the interesting places that are off the beaten path. culean efforts on the part of closure on the blocked pas- many people, the school was sage of the Education Invest- just not sustainable.” ment Tax Credit in the state Arria said that the rolls Assembly, which would have Training and support provided. at Bishop Ford have shrunk dramatically increased the from 1,347 to 499 in the past tax benefit from donations No experience necessary. eight years, and that school to fund scholarships at pri- expected to have just 422 stu- vate schools. Full and part time/fl ex hours available. dents next year. The princi- “The sad truth today is pal promised to help place the failure to pass the Edu- those pupils at other parochial cation Investment Tax Credit "ÕÀÊ >« "* Ê"1- schools in the borough. was the final straw on this UÊ6>ÀiÌÞÊvÊ«À}À>ÃÊvÀÊ ->ÌÕÀ`>Þ]Ê«ÀÊÓÈ “We have asked that other school. There is no doubt in V>«iÀÃÊ>}iÊÎ.5ÊÌÊ£{ ÎÎÊnÌ Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]ÊÊ Catholic high schools in the my mind that the tax credit UÊ->vi]ÊvÕ]ÊÃÌÕ>Ì}Ê ÕÃÌÊLiÜÊÈÌ ÊÛiÕi iÛÀiÌ *ÀiÃiÌ>ÌÃÊ>ÌÊ£ÊEÊ area give special consider- would have made a difference Ó\Îä« ation to Bishop Ford students here,” said Golden. UÊ6iÀÞÊviÝLiÊÀi}ÃÌÀ>ÌÆÊ `ÀiÊ>ÀiÊÜiVit who may be enrolling next Ford was known for its >VV`>Ì}ÊÜiiÊÃi>à For more information, contact Publisher Celia Weintrob school year,” said Arria. “We athletics program, and as UÊÀiiÊÀ}ÊÌÀ>ëÀÌ>ÌÊ SPRING BREAK MINI CAMP intend to meet with each fam- the location for music vid- >Û>>LiÊvÀÊÃÌÊ >ÞÊ,`}iÊ «ÀÊ£{q£nÊEÊÓ£qÓÓ ily to ensure that students are eos by artists including Drake EÊ ÀÜÃÌiÊ ÀÞÊ>Ài>à 7 daysÊvÊÌÀ«ÃÊEÊ>VÌÛÌià (718) 260-4503 placed in a school environ- and R.E.M. The school also UÊ ÃÌ>Là i`ÊÊ£Ó L>Ãi`ÊÊ*>ÀÊ-«i ment which will best meet recently made headlines af- [email protected] their academic and personal ter a video of break-danc- Ç£nÇnn*- Ê(7732) needs.” ing teacher Michael Satira www.parkslopedaycamp.com State Sen. Marty Golden went viral. April 18–24, 2014 The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 AWP 13 14 AWP The Brooklyn Paper • www.BrooklynPaper.com • (718) 260-2500 April 18–24, 2014 ! # " $ % & ! " " & & $ & "& " " % ! " " % of the City of New York