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Published every Saturday — online all the time — by Brooklyn Paper Publications Inc, 55 Washington St, Suite 624, Brooklyn NY 11201. Phone 718-834-9350 • www.BrooklynPapers.com • © 2006 Brooklyn Paper Publications • 18 pages •Vol.29, No. 28 AWP • Saturday, July 22, 2006 • FREE 2,000-PAGE REPORT REVEALS IMPACT OF ATLANTIC YARDS State big to Brooklyn: You’re Manhattan now Clock starts on 66-day ‘review’ of massive Yards project
By Ariella Cohen The Brooklyn Papers Atlantic Yards will cost more to build and benefit the public less than Bruce Ratner said it would — and carry with it environmental Yards impacts that can not be mitigated, a state analysis disclosed this week. But the state’s development czar said the publicly subsidized mega-de- velopment would be worth the price because it advances the Manhat- tanizaion of Brooklyn. protest “We are a city of skyscrapers,” said Charles Gargano, chairman of the Em- pire State Development Corporation, which released the project’s Draft Envi- ronmental Impact Statement on Tuesday. “We are a city of towers.” Now, he says, it’s time the towers came to Brooklyn. Gargano promised that if signif- rallies icant environmental impacts of the MORE INSIDE 16-skyscraper, 18,000-seat arena, NEWS P5 • EDITORIAL P4 residential, hotel, retail and office complex can’t be mitigated, the benefit, calling the state’s calcula- state “will respond.” tions “conservative.” 2,000 Coinciding with Tuesday’s re- In addition to the shrinking pub- lease of the 2,000-page analysis, lic benefit, the project’s costs are By Ariella Cohen Gargano’s ESDC formally en- ballooning. Now Ratner’s project The Brooklyn Papers dorsed the project. would cost at least $4.2 billion, up The action begins a 66-day peri- from an initial $2.5-billion pricetag, More than 2,000 people — all hot of public “review.” and bothered by Bruce Ratner’s plan to itself inflated to a more-recent Beyond the project’s size and $3.5-billion figure. build 16 skyscrapers and a 18,000-seat scale, the DEIS revealed the fuzzy basketball arena in Prospect Heights — Stuckey said the cost of the / Joshua Janke math behind Atlantic Yards. decade-long construction project has assembled Sunday at Grand Army Instead of generating $2.1 billion jumped due to “a general increase in Plaza in the largest opposition rally in tax revenue over the next 30 prices,” and an “incredible amount since Ratner’s Atlantic Yards proposal years, as Ratner promised in pro- of design work” by Frank Gehry. was unveiled three years ago. motional materials and press releas- “Now we have a better idea of The protestors — toting bicycles, dogs, ba- es, the plan certified Tuesday shows what the project will cost,” he said, bies in stylish papooses, and skyscraper-em- Papers The Brooklyn that the project would gross just Umbrella group: More than 2,000 opponents of Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards project — including these bumbershoot-toting adding that Ratner paid more than blazoned signs furnished by Develop Don’t over $1.9 billion — $1.1 billion for anticipated for homes, businesses activists, who fear the project’s shadows — rallied at Grand Army Plaza on Sunday, July 16. Destroy Brooklyn — crowded around a the state and $845.5 million for the and shops within the footprint. makeshift stage at the entrance to Prospect city — over the next 40 years. Stuckey declined to reveal the Park and cheered Atlantic Yards foes who “do the right thing.” “Do the math,” Barron told The Brook- communities. After subtracting $500 million company’s projected profits from ranged from the elected to the absurd. “Jay-Z needs to slow down a bit and lyn Papers after coming down from the Most of the support that Atlantic Yards in subsidies already committed by the project. In the latter category, Reverend Billy and look at what it is really being proposed,” stage. “The economic formula for this de- has, after all, has come from blacks (and the state and city, the overall bene- Forest City Ratner has main- his Stop Shopping Gospel Choir compared Perez said after stepping off the stage. velopment means that 90 percent of the elected officials whose districts are far from fit to the public drops to $1.4 bil- tained that the project’s mammoth Bruce Ratner to the Devil. “[Ratner needs to] build a better plan be- people moving in are going to be white.” the mega-project). lion over those 40 years — $35 size — which the New York Ob- Somewhere in the middle were actors cause this one isn’t benefiting the poor,” the It was clear from the anti-project crowd Noticeably absent from last week’s rally million a year split between the server reported Wednesday would Steve Buscemi and Rosie Perez. Buscemi, millionaire movie star added. that surrounded Barron that the area is get- were many of the very people caught in the state and city. be the most densely populated area a fixture on the anti-Ratner circuit, began And among the elected officials, City ting whiter and will likely continue to do so middle: the rent-stabilized tenants who live “[The tax revenue shortfall] is in the United States — was neces- his speech with the first-ever airing of an Councilman Charles Barron (D–Canarsie) as more luxury development is built. in Ratner-owned buildings in the Prospect big, it’s not a small difference,” sary in order for the company to unnamed political poem that began, “Roses stood out, calling the project “instant gentri- Though most of the speakers selected by Heights footprint that the developer will said Evan Thies, a spokesman for make a reasonable profit, provide are red/I like William Shatner/But I am op- fication,” bringing up concerns that the “su- DDDB were black, the majority of their au- soon tear down. City Councilman David Yassky affordable housing and build public posed/to the Atlantic Yards project.” permall” would be super-white and drown dience wasn’t, again demonstrating the or- The tenants have been offered help find- (D-Brooklyn Heights). space. For her part, Perez implored her pal, rap- out political support for black leaders who ganization’s difficulties in tapping into ac- ing new apartments and have been guaran- Forest City Ratner Vice Presi- No members of the ESDC board per and Atlantic Yards investor Jay-Z, to have traditionally ruled at the polls there. tivist networks in the area’s minority See PROTEST on page 5 dent Jim Stuckey downplayed the raised any objections to the project’s discrepancy in projected public See TOWERS on page 5 Four-faced liar Borough’s top clock slow on the uptick
The Brooklyn Papers ing its landmark property. The four-sided clock atop the Time — the right time — healed all Williamsburgh Savings Bank — wounds. But then the clock slowed easily Brooklyn’s most-recogniza- down again. ble building — is broken. And only “When we bought the building, we time will tell when it will be back in were told that the clock would be the biggest headache and that’s turning out business. right,” said Andrew MacArthur, a Not only are all four faces studded spokesman for the Dermot Company, with burnt-out lightbulbs, but the hands which is converting the landmark into all display different times. luxury condominiums. On a recent Wednesday night at MacArthur blames the problem on 10:31, the clock’s south side read 11:55, its eastern face read 9:30, its north face “gear stuff,” refuting a popular local read 2:10 and the western face couldn’t myth that the high winds atop the tower even be read because the bulbs on one throw off the clock’s hands. hand were completely extinguished. Not everyone is upset at the clock, Mechanically, there’s no excuse for seeing its quirkiness as a symbol of an such problems, because the clock fea- off-beat borough. / Tom Callan / Tom tures a single motor with four axles that “When you see two different faces it J.L. Maher / WCS run the hands. is like seeing two different paintings,” It’s not the first time that the clock has said Robert Goldstrom, an artist who has been down for the count. It didn’t work chronicled the clocktower in more than He knows how to cool it! for most of the 1970s and 1980s — a fit- 50 watercolor paintings.
The Brooklyn Papers The Brooklyn ting symbol of Brooklyn’s decline, some “I have an affection for its current Ayveq, the famously frisky walrus at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, found a nice way to beat the heat The Williamsburgh Savings Bank tower and its said — until then-owner Republic Na- state of misoperation,” he said. this week, playing with one of his balls in a nice, cool bath. A spokeswoman for the Aquarium said that all the famously incorrect clocks. tional Bank sunk millions into renovat- — Ariella Cohen animals get toys to play with — “though Ayveq has another toy he loves to play with.”
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The boy, who lives nearby, The man was walking to- Visit us at our new location all your money” — prompted her jewelry box — containing told cops that two older kids ap- the cashier to hand over $1,783. two antique rings valued at wards his apartment on Jay (718) 230-8100 proached him and demanded a Street in DUMBO when the The perp then ran from the $3,000, one pair of diamond dollar. The teen actually had $5 www.myrtlecarservice.com store, which is between Court earrings valued at $1,500 and two men approached. One of 187 State Street on him, which was promptly tak- the men — the one without the and Clinton streets, and jumped 20 pairs of much-cheaper en. Unsatisfied, the two older into a waiting white four-door baubles — were gone. dog — punched the victim and (off Court St) boys rifled the teen’s pockets, but took the device while the other sedan driven by an accomplice. Old car taken found nothing else to steal. The car’s license plate be- man and the dog stood watch. (718) 852-1421 • Fax (718) 852-9697 • gins with “J47,” police said. A 1995 Jeep Cherokee was Bad night out The victim did not give cops Loose stolen sometime between 6 pm After relaxing in a bar at a good description of the perps, HOURS: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 6:30pm; Sat: 11:00am - 5:00pm Unsafe at home on July 12 and 1 pm the next Bergen and Hoyt streets early but did say the dog was black. Athug followed a woman day. on July 15, a woman discov- Nice co-worker into a high-rise apartment The owner told police that she ered that a thief had lightened Dentures? Two female transit workers building on Henry Street on parked the car in front of 77 her bag. July 11, took the elevator with Gold St., near Front Street, but it The woman told cops that got into a fight at the end of GO AHEAD.... her to the sixth floor and then was not there when she returned. she’d put the bag down shortly their workday on July 14, but Eat what you want! pushed his way into her apart- The vehicle has a Blue Book after midnight; when she re- continued the fight onto the Jabus Building ment when she unlocked the value of virtually nothing. The turned a few hours later she platform of the Clark Street door, police said. police report put its value at $0 found that it no longer contained subway station, where one of Corporation Visit Dr. Tony Farha in the morning, The robber grabbed the the workers stabbed the other have the “Mini-Implant System” — small consolation to its car- her money, her cellphone or her MASONRY SPECIALISTS woman’s bag, containing her less owner. credit cards. with a ballpoint pen, cops said. placed in less than two hours, wallet, but the wallet was later After the 11 pm incident, the Construction Financing Available then go out and enjoy your found in the stairwell of the 20-year-old victim returned to Purchase • Home Improvement favorite lunch. No more messy adhesive or pastes. building, which is near Love the token booth and called the Debt Consolidation Loans Lane, with nothing missing. cops, but the perp was gone by As recently demonstrated by Dr. Tony Houdinis at work Have you seen us lately? the time police arrived. Jim & Deborah Buscarello on ABC & Fox News Police say they know the iden- Aclever thief stole the wallet 98 Van Dyke Street • (718) 852-5364 of a man who said he had se- • Eye Exams tity of the 19-year-old suspect. cured his billfold with a combi- • Designer Frames Play leads to burg • This advanced system is FDA-Approved. nation lock in the locker room While a woman played with of a building on Remsen Street • Contact Lenses her children in a basement on WE KNOW WHAT IT TAKES • It is a one-step, non-surgical procedure. near Clinton Street on July 11. • Children’s Frames Beard Street, near Richards • No sutures, nor the typical months of healing. And two days later, the same Street, a robber came through a • No pain or discomfort. thing happened in a YMCA • Sunglasses first-floor window and made off BEFORE • Affordable (Payment Plans locker room on Atlantic Avenue. • Sports Glasses with a laptop, police said. AFTER available and Insurance coverage) In the first incident, cops say The 42-year-old victim said the thief “used unknown meth- the thief slipped inside through Dr. Tony is recognized ods” to open the lock and pluck an open window, unnoticed, . as a Professor of the Mini Dental Implant. the wallet. 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Visit us at our new location can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” parts off a silver Nissan Maxi- The nephew had left the car Gun menace But one 33-year-old nice guy ma parked near Vanderbilt and on North Portland Avenue, near A 21-year-old man who re- found out that even compli- Park avenues. Auburn Place, at around 2:30 am. fused to give two men a dollar 187 State Street ments can have consequences. Little did they know, a female Hours later, the nephew called his found himself looking down the (off Court St) The man alleges that while witness was watching the whole uncle’s cellphone, but instead of barrel of a silver handgun on walking down Myrtle Avenue misdeed. She called the cops and the familiar voice of his relative, July 12 — and promptly giving near Vanderbilt Avenue at around up his entire wallet. 24 Hour Door-to-Door Service (718) 852-1421 • Fax (718) 852-9697 • described the three thieves in he heard the voice of the perp on 7 am on July 15, he told a man such detail that cops were quick- the other end. The victim lost $7, a bank HOURS: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 6:30pm; Sat: 11:00am - 5:00pm with a turquoise t-shirt and blue ly able to identify the suspects. The kicker? card, and his Social Security jeans that he liked his dog. The men were found hiding The man on the phone was card in the robbery. A polite, “Thank you,” out in a car with a fourth accom- in the uncle’s car, which he had The two perps fled in oppo- would have surely sufficed, but plice. The cops pulled the four also stolen. site directions from the crime, in a show of gratitude for the men — ages 21, 19, 19, and 17 Cops searched the neighbor- which took place at the corner (718) 230-8100 kind words, the pet-owner de- — out of the car and recovered hood, but spotted neither the of Myrtle and Clermont av- www.myrtlecarservice.com Loose tached his dog’s leash from the the stolen headlight and grill. red sedan nor the cellphone. enues. collar and whipped it into the The men were arrested for Classic burg Cops followed the two men man’s face. grand larceny and the property through Fort Greene Park, but A 28-year-old woman re- Dentures? Stunned, the victim, his face was returned to the owner of lost track of the gun-toting turned to her apartment on Fort swelling, stumbled down Myr- the Nissan. Greene Place at 8:45 am on thieves. BROKERS THAT tle Avenue towards Washington Calling all cars GO AHEAD.... 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in 1998 as evidence that mon- Mango / Greg carrying tiny slingshots of ey isn’t everything. In that lars in travel expenses. The cash while Towns has a how- campaign, Towns had scandal forced Green to re- venue The Brooklyn Papers The Brooklyn itzer. $650,000 to Ford’s $250,000, sign, although he was later re- According to federal disclo- and won the seat by a 52–47 elected. sure forms released last week, percent vote. Still, he fights on, saying th Jackie’s place Towns has $407,427 on hand But when Ford lost to that money doesn’t matter. to wage the fight, while the Towns again in 2000, it was Papers file The Brooklyn “They say that money is the rtSupplies Friends and family of late great Park Slope community two Davids in this story — by a greater margin, and Rep. Ed Towns lifeblood of politics, but we’re activist Jackie Connor cheered on Saturday, July 15, as Barron and Green — have Towns had raised $1.5 million going to challenge that refrain: the corner of Carroll Street and Seventh Avenue — her $68,285 and $4,848 respec- to Ford’s $300,000. inability of Green and Barron ideas are the lifeblood of poli- “office” — is renamed in honor of the lifelong Slope A 376 tively. Towns’s lucre will fund ra- to raise the big bucks indicates tics,” he said. gadfly. Connor, who died in March, would have cele- But Barron’s not worried: dio ads and a mass mailing, he that voters in the district are Spoken like a candidate Supplies7 for 7th Ave. brated her 64th birthday that day. — Ariella Cohen “Money’s extremely impor- said. The incumbent said the still comfortable with his lead- with $4,848 cash on hand . the Fine Artist, (bet. 11th & 12th Sts) Graphic Artist, GLASSES YOU WILL LOVE TO WEAR, Student 369-4969 WITH LENSES PERFECTLY PRESCRIBED and Children Specialists on Staff: Teen robs man twice Kevin S. Meyers, M.D., Ophthalmology Eric Colman, O.D., Optometry By Brendan Mysliwiec School larceny • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Prescription Filled for The Brooklyn Papers A 29-year-old employee at It’s here! POLICE BLOTTER • Contact Lenses Amiddle-aged man mug- PS 321 on Seventh Avenue found that the contents of her • Glaucoma And Cataract ged on Fifth Avenue on July Spring/Summer tography store on Sixth Av- purse had been removed dur- Testing And Treatment 10 knew his victim well — Airbag theft ing a five-minute absence on • Laser Vision Consultation it was same 14-year-old enue, near Union Street, and A 44-year-old Park Place 2006 Big Book didn’t see the theft because she July 14. Most Medical Insurance Accepted • Union Plans hoodlum who had mugged resident checking on his car The woman, who had left the was working at a computer fac- Medicaid • Medicare • Discounts For Senior Citizens ® him four days earlier. after a few days away on July purse in her unlocked booth, Purchase the NEW JCPenney ing away from the door. 12 found a rear window of his Spring 2006 Big Book for just $5 The young thug, who was discovered the theft immediate- and save $5 on your first order. accompanied by another 14- PPW car theft Honda Pilot broken and his ly upon her return, but did not 9th Street Optical year-old, caught up with the A 37-year-old Manhattan airbags missing. notice anyone unusual in the Plus, save on shipping when you 332 9th Street (between 5th & 6th Ave.) Brooklyn select delivery to your local victim between Warren and man returned to his Prospect Police believe that this theft area. The perp or perps didn’t Park West parking spot on is connected to a string of re- JCPenney Catalog Desk Baltic Streets and demanded get much though: the woman’s 718-965-2545 compared to Home Delivery. his cellphone, saying, “Give us July 12 to discover his car was cent airbag swipes. wallet contained not much more your phone or I’ll hurt you.” no longer there. He had than $15, her debit card and her Pick up a copy today or call Office snatch 1.800.222.6161 and ask for He then shoved the victim’s parked the car on the park side An employee of a Garfield food stamp card. LEGAL NOTICE of the street, between Garfield TA 004-0824. Also available face and said, “Remember me Place law office discovered that F train filcher online at jcpenney.com. from last time? I will hurt you and Montgomery places, three her purse had been stolen out A 25-year-old Park Slope QUESTAR ENTERPRISES LLC, Articles of Org. filed N.Y. again,” before running off. days earlier. There was no Some items can only be shipped Home Delivery. from under her desk on July 13. woman had her purse ripped Sec. of State (SSNY) 27th day of February, 2006. Office With the help of the victim, broken glass or other signs of The woman, who was right off her shoulder on July in Kings Co. SSNY desig. agt. upon whom process may Visit JCPenney SLOPE CATALOG SALES two suspects were apprehend- forced entry, police said. away from her desk for a short 15 while she sat on a Manhat- be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 86 ed later that day, police said. Inside Slope Drugs & Surgical Supply Inc. Slash on Sixth time, did not notice the theft tan-bound F train stopped at Carlton Avenue, Suite 2B, Brooklyn, New York 11205. Picture perfect A man had to be taken to until later in the day. Police Fourth Avenue. Reg. Agt. upon whom process may be served: Spiegel 406 5th Ave. (7th St.) An artistically minded thief Methodist Hospital on July 12 suspect a friend of a client, The woman and a friend & Utrera, P.A., P.C. 45 John Street, NYC 10038, 1 (800) JCPenney Phone Pharmacy Phone managed to get away with after an altercation on Sixth who came in at the time of the watched, stunned, as the as- 576-1100. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. (718) 832-3179 (718) 788-8899 over $5,000 worth of photog- Avenue ended with him being purse’s disappearance, but no sailant ran off the platform PS26-31 raphy equipment on July 11. slashed. arrest was made. and out of sight. The empty The victim, a 37-year-old The 45-year-old man had The $60 purse contained purse was recovered by a tran- resident of Prospect-Lefferts gotten into an argument with an numerous debit cards in addi- sit worker by the exit of the Gardens, told police that she unknown assailant at 10 pm on tion to a $275 cellphone and station. Among the items had left the bag, itself worth Sixth Avenue between Fifth the Social Security cards of stolen from the purse were $350, by the rear door of a pho- and Sixth streets, police said. both the victim and her son. $95 and a digital camera. Now We are pleased to announce Open on the opening of our new King won’t be intimidated SATURDAYS! By Sara Vogel her nominating petitions. your tire, a deliberate hole.” the signatures?” said the race’s for The Brooklyn Papers King said someone had jim- Yet the next day, King said front-runner, Eric Adams, a re- Patient Service Center mied the lock on her apartment reports of her candidacy’s tired police captain. It has been quite a week for door, and that her neighbors had death were greatly exaggerated “Instead, they’re [coming] Elizabeth Atwood King. spotted armed, off-duty police — by her in this case. up with reasons why they’re On Friday, July 14, she was officers carrying a petition for “[The tire] really shook me not prepared.” in Park Slope running for state Senate. By her opponent throughout her up,” she said, adding that her Adams collected 10,000 sig- Monday, she was not. The apartment building. supporters asked her to stay in natures and Anthony Alexis next day, it was a maybe. King, who is running in the the race. filed 3,000. Only 1,000 signa- At the start of last week, race to replace Congressional Now, too late to submit her tures are required, but most can- King, a former aide to then- hopeful state Sen. Carl An- nominating petitions, King says didates file several thousand state Sen. Marty Markowitz, drews (D-Crown Heights), she may run as a write-in candi- more because arcane state laws told The Brooklyn Papers that said “the last straw” was when date in the primary Sept. 12. make it easy to invalidate hun- Quest she was dropping out of the someone slashed her tire. Her opponents are skeptical. dreds of signatures. central Brooklyn race after be- “Of course it’s foul play,” “We need to ask, did she King had just 1,600 by the ing “intimidated” out of filing she said. “This is a hole put in raise the money? Did she get filing deadline last week. Diagnostics ® Dining Out.IN PARK SLOPE Quest Diagnostics is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing.
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THE BROOKLYN THE FIGHTIN’ 11TH! By Gersh SUPER RABBI! ANGLE Kuntzman We Need Your Help! Yassky’s Seeking information from Pipefitters, nother major civil rights barrier has an easy charm and anti-dogmatic Sheetrockers, Painters, Carpenters, will fall this week when a style that bridges the gap between Maintenance Workers, Laborers, Brooklyn man becomes the first him, a man of the cloth, and me, a A man of dirty underwear. got bank Plumbers, Welders, and Insulators Hasidic rabbi to ever address the nation’s Weinstein’s forum — The Jew- who worked at King County Medical largest comic book convention. ish Side of Comics — will ad- By Moses Jefferson Center and or Brooklyn Jewish OK, as civil rights triumphs go, Rabbi dress the hidden hand of Jewish The Brooklyn Papers Simcha Weinstein’s appearance at this week- Hospital in Brooklyn, NY from 1950 to comic book artists and historic City Councilman David Yas- end’s “Comic Con” in San Diego isn’t exact- figures in the creation of today’s 1980. ly Rosa Parks refusing to move to the back sky’s bid for a promotion to most-popular graphic icons. Congress keeps ka-chinging of the bus, but Weinstein believes it will make Experts in the cliquish, fluo- Please contact Gaylene Price, Legal Assistant history nonetheless. along. rescent-lit comic book world pre- The Brooklyn Heights Democ- Baron & Budd, P.C. “This is big for a rabbi,” he said. dict Weinstein will experience Parks, of course, was freeing her people rat, running to succeed Rep. Ma- great nachas from the attendees of the 800-222-2766 from oppression and segregation, while We- jor Owens in the central Brooklyn massive, three-day Comic Con. instein will be merely hawking his book, “Up, district, rang up another $377,890 Up and Oy Vey: How Jewish History, Cul- “They’re going to love him,” said in campaign contributions this ture, and Values Shaped the Comic Book Su- forum organizer Steve Berkson. quarter, bringing his overall total perhero.” Weinstein, a rabbi at Pratt Institute haul to a stratospheric $1.23 mil- But these two civil rights pioneers do share in Clinton Hill, thinks he knows why: lion. a spiritual underpinning that spans the gener- “I’m going to be received with open He now has $858,000 cash on ations. arms by the geeks and the nerds be- hand to spend on expensive mail- “So much is from the Bible, whether con- cause I’m the rabbi to the geeks and ings, radio and TV ads and a mas- scious or subconscious,” said Weinstein, re- nerds.” sive get-out-the-vote effort on Pri- ferring to the creation of the original super- How big is Weinstein’s appear- mary Day, Sept. 12. hero Pantheon. ance at Comic Con? His rivals for the seat are far “Superman compared himself to Samson. Consider this: Other big stars in behind in the money race. And the Incredible Hulk is right out of the attendence include Samuel L. Jack- Councilwoman Yvette Clarke’s contributions surged this quarter, Golem story.” son (you know, Mace Windu from “Star Wars Episode III — Revenge with $106,313 in contributions, Full disclosure: I’m not a religious man. In but the Crown Heights lawmaker fact, I think God is as much a figment of hu- of the Sith”), sci-fi legend Ray Bradbury, and Walter Koenig (and has only $43,450 to spend, owing man imagination as Superman and Batman to debt. — and responsible for a heck of a lot more if you don’t know who he is, there’s no way you read this far in the article State Sen. Carl Andrews (D- human misery. Crown Heights) raised almost as anyway). Weinstein may be a Hasidic rabbi, but he much as Clarke this quarter, and
Brooklyn Papers composite Brooklyn has $233,800 available to spend — not that he thinks he needs it. “David needs money because RELIGIOUS he’s the least known in the dis- trict,” Andrews said. “I’ve been in SERVICES Vet lawmaker Connor challenges the district for 25 years.” He added that “all but eight Union blocks of my [Senate] district is within the 11th,” giving him high Temple upstart opponent Diamondstone name-recognition. 5th Avenue Cat Clinic Park Slope’s Friendliest Reform Congregation Owens trailed the pack, raising SHABBAT SERVICES: By Gersh Kuntzman would focus his energies in the courtroom rather than $64,771. • Laser Surgery First Friday monthly Owens’s fundraising figure followed by Potluck Dinner 6:30 p.m. The Brooklyn Papers on the needs of his constituents.” Other insiders suggested that Connor has to pull prompted many to ask the • Boarding All other Friday evenings 8:15 p.m. Veteran state Sen. Martin Connor — who $64,000 question — would he cater to Saturday mornings 10:30 a.m. out whatever tools are available, given that he’s in We with a View hasn’t been challenged in years — moved a real fight for the first time since facing his last drop out of the race? Free Fecal 17 Eastern Parkway “I’m in it to stay,” said Owens, • No Barking at Grand Army Plaza quickly to knock his opponent off the bal- Democratic primary in 1992. Evaluation for lot this week, drawing charges that the Connor defeated Luis Osorio by a 61-39 per- who has less than $20,000 cash Cats • Stress Free 638-7600 on hand. New Patients Rabbi Dr. Linda Henry Goodman Brooklyn Heights lawmaker is undermining cent vote that time, but now he has just $28,000 A43 democracy. in hand. Including his loan, Diamondstone has “We’ve put our emphasis on only Connor, who has been in office since 1978, filed nearly 10 times that amount to spend. building a strong base of volun- Congregation a general challenge to the candidacy of Community Connor did raise $37,000 in the first six months teers, who will be there whether Kol Israel Board 2 member Ken Diamondstone, who is putting up of 2006, but Diamondstone raised $129,000, which we have money or not.” Located in Prospect Heights his campaign said proves the depth of his support. But Andrews dismissed Owens since 1924 more than $200,000 of his own money in an effort to un- seat the longtime incumbent. Diamondstone has also picked up the endorsements of and Clarke’s chances. 603 St. Johns Place “I don’t recall a congressional bet. Classon & Franklin Technically speaking, it was Connor’s son, also named Mar- some groups that had previously endorsed Connor, such seat that’s been won with less 638-6583 tin, who filed the challenge with the Board of Elections. The as Lambda Independent Democrats and the Working Mon-Th: 10am-8pm 225 5th Ave. (at President St.) Rabbi Elkanah Schwartz challenge allows the Connor campaign to sift through the 6,100 Families Party. than $100,000 on hand,” he said. Fri-Sun: 10am-5pm Fri. at Sunset • Sat. 10:30am Owens is the son of the retiring W34/37/52 signatures Diamondstone collected in order to get on the ballot. “Am I worried?” Connor asked. “No. But I am raising (718) 398-1187 money.” congressman. First A.M.E. Zion Only 1,000 signatures are required for a state Senate race, but most candidates collect at least three times that amount because Church arcane rules make it easy to knock off hundreds of signatures. 54 MacDonough St. Connor said his challenge had nothing to do with the signa- (bet. Tompkin & Marcy Ave.) tures, but with the “constitutional qualifications” of Diamond- BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN Sunday School 9:45 am stone’s candidacy. Morning Worship 11:00 am “I’m not going to pick at his signatures and say, ‘This guy Wednesday Midweek didn’t dot the T or this guy doesn’t live in the district,’” Connor Service/Bible Study 6:30 pm said. “But I do have to make sure he [Diamondstone] is constitu- (718) 638-3343 tionally qualified to run.” Dr. Daran H. Mitchell, Pastor LM30-17 Connor — once the Democrat’s top man in the Republican- controlled state Senate, but now a lower-profile figure — re- Congregation mained cryptic, saying merely “Stay tuned.” But later an aide said the campaign was investigating whether Mount Sinai Diamondstone has lived in the district for the required amount of 250 Cadman Plaza W. The U.S. Department Conservative/Egalitarian time. A House for Prayer / A Home for People Candidates must live in the district a full year prior to Election 718-875-9124 Day. of Agriculture’s Asian Friday Eve Services 6:30pm Diamondstone’s campaign scoffed at the notion that the candi- Saturday Morning 10:00am Rabbi Joseph Potasnik date has not resided at 200 Clinton St. long enough. Longhorned Beetle A29-41 “He moved there more than a year ago,” said campaign PARK SLOPE spokesman Matthew Welch. “Martin Connor is playing games Cooperative Eradication Program JEWISH CENTER with democracy. I’m disappointed, but not surprised, that he 8th Avenue at 14th St. Fri. nights 7:30 pm is checking yard trees for the Asian Sat. mornings 10 am Adult Ed e Hebrew School Rabbi Carie Carter longhorned beetle and needs your help. Park Slope’s Egalitarian, Conservative Synagogue ,iVÞVi`Ê*>«iÀà By allowing surveyors in your yard 768-1453 W29-31 6i}iÌ>LiÊ>` 7iÊ*ÀÌÊ-ÌÕvv -ÞÊà you will help prevent the spread of this Shabbat Shalom! iV>ÀiiÊ Presented by *À`ÕVÌ destructive pest and can save trees in your B’nai Avraham of Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. During this period, USDA 117 Remsen St. • 596-4840 Rabbi Aaron Raskin SPMMJOH!QSFTT #SPDIVSFT officials would also like to remind everyone Candle >ÊiÛÀiÌ>ÞvÀi`Þ 1PTUDBSET LÕ̵ÕiÊ«ÀÌÊ ÕÃi to be aware of the dangers of Lightingf $BUBMPHT .BHB[JOFT Pinchas 5 transporting firewood and Fri., July 14, before 8:09pm ' .BSLFUJOH Matot-Masei XXXSPMMJOHQSFTTDPN $PMMBUFSBM other tree materials from Fri., July 21, before 8:04pm <%FOUPO1MBDF1BSL4MPQF#SPPLMZO> &UD established quarantined areas.
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OUR OPINION ALL DRAWN OUT Gargano to B’klyn: Get big HE MANHATTANIZATION of tellingly. “We are a city of towers.” Atlantic Yards is following the same narra- Brooklyn is now official state policy. From his Albany aerie, Charles Gargano tive arc. The community around the Prospect T That’s what Empire State Develop- has decided that the very thing that makes Heights rail yards where Ratner would build ment Corporation Chairman Charles Gar- Brooklyn unique — its neighborhood scale — does indeed want the area developed. Area gano said this week, as his agency re- is the very thing that must change. leaders offered a sensible plan to connect leased a disheartening draft environmental Of course, that’s Gargano’s modus operan- Prospect Heights to Fort Greene with medi- impact statement for Bruce Ratner’s di. His agency cares little for the concerns of um-scale housing and open space, but Atlantic Yards project. locals in the communities it would plunder, Gargano rejected it in favor of Manhattan sky- choosing to side with the big-time real-estate scrapers that would overpower communities The 2,000 pages of detailed analysis shows developers who give so generously to law- on all sides. that the development is out of scale with its makers’ political campaigns. With a population of 15,000-18,000 living neighbors, would enshroud large areas in ESDC, after all, is also in charge of the so- on 22 acres, Atlantic Yards would be the most- shadows, would tax an already-overburdened called Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is not a densely populated Census tract in the country. traffic and transit system, would create an in- park at all, but an 85-acre boondoggle crafted Yet even in light of his own agency’s analy- timidating superblock, and would require the to enrich select developers. A decade ago, the sis, Gargano ignores local concern about the city to spend untold millions to build schools, community had a perfectly good plan for a project’s mammoth scale. We live here — and provide for more cops and add fire service. park — but Gargano & Co. tossed it in favor Gargano does not. Is it too much to ask that he That’s progress, Gargano said. of a scheme that would throw open the prime listen to the area’s reasonable concerns and “We are a city of skyscrapers,” he said, waterfront land for luxury condos. downsize Atlantic Yards?
LETTERS Cristian Fleming Our pols deserve to travel in style To the editor: few words that come to mind. plan to transform the Gowanus Canal If Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Bay Respect for Mary I try not to judge, but if you have (“Gowanus plan promises big Opting out of Ridge) did not travel, he would To the editor: some personal problem with the changes,” July 1/8). The plan is to be As president of the Catholic League, Catholic Church, is it responsible jour- commended for seeking to continue be doing his constituents a dis- nalism to express your personal opin- clean-up efforts in and around the service (“For Vito, fact-finding the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights home delivery organization, I was notified about ion in your paper? canal, and for protecting small busi- Since the beginning of the year, pays well,” July 1/8). A com- Gersh Kuntzman’s column, “You call Rev. Kevin Sweeney, Fort Greene nesses and the jobs they provide. we’ve been home delivering Papers muter congressman has a narrow this art? Where’s the dung?” (June 3). One issue that I didn’t read about, throughout Brownstone Brooklyn. focus of ideas and culture, like a You call the Blessed Mother, whom however, was that of affordable housing. Published weekly by Brooklyn Paper Publications Inc. Our unique system limits deliveries mouse in a cage, but nothing — Catholics revere, a “grand dame” and The GCCDC plan calls for residen- at 55 Washington St, Ste 624, Brooklyn, NY 11201 to two Papers per building (elimi- Drivers diss bikers not books, photos, videos or vis- state that she looked great splattered with To the editor: tial development within the so-called Phone (718) 834-9350 nating the kind of clutter caused by dung. I imagine you fancy yourself very “North District,” roughly from Third Established 1978. Copyright 2006. • Ed Weintrob, President (ext 105) circular and menu delivery services). itors — can replace travel. As a professional cyclist, I have se- The actual experience of being there bold. But do you appear to delight in such rious problems with Barbara Sheeran’s Street to Baltic Street. We hope everyone appreciates PUBLISHER Celia Weintrob (ext 104) in the moment is incomparable, truly obscene shots at other religions, or is your recent letter (“Leave Cars in the Park,” Your newspaper also reported in our free home delivery, but realize scorn reserved for Catholic figures? April that developer Shaya Boymel- EDITOR Gersh Kuntzman (ext 119) there are exceptions to every rule. unique. June 24). It is easy to insult Mary. You can green is planning a two-acre develop- SENIOR EDITOR /PRODUCTION MANAGER If you’ve received The Paper at An example is a trip to San-Diego- Being a bike messenger in this city Coronado Island. Tens of thousands of dismiss the protests of the Church means that almost every three minutes ment within that area, tentatively Vince DiMiceli (ext 125) home and no longer want this named “Gowanus Village.” free service, you may “opt out” of visitors enjoy the beautiful climate faithful, who limit themselves to writ- a taxi or limo is trying to run me over. GO BROOKLYN/BROOKLYN BRIDE EDITOR Lisa J. Curtis our delivery program by filling there, and the resulting monstrous traf- ing letters or simply not reading your Because of the danger that I encounter In a November, 2004, article on that (ext 131) out the online form at Brooklyn fic is handled in unique ways. Devel- paper. You have no problem casting daily on the streets, I strongly feel that development, Salvatore Scotto, a found- ART DIRECTOR Leah Mitch (ext 127) Papers.com/html/about/optout opment there is well handled and water aside Catholic readers, just as you have our city needs a lot more space for jog- er of the GCCDC, argued that affordable OFFICE MANAGER Charna Brown (ext 101) .html is a year-round concern. no problems alienating vererans by la- gers, cyclists and pedestrians — space housing for families and senior cit- Rep. Fossella and his counterparts beling them “killers.” that is off-limits to cars. izens is desperately needed in our area, COMPOSITION OWNERSHIP: Copyright 2006 Brooklyn Paper Publications should go to San Diego — and they As both a Catholic and a veteran, my Prospect Park and Central Park and that any re-zoning should promote Inc. All content prepared by our staff, including ARTWORK, DESIGN and opinion must be doubly worthless to COPY, remain the sole property of The Brooklyn Papers and may not be re- should stay at the five-star Hotel Del could become Meccas of safety if cars and create incentives to ensure this. He produced without the Publisher’s written permission. Send a letter you. I’ll offer it anyway: If you want to Coronado because they deserve it. are totally banned. I am not a member should be applauded for this statement. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS: The Brooklyn Papers assumes no responsibil- By mail: Letters Editor, Brooklyn Families [that have a member in] write puerile pieces reveling in sculp- of Transportation Alternatives, but Unfortunately, this important issue ity for unsolicited materials. Articles, story ideas, letters, photography, and all Papers, 55 Washington St., Brooklyn, public service suffer [because of it]. Ex- tures of genitalia and the scatological, when it comes to Prospect and Central has been absent from your articles. other materials delivered to The Brooklyn Papers, whether or not solicited NY 11201 go ahead. by Publisher or Publisher’s agent and whether or not they contain or are periencing a beautiful place is a way of parks, I agree with them — cars out! The need for affordable housing for otherwise accompanied by restrictions on publication or use, will be treat- By fax: (718) 834-9278. saying, “thank you” for all the missed But quit knocking the Blessed Moth- And while we’re at it, let’s put tolls seniors and families is staggering. If, ed as unconditionally assigned to The Brooklyn Papers for publication and By email: meals, loneliness, stress, boredom, er. It’s neither daring nor profound, and on the East River bridges, too! as a community, we accept a large- copyright purposes, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Publisher prior [email protected] your petulant-child schtick will work scale re-zoning that rewards develop- to publication. All submitted material becomes the property of The Brooklyn and frantic moments that politicians Eugene Carrington, Bedford-Stuyvesant Papers which may edit, publish and assign the material for use in any medi- All letters must be signed and and their families face. just as well without it. ers and allows them to build residen- um now known or later developed. Submissions will not be returned and may include the writer’s home address Travel and tourism is a good thing. William Donohue, New York tial buildings, we should also ensure not be acknowledged. and phone number (only the writer’s Our politicians deserve it and we de- To the editor: Canal zone homes that affordable housing is included so ADVERTISING: Subject to Terms Governing Acceptance of Advertising pub- name and neighborhood are pub- serve it. We get better public servants It is difficult to express my emotions To the editor: that we can protect the very people lished in our latest rate card. CIRCULATION: Net, based on period norms. lished with the letter). Letters may who made Brooklyn what it is today. NATIONAL AFFILIATIONS: The Brooklyn Papers is a member of Indepen- be edited and will not be returned. who are enriched, stimulated and hap- upon reading Gersh Kuntzman’s words I was glad to read that the Gowanus dent Free Papers of America (IFPA), Suburban Newspapers of America The earlier in the week you send py at their work. in “The Brooklyn Angle.” Insensitive, Canal Community Development Cor- Stephen Burzio, Park Slope (SNA), and the National Newspaper Association (NNA). Lisited in SRDS. your letter, the better. Louis Fraser, Staten Island disrespectful, hurtful and mean are a poration has issued its comprehensive The writer is a tenant attorney. ork, Inc. Ad: Arnell Group ©2006 Consolidated Edison Company of New Y
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“Roses are red, I like William Shatner but I am opposed, to the Atlantic Yards project. Affordable housing, STATE DOCS SHOW but eminent domain? I play a lot of crazies, but that sounds insane.”
Steve Buscemi, actor and Park Slope resident
“Something that is MASSIVE IMPACT making me a little The Brooklyn Papers seven new acres of greenspace, according to intersections, aging sewers and hundreds of see the entire document, go to http:// uneasy is that we have a new state study — but the $4.2-billion, 16- residents who just want to see the sun. www.empire.state.ny.us/AtlanticYards/DEIS. this Devil, this Devil Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards mega-devel- skyscraper, hotel, residential and office space Below is The Brooklyn Papers’ analysis asp — where it is presented in a fairly obtuse by the name of Bruce opment would “transform a blighted area Ratner...” into a vibrant mixed-use community,” with complex would also put a significant strain of the project’s just-released, 2,000-page format, so be prepared for hours of download- affordable housing, a basketball arena and on the public school system, already-choked Draft Environmental Impact Statement (to ing). A print version was not made available. The Rev. Billy, Performance Artist
“As a person born and bred Irreparable adverse impacts in Brooklyn, without too much bread, this plan is Traffic, transit Some impacts of the Atlantic some of Ratner’s skyscrapers to slightly different loca- insulting to poor people Yards mega-project simply can tions — and the state admitted that such rejiggering could and we deserve better ... not be fixed while still allowing do the trick. Seriously, do the right thing.” Bruce Ratner to make a reason- “To avoid significant adverse impacts on views…the and pedestrians able profit and build affordable project site would need to avoid the construction of tall Rose Perez, housing — but the developer buildings on Flatbush Avenue,” the study said, before dis- actress and Brooklyn resident missing the notion as incompatible with “the project’s The Atlantic Yards project would have a massive effect on car will buy air-conditioners for goals.” traffic, pedestrian flow and subway service, a new state docu- everyone who wants one, state • “Significant noise” on Dean Street between Flatbush ment revealed this week. documents reveal. and Vanderbilt avenues. But the good news is that Bruce “I’d rather be on my front According to the draft environmental impact statement released on “Adverse impacts would remain in the areas of cultur- Ratner will buy everyone in the area extra-thick windows steps playing mandolin Tuesday, 68 intersections around the project’s epicenter — Flatbush and al resources, urban design, shadows, traffic, noise and and air-conditioners, the document reveals. … but for too long we Atlantic avenues — would have “significant adverse impacts” from the construction [that] cannot be mitigated while still allow- Operators are not yet standing by, but state officials are have been complacent project. ing the project to meet its stated purpose and needs,” the urging everyone to take advantage of the generous offer: about a development “Peak hour vehicular traffic through this intersection would increase by state’s draft environmental impact statement said. “[If] owners elect not to take advantage…the proposed proj- that could destroy our four to 15 percent,” the report states. The irreparable harm consists of: ect would have unmitigated significant [noise] impacts.” neighborhoods.” That’s bad news, considering that 57 of 87 signalized intersections • The demolition of the Ward Bread Bakery, on Pacific • Massive shadows. But, again, reducing the height of around the project are already congest- Street between Carlton and Vanderbilt avenues, and the some buildings would be “inconsistent with the goal to Dan Zanes, kiddie rock star ed at least once a day. former Long Island Rail Road stables on Atlantic Avenue establish a high-density, mixed-use project.” When the project is completed in between Sixth and Carlton avenues. • Intense traffic. By the time the project is fully built in 2016, the same chokepoints would still The DEIS called the demolition of these 100-year-old 2016, 68 of the already-congested 93 intersections stud- “I apologize for being late, be choked, but for many more hours structures “a significant adverse impact on historic re- ied by state planners would see worse traffic. but I was in church and every day. sources,” but concluded that retaining the structures The document says the number could drop to 39 inter- whenever I go to church I At Flatbush Avenue and Dean Street, would “constrain the goals” of Ratner’s “master plan.” sections — but only with physical improvements to exist- get inspired to fight. ARE for example, traffic would be deemed • Obstructed views of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank ing infrastructure, “demand management strategies,” cops YOU FIRED UP?” bad all day long, as opposed to only tower, which the state calls the “most visible historic on overtime to help keep traffic moving, improved transit from 7-8 pm now. The same is true for the intersection of Fourth and Flat- structure in Brooklyn since its construction” in 1929. and better signals — only some of which, by the way, Councilwoman Letitia James bush avenues, which would clear up only after 10 pm, the study shows. The Municipal Art Society had recommended shifting would be paid for by Bruce Ratner. — Gersh Kuntzman (D-Prospect Heights) The DEIS also reveals that: • The project would add more than 7,300 cars to the streets — and near- ly 8,640 subway passengers underground — on days when the relocated New Jersey Nets have a home game. The hotel, residential, commercial and retail components of project will add more than 6,000 cars and more than 31,000 subway riders to the area every weekday. TOWERS… • Close to 38 percent of Nets fans will arrive by car and 52 percent will Socio- arrive by subway or bus — but state analysts also admit that the Transit Continued from page 1 Authority has not committed to adding trains or busses on game day. vast scale or environmental impact before unanimously certifying Shadows Only 2.7 percent will walk, the document said. economic the project plan and the DEIS on Tuesday. • Some crosswalks with little congestion would become jam-packed. worst during But according to the DEIS, the project will bring a school’s The corners of Dean Street and Sixth Avenue and Dean Street and Carlton The 16 towers of the the cold winter worth of new children, thousands of new cars and significant Avenue — currently classified as “unrestricted” would fall to “severely re- Atlantic Yards project will months. noise to the residential streets closest to the project. stricted,” to use the state’s jargon. enshroud the playground at the impacts In addition, large segments of Fort Greene and Boerum Atlantic Terminal Houses in The study • Every subway in Brooklyn would carry hundreds of more passengers also showed that: Hill will be left in shadows, views of the historic Williams- during rush hour. Fort Greene in shadows all Atlantic Yards burgh Savings Bank building will be lost, more than 600 resi- day, every day, during the win- • By 2016, when the proposed probably won’t ex- The congestion will be most acute on Brooklyn-bound trains during the Atlantic Yards would be fully built dents of the site area will be forced to move, subways will be evening rush. Each sardine can on the 2, 3, 4 and D lines would have to ter, and place the northern por- acerbate the gentrifi- jam-packed, especially on game days (see sidebars, right). out, the lawn of the Atlantic Termi- hold roughly four more passengers. When a reporter asked Gargano if the project could be tion of Prospect Heights in the nal will also be in shadows from cation that’s already State planners say such traffic and transit impacts will be fixed by scaled down to reduce effects on roads, infrastructure and lo- same gloom every morning 8:30 am to 4:29 pm in the early taking place in Pros- changing the timing of many stoplights, implementing some parking re- cal quality of life, yet still give Ratner a reasonable profit, he until noon all year long, spring. pect Heights and replied, “I don’t think it can be.” strictions, repainting some streets to eliminate or create turn lanes, shut- according to the state study That’s a particular irony, consid- Fort Greene, according to a “You aren’t going to get developers to build if they lose mon- tling basketball fans to the arena from remote parking lots, underwriting released this week. ering Ratner also built that site. new state report on the impact ey,” said Gargano, a Park Slope native. transit discounts for Nets ticket-holders, and adding NYPD officers to As The Brooklyn Papers report- • The brand-new South Oxford of the project on local socioe- Gargano’s off-the-cuff response reflected the state’s com- keep traffic moving. ed in June, Bruce Ratner’s sky- Park in Fort Greene will spend conomics. The cost of the last three mitigations would be passed along to Ratner, fort with the enormity of the project — which would occupy scrapers will cast shadows on the several hours a day in shadows State planners made that con- the document said. almost eight city blocks, would add 15,000 new residents to area bordered by DeKalb Avenue most of the year. clusion based on Census data the area, and would include a building, Miss Brooklyn, that is Even with the mitigations, 39 intersections will still have significant Douglass Street, Grand Avenue The state study offered little showing that the number of “at- 108-feet higher than the Williamsburgh, currently the bor- congestion at some point during the day, and two subway corridors will and Bond Street. mitigation for the shadow impacts. risk” households in the area has ough’s tallest tower. experience a “complete breakdown in traffic flow” from 7-8 pm. The shadows would be at their — Dana Rubinstein been declining for years — even Opponents, predictably, said the pricetag was just too high. — Kuntzman before Bruce Ratner dreamed up
“This is the most-expensive arena in the history of the Illustrations by Sylvan Migdal Atlantic Yards. country and clearly the negative impacts outweigh the bene- The project would displace an fits to the city and state,” said City Councilwoman Letitia estimated 410 residents and 27 James (D-Prospect Heights). businesses from its 22-acre foot- But the developer and his state allies still said the project print, plus the residents of 144 would achieve its goals of both revitalizing an area they say homes already purchased by the is blighted, adding 2,250 affordable units to Brooklyn’s hous- developer. ing market, building seven acres of open space and returning Facilities and infrastructure And there could be more dis- a nifty profit for the builder. placement just outside the foot- “It’s an opportunity for people of all income levels” to The ESDC says that But don’t bet on it residents. DEIS stated. print. make a home in an “underutilized” area, Gargano said. Bruce Ratner’s be- actually happening. “NYPD would continue to evaluate Even the biggest optimist at the Em- The state’s draft environmen- “What is important is the public benefit and the fact that hemoth project will not “Building 5 [in At- its staffing needs and assign personnel pire State Development Corporation tal impact statement admits that the [city and state] will receive $1.4 billion for its invest- significantly affect lantic Yards] has been based on … demographics, calls for would have to admit that there will be replacing the existing LIRR ment,” he said. Brooklyn’s existing identified as a possible service, and crime conditions,” the crime at Atlantic Yards. — Rubinstein yards with a landscape of curvy, The City Council, Borough President Markowitz and state location for a school,” Frank Gehry-designed buildings legislators all said they would do a new analysis — after al- infrastructure — but its own documents the document said. could inflate area land values, ready backing the project. “But there has been no leading to permanent displace- A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (R- show that the project commitment by the Department of Ed- ment of some nearby residents. Brunswick), who has supported the project, admitted this would cause overcrowded schools, ucation at this time.” “Further analysis is needed to week that his boss hadn’t closely examined the project’s fi- create new challenges to police In other nuts-and-bolts issues: Make yourself heard fully address the indirect dis- nances, but would do so in the future. and fire coverage, and cause more • The East River would see placement concern,” the docu- Bruno, along with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D- sewage to flow into the East River. 700,000 more gallons of overflow a Set your calendars — the emailed to atlanticyards@empire. ment said. Manhattan) and Governor Pataki, would be asked to approve By the time the 6,860-unit project year, thanks to further stresses on the state’s public hearing on the At- state.ny.us or snail-mailed to Maria And although the DEIS fre- the project following the pro forma 66-day public comment pe- is completed in 2016, nearby elemen- city’s aging sewer system. lantic Yards Draft Environmental Mooney, ESDC, 633 Third Avenue, quently calls the Prospect riod that began on Tuesday. tary schools would surge to 32 per- At the same time, the Gowanus Impact Statement will be on New York, NY 10017. Feel free to Heights development site cent overcapacity, thanks to 1,873 Canal, which is inundated with raw Wednesday, Aug. 23. send a copy to Newsroom@Brook- “blighted,” the document does new, elementary-age children, accord- sewage during heavy rainfall, would In advance of the sure-to-be- lynPapers.com, so we know what’s admit that the neighborhood ing to the Atlantic Yards draft envi- actually experience an 1.8-million- packed meeting, the Empire State on your mind, too. ranks among the wealthiest near ronmental impact statement released gallon decrease in sewer overflows, Development Corporation is encour- The agency claims written the proposed basketball arena this week. thanks to an innovative water-reten- aging the public to pick apart the comments, which are due by Sept. that is Atlantic Yards’ center- PROTEST… In all, the project would put 3,020 tion feature of Atlantic Yards, as well DEIS (which can be viewed, with 22, “will be afforded the same piece. extra students into the public school as proposed infrastructure improve- some difficulty, at http://www. em- weight as oral testimony” at the The median income in the Continued from page 1 system. ments paid for by the city. pire.state.ny.us/AtlanticYards/DEIS public hearing, which will take supposedly blighted neighbor- teed a unit in the development — which Ratner is required to The state proposes fixing the prob- • The city would have to provide .asp). — at your local library. place at 4:30 at NYC Technical hood is $43,333 — just behind do by law — but some said they feel alienated from both lem by building a new school within more cops and firefighters to serve Written comments may be College, 285 Jay St. Park Slope and Boerum Hill. sides of the debate. Atlantic Yards project. the development’s anticipated 14,000 — Ariella Cohen “This is my life,” said one man, who did not attend the Sunday rally. “I am sick of hearing people talk about it who are not really facing any of the consequences.” Jennifer Levy, whose South Brooklyn Legal Services rep- resents five of the tenants, said Ratner’s relocation offer for- bade tenants from talking about any agreements with the de- veloper — a controversial gag order similar to other Culture, neighborhood character, urban design agreements that have stifled discussion of dozens of real-es- tate deals Ratner has made within the development’s 22 acres. The Grand Army Plaza rally — which came two days be- New York State planners Atlantic Yards, It is unclear how a masses clad in glass, metal panels, “marginally acceptable” to “marginal- fore the state gave Atlantic Yards a preliminary nod — was admitted that the 16-skyscrapers the document said, “gateway” project at and masonry, which would contrast to ly unacceptable.” the largest event DDDB has held since Ratner unveiled his of the Atlantic Yards project are would serve as a the confluence of four classical designs of the brownstones” On the plus side, Atlantic Yards first model at Borough Hall in 2003. significantly larger than the sur- “gateway” linking neighborhoods can nearby. would: Prospect Heights, also be in the “back- “We think the development is too big,” said first-time pro- rounding neighborhoods — but • Flashy signs affixed to the pro- • Create landscaped greenspace testor Marty Goldin, a Park Slope resident and real-estate de- Fort Greene, Boer- ground” of each one posed basketball arena would be un- that would “allow people to cross concluded that the project’s size um Hill and Park at the same time. avoidable “along the Atlantic and Flat- through the site and would connect, veloper. is a good thing. “I have asthma,” added Grace Shannon, a Clinton Hill res- Slope, long divided The DEIS also bush Avenue corridors.” And the signs for the first time in a century, the ident. “Now that I’ve heard how much pollution this thing is “The proposed project would by the “blighted” indicated that: will be “brighter on event nights.” neighborhoods north of Atlantic Av- going to bring, I am fighting for my life.” change the character of the project LIRR yard near the intersection of At- • The project would “be of a larger • Dean Street “would change from enue with Prospect Heights, to the But the throngs of demonstrators — most came from site, and for the better,” the state’s lantic and Flatbush avenues. scale and height than the buildings lo- a quiet, mixed-use former industrial south.” close-by neighborhoods like Park Slope, Prospect Heights, draft environmental impact statement But the document was somewhat cated in the immediately surrounding street to an active street with a mix of • Include a glass-walled public Fort Greene and Clinton Hill — scared off at least one poten- said. contradictory on that claim, saying historic districts, including the Brook- uses.” space called the Urban Room, which tial supporter, an agoraphobic jogger. “The new taller buildings of the that adverse impacts from the pro- lyn Academy of Music, Fort Greene, • Noise — which is already the sin- would include café kiosks, new sub- “I don’t like crowds, period, not at an arena and not at a proposed project would have a posi- ject’s scale, design and traffic would and Prospect Heights historic dis- gle-biggest complaint of city residents way access and sitting areas. Atop it demonstration,” said the Fort Greene resident who declined tive effect by serving as new way- merely be “background conditions” tricts.” — would increase significantly in would be a 620-foot tower — Brook- to give his name. finders in the Brooklyn skyline.” in those four neighborhoods. • Its design would “asymmetrical some surrounding areas, going from lyn’s tallest. — Kuntzman 6 AWP THE BROOKLYN PAPERS • WWW.BROOKLYNPAPERS.COM • (718) 834-9350 July 22, 2006 Wal-Mart and Brooklyn? Fuhgedaboudit! Editor’s Note: Our recent editorial on a large, “Wal-Mart’s ‘unbeatable’ low-prices are the result “Let’s keep Brooklyn, Brooklyn. Wal-Mart does boarded up. New York City, and Brooklyn most of laws. Let Wal-Mart demonstrate its willingness to Arkansas-based big-box retailer’s suitability for of slave labor overseas and outsourced manufactur- not hold nor project the values of Brooklyn. all, may be the last bastion of true neighborhoods, change, by offering fair wages and benefits to its cur- Downtown (“Wal-Mart and Brooklyn: Perfect ing to Third World countries. Mom and Pop shops “Brooklyn has been built on small-business ac- the walking communities that planners across the rent workforce, before we even think of letting them Together,” July 1/8) generated, oh, how should give neighborhoods character, so every neighborhood tivity, and city government has a fiduciary respon- nation seek to emulate. Brooklyn is thriving with- into Brooklyn.” Shirley Ranz, Gerritsen Beach we put it?, a fair amount of hostility towards the doesn’t look like a suburban mall. If you want to live sibility to protect these businesses. It is not good out Wal-Mart. New Yorkers don’t need to feed this “Your editorial is great news for consumers. editorial board. Since many of the in a mall go ahead! I moved to New enough that Wal-Mart could work, as you put it, in greedy and dangerous monopolist Once opened, Wal-Mart offers em- dozens of letters we received York to get away from suburbia. Brooklyn. What we have now is a thriving and monster.” Brian Ketcham, Cobble Hill ployment opportunities for many made the same points — with dif- Wal-Mart “Wal-Mart refuses to pay its work- valuable small business atmosphere; unique and Wal-Mart is workers. Students, housewives, sen- fering expletives, of course — we growing in value. Why would we want to give this “Wal-Mart is not good for Brook- ers a living wage and your money lyn, or anywhere else, for that matter! ior citizens and ordinary people out thought we’d present excerpts in needs and mine pays their healthcare and up? Say no to Wal-Mart in Brooklyn, forever.” not good Do not be bamboozled: Their sales of work could find employment lo- a concise, readable format. For childcare costs. And they have Charles W. McMellon Jr., Park Slope personnel are trained to steer cus- cally without having to travel one to those of you who detest Wal- Brooklyn stopped every major bill to make our for Brooklyn, “OK, guys, you have lost it. I have read your tomers to the higher-priced models. two hours elsewhere. All of these Mart, enjoy. ports more secure because higher more than disparaging reviews of Bruce Ratner and others, They take advantage of government or companies and their employees are costs for overseas shipping would cut “Your editorial was hard to be- but Bruce is a New Yorker. I am shocked you have benefits by not giving their employ- our neighbors. Starting pay is be- we need into their bottom line.” anywhere lieve. You gotta think outside the endorsed Wal-Mart. I guess trailer parks are next. ees appropriate benefits. Don’t fool tween $7.15 $10.30 per hour for BIG BOX brother! Most people the overfed Michele Smith, Park Slope There is nothing good that comes from Wal-Mart yourself that they will let Brook- else, for new employees. Promotional op- know that Wal-Mart burdens tax- “Wal-Mart needs Brooklyn a lot except tacky over consumption. If your paper was lynites change their employment portunities including training for payers, doesn’t pay a living wage, retailer. more than Brooklynites need the not free, I would not bother to read it.” practices. They do not deserve to lo- that matter. higher paying managerial positions busts unions and mistreats women, overfed retailer. The company has Tracy Tucker, DUMBO cate here in Brooklyn. I shop at the are common. They also offer health fills the shelves with sweatshop saturated the market in its rural and “A year ago I wrote in The Papers that if Wal- discount stores in my wonderful care and other benefits. Wal-Mart products and kills independent shops that make exurban base and desperately needs a presence in Mart had to come to Brooklyn, it should come to neighborhood.” Karen Ranney, Kensington may actually pay higher salaries and offer more healthy neighborhoods.” urban markets in order to maintain its Gremlin-like Downtown, rather than to a remote, auto-depend- benefits than some of its competitors. The free en- Bill Talen, Windsor Terrace “Wal-Mart has met fierce opposition in Queens The writer is a performance artist growth and keep its shareholders happy. Why not ent mall — but do we really want Wal-Mart at all? terprise system made our nation great. Economic known as the Reverend Billy offer Wal-Mart a challenge? Come to Brooklyn un- “Less publicized are its monopolistic business and Staten Island, and rightly so. When workers in growth and the creation of wealth come from busi- “A new Wal-Mart in Downtown Brooklyn would der the following condition: That its workers will practices — driving thousands of suppliers into Quebec succeeded, despite intimidation, in organiz- nesses — small and large. Consumers shopping at not generate new business for the area. Rather, like be allowed to unionize. One of the so-called bankruptcy and beating their 61,000 remaining ing a union, Wal-Mart closed the store. Despite the Wal-Mart get a better bang for the buck. most other big-box stores, it would capture business bedrock values of Wal-Mart, enshrined by its suppliers in collusive manipulation of entire indus- largest class-action suit by 1.6 million female em- “The silent majority of New Yorkers defies its from the retailers already in the area, draining prof- founder Sam Walton, was ‘respect for the individ- tries. To serve Wal-Mart’s pricing demands, busi- ployees for sex-discrimination, and several other elected officials and wants Wal-Mart in New York. its from the local economy and funneling them into ual.’ Well, why not respect an individual’s right to nesses cut employees and benefits or just move the class-action suits charging racial discrimination and Many New Yorkers — poor, working class, single what is already the largest corporation in the world. collective bargaining?” jobs overseas. refusal to allow meal breaks and non-payment of household and fellow middle class people — need We’d be much better off focusing on home-grown John Dicker, Denver (via Cobble Hill) “Wal-Mart’s predatory pricing has forced tens of overtime, there has been no improvement in worker the great prices and quality merchandise that Wal- businesses with stronger ethics and ties to the com- The writer is author of thousands of small businesses across America to benefits. In Inglewood, California, Wal-Mart tried to Mart offers. Consumers have voted with their feet munity.” Gwen Kash, Bushwick “The United States of Wal-Mart” (Penguin) close down. Thousands of small towns have been exempt itself from environmental, traffic and zoning all over America.” Larry Penner, Great Neck
BROOKLYN BRIEFS BAM building is ‘cultured’ for The Brooklyn Papers $8.6-million facelift paid for by the The Brooklyn Academy of city, the state, and private donors. Music officially became a The restored terra-cotta cornice national cultural attraction last on the building’s façade — which week. deteriorated in the 1950s — im- pressed the officials who added BAM’s turn-of-the-century Beaux BAM to the Register. Arts building in Fort Greene — Brooklyn’s “The colors are just wildly vivid,” built in 1908 after a fire destroyed the original building on Montague said Sowatka. “That’s not true of Street — was named to the Nation- many other buildings of the era.” al Register of Historic Places BAM’s cultural importance is thanks to the “uniqueness” of its ar- more than just skin deep. Icons chitecture, and its “cultural contri- throughout history — including ‘Hi,’ Sierra Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt butions,” according to Sandy Sowatka, a spokesperson for BAM. and Amelia Earhart — have graced The Brooklyn Papers The building (right) has been a its stage since its first civil-war era city landmark since 1978, but the performance. The 750,000-member Sierra Club — which nor- BAM now joins the Brooklyn mally concerns itself with global warming and the new federal status will allow BAM to apply for special federal grants Bridge, Prospect Park’s Litchfield federal Clean Water Act — has backed a compara- for any repair or restoration of its Villa, and even the 15th Street F tively small local lawsuit claiming that the proposed historic features. train station among Brooklyn’s Brooklyn Bridge Park is actually a handout to real- The perk comes a bit too late — 132 entries on the esteemed federal estate developers. in 2004, the building underwent an registry. — Sara Vogel The Empire State Development Corporation’s 85-acre waterfront development — which calls for open space fi- nanced by on-site residential towers — has incited bitter controversy in Downtown Brooklyn. But Sierra Club officials, who submitted an amicus brief in support of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Defense Fund’s law- suit on Thursday, say this local issue has much-wider rami- Academic joins fight to save ‘Underground RR’ houses fications. “The Sierra Club’s interest concerns not only the con- for The Brooklyn Papers Railroad. once an extensive network of self-determination dates from Councilwoman Letitia James and historical heritage site or struction of residential units in Brooklyn Bridge Park, but An expert on the Under- She says they may not have houses and farms that shel- the earliest period of the (D-Prospect Heights), who corridor be created.” the ramifications nationwide if such private use and devel- ground Railroad has join- been — but that the city tered runaway slaves journey- American colonies and is a promptly made it public. Walters is one of many ex- opment is allowed on land conveyed for the public’s use as ed the crusade to save two should err on the side of cau- ing from bondage to Canada. continuing legacy that we “Duffield Street … provides perts who have called for a park,” the club said in its brief. Duffield Street houses that tion before tearing down a po- “African-Americans’ strug- must now preserve,” Walters such an opportunity. I strongly preservation of the houses. tentially historic site. gle for freedom, equality and wrote in a private letter to City support the idea that a cultural — Brendan Mysliwiec The suit alleges that the state’s plan violates law by in- are facing demolition by cluding private housing in a public park, fails to adequately the city. The city wants to bull- consider traffic impacts, and ignores an existing plan for a The expert, Delores Wal- doze the homes and build “community” park that would not include on-site develop- ters, was one of a number of a parking lot for a pro- ment. academics hired by a consult- posed hotel in Downtown “This is a test case impacting the future of all public ing firm to investigate local Brooklyn. parks,” warned Fund President Judi Francis. “If housing is claims that the houses, at 225 Opponents of the plan allowed to happen in this great park, it will run roughshod and 227 Duffield, were sta- say the city is ignoring the Every group hates traffic over the entire city, state and nation.” — Dana Rubinstein tions on the Underground remnants of what was for The Brooklyn Papers Hill Neighborhood Association enough, [but] we’ve done more dispel the notion that the com- A coalition of 28 com- — was received with some than anyone in recent memory munity groups are anti-devel- munity groups — span- confusion at City Hall, which to prepare against excessive opment. ning a wide swath from prides itself on its traffic and growth and to protect it where “We want Brooklyn to Bay Ridge to Greenpoint transit efforts. it’s appropriate,” said mayoral grow,” he said. “Brooklyn’s — are demanding that “People may be frustrated spokeswoman Sharon Fuchs. gotta grow. But it’s gotta grow that it’s not going quickly But Naparstek was quick to smart.” — Mysliwiec Mayor Bloomberg focus more attention on the traf- fic that is “blanketing our streets with cars and trucks.” CHECKIN’ IN WITH... The groups’ demands — contained in a July 13 letter to City Hall — come as traffic is increasingly perceived as a The Rappin’ Urban Planners leading quality-of-life prob- lem. Call them the rapping urban planners. But Devonne Knights and Kinani Burton From the opening of a Fair- rhyme a vision for Fulton Mall that could shake the doldrums off the 1970s-era way in Red Hook to develop- shopping strip. The two sharp-tongued planners — 11th graders at the Brooklyn ment in Williamsburg that has High School of Music and Theatre — participated in the Cooper-Hewitt National caused overcrowding of the L Design Museum “Design Your ‘Hood” program. Models of their future Fulton train to the failure to update Mall and, of course, copies of their “Fulton Mizzle” rap, will be on exhibit at the truck routes even though Brooklyn Historical Society through July 30. Knights and Burton checked in with many pass through booming Ariella Cohen last week. residential neighborhoods, residents of many communi- Q: So Devonne, you’re an aspiring shout out to Fulton’s shops — “We ties are screaming, “Enough!” rapper and aspiring city planner. Let’s got accessories for sale and they all hear you use both talents to explain / Joshua Janke “Traffic and transportation go for low prices/fashion for the styl- are huge issues and they … what you see when you visit Fulton ist, come here you got to buy this…” are not being addressed,” said Mall. But the Fulton Mall BID wants to Aaron Naparstek, community Knights: “The downfall of the mall is the bring new stores to the mall to at- organizer and Park Slope walls are all peeled. And the people ova’ tract new shoppers. Do you think there straight crowd the place…” changing up the retail mix is neces-
The Brooklyn Papers The Brooklyn Civic Council member. Court Street lawyer Leo Kimmel in his law office on — where else? — Court Street. The traffic concerns are es- Q: You wrote that under your nom de sary? pecially acute, given the pace rap, “Metro T dot,” who represents Burton: There is a relationship between the of recent development, such Metrotech, while your other rap iden- stores and the [feel] of the mall, so it is im- as in Williamsburg and Green- tity, Fulton Mizzle, reps the mall it- portant, but I think the stores are good now. Proud to be a ‘Court Street lawyer’ point and along Fourth Av- self. So what would be Mizzle’s come- New stores could be good too, but the big enue, where upzoning has en- back to that shot from T dot? problem is cleaning up the streets and giving couraged rapid growth. for The Brooklyn Papers boisterous, energetic man. But revisiting People still get into accidents, still get Knights: Here goes: “Yeah, you got mad people nice places to sit down when they And hanging like a specter his career reveals a man who’s not only divorced, still dispute contracts, still steal trees, but you’re here for no reason/The area aren’t shopping. There’s a certain notoriety behind over central Brooklyn is the term “Court Street lawyer.” witnessed, but also been a part of, from each other and still, occasionally, got land, but it ain’t got a plan/’Cause you Q: According to Metro T dot, shop- Brooklyn legal history. get caught. Bruce Ratner’s nearly 7,000- got a use so I don’t understand/And the peo- Who else would you find hanging out apartment, 18,000-seat basket- pers “get what they want, then they Kimmel became a lawyer in 1966, And the judge they see was probably ple like me, but you don’t got no fans.” across the street from the courthouse but and went to work at the Brooklyn Dis- ball arena proposed for rave and flaunt. And then they drop a bunch of, as Leo Kimmel puts it, “low- schooled by Leo Kimmel. Prospect Heights. Q: Ouch. What did you think about all the trash, grab the bags and trict Attorney’s office, where he was an “I’ve been in this business a long level hustlers and ambulance chasers”? ADA alongside future DAs Robert Keat- The letter — signed by a the mall when you first began this dash.” How do you fix that? In a good way. time,” he said. “Many of the judges over veritable United Nations of project? Burton: I designed an open plaza with big ing and Charles Hynes. here I trained when they were first pri- “We’re the people’s lawyers,” said After a stint in the state Welfare De- groups, such as the Bay Ridge Knights: I like it and I go there all the time, stairs to sit on and look at the historic build- Kimmel, who has been practicing law on partment’s Inspector General’s Office, he vate lawyers. Even in the DA’s office, Community Council, the but the streets are all broken up and some of ings. People need places to sit and have a Court Street — with pride — for 40 years. returned to Court Street in 1975 and nev- when they sent new guys up, I’d train Gowanus Community Stake- the windows are all boarded up. There is no drink or a snack and look at all the buildings “I mean, where do people go? They er left. them. A lot of them moved up pretty fast holder Group, the Polish Slavic place to relax. that made the place what it is. don’t go to Manhattan and those fancy Things have changed considerably since to the Supreme Court.” Center Community Services, Burton: It was just a place to buy shoes and Q: What should we do to make that law firms. When you have an accident, Kimmel opened his first office. The neigh- When he appears before such judges South Midwood Residents’As- today, he doesn’t get a break, he said. pants or a suit, but it appealed to a lot of happen? get arrested, have marital problems, you borhoods are different, attitudes have shift- sociation, United Jewish Orga- people. come to Court Street.” ed — but some things never change. “When I don’t like what they do, they nization of Williamsburg, Unit- Knights and Burton (in unison): Listen to The Brooklyn-born father of four — “The same kinds of people are still say, ‘What are you talking about? You ed Puerto Rican Organization Q: Mizzle opens the rap battle with a us! who turned 70 on July 10 — remains a getting into trouble,” he said. trained me!’ ” — Jim Knipfel of Sunset Park and the Vinegar July 22, 2006 THE BROOKLYN PAPERS • WWW.BROOKLYNPAPERS.COM • (718) 834-9350 AWP 7
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Smartmom is guilty of child grade class. Two years later, she year-old Teen Spirit was • Private Parties 718.422.1978 • olababy.com In the eyes of some Park abuse was taking city buses and sub- mugged a couple of months • Fun & learning for ages 6-13 Slope moms, Smartmom is It all started when OSFO’s ways — by herself. ago on Eighth Avenue and best friend, Crystal, was al- Some would say it was a Third Street. A group of kids Classes meet at 170 Hicks St. lowed to walk to OSFO’s house different city then. And it was. surrounded him and asked for in Brooklyn Heights unaccompanied. That meant In the 1970s, crime was ram- his iPod. He calmly gave it to To register, call Jane at (718) 797-0029 crossing one-way Second pant, garbage was every- them and they let him go. Street. Alone. She had to call where, and filthy streets (no He did the right thing, but it www.kidscookbrooklyn.com home as soon as she arrived, of Pooper Scooper Law, remem- could have been a lot worse. 792 Eastern Parkway, course, but she made it. ber?) were filled with crazy What if the kids wanted to corner Kingston Ave. After witnessing such suc- people released from mental beat him up? Brooklyn, NY cess, OSFO began clamoring hospitals. When Smartmom and Hep- Train: #3 train to Kingston Avenue, to go to Crystal’s house all by Sure, it was scary. But for cat grilled Teen Spirit about stops in front of museum. herself. Smartmom’s smart mom, it the incident, they asked what Smartmom wasn’t sure her was all part of teacher her the boys looked like, careful 718.467.0600 • www.JCM.museum girl was quite not to blurting out anything Let us pay your toll ready, so, for vaguely racist (or racial). starters, she let The thought of the mug- OSFO and Crys- ging gives Smartmom chills. to Staten Island... tal walk around SMART But she’s glad that his first the corner to the mugging was relatively easy. by offering Brooklyn residents candy store and mom He’s crossed that essential 50% OFF our annual tuition. Park Slope Books. By Louise Crawford milestone and maybe it will Ah la liberte: make him more alert on the Limited time offer for K-8th Hours: what a blast to street in the long run. Luckily, that incident didn’t Sunday:10:00am—6:00pm buy Skittles at the candy store daughter about life in the city CALL TODAY! and browse picture books at (including how to deal with crimp Teen Spirit’s independ- Monday—Thursday: the bookstore. Alone. And it her bus pass getting stolen on ent style. He takes the subway 718-351-4442 10:00am—4:00pm involved no street-crossing. a regular basis). to school every day, to con- Next, Smartmom decided So, where were Smart- certs in Manhattan, to Times New Dorp Christian Academy Friday & Saturday: Closed that OSFO was ready to cross mom’s — and other kids’ — Square to see movies. Times Square?! The way (Check our website for weekend, Second Street with Crystal. parents? Maybe they were too Committed to excellence Museum Activities: They are both capable and Smartmom sees it, why grow seasonal & holiday hours.) distracted by the Sexual Rev- in Academic and Spiritual education cautious kids who know to up in New York City if you • Hands-on Exhibits olution to accompany their Tickets: wait for the green light and kids around town. More like- can’t be a real city kid? Move to 259 Rose Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10306 the suburbs if you want safe. General Admission: $10 • Video Theatre look both ways. ly, they just let their kids go it They also know to be wary You can’t teach your chil- (Children under 2 free) alone — like their parents did, • Arts & Crafts of strangers and even familiar- and their parents’ parents did. dren to live their lives in fear. Now enrolling for September, 2006 And you can’t hover over © David Sundberg/ESTO looking people whom she 905.;/0:*6<765R5+9,*,0P, • Outdoor Mini Golf doesn’t really know. HE CITY HAS COME them forever. They need to 10% OFF • Live Game Show The other day, Crystal and a long way since “Ford learn the law of the streets: be Kiddie OSFO were joined by their Tto City: Drop Dead!” alert, check to see if anyone is / / *6+,L ,:;90*;065:R773>--,9PR30+<5;03( ( ( schoolmate, Kate. Crystal yet city parents are more pro- following you, duck into a KORNER wanted to pick up her Build-a- tective than ever. Back when store or apartment building if Bear at home, so Smartmom it was truly treacherous, those you feel nervous, find an adult JEWISH PRESCHOOL 1970s parents were laisse- The Child Study Center of New York, Est. 1981 said the three girls could go to or a cop if something happens. Warm, loving, experienced care for babies, faire about sending their kids Learning to survive in the toddlers and young children up to 5 years. 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A28 now at Ages: 5-9 June 26th - August 11th Barnes & Noble At: The Hannah Senesh School - 215 Pacific St. Sleep under the stars every night...in your own bedroom! Swimming, Soccer & Tennis Visit website & receive 20% off an orignal StarScapes® ceiling with this ad Dates: Session 3: July 24th - Aug 4th, Session 4 (1 week only): Aug 7th - 11th www.starscapesfx.com/NYC Contact: Simcha (718) 596-4840 Ext. 15 • [email protected] Call Toll Free 1 (866) 829-7504 Actual Checks made payable to Camp Gan Israel, 117 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Stimulate Constellations your child’s & orientation Administration fee of $100 per child. Camp is closed July 4th and Aug. 3rd (Tisha B’Av) mind STARSCAPES A40 8 BWN THE BROOKLYN PAPERS • WWW.BROOKLYNPAPERS.COM • (718) 834-9350 July 22, 2006 THE BATTLE FOR 4TH AVENUE It’s a stretch, but some want to protect its ‘character’
By Dana Rubinstein The Brooklyn Papers CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS ALONG FOURTH AVENUE “Kill the 12-story mon- ster,” read a hand-painted sign sprouting up amid weeds and abandoned toys First St 15th St 14th St 13th St 12th St 11th St 10th St in a lot on Fourth Avenue Fifth St Sixth St Third St Third Ninth St Union St Eighth St Fourth St and 12th Street. St Carroll Second St Garfield Pl “Monster” referred to a res- Seventh St CON ED idential tower destined for an- BUILDING St President other vacant lot across the street. It also advertised a June Fourth Ave 13 meeting, which attracted Renovated Brooklyn 81 residents troubled about the Lyceum pace of development. The Park Slope South Com- munity — an incipient group borne from the meeting — is manning the barricades in what has become Brooklyn’s latest KEY: TOWER BUILDING FOR SALE EMPTY LOT RENOVATIONS GOING ON divisive battle: one faction wants to develop a neighbor- hood, another unites to protect that neighborhood’s “character.” 11th Street, a block of meticu- on the other side supposedly Neither Yang nor develop- Retailers on Seventh Avenue • • • Both sides can’t win, can lously maintained rowhouses. sold for even more. er Isaac Katan wants to let — a much more established Development — and over- they? A number of them date to the And that’s peanuts com- the opportunity pass. Katan and pedestrian-friendly com- development — have become Tall buildings are rising on late 1800s and have been in pared to the price tags on has 200 units under construc- mercial sector — pay up- the issue of the day in Brook- Fourth Avenue thanks to the the same family for genera- some nearby homes. tion in towers at Fifth and wards of $75 per square foot. lyn, and given the statistics, 2003 rezoning of Park Slope, tions. A three-story building at Second streets — and in the “Fourth Avenue would ap- it’s no surprise. which protected low-rise resi- While many of her neigh- 488 Fourth Ave. that sold last next five months, he’ll start pear to be coming of age,” Forty-two percent of New dential streets from developers’ bors have sold their houses to October for $1.38 million is excavation on another 200. said Ken Adams, president of Yorkers earn less than plans, while turning commer- developers for astronomical now selling for $2.1 million. In total, there are 12 new the Brooklyn Chamber of $32,000 a year. In 2002, they cial thoroughfares, particularly profits, Striano is holding onto Across the street, a four-story buildings rising between Commerce. “It’s certainly had access to 1.2 million Fourth Avenue between Union her home of 37 years. building is selling for $2.15 Union and 15th streets, ac- not a retail backwater any- rental units. By 2005, the and 15th streets, into blank can- Striano, 83, grew up around million. Tellingly, both are cording to Community Board more.” number was down to 985,000 vases for redevelopment. the corner. Her husband Sal, listed by Massey Knakal — 6 District Manager Craig • • • units, according to an NYU The zoning regulations now to whom she’s been married the real-estate behemoth — as Hammerman. Most notably, Development in Park Slope study, which also concluded allow developers to build as for 64 years, was born down “development sites.” there are two Shaya Boymel- has been proceeding in fits that rents have increased 8 high as 120 feet and to extend the block. A development site is “a green towers going up — one and starts for years. percent citywide in just three those buildings 100 feet down “I thought our next stop place where you would build near the Old Stone House at In the early 1990s, Park years. side streets. would be Green-Wood Ceme- a new building,” said Massey Fourth Street and another Slope north of Union Street Further exacerbating the The more-permissive zon- tery,” said Striano. “I never Knakal agent Kenneth Free- nearby. was rezoned to protect the housing crunch on Fourth Av- ing has already spurred a flur- thought I’d be asked to man. “The Fourth Avenue It’s not just the condo and character of the neighborhood. enue is the fact that afford- ry of development. Now move.” market right now has tremen- coop market that’s booming. The success of that rezon- able housing provisions were Fourth Avenue — once a But she was. Striano says dous upside. It’s not there yet, Urban View Realty was ing led its 2003 extension not included in the 2003 re- place to get your flat fixed — she’s been repeatedly pres- but I have every reason to be- showing two, two-bedroom south to 15th Street. zoning. aspires to become a true part sured by developer Bailing lieve it will be there.” rentals on Fourth Avenue for Fourth Avenue — a wide • • • of gentrified Park Slope. Yang to sell. Freeman says that the con- $2,000 a piece. street well-served by public Development along Fourth “Any piece of land that can Yang has already snatched dos being built up and down “These went in a week or transportation — was recon- Avenue may be unavoidable, be gotten there and developed is up the houses on either side of Fourth Avenue offer attractive two — so fast,” said Olivia ceived as the “Park Avenue of but residents are taking a being bought up,” said Roslyn Striano and has bought prop- amenities to the flood of peo- Prudhomme, an agent. The Brooklyn.” stand. Huebener, a longtime real-estate erties around the corner on ple coursing into Brooklyn — neighborhood’s so hot that “Fourth Avenue [is seen] as Striano and another neigh- broker in the neighborhood. Fourth Avenue, including the the well-regarded PS 321, an some apartments are rented a safety valve,” said Hammer- bor’s refusal to sell their hous- But with growth comes Laundromat. easy commute to Manhattan, the same day they are listed. man. “Some of the market es makes it impossible for growing pains. And what is a “I don’t care what you offer and relative proximity to And with new residents, pressures on the rest of neigh- Yang to carry out her plan on boon for some — apartment me,” said Striano. “I want my Prospect Park. / Joshua Janke comes retail. borhood can be released onto Fourth Avenue. buyers and the developers house.” He’s not alone. “[Now] you can charge up to a wide street that could better “For a while I was quite who court them — is a The offers are getting hard- “[Fourth Avenue] is a nice $60 a foot on Fourth Avenue support housing density. positive I was doing some- tragedy for others. er and harder to refuse. street,” said Yang. “It has an for retail,” marveled Katan. “At the time, one would thing,” said Yang. “But there • • • The three-story house next island in the middle, and it can “Nobody was thinking or have been hard-pressed to find have been some changes of
Lillian Striano lives within door sold for $860,000 in have trees. It can become like Papers The Brooklyn dreaming a few years ago to any opponents to the plan,” he plans.” 100 feet of Fourth Avenue on April, and the two-story house Park Avenue of Manhattan.” Construction of a new apartment tower on Fourth Avenue. get even $30 a foot.” added. Striano has held off the de- Lights! Camera! Action! Cablecast Your Own TV Show on BCAT for FREE
by J.M. Rivera aybe you’re one of the thousands with an idea for a TV Mshow kicking around in your heard. Or maybe you’re thinking of a career change and want to pick up new skills. Or perhaps you’ve watched a television show and thought “I could do better.” If you’re a Brooklyn resident or work for a Brooklyn- based organization or business, you can fulfill life-long dreams by attending a free orientation at BCAT/Brooklyn Community Access Television, Brooklyn’s public access television station, where you’ll learn how you can cablecast your own show on BCAT for little or no money. More information is available at www.bcat.tv/bcat. Housed in the former Strand No equipment? The BCAT Media Learn the basics of TV pro- Theater building, on the corner of Center has everything you need to duction, as well as more Fulton Street and Rockwell Place, produce your own show – from hand- advanced skills, at BCAT’s BCAT trains hundreds of Brooklyn held video cameras to studio cameras Brooklyn Center for Media residents and employees in televi- equipped with teleprompters to edit- Education and Access. sion production at state-of-the-art ing equipment – and in a few short facilities; offers free access to weeks, you can gain the basic knowl- equipment; and airs community- edge needed to operate the equip- lights and sound, and edit your work. produced segments, as well as a ment to produce your own show. The Basic Television Studio Work- 24-hour bulletin board announcing The first step is to attend a 2-hour shop gives you hands-on experience at Brooklyn events and available orientation, held twice a month at the operating studio cameras and services, on four public access cable BCAT Media Center on a first-come, acquaints you with the main aspects television channels. On Time Warner first-served basis – usually on the first of studio equipment as well as floor Cable these are channels 34, 35, Tuesday of month from 6pm-8pm management, directing, producing, 56, and 57; on Cablevision, 67, 68, (unless it’s a holiday) plus an addi- and working with “talent.” now's the best time 69, and 70. The programs are tional weekend date. The orientation Once you’ve successfully completed also streamed live online at covers the basics about public access a production workshop, you become www.bcat.tv/bcat. television and BCAT’s role in the a Certified Producer and can use the 90% off your initiation If you have your own equipment, community. You’ll learn about local BCAT facilities and equipment at no you have until July 28 to apply for a and federal rules and regulations – additional cost to produce your own free weekly or monthly time slot for what you can and can’t do on your 28-minute programs for cablecast as + 4 free Personal Training sessions the spring season, which runs from show – and get an overview of the part of the “Brooklyn Free Speech (worth $320) the end of September through television production workshops Television” line-up on BCAT. December. After which, new appli- available. You’ll also be able to hone your cations are accepted quarterly. After attending an orientation, any skills in more advanced classes on Offer ends August 10th You’ll need to complete an applica- Brooklyn resident or employee of a Avid editing, interviewing, and light- tion form and bring it to BCAT, Brooklyn-based organization can sign ing or sound techniques. along with a current utility bill that up for one of BCAT’s two low-cost Attend a BCAT orientation on shows proof of Brooklyn residency; training workshops, part of BCAT’s August 1 at 6pm or August 8 at a government-issued photo ID; and Brooklyn Center for Media Edu- 11am and experience the satisfaction finished tapes – four if you’re apply- cation and Access. of seeing your name on the closing ing for a weekly show; one if you’re The Basic Field/Editing Production credits of your first television BROOKLYN HEIGHTS METROTECH PROSPECT PARK TRIBECA applying for a monthly show. (One- Workshop covers pre-production, 718 625-0500 718 330-0007 718 789-4600 212 966-5432 production. For more information, 43 CLARK STREET 333 ADAMS STREET 17 EASTERN PARKWAY 80 LEONARD STREET time specials can be submitted production and post-production. visit www.bcat.tv/bcat or call 718- throughout the year.) You’ll learn to use a camera, set up 935-1122, ext. 211. PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS ARE WITH LEVEL 1 OR 2 TRAINERS AND EXPIRE 30 DAYS AFTER JOINING (NO EXTENSIONS). THIS DISCOUNT IS ON NEW INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP WITH MONTHLY DUES BY ELECTRONIC TRANSFER AND IS NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. 8 BRZ THE BROOKLYN PAPERS • WWW.BROOKLYNPAPERS.COM • (718) 834-9350 July 22, 2006 2nd Ice $1 Buy one small ice at the regular price and get the second for one dollar! D’Heights arsenal raided By Dana Rubinstein set worth $6,500, a $3,400 dia- locked door, tied up two vic- and Sara Vogel mond and white gold tennis tims with plastic zipties, and rs NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH necklace, and a $500 14-karat then kicked down the door of o ! The Brooklyn Papers av WHERE CRIMES TOOK PLACE gold Allah medallion. the bedroom, where a 20-year- l No arrests were made. old man was sleeping. Ice Cream 68th Precinct F s • 68 PRECINCT Doors off Two masked men held the e A 29-year-old man who had three victims at gunpoint while c everage Four firearms are now the others rifled through the res- I B s in criminal hands after a parked his Sahara Jeep in front • ★ of his house on Narrows Av- idents’ property. The thieves es ★ Dyker Heights man’s arse- fled in a car with the goods, ac- k ★ ★ enue and 72nd Street on July 12 a nal was raided on July 12. returned to his car the next day cording to one witness. h It was late afternoon when S our Un to find that the Jeep was miss- Stroller scheme 75ALL y c the 67th Street resident dis- ing some very important ap- Fortunately, they are not 75 ’ l s e o ? covered that someone had pendages — its doors. OCCASION h stealing babies, but thieves have CAKES broken into his basement and The two doors are worth an been looting baby strollers. ting at $35 star W stolen his Remington .30-cal- estimated $3,000. No arrests One of the latest in the string iber bolt-action rifle, an Ithaca have been made. of stroller robberies happened ★ hammerless 16-gauge shot- when a 29-year-old woman left Deli robbed gun, a British .303 bolt-action Would you like money with her purse dangling on her baby seven-shot rifle, and a J. that? carriage at a Laundromat on Stevens Co. 22-gauge single- Adeli owner was opening McDonald Avenue, near action rifle. shop at 6:15 am on July 12 Quentin Road, on July 14. She Charles Saccardi, 76, inher- when he noticed an open win- turned to the washing machines ited the guns from his father in dow on the side of his establish- to do her laundry and when she the 1970s — they haven’t ment, at 92nd Street and Gel- turned back, her purse was been used since. ston Avenue. gone. “The only reason I keep Upon further inspection, the The stealthy perpetrator left them is they’re sentimental,” unfortunate 35-year-old propri- no trace, and police have no said Saccardi. “I wouldn’t buy etor discovered that he had leads. 7722 5th Avenue • (718) 238-2229 a gun today. You gotta be been robbed of $2,000. No ar- Unchained heart rests have been made. Mon-Thurs: noon - 10pm, Fri, Sat, Sun: noon - 11pm crazy. You need gun control. Alovers’ quarrel turned vio- You gotta have it.” Purse snatched lent when a 19-year-old man It’s not clear who carried 62 PRECINCT A Bay Ridge woman got her snatched the chain from around out the $800 weapons grab or purse snatched while shopping the neck of his 17-year-old girl- what they sought to do with at a popular supermarket on friend at 6 pm on July 12 and the stolen firepower, but the Third Avenue and 94th Street bruised her chest in the process. Saccardi told cops that two on the evening of July 11. He fled from the girl’s home on 67th Street, near 18th Av- Rules of our steak younger women who had The 29-year-old woman dis- been helping him out might covered her handbag was miss- enue, and police have yet to ap- GRAND place when ordering: prehend him. Request plain, Cheese Wiz, have stolen keys to the cellar ing from her shopping cart when American, provolone, or mozzarella. of the house, which is bet- she went to the checkout line. Bike bully OPENING Request with or without grilled onions –– We Use 100% Virgin Italian Olive Oil –– ween 11th and 12th avenues. The victim — clearly a bit of A 12-year-old boy was sit- Lo-Carb Chicken Sandwich ...... $7.95 No arrests have been made. a shopaholic — lost her Macy’s ting on his bicycle on 72nd Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches VISA card, her Target VISA Thinly sliced sirloin grilled to perfection Teaming up Street near 18th Avenue when a Steak Sandwich ...... $6.45 card, $150 in cash, a cellphone, bully shoved him to the ground, Thinly sliced sirloin grilled to perfection Two aspiring robbers were Cheesesteak Factory Combos two HSBC cards, and a check- gave him a black eye, and ran Cheese Steak ...... $6.95 Cheesesteak Combo ...... $8.45 arrested on July 12 after they book. Thinly sliced sirloin with grilled onions and choice of cheese targeted the wrong family. off with the bike. Thinly sliced grilled sirloin steak with grilled onions and choice of cheese served with French Gym rat Police escorted the boy Chicken Steak ...... $6.45 fries and choice of soda After a late night out, an 18- through the neighborhood to Thinly sliced breast of chicken grilled to perfection Chicken Cheesesteak Combo ...... $8.45 year-old returned to his apart- He was trying to work out, Chicken Cheesesteak ...... $6.95 Thinly sliced grilled chicken breast with onions and choice of cheese served with French ment building on 11th Avenue but he got worked over instead. search for the bike-stealer, but Thinly sliced chicken breast with grilled onions & choice of cheese fries and choice of soda between 67th and 68th streets, A 17-year-old was getting in he was not found. Philly Pizza Steak ...... $7.45 Turkey Cheesesteak Combo ...... $8.45 when someone grabbed his neck shape at a popular gym on Own front yard Grilled sirloin served with mozzarella onions and marinara sauce Thinly sliced grilled turkey breast with onions and choice of cheese served with French fries from behind and demanded, Fourth Avenue and 87th Street An 85-year-old woman Veggie Sandwich ...... $6.95 and choice of soda when someone broke into his Freshly grilled green peppers, mushroom, onions, eggplant, zucchini & broccoli Lo-Carb Chicken or Steak Combo . . . . $8.95 “Give me everything you got!” standing in her 76th Street When the victim demurred, locker and stole his Fossil wal- driveway handed over her purse Bay Ridge Supreme ...... $7.95 Thinly sliced grilled chicken or sirloin with grilled onions and lo-fat cheese served with French let, which held his driver’s li- Thinly sliced sirloin or chicken breast served with onions, mushrooms & sweet green fries and choice of soda he received a swift punch to the to a thief who demanded it at cense and debit card. peppers, and choice of cheese face and his silver cross neck- KEY TO THE CRIMES 1:15 pm on July 14. Philly Turkey & Provolone ...... $6.95 Toppings & Sides lace was torn from his neck. Break-in Arrest The man got $80 in the heist, Turkey breast served with mayo, tomato and provolone Factory Buffalo Wings ...... $6.00 The victim fought back, and iPod-like device taken 62th Precinct which took place near 18th Av- Philly Turkey Supreme ...... $7.95 10 pcs – Mild or Spicy the noisy altercation reached Robbery Armed robbery Purse snatch enue. Thinly sliced turkey with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms and choice of cheese Waffle Fries ...... $2.50 the ears of his 38-year-old fa- Home invasion The woman called cops, who Cheese Fries ...... $3.00 ther, who came down to the Assault Death Car stolen A band of armed thieves searched the neighborhood, but Lo-Carb Platters & Sandwiches New Vinegar Fries ...... $2.95 lobby. Upon his appearance, the broke into a second-floor apart- the thief was not found. Lo-Carb Steak Platter ...... $7.45 Made with red wine vinegar and salt two assailants fled to a nearby ment on West Eighth Street, Thinly sliced sirloin with grilled to perfection and served with grilled onions and lo-fat cheese Pat down Onion Rings ...... $3.00 subway station, the father and tied up two victims, ransacked Lo-Carb Chicken Platter ...... $7.95 Cheese Onion Rings ...... $3.25 Two men mugged a 27- Thinly sliced breast of chicken served with grilled onions and choice of cheese son in hot pursuit. The father and son were tak- July 13 raided the master bed- the place, and ran off with Double Cheese ...... $ .50 year-old man walking down Lo-Carb Steak Sandwich ...... $7.95 In the station, one of the rob- en to Lutheran Medical Center room and carted away $32,405 $3,200, a cellphone and a credit Thinly sliced sirloin grilled to perfection served with grilled onions and lo-fat cheese on Hot or Sweet Green Peppers ...... $ .50 bers picked up a glass bottle, in Sunset Park, and the two rob- worth of jewelry. card. 85th Street near 16th avenue wholewheat bread Mushroom ...... $ .50 broke off the end, and lunged at bers to Coney Island Hospital. The well-adorned couple’s The five perps invaded the at 4 am on July 14, stealing the father, lacerating his left biggest losses included a home, which is near Avenue U, his cellphone and wallet. 8407 Third Avenue • (718) 833-8880 forearm. Bedroom Raid $4,500 Breitling watch, a on the sweltering July 17 night The muggers then fled with VISIT US ALSO AT: 191 Houston St., NYC • 14th St. & 6th Ave., NYC The father fought back, and Thieves who broke into a $3,000 Rolex, a $3,000 set of wearing gloves and black the goods, which included the the brouhaha attracted the atten- home on 72nd Street between snakehead bangle bracelets, a stockings over their heads. man’s credit card and Green tion of a nearby cop. Third and Fourth avenues on gold coin necklace-and-bracelet They barged through the un- Card. Lights! Camera! Nellie Bly now an ‘Adventure’ grant the new owner the permits one of the park’s new rides. he needed — before all the kids They seemed to be having a went back to school. good time, but their father Action! Thomas Auletti, 7, and his wasn’t all that impressed. brother Christopher, 5, flew “They were just at Great ’round and ’round on their Adventure, so this is nothing!” Cablecast Your Own TV Show Wilbur and Orville-style planes, he said. / Sara Vogel on BCAT for FREE *******MAILBOX******* 3 FREE MONTHS with 1year rental by J.M. Rivera The Brooklyn Papers The Brooklyn ™ aybe you’re one of the thousands with an idea for a TV Thomas and Christopher Auleti at Bensonhurst’s Adven- The UPS Store Mshow kicking around in your heard. Or maybe you’re tures Amusement Park, which is open for business. thinking of a career change and want to pick up new skills. Or By Sara Vogel mal construction delays — • 39¢ Color Copies perhaps you’ve watched a television show and thought “I could for The Brooklyn Papers kept the park’s gates closed to • Packaging, Shipping & Receiving Services do better.” If you’re a Brooklyn resident or work for a Brooklyn- out-of-school kids and their Kids took their first parents up to this point. • Copying, Finishing & Printing Services based organization or business, you can fulfill life-long dreams by rides on the merry-go- Mayor Bloomberg prom- • Packaging & Moving Supplies attending a free orientation at BCAT/Brooklyn Community round at Bensonhurst’s ised area residents at a recent • Freight Services Access Television, Brooklyn’s public access television station, Adventures Amusement meeting that Bensonhurst Park last weekend — for- would have its kiddie playland • Notary Services where you’ll learn how you can cablecast your own show on merly known as Nellie Bly back by mid-July. BCAT for little or no money. More information is available at Fun Center — which final- And sure enough, the park 7103 3rd Avenue www.bcat.tv/bcat. ly opened for the busy did get some highly placed help tel: 718.238.1805 fax: 718.238.1807 summer season on July 15. in nudging the Parks Depart- ™ MON-FRI: 7:30am-7pm; SAT: 9:30am-5pm; SUN: 11am-3pm Independently owned and operated. Housed in the former Strand No equipment? The BCAT Media Learn the basics of TV pro- Red tape — and some nor- ment and other city agencies to Theater building, on the corner of Center has everything you need to duction, as well as more Fulton Street and Rockwell Place, produce your own show – from hand- advanced skills, at BCAT’s BCAT trains hundreds of Brooklyn held video cameras to studio cameras Brooklyn Center for Media residents and employees in televi- equipped with teleprompters to edit- Education and Access. sion production at state-of-the-art ing equipment – and in a few short Loose Dentures? facilities; offers free access to weeks, you can gain the basic knowl- STEVE equipment; and airs community- edge needed to operate the equip- lights and sound, and edit your work. Continued from page 2 GO AHEAD.... produced segments, as well as a ment to produce your own show. The Basic Television Studio Work- “Ultimately, the DCCC will Eat what you want! 24-hour bulletin board announcing The first step is to attend a 2-hour shop gives you hands-on experience at come on board.” Brooklyn events and available orientation, held twice a month at the operating studio cameras and But political consultants say Visit Dr. Tony Farha in the morning, services, on four public access cable BCAT Media Center on a first-come, acquaints you with the main aspects what’s even more important have the “Mini-Implant System” placed in television channels. On Time Warner first-served basis – usually on the first of studio equipment as well as floor than a war chest is the ability to stand out amid the onslaught of less than two hours, then go out and enjoy your Cable these are channels 34, 35, Tuesday of month from 6pm-8pm management, directing, producing, 56, and 57; on Cablevision, 67, 68, (unless it’s a holiday) plus an addi- campaigns this year. favorite lunch. No more messy adhesive or pastes. and working with “talent.” “The money is important, 69, and 70. The programs are tional weekend date. The orientation Once you’ve successfully completed but it’s not the be-all and end- As recently demonstrated by Dr. Tony also streamed live online at covers the basics about public access a production workshop, you become all of politics,” said political on ABC & Fox News www.bcat.tv/bcat. television and BCAT’s role in the a Certified Producer and can use the consultant Bob Liff. If you have your own equipment, community. You’ll learn about local BCAT facilities and equipment at no “You’re trying to break you have until July 28 to apply for a and federal rules and regulations – additional cost to produce your own through the clutter,” he added. free weekly or monthly time slot for what you can and can’t do on your 28-minute programs for cablecast as “You have the governor’s and attorney general’s races, and, the spring season, which runs from show – and get an overview of the part of the “Brooklyn Free Speech • This advanced system is FDA-Approved. the end of September through television production workshops of course, Hillary’s race. And Television” line-up on BCAT. • It is a one-step, non-surgical procedure. December. After which, new appli- available. You’ll also be able to hone your those are sucking up a lot of the oxygen.” cations are accepted quarterly. After attending an orientation, any skills in more advanced classes on • No sutures, nor the typical months of healing. You’ll need to complete an applica- Brooklyn resident or employee of a For what it’s worth, Harri- • No pain or discomfort. Avid editing, interviewing, and light- son is putting a brave face on tion form and bring it to BCAT, Brooklyn-based organization can sign ing or sound techniques. a bad situation. • Affordable (Payment Plans available and Insurance coverage) along with a current utility bill that up for one of BCAT’s two low-cost Attend a BCAT orientation on “Fossella has a lot of mon- Dr. Tony is recognized as a Professor of the Mini Dental Implant. shows proof of Brooklyn residency; training workshops, part of BCAT’s August 1 at 6pm or August 8 at ey, and I would imagine he’s a government-issued photo ID; and Brooklyn Center for Media Edu- 11am and experience the satisfaction going to need every dime of Call today for your FREE Consultation finished tapes – four if you’re apply- cation and Access. of seeing your name on the closing it,” he said. *ONLY $495 ing for a weekly show; one if you’re The Basic Field/Editing Production credits of your first television On the other hand, the short- 718-833-6895 applying for a monthly show. (One- Workshop covers pre-production, production. For more information, fall in funding for Harrison is a FOR DENTURE! time specials can be submitted production and post-production. visit www.bcat.tv/bcat or call 718- boon for Fossella’s scandal- Limited Time Offer 461 77th Street – Bay Ridge throughout the year.) You’ll learn to use a camera, set up 935-1122, ext. 211. tarred campaign. He’s raised nearly $1.2 million since this *with a puchase of MDI www.oraldentalcare.com election cycle began. INSIDE DINING | PERFORMING ARTS | NIGHTLIFE | B OOKS | CINEMA
MUSIC Summer lovin’ Julio Iglesias is inviting Brooklynites to spend a romantic evening with him on the beach. The Grammy award winner will perform “Enjoy the Romance” at Coney Island’s Asser Levy Sea- side Park on July 27 as part of the 28th annual Sea- side Summer Concert Series. Fans might hear se- lections from Iglesias’s new album, “Romantic Classics,” which is due out in stores Sept. 19. The album includes Iglesias’s versions of classic 1960s, ’70s and ’80s love songs by artists like Willie Nel- son, George Michael (718) 834-9350 The Brooklyn Papers’ essential guide to the Borough of Kings July 22, 2006 and the Bee Gees. The Seaside Sum- mer Concert Series is hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “Enjoy the Romance: An Evening with Julio Iglesias” begins at 7:30 pm on July 27 at Asser Levy Park (West Fifth Street and Surf Avenue in Coney Island). This performance is free and open to the public. For more information, call (718) 469-1912 or visit www.brooklynconcerts.com. — Jovana Rizzo
BOOKS Wordplay One of the Brooklyn Public Library’s current ex- hibitions features work by a designer who literally makes art from words. And while that artist’s name may not be a house- hold world, the name of the novelist whom he has collaborated with, Dan Brown, certainly is. In fact, Brown named his “DaVinci Code” character, Robert Langdon, for John Langdon, who designed “ambigrams”
Drew Reynolds Drew for Brown’s previous novel, “Angels & Demons.” The Central Library is now show- ing those ambigrams — words that can be read from multiple vantage points — that he designed for “Angels & Demons.” These works are characterized by 180-de- gree rotational symmetry. Splish splash They “read the same when turned upside down,” ex- plains Langdon. Also on display are ambi- Defunct McCarren Pool is the unlikely venue for concert series grams that Langdon created for the opening credits of By Eleazer Gorenstein put on a dance performance at the pool. The Making waves: Live Nation presents “The DaVinci Code” (pictured), which were not for The Brooklyn Papers department believed that public interest in NIGHTLIFE seven concerts in Williamsburg’s McCar- used in the film. These designs, known as totem the pool would be the first step in gaining the ren Park Pool, beginning with Bloc Party ambigrams, are vertical in structure and have bilat- his summer, Brooklynites will again be necessary awareness for donations to raise Live Nation will present seven shows at Mc- (above left) on July 29 and ending with eral symmetry. diving into the old McCarren Park Pool money for its repair. Carren Park Pool (at Lorimer Street, Driggs Av- “The Langdons in Dan Brown’s Novels: Words enue and Bayard Street in Williamsburg) begin- Gov’t Mule (above right) on Sept. 9. Tfor fun, but they won’t be getting wet. In return for the privilege of hosting per- ning July 29. Tickets for the July 29 show, with in Pop Fiction” is on display now through Aug. The Williamsburg pool, which was origi- formances at the pool, two groups donated a Bloc Party, Secret Machines and Mew, are $35. 12 in the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central branch Doors open at 5 pm. nally built in 1936 by the Works Progress total of $250,000 to the Parks department to The Aug. 11 and 12 shows, featuring Sonic the pool to the pool’s basin. The entire (in the balcony cases on the second floor) in Administration, held just under 7,000 people renovate the site for short-term use of the ven- Youth and Yeah Yeah Yeahs will also include perimeter of the McCarren Park Pool looks Grand Army Plaza. For more information, includ- in its heyday. It was shut down in 1984 due ue. Lafrance’s dance company gave $50,000, Blood on the Wall on Aug. 11 and Awesome like a castle, according to Kinken. ing library hours, call (718) 230-2100 or visit the Color on Aug. 12. Advance tickets are $36 and to its derelict condition, according to Parks and Live Nation gave $200,000, and earned $41 on the day of the show. Doors open at 5 pm. “It’s fort-like from the outside,” he said. On Web site www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org. The ex- Department spokesman Phil Abramson. But the right to host 10 performances this sum- On Aug. 17, Iron & Wine and Low will per- the way inside, spectators will pass under a hibit is free and open to the public. now, the city of New York is looking to re- mer. They chose to host seven. form. Advance tickets are $33.50 and $36 on large brick arch and see the ground level stage. — Lisa J. Curtis the day of the show. Doors open at 5 pm. store the 50,000-square-foot giant back to its Following the opening performance on On Aug. 23, The Shins with J. Mascis Ad- “That’s why this makes so much sense,” natural aquatic state. July 29, there will be more indie rock per- vance will perform. Tickets are $26 on the day of Kinken said. “The stage is already set up, and To start the process, the pool will play host formances on Aug. 11 with Williamsburg’s the show and in advance. Doors open at 5 pm. the pool is so big it will appear like you are to a series of concerts this summer, all organ- own Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sonic Youth and On Aug. 24, Neko Case will play with Joan- just watching a show at a regular concert ven- na Newsom and Martha Wainwright. Advance CINEMA ized by promoter Live Nation, to raise Blood on the Wall, while on Aug. 12 the Yeah tickets are $33.50 and are $36 on the day of the ue. Out of all of the potential places in the city awareness of the McCarren Park Pool. The Yeah Yeahs and Sonic Youth will be joined show. Doors open at 5 pm. to start something like this in the last 10 years, On Sept. 9, Gov’t Mule, Wolfmother and music series will begin July 29 with British by Awesome Color. Two Gallants perform. Advance tickets are this has garnered more interest than any of indie rock band Bloc Party, performing with The fourth performance in the series will $39.50 and are $45 on the day of the show. them, to get this place back on its feet.” the Secret Machines and Mew. be on Aug. 17, when the indie folk group Iron Doors open at 4 pm. However, in spite of the seemingly perfect All tickets are general admission, standing Scary movie “There has been an interest by many in the and Wine will perform, with special guest room only. Tickets are available at all Ticket- concert setting and overwhelming desire by community and many city officials in restor- Low. Aug. 23 will feature indie group The master outlets and charge-by-phone (212) city officials and the community to restore the If you think of Patrick Lussier’s film, “Dracula ing the pool,” said Abramson. “But to do Shins with J. Mascis, and Aug. 24 will have 307-7171. For information, call (212) 777- pool, there has been some concern about the 2000,” or Francis Ford Coppola’s 1992 “Dracula” 6800 or (212) 777-1224, or visit the Web sites: that, we need funds, so that we can make the indie country singer Neko Case perform www.ticketmaster.com and www.livenation.com. Live Nation concert series. when you hear the word “vampire,” it’s time you area safe for public access.” along with Joanna Newsom and Martha “People are upset about this, and Live Na- got a horror movie history lesson. For scary movie The required funds that the city would Wainwright. tion has drawn a lot of criticism,” Kinken buffs, Tod Browning’s need to restore the pool would likely exceed The series will conclude on Sept. 9 with years, and it’s depressing to go by everyday said. “A lot of people are just afraid of 1931 classic “Dracula” $40 million. The pool walls are covered in jam band Gov’t Mule with special guest and see this eyesore to the public. What better change. Hopefully, people will be able to see — starring Bela Lugosi graffiti, there are broken bricks and chipped Wolfmother and Two Gallants. way to help the community out and present that this is something good that hasn’t been — is must-see home- paint around the pavilion, and greenery has “The whole goal of this is to have the pool shows in an incredible, eclectic space?” done before. When’s the last time you heard work. And Celebrate overtaken the pool floor, Abramson said. become a pool again,” said Sam Kinken, vice The pool is 4-feet-deep all around. The au- someone asking you to see a show in a pool? Brooklyn is offering an Last year, choreographer Noemie Lafrance president of clubs and theaters for Live Na- dience will enter the pool at the southeast end, I hope they’ll realize that it’s for a good cause opportunity to see the persuaded the Parks Department to let her tion. “I’ve lived in Williamsburg for five where there is a gentle slope from the lip of in the end.” film on its big screen on July 27. On Thursday, the film will be accompa- GO Brooklyn recently talked to the 60- nied by the Kronos year-old “Animal House” and “Stripes” di- Quartet, which will per- rector about his latest flick, a romantic come- form Philip Glass’s dy about Matt, a nice, normal New Yorker score live. (While (Luke Wilson), who incurs the wrath of his Browning’s film is a gorgeous, super-powered lover, G-Girl (Uma “talkie,” it was not set to King of comedy Thurman), when he tries to break up with her music.) Based on Bram Stoker’s novel, Browning’s because she is too needy and possessive. version brings to life all of those familiar kooky Ivan Reitman shoots ‘My Super “Scary Movie” alum Anna Faris plays characters: Mina Harker (Helen Chandler), Lucy Matt’s new love interest, while “The Office” Weston (Frances Dade), Renfield (Dwight Frye) star Rainn Wilson plays his creepy best and Professor Van Helsing (Edward Van Sloan). Ex-Girlfriend’ in Brooklyn studios friend and British comedian Eddie Izzard The screening of “Dracula” will be preceded by plays G-Girl’s nemesis. music from Slavic Soul Party. By Karen Butler burning questions — and more about the dat- “I wanted to do a romantic comedy and, Celebrate Brooklyn presents “Dracula,” with for The Brooklyn Papers ing habits of the high-flying, world-saving set you know, it’s really hard to do an original Philip Glass’s score performed live by the Kronos — in his new big-screen comedy, “My Super one, to find some new twist on the girl and Quartet, on July 27 at 7:30 pm at the Prospect an a superhero have a healthy, happy re- Ex-Girlfriend,” shot in Brooklyn’s Steiner Stu- boy story,” Reitman explained. “This has all Park band shell (Ninth Street at Prospect Park lationship with a mere mortal? And, if it dios. And, as one might deduce from the title, the elements of a classic romantic comedy; West in Park Slope). Suggested donation is $3. Myles Aronowitz Cdoesn’t work out, could he/she be he comes to the conclusion that courting except it has one sci-fi element, and that’s that For more information, call (718) 855-7882 ext. 45 Ivan the great: Director Ivan Reitman (left) and actor Luke counted on to bow out gracefully? someone with extraordinary powers isn’t nec- one character has these special powers and or visit the Web site www.celebratebrooklyn.org. Wilson on the set of “My Super Ex-Girlfriend.” Filmmaker Ivan Reitman addresses those essarily all it’s cracked up to be. See SUPER on page 12 — LJC
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BROOKLYN Neighborhood Walking Bites Dining Guide This week: &talking MYRTLE AVENUE Fairway dinner and lecture Five Spot 459-461 Myrtle Ave. at Washington Avenue, encourages better health — (718) 852-0202, www.fivespotsoulfood.com (Disc, MC, V) Entrees: $10-$15. / Tom Callan / Tom A 60-foot bar, hardwood floors and an intricate- and mood — through diet ly patterned tin ceiling decorate Five Spot’s din- ing room, while exposed brick, crushed red vel- By Tina Barry the highest antioxidant value of any vet and a wood-burning fireplace adorn the walls for The Brooklyn Papers food?” she asked. where co-owners Malik and Kim Armstead have been serving down-home cooking since 1996. We didn’t. The Brooklyn Papers The Brooklyn Southern fried chicken and hickory-smoked n Monday, I spent a delightful None of us realized that the blueber- spare ribs are just two of their popular dishes, Sharing a whole rottiserie chicken with evening in a supermarket. ry helped increase math and memory and they’re now serving 100-percent pure beef tomatillo sauce at Los Pollitos III. With a group of about 15 oth- skills either. and turkey burgers, as well as veggie burgers. O Five Spot offers a takeout and dine-in daily lunch ers, I attended the first “Nutritional “People are put off by the ugly kiwi special for $6.95 that includes meat or fish and to follow, but a hefty slice of the rich peanut but- Walking Tour and Dinner,” held in Red fruit,” said Mittler, but warned us not two side orders; in-house diners get half-off their ter pie stands its ground — and then some. Or try Hook’s Fairway Market. to be swayed by its hairy, dun skin. lunch platters. Side dishes range from black- the Key lime pie. Weekend brunch is served 10 Fairway, which opened in May to the “Not only can the fruit help to regulate Greenhood / Aaron eyed peas and collard greens to macaroni and am to 4 pm. Daily happy hours run from 4:30 pm cheese and candied yams. Homemade corn- to 7:30 pm. Open Sunday through Thursday, from profound joy of the borough’s respiratory illness, but it can be used in bread is served with all dinner entrees. 10 am to 11 pm; Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am to chowhounds, is, as place of a baby For dessert, try Five Spot’s individual pecan pie midnight. we know, like no aspirin as a blood or peach cobbler, or opt for the red velvet cake. ordinary market. DINING thinner,” she said.
In the evenings, live music or DJs perform on Pillow Cafe & Lounge And being the spe- Thanks to Mit- Papers The Brooklyn stage. (Check the Brooklyn Nightlife listings for Fairway Market is located at 480- 372 Myrtle Ave. at Adelphi Street, (718) 246- cialty purveyor tler, we now Trying something new: Tara McBride, Fairway’s media and public rela- upcoming performers.) Open daily for lunch and 500 Van Brunt St. between Water and 2711, www.pillowcafenyc.com (Cash only) that it is, the Reed streets in Red Hook. For more in- know that goat dinner. Open for takeout from noon to midnight. tions specialist, serves up South African peppedews stuffed with goat Entrees: $3.95-$8.95. store’s manage- formation, call (718) 694-6868. cheese is lower in cheese to the participants of the Red Hook store’s first “Nutritional Walk- If you can’t seem to locate Pillow Cafe and The next educational tour is sched- Kum Kau ment created a po- uled for Sept. 18. The event is being fat than other ing Tour and Dinner” on July 17. Lounge — it does not have a sign above its sition that is held in conjunction with the American cheeses; high in 463 Myrtle Ave. at Washington Avenue, (718) 638- entrance — just look for an inviting cluster of pil- Cancer Society and will focus on cancer calcium, protein 1850 (AmEx, MC, Visa) Entrees: $5.95-$12.75. lows in the window seat. The beige, brown and unique among the prevention through diet. Dinner will fol- At Kum Kau, anything is possible. “Customers red interior of the cafe also offers a bar with four four Fairway mar- low. For more information, including and vitamin A; it’s important to our health to control tant to take their first courses outside af- are free to customize their own dinners,” boasts barstools and four tables with comfortable kets, if not all food fees, for upcoming tours, contact Tara and a great energy what we can,” she said. Mittler sug- ter enduring a brutally hot day. Howev- manager Peter Cheng. While co-owners and chairs. Since its opening in March 2004, the food McBride at (631) 583-5085 or e-mail her retailers: “lifestyle at [email protected]. booster. She in- gested avoiding fruits and vegetables er, once we assembled beneath the um- chefs Jimmy and Amy Cheng make all of the has been made from familiar, but organic, ingre- facilitator.” formed the group with high “permeability levels and brella-topped tables on the store’s deck, sauces, other chefs divide duties depending on dients. their specialties. A favorite at Kum Kau is the “We make things that we all ate when we were The “lifestyle that calcium, in residues,” specifically strawberries. all was well. The air was cool and a crispy baked shrimp with mild spices and rice. little,” co-owner Biola Odunewu said. The menu facilitor” is Marlo the form of low- “The fruit’s delicate, porous skin calming breeze blew from the river. In On Wednesdays, Kum Kau offers an “all you can ranges from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Mittler, a registered dietitian specializing fat cheeses, binds to fat cells, so it will absorb more pesticides than organ- the distance, the Statue of Liberty was eat” buffet lunch ($5.99) and dinner ($10.99) to smoked salmon salad. The most popular items in pediatrics, adolescents and family nu- functions as a weight loss aid. Who ic varietals and should always be eaten bathed in glamorous pink light. including almond cookies. Each week the buffet are the hummus and avocado sandwich, with trition. She refers to herself as “anti-res- knew cheese could do that? organic,” she said. Michael Romano of Romano Brand menu stays the same, allowing customers to cucumbers and tomatoes on pumpernickel enjoy traditional Chinese entrees. Kum Kau bread, rivaled by their avocado salad with fresh olution, anti-diet,” believing that a As Mittler talked, the group tasted After swiping crusty slices of bread Fine Wines, who supplied the drinks offers a special family menu for two or more spinach leaves and goat cheese. If you’re in the healthy diet is one that “sets a balance of tiny South African pickled red peppers in grape seed oil selected by Mittler for for the evening, poured a crisp, lemony people including soup, an appetizer, an entree, mood for some sweets, Pillow Cafe and Lounge carbohydrates, protein and fat” with an called peppedews filled with the its “protection of cardiovascular health Pinot Grigio that complimented our rice and dessert, all for $11.95 per person. has a selection of brownies and cookies that emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables creamy cheese. and its promotion of good cholesterol,” appetizers, following it with a soft Takeout and private parties also available. Open varies from day to day. Open daily for breakfast, daily for lunch and dinner. lunch and dinner. for their antioxidant powers. One attendee was skeptical about we wandered over to the cafe where Merlot as the meal progressed. During the hour-long talk and walk, buying organic products. Fairway chef Alan Reisenburger had a three- As we nibbled on tiny spinach pies, Los Pollitos III Sapolo which also served as a fundraiser for stocks organic produce in abundance at course dinner prepared. filet mignon with horseradish cream, sea 499 Myrtle Ave. at Ryerson Street, (718) 636- the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the prices higher than conventionally Reisenburger is the executive chef bass and a luscious wild mushroom 501 Myrtle Ave. at Ryerson Street, (718) 789- 6125 (MC, Visa) Entrees: $7.75-$11.95. 7788 (AmEx, Disc, MC, V) Entrees: $6-$10. energetic Mittler led the group grown crops but considerably lower for all four Fairway Markets. The meal strudel, the diners at my table chatted This Mexican restaurant, which opened on May At William San’s Sapolo restaurant, diners can throughout the vast store, stopping than you’ll find in other borough spe- he created reflected the store’s ap- about cooking at home and restaurants to 18, is the latest arrival on Myrtle Avenue. sample Chinese and Spanish food. The restau- briefly to offer nutritional tips. In front cialty markets. proach to healthy, balanced dining with visit. After a couple glasses of wine and Comfortable with a wood-furnished, brick-walled rant, which has been open since 2000, offers a of a pyramid of blueberry boxes, Mit- Mittler is pro-organic. plenty of nutritious ingredients and a a (small) serving of strawberry gelato, dining room and a sidewalk cafe, this is the third menu ranging from lobster chow mein to “carne tler expounded on the “optimal” fruit. “There are so many health risks out few indulgences. the sky was inky and only the lights of installment in the Los Pollitos restaurants. Like its de res con pimiento” (green pepper steak). predecessors Los Pollitos I and II (located in Park Chinese classics include General Tso’s chicken, “Did you know the blueberry has there with pesticides and pollution that Some of the participants were reluc- nearby boats aided our way back inside. Slope and Sunset Park), the new Pollitos serves spicy scallops in garlic sauce, and ham egg foo its renowned burnished birds, hot and juicy off young. Or go for Spanish dishes such as the the rotisserie. Other specialties include gua- “chicharrones de pollo sin hueso” (fried chicken camole, soft tacos and fajitas and one of owner cracklings), “chuelita frita” (fried pork chops) or Armando Zumba’s favorites, the fried plantains in paella. The daily lunch special (for $4.95-$6.15 garlic sauce. Open for lunch and dinner daily, depending on choice of entree) is served with with brunch served everyday, too, from 11:30 am your choice of egg drop, wonton or sweet-and- Father of to 4 pm. Delivery available daily. Happy hour is sour soup, as well as white or chicken-fried rice. everyday, from noon to 7 pm. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, and for dinner only on Sundays. Maggie Brown invention 455 Myrtle Ave. at Washington Avenue, (718) Zaytoons 643-7001 (Cash only) Entrees: $9-$18. Timothee Spitzer, a Parisian ex-pat, Neivert, formerly of Gramercy Tavern 472 Myrtle Ave. at Washington Avenue, (718) waited patiently for someone in his in Manhattan, bakes the buttery crois- Maggie Brown, which opened in 2004, was 623-5522, www.zaytoonsrestaurant.com (AmEx, named after the 99-year-old grandmother of co- Disc, MC, Visa) Entrees: $4.50-$13.50. Greenpoint neighborhood to open the sants, brittle-crusted tarts and rich owner Chelsea Altman. And the restaurant does kind of patisserie that offered the fresh- quiches. bring international cuisine to the table grandma According to Zagat, co-owners and chefs Ahmad style. With a bit of Mexican here, and a bit of Samhan and Faried Assad, serve the best Middle- baked croissants and bread he loved Spitzer oversees the savory end of Italian there, and a whole lot of what chef and co- Eastern food in New York City. Tapestries and back home. the menu. He’s proud of the tuna owner, Johannes Sanzin, calls “Southern-influ- antique lamps adorn exposed brick and warm, When no one did, he opened Gri- nicoise, made with fresh fish, and the enced American gourmet comfort cuisine” in red walls, while brightly patterned fabric covers bouille (pronounced gri-boo-ee, the brunch menu that includes a dish of or- between, Maggie Brown’s menu has something comfy benches, couches and chairs. The chicken for everyone. “shawarma,” lemon-marinated chicken from the name’s French for “scribble,” and a tele- ganic eggs cooked in cream with wild rotisserie served with rice and salad and a choice vision cartoon character) in neighboring mushrooms and bacon. Specialties include grilled yellowfin tuna with fen- of hummus or “babaghanouj,” has been a cus- Williamsburg, a 24-seat patisserie and Wine and beer should be available nel salad and soy ginger vinaigrette; the red wine- tomer favorite since the restaurant opened in late braised short ribs; or the Southern fried chicken 2002. Another favorite among customers is their bistro with outdoor seating for 15. in August. with mashed potatoes with biscuits and gravy on variety of “pitzas,” a combination of pizza and “When we started in March,” says Gribouille (2 Hope St. at Roebling the side. Grandma’s hearty cookin’ is a tough act pita. (All of Zaytoons’s pita is made fresh to Spitzer (pictured at left with co-owner Street in Williamsburg) accepts Ameri- order.) Try the “lahmbajin pitza,” covered in Anthony Cottet, seated), “we just of- can Express, Discover, MasterCard lamb, beef, onions, tomatoes, parsley and spices. fered pastry, good coffee, salads and and Visa. Soups, salads and quiches: = Full review available at A belly dancer performs two shows every other Friday. (Reservations are recommended on those brunch. We now have dinner service $5.50-$8.50; omelets, tarts and sand- nights.) Open daily for lunch and dinner. with a three-course prix fixe menu.” wiches: $7.50-$12.50; pastry: $3.50- The self-confessed “antique freak” fills $5. Three-course, prix fixe lunch is his airy, window-lined space with vin- $12.95; three-course prix fixe dinner is Editor’s note: These are a sampling of restaurants
in the neighborhood. The list rotates, and it is not / Jori Klein tage pottery and kitchen utensils he’s $28.95. The patisserie is open from 8 comprehensive. For more restaurants, go to Abbreviation Key: AmEx= American collected over the years. am to 10 pm Tuesday through Sun- www.brooklynpapers.com on the Web. If your “It’s clean and bright in here, and old day. Closed Mondays. Brunch is Express, DC= Diner’s Club, Disc= Discover restaurant is not listed and you would like it to be, Card, MC= MasterCard, Visa= Visa Card please contact GO Brooklyn Editor Lisa Curtis via fashioned, too,” he says. served on the weekends, from 10 am e-mail at [email protected]. Surprisingly, the pastry chef at this to 4 pm. For more information, call
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Part 1 Chardonnay, California Style
By Darrin Siegfried
( ) fifty years ago there were fewer than 500 acres of Don’t stop the presses ne of the current forms of wine snob- bery is to refer to yourself as a member Chardonnay planted in all of California. Today Johansson is over the top in her pursuit of serial killer ‘Scoop’ Oof “The ABC Club”: Anything But there are more than 100,000 acres, centered Chardonnay. When you press one of these peo- mainly in Napa, Sonoma and Monterrey By Karen Butler ple for an explanation and ask why they won’t Counties. for The Brooklyn Papers drink a Blanc de Blancs Champagne or a White Much of the credit for the explosive growth of Burgundy, both made from 100% Chardonnay, Chardonnay in California goes to the late coop” is not a great Woody Allen they’ll usually say: “Oh, not those. I mean Professor Harold P. Olmo. Dr. Olmo developed “ movie; it’s not a great reporter California Chardonnay.” more than 30 grape varieties and was responsible Smovie, either. But this good-na- Chardonnay from California can come in for improving many more. He came up with a tured confection is more likely to please many styles, levels of dryness and alcoholic clone of Chardonnay with a larger and tighter moviegoers than most other entries in strengths, and many of them are not to my taste bunch than was currently being planted, and this summer’s never-ending parade of or yours, but to write off all of the Chardonnay which produced better yields in warmer climates. high-octane blockbusters, most of which produced in California seems to show an arro- These grapes made a full flavored wine with high are re-treads of familiar material. gance that is not supported by the facts. alcohol content, and wine drinkers began to take A lightweight, fish-out-of-water Chardonnay is a member of the Vitis Vinifera notice. comedy written and directed by the family of grapes, which is believed to have Former Ambassador James Zellerbach and his Flatbush native, “Scoop” is about a evolved about 4,000 years ago in the area now wide-eyed, Brooklyn-born journalism wife, fans of the wines of Burgundy, planted their called Iran. The name Vitis Vinifera is Latin for first vineyard with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay student (Scarlett Johansson) who, while “the vine that bears wine”, and almost all of the visiting friends in London, has the good in 1953, establishing Hanzell Vineyards in wine made today is made from grapes of this fortune to stumble on the identity of a Sonoma. He imported new French oak barrels, Jack-the-Ripper-type serial killer, family. much to the amusement of many old timers who thanks to the ghost of a recently de- Chardonnay can be traced back to Burgundy, made their wines in huge redwood vats. He knew ceased newsman, played by “Dead- in France. record books dating back to the that the best wines from Burgundy were made in wood” star, Ian McShane. Middle Ages still survive for many of the vine- oak and spent time maturing in oak, taking on Since this is a Woody Allen film, yards there, chronicling the hundreds of years of some of the vanilla flavors from the wood. The viewers won’t be too surprised with experimentation with hundreds of vines. Over stony, mountainside soil, the low yields from the the silly conceit that the ghost makes time, the Burgundians came to realize that the vines and the use of oak brought out an excep- white grape that did best in their cool climate his scintillating revelation while the tional wine that attracted more and more atten- and made the best tasting wine was Chardonnay. girl is in a box helping a stage magi- tion. A model for the future was created. cian (Allen) perform a disappearing While its early bud break made it susceptible to Most winemakers who use Chardonnay in trick. Allen and Johansson then pose as late spring frosts, the high yield per acre, the rich California use oak in one form or another. New a father and daughter from Brooklyn flavor and the amount of alcohol in wine made French oak barrels can coast between $600 and and insinuate themselves into upper from Chardonnay made it the winner in the $700 each, which must be passed on to the con- crust English society in a clumsy at- “survival of the most fit” contest. Chardonnay tempt to identify the killer and launch sumer, driving up the price of the wine. Realizing Clive Coote spread farther north, to the chalky soil of that most wine drinkers who drink California the cub reporter’s nascent career. Fatherly advice: In his new film, “Scoop,” Flatbush native Woody Allen (far right) plays a magician, who’s pre- Champagne, where it is the only white grape that Of course, Allen’s character is im- is allowed by French Law. Chardonnay want the distinct taste of oak in mediately embraced by the Brits who tending to be the father of budding journalist (Scarlett Johansson), in order to help her reveal the identity of a their wine,many cost-conscious wineries actually serial killer. Hugh Jackman plays a British aristocrat smitten with Johansson. Chardonnay, at its best, is a vehicle for the find his American wit and old-fash- unique taste that a vineyard can give to grapes. flavor their wines with oak chips. However, that ioned card tricks endlessly amusing, Chablis tastes different from Puligny- toasty, vanilla aroma and flavor can, and often is, while Johansson’s “refreshingly” for- Over Broadway” and “Crimes and Mis- watch as bumbling, undercover re- directing her to go “bigger,” in which Montrachet, and even the next-door-neighbor used to mask inferior wine, and can end up ward demeanor snags her a dashing demeanors.” “Scoop” does not live up porters and one can’t help but be grate- case, the error is his because it doesn’t masking whatever sense of terroir there may have aristocrat, played by “X-Men” hero to those expectations and is more in the ful Allen doesn’t try to make Johansson work. vineyards of Le Montrachet and Bâtard Montrachet make wines that can be told apart by been in the wine. Hugh Jackman, sans his Wolverine vein of his recent, lesser works like his love interest in this film; in fact, he Although she definitely seems game The buttery, creamy notes that most blades. “Small-Time Crooks” and “Hollywood even pokes fun of the age difference for the role, Johansson comes across as an experienced palate. This is what the French “Scoop” would probably fare better Ending.” between the 21-year-old actress and manic and immature and it’s hard to call terroir: that sense of “place” that is unique to California Chardonnays share come from a sec- with critics and moviegoers if it hadn’t The film also does not offer the kind Jackman, her older leading man. believe that Jackman’s character would that particular piece of the earth, and is a vital ond fermentation, Malolactic Fermentation. been the auteur’s of acute observa- Which brings us to the biggest prob- be so enchanted by her or that a well- part of every great wine. Lower yields per acre Called “Malo” for short, this process uses bacte- follow-up to last tions about the dif- lem with the film: the casting of Jo- respected British newspaper would seem to make wine with more evidence of terroir, ria to convert Malic acid (from the Latin Malo year’s Oscar- CINEMA ferences between hansson as the ingénue. So good in take her seriously enough to print her rather than a fruity taste. for apple) into Lactic Acid, lower in overall acid- nominated dra- the British and “Match Point” as a seductive American story. It is not, however, difficult to be- California, like the rest of North America, ity. Warm climate Chardonnay takes well to this ma, “Match “Scoop” opens July 28 at the Cob- Americans that actress who wreaks havoc in the lives lieve she is somehow related to Allen’s does not share the long history of grape experi- step, much more so than Riesling or Chemin ble Hill Cinemas (265 Court St. at Dou- Point,” a razor- glass Street). For times and ticket prices, “Match Point” of a wealthy British family, Johansson character since they have such terrific mentation that Europe does, and many immi- Blanc, for example. sharp study of call (718) 596-9113. does, but to be fair, has shown she can hold her own with on-screen chemistry. grant grape growers simply planted what they Next week, we’ll talk more about Chardonnay, relationships be- it isn’t really meant film icons like Robert Redford and Another sticking point is that, dur- had grown back in the old country. As little as California Style. tween friends and to. “Scoop” is a John Travolta in dramas and has ing the course of the 96-minute film, lovers of different cultural heritages and completely different type of movie, shown a knack for subtle humor in she also sleeps with two of the subjects social classes. Like “Scoop,” “Match more concerned with entertaining us, comedies like “Lost in Translation” of her articles, a move that does not Point” was set in modern-day London, than offering social commentary. and “In Good Company.” convince us she is a serious journalist starred Johansson in a leading role and And, although it does have dozens of Unfortunately, from looking at — or a naïve young woman. 211 Fifth Avenue ended in murder. great lines, the Midwood High School “Scoop,” it is clear that Johansson’s All in all, “Scoop” is not the Woody (bet. Union & President) PARK SLOPE However, the 2005 film raised expec- graduate greedily bestows most of talent lies in playing the “old souls” Allen movie or reporter movie many tations, perhaps unfairly, that Allen had them upon his own character, leaving and young women mature beyond their would hope for, but filmgoers will en- Open: Mon-Sat, 10am-10pm, Sun, 12-8pm returned to the former greatness he ex- the audience to wish Allen had been a years from her previous films, and she joy it more than such disappointing www.redwhiteandbubbly.com • 636-9463 hibited with his movies “Annie Hall,” little more generous to his co-stars. does not have that same instinct for “event” movies as “Poseidon,” “The “Hannah and Her Sisters,” “Bullets That said, he and Johansson are fun to broad comedy; either that or Allen kept Omen” and “Click.”
‘Place Matters’ comes to the table Fort Greene-based dance troupe Urban Bush UBW’s “Summer Institute” aims to connect con- Women presents a 74-person strong show, “Place cert professionals and community-based artists in a Matters: A Look at Displacement,” at Long Island learning experience to maximize the possibilities of University’s Brooklyn campus on July 29. the arts as a vehicle for social activism and civic en- The program, directed by UBW founder Jawole gagement. The “Place Matters” participants hail from Willa Jo Zollar, will include spoken word, music and 17 states, the United Kingdom and Canada and range dance performed by UBW (including Maria Bauman, in age from 17 to 55. pictured) as well as the faculty and participants from The Urban Bush Women present “Place Matters” their annual “Summer Institute.” at Long Island University’s Kumble Theater for the THUR ✦ 7/27 ✦ 7:30 This year, the Institute focused on the theme of Performing Arts (Flatbush Avenue Extension at Princess Cruises Movies Under the Stars Series Presented in collaboration with Carnegie Hall “gentrification,” according to the troupe’s managing DeKalb Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn) on July 29 w/ PHILIP GLASS & KRONOS QUARTET / director, Amy Cassello. The artist-activists were en- at 4 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $2 for DRACULA SLAVIC SOUL PARTY couraged to explore ideas about who is displaced in children and students. For tickets, call (718) 488- World-renowned composer & ensemble play live score to events such as Hurricane Katrina, the genocide in 1624. For more information, visit the Web site camp-horror classic / wild Gypsy brass band
Lea Rudea Darfur and the Iraq War. www.urbanbushwomen.org. — Lisa J. Curtis ✦ ✦ LEELA JAMESFRI 7/28 7:30 OPEN WEEKENDS JUL 22 - AUG 20 1-7PM BFE SOUND SYSTEM aka BROOKLYN FUNK ESSENTIALS An Exceptional meal. New queen of soul / classic Brooklyn acid jazz collective reunites!
SAT ✦ 7/29 ✦ 2:00-9:00 Bud Light Latin Music Series BORICUA FESTIVAL Sonora Ponceña / Joe Bataan / Grupo Latin Vibe / Tato Torres’Yerba Buena / The Camacho Brothers / Starlight Dance Studio All day festival of Puerto Rican music and culture
Bud Light Latin Music Series ✦ ✦ LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLESFRI 8/4 7:00 LOS TRES / BELLANOVA Venezuelan/Chilean/Mexican party bands in hot Latin throwdown THUR ✦ 8/3 ✦ 7:30 Princess Cruises Movies Under the Stars Series BILL FRISELL takes on FREE ✦ ✦ KEATON, MORRISON & SAT 8/5 2:00-9:00 Washington Mutual Concert Series ADMISSION WOODRING / AFRICAN FESTIVAL THE MOONLIGHTERS Kékélé / Lágbájá / Razia / African Underground Allstars / Live music for film by eclectic FOOD FOR …A FEAST FOR THE EYES guitar genius / Hawaiian steel Martino Atangana & The African Blue Note SUMMER ART EXHIBIT Marco Polo guitar/ukulele jam All-day celebration of African music with bands from across the continent 200 ARTISTS 20,000 SQ FT INDOOR GALLERY 2INCREDIBLE HARBOR VIEWS RISTORANTE Pioneer of the fine restaurant movement in Brooklyn 7/22: 1-7PM MEET THE ARTISTS RECEPTION 345 Court Street (at Union Street) 718-852-5015 UNPLUGGED IN RED HOOK Open 7 days for lunch and dinner • Free Valet Parking • FREE MUSIC PERFORMANCE SERIES Visit our website www.MarcoPoloRistorante.com 7/22: 3PM BROKEN REED SAXOPHONE QUARTET
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MYKONOS 12 AWP July 22, 2006 by off one’s effects capabilities. “I think it’s extraordinary SUPER... what we can do, and it’s a wonderful gift, a wonderful Continued from page 9 tool, but it means nothing un- that shifts all of the dynamics less it’s toward telling a good between the men and the story with interesting charac- women in the story. I thought ters. That’s what we hook there was a great opportunity into as an audience. We care for comedy in that.” about people; what they are Whereas Spider-Man and thinking, what they are feel- Mary Jane and Superman and ing. Lois Lane have historically “What do we feel when we agonized over whether to watch it? Not, ‘Oh, my God, I consummate their on-screen can’t believe that tidal wave is relationships, Matt and G- going to take Manhattan!’ Girl throw caution to the Yeah, that’s fine for a minute wind, plunging full-tilt into or two, but after that, it’s the their own love affair, even human story you care about. ” having sex while flying over 188 x 20MM motor / Limited lifetime motor warranty Made in Brooklyn Gallery edition incl. five blades / 52” blade span / 15º blade pitch Times Square. Despite the obvious perks, it isn’t long Reitman says he was quite Full-function, hand-held versa-touch2 remote included High before Matt sees the down- pleased to find the Navy 100-watt integrated halogen downlight (bulb included) Rating in side of dating a woman with Yard’s Steiner Studios capa- Uplight includes four 40-watt incandescent bulbs a secret identity. ble of meeting all his needs, Zagat 2005 A life-long fan of comic including the special effects Low ceiling adapter (LCA) is not compatible NYC Shopping books and the movies they end of the project. Minimum 9’ ceiling required / 6” downrod included Guide have inspired, Re- itman admits Don $ Payne’s script for CINEMA (reg. $299) this film appealed NOW ONLY 199 to him, in part, be- “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” is now play- While supplies last ing at the Bay Ridge Alpine Cinemas [6817 cause he personal- Fifth Ave. at 68th Street, (718) 748-4200]. LARGEST LIGHTING SHOWROOM IN NYC! ly had always Call the theater for more information about wondered what schedules and ticket prices. would happen if a superhero gave in Full Color Home to his crush on an ordinary “I think it’s a great facility Everything in lighting… DISCOUNTED! person. addition in New York,” he “I thought, ‘There’re great said. “I’ve made five movies Improvement Classifieds opportunities here if I ground in New York, and this is the 1073 39th St. (718) 436-2207 it in reality and set it in a real first one I did from top to (CORNER FT. HAMILTON PKWY) place and not some mythical bottom here. We had flying on the back page Metropolis,’” Reitman noted. sequences, and we had some Mon. & Tues. 9-5:30; Wed. CLOSED; Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-5:30; Sat. & Sun. 11-4 “I certainly have a love for other complicated sequences [comic books] that sort of we had to shoot. Those are goes back to when I was a kid, some really big-time stages, but at the same time, it is silly and I think they’re great.” to be religious about this stuff. So, did trashing New York I’m making a romantic come- City streets for comic effect dy, and my job here was not to make Reitman nostalgic for make fun of — and we don’t the days he worked on — the superhero ethic. “Ghostbusters”? “I just started asking ques- “This is a great city to AMBASSADOR YELLOW PAGES tions: If you are going to shoot in,” Reitman said. make love to someone, and “What makes me nostalgic you just met them, and you for ‘Ghostbusters’ is to work take your clothes off, oh, my with Bill Murray, Dan MORE UNIQUE INFORMATION FOR USERS God! You’ve got a costume on Aykroyd and Harold Ramis; underneath. And that could be that was the joy of working a big problem: just how she on ‘Ghostbusters’ and conducts her real life. Is it ‘Ghostbusters II.’ They’ve BETTER RESULTS FOR ADVERTISERS possible to have a real rela- become old friends. That’s tionship?” what you miss. It’s not stag- ing a marshmallow man Mixing it up walking down Columbus Cir- For the former stage and cle; that’s a pain in the ass. TV producer, who moved It’s much better getting them with his family from Czecho- all in a room and doing DELIVERED DOOR-TO-DOOR THROUGHOUT BROOKLYN slovakia to Canada when he something funny.” was five, making films that mix genres is nothing new. EVEN IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS! “You have to get the tone just right,” said Reitman. “I found that — when I look at my body of work from ‘Ghostbusters,’ with movies like ‘Twins,’ ‘Dave,’ ‘Evolu- tion’ and ‘Six Days, Seven Nights’ — I was like, ‘I’m re- ally into this!’And even with silly movies like ‘Space Jam.’ I obviously have a LOCATION New thing for genre-mixing.” Although primarily a com- STATEN ISLAND EDITION edy, the subject matter of Three-family brownstone, “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” original wood details calls for some special effects, Coming Soon! namely fighting and flying moldings, lovely East Lake scenes. Reitman says he is architecture and original impressed with how far tech- parquet floors completes nology has come since he the air of old world charm. made “Ghostbusters” in 1984, but emphasizes effects LOCATION mean nothing if they aren’t Near the Nostrand Avenue used to complement an in- subway stop on the “A” triguing story and characters train. the audience cares about. “They’re spectacular, but who cares about special ef- • • • fects, finally?” he mused. “I can say that because I’ve 184 DeKalb Ave. made four or five movies that (718) 222-1199 have had strong effects ele-
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“It was bleak,” McNeil said of his first years here. “I played OPENING every kind of gig you can imag- ine. I mostly played in salsa bands. I played in a wedding band, a Gypsy funeral band. It’s incredible the images I still have BROOKLYN’S Cool front in my head. I played every damn thing imaginable. I even Trumpeter-composer shares West played in a band at Yankee Sta- Newest Motel dium.” 1 McNeil settled in Park Slope 1 /2 miles to Downtown Brooklyn Coast jazz with Park Slope neighbors in the early ’70s and has lived in the neighborhood ever since. By Robert Hicks When he first moved here, Mc- Air Conditioned Rooms • King and Queen Size Beds • Free Parking •Satellite TV for The Brooklyn Papers Neil said the neighborhood was affordable, “relatively unsafe” azz trumpeter John Mc- and lacked the many jazz clubs Wireless Internet Connection • Jacuzzis • In-Room Movies • Phone Service Neil points to his many that now populate Fifth Avenue. Jyears transcribing saxo- “It took me a while to break phone solos of Charlie Parker, in and make some money,” he John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins said. One of the first jazz and Joe Henderson as the rooms he played was the now- foundation for his unique play- defunct bar, City Lights, on TLANTIC NN ing style and his original ideas. Seventh Avenue and First A I “I think that’s why my Street in Park Slope. He also phrasing is a little unusual,” he remembers playing at Brown’s 1768 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY said from his home in Park in Bay Ridge. Slope. “Saxophonists just play The trumpeter has recorded • (718) 771-7171 things differently from trum- as a bandleader for three peters. Their general approach decades. Since signing with to harmony is different from Omnitone Records in 2002, he trumpeters. It’s hard to de- has found a new audience and scribe. I just know it when I renewed critical acclaim on see it, and it’s encouraged me recordings such as “This Way
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ to play things that aren’t nec- Out” (2003), “Sleep Won’t ★ ★ essarily trumpet friendly.” Come” (2004) and now, “East The Brooklyn’s Best McNeil and tenor saxist Bill Coast Cool” (2006). ★ Party Place ★ McHenry lead a quartet at A year after Mulligan died ★ ★ Night & Day restaurant in on Jan. 20, 1996 in Darien, STAIR LIFTS Party STAIR LIFTS ★ ★ Park Slope every Sunday, fo- Conn., McNeil accepted the cusing on relatively obscure Bugle boy: On Sunday nights in Park Slope’s Night & Day, challenge of rearranging the ★ ★ composers from the West John McNeil and his quartet can be found performing late baritone saxophonist’s FREE Estimate ★ Gallery ★ Coast cool jazz popularized by West Coast cool jazz from the ’50s. music for a series of tribute and in-home ★ ✵ Summer “ARTS & CRAFTS” ★ Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz and concerts in the U.S. The consultation Chet Baker in the ’50s. The ently from the way the original standard called “Bernie’s painstaking task of poring over ★ Mon/Wed/Fri, 10am to 12pm ★ ✵ group plays compositions by guys did, but we preserve a lot Tune,” written by Bernie Miller charts gave McNeil a new ap- FREE Installation ★ July 20th Coming in September ★ Russ Freeman, George of the original feeling,” he said. for Mulligan. He enlisted con- preciation for Mulligan’s abili- ★ Summer ACTING/DRAMA CLASSES & VOICE LESSONS ★ ✵ Wallington, Wilbur Harden, McNeil, 58, rediscovered temporary composer and bari- ties as an arranger and com- FREE Delivery ★ Celebration Book your next ★ Carson Smith, Denzil Best and these composers while re- tone saxophonist Kenny Berger poser of linear, contrapuntal Call for info THEME PARTY with us! Jack Montrose. to write a new tune called music in the ’50s. ★ ★ “I checked out “GAB” in the spirit of Mulligan “I started to think about ★ ★ music from that MUSIC and he reinvigorated Arnold what would happen if I took ★ ★ West Coast cool Schoenberg’s “Piano Concer- what he wrote and applied it to DERMER era,” he said. “As a John McNeil Quartet, featuring tenor to.” free music,” McNeil said. ★ 6821 Fort Hamilton Parkway • (718) 921-7278 ★ saxophonist Bill McHenry, bassist Tom Hub- PHARMACY & SURGICAL result, I stumbled bard and drummer Jochen Ruekert, per- A northern California native, “Back when he was writing ★ www.thepartygallery.com • ★ • 2064 Flatbush Ave. • (718) 377-4900 across a lot of these forms at Night & Day (230 Fifth Ave. at Pres- McNeil fell in love with the this stuff, the role of the bass ★ ★ ident Street in Park Slope) on Sundays, from ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ tunes by other com- 8:30 pm to 11 pm, except July 30 and Aug. trumpet after hearing Louis player and the drummer were posers. I thought, 6. Tickets are $6. For tickets, call (718) 399- Armstrong perform on the Mil- pretty well defined. They ‘These are great 2161. www.nightanddayrestaurant.com. ton Berle Show on television in weren’t really interactive too tunes, but nobody the ’50s. Largely self-taught on much. They were basically plays them.’ ” trumpet, he abandoned his keeping time. McNeil and McHenry decid- searching material for his new dreams of becoming a chemist “I thought we would need ed to approach these ’50s tunes CD, “East Coast Cool,” on Om- to perform in local jazz bands to allow for contemporary bass )F THE #HRIST OR "UDDHA RETURNED TODAY from a modern perspective nitone Records. He wrote nine before studying music at the playing and drumming at the while preserving the basic har- original compositions based on University of Portland. same time,” continued Mc- monies and melodies of the the great Gerry Mulligan-Chet Legendary jazz trumpeter Neil. “I thought, ‘What if I WOULD YOU RECOGNIZE (IM original compositions. Baker Quartet. His quartet also Clark Terry encouraged McNeil could make this work?’ and I “We play these tunes differ- reinterpreted a West Coast cool to move to New York City. started writing some music.”
4HE /NE EXPECTED BY ALL ! THOUGHT PROVOKING EVENING WITH am, and live DJs, 8 pm, $TBD. Le Dakar Cafe RELIGIONS HAS COME AUTHOR "ENJAMIN #REME BROOKLYN 285 Grand Ave. at Lafayette Avenue Galapagos in Clinton Hill, (718) 398-8900, ON THE 2EAPPEARANCE OF THE #HRIST www.dakarcafe.net. 70 N. Sixth St. at Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 782-5188, (E IS HERE FOR ALL PEOPLE n Mondays: Keswa, a cast member in “The www.galapagosartspace.com. AND THE -ASTERS OF 7ISDOM Lion King,” sings live, 8 pm, $5; Wed- RELIGIOUS AND NON RELIGIOUS Fridays: VJ/DJ Friday Nights, 10 pm, nesdays: Soul Session with DJ Op, 8 pm, FREE; July 22: (Front room) Sonya FREE; Thursdays: DJ Moh, 8 pm, FREE. ALIKE Nightlife Cotton and the Bland Allisons, 8 pm, Compiled by Chiara V. Cowan Dragon Lounge $TBD, Methods NYC presents “Summa Crusha,” 10 pm, $5; July 24: (Front (E WILL INSPIRE AN END TO 145 Atlantic Ave. at Clinton Street in room) Dr. Lucky’s School of Burlesque, Amarachi pm, FREE; Fridays: World Beat Flavors, 3AT *ULY PM Brooklyn Heights, (718) 624-7658, 9:30 pm, $5; July 26: (Front room) 9 pm, FREE. HUNGER INJUSTICE AND WAR Lounge www.dragonloungebklyn.com. Darmstadt presents Jennifer Choi, 8 Mondays: Mix Master Mondays, 7 pm, &)4 (AFT !UDITORIUM 325 Franklin Ave. at Clifton Place in Black Betty pm, FREE; July 27: (Backroom) Brian Bedford-Stuyvesant, (646) 641-4510, FREE; Tuesdays: Trivia (music and movie Shapiro presents “Uncertainty Avoi- "UILDING # ND FLOOR www.amarachilounge.com. 366 Metropolitan Ave. at Havemeyer trivia), 8 pm, $1. dance,” 8 pm, $10, Mindspray Open (E RETURNS WITH (IS GROUP Saturdays: Global Saturdays, 10 pm, Street in Williamsburg, (718) 599- Mic C.O.N.C.E.P.T. album release party, 0243, www.blackbetty.net. 4HE -ASTERS OF 7ISDOM TH !VE TH 3T .EW 9ORK #ITY $5; Sundays: Open Mic Artist Show- Europa Night 10 pm, FREE; July 29: (Backroom) case, 5 pm, $5; Wednesdays: Laugh Saturdays: DJs Yah Supreme and Con- Jeannine Hebb, 8 pm, $TBD. &REE