Rally Update

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I attended today's rally against the new high-rise slated for Greene between Classon and Franklin, and I'm glad I did - I have a much better understanding now of the issues and concerns at hand.

Often times, residents completely shun any sort of new development. This is NOT the case on Greene. Neighbors simply want to ensure that the building's design and construction are respectful to its surroundings.

Here are some of the main points of contention:

  • Height: Currently, no buildings on the block exceed five stories. The new building planned will cast shadows over current residents' properties, and will not "fit in" with the current historic atmosphere
  • Safety: Reckless demo is being performed on-site, which may lead to injury of nearby residents and damage to surrounding properties
  • Neighborliness: Developers have been rude to residents calling with questions and concerns; developers have not asked for feedback from local residents

Point is, no one would rather look at an abandoned lot filled with garbage over a tastefully-done new building. It's the way the developer is going about it that's deplorable! I laud the efforts of area residents to keep the site SAFE and the resulting building tasteful.

One of the best parts of the rally was the sheer diversity of the attendees - young and old of a variety of races and backgrounds. It's one of the area's best strengths.

I hope they'll keep me up-to-date on the latest developments. Various reporters and politicians were present as well -- cool.

Also, we've received a request for information on the Bed-Stuy North Neighborhood Improvement Association. Anyone out there who can fill us in?

JAWS

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the shark A few months ago, I started noticing this beat up auto on Clinton Avenue. At first, it was just a crappy car. Then, it received a special paint job.

I'm assuming the owner did it, but I suppose it could also have been a cruel (yet funny) case of property defacing. I've never seen anyone driving it, or moving it. Yet it's always moved according to street cleaning rules.

Must be a bitch to parallel park this thing.

Do you own this car? If so, contact us and give us the story!

CH/Bed-Stuy Rally

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THIS JUST IN! A rally will be held Sunday, Aug. 20, to protest the new building on Greeve Ave. between Classon and Franklin. We originally covered this here.

Leticia James helped organize this event, which I think is pretty cool. She seems to really be the kind of politician who is accessible and receptive to the community's needs.

The Swine of the Hill

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photo by trippyswell

Last summer, a friend staying with me for part of the summer called me frantically while I was at work.

"Um, I think I just saw a pig? On a leash? Being walked like a dog? Outside your building?"

He asked, rather than told, in case he may have been hallucinating. That was the first I'd heard of the pig.

Since then, I've heard a few more reports. Recently, a neighbor and friend of mine caught pig and owner in the street and snapped the above picture.

At this point, the pig seems like the Loch Ness Monster -- more legend than anything else. Then again, the photographic evidence speaks well for its existence. I'd like to see the neighborhood pig with my own eyes.

Here are some of the rumors I have heard:

  • Pig and owners live near the FG/CH border
  • Pig owner is in the band Fiery Furnaces

Then, there's this article - how have I never seen this?

Any of you ever seen, petted or played with the neighborhood pig? Can the pig go off-leash in Fort Greene Park? What is the pig's name? Does it come when called?

Better yet, are you the owners of the neighborhood pig? If so, contact us and we'll do a little interview/feature!

Openings and Closings On Myrtle Avenue

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My little photographic stroll down Myrtle Avenue.(With Commentary!)

Crown Fried Chicken. Yum. Really. Yum. I'm serious. This one on Myrtle is the best of all the Crown's around too. (No, they are not all the same.) Beats the DeKalb/Classon and Fulton/Washington branches hands down.

Another liquor store? Or is this a new sign?

The juice place didn't last too long huh? And in it's place another deli...great.

This looks promising. Chez Lola. New restaurant? New bar? Whatever it is I'm excited! Anyone have any information on this?

A new Yoga/Dance place coming soon. Location is across from Polish Beauty Bar.

Now here's something you don't see everyday. A McDonald's closing. Granted, it was only a McDonald's Express but I'm still surprised. Chicken Rings. Can we at least pretend it's real chicken? Just a little? Please? But I'm glad to see that take credit cards, you know, like all the classy establishments.

And last but not least...

New condos on the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Kent Street called 609 Myrtle. (Catchy but unimaginative.)

Looks okay from the outside and I'm digging the high ceilings and big windows.

Interior pictures are here along with the units still available and prices. It's relatively affordable considering.

I do have issues with the descriptions (read the Neighborhood description for a bit of a laugh) and the fact that they're advertising it as Clinton Hill and not Bed-Stuy. It's clearly Bed-Stuy according to the Boundaries post.

Should we start calling this area Clinton Hill East?

Just looking around the area is still relatively undeveloped without any nice shops or amenities. It's a bit of a hike to the Classon Avenue stop on the G train, too.

Anyway, there's an open house today, Wednesday August 16th, from 6pm-8pm.

Check it out and please let us know what you think.

URBAN SPRING: UPDATE!

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Yesterday afternoon, I walked past Urban Spring and peeked into the window, behind the newspapers hung there. I saw a counter, shelving and cute overhead lights! YES! THEN, this morning, I noticed the window paper had been removed! A tall blonde guy was in the store and I gave him a wave. On my way back from the park, I ran into him outside.

Inspection is TODAY. As long as they get the "OK," they're going to practice during the week and may be open as early as SATURDAY!

It's funny how new storefront openings in our neighborhood attract the kind of frenzy that a boy band in-store appearance might have in the midwest. In the park, my neighbor and I shared stories of anxious waiting - me for Sushi D and he for Choice Market. New stuff in Clinton Hill is kind of like a drug.

More to come...

***Urban Spring is an organic juice bar set to open on DeKalb Ave. near Ft. Greene Park. I wrote about it last month here.

Haunted Church on Clinton

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When I was little, I used to think all houses with boarded up windows were haunted. haunted church on clinton

This gorgeous old building's been boarded up for awhile. It appears to have been last used as a church, but I don't think it was built for that purpose. I remember it being for sale a long time ago, but haven't heard or seen anything since, aside from some brand-new "KEEP OUT" signs.

I wonder what it looks like inside.

Beautiful (or full of potential for being beautiful) buildings boarded up fill me with sadness, and a weird feeling I can't explain. Who lived here last? What did they leave behind on the other side of the padlocked door? Does no one want to cut the grass and clean away the trash?

boarded up

neglected

For some history, check Brownstoner.

Hill News

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The New York Post had a nice article about how Clinton Hill's still one of the neighborhoods offering 'bargains' for people looking to buy homes. (She fails to mention the crappy G and C train lines and how impossible it is to get into Manhattan on the weekends. But I digress...)

Got an e-mail about a group of neighbors trying to fight the building of a 12 story high rise in the area. Development is always a touchy subject, so please show your support to make sure new construction in the area stays on the good side of tasteful.

Community Meeting details below:

And some pictures of the construction:

Show up and give your support!

For more info, check Brownstoner's coverage.

New Blog on the Block

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Yay - we have fans! One local couple liked us so much they started a CH blog of their own! Welcome, to Clintoncentric!

Blogger Nicole has lived in the 'nabe for seven years, so I'm sure she has some good stories to share.

(Perhaps almost as interesting as my neighbor, Sam, who bought his co-op for $13k back in the 1980s.)

She's already got the scoop on a new vintage clothing shop slated to open next month on DeKalb and Classon (yessssss).

Thanks to all for your comments thus far, and I hope you'll add Clintoncentric to your must-read links!

Neighborhood Wishlist

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As the area gets better and more and more residential developments are being built, I still feel that Clinton Hill is missing a few good quality shops and services. So here's my wishlist for the neighborhood:

  • a good dry cleaner
  • a CVS
  • a Trader Joe's or a Wholefoods

I know there's a couple of small pharmacies and there's Karrots for natural goods but it's still not quite the same.

So what's on your wishlist for the Neighborhood?

[lesterhead's wishlist, in addition to the above:

  • used book store
  • garden shop
  • upscale florist/flower shop
  • most of all: BICYCLE SHOP. Ever seen the lines at the Prospect Hts shop on Vanderbilt for spring tuneups? This would make a real killing.
  • hip hair salon
  • Goldie + Mac store]

Challenge

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challengeI've been puzzled by this building on Clinton Avenue ever since I moved to the neighborhood in 2004. I don't think I've ever seen anyone go in or out, yet the property looks open and well-maintained. A family friend who grew up down the block tells me that kids used to spray paint a "D" at the end of "CHALLENGE." Pretty basic, yet made me chuckle.

So what IS this place?

Per their website:

Working in the heart of New York City, Teen Challenge provides comprehensive faith-based residential programs for men and women seeking help to overcome drug addiction and other life-controlling problems.

Apparently, the program provides a live-in program for both men and women looking to get clean and stay that way. Ironically enough, they only take people 17 years and older. They also run an after school program for children in grades 2-6. (Why are they calling it Teen Challenge when few teenagers actually qualify for their programs??) Actually, other chapters of the organization, which was started in NYC in the 1950s, do offer live-in services and counseling for teens. The organization claims to have a very high success rate compared to other rehab institutions.

While they don't list the actual addresses for the men's and women's live-in homes, they do have photos. Both look familiar, but I can't place them off the top of my head. I think they also might be in Clinton Ave.

Since I've never heard a thing about them, or direct reports of the individuals causing problems in the neighborhood, it seems they're doing a good job. They do help those in treatment earn their GED, which I highly laud.

Anyone have any interactions with this place?

RATner Meeting

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This notice just in from the Clinton Hill Society:

Bruce Ratner's Brooklyn Atlantic Yards Project

is NOT A DONE DEAL, unless we think it is!

The Fort Greene Association

The Society for Clinton Hill

Invite you to an important meeting about The Brooklyn Atlantic Yards Project

A review of its major features

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the BAY Project:

  • What it says
  • An Analysis by the Council on Brooklyn Neighborhoods
  • Discussion of how you can influence the process

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2006, 7:00-9:00 pm

Queen of All Saints Church

Lafayette Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt, enter on Vanderbilt

The Brooklyn Atlantic Yards proposal includes:

  • 16 Skyscrapers with as many as 60-stories casting their immense shadows over Fort Greene and Clinton Hill residences, streets, and our parks;
  • 20,000 seat arena with upwards of 250 events a year, its noise and garbage, sanitation trucks, parking, vehicular traffic, and subway congestion;
  • 18,000 new residents making this area the densest residential area in the entire United States.

Clinton Hill, Fort Greene and surrounding communities must respond to the ESDC Draft Environmental Impact Statement. It is our only opportunity to participate in the process and have our opinions heard.

On July 18th, The New York State Empire States Development Corporation released Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Forest City Ratner Brooklyn Atlantic Yards Project Proposal. This means the clock of the 66 day response period is ticking. The official public hearing is Wednesday August 23, 4:30-8:30 at New York City Technical College, 285 Jay Street. This forum will be recorded and entries are included in the official public record. A second public Forum will be held September 12, 2006. Written comments are due September 22nd. These are our chances to weigh in on the Brooklyn Atlantic Yards Project Proposal. Come to the August 16th meeting co-sponsored by the Society for Clinton Hill and the Fort Greene Association to learn more about the project, the DEIS, and about how to respond.

My Little Section of the Nabe

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Clinton Hill is blowing up! So much so that I've been enlisted to help cover my little section of the nabe - and since I live really close to Myrtle Avenue around Pratt I figure it'll be the first place I cover.

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I've been living in Clinton Hill long enough to remember the KFC being open next to the Pratt Post Office on Myrtle Avenue. It's been closed now for a couple of years with the building being empty and abandoned until recently.

Last week I noticed a giant crane knocking the old KFC building down and there's been a flurry of construction activity ever since.

The site where KFC once stood.

Anyone know what's being built in it's place? I'm hoping for a CVS Pharmacy. This area sure could use one.

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A little further up at 559 Myrtle Avenue is Cafe Martino.

I'm not sure when this coffee shop opened but it seems pretty nice.

The menu has a decent selection of breakfast and lunch choices with a slight bent towards Latin America.

The hours are 7am to 7pm weekdays and 8am to 6pm on weekends.

A full food review coming soon.

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There's been a lots of recent residential construction activity too.

First, there's this monstrosity being built on the corner of Myrtle and Steuben.

And these 3 new developments on Grand.

Hmmm...didn't notice any places for parking. Let's hope they're smart enough to build it in.

I'll swing by and take updated construction photos as these building get closer to completion.

More to come.

New Contributor: BrooklynJay, and How I Came to Clinton Hill

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This little site seems to be meeting at least some neighbors' needs -- people have found it linked from elsewhere, and through Google searches for resources in the 'nabe. Since I'm always trading information on the area with my friend and neighbor Jay, I invited him to come on board and write some posts of his own. Since he lives farther east than I do, he's usually discovering things over there before I do.

Plus, it just seems fitting. Jay's the one who got me to move to Clinton Hill!

***

Nearly three years ago, I decided to buy an apartment. I had been renting a tiny studio in Hell's Kitchen when my friend and former co-worker Linda told me her childhood friend Jay owned a place in Clinton Hill -- an area I had heard of via recent real estate searches, but knew nothing about.

I came out on the Q train one Sunday afternoon in 2003, and we walked around and did brunch. I admit, coming from W44th Street, I was at first unnerved by the quiet. But each time I came out to look at co-ops, I liked it more and more. There were trees, gorgeous brownstones, parks, restaurants and unique architecture. Not to mention the friendly people. One cold winter morning, an elderly man said hello and struck up a conversation with me on Washington Ave. I couldn't believe it -- it was just how I always thought NYC was supposed to be, but never quite was! Culture, cool stuff to do and best of all, a varied population of mostly friendly people. I knew it was an area I could call home.

At first, I was the one educating Jay on neighborhood amenities. That first day in CH, Jay didn't even know where the C train was! Even though he had a year on me, I was informing him of openings and developments, even before I closed.

These days, we're both always on alert for "what'snew!" in the 'hood. BrooklynJay was my first of many friends in Clinton Hill.

As a native NYCer and having lived in Clinton Hill longer than I, Jay may have some different perspectives and history. Plus, he's pretty funny.

Welcome, BrooklynJay!

St. James Place

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st. james place One of my other fav streets in the 'nabe is one I just recently discovered: St. James Place. I happened upon it one evening while walking Mallow and following a sign for an open house. The signs led me to this house: house.jpg

Looks kinda crappy, right? Well, if they weren't asking close to a mil for it, I might actually try to scrape up the cash to see if I could buy it. While I've always had the pipe dream to someday own a brownstone, lately I've been pining for a unique-looking house to gut and really make my own. Look what these people down the street did with their narrow houses: cool reno

Love it.

Since I first happened upon this place, I've been walking there every few days. The buildings there are really unique and dynamic, and many of then are still in disrepair.

Take this beauty - who ever thought it was a good idea to put siding on urban homes? And let's not even analyze the 10 million awnings. With a total renovation, this could be a palace. awnings = bad

Or this home, with the gorgeous stoop that's been painted over a zillion times (but obviously not recently). Picture it with a little love and some modern planters or carved pumpkins at Halloween time.

crumbling paint

There are certainly people who have begun renovating and restoring here, but it still seems quiet and under-the-radar. I always feel like I should be tip-toeing down the sidewalk.

Most ironically though, is the fact that this is the street where the Notorious B.I.G. illegedly grew up! I'm pretty sure this is still Clinton Hill technically. Either he wanted more 'cred' to his name, or the mad shadiness crept over into CH back then and it didn't matter where Bed-Stuy started.

locked

Here I am, skinny white girl skipping down his street with my little white dog and digital camera. Poor man is probably rolling in his grave.

farm-ish entrance watch cat

Love these archways: cool

Great fixer-upper: haunt.jpg