Friday Photo
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(Washington Ave)
First Friday at RePop: March 7
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FIRST FRIDAY MARCH 7: Paper Cut Theatre / art by CHRISTINE YOUNG
RePOP is pleased to announce the March exhibition featuring the fine art of Christine Young. Christine Young creates darkly imaginative, beautifully unusual images of placidly content characters in their imposed worlds. Suspended from chains, submerged underwater, or displayed in dollhouses, her figures are a melding of fairy tale, circus, and punk sensibilities. Her collages are detailed constructions of paper, glue, and charcoal which draw heavily on the creepy and romantic experience of the world. These aspects continually present themselves in her dreamlike images, which draw inspiration from the works of Poe, Bukowski, Tom Waits, Tim Burton, and Jan Svankmajer. Her work has been shown in London, New York, Los Angeles, and New Mexico, and has been represented by the punk-cabaret duo, The Dresden Dolls.
Join us for an evening of wine, food and art! Also enjoy a 10% discount on all RePOP goods with mention of this invitation.
68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Friday Photo
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(Washington Ave., Wallabout)
First Friday @ RePop: February 1
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Happy New Year! If you haven't been in yet since the ball dropped then you are cordially invited back to RePOP as we kick off our first art exhibition of 2008!
We are pleased to announce February's exhibition featuring the fine art of the shop's curator's, Carl Grauer and Russell Boyle.
Prone to collaborating in the store, on canvas and in life these artists have taken a long overdue sabbatical from conspiring together to present a series of individual works. "Family Matter" is a reflection of those ghosts buried in the closet beckoned out for examination. At times melancholy and other times whimsical, Grauer and Boyle bring the observer into a personal realm of portraiture and surreal interpretation granting permission to laugh at their own trials while taking us on a ride through the depth of them.
Artist reception and party is 7:30 - 11pm every First Friday of the month! So come on down to the Navy Yard, grab a glass of wine, mingle with the artist and get your vintage groove on.
68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Brick Oven Pizza Coming to Wallabout
/Washington Ave will soon be home to another new hangout. Owner Joseph Falco is working on transforming 37 Washington (which has been operating as a pizza place for the last 14 years or so) into a brick oven pizza spot.
It'll be called Il Porto, and will offer pizza (brick oven and regular), other menu items, wine and beer, plus sidewalk cafe!
The restaurant will span both pizza storefronts on Washington, and will feature historical photos of the Navy Yard inside.
Estimated opening is sometime in April -- just in time for some warm weather First Fridays at RePop and openings at P.E.P.
Pretty cool.
Wegmans Clarifications
/Just a few bullet points on my earlier post about Wegmans to clarify my opinions:
- I SUPPORT the preservation of Admiral's Row
- The new locally-owned stores opening look amazing, and many of us will shop there (OMGfishandbreadatProvisions!)
- These same stores are not nearby the public housing residents and many of them are selling specialty, more expensive items (instead of things like paper towels and basic cereal)
- The point of the supermarket in the Navy Yard is to serve these populations, as they do not have a store nearby for basic necessities
- The politicos are pretty much set on providing a comprehensive supermarket in the Navy Yard for these populations
- If our neighborhood will HAVE to be home to a new supermarket, why not work with local officials to bring a GOOD store in, that serves ALL populations of the neighborhood, offers reasonable prices, is a company dedicated to the neighborhoods they operate out of and that provides quality job opps for locals?
- High-end grocers are not serving the public housing populations (which is fine, but point being those residents have needs that need to be met)
To all those who emailed me about Wegmans, I will send out an email this weekend!
What About Wegmans?
/I can't believe I didn't think of it before! What if we figured out how to bring Wegmans to the Navy Yard? For those of you who have never had the opportunity to spend any time in Buffalo or Rochester ("upstate" to NYers, but "Western New York" to natives), Wegmans is an amazing supermarket that offers all kinds of stuff -- think a slightly more reasonably priced Fairway, plus stuff like lawn chairs, books and magazines, a pharmacy , bulk candy and granola, etc. (They also have stores in PA, NJ, VA and MD)
The best part, though, about attaining a Wegmans would be the employment benefits for the community. Sure, any large store that opens in our area will offer job opportunities for the locals. Wegmans, however, has been on Fortune's "Top 100 Businesses to Work For" for the last ten years:
"The 100 Best Companies to Work For" list is compiled for FORTUNE by Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz of the Great Place to Work Institute in San Francisco, based on two criteria: an evaluation of the policies and culture of each company, and the opinions of the company's employees. The latter is given more weight; two-thirds of the total score comes from employee responses to a 57-question survey which goes to a minimum of 400 randomly selected employees from each company. More than 100,000 employees from 446 companies participated in the survey this year, making this by far the largest simultaneous employee survey in corporate America. The survey asks about things such as attitudes towards management, job satisfaction, and camaraderie within the organization. The remaining one-third of the score is based on an evaluation of each company's demographic makeup, pay and benefits programs, and culture. Companies are scored in four areas: credibility (communication to employees), respect (opportunities and benefits), fairness (compensation, diversity), and pride/camaraderie (philanthropy, celebrations). Wegmans offers great benefits for its employees, including generous scholarship awards for high school students on the college track. Well-treated employees = happy employees = high standards of service = a pleasant shopping experience = happy customers. In addition to offering reasonably priced healthy groceries nearby, why not also offer stellar job and training opportunities to the community as well?
They were also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies.
If we're going to bring a giant supermarket to our neighborhood, why not recruit one that offers real benefits for everyone - shoppers and employees alike! I mean, isn't that why service at Duane Reade is so shitty? Because they offer crap benefits to their employees? This could be a golden opportunity to work with Wegmans and do something amazing for our community.
Who's with me? BRING WEGMANS TO BROOKLYN!!!
If you are seriously interested in helping with this, email me at clintonhillblog-at-gmail-dot-com.
SCH Meeting Recap
/I'm sad to say that I arrived at the meeting late and missed the presentation on the potential food co-op (more info on this on the official site, and on Brownstoner [check out the entertaining comment thread]). Personally, I've never been to the Park Slope Food Co-op. To me, it has always sounded a little too cultish and crunchy for my taste. Then again, I hear there are amazing deals to be had. I think if we did this up FG/CH style, it could be awesome. Now, will someone with a membership please bring me into the PS co-op so I can see for myself what it's really like? Thanks. Speaking of groceries, next on the agenda was Admiral's Row in the Navy Yard. I'm no expert on this, but what I gleaned is that the crumbling Admiral's Row houses are slated to be demolished and replaced by a giant grocery store, with a parking lot for 300 cars (!!!!!). Various presenters suggested that the parking lot be reduced to accommodate approximately 80 cars (akin to the Key Foods lot in Park Slope), and retain the old homes at the same time. Since the supermarket is being touted as being for the benefit of public housing residents (who would WALK there), why are so many parking spaces needed? The renovated structures could be used for anything ranging from a bakery and fish market, specialty food stores (all of which could employ local teenagers), to condos or for use as the Navy Yard museum (which is being planned currently as a new building).
Someone at the meeting suggested the city (or whoever is ultimately in charge) consider bringing a Trader Joe's to the Navy Yard space, pointing out that it offers reasonable, high-quality food, produce and meat that the entire neighborhood desires. I am ALL FOR THIS plan. The city is home to far too many shitty Pathmark stores that smell like the 1970s. Of cours, Trader Joe's means LOTS of shoppers. Perhaps extra bus service could be extended to the area?
Another general suggestion regarding the Navy Yard was guided tours, or ferry tours from Manhattan. This is an interesting idea. The Navy Yard is vast, fascinating, mysterious and full of history. It annoys me that no one can get in just to look around. I think, ideally, the yard should be open to the public, contain public space and offer interesting retail. Creative reuse, people!
Moving on...
Atlantic Yards was mentioned briefly. The bridge on Carlton Ave is slated to be closed soon for construction of the Ratner Nightmare. This means that firetrucks will be rerouted to drive AGAINST TRAFFIC ON TWO STREETS SOUTH OF ATLANTIC. Giant trucks hurdling the wrong way down one-way streets?! This is a solution?! Maybe in the 'burbs, but jeez! No one even pulls over for siren vehicles here!
Finally, there was talk of forming various committees to interface with local police about neighborhood issues, including crime and trucks illegally driving on several streets (Washing Ave. specifically). The idea is that if we can present evidence that police action needs to be taken (for example, photographing and counting illegal trucks), the precinct will not be able to claim there isn't a problem. Also, residents were reminded to REPORT any and all crime. I know the cops sometimes make this difficult. One of the SCH board members explained that his car was recently broken into, and the cops wouldn't come out until the next day to look at it. By the time they arrived, he had moved the car due to street cleaning. They told him that once he moved it, they couldn't do anything about it. Classic.
(And speaking of cops, I've noticed several cop cars casually breaking traffic laws -- running red lights and driving the wrong way on one-way streets. There were no sirens or high-speed chases. They were doing it because they couldn't be bothered to abide by regular citizens' rules. I'm sure this is not unique to our neighborhood, but it really pisses me off.)
The meeting moved along more smoothly than usual, although a few speakers were kind of rude when prompted that they had gone over their time. One man actually mouthed off to the SCH officer who told him they were out of time. I find this extremely disrespectful. I know everyone has a lot to say, but the meetings are meant to be an overview of what's going on in the area. I think each issue presented should offer an email signup list, and those who are interested in discussing said issue in depth should sign up and attend a separate meeting or participate on a message board. My advice? Please tell us about your news, but don't be a dick about it. Be courteous of other speakers' and attendees' time!!!! Thanks!
(Special thanks to Thirst and Tamboril for the wine and appetizers!)
Wallabout Bakery?
/Spotted this sign late night recently (north of Myrtle, maybe on Steuben?):
Has this always been here? Or is it new?
PEP Opening: Jan 4
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PEP Gallery is pleased to announce Kevin Cyr's first solo-exhibition in Brooklyn. "Look Both Ways" refers not just to the obvious looking out for traffic, but also to the idea of looking both East and West for cultural and artist influences. Cyr merges Asian vehicles with popular brand iconography of the West. Indian rickshaws are branded with American junk food logos while an Asian tricycle is equipped with a camper top-ready for a trip across the United States - or to explore Inner Mongolia. Cyr's work is impeccably produced with highly rendered detail in both his paintings and drawings.
Michael Bolton at the Navy Yard
/I'm sorry to say that we've all missed an opportunity to chill with crooner Michael Bolton at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Apparently, an NBC show called Clash of the Choirs did a live taping there from Dec 12-17! Does anyone watch this show? Is it on now? If it's not on my DVR, I probably won't see it. Guess it IS on now. Here's the NBC website.
(Thanks to Greenpointer and one of our readers for this!)
Friday Photo
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(RePop, Wallabout)
Jewelry Trunk Show @ RePop
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On Saturday, Dec. 15 there will be an exclusive showing of Ellie's newest jewelry and her limited- edition aquariums, terrariums and keepsake boxes. Back in the midwest they do tupperware parties, well here at RePOP it's all about jewels and gifts! Come lounge in a wonderful vintage atmosphere as Ellie delights everyone with her new merchandise perfect for the season exclusively at RePOP! Festive music and refreshments will be served to all guests! We'll have a grande time. Hope you can make it!
10% off all RePOP furnishings, lighting, and collectibles offered to all guests.
DATE: Dec. 15 TIME: 12:30 - 5pm LOCATION: RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
A Party at Steiner Studios
/A top secret contact of mine was fortunate enough to attend Doug Steiner's birthday bash in the Brooklyn Navy Yard recently. Since we're all curious as to what it's like behind those gates, he offered to share his experience (under the pseydonym "Bill Bennet"): Thank you Lesterhead! I'm feeling super to be here!
Well readers, let me tell you a juicy story about last Friday night! Your faithful reporter, by the skin of his charm and suavity, got invited to a glittering party at the Steiner Studios in the ghetto-swank Brooklyn Navy Yard. The stars were out on November 30th both in the frozen night sky and on the red carpet!
Inside the scene was "thumpin', yo!" Our host for the evening and the birthday boy for whom the birthday bash was bumpin', the amazing Doug Steiner, had turned the ginormous main studio space -- twenty-seven thousand square feet of floor space with fifty foot ceilings! -- into a full-on dance club. The bar(s --three giant open bars!) were swarmed like a fat American tourist in the Congo, and rasperry vodka flowed like semen and ink at a writers' retreat. Beautiful go-go dancers shook their booties on raised platforms placed randomly throughout the space -- and when I say beautiful, I mean Booo-ti-foooollll!!! For the men, a hot blonde, a hot Latina, a hot African-American, and one dancer I couldn't quite place (Samoan islander mixed with Scottish highlander?) were bursting out of skimpy outfits, boobs and butts glistening with sweat! For the ladies guys in Greco-Roman wrestling gear pumped you up! as their rock hard muscles undulated like the enraged seas!
I was on pins and needles when my contact for the evening was approached by the birthday boy himself. I sharpened my conversation skills with a pocket pencil sharpener, grabbed an extra cocktail, and headed over to the pair.
"Doug, this is my friend Bill Bennet. Bill this is Doug Steiner."
Reader, I almost fainted on the spot.
Doug Steiner (who was being shadowed by his personal photographer) is a commanding five foot, six inches tall. Penetrating eyes peer out from strong brows situated just beneath his balding head.
"Hi," he said, and offered me a hand soft from lack of manual labor, but hard from giving "no"s to so many aspiring filmmakers. I gushed at how wonderful it was to meet him, and he, like Andy Warhol, acted dazed and indifferent, all the while projecting an inner confidence and intelligence that can only be described as "ineffable."
Naturally Mr. Steiner had too many guests to stop and chat with your humble reporter, and so he moved on through the crowd, shaking hands while the constant lightning from the flash of his personal photographer blinded the guests -- almost as much as the birthday boy's brilliance.
I made my way back to the bar to get my signature club soda and lime when a little man, who had obviously slipped past the velvet rope, had the nerve to ask if I was the designated driver. In the first place, I thought, I don't drive. I am DRIVEN. So I turned to him and said, "No. I'm in recovery." I thought it might give me a little Amy Winehouse chic. :)
Sadly my attempts to nose my way into the VIP rooms met with repeated rebuffs (and how buff! Mr. Steiner really knows how to pick a bouncer! ). So there's not much more to say. The plebes who milled around the dance floor mostly seemed to be indie movie company interns -- skinny, nervous young men with beards and sallow complexions -- or obese women in their 40s looking to pick up one of these trembling wall flowers in flannel. Occasionally a middle-aged entertainment lawyer would provide a spectacle, knocking back vodka tonics and leering at the go-go dancers. The high point of the remainder of the evening was watching one of the old, fat ladies groping a male go-go dancer's juicy package while her equally rotund friend took pictures on her mini digital camera.
Around 11 the gliterati started to fliterati into the night. I took my cue, downed the rest of my soda and lime and flew into the night to adventure and fun!!!
No word on whether or not the party moved to the Navy Yard Lounge.
Important Hearing on Admiral's Row
/(If anyone attends this meeting and wants to email me a report to post, that would be great. This week I am buried in grad school paper writing. Email reports to clintonhillblog-at-gmail-dot-com.)
(photo by bb2087)
The issue of what to do with the crumbling houses located in the Navy Yard has been a heated one. Currently, they are slated to be removed and replaced with a giant grocery store. The press release below is clearly in favor of the plan, although many feel differently.
I'm hoping to do several posts on the Navy Yard in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. My general position is that the Row should be preserved, but that the Navy Yard in general should be open to the public and used as community space.
For additional info, check out this independent project regarding the history of Admiral's Row, run by a friend of mine.
December 7, 2007
PLEASE JOIN COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES, WITH BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ; CONGRESSMAN ED TOWNS; STATE SENATOR VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY; ASSEMBLYMAN JOSEPH LENTOL; ASSEMBLYMAN HAKEEM JEFFRIES; COUNCIL MEMBER DAVID YAASKY; REV. MARK TAYLOR; COMMUNITY LEADERS AND RESIDENTS; FOR A PRESS CONFERENCE AND PUBLIC MEETING TO SUPPORT THE SUPERMARKET DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED BY THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BNYDC)
All are invited to a press conference and public meeting to support the transfer of property in the Navy Yard (Admiral's Row) from the Federal Government to the City of New York, who will lease the land to the BNYDC for development. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 11th beginning at 6:15 PM.
For twenty years BNYDC has worked closely with the community to acquire Admiral's Row Houses, to then convert the deteriorated and unsafe buildings into a community asset, including a major supermarket and community retail stores. The proposed supermarket development will provide fresh produce for an underserved community, over 500 new retail and industrial jobs (local hiring commitment), and an on-site BNYDC Employment Center for easy access to job placement opportunities.
The Economic Development Committee of Community Board 2, as well as elected officials at all levels of government support the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation's re-development plan. BNYDC has a strong track record of retaining the Yard's history, and is committed to historic preservation whenever possible.
WHAT: BNYDC Public Meeting about the Transfer of Admiral's Row Houses
WHEN: Tuesday, December 11th - Press Conference at 6:15 PM, Forum from 7 PM - 9 PM
WHERE: Daniel Hale Williams Public School 307 - 209 York Street (near Gold Street)
Contact: Ray Martin (Office of Council Member Letitia James) - (646) 942-3180, and Richard Drucker (Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation) - (718) 907-5936
BREAKING NEWS: Shooting at Reign Nightclub!
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I went for an ambitious jog this afternoon and decided to huff it up to Wallabout and pop into RePop. When I got to Washington and Park, however, the street was blocked off with orange tape. I walked under the tape and continued on to RePop, which was open. Just past the store, the rest of the block was closed off with yellow crime scene tape.
Apparently, there was a late-night shooting at Reign Lounge (46 Washington just south of Flushing). No news yet posted anywhere. Anyone have more information?
First Friday at RePop: Dec. 7
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"I am not in love with decay. But I am in love with an object that has experienced some kind of existence." -Rico Lebrun
Sandra Rocha's work reveals some quiet, undeclared beauty in the mundane everyday scenery of life, to entice the viewer to contemplate what is otherwise overlooked. Whether a gritty street corner or a distressed chair, she extracts something extraordinary about the subject, emphasizing all of the imperfections and quirks that give it character.
The more recent work of urban scenery is a reaction to urban grit that is so much a part of the character of the city, however subversive and unaccepted. Given the current speed of gentrification and the erection of high-rise gleaming condos throughout the city, Rocha records these gritty pockets in the underbelly of the city.
Join us for this collection of reflective work, perfect for the holiday season. Artist reception and party is 7:30 - 11pm. Wine, refreshments and merriment served!
RePOP 95% Recycled 68 Washington Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11205 718-260-8032
*RePop is also stocked with creepy Santas, and will be offering year-end sales!
Don't Forget: HALLOWEEN AT REPOP!
/Tonight, starting at 7:30, delicious catered food and awesome costumes!
New Building on Park?! WTF?
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A few weeks ago, I came across a bizarre new building on Park by the BQE for sale by Corcoran. It looked to me like a building full of condo apartments, but the Corcoran listing I found said it was a legal 2-family listed at $979k.
I procrastinated in posting this, and now the Corcoran link isn't working, and I can't find anything about it online! What happened, and what IS this place?