I only saw one sign for the recent gun buyback program that happened a few weekends ago. Participants were paid $200 per gun, no questions asked. A reported 700 guns were turned in during the program.
Brown Memorial Church in CH was one of the buyback locations, and the wait for turn-in was more than an hour.
The new Brooklyn Urban Arts Market will take place every other Sunday (until Sept. 21) on Myrtle between Emerson and Hall. There'll be vendors, live music, DJs and seemingly cool people. If this is going to be anything like the Afro-Punk festival (the event is organized by Afro-Punk, BAM and MARP), it's going to be mad cool. MARP is also doing drawings to win a shopping spree on Myrtle!
Here are some related links with more info:
(north of Myrtle)
There's a lot of action up on Grand between Myrtle and Park. Most intriguing is the "Retro Loft."
Unlike the other stuff flying up nearby, this building was already here and is being repurposed.
Directly across the street, we have this dorm-like building with a wonky awning and a nice parking lot:
What do these places look like on the inside???
(Brownstoner coverage here!)
I noticed this nicely-designed sign on Fulton and Putnam over the weekend, and I hadn't noticed it before:
This is a shockingly pretty sign coming from the city. Additional irony is earned from the crappiness of Fulton Street and the ridiculousness of the street renovations that have been going on now for, oh, two or three years.
I have high hopes, now that we've been afforded a city B.I.D.
Thanks to the Pratt Area Community Council for their hard work on making this happen!
The brick-oven pizzeria and sidewalk cafe on Washington near the Navy Yard is chugging along to opening. Several people have emailed me with details on how good it looks inside.
I checked it out on Sunday, and I wasn't able to see much. Of course, no one was doing any work.
The boys at RePop tell me they hope to be open within three weeks. August is generally a slow time for local businesses, so let's make sure to check them out when they open the doors!
This is horribly old news, but here is a short piece that Brooklyn Independent Television did on me back in January, where I interviewed the owners-to-be:
Was on vacation Friday!
(clinton ave at dekalb)
I've been immersed in a lot of urban studies reading at work lately, and have recently come across an intriguing phenomenon: the urban prairie. This occurrence is usually found in rust belt cities, like the one where I grew up. An urban prairie occurs when city buildings collapse or have been torn down and nothing rebuilt in its place. As a result, grasses and weeds begin to grow and wildlife may begin to reinhabit it.
Yes, we have our fair share of empty lots that have become overgrown with grass and weeds and trash. But this post is about a different observation: Walking around on both Washington and Lafayette recently, I've noticed that there are an insane amount of grasses and weeds growing up out of the sidewalk areas that are paved with old bricks. The first is at the southeast corner of Underhill park, on Washington:
So sad, seeing that this is a well-used children's park.
The second has cropped up on Lafayette Ave past St. James, in front of the St. James Apartments (Mitchell-Lama housing). This brick space extends for an entire block, and, with the buildings set away from the street, makes the north side of the street here look desolate and dirty. Imagine this space with tables and benches!
So, who is responsible for maintaining these areas of sidewalk? The city? Think about how pretty these planters would look if they were being maintained!
Why wouldn't the residents here get together to fix this?
Who makes the decisions about these spaces, and how can we fix them?
There's a gallery right next door to Frank White on Atlantic (at St. James):
Anyone ever been inside? What's the story?
Brownstoner hypothesized yesterday that Atlantic may gentrify before Fulton Street. Veeeeery interesting. Could it happen? Methinks not without some traffic calming measures and a renovated median (which could be very pretty!).
Used kids' clothing and toy store Still Hip Brooklyn recently celebrated their first birthday! Due to a crazy series of events, I was unable to attend, which is a shame, since they had one of the shin-digs in the new Choice Market offshoot space!
When I walked past today, it sure looked nice to see them thriving and colorful.
(Grand Ave bt Lafayette and Clifton)
I suspect that several neighbors were towed during all of the Clinton Avenue construction that's been going on lately.
Looks like they'll be finishing up this week (beware with parking!). This makes me wonder why they clearly never do this kind of thing over on Nostrand Avenue (seriously, have you ever driven down that potholed crap street?!).
A few days ago, a reader sent me this intriguing email: as bizarre as it is, i just noticed that a fresh fruit and vegetable market is opening on atlantic avenue right around grand (towards classon on the prospect heights/crown heights side of the street). it's the produce equivalent of frank white -- meaning, they're putting a lot of work into the space and it's going to be really nice, but it will probably ultimately suffer from its atlantic ave location (zero foot traffic).
i can't understand why they wouldn't choose fulton for this very necessary place, i guess the rents are a lot cheaper on atlantic.
Readers, this is why I love you. Because I would probably never, ever be walking around in that particular area and this is a very exciting tip!
It was not easy to find. I walked down a very desolate section of Atlantic, populated only by auto repair and restaurant equipment retailers, all completely shuttered on a Sunday afternoon. But then, I saw it: two gorgeous wooden planters with green fern spilling over at a storefront on the south side of the street.
The beauty of the fruit (both standard and exotic), as well as the interior renovation was shockingly gorgeous. Where on earth did this place come from?!
The owner (whose name escapes me, since I didn't write it down), said he expects to be fully operational within the next few days. He is also open to suggestions on what people would like to see him carry!
People, check it out, NOW.
Atlantic Tropics Atlantic Ave. nr. Grand
This review is very tardy, especially given that I wrote it up while they were still doing a drinks and bar food preview. Regardless, I was extremely impressed with the experience.
First off, the staff has their stuff down. Everyone was friendly and prompt and the atmosphere was inviting. Instead of using the entire space (an awkward layout, if you've ever been inside), the owners and manager decided to focus on the front half of the restaurant for now, to get things up and running smoothly. For now, the restaurant's back area is being used as free bike parking (for both staff AND patrons!).
The food was mostly delish (the ribs were perhaps a little too peppery, but still very tasty). We loved the anchovies and radish plate, as well as the eggplant dip! The drink selection was fun and creative, albeit a little pricey. Plus, I don't generally love the whole "small plate" thing, which is how the menu is set up. Still, with four people, a ton of food and two drinks each, we still only ended up paying about $30 per person. Not bad!
My verdict: compared to a lot of new places, General Greene has its shit together. Plus, the decor is great and the service is top-notch.
More info:
Yeah, it's a little late. But better late than never, and it's a gorgeous day outside! (My excuse for slacking? Friday was my 30th birthday.) DJs, food, demonstrations, fun up on Clinton Ave:
AFRO-PUNK BLOCK PARTY Sun, July 13, 12—8pm (Clinton Avenue between Myrtle and Willoughby)
The 4th Annual Afro Punk Festival parties its way to a close…on Clinton Avenue
Afro Punk, BAM and MARP have come together again to organize the 2nd annual Afro Punk Block Party, bringing the best underground local artists and artisans, tasty treats from local food favorites, and family-friendly activities directly to Fort Greene and Clinton Hill for an all-day, all-out neighborhood celebration! Not the usual street fair, there’s enough in store to entertain all day. Make sure you find time to check it out, this is definitely an event not to miss!
Here’s just a sample of what you can expect:
Live Music all day
Kudu, J*Davey, The Carps, The Caesarz , DJ Rich Medina, The Dustbin Brothers
Family-friendly fun
- DIY T-shirt screen printing is back by popular demand! The folks from Afro Punk will help kids make a statement by offering a quick screen-printing lesson. (All day)
- Local artist Derick Cross will also be on hand for free facepainting (1pm-6pm)
- Healthy Kids Van – NYC Public Advocate’s office is brining their mobile Community Healthcare Unit, complete with important information for parents and games for kids. Come spin their giant prize wheel and get free stuff like hats and waterbottles! (12pm – 3pm)
- Brooklyn Botanical Garden will be on site to teach us how to compost. Put those food scraps to good use and reduce your garbage footprint! (12pm-5pm)
- BikeNY is offering free bike safety classes for youth! More information and registration (not required) is available here. Please bring your own bike if you’d like to participate! (1pm-4pm)
Local Dish
Homemade sweet treats by The Bakery (their peach cobbler is one of our favorites!)
Tamboril puts a Nuevo Latino twist on Latin favorites
Restaurant New Orleans brings their delicious crab cakes and vegetarian red beans
DIY Fashion, Accessories and Artisan Merchandise
Buy direct from some of the hottest, edgiest DIY designers! We’ll have clothing and accessories for adults and kids alike. Or, beautify yourself with stuff from some of the neighborhood’s best all-natural product-makers, like Karen’s Body Beautiful.
For more info, visit www.afropunk.com and www.bam.org.
Move With Grace Studio469 Myrtle Avenue (next door to Kum Kau)
Between Washington & Hall St.
info: 718 230 0013
http://www.movewithgracestudio.com
It can be very difficult to run a neighborhood blog when different readers want different things out of it. When I post about crime, commenters accuse me of fear-mongering. When I DON'T post about it, people demand that I do. I don't know how many readers sent me the now neighborhood-infamous link in the NY Times about the crime increase in Clinton Hill. I've been thinking about it all week, and I think it's important to circulate this news. I am going to try to refrain from any comments such as "OMG!!!" Yes, we live in a large city and we should be vigilant no matter where we are. A person can be mugged on Grand Avenue, or on Park Avenue on the UES.
As for the bank robbery, maybe I'm naive, but I really didn't realize it was all that common on a daily basis. I guess I assume it would be pretty damn scary to be in a bank when it happened.
So, without further ado, and in the spirit of keeping readers informed of what has happened, I give you the following:
Maybe we're just more aware of all this because Clinton Hill, unlike any other NYC neighborhood I've lived in, is a place where people know their neighbors. Crime or no crime, let's just watch out for one another. K?
Note: Pay special attention to the reading on Tuesday, July 15, where Tillie's owner Pat Muncahy reads her published account of getting the lease at the Tillie's space! July 08
Events at Tillie’s
248 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn NY 11205 (718) 783-6140
www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com Music 7 Summer Sessions
A Showcase with Nick Noir
7/11/08
7/18/08
7 p.m.
No cover
7 Summer Sessions will feature the best acoustic talent in NYC showcased at Tillies of Brooklyn in fort Greene during select Friday evenings in July, August, and September 2008. Each evening will be themed and feature several artists’ performances. Planned evenings include: New York Muse; Spoken Word and Song; Political Satire; Alt Percussion; Cupids’ Corner, Love Songs; Jazz/Folk Fusion; and Emerging NYC Poets.
Seating is first come, first serve.
Nick Noir, the host of 7 Summer Sessions, has released over 22 recordings in various genres and on different recording labels. The prolific artist / producer's most recent, released on May 6 2008, is titled The Ultimate Most Relaxing Classical Chill in the Universe, for orchestral samples & synthesizers, on Denon Records/ Savoy. Nick Noir recently completed recording 13 Sonnets (lyrics by W. Shakespeare) set to alternative folk music, available this summer on Dark Celebrity Records and on Itunes. For more information see: www.sevensessions.com or info@sevensessions.com.
Friday
7/25/08
8 p.m.
The Bob Trio
Oscar Penas
Oscar Penas, guitar
Brian Landrus, woodwinds
Bridget Kearny, bass
This drum-less jazz group was founded in Brooklyn in 2008. The members of the group met in Boston in 2005 while studying at the New England Conservatory. Their goal is to swing as hard as possible so that the listener doesn’t notice the lack of drums. The combination of three musical personalities presents a continuous flow of always-fresh musical interaction. See www.oscarpenas.com for additional information.
Cover: $5, $3 with student I.D.
Saturday
7/26/08
8 p.m. Indoda Entsha Percussion Ensemble
A very popular drumming ensemble inspired by the rhythms of Africa, composed of local performers and musicians and led by E. Preston Riddick. Crowd-pleasing, intricate and stirring music that always has the audience keeping the beat in unison.
Cover: $6
Art Rural Haiti Art Project
July 14th – August 16th 2008
The Rural Haiti Project is a U.S. based youth leadership organization that aims to empower children to become leaders and builders of their communities by conducting programs for low-income, at-risk children in rural areas of Haiti. The project fosters children’s civic, social and intellectual development and promotes community engagement and development.
The Project explores creative ways to engage children at an early age to create and understand their own visions, to identify the positive aspects of their communities as well as recognizing the problems that their country faces. The Rural Haiti Project started in 2006 with a summer workshop entitled “Imagine your Environment” in Sibert, Plaine du Cul de Sac. Local horticulturists, teachers and specialist on reforestation were invited to share their expertise.
James-Herve Sabin has a Bachelor of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture From Pratt Institute. He attended planning courses on infrastructure of cities in developing countries at Columbia University. James-Hervé has worked with the NYC HPD developing housing prototypes, housing research and urban design.
For more information, see www.ruralhaitiproject.org Salon Series
Tuesday 7/15/08
7:30 p.m.
BROOKLYN NOIR 3: NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH Edited by Tim Mc Loughlin and Thomas Adcock
This latest installment in the award-winning Akashic Noir Series features original true-crime stories set in the Borough of Kings. Akashic Books launched the series in 2004 with BROOKLYN NOIR, quickly recognized as the best collection of Brooklyn fiction ever published. In BROOKLYN NOIR 3, the borough's criminal legacy is explored through the lens of nonfiction--and once again, truth proves stranger than fiction.
Editors Tim McLoughlin and Thomas Adcock join contributors Patricia Mulcahy, owner of Tillie’s, as well as Robert Knightley, Reed Farrel Coleman, and Jess Korman to read from their contributions to the anthology.
Books will be for sale. For more information see www.akashicbooks.com.
Open Mic
Thursday
7/10/08
7/24/08
8 p.m. sign-up
8:30 performance
No cover
Host: Nick Noir
Open to all rappers, singer/songwriters, comedians, and others. Come and try out your new material in a friendly, supportive venue.
For more information on any of the above, call Patricia Mulcahy at (718) 783-6140 or see www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com.
On Friday evening, I finally met up with BK Nesto of Clinton Hill Chill. We decided to meet at Mirrors on Grand, given that I'd had yet to do more than step in and look around. The owner, Michelle, explained that the bar's name -- Mirrors -- is meant to symbolize the space being a reflection of the neighborhood. The crowd was pretty mixed and the scene was chill. Conversation flowed and four hours later, I was on my merry way home. BK Nesto is still feeling shy about sharing his identity, so we took a blurry, ambiguous photo:
We had a few good ideas, hatched over several rounds of cocktails, one being a monthly meet-and-greet for readers, maybe at Mirrors, called "Monthly Mirrors." The other was a photography show showcasing photos of the 'hood, past and present, with proceeds going to a local organization. Mostly, we just chatted about ourselves and the neighborhood.
Stay tuned for some CHB-CHC events!
Clinton Hill Blog published from 2006 - 2010. Please enjoy these archives - a love letter to the neighborhood.
