Public Art and MARP

(A quick cut-and-paste before I head to Richmond for the weekend.  This event, happening today, sounds very cool.  MARP is slated to be woking on a number of public art projects!) Myrtle Avenue Public Art Program presents:

Saturday, August 30, 2008, 12-3pm

During Ingersoll Family Day

Ingersoll Houses, Myrtle Avenue between Prince & Navy

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership (the Partnership) and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) have collaborated to inaugurate the Partnership’s new Myrtle Avenue Public Art program this Saturday, August 30, with the 11-month installation of pieces from the internationally-known Tree Hugger Project (www.treehuggerproject.com) on NYCHA Ingersoll housing development grounds near Myrtle and Prince.  The Partnership’s new Myrtle Avenue Public Art program is an effort to bring public sculpture, art installations, studio art, and creative street furniture elements to the public spaces and sidewalks of the 20-block retail district, increasing access to art for the entire community.  The sculpture installation at Ingersoll will include an opportunity for community members to participate in the building of Tree Hugger figures as part of Ingersoll’s annual family day celebration. Both the Partnership and Ingersoll Tenant Association invite all local residents to join the celebration, and welcome the Tree Huggers to our community during the community build, which will take place from 12:00pm – 3:00pm that day.

Tree Hugger Project artists Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieszka Gradzik will be installing a total of four pieces on Myrtle Avenue as a part of their ongoing public art project that combines environmental sculpture made of natural, found and free materials such as twigs, vines and tree branches with a simple environmental message. The Project is an ongoing work of Environmental Art designed to help us re-discover our relationship with nature at a very personal and intimate level. The focus on the stewardship of public space demonstrates that standing up for the environment can be done in a fun and non-political way, and that contemporary art can be entertaining and make a difference in how we view our world. Community participation in the construction and installation of the Tree Huggers helps to highlight the role that we all can play as stewards in our very own neighborhood, reminding us that we humans are still very much a part of our natural surroundings.  The Tree Hugger Project has been brought to cities and parks all over the world as a way to bring attention to the environment and to bring communities together, and Myrtle Avenue is excited to be part of this international movement.

These art installations are part of the larger Myrtle Avenue Arts & Enterprise Initiative which represents a multi-faceted effort to establish the retail corridor as an access point to visual art and cultural activities for community members of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The Tree Hugger Project serves as a kick-off for the Partnership’s new public art program, launching both an open call for proposals for additional temporary sculpture pieces for locations along Myrtle Avenue as well as a request for sponsors to support future artists and their installations. Seed funding for the new program was provided by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation and Myrtle’s Business Improvement District.

Where: Myrtle Avenue near Prince Street (adjacent to the community center)

Date: Saturday, August 30, 2008

Time: 12 pm - 3 pm

Price: Free, with free food and drink from the Ingersoll Tenant Association’s annual Family Day for those who come

Organization Hosting Event: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Ingersoll Tenant Association, New York City Housing Authority

Website: www.myrtleavenue.org

Contact Name: Meredith Phillips Almeida, Director of Community Development

Phone: 718-230-1689

Holiday!

Thanks for all the great tips and emails this week.  I'm taking off on Monday and will get to many of them next week. Have a lovely end-of-summer!

Friday Photo

(Park Ave)

Fort Greene: Moving Towards a Bookstore

I heard about the potential plans to open a bookstore in the 'hood months ago.  Now, a local advocacy group is working with BK Library Power Up winner Jennifer Stockton Bagnulo to make this happen here!

FORT GREENE INDIE BOOKSTORE INITIATIVE

Press Contact: Steve Sachs, fortgreeneshopping@gmail.com

Bookstore Entrepreneur Plans a Store in Fort Greene; Fort Greene Indie Bookstore Initiative to host Bookstore Kickoff Event on September 16

Last year the Fort Greene Association's retail committee surveyed 380 locals about their shopping preferences. 75 percent of respondents (281) cited bookstores as a category in which they wanted more choices.

To meet this need, the Fort Greene Indie Bookstore Initiative (FGIBI) embarked on a campaign to find an independent bookstore. After months of talking with Brooklyn-based bookstores, the group met Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, a Brooklyn entrepreneur who won the 2007 Brooklyn Public Library PowerUp! Competition for her business plan to open a bookstore in Fort Greene.

To raise community awareness and rally support for Jessica's independent bookstore, FGIBI is hosting an event in Fort Greene at the Cumberland Greene (237 Cumberland Ave) on September 16, 2008 from 7pm to 9pm. The event will feature local Brooklyn authors. Complimentary beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres from local businesses will also be served. RSVP required; email rsvp_fortgreeneindie@hotmail.com to be added to the guest list.

About the Fort Greene Indie Bookstore Initiative

The Fort Green Indie Bookstore Initiative (FGIBI) is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that seeks to attract small business owners to Fort Greene to open a bookstore and other stores in response to the community's needs. The group also encourages current retailers to open new businesses locally and seeks to help local residents open their own businesses.

To contact the Fort Greene Indie Bookstore Initiative, e-mail fortgreeneshopping@gmail.com.

About Jessica Stockton Bagnulo

Jessica has worked in New York City independent bookstores for the past eight years, and is currently the events and publicity coordinator at McNally Jackson Books in Manhattan. She is active in numerous book industry organizations and is often called upon to speak and write about independent bookselling. Her business plan for an independent bookstore in Brooklyn won the grand prize in the 2007 Brooklyn Public Library PowerUp! business plan competition in January 2008. She lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and blogs at www.abookstoreinbrooklyn.blogspot.com.

To contact Jessica Stockton Bagnulo, e-mail booknerdnyc@earthlink.net.

L'epicerie Closed!

I was surprised to hear that the polarizing L'epicerie (either you loved it or you hated it) on Vanderbilt near DeKalb closed!  A friend and neighbor who knows the owner of the space said he's curious to know what we'd like to see there.  (He's thinking a restaurant-type place open from 8am-1am -- maybe a new Grand 275-type joint?)  This is a rare opportunity to have a say, so leave your requests here!  I'll have my friend direct the owner here for suggestions.

I only went in once to get a sandwich, years ago.  I did hear that they started serving delicious dinners, but I never went in to try.

Dajeh

Dajeh on Fulton has been open for a few weeks now, first for brunch and now with regular hours.  Has anyone been yet?  I hope to try it out next week. In the 4.5 years I've lived here, this is the third restaurant in this space (first a sandwich place and then Boca Soul).

Dear House: I Love You

Came across this lovely unique home on Cambridge Place recently, for sale:

Just one of many gorgeously intriguing homes in our area.

If only it didn't cost $1,250,000, maybe I'd put in a bid. (NOTE: The Corcoran link no longer works!  Is this in contract?  Sigh.)

Fort Greene Fulton Observations

A few commenters beat me to mentioning the fro-yo on Fulton.  Houseowax says it was pricey and overly sweet. After a frustrating day at work the other day, I took the express train home and walked from DeKalb. I came across two interesting things: 1. The delicious but bizarre restaurant New Orleans seems to have closed! Based on the service I had there last winter, I'm amazed it stayed open this long.

2. Looks like Fort Greene is about to be home to a chi-chi fro-yo shop. I hope it tastes just like Eks at half the price. (just past Lafayette)

Friday Photo

(Vanderbilt)

Crime Map

Several months ago, Leticia James mentioned an interactive crime reporting map at an anti-crime rally. I finally figured out where it is -- the Society for Clinton Hill website! I've included it in the blogroll under "Important Contacts." It's currently on the SCH homepage, and can also be accessed at its permalink.

It looks pretty cool, and incidents can be categorized in different ways (violent crimes, theft, and even street/quality of life problems such as potholes). This map was set up for the purpose of accurate crime reporting and information sharing. Use it!

Il Porto: YUM

Sorry for the delays, folks. Getting back from vacation is always overwhelming and I haven't had much posting time!

Last Thursday, before I departed for the Queen City, I hit up Il Porto for lunch on opening day. I was pleased to see that the "to-go" room was packed with local residents and workers waiting for a slice!

(Behind the counter. fresh pizzas being made)

I had my lunch on the other side, in the "sit-down" room.  The servers were friendly and helpful (I'm pretty sure several of them came to Il Porto from Il Torchio, along with the chef).  They started me off with this complimentary bred, fresh from the brick oven.

It was a touch choice, but I picked the Rugola and Prosciutto 12" pizza.

The prosciutto was extremely fresh, and the crush light.  It was so tasty that I ate 4 of the 6 pieces (though I could have easily gotten away with just 3).

I planned to head back home, full and happy, when Eda and Joe of Square Root Cafe popped their heads back to say hello and give me a piece of the Wallabout dessert pie -- Nutella, pine nuts, marshmallow.  AMAZING.

The food was so tasty that I ordered delivery tonight for a small Fort Greene PUPS meeting at my place.  We did the Rugula and Prosciutto, Margherita and the Wallabout for dessert.  Rave reviews all around with only 1.5 pieces left over (and they take credit cards -- even for delivery!  Bravo!)

I'm glad they've been busy so far.  It'll be a great place to stop for food, especially before PEP openings and RePop First Fridays (like the next one on September 5, featuring my photography!).

Il Porto 37 Washington Ave. 718-624-0954 www.ilportobrooklyn.com

Bar / Restaurant on Greene

A reader tipped me off to a new bar on Greene and Fulton, immediately behind the subway entrance. This corner has been boarded up for ages, and I would have never thought to look there (good eye, Maggie).

A peek inside revealed a long bar and what looked like a missing back wall leading to a giant outdoor space! I can't imagine it'll stay like this, but who knows.

This ends up being one of many examples where I've been clueless. And hey, with all the good stuff going on in CH these days, I don't need to wander too deep into Fort Greene! (Hello, great Saturday night at Bar Olivino with neighbors last weekend!)

NY Mag had the scoop ages ago, followed by B'stoner (and who knows who else).

I smell potential.

Transportation Alternatives Bike Ride This Wknd

Whoops- one more post!  Just received this email, and TA is a really great organization! My name is Oksana and I am a members of the Transportation Alternatives Brooklyn Committee. We have a ride this Saturday that starts close to Clinton Hill (in Fort Greene Park).  If it’s not against your blog’s protocol, would you be able to put a word out on the Clinton Hill Blog about the Transportation Alternatives Brooklyn Committee bike ride?

Transportation Alternatives Brooklyn Committee Parks Ride When: Sunday, 8/17; 10.30am Where: Fort Greene Park, at Dekalb Ave and Cumberland Street

The Brooklyn Committee is hosting its first ride in a series of Brooklyn exploratory rides. We will start out in Fort Greene Park, and ride through some of Brooklyn's historic green spaces. We will make a quick lunch stop and end up at the Yard in Gowanus for after ride drinks. Come out to meet other committee members and find out what we do.

Thank you!

CHC Shirts On Sale This Weekend!

Per friend and blogger Clinton Hill Chill, the much-coveted CHC t-shirts will be on sale this weekend at the corner of Clinton and Greene.

I stopped by yesterday but they didn't have my size.  :(  However, the guys were amicable about getting one for me in the next few days!  That's what I call service.

(OK, no more posts for today!  Have a great weekend.)

Filming in the 'Hood

Filming In Brooklyn is a great resource for all things TV and film currently shooting in Brooklyn. The blog's owner, Amy, is also a CH resident (which means she will usually have the scoop for all local filming). She even hosted a TV show filming in her house yesterday!

Filming tomorrow is Fringe, which is apparently obsessed with Clinton Hill. They were over near Pratt a few weeks ago, and will be on Clinton and Greene tomorrow.

(Fringe is a JJ Abrams show. He's the guy who did My So-Called Life Felicity, Alias, and LOST. Worth tuning in this fall.)

Friday Photo (early!)

I'm leaving this afternoon for a long weekend in Buffalo, which explains all the posts today and the FF.

(I took this awhile ago, and I don't remember where it was taken.  Waverly?)

Long-Time Scammer Still on the Loose

Received this email this morning: Just wanted to let you know and to have you spread the word that this guy is among us!  He gave my friend and I the whole story on Ryerson today and we unfortunately gave him a few bucks. We didn't believe it so we looked it up and it seems he has been doing this in other areas for a while. Just trying to get the word out.

The guy she's referring to delivers a believable-ish spiel about how his mother has just had a stroke while driving and crashed her car.  He needs money for a tow truck and it's an emergency.  He also claims to work in film/tv and offers to get you tickets to Letterman, or some rock concert.

He definitely approached me once and I honestly didn't have any cash on me.  When he suggested I go to the ATM, I got creeped out and left.

A sneaky Daily Heights reader snapped this photo of him:

It's really unfortunate that guys like this prey on our neighborhood.  I have no problem with helping someone in need, but sometimes it's hard to know when someone's legit (and sometimes it's glaringly obvious!).

Hoping They're Still Open!

On a long neighborhood walk, I attempted to visit 1001 Affairs -- the florist on Fulton near Cambridge) to pick up a small bouquet for the apartment. When I arrived the gates were down!

Their website says that they close at 3pm on Sunday, and I may have been there after 3. But I can't remember. Anyone know if they're still open?

Neighborhood News from B'Stoner

CH resident Brownstoner is able to blog full-time (lucky duck). Rather than repeat his scoops after the fact, here are some quick summaries and links from his site:

• New buildings on Myrtle underway
• Pratt makes progress on new building at former KFC location
• Chase bank to occupy former community counseling center / Gourmet Kitchen (personal note: Who do I have to bribe to get a friggen' HSBC in the neighborhood? Every other bank has moved in. If the neighborhood is going to become Chain Bank Land, at least let me avoid an ATM fee! And how about CitiBank charging a $3 ATM fee? GRRRR!!!)
• A way to fight unwanted menus and solicitations! (If you live in the CH co-ops, you'll be glad to know you can finally report all of those companies who stick fliers for plastic furniture covers under your doors!)

Social Networking in the 'Hood

Reader Steve Kinney has started a "ning" social networking site for FG/CH. I've never heard of "ning" before, but the site looks pretty good so far. Seems to be kind of a message board space for user-generated news, comments, photos. Check it out here!