Good morning, Greenpoint! It’s Friday, and time for the Hook-up. Sometimes, I think we should just rename this column “Another Week, the Same MTA,” since it seems that most of the things that get a line here are subway-related. That’s true as ever this week. Punch, Pepper-Spray, Hardware and High School are all, in their myriad and sundry ways, subway stories. So, step in, stand clear of the closing doors. Continue reading →
Two years ago, the NYC Department of Transportation began conducting a Traffic Study to assess street safety conditions in North Brooklyn. The study focused on issues like street design, traffic flow, public safety and environmental impact, and was funded by Councilman Stephen Levin’s office. To complete their findings, the DOT solicited community input, and received over 400 unique comments and suggestions from North Brooklyn residents. Now, the DOT is back in our part of town with suggestions gleaned from the study. The agency presented its findings to BK Community Board 1 on April 10th. Continue reading →
While many Greenpointers find it difficult to cheer constant “luxury” real estate development in the neighborhood, the situation may yield one perk: the housing lottery. The newest spot with apts on offer is 977 Manhattan Avenue, between India and Huron. The entire 14-unit building is going for a cool $14.25 Million, but New Yorkers earning 60% of the area median income can apply for 3 1-bedroom apartments, each asking $1,020/month, including utilities.
The environmentally conscious among us might be excited to know that the building is Green Certified, and sports energy-efficient elements, including solar panels. Other perks include a bike room, central air, and in-ceiling speakers. Continue reading →
Rendering of the Approved Plans for 111 Noble Street
When the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission approved redevelopment at 111 Noble Street, in early February, many Greenpoint residents were chagrined to hear that the LPC would allow a property well within the limits of the Greenpoint Historic district to be so distinctly altered. The approved plans call for a third floor and a penthouse to added to the existing structure, and an expansion on the back of the house.
Since the LPC made its decision, Members of the Noble Historic Block Association have been advocating for “for the restoration of and maintenance in scale of [the original building], a modest house on our landmarked block.” The group wrote in an email to Greenpointers, “The LPC’s recent approval for radical expansion of two additional floors plus elevator is, we fear, essentially going to result in demolition and rebuild. Not only are we concerned about this happening to this property, but also we’ve continued to voice our concern that it creates a precedent (or adds to a trend) of the LPC permitting radical development rather than preservation within Landmarked areas.”Continue reading →
Looking for a new gig or side hustle? Check out this round up of some Greenpoint-based jobs.
A restaurant needs a line cook. “We butcher fish and whole animals in-house, produce our own charcuterie, and also feature a strong repertoire of vegetarian and vegan recipes.” —could this be Cherry Point? New Mexican spot Oxomoco, housed in Greenpoint’s tiniest standalone building, is looking for bartenders, servers, hosts, barracks, cooks, and dishwashers. Calexico has an open position for a daytime cashier. Greenpoint-based nature camp, wBees Forest School needs summer camp teachers for their “nature-based and arts-rich summer camp”. The Richardson is looking for some experienced bartenders. A family-owned cafe in GP put out the call for a new barista. A jewelry line is looking to fill two internship roles: production and operations. Sanctuary Salon is looking for a new stylistto join their team. Kickstarter has 10 engineering roles (and more) open. Atlas Obscura has 3 editorial fellowship positionsup for grabs.
Congresswoman Maloney Speaks at Gun Safety Townhall via the Congresswoman’s office
On Saturday, April 7th, local politicians, policy advocates and community members gathered at MS 50 (183 South 3rd Street) for a Townhall meeting on gun violence. The event, hosted by Congresswomen Carolyn Maloney and Nydia M. Velázquez, took place on National Day of Action, following the March for Our Lives Protests, and included a panel of community advocates from New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Los Sures. The politicians and advocates all see gun violence in the United States (and right here in New York City) as a public health issue, and have framed their local advocacy and and legislative agendas to tackle the issue through that lens. Continue reading →
Greenpoint residents have long been concerned about the open entrances to Greenpoint Playground at Dupont and Franklin Streets. John Whiteman, of Arete Living Arts Foundation, explained, “The playground has two large entrances with no gates. The main entrance leads right out onto a busy roadway. It is also beside a heavy construction site so there are lots of large vehicles coming through. Many times I have seen small children run through the gate and out toward the streets while horrified parents run after them.”
He shared his concern with Mayor de Blasio, Brooklyn Councilman Stephen Levin, and the Parks Department. The City has headed his cry. The Parks Department began discussing the project with local Greenpointers last fall, and installed gates at the end of March. Continue reading →
In other L-train news, Wired took a look at “The Dreamers of the L-Train Shutdown,” noting how the impending L-pocalypse has really spurred some quixotic creativity in New York, inspiring such proposals as gondolas, pontoon bridges, and inflatable bridges.
Meanwhile, the Village Voice asked, “Is the Rest of the Subway Ready for the L-Train Shutdown?” focusing on the impact that service changes will have on our beloved G train. For example, “No station illustrates the scale of the challenge, or raises questions about whether the MTA is doing enough to mitigate the impact of its own planned work, better than Court Square in Long Island City, where internal MTA documents warn that corridors could be “crush-loaded” once erstwhile L riders crowd onto the G.” Get ready for the crush, Greenpoint. Continue reading →
When Mayor de Blasio unveiled his plan for the Brooklyn-Queens Connector (BQX) in February 2016, he projected that the 16-mile streetcar route would pay for itself through increased property tax revenue garnered from neighborhoods along the route, leading opponents to dub the project “the Gentrification Express.” Now, it seems the BQX will need federal funds to meet its $2.5 Billion budget.
Without the funds, the BQX may not go forward. This is not the first setback for the project. As of January, it has missed its fourth deadline to produce a feasibility study. Right now, there is no stated date for when the city might see that study.
While this might lead casual observers to call the BQX simply unfeasible, the mayor is optimistic about the project, telling WNYC that he feels Chuck Schumer will be able to use his clout in the senate to get money earmarked for the BQX. Continue reading →
Local Long Island City organizationKorean K9 Rescue, are committed to ending the Korean dog meat trade and rescuing dogs from South Korean streets. And they’re having a dog adoption event this Saturday, April 14th at The Storefront (194 Irving Avenue). So if you’re in the market for a world traveled cutie pa-poochie, get there from 12-4pm on Saturday afternoon. You can check out a list of available dogs here, and more details can be found at their site. Many of the animals have heart-wrenching stories of being scooped up after wandering the streets or rescued from dog meat farmers—and after making the journey from Korea to NYC they are waiting and ready for your love and affection!
