By MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
A sadistic Brooklyn pet groomer faces a year in prison on charges of beating a tiny Burmese cat - and handing her back to her owner in a blood-soaked plastic bag.
"We looked in the bag, and Nusha's entire face was covered in blood," said heartbroken pet owner Igor Kisil, 45. "Tears were coming from her eyes. I've never seen a cat do that."
Bechir Bejaoui, 23, of Bay Ridge, was charged with animal cruelty for abusing Nusha, a 3-pound cat, last summer. Bejaoui, who is awaiting trial next month, blamed the cat for being "bad," but a veterinarian said it was the worst case of animal abuse he's seen in 30 years.
"I have cats that have fallen out of very high windows that weren't this bad," said Dr. Roy Appel. "It was awful, just awful to see the cat suffering like it did."
The cat suffered severe trauma, internal injuries and hemorrhaging. She was in the hospital for two weeks and fought off two infections.
A spokesman for the pet grooming store said Thursday no one could remember the incident.
Nusha has recovered from her physical wounds, but is still skittish. "My Nusha just hasn't been the same trusting cat and probably never will be," Kisil said.
Showing posts with label bay ridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bay ridge. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2008
Bay Ridge residents fuming over stench
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, February 5th 2008, 4:00 AM
The city emptied its sock drawer and now the whole neighborhood stinks.
Bay Ridge residents - coping with a stomach-churning smell wafting from the site of a former sewer pipe project - are telling the city to take out its dirty laundry.
The stink has been hovering over a stretch of Fort Hamilton Parkway between Marine Ave. and 99th St.
The city responded by tossing nylon socks filled with pine-scented deodorizer into the catch basin.
But outraged locals said the scent of raw sewage is now worse than ever.
"The city's smelly socks obviously aren't working, and that situation is now beyond the point of unbearable," said Kadmel Choutie, 67, whose Fort Hamilton Parkway house sits directly in front of one of the wafting grates. "Our entire block is repulsed and everyone wants to know what is taking so long."
The odor first cropped up in the summer of 2006, after the completion of a $6.9 million city project to combine the underground sewer lines there, residents say.
A Daily News story spurred the city to toss a few more socks into the sewage, much to the chagrin of local officials.
"Whatever they are doing down there isn't working," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. "These people have waited long enough. I mean that smell is just gag-inducing."
Residents are nauseated - and confused.
"I can't figure out what the city is doing over here," said Patrick Walsh, 80, who has lived on the odorous street for 40 years. "They keep telling us that the smell is going to be getting better, but then it just keeps getting worse."
Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Michael Saucier said the socks, which come in pine, cinnamon, vanilla and orange scents, were never intended to be a permanent fix, but just a stopgap until the agency can get to the root of the stench.
"I understand that this is a strong smell and I wish I had answers," said Saucier. "No one thinks the socks are the solution. They are just a temporary fix until we find the source of this odor."
Finding the source of a stench is always a matter of trial and error and the department is doing everything it can to sniff it out, according to Saucier.
"It is unusual that this much time has passed without us finding the source," he said.
"Believe me that we sympathize with these residents and are doing everything in our power to take care of this situation."
Jason Wilde, 30, who bought his condo a year before the stench arrived, said the odor has given him a case of buyer's remorse.
"I'm embarrassed to have people over to my house because they think I live in a sewer," said Wilde.
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, February 5th 2008, 4:00 AM
The city emptied its sock drawer and now the whole neighborhood stinks.
Bay Ridge residents - coping with a stomach-churning smell wafting from the site of a former sewer pipe project - are telling the city to take out its dirty laundry.
The stink has been hovering over a stretch of Fort Hamilton Parkway between Marine Ave. and 99th St.
The city responded by tossing nylon socks filled with pine-scented deodorizer into the catch basin.
But outraged locals said the scent of raw sewage is now worse than ever.
"The city's smelly socks obviously aren't working, and that situation is now beyond the point of unbearable," said Kadmel Choutie, 67, whose Fort Hamilton Parkway house sits directly in front of one of the wafting grates. "Our entire block is repulsed and everyone wants to know what is taking so long."
The odor first cropped up in the summer of 2006, after the completion of a $6.9 million city project to combine the underground sewer lines there, residents say.
A Daily News story spurred the city to toss a few more socks into the sewage, much to the chagrin of local officials.
"Whatever they are doing down there isn't working," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. "These people have waited long enough. I mean that smell is just gag-inducing."
Residents are nauseated - and confused.
"I can't figure out what the city is doing over here," said Patrick Walsh, 80, who has lived on the odorous street for 40 years. "They keep telling us that the smell is going to be getting better, but then it just keeps getting worse."
Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Michael Saucier said the socks, which come in pine, cinnamon, vanilla and orange scents, were never intended to be a permanent fix, but just a stopgap until the agency can get to the root of the stench.
"I understand that this is a strong smell and I wish I had answers," said Saucier. "No one thinks the socks are the solution. They are just a temporary fix until we find the source of this odor."
Finding the source of a stench is always a matter of trial and error and the department is doing everything it can to sniff it out, according to Saucier.
"It is unusual that this much time has passed without us finding the source," he said.
"Believe me that we sympathize with these residents and are doing everything in our power to take care of this situation."
Jason Wilde, 30, who bought his condo a year before the stench arrived, said the odor has given him a case of buyer's remorse.
"I'm embarrassed to have people over to my house because they think I live in a sewer," said Wilde.
Bay Ridge vets battle Health Dept.
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Wednesday, January 30th 2008, 4:00 AM
They survived World War II and Korea, but now a group of veterans are making a stand against another formidable foe - the Health Department.
Battle lines have been drawn between a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Bay Ridge, and Health Department agents who the soldiers say are trigger happy when it comes to citations.
"I faced some frightening fascists in my time, but I've never seen anything like this," said Angel Rios, a 79-year-old Korean War vet and post commander. "We served our country with honor - and now this city is spitting in our faces."
The call to arms came after the agency issued more than $4,000 in tickets and forced the vets to expel their beloved feline mascot, Baby, in a series of violations issued over the last 11 months that ranged from not displaying a "smoking permitted" sign to not having a Food Protection Certificate.
The post paid the fines, and members even attended a series of classes to gain certification on proper food handling, but they now say they want the Health Department off their backs and out of their club - permanently.
"They are coming into our home and telling us that ice is a food and that our little kitten is a hazard," said Rios. "Do they go into kitchens and ask people if they know how to use the automatic ice makers on their refrigerators?"
The veterans argued that they did not need the certificate because the 300-member post doesn't have a kitchen and only operates the ice machine for its bar, but the city remained adamant that ice is a food.
"While the establishment may not serve food to the public from a kitchen, ice does constitute food under the health code, because it is something that someone consumes," said Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson Sara Markt. "Ice machines have been implicated in foodborne-illness outbreaks elsewhere in the country."
The agency also cited other concerns involved in serving drinks, such as sanitizing glasses, but added that some of the smoking violations were "in the process of being withdrawn."
The news came as little consolation to the vets.
"We are a fraternal organization of dues-paying members and shouldn't be subject to any of these inspections," said Rios. "We earned the right to be left alone and we have the battle scars to prove it."
Rios said he wants to cooperate with the city, but is just looking for a little recognition.
"Little do they know that there wouldn't be a Department of Health without these brave men who fought for this country," he said.
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Wednesday, January 30th 2008, 4:00 AM
They survived World War II and Korea, but now a group of veterans are making a stand against another formidable foe - the Health Department.
Battle lines have been drawn between a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Bay Ridge, and Health Department agents who the soldiers say are trigger happy when it comes to citations.
"I faced some frightening fascists in my time, but I've never seen anything like this," said Angel Rios, a 79-year-old Korean War vet and post commander. "We served our country with honor - and now this city is spitting in our faces."
The call to arms came after the agency issued more than $4,000 in tickets and forced the vets to expel their beloved feline mascot, Baby, in a series of violations issued over the last 11 months that ranged from not displaying a "smoking permitted" sign to not having a Food Protection Certificate.
The post paid the fines, and members even attended a series of classes to gain certification on proper food handling, but they now say they want the Health Department off their backs and out of their club - permanently.
"They are coming into our home and telling us that ice is a food and that our little kitten is a hazard," said Rios. "Do they go into kitchens and ask people if they know how to use the automatic ice makers on their refrigerators?"
The veterans argued that they did not need the certificate because the 300-member post doesn't have a kitchen and only operates the ice machine for its bar, but the city remained adamant that ice is a food.
"While the establishment may not serve food to the public from a kitchen, ice does constitute food under the health code, because it is something that someone consumes," said Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson Sara Markt. "Ice machines have been implicated in foodborne-illness outbreaks elsewhere in the country."
The agency also cited other concerns involved in serving drinks, such as sanitizing glasses, but added that some of the smoking violations were "in the process of being withdrawn."
The news came as little consolation to the vets.
"We are a fraternal organization of dues-paying members and shouldn't be subject to any of these inspections," said Rios. "We earned the right to be left alone and we have the battle scars to prove it."
Rios said he wants to cooperate with the city, but is just looking for a little recognition.
"Little do they know that there wouldn't be a Department of Health without these brave men who fought for this country," he said.
Bay Ridge rage as cell phone towers rise near school
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Call it reading, writing and radiation.
Parents at Public School 185 in Bay Ridge are outraged that six cell phone towers were erected directly across the street from the school over a recent weekend.
"I'm scared of what we don't know," said Elizabeth Juliano, whose 5-year-old son attends the school. "Without evidence either way, we should err on the side of caution. This is just stupid."
Calls from concerned parents flooded the local community board only hours after the towers were erected.
"They installed them when no one was around in hopes of falling under the radar," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann of the towers, which appeared on the rooftops at 8701 Ridge Blvd. "Within hours, my phone was ringing off the hook with angry parents afraid that radiation . . . was going to give their kids cancer."
Scientists have said health risks from cell phone towers are slight because of low radiation levels - but that hasn't stopped people from being wary.
This most recent uprising could radiate throughout the five boroughs as state Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge) may push legislation that would ban tower installation within 500 feet of schools.
"I strongly denounce the installation of a cell phone tower directly across from PS 185 and am reviewing my options legislatively," Golden said.
Golden first introduced the legislation almost two years ago, after parents of St. Anselm's School fought the construction of a Sprint/Nextel tower to be placed atop a nearby building at 8300 Fourth Ave. St.
Anselm parents also didn't know the tower was coming until a crane showed up late one night.
The legislation failed but the accompanying public relations were successful in halting the construction. Golden said the new towers across from PS 185 - two of which are pointed directly at classrooms - may be the final straw.
But the science on cell towers shows that signals emitted are no more likely to cause cancer than a television set. That's because the type of radiation emitted from the towers, which is more like radio waves than X-rays, is harmless, said Verizon spokesman David Samberg.
"[The cell phone industry] has been around for over 20 years, and no one has ever found that these signals can hurt people," Samberg said. "As for notification, we work transparently with the building owner, and if they request that we speak to the community, we do so gladly."
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Call it reading, writing and radiation.
Parents at Public School 185 in Bay Ridge are outraged that six cell phone towers were erected directly across the street from the school over a recent weekend.
"I'm scared of what we don't know," said Elizabeth Juliano, whose 5-year-old son attends the school. "Without evidence either way, we should err on the side of caution. This is just stupid."
Calls from concerned parents flooded the local community board only hours after the towers were erected.
"They installed them when no one was around in hopes of falling under the radar," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann of the towers, which appeared on the rooftops at 8701 Ridge Blvd. "Within hours, my phone was ringing off the hook with angry parents afraid that radiation . . . was going to give their kids cancer."
Scientists have said health risks from cell phone towers are slight because of low radiation levels - but that hasn't stopped people from being wary.
This most recent uprising could radiate throughout the five boroughs as state Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge) may push legislation that would ban tower installation within 500 feet of schools.
"I strongly denounce the installation of a cell phone tower directly across from PS 185 and am reviewing my options legislatively," Golden said.
Golden first introduced the legislation almost two years ago, after parents of St. Anselm's School fought the construction of a Sprint/Nextel tower to be placed atop a nearby building at 8300 Fourth Ave. St.
Anselm parents also didn't know the tower was coming until a crane showed up late one night.
The legislation failed but the accompanying public relations were successful in halting the construction. Golden said the new towers across from PS 185 - two of which are pointed directly at classrooms - may be the final straw.
But the science on cell towers shows that signals emitted are no more likely to cause cancer than a television set. That's because the type of radiation emitted from the towers, which is more like radio waves than X-rays, is harmless, said Verizon spokesman David Samberg.
"[The cell phone industry] has been around for over 20 years, and no one has ever found that these signals can hurt people," Samberg said. "As for notification, we work transparently with the building owner, and if they request that we speak to the community, we do so gladly."
Friday, January 18, 2008
Bay Ridge rage as cell phone towers rise near school
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, January 10th 2008, 4:00 AM
Call it reading, writing and radiation.
Parents at Public School 185 in Bay Ridge are outraged that six cell phone towers were erected directly across the street from the school over a recent weekend.
"I'm scared of what we don't know," said Elizabeth Juliano, whose 5-year-old son attends the school. "Without evidence either way, we should err on the side of caution. This is just stupid."
Calls from concerned parents flooded the local community board only hours after the towers were erected.
"They installed them when no one was around in hopes of falling under the radar," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann of the towers, which appeared on the rooftops at 8701 Ridge Blvd. "Within hours, my phone was ringing off the hook with angry parents afraid that radiation . . . was going to give their kids cancer."
Scientists have said health risks from cell phone towers are slight because of low radiation levels - but that hasn't stopped people from being wary.
This most recent uprising could radiate throughout the five boroughs as state Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge) may push legislation that would ban tower installation within 500 feet of schools.
"I strongly denounce the installation of a cell phone tower directly across from PS 185 and am reviewing my options legislatively," Golden said.
Golden first introduced the legislation almost two years ago, after parents of St. Anselm's School fought the construction of a Sprint/Nextel tower to be placed atop a nearby building at 8300 Fourth Ave. St.
Anselm parents also didn't know the tower was coming until a crane showed up late one night.
The legislation failed but the accompanying public relations were successful in halting the construction. Golden said the new towers across from PS 185 - two of which are pointed directly at classrooms - may be the final straw.
But the science on cell towers shows that signals emitted are no more likely to cause cancer than a television set. That's because the type of radiation emitted from the towers, which is more like radio waves than X-rays, is harmless, said Verizon spokesman David Samberg.
"[The cell phone industry] has been around for over 20 years, and no one has ever found that these signals can hurt people," Samberg said. "As for notification, we work transparently with the building owner, and if they request that we speak to the community, we do so gladly."
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, January 10th 2008, 4:00 AM
Call it reading, writing and radiation.
Parents at Public School 185 in Bay Ridge are outraged that six cell phone towers were erected directly across the street from the school over a recent weekend.
"I'm scared of what we don't know," said Elizabeth Juliano, whose 5-year-old son attends the school. "Without evidence either way, we should err on the side of caution. This is just stupid."
Calls from concerned parents flooded the local community board only hours after the towers were erected.
"They installed them when no one was around in hopes of falling under the radar," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann of the towers, which appeared on the rooftops at 8701 Ridge Blvd. "Within hours, my phone was ringing off the hook with angry parents afraid that radiation . . . was going to give their kids cancer."
Scientists have said health risks from cell phone towers are slight because of low radiation levels - but that hasn't stopped people from being wary.
This most recent uprising could radiate throughout the five boroughs as state Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge) may push legislation that would ban tower installation within 500 feet of schools.
"I strongly denounce the installation of a cell phone tower directly across from PS 185 and am reviewing my options legislatively," Golden said.
Golden first introduced the legislation almost two years ago, after parents of St. Anselm's School fought the construction of a Sprint/Nextel tower to be placed atop a nearby building at 8300 Fourth Ave. St.
Anselm parents also didn't know the tower was coming until a crane showed up late one night.
The legislation failed but the accompanying public relations were successful in halting the construction. Golden said the new towers across from PS 185 - two of which are pointed directly at classrooms - may be the final straw.
But the science on cell towers shows that signals emitted are no more likely to cause cancer than a television set. That's because the type of radiation emitted from the towers, which is more like radio waves than X-rays, is harmless, said Verizon spokesman David Samberg.
"[The cell phone industry] has been around for over 20 years, and no one has ever found that these signals can hurt people," Samberg said. "As for notification, we work transparently with the building owner, and if they request that we speak to the community, we do so gladly."
Illegal milk trade ring in Bay Ridge
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, January 8th 2008, 4:00 AM
The final deal goes down in a Bay Ridge apartment.
That's where the product can be scored, but the elaborate web weaves through the city.
"I know it's illegal, but that doesn't mean it's wrong," said one Brooklyn mom, one of 20 from the borough who pick the stuff up at the Bay Ridge pad.
The women aren't dealing narcotics, but illegal unpasteurized milk, and they have been organizing into groups that skirt federal law to get the goods.
"There are risks, but it's much safer than pasteurized milk," said another mom who regularly feeds her 2-year-old with milk straight from the udder.
Though it's against the law, more city mothers are signing on to a Web site that reveals dropoff points around the city where the raw milk can be picked up.
"I think people's fear and uncertainty in a time when everyone seems to be getting cancer, immune diseases and a variety of other ailments explains the quest for more natural products," said Maimonides Medical Center pediatrician Dr. Joanna Tsopelas.
The parents must first circumvent the law, because while possession of raw milk is legal, selling it is a crime.
Though it's also a violation of federal law to transport raw milk across state lines with the intent to sell it for human consumption, advocates claim the health benefits far outweigh the risks.
To get around the law, no money changes hands. It must all be done online - and only after the purchaser signs a form releasing the seller of all liability. After paying online, the specific milk pickup spots and times are revealed in Bay Ridge and five additional locations - in Williamsburg, in Queens, in the west 40s in Manhattan, in midtown/Flatiron and in Tribeca - where a milk truck waits.
Before it hits the street, the deal goes down first in cyberspace at www.wprice-nyc.org.
But drinker beware: An FDA report on illnesses caused by raw milk over the past five years says there have been 18 outbreaks of bacterial illness involving raw milk or raw milk cheeses in 15 states.
Those outbreaks have sickened 451 people, a few of those seriously enough to be hospitalized. The report lists diseases raw milk products can cause, such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, polio, strep throat, scarlet fever and typhoid fever.
"Although I am a huge believer in organic foods, I think we need to be careful where we draw a line," said Tsopelas, who added the diseases "can be potentially dangerous to individuals as well as unborn fetuses. ... Granted, all who drink raw milk won't get ill. But would you want yourself or your child to be the one?"
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Tuesday, January 8th 2008, 4:00 AM
The final deal goes down in a Bay Ridge apartment.
That's where the product can be scored, but the elaborate web weaves through the city.
"I know it's illegal, but that doesn't mean it's wrong," said one Brooklyn mom, one of 20 from the borough who pick the stuff up at the Bay Ridge pad.
The women aren't dealing narcotics, but illegal unpasteurized milk, and they have been organizing into groups that skirt federal law to get the goods.
"There are risks, but it's much safer than pasteurized milk," said another mom who regularly feeds her 2-year-old with milk straight from the udder.
Though it's against the law, more city mothers are signing on to a Web site that reveals dropoff points around the city where the raw milk can be picked up.
"I think people's fear and uncertainty in a time when everyone seems to be getting cancer, immune diseases and a variety of other ailments explains the quest for more natural products," said Maimonides Medical Center pediatrician Dr. Joanna Tsopelas.
The parents must first circumvent the law, because while possession of raw milk is legal, selling it is a crime.
Though it's also a violation of federal law to transport raw milk across state lines with the intent to sell it for human consumption, advocates claim the health benefits far outweigh the risks.
To get around the law, no money changes hands. It must all be done online - and only after the purchaser signs a form releasing the seller of all liability. After paying online, the specific milk pickup spots and times are revealed in Bay Ridge and five additional locations - in Williamsburg, in Queens, in the west 40s in Manhattan, in midtown/Flatiron and in Tribeca - where a milk truck waits.
Before it hits the street, the deal goes down first in cyberspace at www.wprice-nyc.org.
But drinker beware: An FDA report on illnesses caused by raw milk over the past five years says there have been 18 outbreaks of bacterial illness involving raw milk or raw milk cheeses in 15 states.
Those outbreaks have sickened 451 people, a few of those seriously enough to be hospitalized. The report lists diseases raw milk products can cause, such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, polio, strep throat, scarlet fever and typhoid fever.
"Although I am a huge believer in organic foods, I think we need to be careful where we draw a line," said Tsopelas, who added the diseases "can be potentially dangerous to individuals as well as unborn fetuses. ... Granted, all who drink raw milk won't get ill. But would you want yourself or your child to be the one?"
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Blame bus for the trip down aisle
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, December 27th 2007, 4:00 AM
These Brooklyn commuters are used to being taken for a ride - and not a fun one.
With fare and toll hikes looming, Bay Ridge residents are stuck taking express buses that are the wrong size on local routes.
"These buses are a nightmare," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. "The aisles are too small. Seniors and moms with strollers, and residents with disabilities, are all saying this is unacceptable.
"These buses weren't meant for shoppers with bags or mothers with kids."
Beckmann says angry calls began flooding her office more than a year ago about the B1, which runs from Bay Ridge to Kingsborough College, and the B64, which runs from Coney Island to Bay Ridge.
Both buses make local stops but are still outfitted as express buses, which are equipped to hold more passengers for the longer rides into Manhattan.
Local buses generally hold fewer commuters, but provide more space to make it easier to handle the traffic from frequent stops.
"Residents feel cheated and aren't getting their money's worth," said Beckmann.
Diane Hunt, 62, who is disabled, agrees, and says the narrow center aisle is impossible for her to navigate.
"The middle aisle is the main problem, but another problem is that the seats are so close together that I have to sit with my legs in the aisle," said Hunt, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to Sheepshead Bay before giving up. "These buses never should have been on this route in the first place."
Residents who had no problem walking even found the task of entering and exiting the bus tedious.
"The aisle is so narrow that it is just ridiculous," said the retired Fred Gilbo, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to 14th Ave., where he worked for a telephone company.
"The MTA is quick to find the money to find raises for its big shots, but they can't find the money to get our bus problem fixed."
The Transit Authority is aware of the space problem and is working to give commuters a little more room, said spokesman Charles Seaton.
"We are in the process of retrofitting those buses to transit bus specifications," said Seaton. "That will include replacing the seats, which would create more room for passengers."
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Thursday, December 27th 2007, 4:00 AM
These Brooklyn commuters are used to being taken for a ride - and not a fun one.
With fare and toll hikes looming, Bay Ridge residents are stuck taking express buses that are the wrong size on local routes.
"These buses are a nightmare," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. "The aisles are too small. Seniors and moms with strollers, and residents with disabilities, are all saying this is unacceptable.
"These buses weren't meant for shoppers with bags or mothers with kids."
Beckmann says angry calls began flooding her office more than a year ago about the B1, which runs from Bay Ridge to Kingsborough College, and the B64, which runs from Coney Island to Bay Ridge.
Both buses make local stops but are still outfitted as express buses, which are equipped to hold more passengers for the longer rides into Manhattan.
Local buses generally hold fewer commuters, but provide more space to make it easier to handle the traffic from frequent stops.
"Residents feel cheated and aren't getting their money's worth," said Beckmann.
Diane Hunt, 62, who is disabled, agrees, and says the narrow center aisle is impossible for her to navigate.
"The middle aisle is the main problem, but another problem is that the seats are so close together that I have to sit with my legs in the aisle," said Hunt, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to Sheepshead Bay before giving up. "These buses never should have been on this route in the first place."
Residents who had no problem walking even found the task of entering and exiting the bus tedious.
"The aisle is so narrow that it is just ridiculous," said the retired Fred Gilbo, who used to take the B1 from Bay Ridge to 14th Ave., where he worked for a telephone company.
"The MTA is quick to find the money to find raises for its big shots, but they can't find the money to get our bus problem fixed."
The Transit Authority is aware of the space problem and is working to give commuters a little more room, said spokesman Charles Seaton.
"We are in the process of retrofitting those buses to transit bus specifications," said Seaton. "That will include replacing the seats, which would create more room for passengers."
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The Puritans get a lap dance
By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper
Lets face it: Bay Ridge has long had a reputation for being an uptight, prudish community, but all that is about to change.
That’s because four women were kind enough to help local straphangers pass the time by doing erotic pole exercises complete with lap dances, and lots of flesh — and it was all caught on video.
But it wasn’t just for fun. The clip, titled “Sexy Pole Dance Girls in NYC Subway,” started getting noticed after it was submitted to Darejunkies.com, a Web site that bills itself as “Jackass” meets MySpace, and offers cash prizes for contestants who perform dares on camera. The perpetrator(s) of the craziest stunt can win $10,000.
The footage on the Web site (also available on YouTube) shows four scantily women, straddling various subway poles and grinding up against several guys who look like they are enjoying the ride (the subway ride — get your mind out of the gutter!).
Mouths drop to the ground as the girls show off their moves before a packed car of stunned commuters — including small children. At one point in the video, NYU theater student Marissa Lupp, 20, even performs a lap dance that would make the strippers at Scores blush.
The ladies — who call themselves the “Pole-ite Girls” — say they got their warmest reaction right under the streets of conservative Bay Ridge.
“The R-train got held up in Brooklyn so we were on it a long time and we were surprised that the passengers were so friendly and kind,” said Lupp, 20, who along with Isis, Jessica Wu, and Laura Lee Anderson hatched the scheme for the two-hour ride last March. “Everyone was so engaged, they were cheering us on and giving us lots of encouragement.”
Our community is known for many things — but wild and crazy times it is not.
After all, Bay Ridge is the place where a poster for the Showtime series, “The L Word,” which featured snuggled-up lesbians, elicited mass protests from state Sen. Marty Golden.
Of course, it wasn’t just Bay Ridge that got treated to a free show — straphangers on the N, Q, and L lines also got their two bucks’ worth, and it is hard to say exactly how many commuters were actually local residents.
But no matter how many of them were real Ridgites, it was evident that the pole girls certainly had their share of local fans — the end of the clip shows the entire car of commuters applauding, with one woman even dropping some cash in a hat.
“We missed our stop about six stops ago,” one smiling man told the camera. “We stayed on for the show.”
But don’t look for this to become a trend — Bay Ridge isn’t about to become one big strip club anytime soon. It is, after all, still Bay Ridge.
“These girls aren’t performing artists,” one woman who saw the video said. “These girls are a bunch of damn whores!”
OK, maybe the community isn’t in for a big change, but that doesn’t take away the fact that for at least one brief moment in time Bay Ridge and risqué went hand in hand, or at least lap in lap.
Matthew Lysiak is a freelance writer who lives in Bay Ridge.
The Kitchen Sink
On Sunday morning, pedestrians walking in front of Paneantico, which is located on 9124 Third Ave., were greeted by a severed pig head glaring down from a top of a telephone booth. …
Someone must have slept in on Tuesday morning: workers at the Rite Aid on Third Avenue and 79th Street were having a breakfast picnic on the sidewalk as they waited for almost an hour for their tardy manager to show up. … Blogger Right in Bay Ridge may call it “the typographical topography of Bay Ridge,” but The Sink just calls it plain stupid. Whatever it is, “Joy Perfumes and Styels,” which is located at 410 86th St., needs some help with the spelling on that big red sign of theirs. …
Congrats to Susan Romero, who was just appointed to Community Board 10 by Councilman Vince Gentile (D–Bay Ridge). …
Spotted, by a reliable Sink source, CB10’s land-use committee Chairwoman Joanne Seminara tasting a free sample of chips and salsa at Fairway supermarket in Red Hook — and double-dipping in the communal salsa! …
Congratulations to the Xaverian High School Choir that traveled to Washington DC to sing for President Bush. We hear that “W” was, in fact, a no-show, but the only president that matters to The Sink — Borough President Markowitz — was there a few days earlier to pin the boys with his famous “Brooklyn” lapel tags (see photo below).
The Brooklyn Paper
Lets face it: Bay Ridge has long had a reputation for being an uptight, prudish community, but all that is about to change.
That’s because four women were kind enough to help local straphangers pass the time by doing erotic pole exercises complete with lap dances, and lots of flesh — and it was all caught on video.
But it wasn’t just for fun. The clip, titled “Sexy Pole Dance Girls in NYC Subway,” started getting noticed after it was submitted to Darejunkies.com, a Web site that bills itself as “Jackass” meets MySpace, and offers cash prizes for contestants who perform dares on camera. The perpetrator(s) of the craziest stunt can win $10,000.
The footage on the Web site (also available on YouTube) shows four scantily women, straddling various subway poles and grinding up against several guys who look like they are enjoying the ride (the subway ride — get your mind out of the gutter!).
Mouths drop to the ground as the girls show off their moves before a packed car of stunned commuters — including small children. At one point in the video, NYU theater student Marissa Lupp, 20, even performs a lap dance that would make the strippers at Scores blush.
The ladies — who call themselves the “Pole-ite Girls” — say they got their warmest reaction right under the streets of conservative Bay Ridge.
“The R-train got held up in Brooklyn so we were on it a long time and we were surprised that the passengers were so friendly and kind,” said Lupp, 20, who along with Isis, Jessica Wu, and Laura Lee Anderson hatched the scheme for the two-hour ride last March. “Everyone was so engaged, they were cheering us on and giving us lots of encouragement.”
Our community is known for many things — but wild and crazy times it is not.
After all, Bay Ridge is the place where a poster for the Showtime series, “The L Word,” which featured snuggled-up lesbians, elicited mass protests from state Sen. Marty Golden.
Of course, it wasn’t just Bay Ridge that got treated to a free show — straphangers on the N, Q, and L lines also got their two bucks’ worth, and it is hard to say exactly how many commuters were actually local residents.
But no matter how many of them were real Ridgites, it was evident that the pole girls certainly had their share of local fans — the end of the clip shows the entire car of commuters applauding, with one woman even dropping some cash in a hat.
“We missed our stop about six stops ago,” one smiling man told the camera. “We stayed on for the show.”
But don’t look for this to become a trend — Bay Ridge isn’t about to become one big strip club anytime soon. It is, after all, still Bay Ridge.
“These girls aren’t performing artists,” one woman who saw the video said. “These girls are a bunch of damn whores!”
OK, maybe the community isn’t in for a big change, but that doesn’t take away the fact that for at least one brief moment in time Bay Ridge and risqué went hand in hand, or at least lap in lap.
Matthew Lysiak is a freelance writer who lives in Bay Ridge.
The Kitchen Sink
On Sunday morning, pedestrians walking in front of Paneantico, which is located on 9124 Third Ave., were greeted by a severed pig head glaring down from a top of a telephone booth. …
Someone must have slept in on Tuesday morning: workers at the Rite Aid on Third Avenue and 79th Street were having a breakfast picnic on the sidewalk as they waited for almost an hour for their tardy manager to show up. … Blogger Right in Bay Ridge may call it “the typographical topography of Bay Ridge,” but The Sink just calls it plain stupid. Whatever it is, “Joy Perfumes and Styels,” which is located at 410 86th St., needs some help with the spelling on that big red sign of theirs. …
Congrats to Susan Romero, who was just appointed to Community Board 10 by Councilman Vince Gentile (D–Bay Ridge). …
Spotted, by a reliable Sink source, CB10’s land-use committee Chairwoman Joanne Seminara tasting a free sample of chips and salsa at Fairway supermarket in Red Hook — and double-dipping in the communal salsa! …
Congratulations to the Xaverian High School Choir that traveled to Washington DC to sing for President Bush. We hear that “W” was, in fact, a no-show, but the only president that matters to The Sink — Borough President Markowitz — was there a few days earlier to pin the boys with his famous “Brooklyn” lapel tags (see photo below).
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Evil O’Malley is in the Hall
By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper
They’re putting the biggest bum of ’em all in the Hall. On Monday, Major League Baseball’s Veterans Committee elected Walter O’Malley, whose name will live on in villainy forever thanks to his decision to move the Dodgers to Los Angeles, to the Hall of Fame.
It’s safe to say that very few votes came from this borough.
“The man was a traitor who only cared about making as much money as he could,” said Ridge teacher and lifelong Brooklyn Dodgers fan Richard Montalbano. “Hall of Shame, yes, but Hall of Fame, no. The guy is a bum and he’ll always be a bum.
“I’ll never visit the Hall of Fame so long as I live,” added Montalbano.
Another longtime resident did plan on visiting the Hall, albeit as something a notch above a spectator.
“I plan to be at the ceremony next July just to yell out, ‘Rot in hell, O’Malley,’ at the most opportune times,” posted Rabbitman on Bayridge.com.
O’Malley moved the team after the 1957 season. The residents of Bay Ridge were hit especially hard because a number of players lived in Bay Ridge during the season, including Pee Wee Reese, who lived on Barwell Terrace and 97th Street; Duke Snider, who lived on Marine Avenue between 97th and 98th streets; Carl Erskine, who lived on Lafayette Walk and 94th Street; Roger Craig, who lived on Colonial Road between 68th and 69th streets; Danny McDevitt, who lived on Colonial Road between 70th and 71st streets.
In addition, Carl Spooner worked in the off season at Marathon Motors on the corner of 69th Street and Fourth Avenue and Rube Walker lived on 76th Street between Colonial Road and Ridge Boulevard.
There are even rumors that real-estate brokers refused to show Jackie Robinson houses in Bay Ridge.
No wonder how easy it was to hate O’Malley. From the 1930s until the late 1950s, living in Bay Ridge meant always having the possibility of running into Pee Wee Reese getting a cup of coffee or Carl Erskine shoveling show.
And one man took it all away from you. No wonder people still tell the old joke, “If Stalin, Hitler and O’Malley are in a room and you only have two bullets, who do you kill? Answer: You shoot O’Malley twice, just to make sure he’s dead!”
“There was blood on the streets,” said Jerry Polizzi, whose art supply store bearing his name is located on 7813 Third Ave. “They cursed him up and down.”
To locals, O’Malley chose money over memories when he moved the Bums to L.A. after he couldn’t squeeze the city for a new stadium. The hatred runs deep, so deep in fact, that it spans generations.
Bob Nevin worked as a young ticket taker at Ebbets Field for 50 cents a day. His family was torn at O’Malley’s cold-hearted move, but his experience also shows that the oft-repeated adage that O’Malley drained all of the borough’s joy isn’t exactly true.
“My father, my mother, my brother, my sister, they were all in tears,” said Nevin from his bar seat at O’Sullivan’s Bar on Third Avenue. “All but me — I’m a Yankees fan so I couldn’t stop laughing.”
Matthew Lysiak is a writer who lives in Bay Ridge.
The Kitchen Sink
On Dec. 22, the Canny Brothers, a Dyker Heights musical band of brothers, will be hosting their last gig of the year at Bally Bunion at 9510 Third Ave. The band is fast becoming a frequent staple at Irish pubs and local radio stations across the city. Better catch them before they aren’t so local. …
Another local musician, Frankie Marra, has launched a Web site (www.frankiemarra.com). Marra used to work for Bruce Springsteen. …
“The Winds of Change,” which is the newsletter of the Brooklyn Democrats for Change, is chock full of interesting liberal thoughts, including a restaurant review of our French bistro, Petit Oven, located on 267 Bay Ridge Ave. Reviewer Patrick Daniel Gatti gave it four and a half stars. …
The Brooklyn Paper
They’re putting the biggest bum of ’em all in the Hall. On Monday, Major League Baseball’s Veterans Committee elected Walter O’Malley, whose name will live on in villainy forever thanks to his decision to move the Dodgers to Los Angeles, to the Hall of Fame.
It’s safe to say that very few votes came from this borough.
“The man was a traitor who only cared about making as much money as he could,” said Ridge teacher and lifelong Brooklyn Dodgers fan Richard Montalbano. “Hall of Shame, yes, but Hall of Fame, no. The guy is a bum and he’ll always be a bum.
“I’ll never visit the Hall of Fame so long as I live,” added Montalbano.
Another longtime resident did plan on visiting the Hall, albeit as something a notch above a spectator.
“I plan to be at the ceremony next July just to yell out, ‘Rot in hell, O’Malley,’ at the most opportune times,” posted Rabbitman on Bayridge.com.
O’Malley moved the team after the 1957 season. The residents of Bay Ridge were hit especially hard because a number of players lived in Bay Ridge during the season, including Pee Wee Reese, who lived on Barwell Terrace and 97th Street; Duke Snider, who lived on Marine Avenue between 97th and 98th streets; Carl Erskine, who lived on Lafayette Walk and 94th Street; Roger Craig, who lived on Colonial Road between 68th and 69th streets; Danny McDevitt, who lived on Colonial Road between 70th and 71st streets.
In addition, Carl Spooner worked in the off season at Marathon Motors on the corner of 69th Street and Fourth Avenue and Rube Walker lived on 76th Street between Colonial Road and Ridge Boulevard.
There are even rumors that real-estate brokers refused to show Jackie Robinson houses in Bay Ridge.
No wonder how easy it was to hate O’Malley. From the 1930s until the late 1950s, living in Bay Ridge meant always having the possibility of running into Pee Wee Reese getting a cup of coffee or Carl Erskine shoveling show.
And one man took it all away from you. No wonder people still tell the old joke, “If Stalin, Hitler and O’Malley are in a room and you only have two bullets, who do you kill? Answer: You shoot O’Malley twice, just to make sure he’s dead!”
“There was blood on the streets,” said Jerry Polizzi, whose art supply store bearing his name is located on 7813 Third Ave. “They cursed him up and down.”
To locals, O’Malley chose money over memories when he moved the Bums to L.A. after he couldn’t squeeze the city for a new stadium. The hatred runs deep, so deep in fact, that it spans generations.
Bob Nevin worked as a young ticket taker at Ebbets Field for 50 cents a day. His family was torn at O’Malley’s cold-hearted move, but his experience also shows that the oft-repeated adage that O’Malley drained all of the borough’s joy isn’t exactly true.
“My father, my mother, my brother, my sister, they were all in tears,” said Nevin from his bar seat at O’Sullivan’s Bar on Third Avenue. “All but me — I’m a Yankees fan so I couldn’t stop laughing.”
Matthew Lysiak is a writer who lives in Bay Ridge.
The Kitchen Sink
On Dec. 22, the Canny Brothers, a Dyker Heights musical band of brothers, will be hosting their last gig of the year at Bally Bunion at 9510 Third Ave. The band is fast becoming a frequent staple at Irish pubs and local radio stations across the city. Better catch them before they aren’t so local. …
Another local musician, Frankie Marra, has launched a Web site (www.frankiemarra.com). Marra used to work for Bruce Springsteen. …
“The Winds of Change,” which is the newsletter of the Brooklyn Democrats for Change, is chock full of interesting liberal thoughts, including a restaurant review of our French bistro, Petit Oven, located on 267 Bay Ridge Ave. Reviewer Patrick Daniel Gatti gave it four and a half stars. …
DEP’s fresh idea stinks up Ridge
By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper
The Brooklyn Paper / Jeff Bachner
Residents demonstrate how they feel about the odor along Fort Hamilton Parkway.
Move over Dior, Chanel, and Ellen Tracy, the Department of Environmental Protection has unleashed a new perfume just in time for the holiday season and residents are giving it a big “thumbs up” — up their noses to plug up the stench.
Since last summer, that unmistakable odor of sewage has been creeping out of catch basins along Fort Hamilton Parkway between Marine Avenue and 99th Street. After residents complained, DEP odor experts last week dropped nylon socks filled with pine deodorizer.
But it hasn’t helped!
“The stench is absolutely repugnant,” said odor weary resident Fred Birkenfelv, who attends the senior center at St. John’s Church on the street of the offending scent. “I’ve been dealing with this smell for over a year, and let me tell you it is quite potent.” In fact, locals now say that the fresh scent of pine has made the raw sewage smell even worse.
“I think adding the pine made the existing smell even more potent,” said Aaron Green who lives in an apartment building near the offending odor.
“The minute I walk out of my car it hits me,” added Arlene Ross, who lives a few sniffs away. “Whatever they put down there didn’t make it better.”
But Santa won’t be the only one filling up stockings this December. DEP intends to put more pine-filled socks in the sewers, said agency spokeswoman Mercedes Padilla.
“We are aware of the odor and we are monitoring the situation closely,” Padilla said. “We will also be dropping in more pine deodorant socks within the next few weeks.”
If that doesn’t work, how about some chestnuts roasting on an open fire?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Cops help deliver baby in Bay Ridge
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Friday, November 30th 2007, 4:00 AM
DeCrescenzo for News
Rebecca Encalada Williams with her baby boy, Christian Jaden.
Two quick-thinking cops delivered a baby boy who came unexpectedly above a popular pizza parlor in Bay Ridge.
Police Officers Vito Viola and Lance Sigman came to the aid of Rebecca Encalada Williams, 27, after she went into labor on the floor of her Fifth Ave. apartment Monday.
"It is the craziest story, and I wouldn't believe it if it didn't happen to me," said Williams.
Her labor actually started on Sunday, when she began to feel pains. She had her husband, Sharif, take her to Methodist Hospital, where staff examined her and then sent her home.
"They told me I had some time and I didn't feel a lot of pain, so it made sense to me," said Williams.
When the next morning came and the pain subsided a little more, she thought it was safe to send her husband off to work. But only minutes later, something began to feel different.
"I felt like I had to go to the bathroom, but then I felt the baby's head," said Williams. "I knew that once it starts coming out it doesn't go back in, so I called 911 right away."
Minutes later, she opened the door for the officers, who quickly took control, first ordering her to lie down. They got towels from her bathroom, slapped on latex gloves and instructed her on how to push.
Three pushes later, out came the baby.
The officers carried Williams down the four flights of stairs and past the Pizza Wagon, which occupies the ground floor of the building.
"When the officers delivered my baby, it felt like a miracle," said Williams.
The baby, named Christian Jaden Williams, tipped the scales at 5 pounds 6 ounces despite arriving five weeks ahead of schedule. He was held at Maimonides Medical Center a few extra days as a precaution.
"We just had the baby shower, and no one was expecting this to happen so soon," said Williams.
Williams will have one great story to share with Christian - and maybe something else.
"My baby will probably always have an urge for pizza and not know why," she said, "but I like pizza too, so that works for me."
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Friday, November 30th 2007, 4:00 AM
DeCrescenzo for News
Rebecca Encalada Williams with her baby boy, Christian Jaden.
Two quick-thinking cops delivered a baby boy who came unexpectedly above a popular pizza parlor in Bay Ridge.
Police Officers Vito Viola and Lance Sigman came to the aid of Rebecca Encalada Williams, 27, after she went into labor on the floor of her Fifth Ave. apartment Monday.
"It is the craziest story, and I wouldn't believe it if it didn't happen to me," said Williams.
Her labor actually started on Sunday, when she began to feel pains. She had her husband, Sharif, take her to Methodist Hospital, where staff examined her and then sent her home.
"They told me I had some time and I didn't feel a lot of pain, so it made sense to me," said Williams.
When the next morning came and the pain subsided a little more, she thought it was safe to send her husband off to work. But only minutes later, something began to feel different.
"I felt like I had to go to the bathroom, but then I felt the baby's head," said Williams. "I knew that once it starts coming out it doesn't go back in, so I called 911 right away."
Minutes later, she opened the door for the officers, who quickly took control, first ordering her to lie down. They got towels from her bathroom, slapped on latex gloves and instructed her on how to push.
Three pushes later, out came the baby.
The officers carried Williams down the four flights of stairs and past the Pizza Wagon, which occupies the ground floor of the building.
"When the officers delivered my baby, it felt like a miracle," said Williams.
The baby, named Christian Jaden Williams, tipped the scales at 5 pounds 6 ounces despite arriving five weeks ahead of schedule. He was held at Maimonides Medical Center a few extra days as a precaution.
"We just had the baby shower, and no one was expecting this to happen so soon," said Williams.
Williams will have one great story to share with Christian - and maybe something else.
"My baby will probably always have an urge for pizza and not know why," she said, "but I like pizza too, so that works for me."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Amid community unrest, American Place clothing store cleans up its act
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
SPECIAL TO NEWS
Tuesday, November 20th 2007, 4:00 AM
Now, that's an American Place.
The community spoke, and American Place, a bargain clothing store that opened last month in Bay Ridge and is preparing to set up shop in Bensonhurst, listened.
A week after residents outraged by cartons of cheap clothing on the sidewalk outside the store said "not in my neighborhood," the retailer has changed course and cleaned up its act.
"The outside bins were just a promotion to let everyone know we arrived, but everything is cleaned up now," said American Place owner Raymond Smour. "We like to open with a big bang."
If creating a stir was the goal, mission accomplished. Residents flooded Community Board 10 with complaints after American Place Bay Ridge's Oct. 16 opening, saying that large cardboard cartons with clothing, bedding and footwear overflowed onto the store's sidewalk.
Smour said he was shocked by the uproar, especially since when he had opened his other five stores in the city, there weren't complaints, only consumers flocking to his 99-cent shirts and heavily discounted merchandise.
"I've never gotten a reaction like this before, but now that I know, I have made some changes."
But the timing is far from coincidental. The merchant's concession comes ahead of another anxiety-riddled American Place opening, this one on the site of what had been an 86th St. catering institution, the Oriental Manor.
To fend off problems at the Bensonhurst store, Councilman Vince Gentile (D-Bay Ridge) intervened to let Smour know that South Brooklyn residents don't appreciate a mess.
"They have already taken all their clothing inside, painted the walls and promised to continue to keep everything orderly," Gentile said after meeting with Smour. "They just needed to be brought in line with our community's expectations."
The victory was long and grueling, especially for residents hoping the Bay Ridge spot would become a grocery.
The store, at Senator St. and Fourth Ave., originally was rumored to become a Waldbaum's after a Duane Reade pharmacy closed in August, but when the store's doors reopened, shoppers were instead greeted by the large cardboard bins that quickly became the talk of the town.
But now that American Place is taking its business inside, at least one resident, who called the new store an "abomination" is warming up to the new retailer, albeit with some reservations.
"That's beautiful news, I'm so glad they finally got all that stuff off the sidewalk," said Diane Hunt, 62, who lives down the street. "But I'm still not sure what made them think that was an acceptable way to sell merchandise in Bay Ridge."
SPECIAL TO NEWS
Tuesday, November 20th 2007, 4:00 AM
Now, that's an American Place.
The community spoke, and American Place, a bargain clothing store that opened last month in Bay Ridge and is preparing to set up shop in Bensonhurst, listened.
A week after residents outraged by cartons of cheap clothing on the sidewalk outside the store said "not in my neighborhood," the retailer has changed course and cleaned up its act.
"The outside bins were just a promotion to let everyone know we arrived, but everything is cleaned up now," said American Place owner Raymond Smour. "We like to open with a big bang."
If creating a stir was the goal, mission accomplished. Residents flooded Community Board 10 with complaints after American Place Bay Ridge's Oct. 16 opening, saying that large cardboard cartons with clothing, bedding and footwear overflowed onto the store's sidewalk.
Smour said he was shocked by the uproar, especially since when he had opened his other five stores in the city, there weren't complaints, only consumers flocking to his 99-cent shirts and heavily discounted merchandise.
"I've never gotten a reaction like this before, but now that I know, I have made some changes."
But the timing is far from coincidental. The merchant's concession comes ahead of another anxiety-riddled American Place opening, this one on the site of what had been an 86th St. catering institution, the Oriental Manor.
To fend off problems at the Bensonhurst store, Councilman Vince Gentile (D-Bay Ridge) intervened to let Smour know that South Brooklyn residents don't appreciate a mess.
"They have already taken all their clothing inside, painted the walls and promised to continue to keep everything orderly," Gentile said after meeting with Smour. "They just needed to be brought in line with our community's expectations."
The victory was long and grueling, especially for residents hoping the Bay Ridge spot would become a grocery.
The store, at Senator St. and Fourth Ave., originally was rumored to become a Waldbaum's after a Duane Reade pharmacy closed in August, but when the store's doors reopened, shoppers were instead greeted by the large cardboard bins that quickly became the talk of the town.
But now that American Place is taking its business inside, at least one resident, who called the new store an "abomination" is warming up to the new retailer, albeit with some reservations.
"That's beautiful news, I'm so glad they finally got all that stuff off the sidewalk," said Diane Hunt, 62, who lives down the street. "But I'm still not sure what made them think that was an acceptable way to sell merchandise in Bay Ridge."
Friday, November 16, 2007
Curtis Sliwa considering a run for city public advocate
Friday, November 16th 2007, 4:00 AM
He's about to be booted off his morning radio gig in favor of Don Imus, but Curtis Sliwa is thinking about his next job - a run for city public advocate, the Daily News has learned.
If he wins the 2009 race, Sliwa says he will do the booting.
"My first day of office would be to tell everyone to pack up and go to the employment line because there is no more public advocate," Sliwa told the Brooklyn Young Republicans at Peggy O'Neill's in Bay Ridge.
"This is a declaration of war, and the battle must begin," he said. "This is a useless position, and we are just wasting taxpayer money."
It's not the first time a candidate has vowed to abolish the office. Candidate Jim Lesczynki was trounced in 2005 by a margin of 745,035 to 17,034.
Matthew Lysiak
He's about to be booted off his morning radio gig in favor of Don Imus, but Curtis Sliwa is thinking about his next job - a run for city public advocate, the Daily News has learned.
If he wins the 2009 race, Sliwa says he will do the booting.
"My first day of office would be to tell everyone to pack up and go to the employment line because there is no more public advocate," Sliwa told the Brooklyn Young Republicans at Peggy O'Neill's in Bay Ridge.
"This is a declaration of war, and the battle must begin," he said. "This is a useless position, and we are just wasting taxpayer money."
It's not the first time a candidate has vowed to abolish the office. Candidate Jim Lesczynki was trounced in 2005 by a margin of 745,035 to 17,034.
Matthew Lysiak
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Legislation is for the birds
By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper
Bay Ridge’s pigeon man can be found most summer days on the corner of 79th and Third Avenue selling used books off a fold up table. When the guy spots a family walking by, he calmly extends his hand up in the air and moments later a pigeon swoops down and sits on it.
Of course, the guy isn’t the reincarnation of St. Francis, he just hides some breadcrumbs in his hand or something, but while the act may be a little tacky, it shouldn’t cost him a $1,000, which could become a reality if one local pol gets his way.
This anti-pigeon measure is the brainchild of Councilman Simcha Felder (D-Bensonhurst), who on Monday unveiled an ambitious plan to outlaw the feeding of pigeons. His goal, he says, in to cut down on that feared social menace: pigeon droppings.
“The people of New York are sick and tired of dodging pigeons and their droppings as they walk around the city,” Felder said. “The government needs to take responsibility for this issue and end the free reign of pigeons in our city.”
Felder is well known to readers of The Brooklyn Paper. This is the Othodox Jewish man who hid in a City Council men’s room rather than vote for openly gay Councilwoman Christine Quinn for speaker (even though he supported her!). And this is the same member of that esteemed body who started crusading against flyers and handbills after his mother got a litter summons for an errant circular.
This time, at lease, Felder has identified one of the true horrors of city living. Everyone has had that moment, usually during a nice summer day, when something hits the top of your head and after reaching in your hair with hopes that what you felt was an acorn or anything but the pigeon guano now in your hair and hand.
Inconvenient, yes, but is this really the reason we elect our public servants into office?
Yellow Hooker may not be a scientist, but on face value, the concept of trying to stop pigeons from pooping on us comes across as slightly insane. Pigeons don’t survive in the city because we feed them. They survive here because there is garbage all over our streets that they eat. We already have laws against garbage and everyone just ignores those.
I mean, no one can seriously believe that this city needs more bureaucracy in the form of a pigeon czar (that’s right, a pigeon czar!) any more than we need more reasons for law enforcement to ticket residents, or more reasons for neighbors to call 311 to report 9-year old girls throwing bread crumbs on her stoop.
What’s next? Are we going to sponsor legislation to outlaw rainy days or cursing cab drivers?
St. Francis, the 12th-century friar who was known for preaching to birds, wouldn’t have lasted two hours in this environment.
There are prices of city living that we all must deal with and the occasional pigeon poop in the hair is one of them. Local pols who are oblivious to the limits of their own powers are another.
Matthew Lysiak is a freelance writer who lives in Bay Ridge.
The Kitchen Aink
Credit where due: Blogger “Left in Bay Ridge” told me the news: A Starbucks is opening up at 85th Street and Third Avenue, raising the community total to four. …
Last week, Councilman Vince Gentile (D–Bay Ridge) joined former patients of Bay Imaging to announce the release of thousands of medical records held hostage by the radiological facility during an 18-month fight. Woman who need access to their records are encouraged to call Gentile’s office at (718) 748-5200. …
Watch out Gentile: Speculation is heating up that state Sen. Marty Golden’s able aide, John Quaglione, is eyeing a run for City Council. Gentile is not term-limited until 2013. …
You, too, can sue the Metropolitan Transportation Authority! In an effort to give a voice to commuters, Rep. Vito Fossella (R–Bay Ridge) is urging residents to e-mail complaints about driving since the start of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge construction, which Fossella will submit to a judge as part of his lawsuit against the MTA. E-mail testimonials to FixTheVZB@gmail.com. …
CNBC’s Lawrence Kudlow was the guest of honor at the Brooklyn Conservative Party’s Nov. 1 dinner at Rex Manor on 60th Street and 11th Avenue. In addition, Sgt. Nick Badolato received the Jim Ryan Award for Longtime Service to the conservative cause. The party’s county chairman Jerry Kassar was also on hand, along with state Sen. Marty Golden and New York State Conservative Party Chairman Michael R. Long. And it’s not exactly lions lying down with lambs, but Kings County Republican Party Chairman Craig Eaton was also there.
The Brooklyn Paper
Bay Ridge’s pigeon man can be found most summer days on the corner of 79th and Third Avenue selling used books off a fold up table. When the guy spots a family walking by, he calmly extends his hand up in the air and moments later a pigeon swoops down and sits on it.
Of course, the guy isn’t the reincarnation of St. Francis, he just hides some breadcrumbs in his hand or something, but while the act may be a little tacky, it shouldn’t cost him a $1,000, which could become a reality if one local pol gets his way.
This anti-pigeon measure is the brainchild of Councilman Simcha Felder (D-Bensonhurst), who on Monday unveiled an ambitious plan to outlaw the feeding of pigeons. His goal, he says, in to cut down on that feared social menace: pigeon droppings.
“The people of New York are sick and tired of dodging pigeons and their droppings as they walk around the city,” Felder said. “The government needs to take responsibility for this issue and end the free reign of pigeons in our city.”
Felder is well known to readers of The Brooklyn Paper. This is the Othodox Jewish man who hid in a City Council men’s room rather than vote for openly gay Councilwoman Christine Quinn for speaker (even though he supported her!). And this is the same member of that esteemed body who started crusading against flyers and handbills after his mother got a litter summons for an errant circular.
This time, at lease, Felder has identified one of the true horrors of city living. Everyone has had that moment, usually during a nice summer day, when something hits the top of your head and after reaching in your hair with hopes that what you felt was an acorn or anything but the pigeon guano now in your hair and hand.
Inconvenient, yes, but is this really the reason we elect our public servants into office?
Yellow Hooker may not be a scientist, but on face value, the concept of trying to stop pigeons from pooping on us comes across as slightly insane. Pigeons don’t survive in the city because we feed them. They survive here because there is garbage all over our streets that they eat. We already have laws against garbage and everyone just ignores those.
I mean, no one can seriously believe that this city needs more bureaucracy in the form of a pigeon czar (that’s right, a pigeon czar!) any more than we need more reasons for law enforcement to ticket residents, or more reasons for neighbors to call 311 to report 9-year old girls throwing bread crumbs on her stoop.
What’s next? Are we going to sponsor legislation to outlaw rainy days or cursing cab drivers?
St. Francis, the 12th-century friar who was known for preaching to birds, wouldn’t have lasted two hours in this environment.
There are prices of city living that we all must deal with and the occasional pigeon poop in the hair is one of them. Local pols who are oblivious to the limits of their own powers are another.
Matthew Lysiak is a freelance writer who lives in Bay Ridge.
The Kitchen Aink
Credit where due: Blogger “Left in Bay Ridge” told me the news: A Starbucks is opening up at 85th Street and Third Avenue, raising the community total to four. …
Last week, Councilman Vince Gentile (D–Bay Ridge) joined former patients of Bay Imaging to announce the release of thousands of medical records held hostage by the radiological facility during an 18-month fight. Woman who need access to their records are encouraged to call Gentile’s office at (718) 748-5200. …
Watch out Gentile: Speculation is heating up that state Sen. Marty Golden’s able aide, John Quaglione, is eyeing a run for City Council. Gentile is not term-limited until 2013. …
You, too, can sue the Metropolitan Transportation Authority! In an effort to give a voice to commuters, Rep. Vito Fossella (R–Bay Ridge) is urging residents to e-mail complaints about driving since the start of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge construction, which Fossella will submit to a judge as part of his lawsuit against the MTA. E-mail testimonials to FixTheVZB@gmail.com. …
CNBC’s Lawrence Kudlow was the guest of honor at the Brooklyn Conservative Party’s Nov. 1 dinner at Rex Manor on 60th Street and 11th Avenue. In addition, Sgt. Nick Badolato received the Jim Ryan Award for Longtime Service to the conservative cause. The party’s county chairman Jerry Kassar was also on hand, along with state Sen. Marty Golden and New York State Conservative Party Chairman Michael R. Long. And it’s not exactly lions lying down with lambs, but Kings County Republican Party Chairman Craig Eaton was also there.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
South Brooklyn's still hungry for a pizza the past
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
Tuesday, November 13th 2007, 4:00 AM
Mom-and-pop pizzerias may be giving way to pizza franchises in the Midwest, but in Tony Manero's old stomping grounds in South Brooklyn, customers still hunger for a slice of nostalgia.
"I just don't understand how people can eat Domino's or those other pizza chains," said Filippo Giuffrie, who next month is opening up his own brick oven pizzeria on Third Ave. "I know that in Bay Ridge people appreciate a quality pie as much as in any other place in the country."
Giuffrie's pizzeria - which will be named Zio Toto, after Giuffrie's uncle Salvatore - replaces a usually successful franchise outlet, Cheesesteak Factory, which closed its doors at the 84th St. location last August after only a few months of business.
Giuffrie said his new pizzeria will succeed where the franchise failed because it will be a family affair.
"My mom is even going to be in the kitchen making the gnocchi fresh," said Giuffrie, who came to the U.S. from Italy and lives in Bensonhurst.
Southern Brooklyn's apparent insulation from the national trend of franchise pizza joints squeezing out mom-and-pops may in part be due to the downright hostility many locals feel toward their corporate counterparts.
John Miniaci Jr. of Johnny's Pizza in Sunset Park, whose father, John Sr., founded the neighborhood pizzeria in 1968, even started a petition drive in hope of blocking the opening of a Papa John's franchise outlet from moving to his block.
His anti-Papa John's petition went to the pizza titan's corporate office in Kentucky with 2,200 signatures. Papa John's didn't respond to the petition and opened as expected last month, but Miniaci insisted there was no noticeable drop-off in his business.
"It actually really burns my customers up that they tried to piggyback off the little guy, but my business hasn't missed a beat," said Miniaci. "This part of Brooklyn is very family-oriented and they expect fresh, not frozen, ingredients."
Food critic Adam Kuban, who runs the pizza-centric Web site sliceny.com, said the secret to southern Brooklyn's invulnerability to chains is all about familiarity.
"Most of Third and Fifth Aves. are lined with true mom-and-pop restaurants and businesses, and the owners and customers have real relationships with each other," said Kuban. "Bay Ridge also seems to have a fairly strong Italian presence, too - and they're not going to take a shine to chain places."
That's a slice of wisdom Miniaci takes to heart.
"I know you are supposed to try the competition, but I am just not ready to put that bitter taste in my mouth," he said.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Bay Ridge store gets dressing-down from neighborhood
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
Tuesday, November 6th 2007, 4:00 AM
It's no Century 21!
Bay Ridge residents are tossing their hangers at American Place, a bargain clothing store that opened last month that they say has become an eyesore - while local officials are questioning its legality.
"Residents don't like messes, and this place is an absolute disaster," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann.
"The sidewalks are blocked, clothes are thrown all over the place and last week when it rained, we got complaints that there was wet underwear all over the sidewalk.
"This just isn't Bay Ridge," Beckmann said.
The store, at Senator St. and Fourth Ave., originally was rumored to become a Waldbaum's after a Duane Reade pharmacy there closed in August.
Talks of a long-overdue quality supermarket sparked excitement from residents.
But when the store's doors reopened on Oct. 16, instead of fresh meats and produce, shoppers were greeted by large cardboard cartons overflowing with last season's clothing, bedding and footwear bursting onto the sidewalk.
"It looks like a tacky eyesore that makes the whole neighborhood look shabby," said Tony Innocete.
"It's like a giant 99-cent store that has clothing piled everywhere."
The new storefront quickly became a hot topic for local blogs, where residents vented their fears of a broader community trend of mom-and-pop shops disappearing into an abyss of discount stores.
"It's a disgrace to the neighborhood, and I've never seen such an abomination in my whole life," said Diane Hunt, 62, who lives down the street from the new store.
"It is disgusting that officials tell us they are trying to clean our neighborhood up and then they let this place open up."
The Sanitation Department has fined the bargain outlet several times for violating the 3-foot limit stores are allowed for sidewalk displays.
The business also is violating the building code by operating on the second floor without a permit, said Beckmann, who is planning to ask American Place to rein itself in.
That effort may be futile.
"Come back in two weeks when I am finished adding my new men's department in the basement," said a man who identified himself as the store's manager but wouldn't give his name. "Unless you are here for my green card I have nothing further to say."
Tuesday, November 6th 2007, 4:00 AM
It's no Century 21!
Bay Ridge residents are tossing their hangers at American Place, a bargain clothing store that opened last month that they say has become an eyesore - while local officials are questioning its legality.
"Residents don't like messes, and this place is an absolute disaster," said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann.
"The sidewalks are blocked, clothes are thrown all over the place and last week when it rained, we got complaints that there was wet underwear all over the sidewalk.
"This just isn't Bay Ridge," Beckmann said.
The store, at Senator St. and Fourth Ave., originally was rumored to become a Waldbaum's after a Duane Reade pharmacy there closed in August.
Talks of a long-overdue quality supermarket sparked excitement from residents.
But when the store's doors reopened on Oct. 16, instead of fresh meats and produce, shoppers were greeted by large cardboard cartons overflowing with last season's clothing, bedding and footwear bursting onto the sidewalk.
"It looks like a tacky eyesore that makes the whole neighborhood look shabby," said Tony Innocete.
"It's like a giant 99-cent store that has clothing piled everywhere."
The new storefront quickly became a hot topic for local blogs, where residents vented their fears of a broader community trend of mom-and-pop shops disappearing into an abyss of discount stores.
"It's a disgrace to the neighborhood, and I've never seen such an abomination in my whole life," said Diane Hunt, 62, who lives down the street from the new store.
"It is disgusting that officials tell us they are trying to clean our neighborhood up and then they let this place open up."
The Sanitation Department has fined the bargain outlet several times for violating the 3-foot limit stores are allowed for sidewalk displays.
The business also is violating the building code by operating on the second floor without a permit, said Beckmann, who is planning to ask American Place to rein itself in.
That effort may be futile.
"Come back in two weeks when I am finished adding my new men's department in the basement," said a man who identified himself as the store's manager but wouldn't give his name. "Unless you are here for my green card I have nothing further to say."
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Stepping Stones day care parents rip $115 parking ticket
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Wednesday, October 31st 2007, 4:00 AM
It's almost like stealing candy from babies.
Furious Bay Ridge parents say they are being slapped with $115 double-parking violations by NYPD traffic enforcement agents while picking their kids up from day care - even when they're only briefly out of their cars.
"I turned around, and three minutes later they scanned my car," said Dede Leone, of Bay Ridge, the mother of C.J. Leone, 4, who attends Stepping Stones day care center.
"I went crazy on the [agent], but I can't tell you what I said because my kids are here."
Parents' complaints have escalated to the point where the 86th St. center's owner changed dismissal times and handed out homemade windshield placards pleading for leniency.
"This kind of harassment is just insane," said Dawn Ortiz. "It is just inexcusable that they are targeting parents who are dropping off their toddlers."
The agents have been increasingly issuing parents tickets since September 2006, she said.
"They run out real fast when parents are standing at cars and hit the area with four or five tickets in one shot," Ortiz said. "I don't know exactly how many have been issued, but it is a lot."
Parent Jessica Corbin, who has been ticketed twice, called it a perfect parking storm.
"They say to find a space, but it is impossible with four schools located within these two blocks," Corbin said.
Victor Gomez, another parent at Stepping Stones, said that with parking impossible to find, it could take up to an hour to walk to the school and drop his kids off and then walk back to his car.
"Today everyone has a car, and if you don't double-park, the reality is that my kid is going to be late for school and I'm going to be late for work," Gomez said.
Community Board 10 Chairman Dean Rasinya confirmed that police are targeting double-parking parents at schools - as a matter of public safety.
"Double-parking is dangerous and unacceptable," said Rasinya, a former cop. "Youngsters walking to school are being put at risk by doubleparkers."
Commanding Officer Eric Rodriquez of the 68th Precinct also defended the traffic agents' decision to slap the unsuspecting parents with tickets.
"How can we say it is all right for you to double-park, but it's a penalty for everyone else?" Rodriguez said at an Oct. 15 Community Board 10 meeting.
"I have children, too, and I am not asking for special exemptions."
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Wednesday, October 31st 2007, 4:00 AM
It's almost like stealing candy from babies.
Furious Bay Ridge parents say they are being slapped with $115 double-parking violations by NYPD traffic enforcement agents while picking their kids up from day care - even when they're only briefly out of their cars.
"I turned around, and three minutes later they scanned my car," said Dede Leone, of Bay Ridge, the mother of C.J. Leone, 4, who attends Stepping Stones day care center.
"I went crazy on the [agent], but I can't tell you what I said because my kids are here."
Parents' complaints have escalated to the point where the 86th St. center's owner changed dismissal times and handed out homemade windshield placards pleading for leniency.
"This kind of harassment is just insane," said Dawn Ortiz. "It is just inexcusable that they are targeting parents who are dropping off their toddlers."
The agents have been increasingly issuing parents tickets since September 2006, she said.
"They run out real fast when parents are standing at cars and hit the area with four or five tickets in one shot," Ortiz said. "I don't know exactly how many have been issued, but it is a lot."
Parent Jessica Corbin, who has been ticketed twice, called it a perfect parking storm.
"They say to find a space, but it is impossible with four schools located within these two blocks," Corbin said.
Victor Gomez, another parent at Stepping Stones, said that with parking impossible to find, it could take up to an hour to walk to the school and drop his kids off and then walk back to his car.
"Today everyone has a car, and if you don't double-park, the reality is that my kid is going to be late for school and I'm going to be late for work," Gomez said.
Community Board 10 Chairman Dean Rasinya confirmed that police are targeting double-parking parents at schools - as a matter of public safety.
"Double-parking is dangerous and unacceptable," said Rasinya, a former cop. "Youngsters walking to school are being put at risk by doubleparkers."
Commanding Officer Eric Rodriquez of the 68th Precinct also defended the traffic agents' decision to slap the unsuspecting parents with tickets.
"How can we say it is all right for you to double-park, but it's a penalty for everyone else?" Rodriguez said at an Oct. 15 Community Board 10 meeting.
"I have children, too, and I am not asking for special exemptions."
Friday, October 26, 2007
Breast-feeding mom steamed after pressured to move
BY MATTHEW LYSIAK
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Thursday, October 25th 2007, 4:00 AM
The mother of a seven-week-old infant is steamed after workers at Floyd Bennett Field swooped down when she began breast-feeding, the woman said.
A female manager and a male security guard pressed Jessica Richards, 31, to stop breast-feeding her infant son, Liam, in public and move to a filthy bathroom - before she was pressured to move into an isolated corner, Richards said.
"I was humiliated," she said of last Thursday's incident at the Aviator Sports and Recreation Center. "They made me feel like I was some pervert putting on a show."
Richards' ordeal began last week when the Bay Ridge resident took Liam and his brother, Eamon, 3, to the Flatbush Ave. recreation center to play in a children's gymnasium.
When Liam became hungry, Richards sat down within view of a surveillance camera and began breast-feeding the baby - only to be stopped by the female manager and a male security guard.
"Just a little into the feeding, a woman manager came over and said, 'You are offending our security guard,' and suggested I move into the bathroom," Richards said.
When Richards refused to move to the bathroom, which she described as filthy, the guard moved her chair into an isolated corner outside of a surveillance camera's view.
"I felt like they were trying to put me in the naughty chair in the corner," said Richards, a stay-at-home mom.
An attendant at Aviator Sports and Recreation Center reimbursed Richards for the $4 admission fee after she left the gymnasium in a huff, with Liam still unfed.
A New York law passed in 1994 allows women to breast-feed in public places.
Lucy Koteen, a member of La Leche League, a breast-feeding advocacy group, said Floyd Bennett Field owes Richards an apology - but stopped short of calling for a boycott.
"If someone has an issue with the way she feeds her child, it is their issue, not hers," said Koteen, who was among more than a dozen furious parents to weigh in on the incident on parenting message boards.
"Asking her to go into the bathroom is unacceptable. Do they eat their lunch in the bathroom? They need to be educated on the law."
Aviator spokeswoman Christine Nicholas said that employees were being courteous by telling Richards she was on camera.
"The management only suggested she might want to find a less public place because the camera was picking it up and they were trying to help her," said Nicholas. "Aviator is concerned about the well-being of breast-feeding mothers."
SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Thursday, October 25th 2007, 4:00 AM
The mother of a seven-week-old infant is steamed after workers at Floyd Bennett Field swooped down when she began breast-feeding, the woman said.
A female manager and a male security guard pressed Jessica Richards, 31, to stop breast-feeding her infant son, Liam, in public and move to a filthy bathroom - before she was pressured to move into an isolated corner, Richards said.
"I was humiliated," she said of last Thursday's incident at the Aviator Sports and Recreation Center. "They made me feel like I was some pervert putting on a show."
Richards' ordeal began last week when the Bay Ridge resident took Liam and his brother, Eamon, 3, to the Flatbush Ave. recreation center to play in a children's gymnasium.
When Liam became hungry, Richards sat down within view of a surveillance camera and began breast-feeding the baby - only to be stopped by the female manager and a male security guard.
"Just a little into the feeding, a woman manager came over and said, 'You are offending our security guard,' and suggested I move into the bathroom," Richards said.
When Richards refused to move to the bathroom, which she described as filthy, the guard moved her chair into an isolated corner outside of a surveillance camera's view.
"I felt like they were trying to put me in the naughty chair in the corner," said Richards, a stay-at-home mom.
An attendant at Aviator Sports and Recreation Center reimbursed Richards for the $4 admission fee after she left the gymnasium in a huff, with Liam still unfed.
A New York law passed in 1994 allows women to breast-feed in public places.
Lucy Koteen, a member of La Leche League, a breast-feeding advocacy group, said Floyd Bennett Field owes Richards an apology - but stopped short of calling for a boycott.
"If someone has an issue with the way she feeds her child, it is their issue, not hers," said Koteen, who was among more than a dozen furious parents to weigh in on the incident on parenting message boards.
"Asking her to go into the bathroom is unacceptable. Do they eat their lunch in the bathroom? They need to be educated on the law."
Aviator spokeswoman Christine Nicholas said that employees were being courteous by telling Richards she was on camera.
"The management only suggested she might want to find a less public place because the camera was picking it up and they were trying to help her," said Nicholas. "Aviator is concerned about the well-being of breast-feeding mothers."
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Bay Ridge losing hold on heritage
By Matthew Lysiak | Special to amNewYork
October 25, 2007
What good is neighborhood integrity if no one can afford to enjoy it?
That is the question facing residents of Bay Ridge who are coping with the loss of several beloved structures that have recently fallen prey to developers. The issue is hardly unique to Bay Ridge, but the ongoing debate has been amplified in the close-knit community that cherishes its deep sense of tradition and is also dealing with a serious housing shortage.
For most residents, the thought of losing the familiar structures trumps the housing woes being experienced by the many renters and those looking to become new homeowners.
"If you look at what is happening to our community," said preservationist Victoria Hofmo, "eventually we are going to wake up one morning and find Bay Ridge beyond recognition."
First came the news that the Bay Ridge United Methodist, the 107-year-old structure on Fourth and Ovington avenues, will soon be torn down to become condos. Then earlier this month, preservationists looked on in horror as three of the few remaining Victorian homes, located on 74th Street between Third and Fourth Avenues, were demolished without warning to make room for three three-family townhouses.
The destruction launched the creation of grass roots movements bent on reversing the trend through further zoning measures in the already heavily zoned community. "We have to do something; the trend isn't going to reverse itself," Hofmo said.
But preservation also has its price. The increase in zoning that restricts development has transformed this once blue-collar enclave that John Travolta tried to dance his way out of only 30 years ago in "Saturday Night Fever," into a community of million dollar homes and millionaire landlords.
While much of the increase can be attributed to broader trends in New York real estate, curbing the housing supply in a community where more people want to rent or own has also contributed to soaring prices.
But for City Councilman Vince Gentile (D-Bay Ridge), who has been a leading voice in preservation issues, the idea of having to choose either housing or development is a false dichotomy.
"We can satisfy the need for housing while preserving neighborhood integrity if we are just a little creative," said Gentile. "There are still underutilized areas, and we must accept a pro-growth attitude, but apply that belief into our infrastructure contextually."
October 25, 2007
What good is neighborhood integrity if no one can afford to enjoy it?
That is the question facing residents of Bay Ridge who are coping with the loss of several beloved structures that have recently fallen prey to developers. The issue is hardly unique to Bay Ridge, but the ongoing debate has been amplified in the close-knit community that cherishes its deep sense of tradition and is also dealing with a serious housing shortage.
For most residents, the thought of losing the familiar structures trumps the housing woes being experienced by the many renters and those looking to become new homeowners.
"If you look at what is happening to our community," said preservationist Victoria Hofmo, "eventually we are going to wake up one morning and find Bay Ridge beyond recognition."
First came the news that the Bay Ridge United Methodist, the 107-year-old structure on Fourth and Ovington avenues, will soon be torn down to become condos. Then earlier this month, preservationists looked on in horror as three of the few remaining Victorian homes, located on 74th Street between Third and Fourth Avenues, were demolished without warning to make room for three three-family townhouses.
The destruction launched the creation of grass roots movements bent on reversing the trend through further zoning measures in the already heavily zoned community. "We have to do something; the trend isn't going to reverse itself," Hofmo said.
But preservation also has its price. The increase in zoning that restricts development has transformed this once blue-collar enclave that John Travolta tried to dance his way out of only 30 years ago in "Saturday Night Fever," into a community of million dollar homes and millionaire landlords.
While much of the increase can be attributed to broader trends in New York real estate, curbing the housing supply in a community where more people want to rent or own has also contributed to soaring prices.
But for City Councilman Vince Gentile (D-Bay Ridge), who has been a leading voice in preservation issues, the idea of having to choose either housing or development is a false dichotomy.
"We can satisfy the need for housing while preserving neighborhood integrity if we are just a little creative," said Gentile. "There are still underutilized areas, and we must accept a pro-growth attitude, but apply that belief into our infrastructure contextually."
Friday, October 19, 2007
Victorian era ends in Ridge?
By Matthew Lysiak
The Brooklyn Paper
Local activists are asking if the destruction of three beloved Bay Ridge Victorian homes is the beginning of a broader trend. Well, this columnist has an answer — let’s hope so!
And while were at, let’s take down the whole Victorian mindset!
For those of you who don’t spend your free time trolling through the blogosphere, the controversy centers around the destruction of three beautiful Victorian homes on 74th Street between Third and Fourth avenues.
Residents were shocked — and for good reason.
That’s because the Basile Builders Group, which purchased the three properties at 318, 326, and 334, told the public last August that they had no appetite for destruction, but were only intent on restoring the Victorians to their former glory.
That was, of course, before last week when the company demolished all three — which is when this dust-up predictably went nuclear.
Mushroom clouds sprouted all over city blogs, many predicting doom.
“A community that isn’t organized enough to make a stink is what killed these Victorians, plain and simple,” posted one blogger on Curbed, a real-estate site. “The neighborhood will continue to be prey until the residents get together and pester the elected officials to get some protection placed on the area.”
A call was out for government intervention.
But while residents were busy pointing the finger at greedy developers, buyers, sellers and local pols, one community official blamed something else — that pesky little document called the Constitution.
“A lot of people called and were angry that we weren’t doing something to stop the demolition,” said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. “But we checked that the owners [got] the proper permits, so there isn’t anything else we can do because it is private property.”
What a concept!
That’s right, private property gives owners the right to destroy their own property, even if we really really don’t want them to. This law even applies in Bay Ridge, where anti-development attitudes still rule.
That’s why this columnist finds reason to gloat in a rare case where the mob loses and freedom wins.
It’s not that Yellow Hooker is a heartless monster or that he gets satisfaction out of other people’s misery (seriously, I don’t). But I do happen to believe that property rights are more important than almost any other freedom.
It is also noteworthy that the vast majority of residents who oppose development are the ones who already own property. This means they are the ones who stand to gain financially by curbing the housing supply.
Meanwhile, renters and those looking to own — the two groups with little power in such matters — have learned the painful lesson of economics: the less housing available, the higher the prices for it.
The good news is not that the Victorians are gone, but that more housing will rise from their rubble. That’s progress.
Matthew Lysiak is a writer living in Bay Ridge. Please send your inevitable hate mail to newsroom@BrooklynPaper.com.
The Kitchen Sink
CB10 has approved a co-naming of the corner of 13th Avenue and 77th Street after firefighter Joey Graffagnino, who died in the Deutsche Bank blaze. The corner was chosen because it is near the Salty Dog pub where Graffagnino used to bartend. Rep. Vito Fossella supported the co-naming and put out the first press release on the issue: “No words or actions can ease the pain felt by his family, but this street naming will provide an eternal reminder of his heroism, bravery, and sacrifice,” Fossella said. …
More from Vito! Fossella, in partnership with the merchants of 18th Avenue, has arranged for a mammogram van. Free breast cancer screenings for women age 40 will be offered all day on Oct. 30. Pre-register by calling (800) 564-6868. …
A Sink welcome to Councilman Vince Gentile’s new spokesman, Kwame Patterson, who is filling the big shoes of Eric Kuo. We have two pieces of advice for the newcomer: a) Always return our calls, and b) Convince your boss to ditch the red ties. He’s a Democrat, for Kitchen Sink! Kuo now works for Councilman Simcha Felder, who is expected to run for citywide office in 2009. …
Earlier this month, Marchese bakery, at Third Avenue and 71st Street, closed. The owner better watch out, the Italian cookies were a hit with Tony Sirico, who played tough guy Paulie Walnuts on the Sopranos. …
Anyone else notice the unmarked blimps roaming around Bay Ridge lately? Our source tells The Sink that the blimps have been spotted all over the last three weeks hovering low to the ground with no identifiable marks. Would love to know more. …
Poly Prep Country Day wants your junk! For the first time, the Bay Ridge private school will be collecting old computer and electronics equipment, which are considered highly toxic to the environment and, worse, highly likely to be taking up too much space in your house. Bring the junk to the school’s back parking lot on Seventh Avenue, just south of 92nd Street, on Oct. 29 and 30. For information, call Shelley Ruchti at (718) 836-9800 x3230.
The Brooklyn Paper
Local activists are asking if the destruction of three beloved Bay Ridge Victorian homes is the beginning of a broader trend. Well, this columnist has an answer — let’s hope so!
And while were at, let’s take down the whole Victorian mindset!
For those of you who don’t spend your free time trolling through the blogosphere, the controversy centers around the destruction of three beautiful Victorian homes on 74th Street between Third and Fourth avenues.
Residents were shocked — and for good reason.
That’s because the Basile Builders Group, which purchased the three properties at 318, 326, and 334, told the public last August that they had no appetite for destruction, but were only intent on restoring the Victorians to their former glory.
That was, of course, before last week when the company demolished all three — which is when this dust-up predictably went nuclear.
Mushroom clouds sprouted all over city blogs, many predicting doom.
“A community that isn’t organized enough to make a stink is what killed these Victorians, plain and simple,” posted one blogger on Curbed, a real-estate site. “The neighborhood will continue to be prey until the residents get together and pester the elected officials to get some protection placed on the area.”
A call was out for government intervention.
But while residents were busy pointing the finger at greedy developers, buyers, sellers and local pols, one community official blamed something else — that pesky little document called the Constitution.
“A lot of people called and were angry that we weren’t doing something to stop the demolition,” said Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann. “But we checked that the owners [got] the proper permits, so there isn’t anything else we can do because it is private property.”
What a concept!
That’s right, private property gives owners the right to destroy their own property, even if we really really don’t want them to. This law even applies in Bay Ridge, where anti-development attitudes still rule.
That’s why this columnist finds reason to gloat in a rare case where the mob loses and freedom wins.
It’s not that Yellow Hooker is a heartless monster or that he gets satisfaction out of other people’s misery (seriously, I don’t). But I do happen to believe that property rights are more important than almost any other freedom.
It is also noteworthy that the vast majority of residents who oppose development are the ones who already own property. This means they are the ones who stand to gain financially by curbing the housing supply.
Meanwhile, renters and those looking to own — the two groups with little power in such matters — have learned the painful lesson of economics: the less housing available, the higher the prices for it.
The good news is not that the Victorians are gone, but that more housing will rise from their rubble. That’s progress.
Matthew Lysiak is a writer living in Bay Ridge. Please send your inevitable hate mail to newsroom@BrooklynPaper.com.
The Kitchen Sink
CB10 has approved a co-naming of the corner of 13th Avenue and 77th Street after firefighter Joey Graffagnino, who died in the Deutsche Bank blaze. The corner was chosen because it is near the Salty Dog pub where Graffagnino used to bartend. Rep. Vito Fossella supported the co-naming and put out the first press release on the issue: “No words or actions can ease the pain felt by his family, but this street naming will provide an eternal reminder of his heroism, bravery, and sacrifice,” Fossella said. …
More from Vito! Fossella, in partnership with the merchants of 18th Avenue, has arranged for a mammogram van. Free breast cancer screenings for women age 40 will be offered all day on Oct. 30. Pre-register by calling (800) 564-6868. …
A Sink welcome to Councilman Vince Gentile’s new spokesman, Kwame Patterson, who is filling the big shoes of Eric Kuo. We have two pieces of advice for the newcomer: a) Always return our calls, and b) Convince your boss to ditch the red ties. He’s a Democrat, for Kitchen Sink! Kuo now works for Councilman Simcha Felder, who is expected to run for citywide office in 2009. …
Earlier this month, Marchese bakery, at Third Avenue and 71st Street, closed. The owner better watch out, the Italian cookies were a hit with Tony Sirico, who played tough guy Paulie Walnuts on the Sopranos. …
Anyone else notice the unmarked blimps roaming around Bay Ridge lately? Our source tells The Sink that the blimps have been spotted all over the last three weeks hovering low to the ground with no identifiable marks. Would love to know more. …
Poly Prep Country Day wants your junk! For the first time, the Bay Ridge private school will be collecting old computer and electronics equipment, which are considered highly toxic to the environment and, worse, highly likely to be taking up too much space in your house. Bring the junk to the school’s back parking lot on Seventh Avenue, just south of 92nd Street, on Oct. 29 and 30. For information, call Shelley Ruchti at (718) 836-9800 x3230.
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