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Battery company NineDot will break ground on a 4.9 megawatt battery energy storage facility in Bushwick later this year.
Expected to come online in 2027, the facility — located at 421 Bushwick Ave., across from Bushwick Houses — will store enough electricity to power 5,000 nearby homes when demand is highest, helping to reduce strain on the grid.
The site sits in the middle of the route of National Grid’s Metropolitan Infrastructure Reliability Project (aka the North Brooklyn Pipeline,) a natural gas pipeline halted by the state in 2021 after massive pushback from the community.
Facility will ease strain on the grid, reduce blackoutsA critical part of the state’s pivot toward clean energy, battery energy storage systems, or BESS, connect directly to the grid and charge up overnight, when demand and cost are low.
That power is then routed back onto the grid when it’s needed, essentially increasing electrical capacity. In the summer months the Bushwick site will operate for a few hours every afternoon, said Sam Brill, vice president of strategic development at NineDot.
[caption id="attachment_246931" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Brill said the project will run for a few hours every afternoon during the summer months. Photo courtesy of Michael Paulson/Sane Energy Project[/caption]As is, the grid often struggles to meet the city’s demand for electricity on hot summer days. Both Con Edison and City Hall often ask New Yorkers to set their thermostats to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and limit use of large appliances while temps are highest to ease the burden.
The utility also frequently reduces voltage in some areas to prevent blackouts, especially after high temps cause equipment to fail.
Earlier this year, Con Ed was forced to intentionally cut power to nearly 10,000 households in Queens as it dealt with equipment failure and high demand. Similarly, in 2019, the utility turned off electricity to 50,000 people in southern Brooklyn.
Blackouts and brownouts put northern Brooklynites at risk, said Kim Fraczek, a longtime resident and director of the Same Energy Project.
[caption id="attachment_246942" align="aligncenter" width="700"] This summer, Con Edison was forced to cut power to tens of thousands of New Yorkers as the grid struggled to meet demand for electricity. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson[/caption]“We’ve had our fair share of blackouts here when the electricity demand is really high in heat waves, and that’s not great, particularly for my neighbors who live at Bushwick Houses who have really tall buildings,” she said.
The blackouts put elevators at Bushwick Houses out of service, she said, stranding residents on high floors. Some residents also need to refrigerate certain medications and don’t have alternatives when the power goes out.
Those outages “are owing to the utility having to reduce voltage during those peak summer hours because there's not enough grid resiliency when the grid is really strained,” Brill said. The storage facility will help fill that gap and prevent blackouts.
A step toward closing peaker plantsBESS facilities also aim to reduce reliance on high-polluting peaker plants. The fossil fuel-powered plants, located primarily in Black and brown neighborhoods, only operate when demand is highest, but produce significantly higher emissions than other power plants.
The Narrows Generating Station, which sits in the New York Harbor next to Sunset Park — produced more than 25,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2023, according to the most recently-available EPA data; while the nearby Gowanus Generating Station produced around 9,000 metric tons.
Most of their output is planet-warming carbon dioxide, but peaker plants also produce gases like nitrogen oxide, which can cause asthma and other health issues for residents who live nearby.
“If we don’t have to turn on those peaker plants anymore, that protects the health of my neighbors, it will also be able to feed the grid the electricity it needs during those peak times,” Fraczek said.
[caption id="attachment_246943" align="aligncenter" width="700"] The Gowanus Generating Station, one of two high-emitting peaker plants in the area, in 2017.Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption]BESS don’t exclusively charge up with energy from clean sources, Brill explained. Rather, they store whatever is available at the time, whether that was produced at traditional power plants or by offshore wind.
“As we get more sources of renewable energy online, more offshore wind online, [Champlain Hudson Power Express] coming online with clean power from Canada, the mix of energy on the grid will get even cleaner and cleaner as time goes along,” he said.
New York State is aiming to have 6,000 megawatts of energy storage online by 2030, with around 1,000 megawatts in New York City. The state has projected that BESS projects could reduce statewide energy costs by $2 billion and improve public health by reducing exposure to fossil fuels.
“Policymakers for years have envisioned that every neighborhood will have battery storage systems, as they’re a critical part of grid infrastructure that will make sure power is reliable and affordable and cleaner,” Brill said.
Con Ed pushes back on BESS constructionGrid reliability and capacity are a growing problem for New York State. Earlier this year, the New York Independent Systems Operator said the state is at serious risk of energy deficiencies.
New sources of energy have not been built with the same speed as old fossil fuel infrastructure has been retired, NYISO said, and the aging fossil fuel plants are reaching the end of their useful lives and are at risk of failure. Meanwhile, rising electrification and climate-change-driven weather extremes have pushed demand ever higher.
AlphaGen, which owns the Narrows and Gowanus peaker plants, axed plans to retire the facilities in April, after NYISO found they will be needed to ensure reliability for at least the next three years.
Despite the state’s goals, Con Ed has taken issue with battery storage projects. BESS facilities in New York City, including the one planned in Bushwick, interconnect directly with the grid after a study is performed.
Con Ed has said the number of BESS facilities in New York City could overload certain substations, requiring expensive new electrical infrastructure. Last summer, the utility suddenly hiked the cost of opening a BESS facility to the tune of $21 million in order to help pay for those infrastructure upgrades.
Energy companies including NineDot and elected officials have protested the hike, claiming new projects will become “prohibitively expensive.”
“We’re fortunate for the project in Bushwick that we secured an interconnection agreement before they made those changes,” Brill said. “If we were starting from square one today, that project would not be able to get built.”
Locals supportWhile BESS facilities have proven controversial in some parts of the city — sparking protests in southern Brooklyn and Queens — Fraczek and Brill said Bushwick residents were largely supportive.
Brill said the planning process included extensive outreach to the community, including residents at Bushwick Houses, and some locals attended an event announcing the facility in July.
Fraczek said some local residents she spoke with had concerns about the safety of the facility, but that she was able to assuage those fears after doing some research of her own. Fire safety is a fairly common concern in neighborhoods where BESS facilities are constructed, but the Department of Buildings and FDNY work closely with developers to ensure they meet exacting specifications.
And, Fraczek said, residents of north Brooklyn are no stranger to environmental issues. Locals have for decades battled industrial pollution, federal and state Superfund sites, and expansion of fossil-fuel infrastructure like the North Brooklyn Pipeline and new liquified natural gas vaporizers at National Grid’s depot in Williamsburg.
[caption id="attachment_246935" align="aligncenter" width="700"] New York State has strict safety standards for battery energy storage facilities.Photo courtesy of NineDot[/caption]“They’ve been forced to educate themselves on what we can do differently,” Fraczek said. “I just found people I speak to in our community board, in our City Council offices … people are ready for a 21st century energy system.”
She has more ideas to help her neighbors — like weatherizing buildings and improving insulation so locals don’t have to rely so much on their heat and air conditioners — and said battery storage is an important part of bringing clean energy and environmental justice to the nabe.
“I’m really glad that North Brooklyn as a whole seems to be really on the mark with understanding what this means for us,” she said. “If we can be an example here in North Brooklyn, we’ll show, hopefully, other neighborhoods you don’t need to be afraid.”
NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) reported broadly positive results from its 20th annual School Survey, with more than 870,000 students, families and educators participating — a 2% increase in responses since last year, the agency said on Tuesday.
The self-administered survey found "strong support" for Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels among educators and families. Approximately 77% of teachers said they have "strong confidence" in Samuels' leadership, while 72% said they "deeply trust him."
Among family respondents, 72% expressed overall support for the chancellor, including his approach to school resources, oversight, curriculum and student achievement, representing a 2-percentage-point increase over the previous administration, according to school officials.
"As chancellor, I am deeply focused on delivering safe and welcoming schools for every student," Samuels said. "The school survey is one of our most important tools because it gives families, students and staff a direct voice in shaping our schools."
The study claims that 96% of families were satisfied with the education their children received during the school year. Ninety-seven percent said they "felt welcomed" at their child's school, while 81% were satisfied with the children's meal options.
Reading scores from state tests plummeted in 2026Despite the numerous positive responses, NYCPS has its challenges. The survey was released on Aug. 11, just days after the school system announced state-wide English Language Arts (ELA) test results showing the share of students meeting the state's top two performance levels plunged by 6 percentage points this year.
Only about 50% of students scored at the state’s top Levels 3 or 4 in ELA this year, down from just over 56% in 2025. The decline followed a 7.2 percentage-point increase between 2024 and 2025, marking an unusually large swing in performance from year to year.
The unprecedented fluctuations prompted NYCPS to review the scoring process to determine how accurately the assessments reflect student learning.
“These results raise important questions and deserve careful, rigorous analysis so we can ensure we’re measuring what students are learning,” Samuels said on Friday.
Statewide math test scores ticked up slightly by 0.1% this year.
Teachers respond to the surveyMeanwhile, educators who responded to the survey noted several improvements this year. English as a New Language teachers reported having the tools and resources needed to create multiple opportunities for students to engage in diverse texts (93% – up 3 percentage points from last year).
Ninety-five percent of middle school teachers felt that students and families received useful guidance on the high school application process, up 2 percentage points from last year, the survey showed.
Camillo Turriciano, principal of the James B. Colgate School in Woodside, said the survey results are an opportunity to listen to families.
“At our school, we view survey data as more than just feedback. It is an opportunity to listen to our families and staff, and ensure every voice is heard," the principal said. "We remain committed to using this input to strengthen our school community, celebrate what is working well, and continuously improve so that every member of our community has a positive, supportive, and enriching experience.”
Are high-school students career-ready?According to NYCPS, a particular bright spot in the survey was FutureReadyNYC, a program that teaches kids job skills and prepares them for in-demand jobs.
Nearly 80% of students in the program at participating schools reported that the adults in their schools teach them about career options, versus 75% of students at non-participating high schools.
NYCPS officials said school principals will use the survey data results to identify areas where additional resources or investment may be needed. The findings, officials said, will also help inform broader NYCPS priorities related to school safety, academic rigor and integration.
The New York Liberty hosted its 3rd annual “The Brooklyn Dribble,” on Aug. 8, honoring players, fans and defining moments that have shaped the organization since its inaugural season in 1997.
Led by by Fogo Azul, a women-led samba reggae drumline marching band and New York Liberty’s legendary players like Teresa Witherspoon, Crystal Robinson, and Carolyn Swords, more than 2,000 fans dribbled basketballs along a mile-long scenic route through Brooklyn Bridge Park, with the East River and the Manhattan skyline serving as a backdrop. The parade culminated at Liberty Fan Fest at Pier 2.
[caption id="attachment_246862" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Fogo Azul led the 3rd annual Brooklyn Dribble. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246869" align="aligncenter" width="700"] More than 2,000 fans joined in on the celebration. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]Highlights included autograph sessions with Liberty legends; interactive activations, games, prizes, refreshments and basketballs and commemorative t-shirts giveaway; and on-stage performances by the Timeless Torches, Torch Patrol and Lil Torches — plus the highly-anticipated arrival of everyone’s favorite mascot, Ellie the Elephant.
Robinson, who played for the team for seven seasons from 1999 through 2005, noted that Brooklyn Dribble reminded her of the WNBA’s early outreach events.
The Liberty is one of three remaining original WNBA franchises, and the team won its historic first-ever WNBA Championship victory in 2024.
[caption id="attachment_246873" align="aligncenter" width="700"] New York Liberty legends sign autographs for fans. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246859" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Former Liberty players helped celebrate the team's past and present. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]“This is where I think WNBA was built. When I played, this was grassroots marketing. I think that it's a major part of what we do in the WNBA; I hope this part never goes away,” the WNBA trailblazer said, praising Liberty fans as the best fan base in the WNBA.
“[The fans] are extremely dedicated. When we played, there were lots of fans that had jersey numbers [and] people's names tattooed. We've always had a great fan base here. This is the best fan base in the WNBA,” Robinson said.Swords signed with the Liberty in 2015 and played for the team for two seasons. She paid homage to the Liberty players that paved the way for new generations of female athletes, inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves and follow their dreams.
“I definitely benefited from watching the first players of the league, and because I was a young girl when the league was established, it was really great to have that really tangible example that I could grow up and be a professional basketball player,” Swords said.
Teresa Witherspoon joined the New York Liberty for the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997 and was on the team’s roster until 2003. The five-time All‐Star and two‐time Defensive Player of the Year credited the Liberty’s success to the devoted fan base, who made the Texas native feel like a New Yorker.
[caption id="attachment_246883" align="aligncenter" width="700"] NY Liberty legend Teresa Witherspoon and Elli the Elephant celebrate the 3rd annual Brooklyn Dribble. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246885" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Elli the Elephant and the Liberty dance team show off their dance moves at the NY Liberty's 3rd annual Brooklyn Dribble. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]“We came here. We weren’t New Yorkers. We were country girls. Everybody's like, ‘Country girls in New York? Sue Wicks is the only New Yorker,’” Witherspoon recalled. “This is home for us now. We adopted the attitude; we adopted the grit and grind; we adopted what this city is all about: never give up. Never give in. We win, and that's what we're about.”
Brooklyn resident Lolita Beckwith has been a season subscriber since 1997 and enjoyed the camaraderie among the Liberty fans while celebrating women’s sports.
“I remember as a kid, I was teased for being a sports fan. So to see all of this now — I'm old, so this is like the 70s — but to see all of this now is incredible. To see all these women's baseball and softball leagues getting national attention, plus the WNBA, has been fantastic. I love to see it,” Beckwith said.
[caption id="attachment_246874" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Longtime Liberty fans said it was 'incredible' to see so much support for women's sports, including the WNBA. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246876" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Fans of all ages celebrated the team's history. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]Lavonnia Manning, who hails from the “World’s Borough,” Queens, attended the fan festivities for the first time. She has been a Liberty fan since she was a kid because the team felt like family.
“Teresa Witherspoon is my favorite player,” Manning shared. “[The Liberty] bring a lot of excitement to New York itself. I'm expecting to see Ellie because I love Ellie. I want to see her so bad.”
New Jersey resident Jacaria Moore has been a fan of the WNBA's most iconic franchises since its founding in 1996. The former athlete told Brooklyn Paper that the team inspired her to play basketball and softball, and she noted the importance of female athletes as role models for a new generation of players.
“How the women are carrying themselves-not just playing basketball, but they have other ventures outside of the game, and promoting the love. They play with passion. They play with heart. When you love a sport, you give 100%, and that's what I love about the New York Liberty,” Moore said.
See it: [caption id="attachment_246867" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Liberty fans participate in the 3rd annual Brooklyn Dribble. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption][caption id="attachment_246878" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ellie the Elephants greets past Liberty players. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246888" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Liberty fans got decked out with face paint, T-shirts and costumes. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246886" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Ellie the Elephant shows off her dance moves at the Brooklyn Dribble. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246894" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Fantastic Double Dutch entertained the crowd with their skills. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246892" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Liberty legends and Ellie the Elephant celebrate 30 years of Liberty basketball. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption][caption id="attachment_246893" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Past Liberty stars reminisced about the team's past and dreamed of its future. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Monday that he personally appealed to President Donald Trump to restore protections for Haitian immigrants, as his administration moved to dismiss city workers who lost their legal authorization to work following the end of Temporary Protected Status.
Mamdani said he spoke with Trump before City Hall announced Friday that it was “forced by federal law” to review the work authorization of Haitian TPS holders and end the employment of those who could not establish another legal path to work.
“I spoke to the president prior to that, and I made clear to the president, as I've made clear to anyone across the city, the vital importance of TPS,” Mamdani said during an unrelated press conference on Aug. 10.
The mayor said he told Trump that restoring protections was of major importance to New York City and its economy.
“I spoke with the president and made it very clear that this is something of immense importance to this city, to our economy, and to the welfare of all those who call this city home,” Mamdani said.
City Hall said Friday that the Mamdani administration was required to “separate from” employees who relied on Haitian TPS for their work authorization and had not established an alternative legal status allowing them to work. A City Hall spokesperson said Monday that dozens of municipal employees are affected.
The administration said affected employees were being connected with agency staff to discuss their options, including “non-disciplinary separation or resignation,” as well as possible reinstatement if TPS is restored or they obtain another form of legal work authorization.
Mamdani on Monday defended his administration’s decision, saying the city held off until it believed federal law required it to act.
“We also wanted to make sure that we only took this action at the point at which it was legally required to do so, because this is not an action that we want to take in any which way or form,” Mamdani said.
Mamdani said waiting any longer could have come “to the detriment” of TPS holders who may have another legal status, giving the example of someone who also holds a student visa.
“We don't want to be hurting those New Yorkers' abilities to stay in the city,” he said.
Trump could directly grant Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) through a presidential memorandum, while formally restoring or redesignating TPS would run through the Homeland Security secretary, at the president's behest.
[caption id="attachment_137857957" align="alignnone" width="700"] U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Rose Garden Club Lunch at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 6, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci[/caption]The dispute follows a June 25 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for the Trump administration’s termination of TPS protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants to take effect.
The court held that the TPS statute bars judicial review of non-constitutional challenges to the Homeland Security secretary’s decision to terminate a country's designation. The majority also found that Haitian plaintiffs were unlikely to succeed on an equal-protection claim challenging the termination.
Haiti was first designated for TPS in 2010 following a devastating earthquake. The federal government repeatedly extended or redesignated Haiti’s TPS designation before the Trump administration announced in November 2025 that Haiti's designation would be terminated.
Mamdani sharply condemned the Supreme Court ruling when it came down in June, appearing alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and immigrant advocates to promise that City Hall would support affected New Yorkers.
“I want to be clear, you are a New Yorker today, tomorrow, and every day, you are a New Yorker,” Mamdani said at the time to those impacted by the ruling. “As health care workers, as teachers, as organizers, you have not just made your home in New York City, you have dedicated your lives to New York City.”
He added then: “They may traffic in cruelty, yet we will lead with something even more powerful than that: solidarity. City Hall will stand with you and stand up for you.”
On Monday, Mamdani continued to press the case against ending the protections, arguing that conditions in Haiti remain dangerous and pointing to Haitian New Yorkers' role in industries including health care, construction and hospitality.
“We are talking about Haitian New Yorkers who have been truly at the heart of so many of the industries that power this city: healthcare, construction, hospitality, and city workers,” Mamdani said.
City Hall said Friday that affected TPS recipients would be offered free legal consultations to determine whether they qualify for another form of work authorization, along with help navigating health insurance and other resources.
Police are investigating after a man was found shot to death on the Canarsie Pier during the early hours of Sunday morning.
According to law enforcement sources, cops from the 69th Precinct received a 911 call reporting that a man had been shot at around 3:14 a.m. on the Belt Parkway and Rockaway Parkway. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 30-year-old man riddled with gunshots throughout his body and head.
Paramedics rushed the victim to One Brooklyn Health-Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, where he could not be saved and was pronounced dead. He has been identified as John Garvin of Canarsie.
Police did not provide a description of the gunman, but cops say they believe some kind of dispute preceded the shooting.
According to the latest NYPD crime statistics, murders in the confines of the 69th Precinct are down by over 66% while the number of shooting victims are up by over 12%.
No arrests have been made in this homicide, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this homicide can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper's sister site amNewYork.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew a clear line between himself and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) on public safety last week, saying police, prisons and jails have a role in keeping New Yorkers safe while the organization’s national program calls for steps toward fully abolishing the police and prison system.
The policy distinction comes as DSA figures hold senior posts in Mamdani’s administration, while the NYC-DSA’s transit working group was among several advocacy groups invited to table at a city-run bus town hall on Thursday, prompting questions about the boundary between political organizing and government-run civic engagement.
Asked during an interview with SiriusXM’s “The Clay Cane Show” where his views diverge from DSA, Mamdani, who vowed at his inauguration to govern as a Democratic Socialist, pointed specifically to public safety.
“Well, I would say, especially when it comes to public safety, I've been very clear that we have our police force, we have prisons, we have jails,” Mamdani said in the interview, which aired Friday. “The purpose of these is also to ensure that we are delivering safety and justice hand in hand.”
Mamdani said New Yorkers should not have to choose between the two and praised the NYPD for its work in delivering what he described as the lowest levels of murders, shootings and shooting victims in recorded history through the first seven months of the year.
“And I also want to ensure that this is a city where New Yorkers know that that is not coming at the expense of justice,” he said.
The position contrasts with DSA’s national program, which includes a section titled “End Mass Incarceration and Police Immunity.” It calls for demilitarizing police departments, disempowering police unions and redirecting funding to public services as steps toward “fully abolishing the police and prison system.”
Cane asked Mamdani whether there were positions in the DSA platform where he would say, “That’s DSA, but that’s not where I stand?” Mamdani chose public safety.
“If you have two socialists in a room, there has to be at least one disagreement,” he joked.
At the same time, Mamdani has appointed DSA figures to prominent roles in his administration.
On his first day in office, Mamdani appointed DSA member Cea Weaver to lead the Office to Protect Tenants.
The following day, he appointed Tascha Van Auken, a longtime DSA organizer and veteran progressive campaign operative who led his mayoral campaign’s field operation, to head the newly created Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement.
'This is not good'The DSA's presence at Thursday’s town hall prompted questions about the boundary between political organizing and government outreach. At the event, NYC-DSA’s transit working group was among several organizations invited to have an information table at the administration’s Central Brooklyn bus town hall.
Citizens Union Executive Director Grace Rauh criticized the group’s presence.
“This is not good,” Rauh wrote on X. “There needs to be a bright line between partisan political activity & government-run civic engagement. City Hall needs to explain how the DSA was able to set up a table at an official city event, and what steps will be taken to ensure this won’t happen again.”
City Hall confirmed that the DSA transit working group had been invited, but said it was one of several community and advocacy organizations brought in because of their work on transportation issues.
“For the town hall, a number of community and advocacy organizations that work on transit issues were invited to table, including Fair Fares NYC, Transportation Alternatives, the DSA’s transit working group, and Riders Alliance,” mayoral spokesperson Dora Pekec said. “These organizations provided a variety of resources and perspectives on transit advocacy for New Yorkers.”
A City Hall official also said the DSA transit working group was invited for its transportation work rather than its electoral activity. The official said its political activity and 501(c)(4) status did not preclude the group from participating when it was invited for its expertise on transit.
NYC-DSA co-Chair Grace Mausser defended the group’s participation, saying DSA is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization rather than a political party. DSA’s own materials also identify the organization as a non-profit organization.
“NYC-DSA does extensive community organizing and social welfare work, such as housing, transportation, and environmental advocacy,” Mausser said. “We were one of many non-profit community organizations that tabled at the event.”
Mausser noted that Riders Alliance and Transportation Alternatives also had tables and referred questions about the city’s process for planning the event to City Hall.
The town hall dispute follows earlier questions about political guardrails around the Office of Mass Engagement, though those questions arose in a different context.
At a June budget hearing, Council Speaker Julie Menin questioned the administration about safeguards around the office as it drew attention for Organize NYC, an initiative aimed at increasing public participation in the Rent Guidelines Board process. Mamdani had made a rent freeze a centerpiece of his mayoral campaign, though he has stressed that the board is independent.
The administration said that the outreach was not intended to tell residents what position to take. At the initiative’s launch, Mamdani said canvassers would ask residents whether they knew if their apartments were rent-stabilized and whether they would testify before the board. He said the effort would also include outreach to landlords.
Menin asked at the time what safeguards existed to ensure the Office of Mass Engagement was not engaging in political work or other outreach that could create a conflict of interest.
“Government offices cannot engage in political activities,” Budget Director Sherif Soliman said, adding that employees were instructed on those rules through conflict-of-interest and Department of Investigation training.
“This is a government office, not a political operation,” Soliman said.
With reporting from Ethan Stark Miller
“You can make a planter out of anything,” longtime gardener Perri Edwards told an admirer of her MoMA-inspired heads sculpted from milk cartons, with leaves of different shades and species sprouting like hair.
Edwards’ Lincoln Place stoop and front yard, like those of her neighbors, have become a cross between a whimsical garden, a tribute to New York City, and an educational display on upcycling and community greening.
On Aug. 4, Edwards and her neighbors, dubbed P.L.A.N.T. (Preserving Lincoln’s Abundant Natural Treasures), were recognized for those efforts. Lincoln Place between New York and Nostrand avenues was named Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Greenest Block in Brooklyn for the fourth time in the competition’s 30-year history. The block also took home the title in 2024, 2022, and 2019.
[caption id="attachment_246804" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Edwards and her neighbors have earned the recognition four times. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption]“There was a great excitement in the air for this block this year, I think people know this block now, so they come through,” Edwards said. “We never take that for granted. We really enjoy it, we enjoy it more than anything.”
The block’s theme this year, “When the Big Apple Goes Green,” inspired neighbors to create blooming tributes to New York City life, with nods to taxis, the subway, ferries, the Knicks, MoMA, the fashion industry, the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra, and more. Displays featured upcycled furniture and signs, haute couture crafted from leaves and reused materials, and an impressive variety of plants.
Althea Joseph, who helped establish P.L.A.N.T. with Edwards, is a semi-retired fashion designer who brought this year’s theme to life with couture dresses made from living and dried leaves.
“I never thought I would be doing plant dresses,” she said, laughing. One bodice was crafted from dried palm leaves, and a Knicks cheerleader dress was fashioned from dogwood leaves she had dried over the past year. A Chanel-inspired look featured vibrant greenery for texture.
[caption id="attachment_246799" align="aligncenter" width="700"] One of Joseph's dresses, made of all plant materials. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246801" align="aligncenter" width="700"] The designs were more than fun, Edwards said, and also serve as an urgent message about the local environment. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption]“For us, ‘When the Big Apple Goes Green,’ it means you can put your greening into any aspect,” she said, adding it also highlights an urgent message.
“As we face climate change, the future of our city depends on embracing urban greening and building healthier, more sustainable neighborhoods. Our display represents more than beauty; it reflects hope, resilience, the power of nature to transform our surroundings. Every tree pollinator protected and green space reserved contributes to clean air, cooler streets, and stronger communities,” she said.
She said climate action and building more resilient neighborhoods starts locally. “Greening for us is not only plants, but it’s friendship and getting people to understand that it’s about community."
This year’s 30th anniversary competition drew 139 entries, the highest number since the pandemic, including 47 first-time participants. It also marked the launch of the Greenest Block in Brownsville initiative, led by Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn borough president’s office, to encourage greening in a neighborhood that experiences some of Brooklyn’s most severe climate-related impacts.
[caption id="attachment_246803" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Several displays made use of recycled materials. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246802" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Perri Edwards on her stoop. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption]“When we found out that the heat index was affecting Brownsville more than any other neighborhood in this entire borough, we wanted to do something about it,” Borough President Antonio Reynoso told the crowd gathered on the block this morning for the awards. Along with tree planting and other greening efforts, he said, the initiative is about strengthening community ties.
“What’s most important is that we do something that Biggie Smalls said every single time, to spread love. It’s about building community. It’s about the interactions that the folks that participate in doing this every single day have with each other."
Several Brownsville blocks received recognition for taking part in this year’s competition, and Reynoso said he would continue supporting the initiative “until Brownsville wins the Greenest Block in Brooklyn.”
[caption id="attachment_246805" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Displays took inspiration from the subway, ferries, and more. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246806" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Neighbors built on the theme to create uniquely beautiful displays. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption]The Greenest Block runner-up was a tie between L&S Jefferson Avenue Block Association on Jefferson Avenue between Lewis and Stuyvesant avenues in Bed Stuy, and Bay Ridge Blooms on Ridge Boulevard between 71st Street and Ovington Avenue in Bay Ridge. Third place went to Canarsie Carailles on 92nd Street between Avenue A and Church Avenue.
Rookie of the Year went to East 91st Block Association in Canarsie, while Hsi Ling Chang Fine Woodworking in Boerum Hill won Greenest Storefront. The Sustainable Practices Award went to The Greene Garden in Fort Greene.
Sonal Bhatt, Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s vice president of education and interpretation, said the Greenest Block in Brooklyn competition has always sought “not only to share horticultural materials, training, and on-site guidance, but also to learn from the knowledge and traditions already present in Brooklyn neighborhoods.”
[caption id="attachment_246795" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Local residents Ian Pearce and 16-year-old “mayor of the block” London. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption] [caption id="attachment_246796" align="aligncenter" width="700"] The P.L.A.N.T. team have not only created a beautiful block, said BBG rep Sonal Blatt, but helped mentor other blocks around Brooklyn. Photo by Susan De Vries[/caption]“There’s nothing that shows talent like greenest block gardeners,” she said. “The Greenest Block creates space for intergenerational interaction for neighbors of all types to come together and create beautiful spaces that are safe for themselves, for pollinators, and for plants.”
She congratulated the P.L.A.N.T. team not only for their gardening skills and what they had reaped from them, but also for mentoring other blocks across Brooklyn. “They are not only creating this beautiful block in Brooklyn, but they are spreading beauty and knowledge throughout Brooklyn."
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper's sister site Brownstoner.
The Brooklyn Democratic Party Executive Committee voted to nominate four candidates for the New York State Supreme Court at their nominating convention held on Aug. 6.
The nominees will appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 3. In all, 170 judicial delegates selected the four nominees through a vote held at the Marine Park Golf Course before a crowd of roughly 250 attendees, according to the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
One of the roles of the Brooklyn Democratic Committee is to select candidates to run for Civil Court and the New York State Supreme Court. The process involves extensive vetting and approval, including meetings with district leaders and a review of each candidate's qualifications before the candidates are presented to the County Committee Body for a vote. Typically, this vote takes place after each candidate participates in a judicial candidate forum that is open to the public and to voters from the candidate's respective district.
According to a report by Legal Clarity, the NY Supreme Court has a keen and attentive election process unlike any other judicial election. It utilizes a nominating convention rather than a standard primary election. Rather than voters electing these judges in a primary election, Judicial Delegates vote to nominate the judges to the ballot at the convention.
Judicial Delegates are significant because they can make sure voter preferences are represented in the nominating process. The report further noted that “the convention system dates back to a 1921 change in the Election Law that replaced direct primaries for these seats with party-run nominating conventions.”
“The idea was that a group of locally elected party representatives would vet candidates more carefully than a low-turnout primary could. In practice, the system concentrates selection power in a relatively small deliberative body rather than the general electorate,” said the report.
[caption id="attachment_137863467" align="alignnone" width="900"] "Fortunately for us as residents of Kings County and Democratic members of the party, we do have the opportunity to vote for judges,” said District Leader Josue Pierre of the 42nd Assembly District, in an interview. Photo by Orlande Fleury[/caption]But the Brooklyn Democratic Party sees the election of judges as vital to protecting the courts’ integrity.
“Over the past decades, we have seen a degradation of our judicial system on the federal level where we don’t have the opportunity to vote for who actually gets to be our judges on that Supreme Court. And we see what it has done to our rights across this county. Fortunately for us as residents of Kings County and Democratic members of the party, we do have the opportunity to vote for judges,” said District Leader Josue Pierre of the 42nd Assembly District, in an interview.
District leaders have an important role in selecting judges as representatives of their constituents, which further echoes the report findings.
“I take a lot of pride personally with my club and the 42nd Assembly District, when we have candidates that do come and meet with the people, connect with them, share their stories and have a common bond with the community,” Pierre added prior to casting his vote for the candidate of his respective district.
The judicial delegates cast their votes in support of Hon. Betsey Jean-Jacques, Hon. Lola Waterman, Hon. Hemalee Patel, and Hon. Sherveal Mimes. Prior to the convention, each of these candidates had the opportunity to contest their candidacy at the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s virtual candidate forum on July 29.
“Our courts are the bedrock of our community, and the people of Kings County deserve justices who lead with unshakeable integrity and profound legal insight,” said Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. “I am incredibly proud to champion this phenomenal slate of candidates, knowing they will bring a deep commitment to equal justice and fiercely protect the rights of every Brooklynite.”
[caption id="attachment_137863468" align="alignnone" width="1200"] “Our courts are the bedrock of our community, and the people of Kings County deserve justices who lead with unshakeable integrity and profound legal insight,” said Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.Photo by Orlande Fleury[/caption]The nominees expressed gratitude to the party leadership and the committee for approving their candidacies.
They included Waterman, a highly experienced legal professional and community advocate with a diverse, robust background in estate planning, immigration, and elder law. She took office as a judge for the New York City Civil Court in Kings County in 2024.
[caption id="attachment_137863463" align="alignnone" width="1074"] Hon. Lola WatermanPhoto by Orlande Fleury[/caption]Waterman earned her Juris Doctor from New York Law School after completing her undergraduate studies at Arizona State University, and currently serves as a board member for the Metropolitan Black Bar Association, alongside her involvement with the Association of Black Women Attorneys and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“To all of the district leaders, judicial delegates, alternate delegates, thank you for all that you do.” said Waterman, in her speech after her confirmed nomination.
Mimes has been on the Kings County Civil Court bench for five years and has built a strong reputation for fairness, efficiency, and judicial integrity, according to the Democratic Party.
[caption id="attachment_137863465" align="alignnone" width="1085"] Hon. Sherveal MimesPhoto by Orlande Fleury[/caption]“I understand and I know that this endorsement and nomination process requires a lot of your time, your thoughts, it means listening to your communities and your delegates, it means accessing the qualifications and experiences of many of us who were presenting ourselves for this nomination,” Mimes said.
Jean-Jacques brings nearly two decades of dedicated legal experience to the bench. She officially assumed office as a judge of the New York City Civil Court in Kings County in 2024. She is an active and respected leader in the local legal community, notably serving as the president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Kings County.
[caption id="attachment_137863466" align="alignnone" width="929"] Hon. Betsey Jean-JacquesPhoto by Orlande Fleury[/caption]“I am the daughter of a Haitian immigrant. I cannot express how blessed I feel and how happy I am that you chose to support me,” Jean-Jacques said. “In today’s climate, to be a Haitian child of first Haitian immigrant when sometimes not everybody gets to dream, and today I am living that dream.”
Finally, Patel — born in India and raised in New York City — was first seated on the Civil Court bench in Kings County in 2025. She previously served as a court attorney-referee on Staten Island, and received her judicial degree from Brooklyn Law School.
“This is such an amazing display of democracy of work and I am so honored to be a part of it. I am so honored by this nomination,” said Patel.
[caption id="attachment_137863464" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Hon. Hemalee PatelPhoto by Orlande Fleury[/caption]
There is a lesson Scripture teaches over and over again: wisdom requires discernment before action.
Good stewards do not make permanent decisions in moments of fear. They seek counsel. They gather the facts. They ask difficult questions. And only then do they move forward.
That lesson has been on my heart as I watch Brooklyn face one of the most consequential health care decisions in generations.
As a pastor, I have prayed with mothers waiting outside operating rooms. I have stood beside families receiving devastating news from physicians. I have celebrated newborns entering the world and comforted loved ones saying their final goodbyes.
When you serve the people of Brooklyn long enough, you come to know Maimonides Medical Center not simply as a hospital, but as sacred ground.
For more than 100 years, it has been one of the institutions that has quietly held this borough together.
That is why the proposal to permanently transfer Maimonides from an independent nonprofit hospital into the NYC Health + Hospitals system deserves far more scrutiny than it has received.
Let me be clear.
This is not an argument against change.
Nor is it an argument against public hospitals, whose dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff provide extraordinary care every day.
It is an argument against making an irreversible decision before we know whether it is truly the only path available.
Brooklyn has learned the painful cost of that mistake before.
Many of us still remember Long Island College Hospital.
We were told the community would be protected. We were assured health care services would remain. Yet, after years of promises, Brooklyn lost one of its historic hospitals, and much of that property ultimately became luxury condominiums.
The hospital never came back.
The promises could not bring it back.
That experience changed how many Brooklynites hear assurances from government and institutional leaders. When people tell us today, "Trust us. This is the only way," we remember what happened the last time we heard words like those.
This is not the time for blind faith.
And while history may not repeat itself exactly, wisdom demands that we learn from it.
No one disputes that Maimonides faces serious financial challenges. Those challenges are real.
But financial distress is not the same thing as financial impossibility.
Everything we have heard suggests there are legitimate questions about whether stronger management, operational modernization, improved billing systems, new leadership, strategic partnerships, or affiliation with another nonprofit health system could stabilize Maimonides while allowing it to remain an independent community institution.
But those possibilities have not all been carefully studied and ruled out — so why are we rushing toward a permanent transfer?
The answer to poor management should not automatically be surrendering a community asset.
Before Brooklyn gives away one of its most important charitable institutions, we deserve an independent review that honestly evaluates every realistic alternative.
That should not be controversial.
In fact, that is exactly what good stewardship requires.
The courts have already determined that this proposal cannot bypass the public review process required under New York law. State law also requires a Health Equity Impact Assessment because decisions like these affect medically underserved and culturally distinct communities in profound ways.
Those safeguards are not bureaucratic obstacles.
They are protections for the people.
They exist because hospitals are different from almost every other institution.
Once a hospital is gone — or fundamentally transformed — it is extraordinarily difficult to restore what was lost.
Maimonides serves one of the most beautifully diverse communities anywhere in America.
Every day, it cares for Orthodox Jewish families who have depended on its cultural understanding and religious accommodations for generations. It serves Muslim families, Latino communities, Caribbean Americans, Asian Americans, Russian-speaking residents, immigrants, and families from every corner of the world who have made Brooklyn their home.
It also serves thousands upon thousands of Black New Yorkers.
For generations, African American families have depended on Maimonides in moments that define a lifetime.
As pastors, we know its hallways well.
We have rushed there after late-night phone calls telling us that a church member had suffered a heart attack. We have prayed over victims of violence. We have sat with anxious families waiting for surgery to end. We have dedicated children who took their first breath there and comforted families whose last earthly moments with a loved one took place within those walls.
Our churches have long viewed Maimonides as more than a health care provider.
It has been a trusted partner in caring for our congregations.
That kind of trust cannot be recreated by a government resolution.
It is earned over generations.
And once it is broken, rebuilding it may take generations more.
No one should fear an independent audit.
No one should fear a transparent evaluation of every available option.
If an independent analysis ultimately concludes that joining NYC Health + Hospitals is the only realistic path to preserving health care in this community, then I will accept that conclusion because it will have been reached honestly, transparently, and with the public fully informed.
But if another path exists — one that preserves both the hospital and its independence — we owe it to every family in Brooklyn to discover that before we make a decision that cannot be undone.
The question before us is not simply who owns a hospital.
The question is whether Brooklyn has learned from its own history.
Long Island College Hospital taught us that once a community institution disappears, regret cannot rebuild it.
Let us not wait until years from now to wonder whether we asked enough questions.
Let us seek the truth now.
Let us examine every alternative.
And let us leave our children a stronger Maimonides than the one we inherited — not another story about the hospital Brooklyn once had.
Before we permanently change the future of Maimonides, let us do what every good physician does: slow down, gather all the facts, seek a second opinion, and make the right diagnosis before prescribing a treatment that cannot be undone.
A group of New York City Ferry workers on Thursday evening voted unanimously to join the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
The unit consists of 65 NYC Ferry technicians and welders, 61 of whom voted to unionize, with zero votes against. The workers are fighting for higher pay and stronger benefits, according to TWU.
TWU represents 160,000 workers across several modes of transportation. That includes roughly 40,000 New York City Transit workers who are members of the union's Local 100. Those transit workers are currently engaged in tense negotiations with the MTA over a new contract after their last one expired in May.
“We are growing our ranks at the New York City Ferry with this latest organizing victory, as technicians and welders can see the day-in-day-out fight we bring on all fronts and want to be a part of it," TWU President John Samuelsen said in a statement. "We will now begin work on a critical first contract to bring big gains for NYC Ferry workers, just like we have for decades with NYC Subways, trains, buses, planes, and bikes.”
The union has not yet determined whether the ferry workers would be part of Local 100 or another chapter.
The newly unionized workers mostly operate out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. They are employed by Hornblower Group, the company that the city's Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has contracted to run the NYC Ferry system since its 2017 launch.
"NYCEDC supports the decision by NYC Ferry engineering employees to elect representation by the Transport Workers Union (TWU)," EDC spokesperson Seth Schuster said in a statement. "NYCEDC is committed to supporting the workers who deliver safe and reliable NYC Ferry service for millions of riders each year, and will ensure that our operator, Hornblower Group, delivers on that commitment."
The ferry system mostly operates along the East River, moving New Yorkers between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. It also has routes connecting to Manhattan's west side, Staten Island, and the Rockaway peninsula.
Hornblower Group, in a statement sent by its attorneys, said that it "recognize[s] and respect[s] the right of our New York City crew to organize."
"Based on the results of this week’s election, we will work with all relevant parties to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement that best serves all parties and ensures we continue to provide New Yorkers with safe, reliable, affordable, and efficient public transportation," it said.
However, Samuelsen said the TWU is not stopping with the ferry technicians and welders.
"This is a blockbuster development for us," he said. "We have our foot in the door and plan on organizing the rest of the ferry workers and will work with our union allies to ensure all are represented."
A pair of new court challenges are widening scrutiny of the New York City Department of Probation (DOP).
Two former IT employees with the agency responsible for supervising parolees in the city allege that they were fired or effectively forced out after Commissioner Sharun Goodwin took office, before the agency advertised jobs tied to their work, while a separate whistleblower-retaliation suit against department leaders remains pending.
Jenette Cummings and Demmi Slaughter filed separate Article 78 petitions in New York County (Manhattan) Supreme Court late last month, each seeking reinstatement, back pay and other relief. Their cases involve different employment circumstances but overlap inside DOP’s information technology unit, where both say employees abruptly lost access to systems needed to perform their jobs.
A DOP spokesperson said the department is “committed to serving New Yorkers with fairness, integrity, and professionalism.”
“The City will review the cases when served,” the spokesperson said.
John Scola, Slaughter’s attorney, told amNewYork that agency turnover is common under new administrations and commissioners, but that the lawfulness of any personnel action must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. He said employees from numerous city agencies had contacted him about personnel changes after the Mamdani administration took office.
Cummings, who is representing herself, began working at DOP on Jan. 12 as an IT project specialist with the business title IT asset management associate. She was dismissed on March 27, roughly two months into a six-month probationary period.
Cummings clarified that she was not assigned any tasks after the new commissioner took office. Her offer letter identified Slaughter as her supervisor, but Cummings said that after Slaughter was no longer in the office, no one could tell to whom she reported.
“No one had an answer for me as far as what tasks I had to do for my day-to-day,” Cummings told amNewYork. “No one gave any direction.”
Cummings said she and other workers lost email, ticketing-system and data-center access, preventing them from resolving support requests or troubleshooting technical problems.
Cummings said Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources Zenia Melendez called her March 27 and directed her to a meeting where she was told only that DOP was “going in a different direction.” After she sought an explanation for unemployment purposes, Human Resources Director Keven Lee emailed her April 14 that she “didn’t pass probation.”
“They told me that I didn’t pass probation, but they didn’t tell me the reason why I didn’t pass probation,” Cummings said. “I was never given an evaluation.”
She said she received no written or verbal warning before her dismissal.
On April 22, 26 days after Cummings was dismissed, DOP advertised two openings carrying the same IT Project Specialist civil-service title and IT Asset Management Associate business title she had held. Cummings said she reapplied but received no response.
Dismissed Probation workers question agency's motivesSlaughter’s petition describes a separate but related dispute. Slaughter, a nearly nine-year city employee, held the permanent civil-service title Certified IT Administrator and was serving as acting second-in-command of DOP’s IT unit.
Her petition alleges DOP revoked access needed by roughly 12 IT employees on Jan. 27 without notice or explanation and, based on information from a colleague, attributes the decision to Chief Information Officer Razwan Mirza.
In an email to her union, Slaughter said the disruption temporarily halted DOP’s IT operations and that the employee who disabled her access claimed he had been instructed by the “new DOP commissioner.”
Slaughter resigned Feb. 17, effective April 17, alleging the restrictions and lack of explanation had made her position untenable. She withdrew the resignation on April 13 while still on the payroll, but DOP processed her separation four days later, according to the petition.
Lee told her the withdrawal could not be accepted because her position had been filled. Slaughter alleges DOP also proposed placing her on unpaid leave until the NYPD took her back, although she says she was not on loan from the Police Department.
DOP later told her it had no vacancies consistent with her permanent title. Her petition points to the April 22 IT openings, although they carried a different civil-service title, and to a later posting for an IT Service Management Specialist position that she identifies as her former job.
Scola said Slaughter told him DOP would not identify who had filled her former position and rejected her request to be considered for another vacancy.
Scola also represents Ebony Huntley, DOP’s former chief investigator, whose April lawsuit alleges she was fired after forwarding an anonymous employee complaint about department leadership to the Department of Investigation.
The complaint raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and favoritism, including an alleged prior relationship between Goodwin and DOP General Counsel Wayne McKenzie. It also alleged that Goodwin had expressed an intention to remove or marginalize employees associated with the previous administration. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Huntley has since met with DOI, Scola said. He said the city has been served in her case but had not yet filed a response.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in April that he took the allegations “incredibly seriously” but would not weigh in on an ongoing investigation.
“New Yorkers should rest assured that there is an investigation,” he said.
The Department of Investigation declined to comment on whether that investigation remains ongoing or, if it has concluded, whether it would release any findings. City Hall declined to comment on a separate request for comment on the investigation’s status.
Fire marshals are investigating the cause of a late-night fire that burned through a Canarsie home on Aug. 6.
The blaze broke out in the rear of a three-story, two-family house on East 81st Street, near Avenue K, at around 11:30 p.m, per the FDNY. When squads arrived on the scene, the back of the home was engulfed in heavy flame.
[caption id="attachment_246779" align="aligncenter" width="700"] No one was injured in the blaze, though the extent of damage to the building is unclear. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell[/caption]“I was laying in bed and I started smelling smoke and I saw flashing lights right after," said neighbor Rose Colon. "The firefighters were climbing on the truck pulling hose, the ladder went up really quickly.”
A team of 65 firefighters used three hose and an aggressive interior attack to battle the fire. Searches for trapped residents were negative, as all tenants appeared to have escaped on their own.
Nearby resident Pamela Rogers said the scene was "chaotic."
"I just got in my car to head to work when I saw smoke coming from the building and the firefighters started arriving, it was very chaotic," she said.
[caption id="attachment_246773" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Firefighters extinguished the blaze shortly after midnight. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell[/caption]The fire was brought under control shortly after midnight. There were no injuries, per the FDNY. The extent of the damage within the home was not immediately clear — the FDNY did not call on the Department of Buildings for an inspection, per a DOB spokesperson — but the home's windows were shattered and its brick exterior streaked with smoke.
FDNY fire marshals will investigate the cause of the blaze.
The leading candidates in New York City's June 24 Democratic mayoral primary hit the campaign trail on Thursday to attack each other.
Mamdani hits Cuomo on PAC moneyQueens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist who is consistently polling in second place, held an event in Astoria to slam former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the frontrunner, over a super PAC supporting his campaign — known as "Fix the City."
Mamdani charged that wealthy contributors—including donors to President Trump and real estate bigwigs—are pouring millions of dollars into Cuomo's super PAC because they are afraid of his pledges to raise taxes on the wealthy and freeze rent increases for stabilized tenants.
"These are billionaires who are giving hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars to Andrew Cuomo, precisely because they know that we are going to tax them to make life a little bit more affordable here in the most expensive city in the United States," Mamdani said. "They are giving Andrew Cuomo unprecedented amounts of money because they know we are going to stand up to the Trump administration that they helped deliver."
Mamdani's remarks come after Politico reported that Fix the City has now raised $24 million, one-third of which came from billionaire former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who endorsed Cuomo last week.
Cuomo, meanwhile, defended the donations from Bloomberg following his own Thursday afternoon Juneteenth event at Co-Op City in the Bronx.
"He happens to be a billionaire, good for him," Cuomo said of Bloomberg. "He also happens to have been a highly successful mayor of New York City, and Mr. Bloomberg supports me because he knows what this job requires, and he worked with me as governor."
Furthermore, Cuomo insisted that the rush of donations to Fix the City shows he has "a lot of support" because many people are worried about the city's state and fear his competitors are "not competent to do the job."
Cuomo hits Mamdani on 'globalize the intifada' defenseThe former governor also sought to hit Mamdani — a fierce critic of Israel and advocate for Palestinian rights — over his declining to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada" when asked if it made him uncomfortable on The Bulwork podcast earlier this week. Mamdani did not use the phrase, which many Jewish people see as inciting violence against them, but instead explained that in Arabic, it is a call for liberation.
"When you say globalize the intifada, that is basically repugnant to the Jewish community," Cuomo told reporters. "It is basically inciting violence against the Jewish community worldwide."
A slew of elected officials, including Mamdani's cross-endorsed fellow candidate, city Comptroller Brad Lander, and the American Holocaust Museum, have sharply criticized him for not condemning the phrase.
However, Mamdani defended his actions when asked about them by reporters Thursday morning. He insisted that he is committed to protecting Jewish New Yorkers as mayor and that he will never advocate for violence.
"My point is not that this is language that I use," Mamdani said, referring to the phrase. "These words have different meanings for many different people. My point is rather to say that each and every New Yorker deserves that safety, and that my focus is going to be on making this an affordable city. The language that I use is going to be language that is clear and language that speaks directly to the concerns of New Yorkers."
Lander hits Cuomo, again, on past scandalsMeanwhile, Lander—accompanied by his wife, son, and daughter—spoke to reporters after voting early on Thursday afternoon at the John Jay High School campus in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn.
Lander, who has polled at a distant third place for several weeks, has been riding high over the past few days after receiving the backing of a New York Times Opinion-convened panel last week and being brutally arrested by federal immigration authorities on Tuesday.
The comptroller took the opportunity to highlight his performance during the final Democratic primary debate last week, in which he took Cuomo to task for the sexual harassment and COVID-19 nursing home scandals that led the former governor to resign in 2021.
"What I wanted to do was make clear to all New Yorkers, the last thing we need is a disgraced politician who had to resign after sexually harassing 11 women, who lied to New Yorkers and sent thousands of nursing home victims to their deaths, and who refused to take any responsibility for it," Lander said.
In response, Cuomo's spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, pointed to five district attorneys declining to bring charges over some of the former governor's sexual harassment allegations. He added that the civil cases that arose from the accusations, some of which are still ongoing, "either dropped the governor or are rapidly falling apart."
"Brad Lander has been trying to use this as an issue the entire election to paper over his lack of accomplishment and the fact that he barely does the job he was elected to do now," Azzopardi said. "He can't fool New Yorkers into giving him a promotion."
When it comes to the nursing home scandal, Azzopardi insisted Cuomo followed federal guidelines. Additionally, he said Trump politicized the entire issue during the president's first term, going after Democratic governors when he was running for re-election in 2020.
Atlantic Terminal is turning 20, and it’s marking the milestone the Brooklyn way — outside, with programming for the community that helped shape it. The Downtown Brooklyn shopping center is launching a free, summer-long series of events called Terminal 20: Summer on Track, inviting neighbors and visitors to join the celebration now through September.
Sunny Choi, head of leasing at Madison International Realty, said the Brooklyn community “has been at the heart of everything we do at Atlantic Terminal.”
“We’re thrilled to celebrate that connection with a season of joyful programming for our neighbors and visitors to enjoy together,” Choi said.
At the heart of the celebration is a variety of weekly events focused on wellness and family fun, all taking place at Atlantic Terminal Mall Plaza.
On Thursday evenings through Aug. 21, the plaza transforms into an “open-air dance floor” for the Summer Sunset Salsa Series, presented in partnership with Nieves Latin Dance Studio in Williamsburg. From 6 to 9 p.m., DJs, live bands and guided lessons bring beginners and seasoned dancers together in movement and community.
Wednesdays feature Wellness Wednesdays with Diva Dance, a beginner-friendly fitness class set to upbeat music and choreography led by Diva Dance. Classes run through Aug. 20 and require advance registration, as space is limited.
[caption id="attachment_224316" align="alignnone" width="700"] The Summer Sunset Salsa Series takes place Thursday evenings at Atlantic Terminal, in collaboration with Williamsburg-based Nieves Latin Dance Studio. Admission is free and open to all.Photo courtesy of Atlantic Terminal[/caption]Families can look forward to Summer Saturdays with Brooklyn Bridge Parents on July 12 and Sept. 14. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., children ages 0-12 can take part in immersive activities like water play, crafts, games and giveaways — providing space for “children to connect and create.” Admission is free, but RSVPs are recommended.
Beyond weekly programming, Atlantic Terminal is also hosting a Pixie Pods summer camp through Sept. 2. The camp, geared toward younger children, encourages “artistic expression, active play and imaginative exploration.” Registration is required and fees apply.
Located at the crossroads of Flatbush and Atlantic avenues, Atlantic Terminal has long served as more than a retail and transit hub — it’s a gathering place for the Brooklyn community. As it celebrates 20 years in the borough, Terminal 20: Summer on Track is both a thank you and an invitation to celebrate.
For full event details and registration, visit shopatlanticterminal.com.
School is almost out for summer, and while many New York City public school students are looking forward to a carefree break, for others who rely on free school breakfasts and lunches, it may also mark the hungriest time of year.
To combat summer hunger head-on, meal kit delivery service HelloFresh partnered with No Kid Hungry, City Harvest and award-winning chef and TikTok personality Eitan Bernath to distribute more than 1,500 free HelloFresh meal boxes to families at P.S. 177 in Gravesend on June 17.
According to Feed the Children, 13 million kids in the United States experience food insecurity. In New York City, one in four children faces hunger — and the long summer break can make matters worse for many public school students.
Bernath, who serves on the City Harvest Food Council, told Brooklyn Paper the goal of the event was to provide families with “nutritious and delicious” food.
[caption id="attachment_224271" align="alignnone" width="700"] Celebrity chef Eitan Bernath helps distribute HelloFresh meal packages. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]"They deserve to eat just as good food as all of us," said Bernath, noting that New York City is one of the world capitals of gourmet dining.
“Yet, people that walk right past these restaurants every single day, all day long, don't have access to any food,” Bernath said. “It's so easy to take for granted that those of us who aren't food insecure can just open the fridge, grab something to eat, go to the pantry, grab something to eat. How many New Yorkers don't have that?”
Potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, by nearly $300 billion would further exacerbate the food insecurity crisis and increase demand for food pantries and soup kitchens — demand that has already grown by 85% compared to 2019.
At the same time, reductions to vital federal feeding programs — including the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), which allows food banks to purchase food from local farms, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which ships food directly to food banks and helps cover operational costs — have made it harder for organizations to meet the growing need.
Jeffrey Yorzyk, senior director of sustainability at HelloFresh North America, highlighted the company’s Hunger Heroes campaign, a partnership with No Kid Hungry aimed at raising awareness about childhood hunger, especially during the summer, when school meal programs are unavailable to students in need.
“Nine out of 10 teachers are worried about the food their students are going to get during the summertime, and up to 85% of them believe that families really should have assistance around food insecurity during the summer as well,” Yorzyk explained. “So with SNAP programs at risk right now and so many things, we really wanted to try and bring visibility to that for the community.”
[caption id="attachment_224266" align="alignnone" width="700"] P.S. 177 families sign up for HelloFresh meal packages. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]In addition to the Hunger Heroes campaign, HelloFresh also runs Meals With Meaning, a weekly food distribution effort launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign distributes about 36,000 meal kits weekly across Brooklyn and several other U.S. cities — and is on track to hit the 10 million mark since its inception.
HelloFresh has also partnered with the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) to provide meal kits to veterans and their families through Meals with Meaning.
“[DVS] is really making sure that military veterans and their families are getting food because there's actually such a disproportionate amount of food insecurity with military families and the Veterans especially,” Yorzyk said.
[caption id="attachment_224267" align="alignnone" width="700"] HelloFresh distributed 1,500 meal boxes at P.S. 177. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]City Harvest, New York City’s largest food rescue organization, runs the Produce Pals program at P.S. 177. Pedro Urbaez, associate director of direct and community distribution at City Harvest, said he appreciated HelloFresh’s support.
“One in four children in New York City [don’t have] enough access to food,” Urbaez said. “For us to have someone like HelloFresh be able to donate these meals, especially now, right before the school year ends — and summer meals are not something that everybody will be able to access — this is very important to us.”
Urbaez told Brooklyn Paper that 50% of working-age New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet due to high inflation and the rising cost of living.
“[For City Harvest] it is very important to continue to have things like [the meal box distribution] and be able to give people access to food and be able to give them at least some sort of break, financially, so they can go ahead and take care of other things that they might have to take care of [like] rent and bills,” Urbaez said.
On a hot, sunny afternoon, Coney Island is packed with strollers, couples in locked hands and generations of families. But above the crash of waves and the roar of the Cyclone, a quieter story unfolds behind the counters of the boardwalk’s family-run shops and restaurants.
Strolling along the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk, one restaurant stands out in all its bright blue glory. With bold signage, a classic menu of clams and hot dogs, and a bustling bar filled with patrons sipping beer, Paul’s Daughter looks like a vintage postcard come to life.
“I started in 2016 as a sign painter, helped them design the interior of the store, and then became the bartender and manager,” said Stephen Gaffney. “I didn’t want some of the iconic signage to be further damaged by outside elements.”
For Gaffney, working at Paul’s Daughter is a way to help preserve the spirit of Coney Island. He points to the long-time workers at other businesses along the boardwalk as the reason he keeps coming back, especially during rough patches.
“I come back for the people, the rides, and the weather, although the weather is also our enemy as a vendor. It can be extremely beautiful down here to be among wind and rain, but it's not good for business,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “You can’t predict the weather here but we have to open no matter what. We got to show up and be ready.”
Gaffney fondly remembers Paul Georgoulakos, who opened the store in 1962. After Astroland was sold in 2008, Georgoulakos' daughter renamed the stand in her father’s honor to keep the legacy alive.
“Paul used to be here all the time, for the 60 years that he had this business, to help others out,” said Gaffney. “He would store food for the winter, keep his freezer open, and be down here whenever it was nice out. We’re all here because of Paul.”
[caption id="attachment_224261" align="alignnone" width="634"] Paul Georgoulakos, founder of Paul’s Daughter, is remembered as a beloved fixture of the Coney Island boardwalk, where he ran his iconic food stand for more than 60 years.Instagram/@paulsdaughterbk[/caption]On the other end of the wooden boardwalk, Brooklyn Beach Shop occupies a large space as a trendy retail store offering Coney Island-themed apparel, souvenirs and beach essentials. The family behind the store opened its first location all the way back in 1966 as a discount shop on the corner of Mermaid and Stillwell Avenue.
“My parents had their business when the MTA started renovating the Stillwell station, and the construction and street closures ended up putting them out of business,” said Maya Miller, who co-owns Brooklyn Beach Shop with her father. “Fortunately, in 2003, my dad found a new spot, which became Coney Island Beach Shop–the big store next to Nathan’s on Stillwell — and he’s been there ever since.”
When the pandemic hit, Miller realized that the neighboring vendors could lend a hand, bringing them even closer. Every business on the boardwalk had something to offer that the others didn’t, and they quickly developed a mutual support system. Miller recalls just a few days ago, a pizza pie waiting for her from a neighboring shop, which she shared with Ruby’s Bar & Grill. In return, Ruby’s brought over cold beverages.
“If the weather’s not nice and we see someone who looks cold, we’ll throw over some sweatshirts from our store,” said Miller. “Behind the scenes, there’s this close-knit relationship amongst all of us that not many people see, but it is very special to us.”
Ruby’s Bar and Grill, with its vibrant red exterior, is a beloved spot known for its heartwarming history, especially to those who knew or remember Ruby Jacobs. Raised on the beaches and boardwalk of Coney Island, Jacobs always returned to the community that had welcomed him since childhood. After his passing in 2000, his daughters, Cindy and Melody, continue to run the restaurant with the same love for Coney Island that he once had.
“What makes Coney Island so special is that there are no typical days,” said Michael Sarrel, who married Melody and is now the store manager of Ruby’s. “Everyone who runs Coney Island is a character because you’re running a business and dealing with all sorts of characters yourself. Once you’ve spent some time here, it rubs off on you.”
[caption id="attachment_224247" align="alignnone" width="700"] The interior of Ruby’s Bar & Grill is lined with historic photos, showcasing decades of Coney Island memories and the bar’s deep-rooted legacy on the boardwalk.Photo by Erica Price[/caption]Every day feels like an adventure at Coney Island to Sarrel. He describes it as a true melting pot, where people from all walks of life gather — and remarkably, everybody gets along.
Much like Miller at Brooklyn Beach Shop, Sarrel recalls many moments when the vendors on the boardwalk helped each other out in times of need, a reflection of their close community and mutual respect.
“Somebody always needs help, and we’re all here for each other," he said. "When I run out of cups, I go next door to Paul’s. If they run out of soda, they come and take some of ours."
Just a few stops down, Deno’s Snack Bar stands proudly with the iconic Wonder Wheel towering behind it — part of a larger legacy rooted in Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.
“My grandfather started the business here as a food trailer in the late 70s or 80s,” said Deno “DJ” Vourderis, grandson of Denos Vourderis, who bought the Wonder Wheel in 1983 and opened the theme park. “From there, we expanded back into the park, got this building, and eventually purchased the Wonder Wheel.”
[caption id="attachment_166449" align="alignnone" width="700"] Steve Vourderis and son Deno "DJ" Vourderis are operating the Wonder Wheel.File photo by Erica Price[/caption]For Deno, it’s not uncommon to see people who grew up in Brooklyn return to Coney Island years later with their children and grandchildren in tow, eager to share the same rides they once enjoyed. He says it’s especially meaningful to watch families come back from places like New Jersey, Florida and beyond to relive their memories and pass along their love for Coney Island.
During the off-season, Deno remains in the area, staying busy with ride maintenance, painting and cleaning the park — always mindful of the constant upkeep required.
“We stay positive and remember that the sun will come out eventually,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re all grateful to work here — with the smell of the ocean and the sound of seagulls in the distance. I’m just here trying to put kids on rides, make them happy, and support the other businesses on the boardwalk that have been here since the beginning.”
The people of South Williamsburg have, for decades, dealt with the long-term effects of environmental abuses and climate change.
New York City considers the nabe an environmental justice area — meaning it has suffered “disproportionate negative impacts due to historical and existing social inequities without equal protection and enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.”
Those impacts are still apparent, said Asenhat Gómez, interim executive director of local org El Puente. The local community boards, which have huge influence on zoning and policy decisions, aren’t representative of longtime South Williamsburg residents.
Last year, El Puente was awarded a $3 million Community Change grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The org planned to use the grant to bring underrepresented residents into the fold on environmental and planning decisions, Gómez said, to ensure their voices and experiences are heard and considered.
[caption id="attachment_224254" align="aligncenter" width="700"] A 2024 community meeting at El Puente. Photo courtesy of El Puente/Facebook[/caption]“The people impacted should be the people making decisions," she said. "It is easier for you to do away with something if you have never experienced or lived what our communities have lived and have experienced."
But last month, under the direction of President Donald Trump and EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, the grant was canceled. In a May 2 email, the EPA said El Puente’s project was “no longer consistent with EPA funding priorities.”
El Puente’s grant was one of hundreds canceled by Zeldin because they were related to environmental justice or diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The grants would have funded dozens of climate-related projects — one, in Savannah, would have provided free insulation and HVAC to vulnerable homeowners, another would have protected homes in Washington from wildfire smoke.
Many of those grants were authorized by former president Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which included $3 billion for EPA grants to “help disadvantaged communities and provide technical assistance.”
Sudden cut leaves El Puente on unsteady groundThe grant would have allowed El Puente to hire more people to engage with locals at schools, NYCHA developments, and other areas around the neighborhood and invite them to join new Environmental Advisory Boards, where they would learn about and discuss environmental issues and how to address them via local government.
“For instance, Bushwick is one of the communities that gets flooded,” Gómez explained. “And there’s big plans for some infrastructure upgrades, right? But a lot of the community doesn’t always know or have all the information. They have the lived experiences … But they don’t always have the information about, ‘How do we get engaged in these decision-making bodies in the community.’ That’s the goal of this EPA grant.”
The EABs would have eventually been integrated with local Community Boards 1 and 4 in an effort to make the bodies more representative of the neighborhoods they represent.
[caption id="attachment_224256" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Union Avenue near the Williamsburg Bridge in South Williamsburg. Photo courtesy of REUTERS/Lucas Jackson[/caption]“These Environmental Advisory Boards would be made up of community members who would maybe not normally have the time, space, resources, knowledge of what it means to be on a community board,” said Raisa Garden Lucerna, a youth leader and Environmental Justice Campaign and Policy Manager at El Puente. “... the hope [with] the EABs was also to inspire and empower community members to not feel disillusioned by city processes, like community boards and land use decisions and zoning decisions.”
El Puente worked on its grant application for months, Gómez said, and they started moving quickly once the award was granted on Jan. 1 — contacting their partners on the project, interviewing job candidates, and preparing to launch their project. Their EPA program manager even attended their Three Kings Day celebration in January, Gómez said.
But the grant was frozen in February. Litigation brought against the federal government by other nonprofit groups temporarily unfroze the grant in April, but El Puente was hesitant to pull any money — or to do too much work, since it was unclear whether the grant would be restored permanently.
“We’ve been told all along the best thing you can do is stay in compliance [with EPA requirements],” Gómez said. “That has been the expectation. And we’ve done that to the best of our ability to stay fiscally in compliance and programmatically in compliance. But you’re asking folks to do work for which they’re not being paid.”
After the grant was officially terminated last month, there has been no further communication from the EPA, Gómez said. Even before then, communication with the agency had been sparse, as the program manager El Puente had been working with was fired.
[caption id="attachment_224258" align="aligncenter" width="700"] A section of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Williamsburg. The highway contributes to poor air quality and high asthma rates in the nabe. Photo courtesy of Tdorante10/Wikimedia Commons[/caption]With the grant canceled, El Puente had to tell five people who had gone through intense interviews and background checks that they could not be hired.
Garden Lucerna, the daughter of El Puente’s founders, said the cancellation would force the team to think more creatively. But it’s put a damper on the org’s plans and programs, echoes historical injustices that shoved environmental burdens onto minority communities.
South Williamsburg is bisected by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and the pollution it brings degrades air quality and causes higher rates of asthma in children and adults. Garden Lucerna herself has asthma, she said, and her father died from a respiratory infection.
The area is also vulnerable to the urban heat island effect, and often feels up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the actual temperature. The needs of longtime residents of South Williamsburg are different from those represented on CB1.
“Ultimately, I think we’re setting ourselves backwards,” Gómez said. “I think we have worked so hard for so long to ensure that our communities are represented, are heard, are part of the decision-making processes. And I think the gap is becoming wider because this work won’t be able to happen.”
EPA officials slam DEI, environmental justiceWhen reached for comment about El Puente’s grant, an EPA representative put the blame on the past administration.
“Maybe the Biden-Harris Administration shouldn’t have forced their radical agenda of wasteful DEI programs and ‘environmental justice’ preferencing on the EPA’s core mission,” the spox told Brooklyn Paper. “The Trump EPA will continue to work with states, tribes, and communities to support projects that advance the agency’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment.”
Zeldin, the EPA administrator, has been effusive in his praise of canceling grants and funding.
“The American people deserve accountability and responsible stewardship of their hard-earned tax dollars,” Zeldin said in February, after cutting several contracts at EPA. “At President Trump’s direction, EPA, with the assistance of DOGE, are reviewing every dollar spent. There will be zero tolerance for waste and abuse, and by canceling these contracts, we are delivering nearly $60 million in immediate savings to the American people.”
[caption id="attachment_224257" align="aligncenter" width="700"] EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who has criticized the agency's DEI and environmental justice programs. Photo courtesy of REUTERS/Kent Nishimura[/caption]Gómez and Garden Lucerna said the cuts harkened back to historical injustices in the area and in environmental justice communities around the country. The sentiment was echoed by U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez, who has long represented the area in Congress. In March, Velázquez signed on to an open letter to the EPA in opposition to proposed budget cuts.
“This decision by the EPA will do real harm to El Puente and the communities they serve across Brooklyn,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “These neighborhoods have borne the brunt of environmental injustice for decades, with higher rates of pollution and asthma as a result. The EPA’s mission is to protect human health and the environment. Canceling El Puente’s grant, and others like it across the country, does nothing but undermine that goal.”
Data gathered by The Public Environmental Data Partners shows that a number of other local organizations have had their EPA grants scrapped, including the Sixth Street Community Center in Manhattan and the Rockaway Waterfront Alliance.
“I think what we’re seeing across the board at the federal level across this nation is community organizations like ours are being stripped of all of the resources that they need to advance and continue to grow the really important work that we’re trying to do,” Garden Lucerna said.
City and state agencies have been impacted, too. $1 million was cut from the city’s Air Conditioner Recovery Program, and the state’s Office of Resilient Homes and Communities list a $1 million grant dedicated to energy transition in south Brooklyn.
The ORHC project, according to EPA documents, would have worked with UPROSE and the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation to create resiliency committees in Sunset Park, Red Hook, and Gowanus — coastal, industrial neighborhoods vulnerable to climate change and flooding.
[caption id="attachment_212122" align="aligncenter" width="700"] One canceled grant would have promoted climate resiliency in Gowanus, Red Hook and Sunset Park. File photo by Anna Bradley-Smith[/caption]Those committees would have worked to create potential plans to fortify the neighborhoods against climate change while investing in and adopting zero-emissions tech and green construction — like solar panels, battery storage systems, and more.
The Office of Resilient Homes and Communities declined to comment.
It’s not clear whether the EPA will continue the grant programs it has cut funding from. The agency does intend to close its Environmental Justice and DEI branches.
"EPA is in the process of terminating hundreds of grants representing the full extent of financial support provided by the agency’s Office of Environmental Justice, which they are also disbanding,” said Zealan Hoover, a former senior advisor at the EPA. “In total, they are terminating hundreds of grants to local communities totaling over $2 billion. These grants were intended to help local communities address pollution and improve participation in government decision making.”
Seeking support elsewhereGómez said El Puente has not yet identified any potential sources of funding that could fill the gap left by the EPA cut, though she is hopeful. In the meantime, the org is also asking for donations from the community.
“We are hoping that philanthropy will step up, but again, I also know that there’s fear there,” she said. “I know that there are lots of folks who want to support, I don’t know if they have the pockets to support.”
El Puente has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Garden Lucerna said, but many of those grants have been slashed, too.
“As much as we’re talking about money and systems and policy and planning and governance, there’s people’s lives that are going to be most affected,” she said. “People’s lives and our future.”
Twenty-eight seconds remained in the eighth round when Richardson Hitchins was declared the reigning champion. He’d knocked George Kambosos Jr. to the canvas with a wicked body shot that left Kambosos Jr. wincing. The referee stood over Kambosos Jr. and counted, but all the Australian could do was struggle to his feet, assisted by the ropes and his right eye swollen, before he fell into the referee’s arms.
Hitchins, the 140-pound Brooklyn native, retained the IBF World Junior Welterweight Title with a stoppage victory over Kambosos Jr. on Saturday night at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. For most of the evening’s headline tilt, it was obvious. Hitchins controlled the fight. He continuously landed jabs and broke Kambosos Jr. down. But if you asked Hitchins, he’d say that you should’ve seen him coming.
“I’ve been telling the boxing world that I’m the truth,” Hitchins said after the fight. “If you don’t know Richardson Hitchins, now you know. I’ve been telling the boxing world I’ve been coming. They should have listened, and now I’m here.”
It was, by now, after midnight. It had been just under an hour since Hitchins vanquished Kambosos Jr. with the left-handed body shot to remain undefeated, his record now standing at 20–0. The theater beneath The Garden’s main event space, which had not long before been filled with a raucous crowd, had all but emptied, save for the building’s event staff who took apart the ring and unscrewed temporary rows of seats surrounding it, and a handful of reporters in section 203.
[caption id="attachment_137773312" align="alignnone" width="1024"] New York City, New York: Richardson Hitchins fights George Kambosos Jr. for the IBF World Junior Welterweight Title on June 14, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Photo by Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom Boxing)[/caption]Hitchins is a product of the NYC Cops & Kids Boxing program, an initiative founded and run by New York City police officers that offers young people aged 12 to 21 an alternative to street life. Hitchins said he didn’t want to be a boxer when he was a kid, but after seeing Floyd Mayweather’s trash-talking, he came to the gym.
Boxing changed his life. He feels that he’s living proof of the Cops & Kids program.
“Me coming from that program, it can show that young kid that I come from the same place as you,” Hitchins said. “I've had the used boxing shoes that the older guys would give me, the stinky hand wraps, the dirty gloves that was just messed up.
“That program is meant to help a kid, push their trajectory in life towards the positive. And I feel like, whether it's boxing, whether it's being anything you want to be in life, that program can change anybody’s life, and I'm living proof of it.”
Hitchins’ promoter and the chairman of Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn, praised Hitchins’ humble personality. Before he fought Kambosos Jr., Hitchins returned to Cops & Kids to spend time in the community he grew up in.
“He's a product of the system,” Hearn told amNewYork about Hitchins in an interview before Saturday’s fight. “He's a product of grassroots boxing in New York, and he's a very good young man, and he's a tremendous fighter.”
Hitchins worked his way up, eventually representing Haiti at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. But two years ago, he was out of the game after he finished his contract with Mayweather Promotions.
“Mayweather Promotions just kind of left him on the side,” Hearn said. “He had no profile, no contract, no activity.”
Enter Hearn and Matchroom Boxing, who signed Hitchins and boxed him to Madison Square Garden. He headlined in Orlando, Las Vegas, and Puerto Rico on the way.
New York City is not cheap. Hotels are expensive. Madison Square Garden is lavish. But there’s nothing like it. As Hearn said, The Garden is “the mecca of boxing.”
“If you want to make a statement, you come here,” he said.
Hitchins’ bout with Kambosos Jr. was not just a homecoming, but a potential breakout fight. With a win, he could be looking at more lucrative fights against the likes of Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez — the caliber of fighters Hitchins feels like he should be taking on.
“This is the fight that could give him that jump in terms of profile, in terms of the fan base calling out for those big fights,” Hearn said. “When you talk about Haney and Teo, they know how good Richardson is. And I think sometimes you say, ‘He just isn't a big enough name.’”
What better way to increase Hitchins’ profile than fighting a big-name opponent and a former world champion, Kambosos Jr., at Madison Square Garden?
If Hitchins could put together a special performance, he’d unquestionably raise his stock.
[caption id="attachment_137773313" align="alignnone" width="1024"] New York City, New York: Richardson Hitchins speaks to the media after defeating George Kambosos Jr. for the IBF World Junior Welterweight Title on June 14, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Photo by Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom Boxing)[/caption]Kambosos Jr. had targeted Hitchins’ body for most of the fight. It was a good plan, in theory: break down his opponent’s body.
“That was the plan,” Kambosos Jr. said. “Body, body, body, stabbing that body, stabbing that right hand, the left rib, to the body. I didn't fully execute the game plan. I went a little bit too much head-hunting.”
He knew that Hitchins was going to be sharp. Like Rocky Balboa, Kambosos Jr. took the shots. They hurt. He fired back. He busted Hitchins’ lip. But Hitchins sent him down.
“I wanted to go more,” Kambosos Jr. said. “That's the warrior I am. I'm always ready to die in that ring. I didn't stay down. That body shot would have taken 100% of all of you here and anyone critiquing online.”
Kambosos Jr., boxing on his 32nd birthday, is five years older than Hitchins, 27. He previously held the unified lightweight championship. He held the IBO lightweight title. At that point, after losing to Hitchins, he faced the inevitable question from a reporter: What’s next?
Losing sucks, he admitted. But Kambosos Jr. has three young kids. He’s been busy over the past few years.
“My cabinet's full, my bank account's full, and I've got a loving family,” he said. “So what's next? I'm gonna go coach my son's footy team.”
Hitchins, meanwhile, faced a different question: Is this just the beginning of Richardson Hitchins?
He certainly believes so. He insisted that the statement victory against Kambosos Jr. isn’t his final level. There’s a lot more for him to do. No one believes that sentiment more.
“I do believe that I'm one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing, period,” Hitchins said. “I'm going to show if I'm not that yet, it will come because I believe in myself, and I'm working hard every day.”
For more like this Richardson Hitchins feature, visit AMNY.com
Police say they have identified the alleged arsonist accused of torching 11 NYPD vehicles ablaze in Brooklyn last week is a pro-Palestine protester known to the department.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the man accused of committing the June 12 arson at a lot along DeKalb Avenue and Central Avenue has been identified as 21-year-old Jakhi Lodgson-McCray. Kenny says the department knows the suspect for his roles in pro-Palestine protests around the city, including some at Columbia University — allegedly causing damage in the process.
“He's also wanted for a criminal mischief incident in Columbia University back in September, where he disguised himself as a student and caused over $1,000 of damage to a statue on the campus,” Chief Kenny said.
[caption id="attachment_137771861" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] 11 NYPD vehicles parked inside a Brooklyn lot went up in flames early Thursday morning in a suspected act of arson, police reported.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell[/caption]Lodgson-McCray was previously arrested in 2024 and 2025 in Manhattan and charged for resisting arrest during several protests.
In the fire arson incident, Chief Kenny reports that Lodgson-McCray allegedly caused over half a million dollars in damages; it will cost the city $800,000 to replace the burned vehicles.
Cops accuse him of climbing the fence surrounding the lot before placing fire starters on the windshields, hoods, and tires of multiple NYPD vehicles.
“It's not just an attack on the NYPD. It was an attack on the neighborhood of Bushwick itself, because if you look at this lot, there are several residences right next to it that sustained damage due to this fire," Kenny said. "So, this was a reckless act. It was an attack on the NYPD, but it was also an attack on the safety of the community."
Police say they captured video of Lodgson-McCray that depicted him changing his clothing several times while making his way to Manhattan. Cops believe he acted alone.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
[caption id="attachment_137773293" align="aligncenter" width="439"] According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the man behind the June 12 arson at a lot along Dekalb Avenue and Central Avenue has been identified as 21-year-old Jakhi Lodgson-McCray,NYPD[/caption]
Brooklyn fashion enthusiasts, get your sketch pads and sewing machines ready: Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane of KidSuper are seeking five emerging designers to showcase their couture at a full-service fashion show during New York Fashion Week this fall at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
The call for applications is open now and closes July 6 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be notified the week of July 18. Collections must be runway-ready 15 days before the show.
Applicants must be 18 or older and Brooklyn residents to qualify. Each selected designer will receive a $5,000 grant to help cover expenses and mentorship opportunities with Dillane. The borough president’s office will not provide materials, tools or professional assistance for garment construction. However, Reynoso and his team will manage all logistics, including models, hair and makeup, styling, photography, videography, backstage setup and the runway — complete with lighting, sound, music and stage design.
[caption id="attachment_224169" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Brooklyn fashion designers are encouraged to enter a competition to showcase their work during New York Fashion Week. File photo by Gabriele Holtermann[/caption]The fashion show is part of Reynoso’s Arts Ambassador Initiative, announced during his 2025 Brooklyn State of the Borough address. The program celebrates and supports the borough’s vibrant creative community, provides mentorship for emerging Brooklyn artists, strengthens connections between creatives and cultural institutions, and expands public engagement with the arts.
From streetwear in Bed-Stuy to bridal boutiques in Bay Ridge, Reynoso said people from all over the world come to Brooklyn for the fashion and style that originates there.
The beep acknowledged that it has become nearly impossible for young and aspiring artists to “get their foot in the door” in the fashion industry. He said the fashion show offers emerging designers a chance to showcase bold and expressive styles rooted in the borough’s diverse culture.
"But a bet on Brooklyn is never lost – and inaugural Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane knows that firsthand," Reynoso said. "I'm so grateful for Colm's partnership as we build an artist network based on mentorship, opportunity, and excellence, and I can't wait to see the work Brooklyn's up-and-coming designers have to show."
[caption id="attachment_224175" align="aligncenter" width="467"] Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane excited to help guide young creatives. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Borough President[/caption]Brooklyn’s first-ever arts ambassador, Colm Dillane, is the creative force behind KidSuper, a borough-based brand known for its clothing, art and community-focused approach. In 2021, he received the prestigious Karl Lagerfeld Prize, guest-designed Louis Vuitton’s 2023 Autumn/Winter menswear collection, and has collaborated with major brands including the Brooklyn Nets and PUMA.
"Brooklyn is home – and no two blocks ever look the same. You've got skaters weaving past strollers, old-school locals trading stories, and kids in head-to-toe looks; they definitely styled themselves. That kind of unfiltered, everyday expression keeps me inspired," Dillane said. "I'm excited to help guide these young creatives as they shape their ownversion of what Brooklyn looks like now."
For more information about the contest and how to enter, visit the Beep’s website.
Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday offered few condolences to city Comptroller Brad Lander following his arrest Tuesday at the hands of federal immigration authorities, instead comparing the episode to his now-dismissed federal corruption case.
During a June 18 interview on the Reset Talk Show, Adams declined to join other Democrats in bashing ICE's actions against Lander and immigrants, instead seeking to rebuff criticisms that he has mostly stood silent during a dramatic escalation in Trump's mass deportation effort.
Adams told the host, JR Gittens, he does not need to be arrested to show he is standing up for immigrants because, in his view, he was already hit with federal charges for doing exactly that.
"If people are saying, 'Eric, go get arrested like Brad Lander,' to show your outrage, I was arrested when I stood up and fought for migrants and asylum seekers," Adams said, repeating his unfounded claim that federal prosecutors went after him for publicly criticizing former President Biden's immigration policies.
[caption id="attachment_137772859" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested and accosted by masked federal agents at immigration court in Lower Manhattan.Photo by Dean Moses[/caption]Several mayoral candidates came to Lander's defense on Tuesday by releasing forceful statements framing his arrest as part of an authoritarian "abuse of power," but Adams instead appeared to place the blame on the comptroller.
"I think it was more politics instead of protecting people," he said Tuesday. "It’s unfortunate that he took that action, because that is not the role of the elected official, what he did today."
amNewYork reached out to Lander for comment and is awaiting a response.
Two different arrestsLander was detained on June 17 federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents inside 26 Federal Plaza, a Lower Manhattan building that houses immigration courts. He was later released without charges early Tuesday evening after Gov. Kathy Hochul personally intervened and spoke to a crowd of hundreds who gathered in Foley Square to protest his arrest.
The city's top money man, who is running in the Democratic primary for mayor, was arrested while escorting an immigrant named Edgardo out of court after his case was dismissed in order to avoid him being detained by ICE agents waiting in the hallway.
Nonetheless, the agents grabbed Edgardo, prompting Lander to demand they show a warrant. Shortly after that point they threw Lander against a wall and placed him in handcuffs. The incident, which was caught on video by amNewYork and other outlets, drove Tuesday's news cycle, quickly becoming an international story, and drew sharp condemnations from a slew of local Democrats — including many of Lander's rivals.
[caption id="attachment_137709307" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Mayor Eric Adams surrendered at federal court on Sept. 27, 2024.Photo by Dean Moses[/caption]Last year, Mayor Adams was indicted on federal charges which alleged that he accepted lavish travel benefits and illegal campaign donations from Turkish naationals in exchange for official favors — a case the feds had opened in 2021, before migrants started flowing to the city in droves.
The case, however, was dismissed earlier this year after prosecutors, at the Trump Justice Department's direction, moved to drop it because they felt it would interfere with Adams' cooperation with the new regime's immigration crackdown. That led to accusations of an alleged quid pro quo between Adams and Trump, which the mayor has repeatedly denied under oath.
Still, Adams maintained that he believes he was prosecuted in the first place because he was critical of the Biden administration's handling of the migrant crisis between 2022-24.
"That's why they came at me in the first place," Adams said on the Reset Talk Show. "I know what it is to be arrested for standing up and fighting on behalf of migrant asylum seekers. Trust me, every time I look at the $3 million legal fee that I have, I know what it is to get arrested by federal authorities because you're fighting to say it's wrong what you were doing to migrants and asylum seekers. So they just joining the club. They're late to the dance. I was already dancing."
Hizzoner was referring to the millions of dollars in legal fees he racked up paying celebrity attorney Alex Spiro to defend him in the federal case.
The mayor also contended that Lander was "pretty harmful to me" when he was facing federal charges. He said he would not treat the comptroller the same way and will "let the process take its course."
While the two top city officials have had a contentious relationship for much of the past three years, Adams' comments on Wednesday showed just how much it has deteriorated. His remarks also speak to his continued reluctance to criticize Trump, especially on immigration policy.
Step into Coney Island on a summer day and you’ll hear it — screams from the Cyclone, music blasting from boardwalk speakers. Walk down Surf Avenue and you’ll see a different kind of spectacle: Sideshows by the Seashore. Inside, you’ll see performers twirling fire or hammering nails into themselves.
For many performers, the show is more than entertainment — it's a powerful expression of identity and self-empowerment.
That’s the world Aaron Smith explores in his new book, "Natural Born! Circus, Sideshow and the Art of Being Human." The book highlights “the misunderstood performers in the entertainment industry” within the sideshow scene, with its beating heart in Coney Island, the longtime home of America’s last permanent ten-in-one sideshow.
[caption id="attachment_224231" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Kim Kelly, a fire-eating sideshow performer who appeared at the Coney Island Circus Sideshow in 2019, is featured in the second chapter of Smith’s book, titled “The Lobster Girl.”Photo courtesy of Aaron Smith[/caption]“I always tell people, Coney’s not just where the sideshow survived. It’s where it evolved,” Smith told Brooklyn Paper. “There’s a hierarchy in circus life, and at Coney Island, disabled performers — ‘naturals,’ as they call themselves — sit at the very top.”
Smith would know. Before becoming a journalist, he spent a year in the circus himself, selling cotton candy for Ringling Brothers and helping raise the big top for the Big Apple Circus. Years later, the pandemic allowed him to return to that world, this time with a notepad in hand.
While researching sideshows, he noticed an organization that “offered a membership discount to people who were ‘natural-born.’”
“I found that they were referring to disabled sideshow performers. I was surprised to learn that there are people still doing this today,” he said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to write a book about them and I’m going to do it right now.”
He then spent four years interviewing 20 natural-born sideshow performers across the country, many with strong ties to the storied stages of Coney Island.
Among them is Mat Fraser, a prominent modern sideshow performer born with thalidomide-induced phocomelia, a condition that shortened his arms and left him without thumbs. He performed for years at Coney Island before launching a television career with roles in “American Horror Story.”
Then there’s Nati Amos, a New York-based medical technician born with amniotic band syndrome. Her act includes spinning flaming staffs and lying on beds of nails while cinderblocks are smashed across her torso. Smith devotes an entire chapter to her story, titled “The Patchwork Girl.”
While these acts are dangerous and painful, Smith said the performers emphasize that they are 100% voluntary.
[caption id="attachment_224230" align="aligncenter" width="700"] “Natural-born” performers’ disabilities are central to many sideshow acts across the country, including those at Sideshows by the Seashore in Coney Island, where their unique talents challenge perceptions and celebrate identity. Photo courtesy of Aaron Smith[/caption]“I would always ask people if they’re being exploited — they all said it was 100% voluntary,” he said. “In the past, there has been exploitation of disabled people in circuses and sideshows. These performers have total ownership of the act.”
In its current form, Coney Island’s sideshow scene dates back to the 1980s, when carnival showman John Bradshaw helped revive it. But its traditions are more than 100 years old, and Sideshows by the Seashore continues to draw crowds each summer.
“Coney Island is the only stationary sideshow there year after year,” Smith said. “You can go in there, buy a ticket and it’s a constantly revolving show.”
He believes "Natural Born!" is both a written record of natural-born performers’ lives and an invitation for audiences to learn more.
“If someone reads this book and then goes to Coney Island, I want them to be open-minded about going to the sideshow,” he said. “It’s not about gawking at disabled people. Because all of the performers have to be able to do something, whether it's swallowing swords or breathing fire. They’re doing something most people can’t do.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul promised action on congestion pricing, and she delivered. The MTA Board will vote Monday to approve her phase-in plan for a reduced $9 toll for drivers entering the Central Business District starting Jan. 5, 2025.
Media coverage of the “un-pausing” has largely focused on the impact to drivers, who make up less than 10% of the commuters and less than 1% of the overall population. Less attention is being paid to the overwhelming majority — the roughly 90% of New Yorkers who take transit to get into Manhattan, who will benefit in a big way.
As a major source of funding for the current MTA Capital Plan, reviving congestion pricing means East Harlem residents will finally see Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 become a reality. It means A train riders in Inwood, and C train riders in East New York, and B/D/F/M riders all over the City will get faster, more reliable service – like what riders already have on the 7 and L lines —once their signal systems are modernized. And it means people with disabilities, seniors, and parents with strollers will get accessibility upgrades at another 20+ subway stations.
So, far from being the regressive tax some critics claim, congestion pricing is an investment in a better New York, and the business community agrees. Last week, the heads of the Partnership for New York City, the New York City Independent Budget Office and the Citizens Budget Commission published a full-throated endorsement of the program, calling it “an economic boon for the region.”
Even the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) – never a friend of government charges, taxes or fees – has been a strong supporter because traffic congestion has a huge, though unseen, impact on the cost of doing business.
Drivers taking a fresh look at mass transit options will find a greatly improved MTA. Subway service is the best it’s been in 10 years, and in October, Metro-North had its best month ever for on-time performance (98.3%), with LIRR close behind.
There’s a ton more service on the rails, and on buses too. And thanks to our strong partnership with the NYPD, crime is well below pre-pandemic levels, with security cameras now installed in 95% of all subway cars, on top of another 15,000 in the stations.
And while critics love to accuse us of bloat and waste, MTA has emerged as an amazing post-COVID public sector efficiency story. Our budget is 3% lower in real terms in 2024 compared to 2019, and we continue to finish project after project on time and on budget. The L Train, LIRR Third Track, and the Metro-North Viaduct up in East Harlem — all innovative construction projects that came in hundreds of millions under budget and on or ahead of schedule.
That’s the new business-like MTA, and we will continue delivering transformative mass transit improvements for the more than six million people who use our system every day. I hope you’ll ride with us.
Janno Lieber is MTA Chair and CEO.
A humorously lewd trio brought their laugh-out-loud act to The Bell House during the New York Comedy Festival on Nov. 13, delivering a cacophony of laughter that struck more than a few offbeat notes.
Created by J.D. Roberson and Ryan Wentz, known collectively as the duo Two Tree Hill, and standout performer Rose Kelso, “Don’t Stop, I’m About to Jazz” is an improvisational comedy show that’s as crass as it is musically inventive.
The show opens with a high-energy musical number that immediately sets the tone: an irreverent mix of jokes and jazzy improv. The only thing smoother than the saxophone solos was the edgy banter that followed.
The show drew a packed crowd to The Bell House, a sought-after venue during the New York Comedy Festival, according to performers. Photo by Noah EberhartAfter connecting on TikTok, Kelso, Roberson, and Wentz turned their shared desire to bring the laughs from the app to the stage into a show where they riff and joke over a live jazz band. They invite visiting comedians onstage to deliver snippets of stand-up, while the band improvises a musical score they’ve never seen before.
Rose Kelso and J.D. Roberson dazzle the crowd center stage, while Ryan Wentz keeps the momentum alive on the keyboard. Photo by Noah EberhartComplete with clumsy dance numbers, spontaneous singing, and racy riffing, the show feels almost like a guessing game to the audience — delivering surprises in the most rewarding way.
“Sometimes you can find that you really get in a groove, and other times it’s a little clunky and fun,” Kelso said. “We wanted to do something where we could have that sort of cabaret, Vaudeville vibe.”
Rose Kelso commands the stage with her sharp humor and bold performance.Photo by Noah EberhartRisky as it may be, the live band adds a layer of sophistication to the show, setting it apart from other, less ad-libby productions.
“Doing musical comedy, we’re already not traditional stand-ups. We love bits, pageantry, and putting so much energy and production into a single joke,” Roberson said. “We’re just doing what we love.”
Wentz calls the act a “perfect meld” of all the things they love about comedy and music.
“The show is us writing things that we really love and having comedians we are obsessed with,” he told Brooklyn Paper.
Performers light up the stage with a blend of comedy, music, and improvisation, captivating the audience with their high-energy act.Photo by Noah EberhartThe comic added that, since the art form isn’t inherently collaborative, “Don’t Stop, I’m About to Jazz” serves as proof of the stars aligning, bringing together performers who have never shared the stage to shine together.
“It means the whole world to perform here. Performing is what I’ve always wanted to do since I was a kid. There was no plan B,” Kelso said. “It’s hard to get here, and it’s hard to get to do this. It’s a combination of luck and being in the right place at the right time.”
The show successfully fuses comedy with live music, offering an entertaining night out for those willing to embrace its playful chaos. While the unpredictable nature of the show may not resonate with every comedy aficionado, its charm lies in its willingness to break the mold and invite audiences into a world where laughter and jazz collide in unexpected ways.
The group of performers and musicians from the Nov. 13 show. Photo by Noah EberhartKelso, Roberson and Wentz will return to the stage on Nov. 29 at Brooklyn’s Union Hall, before taking the jokes overseas in 2025. In the meantime, New York Comedy Festival continues through Nov. 17 with shows across 100 city venues.
A teen boy was stabbed on Thursday afternoon on a Canarsie street that has seen a number of violent incidents over the past few months.
Just before 4 p.m., police received a 911 call regarding a stabbing outside a deli at 8010 Flatlands Ave., per the NYPD, steps from Bildersee Playground and I.S. 068 Isaac Bildersee. The exact details of the incident are not yet clear, but School Safety Agents responded to the scene and found the 14-year-old victim, who has remained anonymous, with a stab would to the left leg.
An officer near the deli where the incident occurred. Photo by Lloyd MitchellParamedics rushed the victim, who lost significant amounts of blood on the scene, to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center in stable condition.
An investigation was ongoing as of Friday afternoon, police said, and no arrests have been made. Officers said the suspect was last seen wearing a black ski mask, beige pants, and a red hoodie, though it was not known if the alleged attacker was a fellow teen, or if the victim and assailant knew each other.
School safety agents responded to the scene. Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe area has seen a spate of violence involving teens. Last month, an 18-year-old man was shot in the head and critically injured at Bildersee Playground. In September, two teens were shot – and one arrested — at the same playground, and that incident sent nearby schools into lockdown. Just a few blocks south, a young student was shot outside South Shore High School in Flatlands on Sept. 24.
In the 69th Precinct, where the Bildersee Playground is located, shooting incidents have increased more than 7% year-over-year, according to the latest NYPD data, with a total of 15 incidents. The overall rate of violent crime in the precinct, however, is down slightly.
A new competition baking show on Food Network is bringing the magic of Harry Potter to a grand scale.
“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” is a larger-than-life new baking show that fully immerses contestants in the Harry Potter universe. Hosted by James and Oliver Phelps (who play Fred and George Weasley in the movie franchise), the show blends legendary storytelling and fantastical edible creations all on the competition floor.
“It’s a baking competition, it starts off with 9 teams of two bakers who didn’t know each other before they got into the competition. These guys are professionals in what they do. They’re the best of the best in America,” said Oliver Phelps. “They’re going for the trophy of the Wizards of Baking Champions and each bake is based on a set from the actual studios in London, and they have to come up with some inspiration from that.”
“Wizards of Baking” pairs the competitors into teams of two and has them compete alongside each other throughout the duration of the competition. Each week, the bakers make grand, eye-catching creations based on different Harry Potter sets.
The show was shot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Watford, England, and to raise the stakes, contestants are given access to the actual film sets, including The Great Hall at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Platform 9¾, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and The Burrow. The winners will be awarded the first-ever Wizards of Baking Cup and will have the opportunity to appear in a new Harry Potter cookbook.
Hosts James and Oliver Phelps with Contestants Riccardo Meniccuci and Hemu Basu, as seen on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Season 1.Photo courtesy of Food Network“Everything we’ve done with Harry Potter has always been the best of the best. The theme parks aren’t just a ride with a sticker on it,” said James Phelps. “They built the world there, the movies, they ran for eight movies and they were some of the biggest ones that have ever been made, they’re always top-top. And just like when we did this show, it is no exception.”
Among those competing in “Wizards of Baking” are New York City’s own Zoe Burmester (originally from the UK, now residing in Brooklyn) and Miko Uy (Astoria, Queens). Having competed before on past shows and as Harry Potter fans, both Burmester and Uy jumped at the opportunity to take part in the show.
“When I was told it was Harry Potter, it just immediately put it on a different consideration scale for me,” said Burmester. “There’s such a huge responsibility with such a massive, iconic franchise as Harry Potter, everybody knows it. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a bond and a connection to it. And so you come with the weight of that responsibility of wanting to do right, by the story, by the characters, by the world, it just made the whole experience just more profound.”
“I am a big Harry Potter fan. I love movies that feature wizardry and magic; it’s like an escape from the real world,” said Uy. “It feels so surreal, you get goosebumps the moment you step on the set, it feels different. It’s not just a baking competition. It’s like being one with the Harry Potter world. I feel so privileged to be part of it; it’s like living your dreams.”
Competing alongside Uy and Burmester are Kimberly Adams (Milwaukee, MI) and Ashley Cardona (Charleston, SC), Lisa Altfest (Orange County, CA) and Mitzi Reyes (Los Angeles, CA), Hemu Basumatary (Katy, TX) and Riccardo Menicucci (Los Angeles, CA), Jordan Pilarski (Ojai, CA), Jess Lewis (Washington, DC) and Jamie Louks (Seattle, WA), Kayla Giddings (Lafayette, LA) and Yohann Le Bescond (Ocala, FL), Juan Gutierrez (Chicago, IL) and Elizabeth Rowe (Dallas, TX), Michael Russ II (Modesto, CA) and Conner Strackman (Smithville, TX), and Christopher Teixeira (Chicago, IL). According to the Phelps twins, each baker was able to bring some of their own hometown spin to their bakes whenever possible.
Contestants Chris Teixeira and Miko Kaw Hok Uy, as seen on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Season 1.Photo courtesy of Food Network“When we’re making Potter, and you’re very much in this bubble of that part of England where you’re filming. You don’t think about the global scope and what people are doing while they’re watching the films, or their fan base and where they’re from; they bring that into it. It really shows what, how diverse a culture it can be,” said Oliver Phelps.
Joining the judges’ panel are Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef, as well as special “Harry Potter” guest stars Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), Evana Lynch (Luna Lovegood), and Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), who will help evaluate the bakes. The show is taking it a step further by allowing fans to try the bakes as well.
“You are with the fans, you have to talk to them, you have to sell it and it’s not just about talking but they have to experience what you’re talking about through the desserts that you’re making. There’s so much pressure on our part,” said Uy. “How are we gonna make them experience this one through the flavors that we have? It’s supposed to be fun, but when you have super fans of Harry Potter, it can be pressuring and scary at the same time because they’re expecting so much from us. They want to experience the magic through the cakes that we made or the desserts that we made.”
“It just brings a whole new level to the to the competition when you are feeding a group of people. You’re not only having to create more things, which obviously has its own sort of challenge, but I suppose the difference is that the judges are judging you very much on design and taste and your skill level and your execution,” said Burmester. “I think with the fans, people just shoot from the hip and the heart. It has to connect with them, and they have to kind of get it.”
As hosts, the Phelps twins watched the action unfold and saw how the bakers worked together.
Hosts James Phelps and Oliver Phelps with guest judge Warwick Davis, as seen on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Season 1.Photo courtesy of Food Network“The one thing that I really noticed is how supportive the teams were of the other teams, like checking in saying “how are you getting on guys,” and supporting each other. There was no trash talk being talked or anything like that. It was a real nice, everybody moving in the same direction together, which was really sweet to see because there is a competition element of it as well,” said Oliver Phelps.
When the competition begins to air, Burmester is looking forward to bringing Harry Potter to life in a brand new way, while Uy is looking to showcase that not all Slytherins are as bad as you might think.
“I’m looking forward to the audience experiencing the world of Harry Potter through food, through a new medium and in a way that that they can take and maybe be inspired by and adapt themselves in their own kitchens,” said Burmester. “Food is such a universal language; everyone can relate to how certain dishes make them feel. I’m hoping that it will allow them to experience the very well-known Harry Potter stories and sets and characters just in a completely different way in a way that they haven’t seen before.”
“We all know that people are not really partial when it comes to Slytherin because we all know that they’re kind of sly. It’s all about negativity. But that’s the reason why we’re there in the show because we want to show to the world to the fans that Slytherin can be fun as well,” said Uy. “We want to bring the fun in the Harry Potter world even though we’re Slytherin that we can be fun. We can be loving, we can be nice people as well.”
The Phelps twins say that the show will help create lasting memories for Harry Potter and baking competition show fans alike.
“There’s a human story we got from these different bakers, all from different walks of life,” said Oliver Phelps. “I think the great thing for anyone who’s watching [the show] will come away with is that there’s no set right or wrong way to be a baker or to be a fan of ‘Harry Potter.’”
“After all is said and done, you’ll learn that you can be as messy as you want in the kitchen when you’re baking, so I can see it turns out well,” said James Phelps. “You will create new memories with your family and friends watching this.”
“Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking” premieres on Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network and for streaming on Max.
Contestants Jordan Pilarski and Zoe Burmester, as seen on Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, Season 1.Photo courtesy of Food Network
The application process for New York’s heating-assistance program is now open for the season, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday.
Low- and middle-income families and older adults can apply for HEAP, the annual federally funded Home Energy Assistance Program that helps vulnerable New Yorkers pay their energy bills while keeping their homes warm.
The historic program can provide up to nearly $1,000 for each qualifying New Yorker.
“New Yorkers should not have to choose between heating their home or putting food on the table, and we’re offering critical financial assistance to protect vulnerable New York households as the weather gets colder,” Hochul said on Nov. 13. “The Home Energy Assistance Program puts money back in the pockets of New Yorkers, helping households stay warm through the winter and providing much-needed financial relief. I urge all eligible New Yorkers to apply today.”
The previous winter, the state issued more than 1.7 million HEAP benefits, which helped Empire State families save $397 million on their heating and electric bills.
Who is eligible for HEAP in New York?HEAP provides benefits for those who are caring for what the state calls “vulnerable family members,” including those who are younger than 6, older than 60 or residents who are permanently disabled.
The program is also available for eligible homeowners and renters, but it depends on their income, household size and operative heating systems.
New Yorkers who receive SNAP benefits, temporary assistance, or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) may also be eligible.
As described in a NYS press release, a family of four may have a maximum gross monthly income of $6,390, or an annual gross income of $76,681, and still qualify for HEAP benefits.
The numbers mark a notable increase from last year’s maximum monthly gross income of $5,838, and an annual gross income of $70,059.
How to apply for HEAP in New YorkNew Yorkers can apply at ny.gov/heat or in person at local social services departments.
Applicants will need to show proof of residency, which can be a rent receipt with an address; a copy of a lease with address; a water, sewer or tax bill; a homeowner’s insurance policy; a mortgage payment receipt; and/or a deed, utility bill or other qualifying documentation.
Recent pay stubs are also required to provide proof of income for all household members. Applicants will need to have photo ID/identification for each household member.
State officials said the application period will remain open through the winter or until funding runs out.
To learn more about HEAP, the application process or to apply for benefits, visit ny.gov/heat. New Yorkers can also call 800-342-3009.
After years of negotiations, Continuum’s planned residential tower on the former Spice Factory site near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is set to move forward, with a new agreement reached today between the developer, local council member, and garden leadership on the building’s height and affordability.
The 14-story tower at 962-972 Franklin Avenue will now feature a reduced 10-degree slope, down from the initially proposed 15 degrees, to protect the garden’s vulnerable plants — a change the garden staff requested during the rezoning application process.
In return, Council Member Crystal Hudson and BBG will support developer Continuum Company increasing the limits of the affordable units from targeting families earning an average of 60% of Area Median Income, or $83,880 for a family of three, to targeting families earning an average of 70 and 115 of AMI, or $97,860 and around $170,000 for a family of three.
The empty lot at 962-972 Franklin Avenue pictured in September 2023.Photo by Susan De Vries A bird’s-eye view of the development as of August. The slope plan has now been reduced to 10 degrees.Rendering by Hill West ArchitectsRather than setting aside 25% of the 355 total units as affordable housing, as originally pitched, the developer will now set aside 30%, or 106 units, at the higher income levels, Hudson said in the statement.
The updated plans come just over a month after Continuum said it planned to shelve the rezoning and build market rate condos if the original proposal wasn’t accepted, and the day before a City Council Zoning and Land Use Committee vote. An attorney for Continuum told Brownstoner the development team “believes the proposal is workable” and they will be saying more about it this afternoon at a rally outside Council Member Crystal Hudson’s office.
In a press release, Brooklyn Botanic Garden President Adrian Benepe said that after years of “discussion, debate, and vigorous public advocacy, the threat of permanent loss of sunlight for our living museum of plants is over.”
“We are grateful to our elected officials for their steadfast support and diligent work to craft a plan that ensures the sunlight that plants need to survive, protects the Garden from permanent damage, and enables affordable workforce housing,” he said.
The audience at the August hearing on the development.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithCrystal Hudson, the council member who represents the district and who has said she wouldn’t support a development if it harms the Botanic Garden, said in a statement that the updated proposal “meets our joint priorities of protecting the cultural institutions that drive our city’s economy and building affordable workforce housing.”
“We fought for sunlight, and we won,” she said.
She said the project will create “1,000 good-paying union construction jobs and [establish] the first union-financed, built, and operated residential development in the history of New York City.”
Continuum has also committed to funding a number of upgrades at Jackie Robinson Playground, she said.
Jackie Robinson Playground pictured in May.Photo by Susan De VriesContinuum’s May 2024 rezoning application was to convert the property from an R6A zoning district to R8A and C2-4, allowing for a 14-story, 475-unit development rather than the seven-story build that would be allowed as of right.
In September, Continuum took people by surprise when it said it was throwing in the towel on the controversial rezoning application just after the City Planning Commission approved a tweaked version of the proposal, designed to protect the nearby Brooklyn Botanic Garden from shadows that would damage its plants. At the time, the developer said it would likely create market-rate condos under the existing zoning.
“A well-meaning project that cannot be financed will not be built,” Rosenberg told Brownstoner in an emailed statement at the time. He said the changes would “significantly impact our ability to deliver on the promises we’ve made to the community – including the creation of much-needed affordable housing units and hundreds of good-paying union jobs. Today’s vote makes that financially unworkable.”
According to BBG and Hudson’s press releases, the negotiations to get the plans back on track, at a time when the city is under pressure to build more housing, included bringing together elected officials, the garden staff, the development team, local unions, and city planning officials.
At a meeting planned for tomorrow, the City Council will “refer the application back to CPC to approve the agreed upon modifications,” a rep for Hudson told Brownstoner. Then, after the City Council’s Committee on Land Use votes on the tweaked plan, on Nov. 21, the full City Council will vote. Then, the proposal will go to the mayor’s desk.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner
The US Supreme Court has declined to hear two challenges to New York’s rent stabilization law, keeping in place a system regulating rents for roughly a million apartments despite landlords attempting to overturn it.
The high court in Washington declined to grant certiorari to two landlords’ challenges, G-Max Management and Building & Realty Institute of Westchester and Putnam Counties. The court did not give a reason for the denial, nor was a tally of the justices provided. The memo did note that Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch would have granted certiorari — a legal term where a petitioner seeks review of a lower court decision by a higher court.
Landlords contended that the state’s regulations on eviction protocols, through the 2019 Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act (HSTPA), amounted to unconstitutional “takings” in violation of the Fifth Amendment. The court declined to hear similar cases in February.
The landmark 2019 law banned or curtailed certain practices that had previously been common in rent-stabilized units, such as vacancy decontrol, rent hikes on vacated units, preferential rents, and large increases for major capital improvements.
More than 2 million New York City renters live in rent-regulated apartments. Other localities with rent regulation include the cities of Poughkeepsie and Kingston, and the counties of Westchester, Nassau, and Rockland.
“Since 1969, New York’s Rent Stabilization Law has provided affordable housing for millions of New Yorkers, preventing displacement and combating homelessness,” reads a joint statement from the Legal Aid Society, Legal Services NYC, and Selendy Gay PLLC, which represented the defendants. “We will continue to challenge any and all efforts aimed at eroding the well-established and lawful protections that the communities we serve rely on.”
The 2019 HSTPA amended the rent stabilization law to make big rent hikes more difficult for property owners and has faced several legal challenges from landlord groups.
Reached for comment, a lawyer for the Building & Realty Institute, Kenneth Finger, said he was encouraged by Gorsuch voting to grant certiorari, calling the 2019 statute “devastating to the housing industry.”
“Our feeling, if you want to kill housing, that statute has done more than anything to kill the ability of affordable housing in Westchester and the surrounding counties,” said Finger. “We’re gonna keep working to try to provide affordable, decent housing for the tenants in New York. The HSTPA, we think, was as harmful for tenants as it was for landlords.”
Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday raised concerns about City Council legislation that would relieve most renters from having to pay real estate broker fees, a day before the bill is expected to pass the chamber.
During his weekly off-topic news conference on Nov. 12, Adams said that while he agrees with the premise of the legislation — known as the FARE (Fairness in Apartment Rentals) Act — he believes it will have unintended consequences. The FARE Act, if enacted, would require whomever hires a real estate broker to pay the fee, a cost usually passed onto the tenant.
Proponents of the bill argue that it would eliminate a major upfront financial burden for renters, but Adams contends it would leave landlords having to pay for brokers themselves, and then building that cost into tenants’ monthly rent to make up for the loss.
Hizzoner said that would effectively transform broker fees from a one-time cost into a permanent rent increase for tenants.
“Some of the ideals collide with the reality of the operationalizing implementation,” Adams said. “We got to get it right, make sure that we reach the goals that we’re looking for, and at the same time don’t hurt small property owners and try to get some relief to some of those who are trying to live in the city … I think the bill has the right intention, but sometimes good intentions do not get the results you’re looking for.”
Proponents of the FARES Act on real estate broker fees argue that it would eliminate a major upfront financial burden for renters, but Mayor Eric Adams contends it would leave landlords having to pay for brokers themselves, and then building that cost into tenants’ monthly rent to make up for the loss.Photo via Getty ImagesAdams — who has vetoed several major pieces of council legislation since taking office — cast the bill as a “knee-jerk reaction.” Still, he has not indicated whether he will veto the FARE Act if it passes and comes to his desk.
The bill currently has 33 council co-sponsors including Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who does not get to vote on legislation.
While the 32 voting co-sponsors are two short of a 34-vote super majority needed to override a mayoral veto, council members who do not sponsor a bill often end up voting for it anyway.
Adams said that while he has not communicated with Council Speaker Adrienne Adams on the bill, his director of intergovernmental affairs, Tiffany Rhaspberry, has been in “conversations on both sides of this issue to try and find some middle ground.”
Even so, a council source told amNewYork Metro that the administration has not raised concerns about the bill directly to them.
Brooklyn Council Member Chi Ossé (D), the FARE Act’s prime sponsor, responded to the mayor’s comments Tuesday in a social media post claiming the legislation would not result in tenants paying more in rent, but less.William Alatriste/NYC Council Media UnitBrooklyn Council Member Chi Ossé (D), the bill’s prime sponsor, responded to the mayor’s comments Tuesday in a social media post claiming the legislation would not result in tenants paying more in rent, but less. Ossé also blasted the mayor for not fully supporting the measure, minutes after saying that Democrats lost the presidential election to Donald Trump because of the party’s lack of focus on “pocketbook issues.”
“The #FAREAct puts DOWNWARD pressure on rents by increasing bargaining power for tenants. It also saves thousands upfront,” Ossé said. “You can’t say the party’s weakness is pocketbook issues and defend forced broker fees in the same breath. Let’s pass FARE and prove Dems can deliver results.”
Ossé and other proponents of the bill argue that broker fees, which can cost up to 15% of a tenant’s annual rent, are one of many barriers to New Yorkers’ access to housing. The measure comes as the city faces a massive affordable housing shortage, with just 1.4% of apartments available to rent in 2023 — the lowest vacancy rate in more than five decades.
According to survey data compiled by the real estate listings website StreetEasy, 81% of those polled believed that landlords should be responsible for broker fees instead of tenants. Additionally, 76% of renters surveyed said the fees are a barrier to renting an apartment and 60% said the cost stopped them from moving.
Adams’ concerns about the FARE Act broadly mirror those that real estate industry leaders raised at a council hearing on the legislation in June. Real estate honchos also argue passage of the bill would take away renters’ currently available choice of apartment listed with or without broker fees. They claim 50% of advertised rental apartments are listed without a fee.
Why did the Brooklynite cross the road? To get to the new Chick-fil-A in Clinton Hill!
A new Chick-fil-A will open in the neighborhood on Nov. 14, marking the restaurant’s second location in Brooklyn.
Whether Brooklynites are looking for a quick bite, a hearty meal, or a way to support local heroes, the new Chick-fil-A in Clinton Hill is poised to become a community cornerstone, its owner said.
The new Brooklyn Chick-fil-A opens under local leadership and includes plans for a dedicated bike corral for delivery drivers. Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-ABrandon Hurst, a local owner-operator, is bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and community focus to the new Chick-fil-A in Clinton Hill after serving Brooklynites at the flagship location at Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues.
Hurst said he is prepared to meet the unique needs of the Clinton Hill community.
“I’m on a mission to serve others, not just with high-quality food at my restaurants, but also by making a genuine impact in the Brooklyn community,” he said in a statement.
Brandon Hurst, of Chick-fil-A’s flagship Brooklyn location, will lead the new Clinton Hill shop. Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-ARecognizing the vital role of more than 65,000 delivery workers in New York City, Hurst has announced plans for a groundbreaking collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation. He plans to install a dedicated bike corral on Clinton Avenue, providing a streamlined experience for bike and moped delivery workers.
“I’m a Brooklyn resident, too, so I’m no stranger to the demands and challenges they face,” he said. “I am hopeful we’ll be able to unveil a premier bike corral to help ensure deliveries are smooth, efficient and safe at Chick-fil-A Clinton Hill.”
This initiative underscores Chick-fil-A’s commitment to supporting the delivery worker community, building on its successful “Brake Room” program launched in 2023, which provided a dedicated space for delivery personnel to rest and recharge.
A view of the new Chick-fil-A opening this week in Clinton Hill. Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-AIn celebration of its new location, Chick-fil-A, Inc. donated $25,000 to Feeding America, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in Brooklyn. The restaurant also plans to participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, which redistributes surplus food to local shelters and food banks.
As part of its commitment to the local community, Chick-fil-A Clinton Hill will also honor 100 local heroes with free Chick-fil-A meals for a year.
Located at 809 Atlantic Ave., the Clinton Hill restaurant will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, serving up Chick-fil-A staples, like the Original Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Deluxe Sandwich and Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries.
Homicide detectives from Brooklyn North are investigating a fatal stabbing early Tuesday at the Steuben Playground in Clinton Hill, marking the second homicide at the park in four months.
Officers from the 88th Precinct arrived just after 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 12 to find a 21-year-old man bleeding heavily from a stab wound to the abdomen. Paramedics rushed the victim to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Steuben Street playground in Clinton Hill remains a crime scene after a fatal stabbing on Nov. 12, the second homicide in the area in four months.Photo by Lloyd MitchellAccording to police sources close to the investigation, the suspect fled the park, located near Williamsburg Street West and Flushing Avenue, in an unknown direction. By mid-morning, crime scene detectives were processing the scene and searching for answers.
In August, a Department of Parks & Recreation employee was arrested for allegedly killing a 30-year-old man on July 21 at Steuben Playground — one of two violent incidents that left three men dead on the same night within just a few blocks.
Police on the scene in Steuben Playground after the July 21 shooting.Photo by Lloyd MitchellHomicides are up nearly 67% year-to-date in Clinton Hill’s 88th Precinct, according to Police Department data. As of Nov. 3, when the most recent data is available, there were five reported homicides in the area this year — up from three during the same time in 2023.
The 88th Precinct encompasses Clinton Hill, Fort Green Park and Commodore Barry Park.
The investigation into Tuesday’s fatal stabbing remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Additional reporting by Meaghan McGoldrick O’Neil
More than $300,000 has been raised to support former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm’s recovery after he was recently paralyzed in a horseback riding accident, according to an online fundraiser.
Since launching the GoFundMe campaign on Sunday, organizers have received more than 3,000 individual donations to help cover Grimm’s ongoing medical expenses. The funds will contribute to his long-term recovery efforts, which organizers estimate will cost millions of dollars.
“Our friend, former Marine, FBI Agent, and U.S. Congressman Michael Grimm was paralyzed following a devastating accident when thrown from a horse in September 2024,” organizers with the Michael Grimm Supplemental Needs Trust wrote on the fundraiser page. “He has been in the most devastating of situations, and through the grace of God and the amazing medical teams who have helped him, Mr. Grimm has miraculously thread the needle to survive.”
Former New York City Council Member Vincent Ignizio told CBS News that Grimm, an avid equestrian, had been taking part in a polo tournament two months ago when he was thrown from his horse, paralyzing him from the waist down.
Grimm, 54, a former Marine, FBI agent, and lawyer, served as the U.S. representative for Staten Island and parts of southern Brooklyn from 2010 to 2015. He was first elected in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012 and 2014, despite facing legal challenges, including a 20-count indictment for tax fraud during his 2014 campaign.
In April 2013, federal authorities indicted Grimm on charges of tax, insurance, and immigration fraud related to a Manhattan restaurant he co-owned before entering Congress. He pleaded guilty to one count of tax fraud in December 2013, avoiding a trial on the other charges. Grimm resigned from Congress on January 5, 2015, just weeks after securing re-election.
He served a seven-month prison sentence. Following his release, Grimm failed to regain the trust of the electorate, losing a 2018 Republican primary to incumbent Dan Donovan, who had taken his seat in the May 2015 special election held after Grimm’s resignation. He later turned to media work, becoming a frequent commentator on Newsmax.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Michael Grimm (@michaelgrimm__ny)
The fundraiser, with a goal of $2.5 million, remains active as Grimm continues to face a challenging recovery process aimed at helping him regain mobility.
Several local elected officials from across the aisles have shared the GoFundMe page, wishing Grimm a speedy recovery, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams.
“I served with Michael Grimm in congress, and for all our differences, I know he cared for our state,” Hochul posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Please join me in keeping him and his loved ones in your prayers tonight.”
Mayor Adams wrote on Veteran’s Day that he was “deeply saddened” by the news of the former Marine’s riding accident: “My thoughts and prayers are with former Congressman Michael Grimm.”
Sharing the fundraiser link, Democratic southern Brooklyn Council Member Justin Brannan encouraged followers to donate “Mike and I disagree on everything, but this isn’t about politics,” he said. “If you can help.”
As the evenings fall darker, Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s extravagant art, music, and light show “Lightscape” arrives to brighten the borough’s sprawling green space ahead of the holiday season.
Acres of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will be illuminated by more than 1 million twinkling lights and 16 towering light sculptures from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5 as the popular show returns for its fourth year.
Visitors can expect to see The Winter Cathedral as the crowd favorite returns to BBG. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic GardenThis year’s lineup features new installations by artists from 10 countries across three continents, along with popular returning pieces, according to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which also announced expanded food offerings for the 2024 season.
Since its debut, the immersive after-dark event has become a seasonal staple, attracting New Yorkers and visitors of all ages to experience the enchanting illuminated trail.
Visitors can still look forward to the dazzling fountain show in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and the Winter Reflections light display spanning the Cherry Esplanade. Also returning is the Winter Cathedral, an immersive tunnel featuring thousands of glowing lights.
New installations include Ribbon Tunnel by Culture Creative, a kaleidoscopic light display near Bluebell Wood, and Butterfly Effect by Masamichi Shimada on Lily Pool Terrace.
The 2024 season also introduces new culinary options at Lightscape Lodge, curated by Union Square Events and Restaurant Associates. The menu will feature yet-to-be-announced winter classics, a children’s menu, festive desserts, and a variety of beverages, including hot chocolate, mulled wine, and cocktails.
BBG’s Palm House will also host the Lightscape Bar, a cozy stop for revelers to grab a drink along the trail.
“Lightscape is New York City’s most immersive and enchanting way to spend a winter evening and enjoy the spirit of the season in community,” said Adrian Benepe, president and CEO of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. “This year offers another magnificent multi-sensory experience for everyone who steps onto the trail. The visual dazzle created by the world’s best light artists is complemented by a gorgeous soundtrack, and delicious food and drink to warm up with—all of it honoring the beauty of BBG.
‘Lightscape’ at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is set to bring dozens of beautiful displays, like the illuminated fountain show to the garden later this month. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic GardenA special “Lights On” event will kick off the event on Friday, Nov. 22, at 4:45 p.m., transforming the Cherry Esplanade from darkness into a vibrant light display. The Garden will also host the Lightscape Family Benefit on Dec. 10, offering trailside treats and fundraising for BBG’s youth education programs.
Ticket options and entry nightsTickets are available for purchase at bbg.org/lightscape, with options for all ages, including:
- Value Nights offer reduced ticket prices at $24 for adults and $12 for children.
- Peak Entry tickets, available on high-traffic days, cost $45 for adults and $23 for children.
- Off-Peak Entry offers a mid-range option at $36 for adults and $18 for children.
- 21+ Nights on Dec. 12 and 19 allow adults to enjoy Lightscape with mulled wine and hot chocolate. Tickets are $36 for adults.
- Sensory-Friendly Early Entry on Dec. 18 and Jan. 3 offers a quieter experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities, priced at $36 for adults and $18 for children. Children under 2 receive free entry on any night.
Two days after the presidential election left New Yorkers feeling divided, the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (BKCM) hosted its ninth annual House Party at its central location in Park Slope, offering Brooklyn residents a sense of community.
Every room of the five-story, 143-year-old Victorian brownstone was transformed into a music venue, with names like Rugcutters, Best Kept Secrets and Havana Social. The night featured performances by bluegrass band Cole Quest & The City Pickers, jazz bassist Brandi Disterheft, the Xylopholks, and Latin-jazz ensemble the Camila Cortina Quintet — just a few of the 34 musical acts involving more than 100 musicians.
Sanctuario played Afro-Dominican dance music for the crowd.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Olatuja played uplifting pan-African grooves on the main stage for the outdoor crowd.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann The Stephane Wrembel Trio played hot-club jazz.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannAttendees tested their songwriting skills with AI Music Madlibs in the Robots vs. Humans lounge, while others tried their hand at Karaoke Chaos.
One of the evening’s highlights was Eggs Benatar, who filled the concert hall on the first floor with ’80s rock tunes, drawing eventgoers to the dance floor.
In addition to the musical acts, revelers enjoyed specialty cocktails and eclectic food from Brooklyn vendors, served at spots labeled Witch’s Brew, The Top Shelf, and Dumplings of the World.
This year’s House Party also featured an outdoor portion open to the public. The Main Stage, set up on Lincoln Place, showcased performances by Tonewall of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and singer Olatuja, while the Sugartone Brass Band performed in front of the BKCM on Seventh Avenue at a setup titled Sugar & Shine. Nearby, bakery Cousin John’s highlighted artists from BKCM’s Studio Collective.
Tonewall, a queer acapella group, entertained the outdoor crowd.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Families gathered at the outdoor stage, listening to the tunes of Tonewall, a queer acapella group.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Tonewall bills itself as the ‘super-charismatic queer a cappella band of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.’Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe annual fundraiser supports BKCM’s music education and music therapy programs across New York City. Chad Cooper, BKCM’s executive director, told Brooklyn Paper that the nonprofit music school serves 7,000 students and 2,500 clients with disabilities across the five boroughs, supports 80 music sites citywide, and works with 2,000 emerging and professional musicians.
“And all these things we do depend on our fundraising. It’s fun to throw parties, but it’s also crucial that we raise this money,” said Cooper, adding that people have called the House Party the best charitable event of the year because it’s so enjoyable.
“It’s such a unique experience to be able to experience so much diverse music packed in this space with really terrific artists so intimately,” Cooper said. “You’re just sitting on the ground in the studio three feet from a world-class artist, and then something radically different in the next studio.”
BKCM’ Executive Director Chad Cooper delivers remarks at the ninth annual House Party.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Olatuja played uplifting pan-African grooves on the main stage for the outdoor crowd.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannPark Slope residents Emily Gardiner and Ben Herzog, who have attended the annual event since its inception, told Brooklyn Paper that the variety of music genres is what makes it special.
“In every room is another beautiful little musical jewel box,” Gardiner said. “The musicianship is really stunning. It’s fun. And you’re in like a little living room just listening to this great music.”
Herzog added that the event introduced attendees to new music.
“I like hearing stuff I’ve never heard before. Maybe something Middle Eastern or music I’m totally unfamiliar with,” Herzog said. “The musicianship is just always top-notch across the board.”
Supporters of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music danced the night away at the organization’s annual House Party.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Attendees enjoyed live performances from 34 acts across every room of the Brooklyn Conservatory.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann DJ L3NI entertained the crowd at the after-party.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannChicagoan Liz Wain, attending the event for the second time, said she was impressed with BKCM’s work and looked forward to the music’s diversity.
“[The event] is exciting, and it’s positive, and it’s a good spirit and a good energy,” Wain said. “And after the week we’ve had, we need that. And so it’s just great to come out and celebrate the global world of music. Music really does bring us all together.”
The Brooklyn suspect accused of murdering two seniors in their home on Sunday ran off his mouth during his perp walk Monday night.
“You know what happened,” 46-year-old Kerry Lewis allegedly told police after they came upon the bodies of 66-year-old Jacqueline Delyons and her 91-year-old father, Roosevelt Simmons, who were found dead at around 4:30 p.m. inside their home on 186 Warwick St. in Cypress Hills on Nov. 10.
Officers from the 75th Precinct made the gruesome discovery. Both victims were found lying face down on the kitchen floor with their necks slit. EMS pronounced them dead at the scene.
According to law enforcement sources, 66-year-old Jacqueline Delyons and her 91-year-old father Roosevelt Simmons were found dead at around 4:30 p.m. inside of their home on 186 Warwick Street on Nov. 10. Photo by Lloyd MitchellLewis, who lived at the residence and was in a romantic relationship with Deylons, was immediately taken into custody by cops after uttering the unsettling words to police.
Following questioning on Monday, Lewis was taken into custody on two counts of first-degree murder, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Later that evening, detectives escorted him out of the 75th Precinct precinct; he wore a white Tyvek suit and handcuffs for his trip to Kings County Criminal Court for arraignment.
“I snapped,” Lewis yelled at reporters as detectives led to him to a waiting police vehicle.
Conviction on a first-degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
Late Monday evening Lewis was escorted out of the 75th precinct in cuffs and a Tyvek suit. “I snapped,” he yelled as detectives ushered him into a police vehicle. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Holocaust survivor and World War II veteran Vladimir Sats celebrated his centennial year last week at the Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst.
The Holocaust Survivors Center at the JCH marked the occasion with a special tribute during its annual Rosh Hashanah party on Sept. 27, celebrating Sats’ resilience and service.
Sats was born on Aug. 12, 1924, in Kyiv, Ukraine. After completing the eighth grade in 1939, he enrolled in a newly established naval school in Kyiv. With the outbreak of World War II, the school was evacuated to Kazakhstan, and Sats was transferred to a naval medical school. By 1943, he had trained as a paramedic at the Northern Fleet submarine base.
In April 1945, Sats graduated and was deployed to the Far East, serving as a medic in the emergency rescue unit of the Amur River Flotilla. He was stationed in Harbin when Japan surrendered. Following his discharge in 1948, Sats returned to Kyiv, where he earned a medical degree from the Kyiv Medical Institute and worked as a physician. In 1988, he immigrated to Brooklyn, where he has lived ever since.
Assembly Member William Colton and Council Member Susan Zhuang were both in attendance to honor Sats’ significant milestone and present him with a citation from the city.
“I was privileged to join in the festivities marking Mr. Sats’s 100th birthday,” said Colton. “This is such an important milestone, made even more significant because of the unimaginable difficulties he endured as a young man. Mr. Sats truly embodies the strength of the human spirit, and I am honored to have been a part of this important occasion.”
Sats was presented with a citation to officially mark the milestone.Photo courtesy of William Colton’s District OfficeZhuang echoed Colton’s sentiments, calling Sats a “community treasure.”
“It is very meaningful to mark any person’s 100th birthday,” she said. “It is always a landmark occasion, even more so when that person has come through so much, as Mr. Sats has. He is truly a community treasure.”
Detectives are investigating another shooting in Brooklyn, this one occurring in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon.
At 1:20 p.m. on Oct. 2, officers responded to a shot spotter alert at Fulton Street and Logan Avenue in Cypress Hills. Upon their arrival, police found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.
Paramedics responded to the location and transported the man to an area hospital in stable condition.
Police investigate the scene.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Police investigate the scene.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe gunman, who reportedly also shot into a car, has not been apprehended. A detective at the scene noted that the engine of the car was still running and had a warm hood.
Officers from the Emergency Services Unit recovered multiple shell casings at the scene. An investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1800-577-Tips. All calls will be kept confidential.
Police investigate the scene.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Police investigate the scene.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Police investigate the scene.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
With a close 88-84 win on Tuesday night, the New York Liberty have taken a forceful 2-0 lead in their semifinal matchup against last year’s WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces. New York was led by guard Sabrina Ionescu who had 24 points, including two clutch free throws that secured the Liberty the win.
The Aces came out with a competitive spirit to start the game, hoping to avoid falling behind as they did in game one. Led by Alysha Clark in the first quarter with eight points, the Aces found a rhythm in their offense that they struggled to find in the previous game. Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton provided the spark on offense for New York in the first quarter, putting up 6 points, but it wasn’t enough to outscore the active Aces. By the end of the first quarter, the Aces were up 22-27.
The second quarter saw a big scoring contribution from Liberty bench player Kayla Thornton who had three consecutive baskets. Her scoring sparked the comeback and gave the Liberty the lead. New York ended the first half strong, getting multiple defensive stops in a row, along with a big three-pointer by Ionescu to end the second quarter leading 46-40.
Each quarter had a different Liberty player stepping up and leading the way. New York guard and veteran Courtney Vandersloot was the x-factor in the third quarter. She had an impressive block that stopped the Ace’s fast break then scored a three-pointer on the other end of the court. The second half of the game consisted of more ball movement from the Liberty, which has been a key component of their success all season.
The Aces began to make a comeback in the fourth quarter when Las Vegas center and league MVP A’Ja Wilson started to take over. Wilson didn’t have the most dominant game 1 that fans were expecting, but in the fourth quarter, she had multiple big shots that kept the Aces in this game. Liberty forward Breanna Stewart who had 34 points the last game, was struggling to shoot from the field, ending just 5/15 with 15 points. Her missed shots down the stretch in the fourth quarter gave the Aces the chance to come back. With Wilsons’ fast break layup cutting New York’s lead to just one point with two and a half minutes left in the game. Ionescu was attempting to keep her team in front by driving to the basket for two points, but the Aces then found Clark open in the corner for the three-pointer, which tied the game at 81-81.
Without panic, Ionescu then responded by hitting a jump shot to put the Liberty back up. Two possessions later, Ionescu fouled Aces bench player Tiffany Hayes, which put her at the free throw line with the ability to tie up the game. Hayes went 1 of 2 from the free throw line, missing the second. Ionescu grabbed the rebound which prompted an immediate foul from the Aces, but she only hit 1 of 2 from the line. When the Aces got back the ball with 11.6 seconds left, it was deflected off of the inbound pass and determined to be New York ball. This was followed by yet another foul of Ionescu, but this time she made both of her free throws from the foul line in a high-pressure moment.
“I hit those free throws because JJ (Jonquel Jones) was in my ear telling me I better make em,” Ionsecu jokingly admitted during the postgame press conference.
This secured the game for New York, putting them up 85-82 with 9 seconds left in regulation. Ionescu’s takeover in the fourth quarter isn’t new to Liberty fans, especially not this postseason when she had a career-high 36-point game against the Atlanta Dream in the first round that included a huge fourth quarter by her.
The Liberty will now head to Las Vegas for games 3 and 4 at Michelob ULTRA Arena. New York will have the opportunity to win the semifinals in game 3, which is set for Oct. 4 at 9:30 pm eastern time.
For more on the Liberty, visit AMNY.com
The city has, for the fourth time, changed its mind on the McGuinness Boulevard redesign.
This fall, the Department of Transportation will implement the road diet it has already finalized, then rejected, on the southern half of the roadway. Between Calyer Street and Meeker Avenue, the department will remove one vehicle traffic lane in favor of full-time parking-protected bike lanes.
The plan isn’t new — it was approved for the whole of McGuinness Boulevard last summer after years of community engagement and planning by DOT. But, weeks after the final redesign was chosen, Mayor Eric Adams ordered DOT to come up with something else — reportedly at the urging of powerful local businesses and one of his top advisors, Ingrid Lewis-Martin.
The DOT plan set to be implemented between Calyer Street and Meeker Avenue. Image courtesy of NYC DOTBy the end of the summer, the city had put finalized a stripped-back plan for the northern half of McGuinness Boulevard, between the Pulaski Bridge and Calyer Street, but still planned to implement the full road diet on the southern half. Then, this August, that changed abruptly when DOT announced it would continue the pared-back plan on the full length of McGuinness Boulevard.
The decision drew outrage from community members and local elected officials, who argued the city had gone back on its word despite the demands of the community.
The Oct. 2 announcement that the city would return to its first plan and remove a lane of vehicle traffic came just as suddenly.
“This administration is committed to making our streets safer for all New Yorkers, no matter how they travel around our city — by car, by bike, or on foot,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, in a statement. “I am grateful to DOT for its commitment to McGuinness Boulevard and willingness to adapt to community and elected officials’ feedback, and of course to New Yorkers for their candor.”
Joshi had previously spoken in favor of the stripped-back plan, saying at an August press conference that there was “lots to be happy about” on McGuinness Boulevard.
A DOT spox said the decision was made “in response to community feedback on our previous proposal and continued outreach over the last several weeks.”
Kevin LaCherra, an organizer with the group Make McGuinness Safe, said the criticism from locals “must have gotten through” to City Hall.
Hundreds of cyclists and safe-streets advocates protested against the latest changes to the McGuinness Boulevard redesign on Aug. 27. Photo by Kirstyn Brendlen“We have taken every opportunity to say, ‘If you do this, it’s going to be a disaster,'” he said. “And why would any administration want that? I’m sure the Adams administration didn’t want that. So they made the right choice. This is the way our government is supposed to work.”
The redesign is backed by DOT’s own statistics, LaCherra added, which analyzed crashes, injuries, and the way locals and businesses regularly use the road as the department worked to finalize a decision.
It was not immediately clear Wednesday when the redesign would be completed, but crews are set to start work in the coming weeks, per DOT. While construction is underway, and after it’s completed, DOT will monitor the project and make adjustments if needed.
The northern half of McGuinness Boulevard, between the Pulaski Bridge and Calyer Street, will remain as-is, with two vehicle traffic lanes in each direction and a barrier-protected bicycle lane on both sides.
In a joint statement, a collection of local politicians including Council Member Lincoln Restler, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher celebrated the announcement.
“Credit to the Adams administration and Department of Transportation for taking the safety of Greenpoint seriously,” the pols said. “We are excited to see safety improvements implemented on McGuinness Boulevard this month and are immensely grateful to the Make McGuinness Safe community coalition for their relentless advocacy. We will work together with DOT to monitor and adjust to ensure this is a success for Greenpoint.”
The decision came in the middle of a tumultuous time for the Adams administration. Hours before the news broke, Adams arrived in federal court for his first appearance before a judge for a wide-ranging corruption case, in which he is charged with bribery, fraud, and accepting foreign donations. While he was still in the courtroom, prosecutors said they may end up charging Adams with additional crimes — and that charges against other people involved in the case are likely.
Last week, federal investigators raided the home of Lewis-Martin — the Adams advisor who had reportedly spoken against the McGuinness redesign.
The decision came as Mayor Eric Adams faced federal charges and days after investigators raided the home of his advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin (right.) File photo courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography OfficeRestler said local elected officials have been talking with the Adams administration about the redesign since the announcement in August, but that he hasn’t been a “key negotiator.” He credited the local community and advocates for making their voices heard throughout the entire process.
Asked whether the tumult at City Hall may have played a role in the administration’s decision to move forward with a full redesign, Restler said he “[doesn’t] know.”
“I don’t think this was a decision that they came to in a day, or post-indictment,” he said. “I’ve given up on trying to understand what the internal decision-making process is over there. But I’m pleased that they came to the right conclusion, and whatever the reason or rationale, this is a decision that enhances safety in our community, and that’s what matters.”
LaCherra was optimistic about the redesign, and felt positive about Wednesday’s announcement — despite the city’s flip-flops.
“I’ll feel a hell of a lot better when I’m walking to the subway across one lane of traffic in each direction. That’s when I’ll feel good,” he said. “But I can’t imagine who in their right mind would want to put us through anything else. I just have to hope. The mayor made a promise to this community. Through the action that he’s taking today, he’s keeping that promise. The same thing for DOT.”
Shamel Kelly, the former Brooklyn bar owner and whistleblower on an alleged NYPD corruption ring, had one question Tuesday as his legal team announced plans to sue the city.
“How deep does it go?”
The “it” refers to the scandal involving the twin brother of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, James Caban. James allegedly shook down Kelly, whose Juice and Moore Bar in Coney Island had been subjected to police raids on a near-weekly basis.
Kelly stood in front of City Hall on Oct. 1 alongside his attorneys just as Mayor Eric Adams faced-down a legion of reporters inside its walls on his indictment. Photo by Dean Moses“I was visited over, I would say, a six-month span, every week, on Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays when I was open,” Kelly told reporters outside City Hall on Oct. 1. “I knew something was off because our establishment never had issues. We never had any fights, we never had any crimes — anything going in my space, and it was just excessive police force.”
Kelly alleges that Ray Martin, former associate director for Mayor Eric Adams’ Office of Entertainment and Nightlife, told him the frequent raids from the 60th Precinct would disappear if he paid James Caban a fee. Both Martin and Edward Caban have resigned since news of the scandal broke.
The legal team provided videos that show an army of police officers entering the business, shutting it down on several occasions, and even making arrests. Kelly said he was left to feel unsafe but still refused to pay up.
Kelly, alongside his attorneys during the press conference, told reporters that he was cooperating with federal investigators, has shared video material with them, and wants to see how far up the food chain the commands went and if they touched too city officials like the mayor — who was indicted last week on unrelated bribery and corruption charges.
Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels is representing Kelly. He said he’s looking to answer Kelly’s question of how far the alleged scheme involving the former commissioner’s brother went at the NYPD and, potentially, at City Hall.
The legal team provided videos that shows an army of police officers entering the business, shutting it down on several occasions, and even making arrests. Kelly said he was left to feel unsafe but still refused to pay up. Screenshot courtesy of Sham“Make no mistake about it, I would have brought a lawsuit today, but it goes so deep, so deep that we have to continue to do our investigation and continue to dig and find out how deep it goes. Every time we get ready to bring a suit, we find out something else,” Daniels said. “We want to get all the actors, all the people, the corrupt people, involved in this suit.”
Kelly announced that he was cooperating with federal investigators, has shared video material with them, and wants to see how far up the food chain the commands went and if they touched too city officials like the mayor.Kelly’s legal team provided videos that shows an army of police officers entering the business, shutting it down on several occasions, and even making arrests. Kelly said he was left to feel unsafe but still refused to pay up.Kelly said he plans on taking the city to task with legal proceedings after he says he was forced to shutter his business from the alleged harassment. His legal team provided videos that showed an army of police officers entering the business, shutting it down on several occasions, and even making arrests. Kelly said he was left to feel unsafe but still refused to pay up.
Kelly said the bar was raided and shut down several times, but he refused to pay up. Screenshot courtesy of SHAM“I felt like I was being extorted,” Kelly said. “I started to lose a lot of funds due to the excessive harassment. No one wanted to really come to my establishment like that anymore, and it just got dangerous with me at that point.”
Attorney Bernarda Villalon, who is also representing Kelly, accused cops of performing illegal searches and seizures through a mob-like shakedown all to pocket some cash, calling it a pay-to-play operation.
“He encountered so much harassment, illegal searches, and it only ramped up more when Mr. Kelly refused to pay the $2,500 to Mr. Caban,” Villalon said. “It got so bad to the point that Mr. Kelly was forced to close down that very business that he worked so hard to open, leaving him with no business.”
Kelly announced that he was cooperating with federal investigators, has shared video material with them, and wants to see how far up the food chain the commands went and if they touched too city officials like the mayor. Photo by Dean MosesJames Caban’s legal representatives, however, state that their client denies the allegations and any wrongdoing.
“Mr. Caban unequivocally denies any wrongdoing. His work – as a consultant and acting as a liaison between the Department and a private company – is perfectly legal, especially given his previous career as a NYPD officer,” Sean Hecker and David Patton, partners at Hecker Fink LLP and counsel for James Caban said.
NYPD declined to provide comment on this story, instead referring reporters to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
A new immersive exhibit celebrating Brooklyn’s global influence on popular culture is now open to the public in Sunset Park’s Industry City.
The creative force behind “Brooklyn Pop” is Michael McLeer, a founding member of the rock-hip-hop crossover group Lordz of Brooklyn and an artist known as Kaves. The exhibit, five years in the making, is described by McLeer as a reflection of his family’s Brooklyn dream, interwoven with the films, music, and art that have influenced him and countless others.
The Bay Ridge native says his world travels as a member of Lordz of Brooklyn and as Kaves opened his eyes to the borough’s global footprint and to the lack of fanfare in Kings County celebrating this achievement. He pays homage to that legacy inside Industry City’s Building 2, which is complete with artifacts and recreated sets from iconic Brooklyn-based films and television shows.
“Wherever you go, Brooklyn is respected and celebrated by all. But when you came back home, there isn’t a place that really defined that in four walls,” McLeer told Brooklyn Paper following the exhibit’s grand opening on Sept. 28.
“In this day and age, Brooklyn has become a global brand,” he continued. “But for generations now, there’s been a slow burn that has turned it this way. And I felt like, as a storyteller, there was something for me to do as an artist, as a musician, as an actor, as a director, I would use all my disciplines to bring this thing to life and really celebrate it.”
Kaves began collecting pop culture artifacts during his childhood, many of which are on display at Brooklyn Pop.Photo by Erica Price Memorabilia from ‘The Lords of Flatbush,’ the 1974 cult classic film that captures the rebellious spirit of 1950s Brooklyn, featuring leather jackets, vintage posters, and iconic props from the movie. The film, starring a young Sylvester Stallone and Henry Winkler, remains a beloved homage to the era’s greaser culture.Photo by Erica Price“’Brooklyn Pop’ is a remarkable new interactive art installation by Kaves. This collaboration helps underscore Brooklyn’s status as a vibrant cultural epicenter, where creativity and community converge,” said Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce said ahead of the grand opening. “With the opening of this exhibit, we honor the spirit of innovation and artistic expression that continues to define not only our borough but the rest of the world as well.”
The exhibit begins by highlighting the Brooklyn Dodgers’ impact, showcasing how the team became the soul of Brooklyn before breaking its heart and moving across the country to Los Angeles.
“We were bummed out, but that’s kind of the goal for every young kid in Brooklyn who wants to become successful, to become a star,” said McLeer.
On select nights, actors will perform McLeer’s play, ‘A Brooklyn Dream,’ which takes audiences through three generations of his family amidst the exhbit’s memorabilia.Photo by Erica PriceThe 11,000-square-foot exhibit continues through installations of different films, movements and music, brought to life through visual and audio aids. One room begins in a train tunnel and leads to a subway car celebrating the impact of the 1979 film “The Warriors,” while another guides visitors across the 2001 Odyssey Disco dancefloor from “Saturday Night Fever” (1977). Dorsey Wright, who portrayed Cleon in “The Warriors,” attended the grand opening and tagged the train car that honors the film.
On select nights, actors will perform McLeer’s play, “A Brooklyn Dream,” which takes audiences through three generations of his family, from his grandmother’s pursuit of stardom to his own artistic journey.
“The dream was from Brooklyn to Hollywood, and that dream is a common dream in Brooklyn, there’s so many celebrities and entertainers that came out of Brooklyn,” he said. “By me telling it through this immersive play, this Brooklyn dream comes to life with the actors, giving a real immersive experience on what it was like growing up in Brooklyn in the past three generations.”
“I did this for the people that are gone,” Kaves added. “I did this for the people that reminisce romantically about the days of old, and about the future Brooklyn.”
Iconic memorabilia from ‘Saturday Night Fever,’ including the famous Lenny’s Pizza sign and the legendary dance floor where John Travolta’s character strutted his moves.Photo by Erica PriceWhile the exhibit looks back at Kings County’s cultural past, McLeer says the “Brooklyn Way” is embodied in its residents — dreamers with an underdog spirit.
“The special thing about Brooklyn is that only the facades change; the spirit never does,” he said. “When you come here, a new immigrant comes here like the old. They have to learn how to live on top of each other and share in their culture. And that’s why some of the most incredible movies, food, and music, are made because they’re a hybrid of all these people that come to this area and inform what is called the Brooklyn way.”
Tickets for “Brooklyn Pop” start at $32 for adults, $20 for kids and $28 for seniors. For more information, visit TheBrooklynPop.com.
Additional reporting by Erica Price
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has resumed its distribution of millions of at-home COVID-19 test kits across the nation as part of a federal effort to enhance access to testing as cases continue to be monitored.
The program, a partnership with the White House and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), allows U.S. residents to order rapid test kits at no cost through the site COVIDTests.gov.
This latest round of distribution comes as New York City continues to track COVID-19 trends and totals, which include daily case counts, hospitalizations, and death rates by borough. Up-to-date data from NYC Health shows ongoing surveillance of the virus’s impact across communities, with weekly updates on the citywide situation and neighborhood-specific transmission levels.
Additionally, New York State monitors the situation across various metrics, including positive test rates, hospitalizations, and vaccination coverage. Reports on statewide COVID-19 trends are available to the public, offering a broader look at the virus’s progression and prevalence throughout the state.
Since the program’s inception in the winter of 2021, ASPR and USPS have distributed around 900 million test kits to households nationwide, with shipments typically reaching homes within 1.2 days. Each residential address can request up to four tests.
The most recent distribution started in late September 2024; U.S. households can order four free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests shipped directly from USPS at no cost. Click here to order yours.
Uncommon Schools Excellence Boys Elementary was brand new when Latasha Smith was searching for an elementary school in Crown Heights for her first-grade son.
At the time, Excellence Boys only offered kindergarten and first grade in a building shared with other public schools.
But something about the school’s mission caught her attention: Students would receive an education in an all-boys setting that would prepare them for college starting in elementary school.
“The type of education was exactly what we were looking for, so we decided to give it a shot,” Smith said.
Now 20 years later, Smith said she is thrilled that she made the decision to send her son, Darien Bondswell, to the charter school, which has since moved into its own private building on Patchen Avenue.
“We got to know everyone and we truly became a village, where we still connect to this day,” said Smith, who organized a 20-year reunion gala for the school on Sept. 28.
Uncommon Excellence Boys 20th Anniversary Reunion, September 28, 2024. Photo courtesy of Uncommon SchoolsBondswell attended the school through eighth grade as it added a grade each year, then went to Uncommon Charter High School and Mercy College, from where he graduated in 2020.
Bondswell said the Excellence Boys had a profound impact on his life, encouraging him to strive for college in a nurturing environment.
“Going to an all-boys school gave us the opportunity to really focus on school and brotherhood,” Bondswell said. “And as we got into middle school, we didn’t have the distractions that could come with a co-ed school.”
Supporters of all-boys schools point to the same benefits: boys can learn at their own pace without the societal pressure of being compared to girls. In addition, boys in this environment can be less constrained by gender stereotypes and are more likely to thrive in subjects that girls tend to dominate in the earlier school years.
Anthony Bruno, who also attended the school during the early years, recalls the brotherhood nurtured at Excellence Boys as well.
Latasha Smith with her son Darien Bondswell at Uncommon Excellence Boys Middle School. Photo courtesy of Uncommon Schools“There was always a strong sense of family, with teachers fostering camaraderie and brotherhood,” Bruno said. “Academically and personally, Excellence Boys instilled a level of confidence that I think no person can ever take away from me.”
After graduating from the State University of New York at Westbury, Bruno slowly began reconnecting with his elementary school. He was a speaker at the 2020 eighth-grade virtual graduation during the pandemic. Two years later, he was invited to back-to-school night, the first time he had been back in the building in a decade.
“Just being inside the building and seeing the kids interacting with each other, seeing the demographics of the teachers, seeing how it changed, how it got younger…it was something I wanted to be a part of,” Bruno said. “The principal offered me a job and I couldn’t say no.”
Anthony Bruno at Uncommon Excellence Boys Middle School. Photo courtesy of Uncommon SchoolsBruno said being a student at the school gives him a unique perspective as a teacher.
“I listened to these same exact rules, these same exact expectations, so I’m able to connect with the kids on a different level than most of my coworkers,” he said. “I tell them: I promise you that by the time you graduate here, by the time you graduate high school and get to college, you are going to see the results.You are going to see why your parents wanted to send you to Excellence Boys. You’re going to see why Excellence Boys was pushing college readiness and preparing you for much more than just eighth-grade graduation,” Bruno said.
Cole Edwards, who attended Excellence Boys a few years after Bruno, also recalls the school fostering a sense of brotherhood and community.
“I’m 21 years old now and my friends to this day are the same friends that I had in kindergarten when I was four years old,” Edwards said. “I love them so much and all of them came from Excellence Boys. That brotherhood and community stems from Excellence. But even when we leave Excellence, it stays with us. And even past my close friends, whenever I see somebody from Excellence or even interact with them virtually, it’s always love.”
From left to right: Chase Edwards, Bryce Edwards, Cole Edwards. Photo courtesy of Uncommon SchoolsEdwards graduated from Howard University with a degree in business management earlier this year and now works for GroupM, one of the top advertising agencies in the world. He credits Excellence Boys with his success.
“I was there for nine years and I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my time at Excellence Boys,” Edwards said. He now aims to serve as a role model for the next generation of boys who are attending the school.
“The sense of community at the school really creates a legacy,” he said. “What keeps me going back is establishing that legacy, connecting with the younger students and helping them to reach their goals, go to high school and go to college and be successful in life.”
Seats are still available at Uncommon Excellence Boys Elementary and Middle Schools from PreK-8th grades, and families can enroll their students here.
Mayor Eric Adams may possibly face additional criminal charges on top of his historic indictment on federal bribery, soliciting foreign campaign donations and wire fraud charges, prosecutors said at a Wednesday court hearing in Manhattan.
Hagan Scotten, an assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), said during the Oct. 2 conference before Judge Dale Ho that other co-conspirators connected to the Adams indictment, who have yet to be named, are likely also to face criminal charges.
“We think that is quite likely … that additional defendants will be charged in connection with this scheme,” Scotten responded when Judge Ho asked him if other co-conspirators would face charges.
The mayor is accused of running a nearly decade-long scheme in which he received undisclosed travel benefits and illegal campaign donations from foreign nationals in exchange for doing favors on their behalf.
Throughout the roughly 90-minute conference, which marked Adams’ first official court appearance, Adams sat silently beside his attorney Alex Spiro, facing forward.
Spiro, who filed two motions this week — one aimed at dismissing the bribery charge against Adams and another asking the court to sanction SDNY for allegedly leaking grand jury evidence to the press — spent much of the conference pushing for a speedy trial.
Specifically, he urged judge Ho to schedule the trial to wrap before the end of the petitioning period for getting on the 2025 mayoral Democratic primary ballot early next March in order to avoid having the trial interfere with the mayor being able to garner petition signatures.
He declined to set a trial date during the conference, saying he would take Spiro’s argument “under advisement” and render a decision later.
In a statement following the hearing, Spiro suggested that Scotten’s revelation that his office could bring additional charges proves his argument that the government has no case against the mayor.
“The prosecution is desperately now saying they ‘could’ bring a new case because they are suddenly facing dismissal of their actual, flawed case and sanctions for misconduct,” Spiro said in the statement. “This is the sort of nonsense that prosecutors say when they don’t have a real case. If they had a real case, they would have brought it.”
Material against the mayorThe conference mostly consisted of Judge Ho working out a calendar for the coming court proceedings between the prosecution and the mayor’s defense. That includes setting dates by which federal prosecutors must respond to the motions Spiro has already filed, Oct. 18, and the date when Spiro must answer back, Oct. 25. Ho also scheduled an Oct. 30 hearing to discuss those motions and the prosecution’s responses.
On top of that, the judge set a Dec. 4 deadline by which SDNY prosecutors must turn over all of their evidence, known as discovery, to Adams’ defense team.
Scotten explained that the prosecution has a mountain of material supporting the historic 5-count indictment.
Mayor Adams leaving Manhattan Federal Court on Oct. 2, 2024 following a hearing on his indictment.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe discovery material includes written communications, text messages, Signal app messages, calendar entries, voice memos from Turkish nationals, conversations between Mayor Adams and co-conspirators, business records from Turkish Airlines, and forms that Adams submitted to the city’s Campaign Finance Bureau. Scotten said multiple witnesses are willing to testify about the alleged illegal contributions.
Additional material could be found on a phone federal agents seized from Adams last November, but has yet to be unlocked before the mayor changed the passcode just before it was taken, Scotten noted.
The mayor surrendered to federal authorities on Friday and pleaded not guilty to all five criminal counts in federal court.
Mayor Adams after his court appearance on Oct. 2, 2024.Photo by Lloyd MitchellAdams offered no statements throughout the conference and departed Manhattan Federal Court with Spiro just before noon on Oct. 2 without speaking to a scrum of reporters gathered outside.
Several protesters were also outside the courthouse calling for the mayor to resign, with one holding up a sign calling Adams the “Black Donald Trump.”
Protesters outside the Manhattan Federal Court call for Mayor Eric Adams to resign on Oct. 2, 2024.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Brooklyn is bubbling with excitement as it prepares for the 17th Annual Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival, set to take over the Big Apple from Oct. 17-20. Fans can expect a smorgasbord of events featuring over 400 chefs from around the globe, where attendees will have the unique opportunity to meet some of the Food Network’s biggest stars and culinary giants.
NYCWFF founder and director Lee Brian Schrager said this year’s star-studded festival — headquartered for the first time this year in Brooklyn — represents a “major turning point” for the festival.
Food Network chef Kardea Brown speaks onstage during the Food Network New York City Wine and Food Festival 2023. Photo courtesy of Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for NYCWFF“Our new home in Brooklyn is breathing fresh life into the experience, from evolving events like FoodieCon presented by Fratelli Beretta and the star-studded culinary demos to reimagined fan favorites on the pier and local dining experiences,” Schrager said. “The energy is palpable, the talent is incredibly diverse, and we are deepening our connection to the Brooklyn community by featuring over 100+ Brooklyn restaurants. We’re confident this year will deliver an unforgettable experience for our loyal supporters and those discovering NYCWFF for the first time.”
Organizers of the New York City Wine & Food Festival announced the groundbreaking move to the new 450,000-square-foot Invesco QQQ Campus in Sunset Park earlier this year, after years of hosting the festival in Manhattan.
For the first time this fall, fan-favorite events such as The Grand Tasting and walkaround pier parties will be consolidated into one expansive and tented location at the Brooklyn Army Terminal — something Schrager finds extra sweet.
The festival’s main attractions will be hosted at the Brooklyn Army Terminal. Photo courtesy of Jeff Schear/Getty Images for NYCWFF“We’re not just moving venues; we’re intentionally embracing Brooklyn’s rich culture – something I’ve wanted to do for years and inviting its talented chefs to join us on this culinary journey,” he said. “Our aim is to provide them with an unparalleled platform to showcase their talent to a wider audience. We can’t wait to write this chapter with both our loyal supporters and new participants from the community of Brooklyn.”
Festivities will kick off on Thursday, Oct. 17 with Brooklyn Eats & Beats, featuring celebrated Brooklyn chefs including Esther Choi, Billy Durney, Sean Feeney, Mark Iacono and Michael Solomonov. The event will also feature cultural icons Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, serving up their premium ready-to-drink cocktail, Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop.
Attendees can look forward to seeing Katie Lee, Marc Murphy, Alex Guarnaschelli, Duff Goldman, and television icons Tamron Hall and Al Roker, along with his daughter Courtney Laga Roker. Other hallmark events include FoodieCon at Industry City, the Blue Moon Burger Bash hosted by Rachael Ray, Bobby’s Triple Threat Dance Party (featuring — you guessed it — the stars of the Bobby Flay showdown), and NYCWFF’s “biggest bonanza:” The Grand Tasting at Brooklyn Army Terminal.
Chef Marc Murphy prepares food during the 2023 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. Photo courtesy of Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for NYCWFFWhile there are still plenty of events happening in Manhattan, festival-goers can expect seamless travel between the two boroughs thanks to the NYCWFF Ferry powered by Invesco QQQ.
The immersive event will once again support God’s Love We Deliver, a Big Apple-based charity that has prepared and delivered meals to New Yorkers in need since 1985. Last year alone, the org delivered more than 4 million medically tailored meals, and has generated over $14.8 million for charitable causes to date.
For a full list of events, to purchase tickets and more, visit nycwff.org.
The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to celebrate the borough’s most impressive real estate projects at the 2024 Best of Brooklyn Real Estate Showcase, coming to a landmark site on the Williamsburg waterfront later this month.
The showcase will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Refinery at Domino, the former Domino Sugar Refinery. It will highlight the best real estate projects completed in Brooklyn between January 2023 and June 2024.
The showcase, hosted by the business-boosting group, will celebrate developments across various categories, from residential and commercial properties to public spaces and sustainable design. Attendees will also get to see projects that are shaping the future of Brooklyn’s real estate landscape.
“We are excited to host this year’s Real Estate Showcase. It is a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate and promote the best of our borough,” said Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “These new developments mark another great chapter in the long history of Brooklyn real estate.”
James Whelan, president of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), will deliver the keynote address. After the showcase, professionals and community members will network and discuss the latest trends in Brooklyn real estate during a formal reception.
Nominations are still open for each category, including arts, education, historic restoration, mixed-use and more. Those interested can submit nominations online, where registration and sponsorship opportunities for the showcase are also open.
Sponsors for the 2024 Best of Brooklyn Real Estate Showcase include Citizens, Optimum Business, Two Trees Management Co., JPMorgan Chase, Cozen O’Connor, International Security Services, Inc., TD Bank and Industry City.
Notable attendees include Ana Oliveira, senior vice president of Valley Bank and board chair of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Bonnie Campbell, principal at Two Trees Management and co-chair of the Real Estate and Development Committee; and Kenneth Fisher, a member of Cozen O’Connor and co-chair of the Real Estate and Development Committee.
A ventilation system to protect students at a Gowanus elementary school from contaminated air has passed its first round of testing, according to state officials, but isn’t set to be fully operational until at least after Christmas.
Officials tested the air at P.S. 372 The Children’s School earlier this year as part of a larger Soil Vapor Intrusion study in the neighborhood surrounding the toxic Gowanus Canal Superfund site.
The results showed the air inside the school’s main building on Carroll Street was safe by state standards.
But in the soil below the school’s annex building on First Street, officials found very high levels of oil-related chemicals including ethylbenzene, trimethylbenzene, and xylenes. Exposure to those chemicals over long periods of time, or at high concentrations, can lead to serious health effects.
The entrance to the P.S. 372 annex on First Street. Photo courtesy of Google MapsThe indoor air in the annex basement itself, which houses kindergarten classrooms, was largely found to be safe, though the results appear to show higher-than-average levels of a xylene isomer. While the air in the basement doesn’t pose a significant health risk, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, the results required action.
The highly-concentrated contaminants in the soil are liable to rise up into the basement itself via soil vapor intrusion, and the state offered to install a free sub-slab depressurisation system to vent the vapors outside before they can reach the basement and the students.
But the system wasn’t done before the first day of school on Sept. 4.
‘We are moving as fast as we can’At a Sept. 19 meeting at P.S. 372, DEC project engineer Heidi Dudek said tests for a pilot system are finished and went well.
While testing was underway, officials were also designing the permanent system for the school, Dudek said, and hope to finish the plan by early October. After that they’ll have to meet with the building’s owners — the annex is leased to P.S. 372 by a church next door — and the Department of Education to get the system permitted and installed.
“I am very realistic, I don’t want to give anybody false hopes,” Dudek said. “It does take time. We are moving as fast as we can, I do not anticipate the system will be installed before Christmas, we think it’s going to be early 2025.”
Dozens of locals attended the Sept. 19 meeting with state officials. Photo by Kirstyn BrendlenIn the meantime, the city’s Department of Education and the state health department have installed new air conditioning units and exhaust fans in the annex to keep the building properly ventilated, according to Gothamist, and added carbon dioxide detectors to the school’s HVAC system. Ventilation is a key short-term fix for soil-vapor intrusion, according to DEC — in a June letter to the pastor of the Carroll Street church that owns the annex, a department health specialist recommended opening windows and adjusting HVAC systems to reduce the levels of contaminants in the indoor air.
State officials also said DEC’s standards for what’s considered unsafe are “conservative.”
“Our levels where we recommend action are not levels where we would expect to see health effects,” said Scarlett Messier-McLaughlin, a public health specialist at the state DOH. “They’re proactive, they’re pretty conservative. So, in this case, in the school, we recommend mitigation, but it’s not something that’s exceeding immediate action levels.”
The source of the contamination in the soil isn’t clear. Officials had initially believed the chemicals were left over from oil tanks that used to be left on the property, but also theorize they are migrating from a Brownfield cleanup site on 4th Avenue. Some of the same chemicals found in the soil at P.S. 372 were found in the soil and groundwater at the Brownfield site, documents show.
Janice Clear, a parent with two children at P.S. 372 — including one who was in kindergarten last school year, when the results came out — isn’t worried.
A structural engineer, Clear said she felt her children were safe after she read the full report.
“I wish they had a little bit more emphasis that no high levels were found in the air; they were all in the soil vapor under the slab,” she said. “That the kids aren’t breathing anything, which is why there’s no reason to take the kids out.”
Meeting attendees look at the map of the 2023-24 testing area in Gowanus. Photo by Kirstyn BrendlenHowever, not all parents at P.S. 372 are convinced.
At the start of the school year, members of the school’s PTA met with Joseph Allen, the founder of the Healthy Buildings program at Harvard University to get his opinion, they shared in a Sept. 5 update shared online.
Allen said he wouldn’t pull his children from the school over the results, the update states, but would push for mitigation and monitoring — and was happy with the state’s decision to install a sub-slab system.
But he advocated for installing advanced monitors that would track all volatile organic compounds in the school’s air, and some parents — like Julia Finegan, co-president of the P.S. 372 PTA, urged officials at the Sept. 19 meeting to look into more extensive monitoring at the school.
The PTA is considering purchasing some monitors to keep in classrooms separately, according to a Sept. 23 update.
Limited testing with promising resultsThe Sept. 19 meeting wasn’t just about P.S. 372 — it was about soil vapor intrusion test results for hundreds of properties around the Gowanus Canal. Last year, DEC expanded its test range significantly after hazardous volatile organic compounds were found in the air at several Gowanus-area buildings.
The same industrial businesses that defiled the Gowanus Canal in the 19th and 20th centuries left the land around the canal soaked in oil, gas, and other pollutants, and those pollutants can make their way into homes and businesses the same way they did at P.S. 372.
Many of the same contaminants in the canal are present around Gowanus. File photo by Kirstyn BrendlenA year ago, the state sent out requests to test 610 properties in a roughly .3-square-mile area around the canal. But only 128 property owners agreed to the testing — most didn’t reply at all, and a few denied the testing outright.
Since then, testing has been finished at 113 properties, according to DEC, 15 of which needed mitigation of some kind. The state doesn’t release the test results publicly by address, but anonymized results show a number of properties required mitigation for tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE.)
PCE and TCE are some of the most broadly concerning chemicals in and around the Superfund site. Used in dry-cleaning and chemical solvents, respectively, both compounds are likely carcinogens and can cause a host of other health issues.
While the results were concerning to locals, Dudek said they are so far better than expected.
“The food news is we didn’t see nearly as much contamination as one might expect from a 100-plus-year-old industrial area,” she said. “It’s not everywhere, I guess would be the easiest way to put it. It seems to be small, isolated areas.”
However, testing is still limited. Only 20% of the properties contacted about testing agreed, and while the state will try again this fall — Messier-McLaughlin said DOH plans to reach out to about 1,400 properties — they can only test where owners have allowed them to.
Landlords are required to share test results with their tenants, but they’re not required to agree to the testing. At the Sept. 19 meeting, officials urged Gowanus tenants in the testing area to contact their landlords and talk with them directly if they want their homes tested.
Several Gowanusians were left frustrated by the end of the meeting. Martin Bisi, a local resident and member of the activist group Voice of Gowanus, said officials’ insistence that test results were not much to worry about felt like they were saying “I told you so.”
A map of all the buildings tested so far. Photo by Kirstyn BrendlenBisi said results showing how widespread the contamination in Gowanus is were “jaw-dropping,” and supported VoG’s demands for more testing and additional surveys, especially with thousands more buildings expected to pop up in the neighborhood in coming years thanks to the Gowanus rezoning.
Stephen Sollins, who lives just outside Gowanus but works in a building beside the canal, was also unsatisfied. His workplace was not on the list for testing, despite its proximity to the canal and some of the most polluted sites in Gowanus — including Public Place.
“I think they said that if we could get the landlord to agree, they would come and test the building, but it’s kind of interesting that it seems to not even be of concern to anybody,” he said. “Maybe because the zoning hasn’t changed right there, it’s still industrial. But a lot of people work there.”
Detectives in Bed-Stuy are investigating a triple shooting that left one man dead and two others injured on Monday night.
According to police, at 5:20 p.m. on Sept. 30, officers from the 79th Precinct and Police Service Area 3 responded to multiple phone calls for the shooting at 456 Dekalb Ave. in the Lafayette Gardens Houses. Upon their arrival, police found three men who had been shot at the location: a 33-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the torso, a 26-year-old male who sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen and shoulder, and 32-year-old Shaquille Davis, who had been shot in the head.
Davis was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The two other men were also taken to the same hospital, where the 26-year-old is in critical condition and the 33-year-old is in stable condition.
A officer holds crime scene tape at the scene of a fatal shooting in a NYCHA complex.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell A triple shooting left a man dead and two others wounded following a shooting near a playground in the Lafayette Garden Houses.Photo by Lloyd MitchellNo arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing at this time.
“My son just returned home from school when he saw the commotion. He called me saying there were cops, ambulances and a helicopter hovering around very low,” said Terri Smalls, a Brooklyn resident. “We have sticky notes throughout the apartment, we want to create a better life for him, my husband and myself. We want to get away from here. I am filled with heightened anxiety every day because of situations like this.”
Anyone with information regarding the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
A 32 year man was fatally shot, a 26 year old man was shot and a 33 year old man was shot in a playground.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell A 32 year man was fatally shot, a 26 year old man was shot and a 33 year old man was shot in a playground.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Vendors and visitors braved rainy conditions on Sunday for Brooklyn’s largest and oldest street festival, the 49th annual Atlantic Antic.
Presented by the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC), the festival stretches 1.5 miles from Fourth Avenue to the waterfront, covering the neighborhoods of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn institution featured over 50 local merchants and 300 vendors selling clothing, jewelry and handmade crafts. Foodies had plenty to choose from, with options ranging from traditional fair fare like Italian sausages and funnel cake to bao buns, crepes, lobster rolls, arepas and tacos.
Musical entertainment included local R&B acts on the Community Stage, and teen bands from Kids Rock For Kids drew crowds at Nevins Street, performing heavy metal and punk-rock hits from Metallica and Green Day. Batalá New York, an all-woman, Black-led Brazilian drum group, wowed the crowd with their performance along Atlantic Avenue.
Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon (third from right, standing) said she ‘reveres’ the Atlantic Antic.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Howard Kolins (right) presents Mark Foggin with the 12th annual Atlantic Avenue Ambassador Award.Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon (D-Brooklyn) told Brooklyn Paper that despite the dreary weather, attendees enjoyed themselves.
“Everybody’s ready with their rain gear and their umbrellas, and they’re enjoying themselves, and that’s what the Antic is all about,” she said.
Simon recalled getting stuck in traffic during her early days in Brooklyn because she didn’t know about the fair.
“I’ve never made that mistake again. So now I revere at the Antic. The Antic is sacred,” she said, noting the fair’s role in engaging Brooklynites in community planning and educating them about upcoming ballot measures like Proposal One, which addresses reproductive rights, including abortion.
“So there are people out talking about that because a lot of people don’t know it’s on the ballot,” Simon told Brooklyn Paper. “Also, you have to flip [the ballot] over. There are some city resolutions as well, but if people don’t know to flip over their ballot, they can’t vote, and we want everybody to vote.”
Teen bands with Kids Rock For Kids drew crowds playing heavy metal.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Bao buns were among the festival’s food favorites.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann One food vendor sold fried octopus and oysters.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannHoward Kolins, AALDC’s acting executive director, presented the 12th annual Atlantic Avenue Ambassador Award to the Arab-American Family Support Center. Mark Foggin, interim executive director of the center, accepted the award.
“I’m really grateful for the hard work that our family, that our organization, does for the families that we support,” said Foggin, noting the center served people from 125 countries last year.
Nikki Zagoc attended the fair with her mother, Darlene, and grandmother, Adele. The family, who visits every year, loves the fair’s multicultural aspects and unique art.
“It’s the people, the food, the stuff that they sell out here, a lot of it art. So you don’t find them everywhere. You come here, you’ll find something different that somebody else [doesn’t] have,” Adele told Brooklyn Paper.
A street fair wouldn’t be complete without Italian sausage and funnel cake.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Kaya, Diane, Allison and Laverne checked out the many Atlantic Antic vendors.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Even the pups braved the dreary weather.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannNikki added that she enjoys the food, music and diversity.
“You get to see different cultures come from different places all over the world, and they come to Brooklyn, to the Atlantic Antic. So that’s what we like about Atlantic Antic,” she said.
Chama Mama, the celebrated Georgian restaurant group known for its modern twist on traditional cuisine, expanded its reach with a new location in Brooklyn Heights last year.
The eatery, which first opened its doors in Chelsea in 2019, has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for local diners thanks to its authentic Georgian fare and expansive wine selection.
The Brooklyn Heights location has plenty of seating, a full bar and community table. Photo courtesy of Dimitri MaisChama Mama’s newest outpost is located at 121 Montague St. in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. The location offers the same seasonal brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, complete with handcrafted cocktails and thoughtfully chosen Georgian wine pairings for every dish.
Brooklynites can now grab a friend and say “Gaumarjos,” a Georgian cheer meaning “to victory,” while indulging in signature dishes.
Among the standout offerings during Brooklyn Paper’s recent visit was Adjaruli Khachapuri, a signature dish that features a boat-shaped bread generously filled with a rich blend of cheeses. Topped with a fresh egg yolk and a dollop of butter, the dish was mixed right at the table, giving guest an immersive dinner experience.
The Brooklyn location offers the same good eats that have made Chama Mama so popular. Photo courtesy of Dimitri Mais Khinkali, traditional Georgian dumplings, were another highlight of the menu. Photo courtesy of Dimitri MaisAnother highlight were the Khinkali, traditional Georgian dumplings that come with various fillings, including beef, pork, lamb, and mushroom and a tasty broth.
Lastly, don’t miss out on cherished Georgian desserts including the honey cake, chocolate velvet with fresh berries or pelamushi, a pudding made from thickened grape juice and finished with a sprinkle of walnuts.
Chama Mama’s owners say the restaurant’s growth can be attributed to its commitment to quality, hospitality, and the culinary vision of its head chef, Nino Chiokadze.
Originally from Tbilisi, Chiokadze brings a rich heritage and passion for her homeland’s cuisine. Inspired by her grandparents’ cooking traditions, her dishes reflect the flavors and warmth of Georgia.
Say hi to Lasha Tsatava, the wine know-it-all, during a visit to Chama Mama. Photo courtesy of Dimitri MaisLasha Tsatava, beverage director for Chama Mama, is leading the charge on the drinks front. Tsatava’s knowledge of wine further promotes Georgian history and culinary culture. His expertise is pivotal in curating a wine list that perfectly complements Chama Mama’s seasonal menus.
To celebrate the opening of the Brooklyn Heights location, Chama Mama invites food lovers and local residents to experience the vibrant new space and delectable offerings firsthand. For anyone looking to explore the charms of Chama Mama in Brooklyn Heights, the restaurant is now open and ready to welcome guests with open arms.
A FDNY firehouse and the United States Navy Academy Men’s Lacrosse team exchanged pleasantries in Brooklyn on Saturday, Sept 28.
Firefighters and Alumni from Engine 257 and Tower Ladder 170 hosted 80 members of the team ahead of the Tunnel to Tower run on Sunday morning, an organization that gives homes to first responder families killed in the line of duty. This is the group’s second year in a row linking up for this event.
The lacrosse team ranges from ages 18 to 21, with Tower Ladder 170’s Lieutenant Kittleberg son having played on the team last year. The group exchanged knowledge of firefighting with the young candidates of the U.S Navy over dinner.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd MitchellFirefighter Robert Velasquez of Engine 257 gave a speech about working through adversity and leadership. He was seriously injured after bailing out of a two story private home after a collapsed trapped and killed firefighter Timothy Klein on April 25, 2022.
Members of the Navy Academy can go on to become Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians, Information Systems Techs and Machinist’s Mate Nuclear.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Despite the dreary weather, New Yorkers gathered at Pier 4 of the Brooklyn Army Terminal on Sept. 28 to close out NYC Climate Week and celebrate the progress of climate justice since the 2014 People’s Climate March — the largest in U.S. history with over 300,000 participants.
The festival, titled “Climate Justice Lives Here!,” was hosted by UPROSE, Brooklyn’s oldest Latino community-based organization focused on environmental and social justice founded in 1966. The event featured cultural and musical performances, interactive learning circles such as clothing patchworking and mending workshops to reduce fashion waste, a native plants workshop, a seed bombing workshop, a diverse food bazaar, and art activities.
Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director of UPROSE, told Brooklyn Paper the event also aimed to educate the public about UPROSE’s role in providing climate change solutions.
UPROSE’s achievements include the offshore wind facility at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park, which began construction in June and will provide clean electricity to 500,000 homes once completed. Another project, Sunset Park Solar, is New York City’s first cooperatively owned community solar project. Owned and operated in partnership with UPROSE and Working Power, the solar energy system will be built on the Brooklyn Army Terminal rooftop.
Bomba Yo introduced the festival to the ancestral rhythms of Bomba, a music and dance tradition rooted in African heritage and developed in Puerto Rico.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Two festival-goers embrace the lively performance by Bomba Yo, finding joy in the music despite the dreary weather.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“I think that [Sunset Park] can be a model of what’s possible,” Yeampierre said. “So we wanted an event to celebrate that. Everybody’s in doom and gloom, and we’re saying, ‘Hey, you know what? Let’s dance, and let’s show what’s possible because we have solutions.'”
Council Member Alexa Avilés, a member of the council’s Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency & Waterfronts, told Brooklyn Paper the event was about addressing climate change and the transition to a just economy that benefits everyone. Climate change is here, Avilés said, and governments must take the climate emergency seriously.
“The message of this event is that there are solutions. This is not an insurmountable thing. It’s challenging, but it’s not insurmountable,” Avilés said. “We really need to lean into those solutions and invest in the solutions that we know are right rather than investing in false solutions or mechanisms that, quite frankly, don’t work.”
Recent weather disasters are not regular weather patterns, Avilés noted. Unprecedented flooding due to extreme rainfall in parts of Africa and Europe has killed thousands, while Hurricane Helene recently caused devastation across six U.S. states, claiming more than 100 lives.
Brooklyn Paper asked Avilés how to work with climate emergency deniers. She urged them to “open their eyes” and recognize the global consequences.
“This is a serious thing, and just open your eyes and see it, and we can actually probably turn the tide,” Avilés said. “We have to be behaving with the consideration of the next seven generations and making sure that they have a planet that is sustainable and that they can live in.”
Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, learning how to mend clothing and reduce fashion waste at the UPROSE festival.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannAssembly Member Marcela Mitaynes (D-Brooklyn) told Brooklyn Paper that Sunset Park is a frontline community, and environmental justice is a key issue.
Mitaynes introduced a bill, the “Indirect Source Rule,” to tackle the issue of “last-mile warehouses”—the final stop for packages ordered online. These warehouses have been increasingly set up in frontline neighborhoods like Red Hook and Sunset Park.
“The problem with these facilities is that we don’t know how many trucks are coming in and out, and so that is adding to [air] pollution,” Mitaynes explained.
The bill aims to find a balanced solution for both residents and businesses, acknowledging the permanence of e-commerce.
“We need to figure out a way where we can co-live,” Mitaynes said. “We don’t want the businesses to go away. They’re providing jobs and income for the community. We want to figure out a way that we can co-live and co-work [and] everybody can benefit. There is a way we can live together, and that’s what we are going for.”
Elizabeth Yeampierre, executive director of UPROSE, said the organization has played a vital part in providing solutions to tackle climate change.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Louise Yeung, NYC’s chief climate officer, demonstrates mending techniques, showing how to breathe new life into worn-out garments.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannLouise Yeung, the chief climate officer with the New York City Comptroller’s office, participated in the clothing patchworking and mending workshop.
Around 11.3 million tons of clothing end up in U.S. landfills annually, and the fashion industry contributes 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, worsening the climate crisis.
The workshop taught attendees how to revitalize their favorite garments rather than dispose of them. Yeung brought a shirt she had purchased at a thrift store years ago that was “pretty tattered.”
“I was really excited to learn how to mend this garment so I can wear it longer,” Yeung told Brooklyn Paper. “This is my first time mending. I’m so excited.”
Shelby Luster, a resiliency planner with UPROSE, led a workshop on creating seed bombs—a guerrilla gardening technique used to regreen urban and neglected areas. Seed bombs help prevent soil erosion, provide habitats for wildlife, and enhance ecosystems by increasing biodiversity.
“Seed bombs were invented by Japanese biologist Masanobu Fukuoka as a way to regreen spaces without a lot of machinery, in a way that’s really easy to make and doesn’t involve any pollution in the environment, and very little labor,” Luster said. “It is an easy way to regreen areas.”
Linda and Vincent LaSpina learn how to make seed bombs.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Shelby Luster, the resiliency planner with UPROSE, taught a workshop on how to make seed bombs.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannParticipants mixed red clay powder, soil or compost, and water, then added seeds like Swamp Milkweed, Joe Pye Weed, and Tussock Sedge for rain garden seed bombs to prevent flooding, or New England Aster, Wild Geranium, and Butterfly Weed for native wildflower bombs to beautify their neighborhoods.
“They are really hearty seeds that can really latch on without too much propagation, which is the whole point — you throw the bomb, and then it just kind of does its thing,” Luster said.
On a bustling evening, Kellogg’s Diner feels like the heart of Williamsburg once again.
The iconic eatery, known for its long history and central location, is embracing a new era after reopening on Sept. 20. As you approach, the new bright yellow sign glows in the dusk, hinting at the warm, cozy atmosphere inside. By 7 p.m. last Thursday, the place was buzzing with locals — an eclectic mix of old-timers and newcomers — who all seemed thrilled to be part of Kellogg’s reimagination.
The new Kellogg’s Diner showcases a warm ambiance while respecting the retro diner feel. Photo by Paul FrangipaneThe diner’s interior, while dimly lit, exudes warmth and comfort. Pink tables with retro placemats feature playful illustrations of local landmarks like Domino Park, the Williamsburg Bridge and McCarren Pool. These small touches ground the space in Brooklyn’s evolving history while giving a nod to its enduring character.
“The opening’s been wild,” said Chef Jackie Carnesi, a Bushwick resident who’s helming the kitchen. “People are, I think outside of my role in this or whatever, people have been really excited about it because they have so much nostalgia tied to this place.”
Carnesi, a Texan by birth who’s lived in Brooklyn for over a decade, was tasked with reimagining the diner’s menu. What she delivered is a thoughtful mix of classic comfort food and modern flavors that feel both respectful to Kellogg’s legacy and reflective of Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene.
While dishes like the turkey club and chili still hit familiar diner notes, Carnesi has added her own twist, infusing each plate with attention to detail.
Turkey club with chipotle mayo and avocado from the new Kellogg’s Diner menu. Photo by Paul Frangipane Chipotle honey wings at Kellogg’s Diner. Photo by Paul FrangipaneThe dishes, from presentation to spicing, felt thoughtful and respectful of the diner experience while showcasing more diverse flavors that are representative of our city and borough. Carnesi’s version of meatloaf is one example, delivering the same homey satisfaction with a fresher, brighter flavor profile.
Also new to Kellogg’s are cocktails crafted by bar director Chris Amirault, including a Cosmopolitan with cherry blossom sake and grenadine and a s’mores-inspired Old Fashioned with bourbon, oolong tea, cinnamon cordial, and a toasted marshmallow.
And with the new menu comes new design: Arze, together with designer Matthew Maddy — who has designed Brooklyn eateries including Public Records and Celestine — modernized the nearly 100-year-old interior with warm lighting and plenty of mirrors and stainless steel. Still, some of the diner’s classic hallmarks remain.
Carnesi acknowledges that there’s been some pushback, especially on social media, where comments like “gentrified Kellogg’s” and “RIP to the old Kellogg’s” have surfaced. But she was quick to address the criticism.
Pastry Chef Amanda Perdomo, left, and Chef Jackie Carnesi. Photo by Paul Frangipane“I understand that sentiment,” she said. “However, if we didn’t step in, then Kellogg’s would cease to exist because it was about to become a Shake Shack, literally.”
The goal, she told Brooklyn Paper, was never to transform the diner into something unrecognizable, but rather to honor what it was while securing its future in an increasingly competitive neighborhood.
Affordability was another critical consideration. Carnesi is proud of how accessible the new menu is.
“I think the menu is extremely affordable, especially for the area,” she said, noting that the diner remains a place where locals can grab a bite without breaking the bank.
As for what’s next?
The diner will be open for 24/7 service in the coming weeks. Photo by Paul Frangipane“We’re opening up for brunch within the next couple of weeks, and then by late fall, we’ll be at 24-hour service again,” Carnesi said.
She and the rest of the team — including restaurateur Louis Skibar and designer Nico Arze — are making a promise to the neighborhood: Kellogg’s isn’t just back; it’s here to stay.
“I was worried that New Yorkers were gonna be upset that a Texan was gonna be doing the menu at a New York institution,” Carnesi said. “But everyone’s been really lovely. So many people love this place, and the fact that I’m getting such a warm reception is really nice.”
Additional reporting by Kirstyn Brendlen
The lobby of the Central Library in Brooklyn transformed into a catwalk on Sept. 27 as professional models showcased the creative designs of aspiring fashion designers at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show.
The BKLYN Fashion Academy is a free, 16-week intensive fashion education program provided by the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL), the only one of its kind in the nation. Project Runway All-Star Benjamin Mach serves as the program’s lead instructor, blending BPL’s resources with the expertise of fashion industry professionals. Aspiring Brooklyn designers are introduced to new techniques, taught about sustainability in fashion, and guided in creating a ready-to-wear sustainable collection.
The event was a collaboration between Women.NYC and BPL. This year’s theme, “Women of Future Industries: From Runway to Role Model,” spotlighted women leaders spearheading a sustainable future.
A model walks the runway at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show, showcasing a design by Pia Love.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann A model walks the runway at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show, showcasing a design by Ronan Gamil.Shaw Bernard, founder and CEO of STRUT Models, led the program and told the packed audience that the designers represented “the best of Brooklyn,” who would “shake up” the fashion industry with innovative ideas and designs.
“We want to showcase the modern CEOs of tomorrow,” Bernard told the cheering crowd.
Designs on display ranged from ready-to-wear and evening attire to avant-garde creations, all made from eco-friendly materials, underscoring that sustainable fashion is the future.
The first half of the show featured designs by Grace Kariuki, Venna Beharie, Pia Love, Jesus Soto Villavicenio, Regina Spann and Swanetta Hunts.
Shaw Bernard, founder and CEO of STRUT Models, hosted the fashion show at the Central Brooklyn Library.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann A model walks the runway at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show, showcasing a design by Regina Spann.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannDuring intermission, before models displayed collections by Ingrid Baptiste, Danielle Castor Muyeeb, and Xera Agana Woodbine, Council Member Farah Lewis addressed the audience.
Lewis said she hoped guests would be inspired by the designs, and by the stories of the “incredible” women.
“We are highlighting remarkable women who are leading the charge for a sustainable future, from the fabric on the runway to the influential role models,” Lewis said. “Our shared vision is to build a greener and more resilient economy.”
In the second half of the show, designers Lameeka Pough, Rose Martinez, Victoria Ereskina, Leah Balkaran, Ronen Gamil, and Gia Lucielle Zhao presented their collections.
Leah Balkaran, 25, is a self-taught fashion designer. She told Brooklyn Paper that the program helped her streamline her business and integrate the skills she had previously acquired.
A model walks the runway at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show, showcasing a design by Swanetta Hunt.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann A model walks the runway at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show, showcasing a design by Swanetta Hunt.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann A model walks the runway at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show, showcasing a design by Victoria Ereskina.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe collaboration between Women.NYC and BPL allowed women to shine, said Balkaran, who aims to make everyday women feel as “glamorous as we know they can feel.”
“Fashion is about expression and personality. So I believe that [the show] is a beautiful opportunity to give back to the public in a way where we get to uplift the public,” Balkaran said.
Gia Lucille Zhao, who earned a fashion degree 10 years ago, said the program was ideal for those looking to break into the industry.
“For someone like me who would like to improve my skills, increase my exposure, and grow my network, it’s really perfect,” Zhao said.
Brooklynite Savannah Bryant attended the show because her cousin, Pia Love, was one of the designers. Bryant praised this year’s theme as “amazing.”
“Women have been held back in so many ways for such a long time, like through history, that doing things to support them is essential to our society [and] to culture. I think this is great,” Bryant told Brooklyn Paper.
Designer Leah Balkaran is a graduate of the BKLYN Fashion Academy.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann A model walks the runway of at the 6th annual BKLYN Fashion Academy show, showcasing a design by Gia Lucielle Zhao.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannMake-up artist Minerva Lopez, a recent cosmetology school graduate, said make-up is her passion because it allows her to express herself. She was thrilled to see women being given a voice in the fashion industry.
“Let [women] be free. Women are beautiful. It’s what they are; it’s what they do,” Lopez told Brooklyn Paper. “It’s in our nature. I feel like they should present themselves however they want to be presented. Let them show it off; let them shine however they want to shine.”
Funding for the BKLYN Fashion Academy’s runway show is provided in part by Women.NYC. Program partners include FABSCRAP, Materials for the Arts, BK Style Foundation, and Fashion Week Brooklyn (FWBK). Wing Woman Reserve and Dal Dottore Gin also contributed generously to the BKLYN Fashion Academy show.
BROOKLYN, NY — The New York Liberty’s revenge tour got off on the right foot Sunday afternoon, defeating the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA semifinals 87-77. The Liberty were led by forward Breanna Stewart, who had 28 points, and guard Sabrina Ionescu with 21 points.
This anticipated matchup was a rematch of the 2023 WNBA Finals, where the Aces dominated the Liberty, winning the title 3-1. However, this Liberty team is not the same as last season, which disappointingly went home in the finals. With the league’s best record and sweeping the Atlanta Dream in the first round, they are on a mission to win the championship this year, and they surely looked like a winning team in this game 1 defeat against the former champs.
The game started off at a fast pace, with the Liberty taking the lead early on. Ball movement was a big factor for New York in the first quarter, as they accumulated 10 team assists in that quarter alone. With strong defense to start, New York managed to force multiple turnovers from the Aces, which led to seven fast break points, and it disrupted the Aces offense from the get-go. The Liberty were having their way around the rim, finding the open lane many times leading to 14 points in the paint. At the end of the first quarter, New York led 28-21, with Stewart leading the way with 11 points.
The Aces made a comeback midway through the second quarter, cutting what was once an 11-point lead for New York into a two-point lead. Their shot selection improved, and they saw better looks from the perimeter. Center A’Ja Wilson added six points for the Aces, contributing to that comeback. However, New York’s frontcourt of Stewart and forward Jonquel Jones responded with a stronger end to the half — Stewart leading the way with 20 points and Jones with 11. At the half, New York was on top 48-38.
Both teams were in foul trouble in the third quarter once again. The Aces picked up three fouls early on in the quarter and had trouble defensively the entire game. New York continued to build onto its lead, with major contributions from Stewart, who was having a remarkable shooting game. Stewart had struggled in the finals matchup against the Aces last year, but in this game, it looked like she had something to prove as she led her team to the win with her performance.
“I’ve just kind of grown from it,” Stewart said. “Last time wasn’t my most proudest, but I’m gonna continue to be better now.”
New York continued to dominate into the fourth quarter, where they saw more offensive input from Ionescu, who had eight points in the frame, including back-to-back 3-pointers. S
Stewart added to her scoring showcase, putting up six more points. The Aces were unable to make a comeback, struggling both defensively and offensively. The 2024 WNBA MVP, Wilson, who was the leading scorer for the Aces during the regular season averaging 26.9 points per game, put up 21 in Game 1.
Despite being a key component of the Aces’ defensive unit, specifically around the rim, averaging 2.6 blocks in the regular season, Wilson struggled to keep New York out of the paint. The Aces’ offense seemed dysfunctional throughout the game due to the intensity of New York’s defense, which had the best defensive rating in the WNBA at 95.3.
The Liberty will look to take a commanding lead in the best-of-five series in Game 2 this Tuesday at Barclays Center.
For more on the New York Liberty, visit AMNY.com
A maniac stabbed four people inside a Brooklyn apartment early on Sunday morning, police said.
The bloody assault unfolded at about 12:04 a.m. on Sept. 29 inside of 1493 Park Place in Crown Heights.
Officers from the 77th Precinct, in responding to the incident, found the four victims at the location: A 36-year-old man with lacerations to his head and right arm; another 36-year-old man stabbed in the right thigh; a 33-year-old man knifed in the torso and slashed in the head; and a 31-year-old man slashed in the torso and both arms.
The exterior of 1493 Park Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where four men were stabbed on Sept. 29, 2024.Photo via Google MapsEMS rushed the four victims to Kings County and Brookdale University Hospitals, and are expected to survive. Law enforcement sources, however, said they are not cooperating with detectives seeking details about how the violence unfolded.
So far, no arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Felony assaults are down 10.8% year-to-date in the 77th Precinct, according to the most recent CompStat report. Through Sept. 22, the command tallied 272 assaults, down from the 305 reported at the same point last year. Overall crime in the precinct is down 15.91%.
Brooklyn detectives are on the hunt for two brutes who shot and slashed a man earlier this month.
Law enforcement sources said the perpetrators approached and attacked the victim, a 26-year-old man, near the corner of Fulton and Elton Streets in Cypress Hills at about 12:05 a.m. on Sept. 22.
One suspect pulled out a firearm and rapidly pulled the trigger multiple times, striking the man in the left shoulder.
Seconds later, cops said, the other attacker pulled out a knife and slashed the wounded man in the face.
The intersection of Fulton and Elton Streets in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, under the elevated J line, where the shooting and slashing occurred.Photo via Google MapsFollowing the assault, both assailants fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
The incident was reported to the 75th Precinct. EMS rushed the wounded man to Brookdale University Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
On Saturday morning, the NYPD released security camera images of one suspect involved in the attack. Police described him as a man with black hair and a light complexion who was last seen wearing a black-and-red shirt, dark-colored jeans, and black-and-red sneakers.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
The 57-page federal corruption indictment of Mayor Eric Adams begins not with hizzoner’s alleged misdeeds at City Hall, but at Brooklyn Borough Hall.
“In 2014, Eric Adams, the defendant, became Brooklyn Borough President,” the document reads. “Thereafter, for nearly a decade, Adams sought and accepted improper valuable benefits, such as luxury international travel, including from wealthy foreign businesspeople and at least one Turkish government official seeking to gain influence over him.”
Federal officials have accused Adams of bribery, wire fraud, and seeking out donations from foreign officials. Since news of the indictment broke on Wednesday night, dozens of elected officials have called on the mayor to resign — including his successor at Borough Hall, reigning Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams speaks after the unsealing of an indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Photo courtesy of REUTERS/Mike Segar“The Mayor cannot lead this city, nor can he in good faith ask the public to put their trust in him,” the beep said in a statement released after the indictment was unsealed. “I ask the Mayor to put New Yorkers first and resign.”
The indictment came after a months-long investigation that came into the public eye last fall, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation searched the home of Adams’ campaign fundraiser and seized the mayor’s phones. Earlier this month, officials raided the homes of several of the administration’s top officials, two of whom have since resigned.
Reynoso said the news of Adams’ indictment was “unbelievable.”
“I didn’t think the investigation would lead to him,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “I thought maybe there was a circle of corruption happening around him, and didn’t think that he would necessarily be ensared into it.”
Foreign relations at Brooklyn Borough HallIn New York City, the borough presidents hold a largely ceremonial role. They don’t have the ability to introduce legislation or vote on the city budget, and don’t have direct control over city agencies like the mayor. The beeps weigh in on land use proposals, help shape the mayor’s executive budget, and generally oversee city services in their respective boroughs.
Still, it isn’t unusual for foreign officials to meet with various borough presidents on occasion, said Reynoso and former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. Working with Brooklyn’s various ethnic groups is an important part of the job, Markowitz said.
Former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (right) with then-Mayor Mike Bloomberg during his swearing-in ceremony. Photo courtesy of Kristen Artz/NYC Mayoral Photography Office“Part of your responsibility … would be to promote those ethnic groups, reaffirm their importance in Brooklyn and New York City, give recognition to some of their leaders, highlight their holidays,” he said. “At least, that’s what I did, and I pretty much believe my predecessors did that as well. There are many valid reasons to have a relationship with the leadership of many different ethnic groups.”
According to the indictment, Adams was “building relationships with foreign nationals who were seeking influence with him” within a year of taking office as Brooklyn Borough President. He allegedly accepted multiple free or partially paid-for overseas trips, including at least two to Turkey, and became friendly with Turkish businessmen and entrepreneurs.
The gifts came with requests, according to the indictment. In 2016, one Turkish official told Adams to cut off his relationship with a Turkish community center in Brooklyn due to its affiliation with a political movement that opposed Turkey’s government — and Adams obliged.
In 2018, while still serving as Borough President, Adams allegedly started fundraising for his mayoral campaign and solicited straw donations from Turkish donors. Two years later, he allegedly sought out donations for his campaign from a foreign businessman in exchange for “influence.” Once Adams was mayor, the businessman went to him for help organizing city-sponsored events celebrating his ethnic heritage and resolving issues with city agencies.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams walked outside his official residence Gracie Mansion with attorney Alex Spiro after federal charges were announced.REUTERS/Caitlin OchsAfter Reynoso took office as Brooklyn Borough President, he and his staff met with federal officials for a briefing on how to deal with foreign representatives, and how they might try to build influence and relationships.
“We meet with a bunch of folks that we believe are just looking out for the interests of residents that live in Brooklyn,” he said. “But no, in some of these countries, there is a concerted effort to influence, to infiltrate, and so forth.”
An ‘unusual’ presentation from a Turkish official at Brooklyn Borough HallAbout two months into Reynoso’s tenure as Borough President, he had a meeting with a representative from the Turkish consulate. The representative’s presentation was “highly unusual,” Reynoso said, though he declined to share more details about the meeting.
“It should have been unusual for anyone in my position,” he said. “If this Turkish official had any relationship with the people in Borough Hall before my administration, the message should have been sent long before he got to me that what they were doing was unusual.”
He doesn’t believe he ever met with that representative again.
Reynoso said a Turkish representative approached him with an “unusual” proposal after he took office. File photo courtesy of Emil Cohen/NYC Council Media UnitMarkowitz said he was never approached by a foreign official for anything inappropriate or unusual. Leaders of foreign or ethnic groups often know who in city government to approach if they need or want something, he said, and the Borough President doesn’t have much power.
“When I was in office, I never expressed any ambition in terms of running for mayor or president or anything else,” he said. “I guess I was looked at by those kind of folks as someone who’s just a local leader, and is not a candidate necessarily for a more important office.”
Adams, on the other hand, never made a secret of his desire to eventually run for mayor or “maybe beyond,” Markowitz said.
Since the indictment was announced, Adams has repeatedly denied breaking campaign finance laws or accepting straw donations, and accused federal prosecutors of unfairly targeting him.
“I’ve instructed, not only in writing, but in verbal conversations with the team, we do not participate in foreign donors, we do not participate in foreign donors, we know what the rules are and we comply with those rules, and I think my attorneys are going to reveal that as we move forward,” he said at a press conference outside Gracie Mansion on Thursday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is expected to appear in court on Friday. REUTERS/Caitlin OchsAccording to court documents, the mayor is set to be arraigned in federal court on Friday, though he had reportedly wanted to turn himself in on Thursday.
Both former Brooklyn Borough Presidents said the indictment, regardless of the outcome, had likely made it more difficult for New Yorkers to trust their politicians. Adams has a right to his day in court, Markowitz said, and “we’ll just have to see where this goes.”
“If those charges are true, it is a significant betrayal of the public trust,” Reynoso said. “DOJ is talking about it multiple times. It’s not like one thing happened, he came to his senses, disclosed it later on … it seems like it was a pattern … that is just something that is so far away from what I would expect from an elected official.”
Outside Mayor Eric Adams’ Bedford-Stuyvesant brownstone on Thursday, neighbors backed calls for his resignation.
The mayor is accused of bribery, soliciting illegal campaign donations, and wire fraud as part of an alleged years-long relationship with Turkish officials.
Emerson Iannone, 24, who lives down the block from Adams’ Lafayette Avenue property, expressed a lack of surprise regarding the indictment, viewing the alleged corruption in the current administration as pervasive across the city and broader U.S.
In a video message released Wednesday, Adams claimed the case against him is “based on lies” and suggested he had been made a “target” for his criticisms of the Biden administration’s support for New York City’s migrant crisis. Iannone said Adams’ rebuttal was indicative of “who he is as a mayor” and that he is “not a good reflection of the city.”
“Should he resign just because of this? I think he should have resigned for a lot of other things,” Iannone told Brooklyn Paper. “After the budget cuts to parks and libraries, I’ve wanted him to resign for a while.”
Meanwhile, Allisa Zladimir was shocked to learn that Adams owns the Lafayette Avenue brownstone that she passes every day with her dog.
“I’ve never seen him,” Zladimir said. “I live here, and I walk down this street every day, and I’ve never seen him.”
Whether Adams resides at the property was a subject of scrutiny during his 2021 mayoral campaign, with the then-candidate even inviting reporters to tour it in a bid to dispel rumors that he was commuting from New Jersey.
While Zladimir was surprised by the news of Adams’ property ownership, the indictment did not catch her off guard.
“Everyone around him was going down, so I assumed it was inevitable at some point,” she said, noting that he was not her “candidate of choice” during the last mayoral election and that he has done little to win her over, pointing to his cutting of funding to several city services last year to address the cost of the migrant crisis — many of which have been partially restored.
“It doesn’t sound like he has any plans of stepping down, but it’s only day one, so we’ll see,” she added.
Another resident of Adams’ block, a 44-year-old woman who wished to remain anonymous, did not hold back in her criticism of the mayor, stating that his resignation is “a long time coming.”
“I think enough has gone on, on and off the record, as we’re starting to find out,” she said of the indictment. “So, I think it’s great; hopefully, I won’t continue to have to be part of the people paying his salary. I think it would be in his best interest, and it would be prudent for him to step down so they can begin to search for someone somewhat better.”
Mayor Eric Adams announces his latest initiative in the war on rats in NYC: the ‘Rat Pack.’ Earlier this summer, he told the press in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, that the program will train an army of rat catchers laser-focused on helping the city win its battle against rodents.File photo by Dean MosesThe woman, who works as an artist and poet, also criticized Adams as a neighbor and his handling of rat infestations at his property. The mayor has been waging a war on rats in the city but has faced five rodent violations at his property since he took office in 2022.
Last month, Adams had a $300 ticket dismissed after telling the court that the property next door caused the infestation on the block. Despite these claims, Adams’ neighbor of five years said she regularly sees rats around the property and will even take a B38 bus to avoid walking by it at night.
“He just owns it for street cred,” she said. “He could use it as affordable housing, or he could gift it in kind to the city and have it rehabilitated rather than own property that’s causing people to have to walk in the street because of the rats.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to the press outside his official residence Gracie Mansion after he was charged with bribery and illegally soliciting a campaign contribution from a foreign national.REUTERS/Caitlin OchsAt a press conference outside of Gracie Mansion Thursday, Adams criticized prosecutors and the U.S. government and said he would not resign as he addressed the charges.
Adams, who appeared to be in good spirits, surrounded himself with local religious leaders as he addressed reporters just minutes after the 57-page indictment was unsealed.
“We are not surprised, we expected this, this is not surprising to us at all,” Adams said of the indictment, reiterating his stance that he is being “targeted” by the federal government. “I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments … I ask you to wait and hear our side to this narrative. From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city. My day-to-day will not change. I will continue to do the job for 8.3 million New Yorkers that I was elected to do.”
Adams — the city’s second Black mayor — took office in 2022, after narrowly winning a ranked-choice primary the year prior. A former police captain, Adams is a centrist Democrat who won the mayor’s race on the promise of reigning in crime and has continued to make that the centerpiece of his mayoralty over his nearly three years in office.
One unnamed supporter outside of Gracie Mansion Thursday said the feds were just “after Adams” for addressing the city’s migrant crisis and assured Hizzoner that the Big Apple still has his back.
“We love you,” she told the mayor. “We know the truth.”
Additional reporting by Kirstyn Brendlen
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Mayor Eric Adams was criminally charged on multiple counts of bribery, soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations and wire fraud in a historic Thursday indictment, making him the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted.
Brooklynites were quick to react to the news, which cast serious doubt on the political future of Kings County’s former borough president.
The 57-page indictment, brought by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, outlines a scheme allegedly dating back nearly a decade. Prosecutors claim Adams solicited and accepted illegal campaign donations from the Turkish government, in exchange for helping fast-track approvals for a Turkish consulate building in Midtown Manhattan.
Adams is also accused of hiding these foreign contributions through straw donations, which he used to obtain $10 million in public matching funds during his 2021 mayoral campaign. Additionally, the indictment alleges Adams accepted over $100,000 in luxury gifts and travel upgrades from Turkish businessmen and officials without disclosing them.
“The accusations made against Mayor Eric Adams are serious, substantial, and pervasive,” Adams’ successor, Borough President Antonio Reynoso, said in a statement Thursday morning. “He’s going to need to put every ounce of his being into protecting himself from these charges at a time when every ounce of his being should be going to the protection of the people of New York City. The Mayor cannot lead this city, nor can he in good faith ask the public to put their trust in him. I ask the Mayor to put New Yorkers first and resign.”
U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, the city’s lone Republican congress member, issued a blistering statement demanding Adams’ resignation.
“Mayor Adams has failed our city, has broken the public trust and should resign or be removed by Governor Hochul,” Malliotakis said. “Our city is suffering greatly, taxpayers deserve better and we need to restore a functioning city government as soon as possible.”
A NYPD officer stands watch outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, ahead of his indictment Thursday.REUTERS/Bing GuanCalls for Adams to resign were not limited to those who disagreed with him politically. Democratic City Council Member Crystal Hudson also called for the former beep to step down, citing concerns over his ability to govern effectively with such serious charges hanging over him.
“The more than 8 million New Yorkers in our city need a leader who can focus on building housing, cleaning our streets, educating our children, and keeping our communities safe,” Hudson said. “This Mayor will have only one focus as this indictment plays out, one that will single-handedly inhibit his ability to govern. We deserve better. He must resign immediately.”
Others, like U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke, urged New Yorkers to remember the principle of innocence until proven guilty.
“Today marks a solemn chapter in the history of New York City,” she said in a statement. “In time, Mayor Adams will confront a jury of his peers. As we ready for their verdict, we must not fail to remember that every American, from working people to public officials, are entitled to the presumption of their innocence when accused of wrongdoing. And so, I pray the Mayor faces a fair trial, and I pray its judgment is centered in justice.”
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need for a fair legal process while expressing concern for the city’s future.
“The indictment of a sitting mayor is a serious and sober moment for New York City,” Jeffries said. “Like every other New Yorker and American, Eric Adams is entitled to the presumption of innocence. That principle is central to the administration of justice in the United States of America. A jury of the Mayor’s peers will now evaluate the charges in the indictment and ultimately render a determination. In the meantime, I pray for the well-being of our great City.”
State Sen. Iwen Chu called the indictment “deeply troubling.”
“While the Mayor is innocent until proven guilty, the city deserves a leader who can retain trust and focus fully, without distraction, on the issues impacting New Yorkers,” she said in a statement. “For the benefit of all New Yorkers, and to spare the city from further disruption, Mayor Adams must immediately resign and allow for real leadership to move us forward.
Mayor Eric Adams was criminally charged on multiple counts of bribery, soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations and wire fraud in a historic Thursday indictment, making him the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted.REUTERS/Adam Gray/File PhotoAdams, who was elected in 2022, immediately fired back, holding a press conference at Gracie Mansion where he again denied all the allegations, urging New Yorkers to “wait and hear our side of the narrative.”
“It’s an unfortunate day and a painful day,” Adams said. “But aside from that, it’s a day when we finally reveal why, for 10 months, I have gone through this. And I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city as I have done for my entire professional career.”
The charges follow a nearly year-long investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI and the city’s Department of Investigation. Adams has criticized federal law enforcement, alleging they improperly leaked case details to the press.
If Adams resigns, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams will step in as acting mayor, triggering a 60-day special election. If he refuses, either Gov. Kathy Hochul or an “inability committee” comprising the city comptroller, a deputy mayor, the City Council speaker, and the most senior borough president could force him out.
Adams’ tenure, already marked by four federal investigations and a strained relationship with the City Council, now faces its most significant test as he confronts the fallout from the indictment.
In the meantime, the world will still turn in New York City, one local pol stressed.
“The @NYCCouncil, NYC’s legislative body, is open for business today. 300K+ city employees, teachers, cops, firefighters, sanitation workers, and 4+ million others are doing their jobs today,” Council Member Justin Brannan posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “That’s what New York City is all about. We show up and we do our jobs.”
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
Additional reporting by Ethan Stark-Miller, Robert Pozarycki, Dean Moses & Kirstyn Brendlen
After sweeping the Atlanta Dream 2-0 in the first round of the WNBA playoffs, the New York Liberty will move on to face the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
The Aces, who are the No. 4 seed in the WNBA standings, also swept their first-round series against the Seattle Storm. For the semifinals and finals of the WNBA, the format changes to a best-of-five matchup compared to the first round, which was best-of-three. Given that the Liberty had clinched the No.1 seed with the best record in the WNBA, they will also receive home-court advantage for this series and beyond.
Here is a preview of what the schedule will look like for this matchup.
Liberty vs Aces 2024 WNBA semifinals schedule: * Game 1: 3 pm ET Sunday, Sept. 29 at Barclays Center * Game 2: (Time TBA) Tuesday, Oct. 1 at Barclays Center * Game 3: 9:30 pm Friday, Oct. 3 at Michelob ULTRA Arena * Game 4 (if necessary): (Time TBA) Sunday, Oct. 6 at Michelob ULTRA Arena * Game 5 (if necessary): (Time TBA) Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Barclays Center
This semifinal matchup will be a rematch of the 2023 WNBA finals, where the Aces took down the Liberty in four games. The Aces, who are the fourth seed with 27 regular-season wins, haven’t had the same dominant season as last year, when they had the best overall record in the league with 34 wins. This is mainly due to the number of injuries they’ve been dealing with all season.
Aces guard Chelsea Gray had missed 12 games to start the year, and when she returned, she struggled to get back into rhythm, contributing to the Aces’ subpar first half. Despite not having the strongest start, the Aces have had a better second half, winning nine of their last 10 regular season games and sweeping their first-round opponents.
During the regular season, New York matched up against Las Vegas on three occasions, with New York winning all three games. However, Liberty fans shouldn’t assume this is going to be as easy as it was for New York in the regular season. In two of those three games between the two teams, a prominent player was injured for the Aces. But with the Aces fully healthy now, we’ll see a high-intensity matchup.
Battle of the guards matchup: Sabrina Ionescu vs Kelsey Plum
During this series, two key players to look out for are New York’s guard Sabrina Ionescu and Las Vegas guard Kelsey Plum. Ionescu has had a remarkable postseason run so far, averaging 26.5 points and seven assists in two games. She had a notable performance in the closeout game against Atlanta, scoring a career-high 36 points.
Ionescu will look to lead Liberty against the Aces again, but being guarded by Chelsea Gray will be a challenge as she’s known as a defensive specialist in Las Vegas’s backcourt.
New York will have to watch out for Plum, who, after having an uncharacteristic Game 1 performance, put up 29 points and six rebounds in the closeout game against Seattle. This Aces team has championship experience, having won the past two. Many of their players who have won in the finals know exactly what it takes to be successful in the postseason. Players like Plum have that winning mentality and experience, which gives them an advantage heading into the semifinals.
Battle of the MVP’s matchup: A’Ja Wilson vs Breanna Stewart
Another matchup to be aware of is the battle of the MVP’s.
Aces center A’Ja Wilson recently won her third MVP award this past season. As one of the best players in this league, the Liberty will need to find ways to limit her in this series. This postseason, she’s averaging 22.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks.
However, she’s not the only MVP in this matchup. Liberty forward Breanna Stewart also has two MVP trophies from 2018 and 2023. She has been leading the Liberty all season but has had a rather quiet postseason, averaging just 16.5 points in two games. The Liberty will look for major offensive and defensive production from Stewart, who struggled in last year’s 2023 finals against the Aces.
Given the depth of this team and the upsurge of Ionescu and Liberty center Jonquel Jones in the postseason thus far, the hopes are that even if Stewart struggles once again, it won’t take as much damage on the team win probability as it did last year.
For more on the Liberty, visit AMNY.com
Brooklyn residents can win free Buffalo Wild Wings for a year, but only if they can wing being one of the first 100 customers at the popular chain’s new Flatbush location on Friday.
The new 1,750-square-foot outpost at 1623 Flatbush Ave. will officially open its doors to the public on Sept. 27. It is the first of its Brooklyn restaurants to offer takeout, delivery and in-store dining. The two other traditional locations are in Downtown and East New York.
To celebrate the opening of Buffalo Wild Wings GO — the chain’s new format for tapping into the takeout market — the first 100 people in line at 11 a.m. on Friday will receive vouchers for “Free Wings for a Year.”
The promotion provides recipients with a voucher for six free wings every week for 52 weeks and is open to all Brooklyn residents over the age of 18. The offer is valid only at the new Flatbush location, and no purchase is necessary to obtain a voucher.
The new Buffalo Wild Wings GO is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight.Photo courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings“This opening marks an exciting moment for Buffalo Wild Wings to be celebrating Brooklyn’s first GO location,” said Nishi Patel, Brooklyn Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee. “Our team looks forward to serving and supporting the Brooklyn community both within and beyond our restaurant’s doors.”
The new Buffalo Wild Wings GO will still offer the usual fare of traditional and boneless wings, hand-breaded tenders, chicken sandwiches, burgers, sides, and all its signature sauces and dry rubs. It will also employ 22 crew members.
Mayor Eric Adams was criminally charged on multiple counts of bribery, soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations and wire fraud in a historic Thursday indictment, making him the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted and throwing his political future into serious question.
The massive 57-page indictment, brought by Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams’ office, alleges a scheme dating back nearly a decade, in which Adams solicited and accepted illegal foreign campaign donations from the a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen and gifts in exchange for helping speed up approvals for a Midtown Manhattan Turkish consulate building.
Additionally, Adams is accused of hiding the illegal foreign contributions via straw donations and using those donations to attain $10,000,000 in public matching funds for his 2021 mayoral campaign.
Williams laid out the allegations at a Thursday morning news conference.
“As the indictment alleges, Mayor Adams engaged in a long-running conspiracy in which he solicited and ultimately accepted illegal campaign contributions from foreign donors and corporations,” Williams said. “As we allege, Mayor Adams took these contributions even though he knew they were illegal. And even though he knew these contributions were attempts by a Turkish government official and Turkish businessmen to buy influence with him.”
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams outlines the charges against Mayor Eric Adams on Sept. 26, 2024.Photo by Dean MosesOn top of that, the indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2021, Adams solicited and accepted over $100,000 in free flight upgrades and luxury hotel rooms from Turkish businessmen and one Turkish official without publicly disclosing them.
“We also allege that the mayor sought and accepted well over $100,000 in luxury travel benefits from some of the same foreign actors who arranged many of the illegal campaign contributions,” Williams said. “These benefits included free international business class flights and opulent hotel rooms in foreign cities. The mayor had a duty to disclose these gifts on his annual public disclosure forms so that the public could see who was giving him what. As we allege, year after year after year, he kept the public in the dark.”
The indictment resulted from a multi-year investigation into Adams’ conduct led by the US Attorney’s office, the FBI and the city Department of Investigation.
Ahead of Williams’ announcement, at Gracie Mansion, Mayor Adams held a press conference with supporters standing with him — again blasting the charges as false and urging New Yorkers “to wait and hear our side of the narrative.”
“It’s an unfortunate day and it’s a painful day,” the mayor said. “But aside from that, it’s a day when we finally reveal why, for 10 months, I have gone through this. And I look forward to defending myself and defending the people of this city as I have done for my entire professional career.”
US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams outlines the charges against Mayor Eric Adams on Sept. 26, 2024.Photo by Dean Moses A view of the exterior of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, amid reports that he will be charged with federal crimes in New York City, U.S., September 26, 2024. REUTERS/Bing GuanAdams also strongly contested the allegations that his campaign solicited and accepted foreign donations through straw donors. He charged that federal law enforcement did not follow proper procedure by leaking details about the case to the press over the past year.
“I follow the rules, I follow the law … I do not participate with straw donors, I do not participate with foreign donors, we know those rules and we comply with those rules,” Adams said. “It appears as though the goal is to try to do these things publicly and not in the criminal justice system that’s in place.”
Throughout the impromptu news conference, Adams dissenters spoke over him and his supporters and chanted “Resign!”
Mayor Eric Adams speaks with supporters in the background outside Gracie Mansion on Sept. 26, 2024.Photo by Kirstyn BrendlenTravel abroadSome of the specifics in the indictment include Adams and a travel companion allegedly receiving two free round-trip flight upgrades to India, via Turkey, from a Turkish airline in 2016 — when Adams served as Brooklyn borough president. Those business class upgrades, which Adams did not publicly disclose, were worth over $12,000.
The indictment also alleges that Adams and two travel companions were put up in the Bentley Suite in the St. Regis Istanbul hotel at a heavilly discounted rate — $600-a-night down from the standard rate of $7,000. He allegedly did not disclose to the city the discounted hotel room either in order to hide the foreign influence of Turkish nationals.
Prosecutors allege that Adams also created a fake paper trail through emails to staffers suggesting he had paid for the upgraded flights when he had not.
When it comes to the donations to Adams’ 2021 campaign, the indictment alleges that Adams began accepting federally prohibited foreign contributions for his mayoral run in 2018. Adams accepted the contributions from multiple Turkish businessmen who he met in Turkey, prosecutors allege, with the full knowledge that they were illegal.
“Adams directed his staff to pursue this illegal money to support his campaign for mayor,” Williams said.
The mayor also sought and accepted contributions from businessmen and corporations, the indictment alleges, the latter of which is illegal in New York City. To hide the donations that exceeded legal contribution limits, Adams received the money through straw donations — when a person makes a donation in their name on behalf of another and is then reimbursed for it.
Adams accepted straw donations from two businessmen, one of whom is part of the Turkish community who operated two local construction companies, the indictment alleges.
Ultimately, a Turkish government official — who was Turkey’s Consul General at the time — Adams had dealings with throughout the years cashed in on their benefits and donations they had helped steer toward Adams, the indictment alleges. That came in the form of requesting that he use his position as Brooklyn borough president to ask the FDNY to speed up approvals for a Manhattan high-rise Turkish consulate building that had failed to pass fire safety inspections.
“Adams delivered and pressured the Fire Department to let the building open,” Williams said.
ReactionNews of the unsealed indictment Wednesday night immediately sparked a wave of new calls for Adams to resign, but he remained defiant that he will continue serving as mayor while fighting the charges. Those calling on him to step down include city Comptroller Brad Lander, US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and a growing number of City Council members — including conservative Democratic member Robert Holden (Queens).
Additionally, all of the candidates who have declared runs against Adams in the 2025 Democratic primary so far have also called on him to resign. They include Lander, state Sens. Jessica Ramos (D-Queens) and Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer.
Adams has blasted the allegations as “lies” and implied they are retribution from President Biden’s administration for his frequent criticism that it has not done enough to help with a huge influx of migrants in recent years.
Lander, who is perhaps Adams’ greatest political foe, said he thinks Adams’ allegations about the investigation amounting to payback by the Biden administration is “terrible.”
“I think questioning the Justice Department’s investigation, suggesting that it’s weaponized prosecution, I mean, Donald Trump is the only other person that I’m aware of doing that,” Lander said. “It doesn’t make any sense. It’s obviously false. There’s no evidence it’s true.”
If Adams does resign, it would trigger a 60-day special election and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would step up as mayor in the interim. If he does not, either Gov. Kathy Hochul or what is known as an “inability committee” made up of — the city Comptroller, a deputy mayor, the City Council Speaker and the most senior borough president — can force him out.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, when asked about the committee potentially moving forward to remove the mayor, said Thursday, “We are not prepared today to give an answer to that question.”
“We will continue to monitor the situation to be in talks with our colleagues both at city and state level as we all monitor the situation and see how this further unfolds,” she added.
Public Advocate Williams, meanwhile, in a Thursday afternoon statement stopped short of calling on the mayor to resign.
“It is federal officials’ obligation to prove their case, and it is the mayor’s obligation to prove to New Yorkers that there is a real plan and path to govern the city effectively and regain trust, and his time to show that plan is rapidly running out,” Williams said.
The charges came after nearly a year of speculation following a federal raid on Adams’ top 2021 campaign fundraiser Brianna Suggs last November. Suggs still works on Adams’ 2025 reelection campaign, he has previously said, but is now handling clerical work instead of fundraising.
They also followed a month of ramped-up federal law enforcement action surrounding the Adams administration, including home raids and electronics seizures of some of his top officials. Those actions led to a rapid succession of resignations, including former Police Commissioner Edward Caban, City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg, Schools Chancellor David Banks, and Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan.
Williams signaled there will be more charges to come in the near future.
“This investigation continues, we continue to dig and we will hold more people accountable,” Williams siad.
Adams — the city’s second Black mayor — took office in 2022, after narrowly winning a ranked-choice primary the year prior. A former police captain, Adams is a centrist Democrat who won the mayor’s race on the promise of reigning in crime and has continued to make that the centerpiece of his mayoralty over his nearly three years in office.
Although the four separate federal investigations surrounding the administration have been Adams’ biggest Achilles Heel, his time in office has also been marred by a contentious relationship with the City Council and the influx of over 200,000 migrants to the city.
This is a developing story; check with amNY.com for further updates.
Flatbush has been named the coolest neighborhood to visit in New York City, according to Time Out’s 2024 global ranking. The Brooklyn neighborhood placed 17th overall in the publication’s annual list, now in its seventh year.
The travel and lifestyle magazine consulted writers and editors across major cities to compile the list. Flatbush is the only New York City neighborhood featured, recognized for its proximity to Prospect Park and its thriving scene of bars and restaurants.
“You see this community thriving in spots like Peppa’s Jerk Chicken, Lips Café, and Bodega Lounge, and, of course, at the annual West Indian Day Parade that dances up Eastern Parkway every Labor Day weekend,” Time Out wrote. “Flatbush’s tree-lined streets have been home to icons like Joey Bada$$, Busta Rhymes, and Barbra Streisand, and still pull big names, especially to the historic Kings Theatre.”
Flatbush Central, located at the vibrant intersection of Flatbush and Caton Avenues, is home to the Flatbush Caton Market, which celebrates the community’s rich Caribbean heritage.Photo by Susan De Vries The complete restoration of the Kings Theatre in Flatbush, which was closed for nearly 40 years, included all of the ornate decorations of the original movie house. It formally reopened in 2015.File photo by Paul MartinkaTopping the 2024 list was Notre Dame du Mont in Marseille, France, selected for its vibrant art scene, lively restaurants and eclectic mix of residents. The area, known for its graffiti-covered alleyways and twisting staircases, retains its rebellious spirit while attracting newcomers from Paris.
Kerns in Portland, Oregon, was the only North American neighborhood to break into the top 10, praised for its small-town feel within a major city. “Surrounded by charming residential streets, craftsman homes, and lush gardens, its core is northeast 28th Avenue, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops,” the publication noted.
Several other U.S. neighborhoods made the list, including Little River in Miami (ranked 12th), East Hollywood in Los Angeles (26th), Mount Pleasant in Washington, D.C. (29th), Brewerytown in Philadelphia (32nd), and Union Square in Boston (38th).
The list highlights neighborhoods around the world known for their culture, community and creativity. Last year, Fort Greene was the highest-ranking New York neighborhood to make Time Out’s list.
On Thursday evening, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce will join local artist Michael “Kaves” McLeer to cut the ribbon on “Brooklyn Pop,” his highly anticipated art exhibit at Industry City. The exhibit explores Brooklyn’s transformative influence on popular culture.
According to Kaves, the brains behind Brooklyn Pop, the installation is an immersive experience celebrating Brooklyn’s creative and resilient spirit. The exhibit features handmade installations, including replicas of subway cars and stations, as well as artifacts, audio, and visual elements, all of which contribute to telling Kaves’ own underdog story.
Organizers described “Brooklyn Pop” as more than just an art exhibit — it’s an exploration of life and art through the eyes of a true Brooklyn native.
“’Brooklyn Pop’ is a remarkable new interactive art installation by Kaves. This collaboration helps underscore Brooklyn’s status as a vibrant cultural epicenter, where creativity and community converge,” said Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “With the opening of this exhibit, we honor the spirit of innovation and artistic expression that continues to define not only our borough but the rest of the world as well.”
The exhibit is designed as an evolving experience, with scheduled activations that transform the space into a vibrant performance stage. Actors will engage with the installations, blurring the line between imagination and reality while inviting visitors to become part of the narrative.
‘Brooklyn Pop’ will feature different Kings County artifacts, including the original sign from Lenny’s Pizzeria.Compilation courtesy of Micheal ‘Kaves’ McLeerKaves, whose artistry is deeply rooted in Brooklyn’s streets and culture, expressed his passion for the project.
“People know Brooklyn’s a cool place and has become a brand. I’m going to teach you a little about how it became cool — the blood, the sweat, the tears,” he said. “To me, Brooklyn rooftops are a religion, and the concrete is a cathedral. This installation is a tribute to the spirit that makes Brooklyn a cultural epicenter and a testament to the unique energy that defines our borough.”
Industry City is located at 254 36th St. between Second and Third Avenues in Sunset Park.
Federal agents executed a search warrant Thursday morning at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s official residence, amid reports that Eric Adams is facing indictment.
The New York Times reported that the feds arrived at the historic Upper East Side residence at about 6 a.m. on Sept. 26 in search of material connected to the impending corruption indictment, which has yet to be unsealed.
The raid came hours after news broke that Mayor Adams had been charged in a federal indictment within the Southern District of New York. News website THE CITY, citing sources, reported that Adams will be charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent for taking official actions after receiving foreign campaign contributions.
Adams’ attorney Alex Spiro, in a published statement, alleged that federal agents created “a spectacle” with the Gracie Mansion raid, claiming that, “They send a dozen agents to pick up a phone when we would have happily turned it in.”
“He has not been arrested and looks forward to his day in court,” Spiro said of the mayor.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams is expected to announce the indictment at a press conference scheduled for Thursday morning. It is unclear when Mayor Adams would surrender and officially answer to them in court, though it is anticipated that may happen next week.
A view of the exterior of Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, amid reports that he will be charged with federal crimes in New York City, U.S., September 26, 2024. REUTERS/Bing GuanIn a video statement released late Thursday night, a defiant Adams alleged that the expected charges against him were based on lies. He claimed they resulted from him criticizing the federal government amid the migrant crisis. He not only vowed to fight the charges but also rebuffed numerous calls for his resignation from city and state officials.
According to his office, the mayor has no scheduled public events for Thursday. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and city Comptroller Brad Lander, the two citywide officials next in the mayoral line of succession, have canceled all their scheduled events today.
Business in the City Council, meanwhile, is set to go on as planned; the city’s lawmakers have a stated meeting on Thursday afternoon. Speaker Adrienne Adams is scheduled to hold a press conference ahead of the meeting, at 12:30 p.m.
Stay tuned with amNY.com for continued updates on the Mayor Adams indictment.
A temporary art installation resembling an emergency shelter tent is set to pop up in Sunset Park this month to highlight the challenges faced by Temporary Protected Status (TPS) seekers, its beneficiaries and asylum seekers in the US.
“A Mobile Home” will serve as both a sculpture and an immersive performance stage when it lands close to the park entrance on Sixth Avenue and 41st Street on Sept. 14, with musical, dance and spoken word performances by artists and locals throughout the afternoon.
The shelter will feature enlarged images of security screening questions from TPS applications, which the artists say will present the public with an experience that reveals the often conflicted language embedded in the bureaucratic migration processes, while also raising the question of what “home” really means.
Xenoduo is the creative group behind “A Mobile Home.” The pair — Brooklyn-based set designer and installation artist Xinan Ran and choreographer and theater artist Miguel Alejandro Castillo — met in high school, where they first started collaborating artistically. After noticing the common theme of migration in their works, they decided to start a collective that advocates for a more humane immigration process.
The idea for “A Mobile Home” came about when Castillo first applied for TPS, which the Department of Homeland Security can grant to a group of nationals it deems unsafe from returning to their homelands — Castillo’s birth country of Venezuela being among the beneficiaries.
He told Brooklyn Paper that the application process was isolating, as he had to fill out an application that posed “intense” questions “that I know have a legal and political reasoning behind them, but their effects on those receiving the questions are one of alienation.”
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The pair hope the installation will be a place for TPS beneficiaries and other immigrants in the city to come to reflect and share their own stories. The Sixth Avenue location was chosen because it is a shared space of the diverse community in Sunset Park.
“Sunset Park is a place where they actually meet and socialize, so we want to use this site as a place where we can bring people together and share stories and to find an equal meeting point of these communities,” Ran said.
Xenoduo’s other hope is that their art will help humanize the immigration process and its issues for members of the public with limited knowledge of the processes.
“We live in a city that is made of immigrants, and so much of the labor of the immigrant community is what makes the city what it is,” said Castillo. “Yet, there is such a forgetfulness or ignorance in which many people just go by their days without really pondering about this. I do think that the waves of immigration are going to get bigger and bigger as we deal with climate change and more unstable governments. Everybody needs to be on board so that we can be adaptable and care for one another.”
“A Mobile Home” will have an opening reception at 1 p.m. on Sept. 14 before it heads to Union Square on Oct. 5. To find out more about the event and installation, visit the More Art website.
A mass shooting rocked Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade on Monday, wounding five people — including two who suffered life-threatening injuries, authorities said.
Shots rang out at around 2:35 p.m. on Sept. 2 at 307 Eastern Pkwy. in Crown Heights along the parade route as the march proceeded. In all, cops say five people were injured in the bloody incident.
According to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell, the chaos was believed to be the work of one gunman who callously fired into the sidewalk of spectators who had gathered to watch the festivities unfold.
The shooting cast a pall upon what is one of Brooklyn’s biggest cultural events. Tens of thousands of marchers and spectators participated in the colorful event, and the NYPD had beefed up security in an effort to prevent gun violence and other criminal incidents that had occurred during or before the parade in recent years.
A mass shooting rocked Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade on Monday, wounding five people — including two who suffered life-threatening injuries, authorities said. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann “This was an intentional attentional act by one person towards a group of people,” Chief Chell said. “This was not random.”Photo by Gabriele HoltermannOne man suffered a gunshot wound to the head, another was struck in the arm, and a third was hit in the torso. Another man was struck in the arm, authorities said. A woman was also shot in the shoulder. Two of the victims are fighting for their lives.
NYPD officials say they believed the shooter had a target in mind and was not firing at spectators haphazardly; however, they added that it is too early in the investigation process to determine who may have been the intended target, police said.
“This was on the cement divider between the service road and the parade route where thousands of people were watching the parade,” Chief Chell added.
Cops say they are looking for a man in his 20s and are asking anyone who may have video of the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information regarding the incident or the perpetrator’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
This story was updated at 4:48 p.m.
“This was an intentional attentional act by one person towards a group of people,” Chief Chell said. “This was not random.” Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
Thousands flocked to Brooklyn early Monday morning to dance at dawn for the J’ouvert parade.
The festivities kicked off from Grand Army Plaza before dawn on Sept. 2 under tight security from the NYPD to keep things safe. After making their way inside the security perimeter, thousands of marchers rubbed themselves in oil, donned horned helmets, and dressed in elaborate costumes harkening back to the origins of J’ouvert, which dates back to 18th century France, when people of color were banned from masquerade balls.
The carnival-esque atmosphere also saw drummers pushing metal barrels, live music from DJ’s, paint fights, and erotic dancing. While the celebrations began before dawn, the event did not peak until mid-morning.
The festivities kicked-off from Grand Army Plaza before dawn on Sept. 2.Photo by Dean Moses The festivities kicked-off from Grand Army Plaza before dawn on Sept. 2.Photo by Dean Moses The festivities kicked-off from Grand Army Plaza before dawn on Sept. 2.Photo by Dean Moses Dancers rose with the sun. Photo by Dean MosesDespite a sea of smiling faces, J’Ouvert in Brooklyn has been marked in past years by violence, leading to a legion of cops staging along the parade route. Police helicopters also flew over the route, offering the NYPD a bird’s-eye view of the proceedings from Grand Army Plaza and along Flatbush Avenue and Empire Boulevard to Nostrand Avenue.
J’ouvert is immediately preceded by the West Indian Day Parade along Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
. Inside the perimeter, marchers rubbed themselves in oil, donned horned helmets, and dressed in elaborate costumes.Photo by Dean Moses Dancing in the dark.Photo by Dean Moses Rubbing oil.Photo by Dean Moses Thousands flocked to BrooklynPhoto by Dean Moses Many threw paint and powder.Photo by Dean Moses Many threw paint and powder.Photo by Dean Moses It was a carnival-esque atmosphere.Photo by Dean Moses Thousands flocked to Brooklyn.Photo by Dean Moses Thousands flocked to BrooklynPhoto by Dean Moses Paint covered faces.Photo by Dean Moses And bodies.Photo by Dean Moses
Labor Day weekend was full of death on New York City streets this year, as six people lost their lives in fatal collisions, according to police.
The carnage began on Thursday, Aug. 29, when 55-year-old Jacqueline Healy of upstate Jamestown was struck by a Ford pickup truck driver while traversing Cross Bay Boulevard at Pitkin Avenue in Ozone Park, Queens. The driver, 47-year-old Keith Ryan of upstate Greene County, was arrested and charged with possessing and motoring with a phony driver’s license.
The next day, a 63-year-old man was crossing Broadway at Myrtle Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn when he was struck by a Chevrolet SUV driver, whom police say had the green light. The man was taken to Woodhull Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 1.
Then, early Saturday morning, two teenagers were operating a moped on the Cross Island Parkway in Whitestone, Queens when the 15-year-old male driver lost control and struck a barrier wall, causing both to be ejected.
The southbound lanes of the Cross Island Parkway at 150th Street in Whitestone, Queens, where two teens died Labor Day weekend.Photo via Google MapsThe passenger, 19-year-old Giselle Flores of Flushing, was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver, 15-year-old Andy Rodriguez of Flushing, was pronounced dead at Flushing Hospital.
Later, on Sunday, first responders discovered a cyclist lying in the roadway on Union Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn when he was struck by the speeding driver of a Volkswagen SUV, which then careened into an unoccupied parked car. The 46-year-old cyclist was taken to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Union Avenue’s bike lane cuts off at Broadway, just north of where the crash took place, leaving cyclists to ride in mixed traffic.
That same morning, a motorcyclist was struck by a hit-and-run driver on the Jackie Robinson Parkway while the unknown vehicle was changing lanes. The 28-year-old motorcyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained severe traumatic injuries; he was pronounced dead on the scene. The perp fled the scene and has not been caught.
Traffic crashes have killed 177 people on Big Apple streets this year, up nearly 5% from the same period last year, according to the NYPD. That includes 78 pedestrians, 37 drivers or passengers in cars, and 25 drivers or passengers on motorcycles.
Collisions have killed 16 cyclists this year, the vast majority of them on e-bikes, according to police, as well as 18 people riding stand-up scooters or mopeds.
They came to mourn — and demand freedom.
Thousands came to Columbus Circle on Sunday night to honor the memory of six hostages abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel who were found slain in Gaza on Saturday.
The murder of the six hostages, which included American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, diminished the hopes of families of the remaining 101 hostages still in captivity nearly a year after Hamas attacked Israel that their loved ones would ever be safely returned to them.
Sunday’s vigil sought to not only comfort those now in mourning but also voice resolve that Israel and Hamas “seal the deal” for peace and ensure the safe return of all remaining hostages now in captivity.
“Words cannot describe the past 24 hours,” said Dana Cwiagrach of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. “We have been advocating, shouting, rallying, marching, running for the past 11 months almost to demand with a very clear statement: We need a deal to save lives.”
Bearing Israel and American flags, many crowd members chanted “Bring them home now!” and “Seal the deal!” — their voices serving as a public appeal to the international community and the U.S. government to help ensure a peace deal that delivers freedom to the hostages.
“There is no more time,” Cwiagrach added. “These last 24 hours, we lost six cherished souls, and I cannot stress this enough: 48 hours ago, They were all alive. A deal could have saved their lives.”
People light candles for hostages killed by Hamas, during a vigil at Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024.Photo by Paul Frangipane People mourn the lives of hostages killed by Hamas, during a vigil at Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024.Photo by Paul Frangipane People mourn the lives of hostages killed by Hamas, during a vigil at Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024.Photo by Paul Frangipane People wave Israeli flags during a vigil in Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum gathered people to mourn the lives of hostages killed by Hamas.Photo by Paul FrangipaneThe Sept. 1 vigil included a reading of names of the 101 remaining hostages in captivity — including Omer Neutra, a 22-year-old Long Island native who volunteered to serve in the Israeli Defense Force. Neutra was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023 as he and other IDF members responded to the attack.
“We stand here before you tonight on this day with such devastating news, in with the families [of the six murdered hostages] are burning their loved ones instead of celebrating their return. This should not have happened,” said Orna Neutra, Omer Neutra’s mother. “It is devastating that after 11 months, Hamas terrorists are still holding onto over 100 members of our families. We are heartbroken.”
People light candles for hostages killed by Hamas, during a vigil at Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024.Photo by Paul Frangipane Orna Neutra, mother of American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra speaks during a vigil in Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum gathered people to mourn the lives of hostages killed by Hamas.Photo by Paul Frangipane Adi Alexander, father of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, speaks during a vigil in Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum gathered people to mourn the lives of hostages killed by Hamas.Photo by Paul Frangipane People mourn the lives of hostages killed by Hamas, during a vigil at Columbus Circle on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024.Photo by Paul FrangipaneEdan Alexander was also taken captive on Oct. 7 while serving with the IDF. Adi Alexander, his father, honored the family of Goldberg-Polin, noting that they “have shown strength and courage that most people will never need to express.” He also publicly pleaded with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden not to delay a deal; after mentioning that Netanyahu’s stance on a peace deal might be hardening, the crowd began chanting, “Shame!”
“None of this had to happen. I would like to tell President Biden to tell Prime Minister Netanyahu: Do not delay the deal,” Adi Alexander said. “As we approach another now-or-never moment in the negotiations, President Biden must make it clear that negotiations cannot fail again. Let’s get them all home and seal the deal.”
Police in Brooklyn are investigating a deadly shooting on Sunday morning that claimed a man’s life.
Law enforcement sources said the murder happened at about 8:09 a.m. on Sept. 1 in front of an apartment building at 1301 St. John’s Place in Crown Heights.
According to police sources, the victim who had been gunned down at the location, a 37-year-old man, was dropped off moments late via private means at Kings County Hospital.
The victim had sustained a gunshot wound to his chest and was immediately admitted in critical condition, police sources said. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse, and he died moments later. Police have withheld his identity, pending family notification.
A man was shot dead on St. John’s Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Sept. 1, 2024.Photo via Google MapsThe shooting was reported to the 77th Precinct. According to the most recent CompStat report, the 77th Precinct had seen seven murders year-to-date through Aug. 25, three more than the number tallied at the same point last year. Shootings are also up 28.6% for the year, from 14 such incidents last year to 18 this year.
So far, police have not ascertained a possible motive for the deadly shooting or a suspect’s description. No arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Faulty lithium-ion batteries remain the biggest arsonists in New York City — responsible for at least two more serious fires in the five boroughs this past week.
The Fire Department has dealt with more than 170 fires so far in 2024 linked to lithium-ion batteries that suffered catastrophic malfunctions — including batteries that were not charging at the time. Three people have died, and 59 people have been injured in these blazes.
The most recent serious fire triggered by a faulty battery occurred at 2411 Dean St. in Brooklyn on Aug. 26. Flames rapidly spread through the apartment building and grew into a four-alarm inferno that engulfed four other adjacent dwellings, injured three firefighters and six civilians, and displaced dozens of residents.
At an Aug. 29 press conference at its MetroTech headquarters in Downtown Brooklyn, the Fire Department put on display the charred remains of a lithium-ion battery and e-bike that, they believe, sparked the horrific fire.
The remains of the lithium-ion battery and e-bike linked to the Aug. 26 four-alarm fire on Dean Street in Brooklyn.Photo by Lloyd MitchellLithium-ion batteries — which contain highly flammable chemicals that rapidly spread fire when ignited — were also blamed for a massive barge fire on Newtown Creek in Long Island City on Aug. 28. The FDNY Marine Unit spent hours knocking back the flames and bringing the tempest under control.
“These bike fires are taxing our units,” said Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker. “For more than three years, the fearless firefighters, EMTs and paramedics of this department have been on the front lines responding to the dangers of lof fires and have saved countless lives. I commend them for that, and it is not taken for granted.”
As the number of battery-related fires has grown in recent years, the city has taken various actions to educate the public about the danger and keep used or damaged batteries out of circulation.
The City Council approved last year a trade-in program to allow e-bike users to exchange used or damaged batteries in for fresh, safe devices. The Department of Transportation also seeks to expedite the creation of e-bike charging facilities on sidewalks to discourage users from bringing the vehicles (and charging their batteries) inside.
“One life lost is too many, and we’ll need to strive to keep our friends and neighbors safe,” Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said regarding protecting New Yorkers from lithium-ion battery fires.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe Fire Department also stepped up its enforcement efforts targeting businesses that misuse or mishandle lithium-ion batteries, making the first arrest back in April of a business owner caught improperly storing dozens of batteries. New York’s Bravest has also invested $1 million in an ad campaign reminding New Yorkers of the batteries’ danger, and how to safeguard against fires.
The FDNY urges New Yorkers who use e-bikes to follow all manufacturer instructions and avoid purchasing any batteries without UL stickers. Avoid charging devices and batteries near doors, windows and other points of egress near your home. Wherever possible, charge the devices outside.
“One life lost is too many, and we’ll need to strive to keep our friends and neighbors safe,” Tucker added. “We are all in this together. This is an issue that is not going away. We know micromobility devices are here to stay, and a big part of our future. By combining education, regulation, training and advocacy, we’re taking steps to protect our city and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.”
More information on proper lithium-ion battery storage and charging can be found at nyc.gov/fdny.
This summer was one of the safest in recent history in terms of gun violence and gun-related deaths, according to data released Friday by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez’s office.
The months of June, July, and August are typically marked by high numbers of shootings and gun-related deaths, but this year, Brooklyn reached its lowest levels, Gonzalez said.
The borough recorded 13 gun-related homicides this summer — a 24% decrease from 2023 — and 84 shootings, down 11%. And while the number of shooting victims increased by three, it marks the second-lowest total in that category after last summer.
Data revealed there were 11% fewer shootings and 24% fewer shooting homicides from June through August compared to the same period last year. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Brooklyn District Attorney“The summer months are traditionally the time when gun violence spikes, which is the reason the NYPD and my office focus extra resources and efforts during that period,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “It is gratifying that, after a particularly safe summer in 2023, we reached even more historic lows this year.”
These numbers reflect the lowest recorded stats since data has been collected, according to the DA’s office, and represent a 74% decline compared to the summer of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest and a spike in violence occurred concurrently.
Shooting deaths also reached the lowest level ever recorded with 13 — a 79% decline compared to 2020.
These numbers are in part a result of ongoing efforts by the District Attorney, NYPD and cure-violence groups.Photo courtesy of the Office of the Brooklyn District Attorney“While more needs to be done, public safety in Brooklyn continues to improve and our multi-pronged approach in fighting gun crimes – which includes gang takedowns, investments in our Digital Evidence Lab, precision prosecutions, and community-based initiatives – is working,” Gonzalez said.
Jibreel Jalloh, the founder of The Flossy Organization, a cure-violence organization in Canarsie, called the DA’s report “promising.”
“While this decline is a strong step forward, we must remain focused on our ultimate goal: ending gun violence,” Jalloh told Brooklyn Paper. “The 13 lives lost are 13 too many.”
The DA’s office attributed the violence reduction in part to successful Supreme Court convictions, gang takedowns and gun buy-back events.
Associate Director of Community Safety at S.O.S. Bed-Stuy Shadoe Tarver, left, puts his hand on 16-year-old Takia Gilmore’s shoulder as they stand at Restoration Plaza in July 2020 to speak out against gun violence.File photo by Paul FrangipaneJalloh said the city could see an even greater decline with the increased investment in cure-groups and programs, such as Flossy, Man Up and Save Our Streets (S.O.S.). Following the pandemic, the city expanded the work of crisis management centers with the growth of violence interrupters and mentors who mediate potentially violent situations and work towards peaceful solutions.
“The city has a list of evidence-proven methods to stop shootings,” Jalloh said. “We just need government leaders that have the courage to invest in those programs fully.”
These initiatives, however, are not a cure-all.
Despite organizational efforts, the number of borough-wide shooting victims — 104 — rose slightly, up 2.9% compared to the same time last year. Still, that number was the lowest on record for a summer of gun violence recorded by the DA’s office.
The Flossy Org is just one initiative in Canarsie that’s been petitioning for cure violence aid for years, as more community members died to gun-related incidents.Photo courtesy of The Flossy OrganizationCommunity advocates have argued a lack of adequate resources feeds the growth of violence. They believe the city can absolve itself of violence by closing wage, health and education gaps.
“We need deeper investments that strike at the root causes of violence—lack of opportunity, poverty, unemployment, and poor education,” Jalloh told Brooklyn Paper. “Let’s honor the memory [of those who’ve died to gun violence] and families by committing to the necessary investments today so we can build on this progress tomorrow.”
The MTA has put out various service changes on its subway, bus, and commuter rail lines set to take place this Labor Day Weekend.
Subway trains and buses are set to run on a regular weekend schedule, and on Labor Day will run on a Sunday schedule. That means there will be no B, W, or Z trains, nor express trains on the 6 or 7 lines or the F in Brooklyn.
There is no 2 train service all weekend between 3rd Avenue-149th Street and 96th Street, though it’ll return on Labor Day itself. The MTA is undertaking track replacement on the line. Free shuttle buses will run between those two stops, with both local and express options.
The 5 train, which largely shares its route with the 2 in the Bronx, will run in two sections: between Eastchester-Dyre Avenue and East 180th Street, and between 149th Street-Grand Concourse and Bowling Green.
The 3 train will be suspended entirely over the weekend. Free shuttle buses will run between Harlem-148th Street and 96th Street, where riders can catch the 2, and the 4 express will run on the 3 local line in Brooklyn south of Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center towards New Lots Avenue.
2 and 3 trains will skip Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum on Labor Day in both directions; that’s the ending point for the West Indian Day Parade. Meanwhile, A trains will operate local all weekend between 59th Street and West 4th Street, and A and C trains will take the F line between West 4th Street and Jay Street-MetroTech.
The Long Island Rail Road will run on a Saturday schedule on Sunday. The railroad will run additional trains on the Montauk Branch for vacationers to and from the Hamptons on Labor Day.
On Metro-North, the agency will run extra “early getaway” trains on the New Haven, Harlem, and Hudson Lines on Friday, aiming to get New Yorkers out of the hustle-and-bustle and towards bucolic country early for the holiday weekend.
Detectives have obtained new footage that they hope will lead to the capture of a killer involved in a 13-year-old cold case in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
According to police sources, while images of the suspect had been released previously, this is the first time video footage has been shared with the public. The video shows an individual dressed in green walking down a sidewalk.
Law enforcement sources believe this man approached 22-year-old Jamal Singleton from behind in front of a home at 977 Greene Ave. around 9:43 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2011, after being seen pacing in the area. The assailant opened fire on Singleton, with a bullet striking him in the back and exiting through his chest.
EMS transported Singleton to Woodhull Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
More than a decade later, police are still searching for the suspect and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The gunman was last seen dressed entirely in green, possibly wearing a sweatshirt and pants or a medical outfit.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are confidential.
A version of this story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork Metro
The first day of school is fast approaching, and while students and parents are doing some back-to-school shopping this weekend, they can also celebrate the upcoming year and win some prizes.
On Aug. 24, the Kings Plaza Mall is hosting a Back to School Carnival in collaboration with CaribStar Radio and retail real estate company Macerich.
“As a company, Macerich is dedicated to giving back to our local communities,” said Dawn Simon, area senior marketing manager at Macerich. “As the new school year begins, we are committed to ensuring that every child is prepared to succeed. Back-to-School is the perfect time for our centers to connect with our shoppers through entertainment, giveaways and community engagement. With our programming and donations, we are confident that our New York centers will serve as a vital part of this year’s back-to-school preparations.”
The carnival will include giveaways, music, face-painting and more. Photo courtesy of MacerichBetween 2-5 p.m., kids and parents can unwind with games, prizes, face painters, music, giveaways, and more. They can also show their same-day receipt showing they spent $50 or more at a number of stores within the mall to receive a free backpack stuffed with school supplies.
Back-to-school can be a challenging time — on average, families can expect to spend $875 on school clothes, electronics, and supplies, according to MarketWatch. That includes backpacks, pens and pencils, notebooks, calculators, and sometimes tissues or cleaning supplies for the classroom.
To help ease the strain, Kings Plaza will also make a $2,500 donation to P.S. 276 The Louis Marshall School in nearby Canarsie.
“I am always thrilled to partner with Kings Plaza and Macerich to provide school supplies for our community during the back-to-school season,” said state Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud, in a statement. “Donations like these serve as the vital support needed to give back and make a positive impact together.”
Nearly a year after backing away from its plan to overhaul McGuinness Boulevard, the city announced Tuesday its plans for the southern half of the busy thoroughfare — breaking from what it had initially proposed last summer.
Rather than removing a lane of vehicle traffic between Calyer Street and Meeker Avenue, as had been suggested last year, the Department of Transportation will continue the design already in progress on the northern half of the road: protected bike lanes along each curb, with two vehicle traffic lanes open during peak hours. Between 7 p.m.-7 a.m., the right-hand vehicle traffic lane will become a parking lane, meant to slow car traffic on the fast-moving street.
The DOT will install bike lanes on either side of the roadway, preserving all vehicle lanes. Image courtesy of NYC DOTDOT will also revamp the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway entrance ramp at Meeker Avenue, add new pedestrian connection between Bayard Street and Meeker Avenue, and add “conventional” bike lanes to five streets around McGuinness.
Work is expected to begin in September.
The announcement drew outrage from local streets-safety groups and politicians, who have for years advocated for a dramatic revamp of the infamously-dangerous street.
“Greenpoint residents have demanded that Mayor Adams finally address the deadly conditions on McGuinness Boulevard and make our community safer, but he ignored us,” said nine local elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez and Council Member Lincoln Restler, in a joint statement. “After repeatedly changing his mind and undermining DOT’s evidence-based redesign, Mayor Adams is going forward with a plan that fails Greenpoint by preserving the most dangerous elements of this roadway that runs through the middle of our community. We will not stop fighting until we successfully prioritize the safety of our neighbors above all else.”
Last summer, after Mayor Eric Adams ordered the department to rethink its initial plan to overhaul McGuinness Boulevard, DOT presented a “compromise” with two different proposals for the northern and southern sections of the road. The northern section, between the Pulaski Bridge and Calyer Street, would get protected bike lanes and retain two vehicle traffic lanes during peak hour, with parking overnight.
Council Member Lincoln Restler speaks at a rally about McGuinness Boulevard in May 2024. File photo by Kirstyn BrendlenOn the southern half of McGuinness, between Calyer Street and Meeker Avenue, the department planned to cut a vehicle lane in favor of parking and a protected bike lane. Work would start on the northern half first, the department said at the time, with the southern half soon to follow.
But DOT didn’t finish work on the northern half before the end of 2023, then announced it would have to finish a traffic analysis on the southern part of the road before it could finalize its plan there. As of May 2024, work still wasn’t done north of Calyer Street, nor was the analysis.
DOT representatives did not immediately say whether or not the analysis had been finished before they announced the stripped-back plan on Aug. 20.
“This redesign for McGuinness Boulevard will make this corridor much safer for everyone, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists,” said DOT spox Vin Barone. “Based on community feedback, NYC DOT will be extending the protected bike lane from Calyer Street to Meeker Avenue while also delivering a new network of bike lanes, better connecting cyclists to Meeker Avenue and points south, and adding sidewalk extensions at streets intersecting McGuinness Boulevard.”
When asked for comment, a representative from Adams’ office referred Brooklyn Paper to DOT.
The wide four-lane road, which locals say lends itself to speeding vehicles and dangerous drivers, saw 229 crashes with injuries between 2015 and 2019, according to a 2023 DOT presentation. Most pedestrian injuries came when victims were truck by drivers as the pedestrian crossed the street with the signal.
Since then, roughly 88 crashes hav been reported along the road, according to CrashMapper, including 58-year-old cyclist Liem Nhan, who was killed by a box truck driver in 2019, and P.S. 110 teacher Matthew Jensen in 2021. Jensen’s death galvanized the community and inspired the creation of streets-safety group Make McGuinness Safe. It also inspired then-mayor Bill de Blasio to pledge $39 million to redesign the street.
The “final” plan announced and quickly axed last spring would have cut a vehicle traffic lane in both directions down the entirety of McGuinness Boulevard. At the time, DOT said plan was the most widely-supported of the three variations the department had put forward.
Mayor Eric Adams (center) ordered DOT to rethink its plan last summer, reportedly with urging from Ingrid Lewis-Martin (right.) Photo courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography OfficeBut opponents — headed by Broadway Stages — criticized the plan, claiming it would negatively impact local businesses. It was their voices — and that of mayoral advisor Ingrid Lewis-Martin — that reportedly inspired Adams to do an about-face last year.
Some said even the compromised plan would harm the community.
“The community is deeply concerned about the impact of diverted traffic on our residential side streets, delayed emergency response times, and many other issues affecting residents and businesses – not only in Greenpoint, but in neighboring areas such as Williamsburg, Bushwick, Long Island City, Maspeth, etc,” Keep McGuinness Moving said in August 2023. “We will continue promoting our ideas and ideals that are more productive and safer.”
After the Aug. 20 announcement, Make McGuinness Safe said DOT had “broken their promise” to Greenpointers.
“We asked the city to protect our community — pedestrians and cyclists, children and elders — from future trauma after decades of suffering the consequences of an unneccessary speedway dividing our neighborhood,” the group said. “Instead, we are losing parking, abandoning loading zones, and gaining an unsafe, unprotected bike lane adjoining a highway.”
A 16-year-old boy on an e-bike was killed Monday after colliding with a truck on a notoriously deadly thoroughfare in Brooklyn.
Police say 16-year-old Juraed Umedjon, of Ocean Parkway, was driving an e-bike southbound on Coney Island Avenue when a box truck started turning south onto Coney Island from Ditmas Avenue in Kensington at 1:54 p.m. Monday. Police say Umedjon, who had two other male teenage passengers, attempted to pass the truck but lost control and struck a traffic cone, collapsing to the roadway and ending up underneath the rear passenger tires of the truck.
EMS transported Umedjon to Maimonides Hospital in Borough Park, but he could not be saved. A 15-year-old passenger was also taken to Maimonides in stable condition, while another 16-year-old passenger was treated on the scene for minor injuries.
The truck driver remained on the scene, and police do not suspect criminality.
Traffic collisions have killed 158 people across the five boroughs in 2024 through Aug. 18, according to the NYPD. Deaths are up 10% in Brooklyn this year.
Umedjon was the 12th child and 15th cyclist to die in a traffic collision this year, according to the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives.
Coney Island Avenue has a reputation as a particularly deadly thoroughfare in Brooklyn. Since 2011, the road — which stretches from Prospect Park to Coney Island — has been the site of 15 deaths, including 10 pedestrians, 3 cyclists, and 2 motorists. Nearly 2,800 people have been injured in crashes along the corridor in the same time period.
In 2019, Coney Island Avenue was the site of one of New York’s most horrific crashes in recent memory, when a teen driver blew a red light at high speed and T-boned a passing car, smashing both vehicles into nearby cyclist Jose Alzorriz and killing him.
“This intersection could be redesigned and rebuilt tomorrow with new daylighting, physical turn calming, and protected bike lanes,” said Elizabeth Adams, co-executive director at Transportation Alternatives, in a statement. “Yet even with crash, after crash, after crash, on the same dangerous streets and in the same dangerous intersections, progress moves far too slow. Our leaders cannot pretend to care about the children of our city and still do nothing when they’re killed over and over again.”
Members and volunteers of a Bay Ridge nonprofit that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities celebrated on Tuesday after securing $2 million in federal funding for renovations and upgrades to their southern Brooklyn facilities.
Congress Member Nicole Malliotakis obtained the funding for the Guild for Exceptional Children (GEC) through a Department of Housing and Urban Development grant. The funds will be used to modernize the nonprofit’s buildings near 67th Street and Third Avenue.
Since 1958, GEC has supported residents with developmental disabilities, currently assisting approximately 500 individuals with supportive services, daily programs, and workforce training. The $2 million renovation will overhaul the first floor of the building, which houses the Hope C. Morrison Day Habilitation Center, to create more community space that is wheelchair accessible, along with bathroom, floor and ceiling upgrades.
Construction is expected to take six to nine months and is earmarked to get underway in early Spring 2025. Further renovations will also include the upper floors of the building, which will be retrofitted with a new apartment and more program space for the individuals attending GEC’s day program.
Exterior work to the building is expected to include resurfacing of the roof, a new façade and surfacing in the backyard to prevent future flooding and injury.
Members of the GEC presented Malliotakis with a plaque and gift for her support of the nonprofit.Photo courtesy of Congress Member Nicole Malliotakis’ Office“We know that housing for the developmental disability community is one of the biggests needs that we have in our state right now. It is so important that we work to improve and expand the housing options for the individuals like those we are standing with me today,” Malliotakis said Tuesday during a garden party at GEC’s soon-to-be-upgraded headquarters.
“The Guild for Exceptional Children has been a cornerstone of our city for decades, and they haven’t undergone any significant renovations in over 30 years,” Malliotakis continued. “They do incredible work for families in our area, and I hope this funding allows them to continue providing invaluable resources to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for years to come.”
Also speaking at the Aug. 20 announcement, GEC Executive Director and CEO Joe Riley noted that 6745 and 6751 Third Avenue were the first buildings acquired by GEC when the agency began supporting people with intellectual and development disabilities 65 years ago, and have been in use for adult day habilitation and 24-hour residential services since.
Reilly offered his appreciation to Malliotakis for helping the nonprofit secure the funding for its most significant renovation in the last 30 years.
“The renovation is sorely needed and GEC is very grateful to the Congresswoman, who has always been supportive of our mission going all the way back to when she was in the New York State Assembly,” said Reilly. “Thank you Congresswoman Malliotakis, from all of us at GEC.”
Two bodies have been found on Brooklyn’s shores in apparently unrelated incidents this week.
The first, the body of an unidentified man believed to be in his 30s, was spotted floating in the water near Van Brunt and Reed streets in Red Hook on Sunday afternoon, according to police. An onlooker called 911, and paramedics pulled the man from the water and pronounced him dead on the scene.
The body was discovered in the water near Van Brunt Street. Photo courtesy of Google MapsPolice said the death is still under investigation, and that the medical examiner will determine the cause of death. It was not immediately clear if the man died before or after entering the water, or how he got there.
A nine-year-old boy drowned in the waters behind the Red Hook IKEA last summer after he wandered away from his family and out of the furniture store and fell in, but the area has been the scene of more violent discoveries, including a dismembered woman’s body found floating near Pier 44 in 2017.
Early on Monday morning, a Parks Department employee made a grisly discovery at Brooklyn Bridge Park — human bones and a skull on the shoreline near Jane’s Carousel. The bones were wrapped in clothing, according to the New York Post, and police also found a pair of boots nearby.
A parks department employee found the skeletal remains near Jane’s Carousel. Photo courtesy of Google MapsLaw enforcement officials are still investigating the incident, and could be seen Monday searching the area and the waters around the park. The Office of Chief Medical officer is working to identify the body.
This is a breaking news story, check back for additional details.
Standing on a random sidewalk in Williamsburg on a Saturday evening, the hustle and bustle of a weekend night in Brooklyn can be distracting. But nothing quite catches your eye like a 20th century trolley rolling down a busy street.
After coming to a full stop, the vehicle opens its bus-like paneled doors to welcome guests. On certain roads, the trolley’s robust size may cause visitors to stay alert as they must cut through a bike lane to enter or exit.
Once inside, riders settle into leather seats embroidered with golden buttons. Mini chandeliers hang above the red carpeted aisle, while smoke envelops the wooden interior from the back, setting the stage for a ghoulish journey through New York’s second-largest borough.
Madame Morbid’s Trolley Tours have been guiding guests through the most haunted and possessed plots of the borough since 2017. And starting this month, they’re back on the road as spooky season inches closer.
Allison Chase, a tour guide and one of the founders, was inspired to enter this line of work by her father, who ran a seasonal haunted house when she was a child. After trying desk jobs, she discovered that leading haunted tours is her true calling.
“I can’t do anything else,” Chase said. “Literally, this is my only option.”
When you’re settled into those leather cushions, looking up to the front of the car as she speaks into a mic, it becomes clear why this is her calling. Chase seamlessly weaves between gruesome facts, pop quiz questions, and individual stories of Brooklyn’s haunted past, all while maintaining her balance. Her ability to stay upright is impressive, especially considering what she’s dealing with.
Madame Morbid’s haunted trolley tours are back on the road, guiding riders through Brooklyn’s spookiest spots with immersive storytelling and historical insights.Photo courtesy of Madame MorbidChase originally searched for a short bus on eBay for her tours, but a friend inspired her to think bigger. “My friend was like, ‘Well, if you’re gonna do it, go bigger,’” she said. So instead, she found someone who made trolley frames and custom-designed the rest of the vehicle.
The sheer size and design of the car make it quite a spectacle as driver Laurentiu Oirca navigates the cobblestone roads near the Brooklyn Bridge. He’s been driving the trolley for a few years now and says that staying attentive is what allows him and the other drivers to do their jobs amidst the regular NYC traffic nightmares.
“I also say to the drivers, our main thing here is to stay focused and stay calm,” he said. “We have our tour guides on the stage, there’s no reason to disturb our guests with anything that’s outside.”
Sometimes, the distractions outside can be intense. Late last year, during a protest, one of the trolley’s windows was shot with a BB gun.
Chase and the other tour guides have such faith in Oirca that they don’t worry as he navigates tight squeezes and fends off pesky drivers. Jaywalkers and people on the sidewalk often look on in amazement as the monolith soars down streets and avenues.
But it’s not just the public that’s captivated — the audience members on the bus are, too. A television at the front of the car plays informational videos featuring pictures, celebrity cameos and narration about some of the sights and stories highlighted on the tour.
These videos were updated earlier this year to enhance the experience for new audiences, as Chase realized the business is starting to attract customers who return annually.
“We just want to improve, like to us the product is everything,” she said. “All the tour guides, drivers, they like get so immersed in the history and really love it that they go home and research.”
Whether it’s the videos, new costumes, or a new route that Laurentiu helped create, the team at Madame Morbid is keen on keeping something that could become stale a fresh product.
Step into the supernatural with Madame Morbid’s haunted trolley. From its striking design to its spooky stories, this tour offers a fresh look at Brooklyn’s eerie past.Photo courtesy of Madame MorbidOne of the cooler aspects of the tour is when the sun begins to dip below the skyline, and the candles on the side of the trolley flicker on, adding an extra layer of eeriness to the next stops, including the site of the 1960 plane crash over Park Slope.
As the tour wraps up on the same street in Williamsburg where it began, riders hop off into the Brooklyn night, having learned some of the spookiest facts about the neighborhood many of them call home.
When Chase originally pitched the haunted concept to her friends in the mid-2010s, they weren’t exactly supportive. “I was always talking to my friends all the time about how I was going to open a ghost tour, and everyone was laughing at me,” she said.
Now, almost a decade later, Madame Morbid is creatively doing something unique that’s attracting attention and interest — something she’s quite proud of. “I feel like this company, people want to be a part of it,” she said.
A 20th-century trolley makes its way through Williamsburg, attracting curious onlookers on a bustling Saturday night.Photo courtesy of Madame Morbid Inside the trolley, leather seats and mini chandeliers create an atmospheric setting for the spooky journey.Photo courtesy of Madame Morbid
Just in time for winter, New Yorkers will pay more for home heating and natural gas when a series of rate hikes goes into effect on Sept. 1.
The NYS Public Service Commission (PSC) gave the greenlight to National Grid on Thursday to establish new rates for the Britain-based utility giant’s downstate gas business to help pay for “critical investments” to its operation and programs to help its most vulnerable customers.
National Grid’s Downstate New York gas distribution network serves 1.9 million customers across Brooklyn, Staten Island, parts of Queens and Long Island.
Bills will increase for customers in Brooklyn, parts of Queens and Staten Island 19.4% starting Sept. 1, 2024. Then, it will increase 5.1% effective April 1, 2025, and 11.1% starting April 1, 2026.
In cash numbers, customers will likely see an additional $30.18 bump at first, followed next year by another $9.61, and then another $22.09 in 2026.
Long Island and Rockaway Peninsula customers will see similar hikes.
The company said the increases will help pay for expanded customer service and assistance, support for low- and moderate income customers, modernizing infrastructure, reports on impacts to disadvantaged communities and increasing language access.
National Grid said it will replace a minimum of 45 miles per year of gas main in NYC, compared to only 41 under the current plan.
Phil DeCicco, New York general counsel at National Grid, said the rate plan will help support these initiatives.
“National Grid’s first priority is delivering reliable service for our customers while ensuring that energy remains affordable for all New Yorkers,” he said. “We are also committed to advancing New York’s clean energy transition, using all the tools available to reduce energy consumption and lower emissions. We are proud that this rate plan advances all these commitments.”
What New Yorkers are saying about paying more for utilitiesBut after years of inflation, other utility charges and a high cost of city living, it’s not surprising many New Yorkers are upset about the National Grid news.
Michael Anthony of Staten Island said the new charges speak to the high cost of living in the Big Apple.
“In actuality, you need to create more income if you want to remain in New York City,” he said.
Overall, New Yorkers are fed up with higher utility costs, not only gas.
Gina Bove, a disabled New Yorker, said she is finding it hard to manage so many cost increases lately.
“I’m disabled and on SSDI, and my income is budgeted,” she said. “With all these rates going up, it’s so hard. The cost-of-living adjustment they give is like $30. You can’t buy milk, bread, eggs and cheese with that. As for me, the seniors are feeling it worse.”
Deric Borrero of Staten Island pointed out that homeowners who turned to solar power are still seeing high electric bills despite using natural energy.
“We definitely have more solar panels on homes today than we did even a year ago,” he said. “Five years ago, they asked for families to get solar panels to cut down on the usage of electricity on the grid. So many people in our community did that, and yet our bills still go up.”
Environmental advocates are skeptical, too. While NYS strives to leave fossil fuels in the dust, some utility companies have actually spent billions to maintain and expand gas infrastructure, as noted in a City Limits article that cites a Building Decarbonization Coalition report.
Meanwhile, reps from economic development, business, community and labor organizations reacted to the rate hikes, including Thomas Grech, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
“National Grid is a critical partner to the New York business community,” he said. “Keeping reliability and affordability at the forefront is essential for a robust, dynamic, and vibrant economy for our local communities. These investments will ensure National Grid continues providing these critical energy services while building the clean energy infrastructure necessary to meet New York’s climate goals.”
Matthew Aracich, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, applauded National Grid’s initiatives within the new rate plan.
“National Grid is a good union employer who held the line for ratepayers during the most trying times of COVID,” he said. “This marginal increase will facilitate our region’s transition to green energy while also accelerating the gas main replacement program. Many hands make light work, and together we will continue to drive Long Island into the future.”
National Grid said it held an “open and transparent” public process about the rate plan that included responses to more than 1,600 information requests and participation in nine public hearings.
Saint Vitus Bar, a heavy metal music venue in Greenpoint, has closed permanently — at least in its original physical location.
The bar’s three co-owners posted what seemed to be a farewell on Instagram on Saturday, writing “1120 Manhattan Ave. 2011-2024. Saint Vitus Bar to be continued…” along with a selection of photos of the empty venue, as was first reported by Gothamist.
Saint Vitus was closed suddenly by city inspectors in February, after neighbors had called in a number of 311 complaints about noise, illegal occupancy, and unsafe conditions.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Saint Vitus Bar (@saintvitusbar)
At the time, representatives of the city’s Department of Buildings said the venue had been operating as an “illegal eating and drinking establishment.”
The building’s Certificate of Occupancy allows for commercial use and storage, not for operating a music venue, city records show. Saint Vitus received a violation that carried with it a $25,000 fine, per DOB records.
The venue had previously been cited by the New York City Fire Department for flameproofing affidavits — meaning certain items or materials needed to be made fire-retardant – obstructed exits, and no public assembly permit for a restaurant, an FDNY representative told Brooklyn Paper.
A hearing at the city’s Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings for the DOB violation was initially scheduled for March, said DOB representative Ryan Degan, but was postponed until December by request of the property owners.
Since February, the owners have submitted paperwork to update their old applications to legally convert the building into a legal eating and drinking establishment and acquire a place of assembly permit, Degan added, and those permits were approved by DOB — but the owners never asked the department to issue work or the assembly permits, and no construction has been done.
The heavy-metal music venue opened in 2011. File photo courtesy of Saint Vitus Bar/FacebookSaint Vitus did not immediately return Brooklyn Paper’s request for comment.
The venue has continued to “host” concerts and other events at nearby venues and bars — and, as of Aug. 19, the Saint Vitus website still listed a number of gigs scheduled through November. It was not clear if the closure of the Manhattan Avenue location would affect those concerts, or if the owners planned to reopen elsewhere.
The announcement of the closure drew support and despair from former patrons and performers online.
“Truly sad day for nyc music scene. My favorite venue of the past almost 20 years…” one commenter said on Instagram.
“Thanks for contributing so much to the actual culture of this thing we vaguely call ‘heavy music,’” wrote another. “It truly felt like a home for bands and supporters alike.”
An affordable housing lottery has started for 165 truly affordable apartments in an under-construction Brownsville building, with one-bedroom units starting at $484 per month.
The lottery is for the third and final building in the 100% affordable Ebenezer Plaza complex, developed in a partnership between Ebenezer Urban Ministries Center (formerly the Church of God of East Flatbush) and a group of other affordable housing developers.
The Ebenezer Plaza development stretches across two blocks on New Lots Avenue from Christopher Avenue to Powell Street. The latest building, dubbed Ebenezer Plaza Phase 2, is rising on the lot bordered by Christopher, Hegeman, and New Lots avenues and Sackman Street. Its address is listed as 589 Christopher Ave.
The lottery is for units in the third and final building at Ebenezer Plaza. Image courtesy of NYC Housing ConnectIncluded in the lottery are 165 rent stabilized and income restricted studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units for families earning 30 to 80% of the Area Median Income. Income limits are set between $18,480 and $154,080 for households of one to seven people, according to the listing.
The 15 studio units start at $454 a month and go up to $1,709, the 94 one-bedroom units range from $577 to $2,145 a month, the 46 two-bedrooms run between $680 to $2,563 a month, and the 10 three-bedrooms are available for as little as $774 a month and and top out at $2,949 a month. In total, the building has 208 apartments, and those not included in the lottery are supportive units for households referred through city agencies.
Designed by Perkins Eastman, the 11-story Ebenezer Plaza Phase 2 building includes a gym, shared laundry room, community room, outdoor space, and bike storage, as well as 1,400 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Tenants will be responsible for paying electricity, which includes an electric stove.
The adjacent building, built in phase one, includes 315 units of affordable housing and a new 40,000-square-foot home for the church, nestled between the two buildings in both ground floor and basement space.
Prior to the new housing complex, the lots between Christopher, New Lots, and Hegeman avenues and Powell Street were largely occupied by low slung brick garages used by auto repair businesses and car dealerships.
The development includes 165 truly-affordable units. Image courtesy of Brisa Builders Corp.The church purchased the lots in 2011 for $8.18 million and sold the properties to a nonprofit housing development fund company for $12.6 million in 2016, records show. The church partnered with Brisa Builders Corporation and Procida Companies in the housing development fund company, all brought together under a program initiated by then Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams in 2016 to help churches cash in on real estate holdings. Later that year, the group applied for a rezoning for the site, which was approved.
The development falls under the city’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) program as well as Mandatory Inclusionary Housing triggered by the rezoning.
The Ebenezer Plaza Phase 2 lottery closes October 3. To apply, visit the listing on New York City’s Housing Connect website.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
Calling all hard cider fans! CiderFeast NYC is returning to Brooklyn this coming October.
Presented by Food Karma Projects, CiderFeast NYC celebrates all things hard cider. Now in its tenth year, the festival will be the kick off to Cider Week in New York on Oct. 5 at Industry City.
“I was very active at Cider Week in 2014 and organized the first CiderFeast at the Seaport, then loved it so much I kept hosting each year,” said Jimmy Carbone, creator of CiderFeast NYC. “It’s easy to be converted to fine, dry cider when you’re drinking and eating with industry pioneers like Steve Wood of Farnum Hill Cider, Eleanor Leger of Eden Ciders, and Andy Brennan of Aaron Burr Cider. I can’t wait to share these ciders for the tenth year in a row!”
CiderFeast NYC/ Christina HolmesCiderFeast NYC puts a spotlight on over 20 ciders from New York State and the surrounding region. Guests will be able to try sample pours from New York’s Angry Orchard Cider House, Brooklyn Cider House, Graft Cider, Hudson North Cider, Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cider, Indian Ladder Farms Cidery & Brewery, Original Sin Cider, Quartz Rock Vineyard, Sauvage Beverages, and Treasury Cider, Vermont’s Eden Ciders and Vermont Cider Co., New Jersey’s The Ciderhouse at Ironbound Farm, Pennsylvania’s Bucktail Cider Co., European brands Aval Cider (France), Romilly Cidre (France), and Barrika Basque Cider (Spain), and more.
The fest will also include a food menu with cider donuts from Stone Ridge Orchard, Dakota Hams’ 24-month-aged Kentucky ham, selections from whole-animal butcher and salumeria Ends Meat, paella and Parés Baltà wine tasting by Chef Rafa de la Rosa, Cabot Creamery Grilled Cheese hot off the griddles, and hot sauces from BamuBamu Fire Club, Rocket Fuel Foods, and Coney Island Saucery.
Tickets and packages start at $45 (plus fee) per ticket, with VIP and Group options available. For more information, visit ciderfeasthq.com.
Apple Cider doughnutsCiderFeast NYC/Patty Brown
A Ridgewood, Queens man was arrested at the Barclays Center in Downtown Brooklyn on Wednesday, Aug. 14, for allegedly impersonating an MTA worker with forged identification while boasting about his “dangerous adventures” on social media.
Israel Santiago, 62, of 1724 Harman St. in Ridgewood, was booked at the 78th Precinct, where he was charged with criminal impersonation and a slew of other related crimes after a NYC Transit intelligence unit began monitoring his social media activity following a tip from a concerned citizen who saw Santiago on TikTok in late July.
Members of NYPD Transit intelligence arrested a Ridgewood, Queens man last week for impersonating an MTA worker in a restricted area in the Barclays Center transit hub in Downtown Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of the NYPDMembers of the intelligence team tracked Santiago and found him entering a restricted area at the Atlantic Ave-Barclays Center transit hub on Wednesday morning. He was wearing an MTA hat, reflective vest, shirt and forged MTA identification.
The Ridgewood man is an MTA contractor currently employed in the subway system. He had in his possession an MTA key card labeled NYCT MetroCard Temporary Transportation, but Santiago was not authorized to be in the secured transit area of Barclays Center when he was apprehended, police said.
Photo courtesy of the NYPD“Impersonating a transit worker and wearing the uniform without proper authorization and training, while entering restricted areas, is a serious crime that can put real subway employees, the public and emergency responders at risk when something goes wrong,” MTA Spokesman Lucas Bejarano said. “This is not a reality show, and we’re grateful to the NYPD for excellent investigative work that gave this wannabe a more fitting costume — handcuffs.”
Santiago was also charged with two counts of criminal trespassing, five counts of possession of burglar’s tools, five counts of criminal possession of stolen property and forgery.
On Oct. 7, 2023, our world changed forever. As families in southern Israel celebrated the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, unleashing a brutal attack that left over 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage, nearly all civilians. It was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
Nine months later, 120 hostages remain in captivity, including eight US citizens. These are our neighbors, colleagues and friends. They are children torn from their parents, grandparents separated from their families and foreign nationals who came to Israel as workers or tourists. Some of these hostages, we now know, were murdered by Hamas – yet their bodies are still being held, denying their loved ones even the basic dignity of burial and mourning.
We bring you their stories. We plan to profile many of the 120 remaining individuals being held by Hamas in Gaza – though we dearly hope they will all come home now, rendering this project unnecessary. Until then, you will learn about their lives, their dreams and the families anxiously awaiting their return. We begin with the American hostages, including Itay Chen, Edan Alexander and Omer Neutra, young men whose futures were brutally interrupted.
This isn’t just news – it’s a call to our shared humanity. As you read these profiles, we urge you to remember that each hostage is someone’s parent, spouse or child. They range from 84 years old to one year young. Their absence leaves a void in countless lives.
We’re not here to tell you what to think or how to feel. We simply ask that you read, reflect and remember. Share these stories if they move you. Speak out if you feel compelled. In a world that often moves too quickly from one crisis to the next, we believe these individuals deserve to be more than just a fading headline.
Time is running out for those still held captive. Through these 120 stories, we hope to keep their plight in the forefront of our community’s consciousness. Because until every hostage is home, a part of all of us remains captive too.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of remembrance and hope.
Edan Alexander | Foodie with Intense CourageEdan AlexanderHostages and Missing Families ForumDual US-Israeli Citizen | IDF Soldier
Meet Edan: Edan Alexander, 20, grew up in Tenafly, NJ – described by his father Adi as “a great all-American kid.” The family’s oldest child, Edan is beloved by his siblings, who look up to him greatly, and by his parents, who adore him. His mother Yael said that growing up he was “his sister’s best friend.”
In Tenafly High School, Edan thrived in and out of class, had scores of friends and won a pile of awards from his victories with the school swim team. He’s also always been a huge foodie, obsessed with Thai and Japanese cuisine.
While he initially planned to go to college and study business, when he graduated high school, Edan felt a higher calling to join the Israel Defense Forces and protect the Jewish State. His parents relate how Edan joined the IDF as a lone soldier since “he felt it was the right thing to do.” He was placed in the Golani Bridage’s 51st battalion, stationed near Israel’s border with Gaza.
Oct. 7 and Beyond: On the morning of Oct. 7, Edan’s mother, who was visiting Israel at the time, anxiously began texting her son at 6:30 a.m. when she first heard reports of the Hamas terror invasion from Gaza. While Edan tried to reassure her that he was safe, she could tell that his position was under attack. Their texts that morning were the last contact they had.
By 7 a.m., Edan was no longer answering his mother’s flurry of texts, and a week later the IDF informed the family that Edan had been taken hostage by Hamas. They have had no news or updates on his whereabouts or condition since.
Message from the Family: “We love him, and we can’t wait to give him a hug − a big bearhug!” his mother said. “We can’t wait for him to come back home. And he will come back home.”
The Alexander family called on the people of New York to keep fighting for all the hostages’ release, especially Edan and the seven other American hostages who still remain in Hamas captivity.
Sagui Dekel-Chen | Heroic Father and Countryman Sagui Dekel-ChenHostages and Missing Families ForumDual US-Israeli Citizen | Project Manager
Meet Sagui: Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, is a beloved husband, and father to three daughters. Born to American parents Jonathan and Neomit, Sagui was raised in Bloomfield, NJ for the first ten years of his life. At that point, his family moved to Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel. When Sagui was 14, he met the love of his life, Avital – known affectionately as Mili after the Israeli actress Mili Avital – who he would eventually marry.
Sagui is highly motivated and sharp as a whip. By day, he worked as a project manager for the the Jewish National Fund’s UK branch – helping construct schools and public parks for underserved communities. After hours, he led more social initiatives to further develop the Jewish state. Friends recount that Sagui’s biggest life goal was “the flourishing of the Jewish people.” And despite working late nights on all his projects, Sagui still managed to be an incredible father to his two daughters and spouse his wife Avital, who was pregnant with their third child when the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, October 7th, 2023, arrived.
Oct. 7 and Beyond: In the early hours of Oct. 7, characteristically hard-working Sagui was up laboring in the kibbutz’s machine shop when he spotted Hamas terrorists breaching the kibbutz. He sprinted to the communal dining room and raised the alarm, sending to lockdown in their safe rooms. This action saved countless lives. And after checking to make sure his pregnant wife and young daughters were safe, Sagui ventured back outside to fend off the invaders with the rest of the kibbutz security team.
After hours of fighting, including gristly hand-to-hand combat precariously close to his wife Avital, Sagui was last heard from at 9:30 a.m., three-odd hours after the terrorist invasion. The courageous defender was carted off by Hamas to Gaza, where he is still being held hostage.
With Sagui still in captivity, Avital gave birth to their third daughter, Shachar. She has yet to meet her father.
Message From the Family: “Her name is Shachar, which in Hebrew means Dawn. She’s the brightest light in our horrific darkness right now,” said Gillian Kaye, Sagui’s stepmother. Sagui’s wife Avital added unequivocally: “This baby is here thanks to him. He protected us, so it happens thanks to him.”
The family calls on all New Yorkers to keep fighting for Sagui – one of eight American hostages still being held in Gaza – and for all the remaining hostages to be freed and swiftly reunited with their families.
Judy Weinstein | Teacher Spreading Calm and MindfulnessJudy WeinsteinHostages and Missing Families ForumDual US-Israeli Citizen | Schoolteacher
Meet Judy: Judith (Judy) Weinstein, 70, was born in Monroe, NY to Brooklynite parents. Her mother is still alive at 95. Described by her family as “deeply connected to her inner self,” Judy was “always smiling and bringing calm to those around her.” She moved to Israel when she was young, and settled in Kibbutz Nir Oz with her husband Gadi Haggai. There, they raised a beautiful family of four children, which would eventually blossom with seven grandchildren.
Judy was an English teacher at the local high school and taught children with special needs. In addition, she taught meditation to help treat the anxiety experienced by vast amounts of the kibbutz’s children, due to years of incessant rocket attacks from neighboring Gaza. Judy impacted thousands of students’ lives for the better, and was always trying to bring more peace and coexistence into the world.
Oct. 7 and Beyond: On the morning of Oct. 7, Judy and Gadi were on their morning walk around the kibbutz when Hamas terrorists invaded the area, shattering the calm. In her last-ever contact with her family, Judy shared a 40-second video of her and Gadi hiding in a ditch near the kibbutz. In the background, the kibbutz alarm system blared, warning its citizens of incoming attacks, and the terrorists’ gunfire was getting closer and closer. Kibbutz Nir Oz was devastated, with a quarter of its inhabitants murdered or abducted that day by Hamas.
Kibbutz Nir Oz was one of the hardest hit communities on Oct. 7, with a quarter of townsfolk killed or taken hostage by Hamas on that day. After months of uncertainty regarding the couple’s fate, the IDF confirmed that Hamas killed both Gad and Judy on Oct. 7, and carted their bodies to Gaza as hostages.
Message from the Family: “There is nothing more monstrous than abducting a body and not letting us, their children, their grandchildren, our grandmother – our mother’s mother – find closure,” said Judy’s children. “We are stuck. We cannot move on with our lives until her body is returned.”
The family calls on New Yorkers to “fight for justice as we Americans know how to do, fight against terror, do not let terror take over this amazing country, this amazing city.”
Gad Haggai | Jazz Artist Devoted to His Family and HealthGad HaggaiHostages and Missing Families ForumDual US-Israeli Citizen | Musician & Chef
Meet Gad: “Live your life as if it’s your last day, but learn as if you’ll live forever.”
This was Gad Haggai’s last Facebook post, published to his feed on Oct. 6, and it summed up his 73 years of life in a tragic but beautiful way. Born to American parents from Brooklyn and Detroit, Gad loved music from his earliest years. He learned the flute when he was just three years old, and went on to play saxophone at Jazz clubs across 1970s New York City. He was a member of the band Jazz Covenant, and played alongside genre greats like B.B. King.
After losing his brother to cancer in the early 2000s, Gad turned hugely passionate about health and nutrition, becoming a vegan chef and immersing himself in a plant-based lifestyle. Family members describe Gad as “incredibly funny” and charming, but also serious about equality and social justice. He lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz with his American-Israeli wife Judy, where they had four children and seven grandchildren. Lauded as a wonderful father and grandfather, he gave his family everything, and instilled within them a rock-solid moral compass.
Oct. 7 and Beyond: On the morning of Oct. 7, Hamas terrorists invaded Gad and Judy’s idyllic kibbutz community. The couple were on a morning walk at the time; the last thing their family has to remember them is a 40-second video of the couple hiding from roving terrorists in a ditch just outside the Kibbutz.
Kibbutz Nir Oz was one of the hardest hit communities on Oct. 7, with a quarter of townsfolk killed or taken hostage by Hamas on that day. After months of uncertainty regarding the couple’s fate, the IDF confirmed that Hamas killed both Gad and Judy on October 7th, and carted their bodies to Gaza as hostages.
Message From the Family: “We must do everything to bring them back for a respectful burial. We deserve a grave, and they deserve to rest in peace at home” Gad and Judy’s family cry to the world. They call on New Yorkers “not to forget that there are eight American hostages, including our two parents” still being held in Gaza, and to fight relentlessly for their immediate release.
Itay Chen | A natural leader with an unforgettable smileItay ChenHostages and Missing Families ForumDual US-Israeli Citizen | IDF Soldier
Meet Itay: Itay Chen, 19, was born in the Israeli city of Netanya to New York natives Ruby and Hagit. Friends described him as a “pure soul” and natural-born leader – with an infectious smile, and a heart always open to helping others. At 17, Itay met Neta, who became his girlfriend, while working as a youth counselor at summer camp. He called her the love of his life.
Itay loved hamburgers, late-night pizza and reality TV. He and Neta dreamed of going to college in America after he completed his army service.
October 7th and Beyond: Itay’s unit was among the first to encounter the Hamas invasion on Oct. 7, 2023; he was last heard from at 6:40 a.m. that morning. After 158 agonizing days of uncertainty, on March 12, 2024, the IDF confirmed Itay had been killed by Hamas. The terror group continues to hold his body hostage, denying his family the closure and dignity of a proper burial.
Message from the Family: “Itay’s hugs could make the world right,” his parents shared. “Now, there’s a hole in our hearts where his laughter used to be.”
Ruby, Itay’s father, appeals to fellow New Yorkers: “On 9/11, New York showed the world how to unite in crisis. Today, I ask you to stand with us, to help bring my son – one of your own – home.”
Hersh Goldberg-Polin | Peace-Loving World TravelerHersh Goldberg-PolinHostages and Missing Families ForumDual US-Israeli Citizen
Meet Hersh: Hersh Goldberg-Polin has friends all over the world. No, really: at only 23 years old, he’s visited scores of countries, and is described by all as a fun, calming presence even across language and cultural barriers. Born in California to American parents Rachel and Jon, he grew up there and in Virginia before moving with his family to Israel at age seven.
He is a world traveler who loves hiking, reading, befriending strangers and dancing at music festivals. He loves soccer, rooting for Hapoel Jerusalem, and channeled that passion toward meaningful goals, developing an initiative to bring Israeli and Palestinian children together through the power of the sport.
October 7th and Beyond: As part of his birthday celebrations – he turned 23 just four days earlier – Hersh attended the Nova Music Festival in Re’im, Israel. As he and thousands of other partygoers danced amid the Oct. 7, 2023 sunrise, thousands of Hamas terrorists streamed into Israel and began massacring the dancers.
Hersh and others ran madly to hide in a bomb shelter, but Hamas found them and began barbarically throwing grenades inside. At around 8 a.m., Hersh sent a text message to his family: “I love you,” followed by: “I’m sorry.” According to video footage taken by the terrorists themselves, he was then abducted by a swarm of Hamas members. His left arm is largely blown off; a young woman who was in the shelter with him testified that he had risked himself to throw the grenades out. In the process, he lost most of his dominant arm.
On April 24, Hamas released a three-minute video of Hersh in captivity.
Message from the Family: “What we miss most about Hersh is just his uplifting presence,” his parents related. “We miss his presence every second of every day.”
Omer Neutra | Fanatic Knicks Fan from Long IslandOmer NeutraHostages and Missing Families ForumDual US-Israeli Citizen | IDF Soldier
Meet Omer: Omer Neutra, 22, was born in Plainview, NY to American-Israeli parents Orna and Ronen. Described as “instantly lighting up a room” with his friendliness and compassion, Omer is also a sports fan and athlete: obsessed with the Knicks, and playing soccer, basketball and volleyball in high school.
After high school, Omer was accepted to Binghamton University, but decided to take a gap year and study in Israel. Immersing himself in Israeli culture, Omer developed a love for Israel and its history. And as a descendant of Holocaust survivors, he felt compelled to give back to the Jewish people and the Jewish state. With destiny on his shoulders, he enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces as a lone soldier.
October 7th and Beyond: When Hamas invaded, Omer was stationed near Gaza with the mission of protecting the border communities. He was last heard from on Oct. 6, when, in a phone conversation with his parents, he described his hope for a relaxing weekend after a stressful month of service. The very next morning, he was one of the first responders to the terror onslaught, already in his tank when hundreds of Hamas missiles began raining down on Israeli villages.
Hamas fired a rocket-propelled grenade at Omer’s tank, forcing him and the three young men with him out and into the open. It was an ambush; Hamas kidnapped them all to Gaza.
Message from the Family: “Our sense of time has been lost,” say Omer’s parents. “We are stuck on October 6th, in our last conversation with Omer before he was taken hostage.
They call on everyone to “wake up every morning and ask yourselves: ‘what can I do today on behalf of Omer and all of the hostages?’”
A Bed-Stuy elementary school school will be re-named to honor slain NYPD officer Detective Rafael Ramos, who was shot and killed in the neighborhood in 2014.
The school, P.S. 54 on Sandord Street, will officially take Ramos’ name during a ceremony on Sept. 13, according to the Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation.
Photographs of Ramos (left) and his partner Wenjian Liu, who was also killed. Photo courtesy of NYPD/XRamos and another officer, Detective Wenjian Liu, were shot and killed while sitting in their patrol car at the corner of Tompkins and Myrtle avenues on Dec. 22, 2014. The gunman, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, had allegedly killed his girlfriend in Baltimore before traveling to New York City after posting online that he planned to kill police officers, angered by the killings of Eric Garner and Michael Brown. After shooting Ramos and Liu, Brinsley, pursued by cops, fled into the Myrtle-Willoughby subway station and shot himself.
Maritza Ramos’, the officer’s widow, said her husband was “not just a police officer.”
“He was a loving father, a brother, and a man of God dedicated to his family and community,” Maritza said in a statement. “Through this foundation and renaming, we strive to carry forward his mission of unity, service, and hope for a brighter future.”
The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation, a nonprofit founded after the officer’s death, is “dedicated to preserving [Ramos’] memory and legacy” through community initiatives, promoting public safety, and scholarships. In a statement, the foundation said it has worked to heal “strained relationships” between law enforcement and the communities they protect, and that the renaming ceremony will not only memorialize Ramos, but open the door for “a new generation to see law enforcement officers as partners in creating a safe and harmonious society.”
Ramos and Liu were memorialized at a 2021 ceremony. File photo by Lloyd MitchellRamos’ colleague, Liu, was honored earlier this year with the naming of a new school in Borough Park — P.S. 331 The Detective Wenjian Liu School of Civics and Entrepreneurship was given its name in April, and is set to open in September.
“This renaming is not merely a tribute; it is a powerful call to action,” said Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation president J.W. Cortés, in a statement. “By honoring our heroes, we inspire future leaders and young scholars to live their lives with passion and purpose. The scholars who walk the halls of this school will be constantly reminded of Detective Ramos’s courage and dedication.”
The renaming ceremony will take place on at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept 13. at P.S. 54, 195 Sandford St. off of Willoughby Avenue.
Brooklyn detectives are investigating a triple stabbing over the weekend that claimed a man’s life and left two others seriously wounded.
Law enforcement sources said on Aug. 18 at around 7:20 a.m., officers from the 72nd Precinct responded to a 911 call of two people stabbed near 50th Street and 4th Avenue in Sunset Park.
When officers arrived, they found Melvin Gomez Nunez, 42, of 59th Street in Brooklyn, and another 30-year-old man outside at the location with multiple stab wounds throughout their bodies.
EMS rushed the victims to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn, where Gomez Nunez was pronounced dead; the other victim was in stable condition.
Police later learned that a third victim, a 38-year-old man, walked into Brooklyn Hospital Center seeking treatment. Like the other victims, he suffered from multiple stab wounds throughout his body, police said. He is in stable condition.
So far, no arrests have been made. Police do not yet have information on the suspect (s) involved in the incident or a possible motive, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the stabbings can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
The 72nd Precinct, which covers Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace, saw two reported murders this year through Aug. 11, which is the same number as this time in 2023, according to the latest crime statistics.
Major crime, which includes murder, rape and robbery, is up 2.60% this year compared to the same period in 2023.
A woman in Brooklyn is fighting for her life after being shot at a nightclub on Saturday morning, police said.
The gunfire erupted at the Lotus Lounge, located at 4902 Farragut Road in East Flatbush, at about 7:12 a.m. on Aug. 17, law enforcement sources reported.
Officers from the 67th Precinct, in responding to a 911 call at the location, found the victim, a 34-year-old woman, shot in the right abdomen.
A police officer at the Lotus Lounge, a Brooklyn nightclub where a woman was shot and critically wounded on Aug. 17, 2024.Photo by Lloyd MitchellEMS rushed her to Kings County Hospital in critical but stable condition, police sources said.
Early on in the investigation, police have yet to establish a possible motive for the shooting, or a suspect’s description. So far, no arrests have been made.
Police were seen entering and exiting the Lotus Lounge throughout the morning. So far, no arrests have been made in the case.
The 67th Precinct had reported 19 shootings year-to-date through Aug. 11, down from the 26 tallied at the same time in 2023, according to the most recent CompStat report.
All beaches on the southern Brooklyn and Queens shores are closed for swimming this weekend thanks to concerns about strong rip currents from Hurricane Ernesto, which is battering Bermuda.
The city’s Parks Department announced the Aug. 17-18 closure for all beaches from Coney Island through the Rockaways. The closure also includes Jacob Riis Park’s beach, which the National Park Service oversees.
Visitors can sunbathe on the beaches, but they won’t be allowed in the water — as the National Weather Service is predicting strong swells of up to 6 feet throughout the weekend, which can generate what the city’s Parks Department described as “life-threatening rip currents.”
People walking on the Coney Island beach in July 2024.Photo by Lloyd MitchellBoth lifeguards and Parks enforcement staff will be actively working Saturday and Sunday to keep people out of the water. Rip currents are an annual danger on the city’s beaches; this summer, the city has seen several bathers die after being pulled under the surf.
“Lifeguards will be on duty and patrolling the beaches, and we strongly urge all New Yorkers not to risk their lives by ignoring this directive,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.
The rip current danger stems from Hurricane Ernesto, which made landfall early Saturday morning on the island of Bermuda, located some 773 miles southeast of New York City. Bermuda was hit with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph, serious storm surge and major flooding.
Ernesto is expected to head out to sea Saturday morning and does not pose a threat to make landfall in the United States.
A Brooklyn Heights hot dog vender had his $40,000 cart stolen earlier this month.
The 55-year-old vendor told police he left his cart unattended after 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 4 by 51 Henry St. after arranging for his employee to pick up the cart for him. However, the cart was missing when the employee arrived some time later to tow it away.
The vendor told cops that the cart is fitted with a GPS but only the Department of Health has access, and that they were unreachable at the time of the police report.
The Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment by publication.
An NYPD spokesperson on Thursday said there have been no arrests and that the case remains under investigation. They did not say whether or not the cart has been located.
Robberies are reportedly on the rise in Brooklyn Heights’ 84th Precinct, where the frankfurter heist occurred. According to Police Department data, there were 150 reported robberies so far this year in the precinct — which encompasses Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill and Vinegar Hill — as of Aug. 11, when the most recent statistics are available. That’s up more than 70% from the same time in 2023, during which 88 robberies were reported.
Burglaries, on the other hand, are down slightly — but each of the other major crime categories, including murder, rape and felony assault, are also on the rise in the area.
As the Brooklyn Cyclones gear up for the final leg of their 2024 home schedule, fans can look forward to a series of thrilling games at Maimonides Park.
The Cyclones, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets known for lasting league legacies, will host the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and the Wilmington Blue Rocks over the next few weeks, promising plenty of action as a sweltering summer season draws to a close.
Brooklyn’s home-team will first face off against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in a six-game series, kicking off on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Each game will start at 7 p.m., except for the weekend matchups, which are set for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25. The Cyclones will be looking to capitalize on home-field advantage as they battle their familiar division rivals.
A player signs memorabilia for a young fan during the July 28 home game at Maimonides Park.Photo by Erica PriceFollowing the Jersey Shore series, the Cyclones will welcome the Wilmington Blue Rocks for another six-game stretch, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. The weekday games will begin at 7 p.m., with the weekend games scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8. This series marks the final opportunity for fans to catch the Cyclones in regular-season action at home.
The Cyclones have enjoyed a strong season so far, and these upcoming games are critical as they push towards a potential playoff berth. With the season winding down, each game takes on added significance, and the team will be counting on their fans to create an electric atmosphere that could give them the edge.
On-field performances run the gamut at Brooklyn Cyclones games.Photo by Erica PriceFans attending the games can expect the usual array of ballpark entertainment, including promotions, giveaways, and family-friendly activities. And there are a few more exciting theme nights left.
Enter a galaxy far, far away at Maimonides Park for Star Wars Night on Saturday, Aug. 24, where the thrill of baseball meets the power of the Force. The first 1,500 fans will seize a coveted Jett Williams bobblehead, embodying the spirit of the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter. Opt for select ticket packages and snag a reversible bucket hat showcasing the iconic duo, BB-8 and R2-D2, perfect for navigating the sands of Tatooine or outsmarting Imperial entanglements.
Fans at Maimonides Park don their Hogwarts jerseys, channeling their inner Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins during the Brooklyn Cyclones’ Harry Potter Night.Photo by Annie MacKeiganOr, if you’re less into space and more into hanging at your local coffee shop…gather your lobster crew and head to Maimonides Park for Friends Night on Sunday, Aug. 25. The first 1,000 fans will score a “How You Doin’?” shirt — a nod to Joey Tribbiani’s classic catch phrase. Get ready to pivot like Ross or order a round of “Moist Maker” sandwiches for the gang. It’ll be more fun than a game of Bamboozled! Don’t miss out on the laughs and memories — it’s Friends Night, after all.
Tickets for all remaining home games are available now, and with the stakes high, they’re sure to go fast. Don’t miss your chance to see the Cyclones in action as they look to finish the season strong and potentially clinch a spot in the postseason.
The Cyclones celebrate their hard-fought win over the Rome Emperors on July 28.Photo by Erica PriceFor more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Brooklyn Cyclones’ official website, or head down to Maimonides Park’s box office.
Private Picassos, a studio that allows for a unique exploration of art through various forms of creative and interactive programming, will open a second location in Clinton Hill next month.
Founder and CEO Valeen Bhat hopes the new space will further Private Picassos’ goal of inspiring creativity in everyone — and in an area close to her heart.
“I’m so thrilled to not only open a second location for my business, but to do this on the same block I lived on in college,” Bhat wrote in a social media post. “This is also the very same block where I started offering group art classes during the financial crash of 2008.”
Similar to its Park Slope studio, Private Picassos’ new and larger location will offer walk-in art making, as well as classes for children and adults, with programming for kids 12 months and above available 6 days a week. The new Grand Avenue space will also be available for birthday parties, camps and other sorts of special events.
A child focuses intently on their masterpiece during an art class at Private Picassos’ Park Slope studio.Photo courtesy of Private PicassosSet to open to the public at the end of the summer, Private Picassos will host a grand opening party at the new location on Sept. 8 From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. People of all ages are invited to participate in free palette painting, and spin a prize wheel for the chance to win exciting passes and discounts.
Private Picassos bills itself, according to Baht, as a “small but mighty team of art teachers, helping kids and adults make art at our Studio, schools, homes, and businesses around NYC.”
As she gears up for the Clinton Hill studio’s September opening, Bhat says she hopes she has created a space where kids and adults can make art alongside each other without the requirement of prior reservations.
Police in Brooklyn are frantically searching for a missing teenager who she sent a text message Tuesday saying that she had been kidnapped.
The 16-year-old girl texted her uncle at 3:07 p.m. on Aug. 13 stating that two men had abducted her, law enforcement sources said.
While cops did not specify the exact contents of the message, they say they are treating the incident as a kidnapping.
Based on a preliminary investigation, police determined that the girl was last seen entering the Van Siclen Avenue station on the A/C line, near Pitkin Avenue in East New York, at about 2:57 p.m. on Aug. 13 — 10 minutes before her uncle received the disturbing text message.
The uncle reported the text message to the 75th Precinct, which launched an investigation.
Police did not disclose the girl’s identity. The NYPD described her as standing about 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a black hooded shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers, and carrying a gray purse.
On Wednesday morning, the NYPD released images of the teen entering the Van Siclen Avenue station hoping someone will recognize her and help determine her whereabouts.
Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights marked the groundbreaking of its $15 million garden renovation project alongside city officials on Aug. 13.
The project, funded by the Mayor’s Office, City Council and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, is being carried out in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCC) and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC).
In addition to creating a 20,000-square-foot outdoor space, the renovation addresses critical infrastructure needs, including the reconstruction of the retaining wall along the museum’s south and east perimeters bordering Brower Park. The existing retaining wall system, dating back to the 1970s, was in dire need of replacement.
The garden renovation project is under way at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and set to be completed by winter 2025.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe new outdoor space will be fully ADA-accessible and will feature dedicated areas for programs and exhibits, large gathering and activity spaces, garden resting areas with seating, interactive activity installations, planted, stabilized slopes, climbing paths, group meeting spots, a wash station, and an overlooking terrace. The project, slated for completion by winter 2025, will serve as a green oasis for New Yorkers, featuring 20 different plant species, 41 trees, and more than 800 shrubs. It will also include landscape irrigation, drainage, stormwater management, and outdoor lighting for evening events and security.
BCM, which opened in 1899 as the world’s first children’s museum, continues its tradition of sparking curiosity and fostering a lifelong passion for discovery with this renovation — the first phase of the museum’s Earth Science Garden project. The Earth Science Garden is designed to engage visitors in an immersive exploration of geology, soil science, ecology, hydrology, and meteorology through interactive activities.
A rendering showcases the planned 20,000-square-foot outdoor area at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, featuring various zones for programs, exhibits, and interactive activities, all surrounded by lush greenery.Rendering courtesy of Gans and CompanyAtiba T. Edwards, president and CEO of BCM, described the ceremony as a celebration of a “very transformative experience for the borough.” He highlighted the institution as a “one-stop shop” offering a wide range of activities, including STEM projects like Nature’s Engineers, art and music programs, cultural arts celebrations, and various exhibits.
“Now we’re going to complement that with a garden that’s going to round out the experience,” Edwards said. “We like to create this environment where [you] spend your day with us at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and we really think about what we can do and how we can serve our constituents in many different ways.”
Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman emphasized that the Earth Science Garden project would “usher in the next generation of environmental stewards.”
“And that is critical at this time when we are looking at all the impacts of climate change. And our children need to understand that cycle of life and how important it is to our existence,” she said.
Atiba T. Edwards, president and CEO of BCM, said the ceremony was a celebration of a ‘very transformative experience for the borough.’Photo by Gabriele Holtermann NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo speaks at the groundbreaking of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum garden renovation project.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannNYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, whose first job was at BCM, told the crowd that Mayor Eric Adams is committed to spreading financial resources throughout New York City.
“We’re doing away with the outer borough concept,” Cumbo explained. “We are one New York City, and we are proud to be one New York City and making sure that those communities that have been underserved for so long feel the resources of New York in every square inch of this incredible city.”
DDC Commissioner Thomas Foley praised the “amazing” team of 1,300 DDC staffers who “build cool stuff throughout the city.”
“And what is cooler than what we’re breaking ground on today? [I’m] super, super excited about transforming this space,” Foley said. “Just think of what this will then spark [like] our future engineers.”
Construction is underway for the $15 million garden renovation at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann The Brooklyn Children’s Museum.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe garden renovation has been made possible through a collaborative effort with partners, including Gans and Company, Nancy Owens Studio, and the Children’s Museum of Denver. Anchor support for the project is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council, former Council Member Robert Cornegy, the Regional Economic Development Council of the State of New York, former New York State Assembly Member Diana Richardson, and Assembly Member Zinerman.
In an event unlike anything Brooklyn has ever seen, the New York Mavericks pulled off back-to-back wins during their first professional bull-riding team homestead at Barclays Center over the weekend.
The Mavericks, New York City’s first bull-riding team, put on a high-energy show from start to finish, securing a win on both nights of the inaugural Maverick Days on Aug. 9 and 10. On Friday, the Mavericks left the arena after earning a three-ride score of 260.25 against the scoreless Kansas City Outlaws. They returned Saturday to beat the Florida Freedom, 85.75 to nothing.
The Mavericks won both games of their two-day homestead at Barclays Center. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell The New York Mavericks and seven of their league competitors performed in front of a large crowd at Barclays Center. Photo by Lloyd MitchellIn the Professional Bull Riding Team Series, ten riders across two teams compete for the highest score in a four-ride match. Much like individualized bull-riding, the athletes must stay on top the bucking bull for at least eight seconds for the points to rack up. If a cowboy falls off before the clock hits eight, it’s considered a no-score ride, putting the pressure on their team mates to make up the difference.
In the first round, a Kansas City rider was bucked off at 7.9 seconds. Davi Henrique de Lima, the opener for the Mavericks, was ready to put the team on the board but was unable to get out of the chutes on the bull, Smoke Show. The scoreboard went unchanged through the second ride, but the game’s pace ratcheted up in the third.
Davi Henrique de Lima celebrates after scoring 86 points during his re-ride on Aug. 9.Photo by Lloyd MitchellAnother stumble from Kansas left the gate wide open for Hudson Bolton, the 18-year old Maverick from Tennessee, to go the distance and score an 86-point ride. Lima matched Bolton’s skill during his re-ride with another 86 points.
With only two competitors left, Kansas needed both of them to score big to win — but after their rider fell at 5.38 seconds, the Mavericks were declared victorious. They finished the match with another game-best score of 88.25 by Mauricio Moreira.
Barclays Center saw perhaps a record breaking number of cowboys hats and spurs during the two-day showdown. Fans of all ages were spotted in their rodeo best. Some show watchers came as far as Texas, Virginia and Missouri while Brooklynites just hopped on the train to enjoy the event.
Fans traveled to the arena from all over the country. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Loop Rawlins, a Western performer seen before on “America’s Got Talent” performed his unique acts of trick roping, whip cracking and flaming rope spinning. Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe arena, typically a backdrop for concerts and basketball games, was transformed into a rodeo ring for a down-south, country affair. Crews trucked in 750 tons of dirt and set up steel corrals for the bulls, totaling to the length of six football fields.
If the man versus animal matchup wasn’t enough to keep the people engaged, the high-energy rodeo clown and half-time entertainment was there to do the trick.
The Mavericks defended their home turf once again during the competition on Saturday. They recorded a surprising upset against the Florida Freedom, scoring 85.75 points to the Freedom’s zero.
In this man-versus-animal matchup, each rider must last at least 8 seconds to score big. Photo by Lloyd MitchellBolton delivered the game-winning ride in the third, but it all came down 18-year old John Crimber, the Maverick’s closer and 2024 PBR Teams MVP frontrunner to score big. Crimber had an impressive ride the night before but he stumbled on Saturday, bucking off in 5.97 seconds.
After the competition, Mavericks riders said it the energy of the fans that kept them going during their rides.
Bolton told Brooklyn Paper the crowd’s screams drowned out the music and the sound of the buzzer that lets riders know when they’ve reached their eight seconds. But it was the deafening cheers from the fans that kept him steady and let him know he was on his way to victory.
“It’s always super cool riding in front of your fanbase like that. I appreciate all the fans who came out,” Bolton said.Braidy Randolph, a Mavericks rider who was bucked off in 3.69 seconds on Friday, said in those final moments before the chute opens, it’s up to the players to remember their training and hold steady. Since they never know just how wild their bull will be the have to rely on their muscle memory to become victorious.
“I’ve never felt with what I feel when we’ve played in front of this home crowd,” Randolph said. “Home events just feel better. It doesn’t matter what you have faced at you here. You feel like you can face it.”Their wins concluded the inaugural PBR Maverick Days at a perfect 2-0 ranking, improving to 4-5 this season. The latest win led New York to rise from No. 9 to No. 8 in the league.
Up next, the Mavericks will head to Nashville for the PBR Camping World Team Series at Bridgestone Arena from Aug. 16 through Aug. 18. where they’ll face the Texas Rattlers on Aug. 17.
New York City is getting a pearl of underwater development off the shores of Brooklyn — one that will rival Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in terms of ecological importance.
The Billion Oyster Project, a local environmental organization, announced the construction of a new oyster reef in Paerdegat Basin, a channel near the Canarsie shoreline that connects to Jamaica Bay. The underwater marine project is set to kick off next summer and, by its completion in 2029, will be home to approximately 90 million oysters.
The organization installed oyster cages at Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2020. File photo courtesy of Billion Oyster ProjectThis is not the first oyster reef the organization has made in New York City, but at 6.5 acres in size, it will be one of its larger installations.
“It is a unique site for us because it’s close to shore and in shallow water,” explained Pete Malinowski, executive director of the Billion Oyster Project. “All the reef structures will be under water all the time right below the surface. And the reef will actually help protect some of the restored shoreline in the basin.”
So…why build an oyster reef in Brooklyn?To start, oysters were once abundant in Big Apple waters until humans ate much of them. But they’re not just a delicacy; the mollusks are also pivotal for healthy aquatic habitats.
“We’re very excited throughout the harbor to rebuild this three-dimensional habitat that used to be here, and through that work, provide homes and food for millions and millions of sea creatures that used to thrive in New York Harbor,” Malinowski said.
The reef is expected to house 90 million oysters.Photo courtesy of Billion Oyster ProjectSome of those creatures expected to return to the new reef include crabs, shrimp, dozens of fish species and other marine life.
Scientists consider oysters a keystone species for protecting shorelines in NYC and other areas and the animals who live there. Oyster reefs may not be as colorful as, say, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, but their role in the environment is just as important.
“They’re ecosystem engineers,” Malinowski said. “Oysters, just like coral reefs. Coral is that keystone species that builds that three-dimensional reef. Without oysters, there are no oyster reefs. Without oyster reefs, there is none of that habitat.”
What does it take to build an oyster reef in NYC?The project, which is supported by a $968,000 grant from House Minority Leader and U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, will provide lots of on-water learning opportunities for thousands of Brooklyn students. The Billion Oyster Project’s eduction and community engagement departments that work to engage schools and other groups with the work they are doing on the water.
“Reef installations like this one in Paerdegat Basin are opportunities to make that learning real for students,” Malinowski said.
Constructing the reef will include the placement of 1,015 concrete reef balls that are designed to protect the low-lying shore from storm surge in increasing significant storm events. And, it will reduce erosion throughout the basin.
Oyster larvae attach to “reef balls” or other structures to grow. Photo courtesy of Billion Oyster ProjectThe Billion Oyster Program incorporates oyster larvae, imported from East Coast hatcheries, into tanks with reef structures. The larvae swim around and attach to the reef balls or other items in the tank. Eventually the concrete balls, covered with oysters, go into the water.
Water quality in the Paerdegat Basin was poor for quite a long time, but has seen an improvement in recent years, Malinowski explained, because of work the city’s Department of Environmental Protection has done to put holding tanks there and store and treat wastewater.
Just like the DEP, these little bivalves will also help keep New York’s waters clean. Adult oysters are filter feeders that keep waters clean by gobbling up pollutants. One adult oyster cleans about 50 gallons of water each day.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
A Sunset Park charity marked a major milestone Monday, announcing it is to purchase a four-story building in the neighborhood after 25 years of serving the immigrant community in a modest rented space.
The immigrant women-led nonprofit, Mixteca, is in the process of acquiring a “permanent home” in Sunset Park that will triple its space and expand its services which include mental health, education, community health, workforce development, social services, legal support, and cultural programming.
The expansion means Mixteca will no longer spend 30% of its funding on rent and is thanks to the $2.5 million in funding provided by Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso, Council Member Alexa Avilés and Speaker of the New York City Council Adrienne Adams.
Mixteca will be the first Mexican organization in New York City to own their own building according to the charity’s representatives who have earmarked a move-in date for the end of the year. The location of the new headquarters is set to be announced in the coming months.
Lorena Kourousias, executive director of Mixteca, told Brooklyn Paper that the decision to purchase a building in Sunset Park was an “act of resilience” against gentrification in the neighborhood.
“We were thinking a lot about how the community is being pushed out and whether we will be needed in the community in the future,” said Kourousias. “But we decided to pursue this idea because we want to be here, owning a building, and helping other people also to stay in their own place and not just giving up and saying, ‘Oh, gentrification is hard. I’m just gonna move out.’”
“This building is an act of resistance that we are making, and it’s a statement that says immigrant people can own a building, immigrant Mexican organizations led by immigrant women can have their own building,” she added.
Pols held a roundtable discussion with staff and volunteers at Mixteca’s current HQ which currently consists of just one floor.Photo by Adam DalyKourousias said she is now in the process of selecting a local artist to paint murals inside and outside the new building which will feature an elevator, an industrial kitchen to support their food programs, a rooftop to grow vegetables as well ass additional space to for ESL classes, programming, and a communal space for the community to gather.
One aspect of Mixteca which has been in high demand and in dire need of additional space is its mental health services. There are currently 64,000 newcomers in the city’s care out of the over 200,000 migrants who have arrived in the five boroughs over the past two-plus years that promoted a budgetary crisis.
Speaking to Brooklyn Paper about the impact the influx has had on Mixteca over the past two years, Kourousias explained that the main difference has been the variety of ethnic backgrounds seeking out their help but that “immigration is something that we see all the time.”
She said new arrivals have mostly been seeking out mental health services but Mixteca’s current space — just 2,000 square feet — does not allow for the privacy that is always required.
“When people are in counseling sessions and talking about something really painful and really private, and they have no space, no privacy, it’s hard,” she said, noting that the new building will have a whole floor dedicated to providing mental health services.
Mixteca’s daily work in the community, which also attracts people across the five boroughs, often goes unnoticed according to Kourousias who said he was grateful to Reynoso, Avilés and Adams for recognizing their commitment.
Avilés, who gave $1 million to the fund, said she was proud to have played a role in ensuring that the “anchor institution for the growing Latino communities of South Brooklyn” will be able to service future generations.
“Not only are our residents in fear of displacement but the organizations that support them are also in fear of displacement,” Avilés said at Monday’s announcement. “And so this is so important to make sure that Mixteca remains in Sunset Park, remains an incredible organization that it has been over the decades.”
On top of the $250,000 from speaker Adams, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso provided $1.25 million as part of his Nonprofit Acquisition Fund – a commitment to use a portion of his capital budget to assist Brooklyn nonprofits in purchasing permanent spaces.
Reynoso said Monday that Mixteca was granted the funds because they were a qualified organization “that had their stuff together, which is rare.”
“For decades now, Mixteca has been filling gaps in city services to meet the needs of our immigrant neighbors,” he said. “Every day, their home in Sunset Park is bustling – full of people and families who know they can trust Mixteca to help with everything from accessing city benefits to learning English and preparing healthy meals. I am so grateful to Mixteca’s incredible work and for offering a shining example of the partnerships that are possible with my office.”
Owners of nearby Molkajete Restaurant, Margarito and Hugo, credit Mixteca with helping them open their business.Photo by Adam DalyOne of the Sunset Park community members who relied on Mixteca when she arrived in Brooklyn from Mexico nine years ago was Margarito. She is now the owner of nearby restaurant Molkajete.
Margarito said she studied English and received business training at Mixteca and got the help she needed from the organization to start her own business.
“When I came into this country it was really terrible because I didn’t understand anything. But now I understand more. I can speak with my customers, with more people,” Margarito told Brooklyn Paper. “Now I would like to help them, because they helped me. And now I can also help the community.”
An affordable housing lottery has opened in Brooklyn, with 165 units available for rent in Brownsville.
Ebenezer Plaza II, located at 589 Christopher Ave. between New Lots and Hegeman Avenues, features studios for as low as $454, one-bedroom units for $577, two-beds for $680, and three-beds for just $774. Those exceptionally affordable units are designated for those households making 30% of the area median income (AMI), which is between $18,480 and $32,610 per year.
Only a few units are available at the lowest-income levels. Thirty one-bedroom units are available for $1,271 per month, designated for those making between $46,903 and $54,350 per year, while another thirty-five one-bedrooms can be had for $1,854 monthly if you make between $66,892 and $76,090.
At the higher end, twenty-two one-bedroom units are available for $2,145 for those making 80% of AMI, between $76,869 and $86,960. Studios and two-and-three-bedrooms are also available at all income levels.
The new development, spearheaded by a local church parish, is within walking distance of the L train at New Lots Avenue and the 3 train at Junius Street. The B8, B15, and B35 buses are also within walking distance.
Amenities include an elevator, laundry room, gym, outdoor space, and bike storage lockers. The building super lives on site.
The housing lottery is open until Oct. 3. Apply online at housingconnect.nyc.gov/PublicWeb/details/5031, or by mail by sending a send-addressed envelope to Ebenezer Plaza Phase 2: 401 Franklin Ave, Suite 314, Garden City, NY, 11530.
Life came full circle for SAAY on Aug. 9 as she made her solo debut at Zone One in Brooklyn, all the while fans braved stormy weather to watch the beloved South Korean R&B singer.
When SAAY was five years old, she lived in Brooklyn with her family, and while the memories of the bustling city are vague, it will always remain a special part of her life. Now, as an adult, SAAY shares that she feels a sense of wonder and disbelief that she has made it this far in her musical career with a solo concert in the same borough she grew up in.
“I’ve been doing music my entire life. I wrote music for my album since I was 15 years old,” SAAY said. “My name is SAAY and it comes from what I want to say through music. I want to be a person who can really say my feelings as a human being through music.”
Perhaps it was New York City’s roots in rhythm and blues that latched onto SAAY as a child, either way, her ability to share stories through music with a soulful voice transcends language. With songs in English and Korean, SAAY lives up to her namesake in which she wants to express to the world all of the emotions she is experiencing.
“It’s all about balance,” SAAY said, “For me, it’s about expressing coming and going energies. Our experiences with people, jobs, and every moment that just comes and goes.”
SAAY gets her makeup done backstage.Photo by Amanda MosesSitting in the Zone One green room, her makeup artists applying a layer of black eyeliner, SAAY mentally prepared herself for her first US performance. She was especially grateful that despite the gust of winds and rainfall amid the ongoing Hurricane Debbie, droves of longtime and new fans were already lining up outside the venue for a chance to meet her.
“I am so lucky and blessed to do this,” SAAY said.
Wearing a silver dress and platform boots, she excitedly signed autographs, posed for photos, and chatted with her devoted supporters for several minutes at a time.
Some burst into tears upon seeing SAAY, stating that they have been fans since 2017 and have long awaited her arrival in the United States. Others threw their arms in the air and screamed with delight when they saw their favorite singer.
One couple, Esther and James traveled from Fort Lee to see SAAY and expressed their appreciation for her work, adding that they read about her arduous journey in the music industry and were so thankful for her story because it resonated with them.
“I had a low, and I started listening to you and I am very inspired by you,” Esther confessed.
James handed SAAY his guitar strap and asked her to both sign it and share some musical advice with him.
“As someone who started to sing and produce, when you are writing music what drives the song? Is it what you have to say or is it the melody and the chord progression,” James inquired.
SAAY smiled brightly as she answered the question honestly, adding that to have fans who are inspired by her work touched her heart and made her want to cry.
“I was the kind of person who started with the basic steps in making sketches and making tracks that go with the melody and then lyrics and rearranging things. But now my name is based on the word ‘say’ from myself to the music, that’s what it is based on. So right now, I am trying to write the lyrics first, to write my real stories from real inside of me, and then I go with the melodies and then I do sketches from the tracks,” SAAY told her fans.
The emotional interactions did not end with her meet and greet session, through high energy SAAY danced around the Zone One stage to outstretched hands. Belting out high notes like the perfect amalgamation of Lady Gaga and Nina Simone, SAAY solidified her reputation as an all-star singer that night.
SAAY’s next US performance will be in Los Angeles at the Moroccan Lounge on Aug. 15.
More than 800,000 healthcare workers across New York have received more than $2 billion in bonuses from the state government, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday.
The extra funds were awarded to employees who provide hands-on, patient-facing care in counties throughout The Empire State. Only employees with an annualized base salary of $125,000 or less were eligible, whether they are full- or part-time.
The extra payments were doled out since Hochul launched the Health Care Worker Bonus Program in 2022 and provided bonuses of up to $3,000 for each eligible employee.
“Healthcare workers deliver for New Yorkers every day – and that’s why we’re delivering for them,” Hochul said. “Our powerful investments are putting money back in workers’ pockets and helping to grow our health care workforce to provide the highest quality care for New Yorkers.”
According to the governor’s office, the benefits were determined by specific “vesting periods,” or the number of hours worked during a consecutive six-month period between Oct. 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024.
The Health Care Worker Bonus Program is part of the governor’s efforts to put “more money in the pockets of New Yorkers” and address the cost of living around the state.
“Healthcare workers are the backbone of our healthcare infrastructure, and they are the frontline workers who go above and beyond to provide hands-on care and medical services,” said state Health Commissioner James McDonald. “Through Gov. Hochul’s Health Care Worker Bonus Program we acknowledge our health care workers’ unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers.”
The announcement follows the state’s disbursement of child tax credit payments that started this month. More than a million families throughout New York have received or will receive a state supplemental payment of up to $330 per child through the Empire State Child Credit.
The state also launched the website, ny.gov/childcare, a digital portal to help make free or low-cost child care more accessible to eligible families statewide through New York State’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
Meanwhile, state Sen. Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) shared that he is “proud” that the heath-care payments are helping New Yorkers.
“I’m proud that the state has distributed funds to our dedicated healthcare heroes on the front line and recognizes the efforts of health professionals by providing resources to help manage the cost of living in New York,” Rivera said. “New York must continue investing in our healthcare workforce for a healthier state.”
Teachers, students, community gardeners, city planners, union workers, Brooklynites barely old enough to stand at a podium, those at the other end of the age spectrum, and many in between, gathered in a room in Downtown Manhattan last week with the message to protect the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Of the more than 50 people who spoke at a packed five-and-a-half-hour City Planning Commission hearing on a rezoning that would facilitate a new 14-story development on Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights — one that would cast shadows on some of the garden’s most sunlight-sensitive plants and on the Jackie Robinson Playground — only two people were in favor of the rezoning. Both represented union workers who would be employed to build the project, a group that was well represented in the audience and easily spotted in their union shirts.
On the other side of the coin, dozens of speakers testified to the garden’s importance in New York City and globally as a hub of science, education (especially for children), and propagation. Many said that exactly the area where the building would cast shadows is where those activities take place: the education center, nurseries, conservatories, and exotic plant gardens.
The conservatory at Brooklyn Botanic Garden in March.Photo by Susan De VriesFor many speakers, and the developers, it was a case of déjà vu. A similar hearing took place just a few years ago on an even bigger proposed development on the same site that would cast shadows on the garden, a 34-story tower that would replace the Spice Factory in the historic former Consumers Park brewery at 960 Franklin Avenue. Also fiercely opposed by the community, that one was rejected by the City Planning Commission and ultimately killed by then Mayor Bill de Blasio. Since then, the Spice Factory has been demolished and the nearly block-long property has been split. This new project has an address of 962-972 Franklin Avenue and once held an ice making and distribution company and the Spice Factory garage.
“Why are we here again? Why? That’s the part I cannot understand,” Flatbush resident Zenobia McNally said. “There’s still thousands of trees in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, lots of seedlings being planted, lots of animals. What has changed that brings us back here? They all still need the same sunlight they did two years ago, 10 years ago, 100 years ago.”
According to developers Continuum Company, through their lawyer David Rosenberg, a lot has changed — even since they first filed their new proposal with the Department of City Planning earlier this year.
A bird’s-eye view to the northeast that includes the new stepped down design.Rendering by Hill West Architects A bird’s-eye view to the northwest.Rendering by Hill West Architects A rendering of the originally proposed massing from May 2024Rendering by Hill West ArchitectsAt the Aug. 7 hearing, the team, which includes Hill West Architects, presented modified massing for the 14-story, 145-foot-tall, 475-unit rental building that is different from what was included in the environmental review portion of the city’s land-use review process (required for any rezoning). To reduce the shadows and their impact, the new design shrinks the building’s bulkhead and steps down the building’s massing on the garden side.
To date, Continuum Company has not yet released any renderings showing how the building would look when finished. This is perhaps a first in Brooklyn for a major project seeking a rezoning.
If the proposal is approved, the development team has said, the building will be union built, financed, and run — something Rosenberg said likely wouldn’t happen if they build as of right.
Anthony Williamson of Local 79 said the developers had looked at the social, economic, and environmental impact of the project, and created something he said is unique and he hopes will be a model for future development.
“It’s not about just the park or the garden or the flowers, it’s about our future, it’s about our children standing in here, it’s about sending our kids to college, it’s about giving them a good education and background, about putting a roof over their heads, that’s what this is about,” he said.
The empty lot at 962-972 Franklin Avenue in September 2023.Photo by Susan De VriesIf the rezoning is rejected and they build as of right, the developers have said, they will construct a seven-story, 168-unit condo building that will be totally market rate. R6A zoning rules, which the site is currently governed by, allow for a 75-foot-tall development (around six to seven stories) with an additional 55-foot-tall bulkhead. With the additional height allowed by City of Yes (if it passes), the building could be nine stories tall, but would need to include 20 percent affordable housing.
Rosenberg said the program offered through City of Yes doesn’t align with the recently extended 421-a program the developers plan to use for the rentals if the rezoning passes.
Overall, Rosenberg said, the modified development will result in a loss of between seven minutes and around an hour and 10 minutes of sunlight in different areas of the south-east section of the garden during peak sunshine months, something he said equates to around a 0.4 percent reduction in sun annually. The modified environmental impact statement technical manual states the reduction of sunlight on the garden would be up to one hour and 32 minutes.
“As the city asks all of us to help address the housing crisis, are we really going to let 0.4 percent stand in the way of 475 apartments, permanently affordable units, and hundreds of union jobs?” Rosenberg asked the commissioners. The total number of rent stabilized, income-capped units would be 119.
An incremental shadow study by the developers’ team, showing the shadow cast by the building in red.Rendering via Technical Memorandum, Philip Habib & Associates An incremental shadow study by the developers’ team, showing the shadow cast by the building in red.Rendering via Technical Memorandum, Philip Habib & AssociatesWhile they are dubbed “affordable” by the city, the units would be for households earning 40 to 130 percent of the Area Median Income, or $43,480 to $141,310 for a single person — a number that will undoubtedly increase before the apartments are rented. The affordable units would fall under the city’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program, required for any development that benefits from a rezoning.
Rosenberg said the median income for the area is around $80,000, which was met with skepticism from both the crowd and some commissioners. Commissioner Leah Goodridge questioned whether even union workers building the project would be able to afford to live there. She also took issue with the development team stating they would build only market rate condos if the rezoning isn’t approved, saying it feels like a threat to the community.
“This is really antithetical to community engagement. There’s already a lot of skepticism about private developers that come into these communities and don’t listen,” she said. “It’s extremely distasteful, as someone who was born here, grew up here, for a developer to continually say these things and say, ‘well, if I don’t get what I want, there’s going to be punishment’.”
The Botanic Garden greenhouses in 2019.Photo by Craig HubertMyla Seabrook, an employee of the Botanic Garden, said she is the community the developers and others speaking on the proposal were talking about. “It is in service to the community that I stand before you now.”
“There are already not enough green spaces and sunlight in the neighborhoods that Black and brown residents live in, and that is largely by design: a combination of gentrification, redlining, and unbridled racism have forced us further away from trees and the sky, and gridlocked us between cold steel buildings we cannot afford to live in,” she said.
“As a Black woman born and raised in New York City, I know well the shadows of developments like this one that is being proposed and what is, for many, the unattainable price of sunlight streaming through a living room window or onto a local playground.”
She said Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a place where three generations of her family have found solace and inspiration, and she rejects the notion that opposing a development that could damage the garden is being unsupportive of affordable housing.
“It is possible to support affordable housing and the natural right we all have to green spaces and sunlight, especially when what we’re calling affordable isn’t affordable or even accessible to large swathes of New York City,” she said. “Taking the sunlight away from kids who are already living in housing projects like at Ebbets Field would be an injustice of the highest order. Sunlight is at a premium for them, and they are not allowed to access it.”
Jackie Robinson Playground pictured in May.Photo by Susan De VriesThe proposed building would mean a two hour and 40 minute reduction in sunlight at Jackie Robinson Playground at some times of the year, a playground that has a children’s play area, basketball courts, handball courts, a spray shower, and more. And which is already shadowed by the towering Ebbets Field development to the east. Rosenberg said the new development would affect the playground, but so too would an as-of-right building.
In the City Environmental Quality Review, a part of any land use application, the city found the development will create shadows that will have “significant adverse effects” on both the garden and playground.
When CPC commissioner Dan Garodnick asked Rosenberg why the commission should “approve a development that has a significant and unmitigable shadow impact on the Brooklyn Botanic Garden,” Roseberg said he outright rejects that is the situation.
Rosenberg said the report is categorically wrong because it doesn’t include trees that create shade on the areas in question. He also argued BBG and the city had shown no proof that incremental shadows would have adverse impacts on the plants for the periods of time proposed.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Vice President of Horticulture Rowan Blake speaks, at right.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithBBG VP of Horticulture Rowan Blake challenged that, saying many of the trees included in the developers’ own light study no longer exist, that the study measured light on the roofs of the garden’s buildings and not on its plants, and said the city’s evaluation excludes the first and last 90 minutes of sunlight in a day — not measuring from dawn until sunset.
“With all of the methodological shortfalls, it concludes a fantastical figure of less than 1 percent impact on the garden. This is not a real-world measurement. Our conclusion is that no matter what is proposed in an R8 envelope, it would still have significant, detrimental, unmitigated impact on Brooklyn Botanic Garden,” Blake said.
And, he said, measuring the sunlight on the roofs of the buildings in the gardens rather than the plants is “like having a thermostat for heating and cooling your house and putting it up on the roof. It’s totally irrelevant.”
In terms of mitigating for development, Blake said BBG had already raised its conservatory by one story in preparation for future R6A development in the area, and said they could find a way to manage the 30 minute shade that would create. R8A, however, would be a catastrophe for the garden given many of the equatorial plants in the area are already going off reduced hours vs. what they would get in their natural habitats (especially in winter).
The Bonsai nursery in 2019.Photo by Craig HubertAt the start of his testimony, BBG President Adrian Benepe questioned the development team’s assertions on how much light exotic plants need.
“I just want to note, having sat for an hour and a half with the developers suddenly becoming experts in plant science and the health needs of plants, so much so that the Parks Department and Brooklyn Botanic Garden don’t know what they’re talking about when it comes to plant health, is interesting,” he said. “And I would suggest that developers saying they’re advocates for the health needs of plants is like the chairman of Dow Chemical Company saying they know what’s good for rivers and streams and the creatures that live within them.”
Benepe urged the commission to reject the proposal, which he said “pits a modest number of affordable units in a mostly market rate building against a 115-year-old public asset that’s completely dependent on sunlight to serve its community. Once they take away the sunlight, it’s never coming back.”
He added that the garden hadn’t spoken out against other developments in the past and is doing so on this one because the loss of sunlight would cause existential harm to BBG for generations to come.
Commissioner Juan Camilo Osorio noted that Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso proposed in his recent report rejecting the rezoning a new special zoning district for sunlight sensitive areas called the Solar Access Special District. Benepe said it is a “visionary” idea and he said he supports such additional protection for the garden, especially the area in question with its delicate species and habitats.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Conservatory in 2018.Photo by Susan De VriesThe plants in the conservatory, some of the sensitive species at the center of the debate, are from all over the world, Benepe said, and are there “to show children in Brooklyn who will never travel to those places” what they are like.
“Most of us can’t, and we’ll never see the interior rainforest, but the Brooklyn schoolchild’s experience of the rainforest starts when they enter our tropical house,” he said.
He added it is also imperative to protect the sunlight at Jackie Robinson Playground, saying “when they steal that sunlight, it’s gone forever, and you put a coat of paint on the basketball court or a new swing set, is not going to mitigate stealing that sunset.”
Speakers shared stories of how they and generations of their families had used the gardens as a place of relaxation, community building, and learning, with a number of older speakers recounting how they went as children and now volunteer as seniors. “It is the crown jewel of Kings County,” one person said.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in 2019.Photo by Susan De VriesAnother, who said she comes from a family of union workers and is one herself, invited the union workers in the crowd supporting the development to come to the garden. “Even hardworking union families need a place to relax and smell the roses. I invite all my union brothers and sisters to come to the garden. Bring your family, bring your children, bring children with special needs. You will have a wonderful time,” she said.
A representative from South Midwood Pollinators said her role at the hearing “was to express the outrage that the average citizen in Brooklyn has expressed when they hear that they’re trying to build again next to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.”
She said while gardeners are a “scrappy bunch” what they couldn’t do was remediate sunlight. “It is the gift that enables life on the planet as we all know it.”
She added that the developers comparing shade cast by the building to the shade of trees doesn’t stack up, as “buildings are not deciduous, they are just as shadow-producing in the winter as they are in the summer.”
Another speaker questioned why the developer has taken such a “stalwart stance…that all 14 stories are required for them to contract union labor and include affordable housing.”
“BBG sunlight and critical horticultural operations should not be held hostage by a developer who has no intrinsic motivation to support affordable housing beyond an occasional gesture beyond the requisite. Ultimately, I must ask if BBG’s next 100 years of community engagement and resources can be weighed against a mostly market rate apartment building.”
Amanda White and her son testify at the CPC hearing.Amanda White and her young son took to the podium near the end of the marathon session to talk about how the local pair visited Jackie Robinson Playground almost every week. “My family and my neighbors rely on this public space for its nature, its recreation, its warmth and sunshine to rejuvenate our spirits and to restore our bodies. We will not accept our health and our peace of mind being compromised for more luxury condos in our ever gentrifying neighborhood,” she said.
As a kindergarten teacher who frequently takes her students to BBG, White added that the indoor environments of the greenhouses and conservatories “offer a warm respite and allow us to continue our important work of understanding the natural world.”
“My students are so young that they need concrete experiences to learn big concepts, abstract concepts, like habitat, ecosystems, climate, and diversity. We can observe our favorite fruits growing in the tropical collection and explore all kinds of fuzzy, prickly, funny-shaped plants in the desert collection,” she said.
“We can’t travel to the Middle East or the Caribbean, where some of my students’ heritage traces, but we can still experience up close what kind of nature grows there.”
She said the microclimates the collections depend on are extremely sensitive and if they were to lose any sunlight, especially during the winter, “the plants would die, and we would lose this extremely valuable resource.”
CPC will accept written testimony on the proposal until Monday, Aug. 19. The commission will then hold a vote on the proposal, which will later be voted on by the city council.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
The second suspect behind an antisemitic graffiti spree that targeted the homes of Jewish members of the Brooklyn Museum’s board of directors, who is also an credentialed member of the New York City media, turned himself into police on Tuesday.
Samuel Seligson, 32, of Brooklyn surrendered at the 7th Precinct on the Lower East Side of Manhattan at around 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 6, less than a week after cops arrested his alleged accomplice.
Vandals spray-painted messages and hung signs on Pasternak’s Brooklyn Heights home. File photos courtesy of Comptroller Brad Lander/XAccording to the Associated Press, Seligson — identified in the report as an independent journalist — was not involved in the vandalism, and was only accused of documenting it. Police sources, however, said Seligson allegedly served as the lookout in the series of vandalism incidents targeting the Brooklyn and Manhattan homes of Jewish members of the Brooklyn Museum board, including its director, Anne Pasternak.
On June 11, outside of Pasternak’s Brooklyn Heights home, the vandals splattered red paint over the entrance and hung a sign reading, “Anne Pasternak Brooklyn Museum White Supremacist Zionist,” disturbing some who lived there. Days before the incident, protesters gathered at the Brooklyn Museum — calling on the institution to disclose and divest any connections to Israel in response to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
According to AP, Seligson’s attorney called the arrest an “appalling overreach by police against a journalist,” and said police had raided his home twice in the week before he turned himself in. Sources familiar with the investigation alleged that Seligson was not seen in possession of any camera equipment during the incidents. In April, police arrested — but quickly released — three photojournalists documenting a protest on the Brooklyn Bridge, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.
Seligson turned himself in on Aug. 6. Photo by Dean MosesOn Tuesday morning, detectives escorted Seligson out of the 7th Precinct stationhouse, where he refused to answer questions regarding the alleged hate crime.
Seligson allegedly served as one of five individuals connected to the hateful vandalism. Last week, Taylor Pelton, 28, of Astoria, Queens, was arrested at her home on July 31 by the NYPD Warrant Squad for allegedly serving as the getaway driver.
Seligson is charged with two counts of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
A version of this story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
A 75-year-old Flushing man was convicted by a jury in Brooklyn federal court on Tuesday of acting as a covert Chinese agent who spied on dissidents associated with a pro-democracy organization he helped start.
Shujun Wang was found guilty on all four counts of an indictment charging him with acting and conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the U.S. Attorney General, criminal possession identification and making false statements to law enforcement.
The verdict followed a seven-day trial, and, when he is sentenced in January, Wang faces up to 25 years in prison.
Wang is a naturalized U.S. citizen of Chinese descent and one of the founders of the pro-democracy Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang Memorial Foundation, an organization located in Flushing, whose members are well-known pro-democracy dissidents who oppose the current government of the People’s Republic of China.
Instead of promoting democracy in the PRC, Wang, at the direction of PRC government officials, used his position within the Memorial Foundation and his status within the Chinese diaspora to collect information about prominent activists, academics and dissidents and reported that information back to the PRC government.
“This indictment could have been the plot of a spy novel, but the evidence is shockingly real that the defendant was a secret agent for the Chinese government,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said. “Posing as a well-known academic and founder of a pro-democracy organization, Wang was willing to betray those who respected and trusted him.”
As proven at trial, since at least 2006, Wang operated under the direction and control of his co-defendants, four officials of China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), which is responsible for the PRC’s foreign intelligence collection.
At the MSS’s direction, Wang gathered information on people and groups that the PRC considers subversive, such as Hong Kong democracy protestors, advocates for Taiwanese independence and Uyghur and Tibetan activists, both in the United States and abroad.
Wang conducted face-to-face meetings with MSS officials while on trips to the PRC, and used WeChat to receive orders from his co-defendants and to send and receive written messages and files. His co-defendants in the espionage scheme, Feng He, Jie Ji, Ming Li and Keqing Lu are officials from China’s MSS. They remain at large.
Wang often memorialized the information he collected in email “diaries” to be accessed by the MSS. These “diaries” included details about Wang’s private conversations with prominent dissidents, as well as the activities of pro-democracy activists and human rights organizations. Law enforcement recovered from Wang’s residence diary entries that he wrote to He, Ji, Li, Lu and other MSS officials.
Additionally, in connection with his work for the MSS, Wang possessed telephone numbers and contact information belonging to Chinese dissidents. Wang made materially false statements to federal law enforcement, falsely denying that he had contacts with PRC officials or the MSS.
Over the course of three separate interviews between 2017 and 2021, Wang repeatedly denied or downplayed his contact with individuals from the Chinese intelligence agency. During one of the interviews, in 2019, Wang was interviewed by federal law enforcement agents at JFK Airport after he returned from China. Wang falsely stated that he had no contact with anyone from the Chinese government and that he had no Chinese government contact information.
“When confronted with his shameful conduct, the defendant lied to law enforcement, but today’s verdict revealed the truth about his crimes and he will now face the consequences,” Peace said.
The victims of Wang’s efforts included Hong Kong pro-democracy activists, advocates for Taiwanese independence and Uyghur and Tibetan activists in Queens, the U.S. and abroad.
“This defendant infiltrated a New York-based advocacy group by masquerading as a pro-democracy activist, all while covertly collecting and reporting sensitive information about its members to the PRC’s intelligence service,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Today’s verdict demonstrates that those who would seek to advance the Chinese government’s agenda of transnational repression will be held accountable.”
Despite an uptick in murder, overall NYC crime fell for the seventh consecutive month in July 2024, the NYPD reported Tuesday.
The total number of crimes reported dropped 4.2% year-over-year, from 11,505 in July 2023 to 11,022 in July 2024. Significant progress was found, the NYPD reported, in the city’s subway system, which saw major crime levels fall to their lowest in 15 years, excluding pandemic-related anomalies.
The transit network experienced a 19.7% drop in crime from the previous July (147 incidents in 2024 vs. 183 in 2023) and a 7.7% reduction year-to-date (1,203 vs. 1,304).
While the number of murders in July increased slightly (44 vs. 38), the NYPD reported a year-to-date 10.2% reduction in homicides, from 246 last year to 221 this year. Shootings also continue to trend downward; the NYPD tallied a 19.5% decrease in shootings in July (91 vs. 113) and a 10.9% year-to-date decrease (530 vs. 595).
Key to that decline has been the NYPD’s continued illegal gun seizures, with 3,937 illegal guns removed from the streets, including many 3D-printed “ghost guns.” This effort has contributed to the fewest shooting incidents and victims in five years, the department says.
Overall, the NYPD’s enforcement activities have increased, with major index crime arrests up 11.3 percent in July (5,158 vs. 4,633) and 10.4 percent year-to-date (33,811 vs. 30,637), reflecting the highest number of felony arrests since 1998.
“These remarkable, ongoing decreases in crime and violence, month after month, are the dividends earned from tireless efforts coupled with strategic planning and deployment,” said Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban.Photo by Todd Maisel“These remarkable, ongoing decreases in crime and violence, month after month, are the dividends earned from tireless efforts coupled with strategic planning and deployment,” said Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “NYPD officers dutifully patrol the many neighborhoods of our great city every day, disrupting and preventing criminal activity. They do this because they have the support of the people we serve — New Yorkers who actively embrace the concept of public safety as a shared responsibility.”
Even with continued drops in major felonies, the NYPD continues to battle an ongoing spike in hate crimes. The Hate Crime Task Force reported four more incidents in July 2024 (52 vs. 48). More than half of the bias crimes reported last month (30) were antisemitic; that figure also represents a threefold increase from the 10 anti-Jewish hate crimes reported in July 2023.
Antisemitism has increased around New York since the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel, and the resulting war with Hamas in Gaza. Earlier this year, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that antisemitic hate crimes grew statewide by more than 110% last year.
Public housing developments, however, saw a notable decline in crime, with 83 fewer incidents reported in July 2024 compared to July 2023, representing a 13.9% reduction (512 vs. 595). Year-to-date figures also improved, with 163 fewer incidents in 2024 (3,485 vs. 3,648).
Across the five boroughs, burglary saw the most significant decrease, with 142 fewer reported crimes in July (1,039 vs. 1,181), a 12% drop. Robbery incidents decreased by 58 (1,485 vs. 1,543), marking a 3.8% reduction.
Felony assaults dropped by 85 incidents (2,671 vs. 2,756), a 3.1% decrease. Grand larceny incidents were down by 81 (4,280 vs. 4,361), a 1.9% reduction.
Auto thefts also saw an 8.7% decrease in July, with 131 fewer vehicles reported stolen (1,368 vs. 1,499). The NYPD attributed the downturn to its comprehensive plan to combat auto theft, which includes multiagency task force operations at the city’s river crossings. These initiatives, involving various law enforcement agencies, have resulted in 1,806 vehicle seizures, 395 arrests, and 15,019 summonses from March 11 through the end of July.
The seizures also led to nearly $17 million in outstanding fees, fines, and taxes paid — as well as numerous illegal drugs and guns having been recovered.
A tree grows in Green-Wood Cemetery — or, it will soon.
An infusion of federal funds allocated to improve access to greenspaces and fight climate change will allow the graveyard to plant 1,500 new trees over the next three years and care for 140 mature trees already thriving at Green-Wood, hopefully extending their lives and vitality. With the $498,035 award, funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act and awarded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Green-Wood hopes to expand canopy cover at the cemetery to 35%, meaning more than one-third of the graveyard will be shaded by trees.
Green-Wood is already home to roughly 7,000 trees. Photo courtesy of Green-Wood CemeteryTrees and greenery improve air quality and lessen the Urban Heat Island effect, which is known to make New York City roughly eight degrees Fahrenheit hotter than the surrounding area. According to news outlet THE CITY, temperatures in areas right outside the cemetery can be up to 11 degrees hotter than average — while temps inside the graveyard are significantly cooler.
According to the cemetery’s vice president of horticulture, Joseph Charap, Green-Wood’s 7,000 existing trees already capture more than 200 tons of carbon, remove 8,000 pounds of ozone and filter more than 2,000 pounds of particulate matter from the air every year, and help to capture stormwater run-off.
“These substantial benefits to Green-Wood’s surrounding neighborhoods will be further enhanced by the new planting and maintenance activities we’ll be able to perform as a result of this grant,” Charap said in a statement. “Green-Wood has a long history of completing DEC-funded projects with great success, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to do so again.”
With the new funding, project managers will plant 500 trees at Green-Wood annually, focusing on biodiversity and tree species well-adapted to the effects of climate change: heat, precipitation, and pollution, said Green-Wood’s Director of Living Collections and Curator Sara Evans. The cemetery’s team will use the U.S. Forest Service Climate Change Tree Atlas to make their selections as well as choose species already thriving at Green-Wood, like oak and hickory, sweetgum, American holly, and persimmon trees.
Caring for the mature trees is just as important as planting new ones. Older, full-grown trees store more carbon than young ones, so keeping them alive is critical. The trees tended to with the new funding will be those in need of root collar excavation, a “delicate process” where arborists remove the soil around the base of the tree and remove any roots “girdling” the tree.
“Not correcting this risks the long term health and longevity of the tree by effectively suffocating and choking the tree of nutrients and water,” Evans explained. “The trees designated for this maintenance include many of our older maples, lindens, pin oaks, and a few Atlas cedars in the collection.”
Brooklynites will be able to get directly involved in the project through Green-Wood’s volunteer and education programs, like the “Guardians of the Dicots,” where volunteers help arborists weed, mulch, and water young trees. The cemetery is open to the public every day — inviting visitors to walk, enjoy nature, and visit loved ones or historical figures.
The cemetery is already home to a number of climate-change fighting projects. Photo courtesy of Green-Wood CemeteryGreen-Wood Cemetery has a number of additional climate projects in the works — the graveyard has transitioned away from traditional, close-cropped lawns in favor of “managed meadows” with long grasses and other shrubbery, native plants, and wildflowers. Those meadows reduce the need for gas-powered mowers, are more resilient to climate change, and offer habitats to the multitude of species that call Green-Wood home: birds, insects, and more. Many species of migratory bird stop over at Green-Wood during their long journeys each fall and spring, and a new species of beetle was discovered there in 2018.
Earlier this year, the cemetery received DEC funding to fight an invasive plant found in one of its ponds. If left to its own devices, the plant — known to grow thickly over the surface of the water, cutting off light and oxygen to native plant species and animals — could spread through Brooklyn’s sewer systems to other bodies of water, according to Green-Wood’s horticulturalists.
Every day, this administration is improving the quality of life of the 8.3 million New Yorkers who call this city home. From keeping New Yorkers safe on the subways and streets, to getting black garbage bags off our sidewalks, to building more green and clean public spaces, we are making our city safer and more livable for all New Yorkers.
But for too long, illegal cannabis shops have contributed to a feeling that anything goes on our streets, while targeting our most vulnerable, including children, with dangerous, counterfeit products marketed as candy. These stores threaten the health and safety of New Yorkers by selling dangerous and untested products. We will not sit idly by as these illegal cannabis shops continue to harm our kids and we will not let them undermine our quality of life, especially around our schools, houses of worship, and youth facilities.
That is why this administration is making good on our promise to shut down these illegal storefronts. We are making our streets and our children safer. Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and our partners in the state Legislature, New York City has been able to use the full force of the law to go after these illegal storefronts through “Operation Padlock to Protect.”
In just three months, “Operation Padlock to Protect” has closed and locked 843 illegal smoke shops, seized over $45 million in illegal product, and issued over $72 million in penalties.
And just last month, in the Bronx, we conducted operations against two-major illegal distributors, taking a combined $8 million of illegal product off city streets. These operations have made a huge difference in our streetscape while improving the quality of life for countless New Yorkers in record time.
Illegal smoke and cannabis shops also stand in the way of the legal cannabis market, taking money out of the registers of small business owners trying to earn a living, many of whom are formerly justice-involved Black and Brown neighbors who were disproportionately affected by the so-called ‘War on Drugs.’ We are making sure that justice-involved New Yorkers get their fair shot and fair share, and we will not let the economic opportunities that legal cannabis offers go up in smoke because of these illegal operators.
Legalization is about following the law, not a free pass to sell unregulated and unsafe products. Through “Operation Padlock to Protect,” we are making it clear that any operator acting illegally will face swift consequences as we protect our city’s children, improve quality of life, and facilitate a safe and thriving legal cannabis market.
We hear from New Yorkers in every corner of the five boroughs that they are seeing illegal cannabis stores in their neighborhoods close down and stay closed once-and-for-all. This is what it looks like to execute on a vision for improving public safety and to work side-by-side with communities in achieving lasting results. We are going to continue to shutter these illegal stores and protect our young people, our families, and our communities.
Climate change is real and as a society we must adapt to it. How we adapt is going to determine if we are successful. Over the past decade, the New York City and New York State government’s approach has been frustrating.
The state has passed ambitious, but unclear laws, forcing hardworking energy experts and dedicated government officials to scramble to catch up. At the same time, the City Council has passed its own collection of laws that create a patchwork of regulations that are often redundant, sometimes incoherent, and clearly passed with little consideration for the state and city laws that have been in effect for years thus far.
Leading energy consultants are doing their best to navigate the competing regulatory laws and constantly-evolving guidance from state and city agencies. Building owners typically want to invest in energy efficiency, knowing that it is good for the environment and for their business in the long run, but are uncertain what is the best course of action because of the lack of consistent guidance from the government.
Further complicating things, New York City has the oldest housing stock in the country. More than 56% percent of homes in New York were built before 1947. Renovating these buildings to make them more energy efficient comes with high costs and many complications, requiring years of planning.
Unfortunately, the government continues to make this process more difficult. Just this week, the New York City Council introduced a bill requiring all multifamily buildings to guarantee air conditioning at 78 degrees or below. Earlier this year, another City Council bill called for increasing mandatory heat temperatures from 68 degrees to 70 degrees.
Currently, owners have to allow a tenant to install an a/c unit, with the costs associated clearly articulated in law. This bill, as currently written, could force owners to additionally provide a central a/c system that they must monitor and control. Or permanent, hard-wired installation of decentralized central cooling units in each living room. If this is the case, the cost of this implementation could be astronomical, devastating many affordable rent-stabilized buildings, and forcing the tenants living in them to be temporarily displaced for long-periods of time.
Many older rent-stabilized buildings will have enormous difficulty complying with this mandate, unless they rapidly transition to partial-electrification, which could significantly conflict with these buildings’ current capital improvement plans to comply with Local Law 97 deadlines at the end of 2024. While full electrification may be the long-term goal, partial electrification is not possible in the four or five year timeline outlined in this bill with other Local Law 97 work currently underway in rent-stabilized buildings. Thousands of buildings would need to request additional load capacity from Con Edison.
Conducting building-wide energy upgrades in buildings that are more than 80 years old would expose tenants to lead and asbestos risk, requiring renters to be temporarily moved. Because this bill would apply to all buildings, it is a fair estimate to say as many as half a million tenants would have to be displaced temporarily in the next 5 years in order to comply with this law.
The reality is that many buildings won’t be able to secure funding to do the work and Con Edison will deny hundreds, if not thousands, of load orders necessary to do the work in neighborhoods where grid capacity is not sufficient. That means owners will have no way to comply, even if all the apartments have a/c units and the temperature in the building never exceeds 78 degrees.
What is most frustrating is that building owners and energy consultants have been spending years preparing for Local Law 97 regulations, and state mandates for energy efficiency. This attempt to add an unfunded mandate with an irrational timeline could put all that work in jeopardy.
A better approach would be for the City Council to focus on providing more subsidies to affordable rent-stabilized housing that have the specific goal of improving energy-efficiency and controlling temperature.
A good example of this is a pilot program launched by the New York Power Authority and NYCHA a few years ago. Innovative heat and cooling pumps could be installed in properties with minimal electricity upgrades. This would give tenants control over the temperature in their apartments year round.
Another idea the Council could promote in buildings that have hot water pipes for heating is hydronic air to water pumps or air-cooled chillers that could replace the existing boiler and utilize the current piping to provide electric heating and cooling. In this scenario, apartments would only need radiator upgrades to fan-coil units to make sure hot air is distributed in the apartment in the winter and cold air in the summer.
It is important to understand that some of these systems are emerging technologies, and it’s unclear if they will work for many buildings. There is also likely to be a massive supply backlog, unless there was government-backed financing for mass production. Without subsidies, or other ways to increase income, most buildings will not be able to afford this upgrade.
This is why we are urging the City Council to focus on implementing the best approach for long-term success, instead of rushing to pass a bill with unyielding mandates on a hasty timeline. If we truly want to tackle climate change, while also improving renters living conditions, then all stakeholders should be brought to the table. That way we can develop a clear and comprehensive plan, with adequate government subsidy, so we can meet our collective goals of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Jay Martin is the executive director of the Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP). David Sivin is the Director for Building Systems and Energy Consulting at PVE Engineering.
House Minority Leader and Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries was back in his home district Monday morning to help ceremonially break ground on a federally-funded accessibility project on the G line.
Jeffries joined MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber on Aug. 5 for a ceremony marking the start of accessibility upgrades at the Classon Avenue station in Clinton Hill. It is one of 13 stations that will be fully renovated and made ADA-accessible through an $850 million program, of which nearly $500 million is covered through federal funding — including $360 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks at the ground-breaking ceremony in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn on Aug. 5, 2024. Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann / MTAThe accessibility improvements at Classon Avenue include enhanced passenger circulation, two new mezzanine-to-platform stairwells, and the creation of 3,500 square feet of new public mezzanine space.
“The G train is an incredibly important subway line for the Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, and Bedford-Stuyvesant communities that I am privileged to represent,” Jeffries said in a statement. “Today represents an incredibly positive step forward, particularly to make sure that those with physical challenges and those who have slowed down a little bit as they’ve become older can move back and forth and do the things necessary to live their best life.”
The Classon Avenue project is part of what the MTA calls its largest “design-build bundle of accessibility upgrades to date.”
“In recent years, the MTA has been making dramatic gains toward full system accessibility,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Investments in transit accessibility benefit all New Yorkers – seniors, shoppers, stroller-pushing parents, and people with disabilities – and we are deeply grateful to federal leaders like Senator Schumer and House Democratic Leader Jeffries for assuring the MTA captures its share of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds to continue that unprecedented progress.”
Just 30% of New York’s 472 subway stops are accessible today, lagging well behind other U.S. and global cities three decades after the Americans with Disabilities Act. The MTA is under a federal court mandate to make 95% of stations accessible by 2055, 31 years from now.
The station is one of 13 to receive upgrades through federal funding .Photo courtesy of Marc A. Hermann/MTAFurther improvements toward accessibility within the subway system are in jeopardy after Gov. Kathy Hochul put the congestion pricing plan on pause back in June. Part of the billion dollars in daily revenue from the Manhattan tolls were to have been used to fund accessibility upgrades at 39 other stations in the 2020-24 MTA Five-Year Capital Plan.
The MTA is reworking its capital plan to prioritize essential items to keep its subways, buses and commuter trains operational. Hochul has pledged to provide an alternative funding source, though no new progress has been made.
As for Classon Avenue, MTA New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said the accessibility improvements will be complemented by the signal modernization work currently underway for the G line to deliver a more reliable ride for customers.”
“The G line has historically had fewer accessible stations than other lines, but progress is surely underway,” he noted.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
A new Middle Eastern restaurant and bar with an equal focus on food, booze and music will be opening on Bed-Stuy’s Malcolm X Boulevard in coming months, with the aim to bring the feel of Tokyo listening rooms mixed with Istanbul taverns.
The name Laziza means “a good thing” in Arabic, and for owner Jilbert El-Zmetr, who is Australian Lebanese, the inspiration for the restaurant came from all the things he said he loves in his life: Middle Eastern cuisine; good drinks; funk, soul, and groove music; and spending time with friends, family, and neighbors.
El-Zmetr grew up in kitchens in Australia, with parents who are both chefs, and there developed his love for shawarma, mezze, skewers, falafel, and cooking over fire in general, he said. Laziza will have all of those on offer in the style of smaller share plates at its location at 306A Malcolm X Boulevard. Cocktails will be the focus of the beverage menu, with a bar manager moving from Los Angeles to help El-Zmetr with the program that will also lean heavily on Middle Eastern flavors. Wine and beer will be available, too.
On the music side of things, El-Zmetr said, the restaurant would be “record forward” with DJs most nights of the week. El-Zmetr himself has worked as a DJ in Sydney, London, and Hong Kong, he said, before moving to the U.S. seven years ago. The turntables will be an obvious fixture on entering the restaurant, he added, and a lot of effort has gone into the sound system, designed by New York brand Ojas with a mixer from Australian group Condesa.
“Selfishly, the bar is like a place of all of the things I love, and the ability for me to share that with everyone,” he said. “Surrounding myself with people who want to have fun, want to enjoy themselves, want to meet new people, want to learn new things, and have that experience.”
Bed-Stuy was a natural choice for an opening location, El-Zmetr said, given he lives a couple of blocks from the restaurant and wants to make a contribution to the local area. City records show El-Zmetr through the LLC 304amx Group purchased the three-story building at 306A Malcolm X Blvd. from Bed-Stuy Malcom X Blvd Partners LLC in February this year for $1.65 million.
The future site of Laziza, located at 306A Malcolm X Boulevard in Bed Stuy, promises a unique fusion of food, drinks, and music. Photo by Anna Bradley-Smith“This is definitely going to be a neighborhood joint for people who are in a neighborhood to enjoy, but also for people that are not from the neighborhood to come and experience what we’re about here in Bed-Stuy,” he said.
He said he is already very closely connected to the bar and restaurant owners along the bustling Malcolm X Boulevard corridor, where his immediate neighbors include Dick & Jane’s, Che, and Chez Oskar, given it’s where he eats and drinks currently. He said he wants to bring “my spin, my cultural experience to the table to kind of add to that and share it and contribute to that.”
Laziza has already held a couple of pop-ups in the nearby Milk and Pull coffee shop, which El-Zmetr said proves there is appetite in the neighborhood for another place to hang out and eat.
Just up the road, another Middle Eastern restaurant, Dar525, recently opened, but El-Zmetr said the offering at Laziza will be different with its focus on smaller plates, music, and drinks.
The inspiration for the interiors comes from “dimly lit listening rooms and hi-fi rooms in Tokyo, Japan, and the vibe of taverns in Istanbul,” he said, and he wants that to result in a space where people can hang out for a long time, make friends, and dance. He described the decor as “organized clutter and chaos” with lots of color.
As well as growing up in restaurants, El-Zmetr said he has years of experience working in hospitality, most recently owning Williamsburg ice cream store Republic of Booza, which closed during the pandemic. His dad has come over from Australia to help with the buildout and looking after El-Zmetr’s kids, and his mom will be joining closer to opening. While he said getting ready for the opening is a lot of work, “we have to do what we love.”
Construction workers were at work on the site in late July. El-Zmetr said the plan is to debut in September or October and be open Tuesday through Sunday. Weekdays, the restaurant will open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner, while there will be a brunch service on the weekends. Laziza will close anywhere between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. depending on the night, he said.
The space, formerly occupied by well-known boutique condo developers Brookland Capital, has been empty since the company fell on hard times before the pandemic.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner
A Crown Heights man will spend seven years behind bars for slashing a straphanger’s face on the subway last year.
The defendant, Sean Lewis, was sentenced in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Monday, nearly two months after he pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted assault.
According to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, on the night of May 10, 2023, Lewis was fighting with another man on board a southbound C train when a third man, who was not involved in the spat, moved in to break it up.
Lewis turned toward to the 44-year-old Good Samaritan, who tried to retreat. As the train pulled into the Franklin Avenue station in Bed-Stuy, Lewis walked up to the victim, said “Thank you,” and slashed his face with a sharp object, leaving an eight-inch gash.
The victim fled into the station and later required about 100 stitches to close the wound on the left side of his face. Police identified Lewis on surveillance footage and arrested him the following week.
Lewis will be subject to five years of post-release supervision after his prison sentence is served.
“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for a vicious and unprovoked attack of a stranger riding the subway,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement. “The fact that the victim was simply acting as a Good Samaritan makes the defendant’s behavior in this case especially appalling. We will never tolerate violence in the subway system.”
Citywide, crime in the subway system was down slightly in 2023, according to the NYPD, and continued to trend downward in the first half of 2024, despite a spike in violent incidents at the start of the year that led Gov. Kathy Hochul to deploy the National Guard to help patrol the system.
In January, 45-year-old Richard Henderson was shot and killed on a 3 train at the Franklin Avenue station after he attempted to break up a fight between two commuters. The next month, MTA workers temporarily halted work, seeking assurances of safety, after a conductor was slashed in the neck on an A train at Rockaway Avenue. In March, a 36-year-old man was shot with his own gun during a fight onboard an A train at Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets — an incident police later blamed on fare evasion.
Police have said the decrease in subway crime is due in part to extra police patrolling the system, and that the NYPD has arrested hundreds of people for carrying weapons into the system this year. The city is set to pilot AI metal detectors in subways this summer to further reduce weapons in the subway.
Reporting from the halls of New Utrecht High School, student-run newspaper The Utrecht Pigeon aims to create an outlet where voices that are often disregarded are free to be expressed through poetry, writing and activism.
Last fall, the small staff of the Pigeon, now rising seniors, came together to allow “readers to learn the value of poetry and that there is real importance in student voices,” said original staff member Junjie Chen.
The students have been able to reap the fruits of their labor, as their coverage of requests for elevated bike racks and new trees have been approved.
“The students of The Pigeon truly care about their community,” said editor-in-chief Michael O’Hare. To him, that is“the most heartfelt thing.”
Moises Mejia, a newer member of The Pigeon staff, said being a part of the Pigeon allowed him to break out of his shell, that he has become more expressive and found common ground with readers through sharing his voice.
The Pigeon “brings together a group of students that are able to help each other through the challenges they face,” Chen said, whether it be academically, or emotionally, fostering strong relationships and uplifting work.
New Utrecht High School in Bensonhurst.Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Mel KowalThe paper has a significant focus on poetry, and O’Hare hopes that with this upcoming year, there will be more poetry submissions, as he feels it “greatly impacts people’s hearts and makes one think and meditate on its words, which is especially important for young people.”
Students also have the ability to submit anonymous work which O’Hare said gives students a voice, and empowers them to speak up.
Since its founding just 10 months ago, the paper has distributed hundreds of copies throughout their school and the local community. As the paper expanded so did its reach, highlighting the voices of students, many of those from difficult backgrounds who are searching for a way to tell their stories.
The curious name of the paper, The Utrecht Pigeon, came about when staff were reflecting upon the nature of the neighborhood and their surroundings. Noting the number of pigeons there were, they named their mascot Angel the Messenger Pigeon, and henceforth the title of the paper emerged, showcasing their desire to share a part of themselves with others through their work.
In the coming year, The Utrecht Pigeon staff hopes to expand the types of content they produce, showcase more voices, and increase their audience. Ultimately their mission remains, demonstrating that “student voices matter,” because not only do they have good ideas but they also have so much to share.
If there is one issue that unites New Yorkers from every walk of life, it’s housing.
Our city’s rental vacancy rate is at a historic low of 1.4 percent, which shows how few homes in our city are available for rent; and half of all New Yorkers pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent. The numbers do not lie: our city is facing a housing shortage crisis that effects the cost of living and that must be addressed as swiftly and aggressively as possible.
The solution to this is simple: to build more new, affordable homes and get more people into the housing we already have. I’m proud to say, we have done just that and more AGAIN this past fiscal year. To meet this moment head on, our administration has achieved back-to-back record-breaking years of both creating and connecting New Yorkers to affordable housing.
For the second year in a row, the city has produced the most supportive housing and housing for formerly homeless New Yorkers. And, this year, our administration has also financed the most new affordable homes in history.
Following decades of disinvestment, we have converted 3,678 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) apartments into newly renovated residences. We have delivered on moving a record number of homeless New Yorkers into permanently affordable housing through the highest usage of City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) housing vouchers. And, in total, our city agencies financed a combined 28,944 affordable and public housing units in Fiscal Year 2024 through new construction and preservation initiatives.
This is a game changer for working people, families, immigrants, young people, and others in need.
While today we celebrate our progress, tomorrow we need to get back to work and aim even higher. Our ‘City of Yes for Housing Opportunity’ initiative is another tool we have to produce over 108,000 new homes that our city needs and deserves in the next 15 years. Additionally, we have advanced several robust planning efforts to deliver more than 50,000 units over the next 15 years in the Metro North station area in the Bronx, Central Brooklyn, Midtown South in Manhattan, and Long Island City and Jamaica in Queens. As we work to advance each of these bold proposals, we are calling on our partners at the City Council to help us solve this housing crisis by saying “yes” to more affordable housing.
Just last month, together with Speaker Adams and the City Council, we invested a historic $2 billion in capital funds to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and to public housing at NYCHA. This brings our investment in affordable housing over the current 10-year plan to more than 26-billion-dollars — a new record level. I know the City Council understands the importance of taking action and look forward to our work together.
But while the numbers are impressive, more importantly, behind each of these record-breaking numbers is a human impact and story. I know what it is like to live without the security of housing. Growing up on the edge of homelessness, my siblings and I had to take trash bags full of clothes to school because there were days where we couldn’t be sure where we would sleep that night. That is why, from day one, our administration has been committed to making this city more affordable and livable.
Every day, we are fighting to make sure New Yorkers don’t have to go through what I went through, by building more homes and connecting more New Yorkers to homes we already have. Together, we can and will build a city that is more affordable and more accessible for all.
Flatbush tenants are demanding their landlord and the building’s management company immediately address hazardous housing violations that are negatively impacting their quality of life. They are also calling for compensation for medical expenses due to prolonged exposure to these hazardous conditions.
At a July 25 press conference, residents of 55 East 21st St. — a 60-unit property with mostly rent-stabilized apartments — said they have been dealing with an array of issues, from lead, mold, and collapsed ceilings to no heat or hot water and rodent infestations. Today, many of these issues are affecting their health.
According to New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) records, building owner John Bombson and management company J Wassser Management have been issued 570 violations since 2004, most of them in recent years. In the past two years alone, the building has received 558 complaints.
Tenants of 55 East 21st Street in Flatbush gather at a press conference on July 25, demanding their landlord address hazardous living conditions and compensate them for medical expenses.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannAt one point, the elevator was out for six months, and tenants say they had to carry neighbors with mobility issues down the stairs to attend doctor’s appointments or get groceries.
At least 10 have been on a rent strike for the past year to pressure their landlord to fix the violations. Tenant lawyers have advised them through the process, and the rent money is being held in a savings account.
Most tenants, like rent-striker and building tenant coordinator Walter McQueen, have called 55 E 21st St. home for over 40 years. Holding a stack of HPD violations, McQueen told Brooklyn Paper that the building was pristine when he moved in 1976, and that it all changed when Bombson bought the building in 1982. McQueen said he had mold in his bedroom, affecting his health.
“I went to my primary care doctor two months ago, and she did a blood test and found out I have an allergy,” McQueen said, adding that the landlord often tells HPD that he has made necessary repairs, when he hasn’t.
“HPD is back today to check one of the violations that they’ve checked out at least three times already because the landlord says it’s been fixed,” McQueen told Brooklyn Paper. “So we get this kind of cat-and-mouse game back and forth, back and forth. Meanwhile, nothing gets done.”
Darnell Doreil said the condition of his mother’s apartment was a safety hazard.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannDarnell Doreil’s 72-year-old mother has been a tenant for 39 years. Doreil, who grew up in the building, said he feared for his mother’s safety because the floors in her apartment weren’t level, presenting a tripping hazard, and the ceiling fell on her.
“I had to advocate for her to rent strike on her behalf because I’ve watched the population of the tenants of this building get older, my mother as well,” Doreil said.
Doreil pointed out that some tenants have used their money and time to repair issues in their apartments, like Calvin Baldwin, who fixed the kitchen plumbing in his apartment.
“At this point, we’ve all reached a capacity [where] we don’t want to do that anymore,” Doreil said. “It doesn’t make sense to invest in a building where the landlord is not keeping up their end of the bargain.”
Long-term tenant leader Keisha went on a rent strike because she said a lease is a contract, and while she was paying rent, the landlord didn’t keep up his end of the bargain by refusing to make necessary repairs.
At one point, tenants say, the elevator was out of service for six months.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann One tenant has a gaping hole in her kitchen floor.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannKeisha’s apartment, where she lives with her kids, has mold and lead. She had her kids tested for lead and will have to continue to have them tested regularly.
Cheryl Goddard has been a resident for 50 years. She said it was a “good building” until the owner changed.
In addition to lead complaints, Goddard has reported a mold odor seeping into her second-floor apartment from the unit below her, which has been vacant for years.
“I called management, no response,” Goddard alleged. “I spoke to the super; he does not want to go [in there] because of health issues.”
Pointing at the peeling paint of the front entrance and the dilapidated railings, Goddard said, “Nothing is being done, but I’m paying my rent. Where is my service? If I don’t pay my rent, he’s taking me to court. I’m truly fed up with them at this point.”
Mold and water damage are visible in a resident’s apartment, where the ceiling is also buckling.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Walter McQueen has health issues because of mold in his apartment.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannCalvin Baldwin, a tenant since the late ’80s, told Brooklyn Paper that on Dec. 5, 2023, at 5:30 a.m., water was leaking from the bedroom ceiling, the bathroom walls and ceiling, and the outlets. He called the fire department, which turned off the power due to the unsafe situation. The ceiling in the bedroom collapsed, leaving a hole about 6 feet by 4 feet wide. Baldwin said he could have been hit by the debris.
Baldwin said the landlord and the management never responded, and HPD eventually made the necessary repairs.
“We always had rats, roaches, leaks, mold,” Baldwin said. “[Bombson and J Wasser Management] don’t do anything. It gets frustrating, but I usually don’t back down because I understand the court system.”
Baldwin, who was taken to housing court by Bombson over money he supposedly owed — and won the case — stressed the importance of keeping records and documenting hazardous apartment and building conditions.
“You have to keep your receipts, and that’s something tenants need to understand,” Baldwin said. “You have rights. As one of my fellow attendees said, a lease is a contract. I’m holding up my end of the contract. You’re not!”
55 E. 21st St. in Flatbush has had over 500 building complaints in the past two years.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannShahelle Martinez, community organizer of the Flatbush Tenant Coalition, said there has also been significant tenant harassment.
“I have a couple of tenants who have come to me from the building who are actively organizing, saying they’re being threatened with court action for money they don’t owe,” Martinez said. “The landlord often uses frivolous non-payment cases to intimidate tenants from organizing.”
J Wasser Management did not respond to Brooklyn Paper’s request for comment.
Kings County is bursting with potential pets looking for their fur-ever homes, and they’re coming to Brooklyn Borough Hall on Saturday for the third annual Adopt A Shelter Animal event hosted by Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
On July 27, animal lovers will be able to meet dozens of adoptable critters from Animal Care Centers of NYC, the ASPCA, Badass Animal Rescue, Flatbush Cats, and Hearts & Bones Rescue. Adoption applications and services will be available on site, so new pet parents can bring their four-legged friends home right away.
Brooklynites can take home their new forever friends from the event on July 27. File photo courtesy of Hilda Rodriguez/Badass Animal Rescue“When New York City animal rescues are working around the clock to care for an uptick of animals in need of a home, I’m proud to host Borough Hall’s third Adopt-a-Shelter-Animal with the help of some incredible local rescues and animal welfare groups,” Reynoso said in a statement. “It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend your Saturday than meeting some of the most adorable cats and dogs in the best borough.”
Pet adoptions and fosters surged during the pandemic as Brooklynites, stuck at home, sought out animal companionship. But those numbers dropped in 2021, and shelters have been dealing with overcrowding ever since.
According to Gothamist, quarterly dog adoptions at ACC have dropped by more than half since 2018, and only 311 dogs were adopted from the organization in the first quarter of 2024. ACC’s Brooklyn shelter closed for renovations earlier this month, and the animals there have been transferred to the organization’s new facility in Queens.
The cost of pet ownership in New York City is one of the leading factors for the drop in adoptions, along with the cost of housing and the difficulty tenants can face finding a pet-friendly apartment.
Will Zweigart, founder of Flatbush Cats, said more support is needed for affordable vet clinics. File photo courtesy of Flatbush CatsWill Zweigart, executive director of Flatbush Cats, said the city “can’t adopt our way out of a shelter crisis.”
“New York City shelters have been overcrowded for decades. Let’s start addressing the root cause: lack of affordable access to veterinary care,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “We opened our first nonprofit vet clinic Flatbush Vet last year, and could expand this model further with city support. When more community members have the resources they need to keep the pets they have, we’ll need fewer rescue groups and adoption events.”
But, for now, adoption events and foster parents are critical to easing the load on shelters and giving the animals a happier life.
“Anyone thinking about adoption should come to the event and meet all the wonderful animals waiting for a home,” said Katy Hansen, Director of Marketing & Communications at ACC.
She encouraged those who can’t adopt right now, or don’t know if they’re ready for a pet, to try out fostering.
“Fostering gives the animals a chance to decompress out of the busy shelter space,” she said. “ It’s also a great way to see if your lifestyle lends itself to having a pet before making the full-time commitment of adoption.”
Even temporarily fostering an animal is helpful, Hansen said. File photo courtesy of Animal Care Centers of NYCEach of the participating organizations — ACC, Flatbush Cats, Hearts & Bones, Badass Animal Rescue and the ASPCA — list their adoptable animals online, so prospective pet parents can check out available animals and adoption applications ahead of time.
“I hope people from all across Brooklyn will come by, help a shelter animal in need, and take home a friend for life,” Reynoso said. “And if you’re on the fence… just come by and these adorable cats and dogs will convince you otherwise!”
Adopt-A-Shelter Animal will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon St. at the corner of Court Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Bay Ridge residents officially welcomed the neighborhood’s newest street mural with a ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling on Wednesday.
The “Welcome to Bay Ridge” mural on 86th Street, near the corner of Gatling Place, memorializes some of the neighborhood’s most prominent figures, including Albert King, Chef Rawia of Tanoreen, Chuck Connors, John Travolta and Karen Lynn Gorney, Pee Wee Reese, and Lordz of Brooklyn, in a fresh and vibrant way.
Michael McLeer, the artist known locally as Mr. Kaves and the mastermind behind the piece, credits his Bay Ridge upbringing as the inspiration for the mural.
“My grandmother grew up here. Bay Ridge has always been an inspiration for me as a child. I fell in love with the Verrazzano Bridge. It became a beacon of hope for us as kids,” he said. “I picked up a spray can and found a voice; it all happened in Bay Ridge.”
Kaves and the other supporting artists wanted to honor various parts of Brooklyn culture and couldn’t do so without including nods to aspects that put Brooklyn on the map, like the film “Saturday Night Fever” and former sports giants, the Brooklyn Dodgers.
“My work is all about the landscape of Brooklyn and the struggle. In that struggle, we made something beautiful and that’s how I look at the mural,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “It’s a celebration of Bay Ridge — past, present and future.”
Kaves’ mural celebrates the cultural heritage and big names with ties to Bay Ridge.Photo by Arthur de GaetaCommunity members, including Council Member Justin Brannan and former NBA player Albert King, who is featured in the graffiti, welcomed the mural with open arms on Wednesday.
Kaves said the warm reception fuels his plans to introduce more celebratory murals in Bay Ridge in the future.
Brannan, the Brooklyn Nets, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and Services, and Thrive Collective, a project-based arts group, teamed up in support of the project and helped it come to fruition.
Other designers behind the mural included collaborators Donna McLeer and Bella Kozyreva, and contributing artists Adam McLeer, Pelumi Khadijat Ayeni, Andrea Amanda and Anthony Cozzolino.
Kaves may have led the project, but all agreed: it’s the Bay Ridge neighborhood that benefits most from this celebration of local history.
A Bay Ridge native celebrated one of his newest murals “Welcome to Brooklyn” which honors prominent figures.Photo by Arthur De Gaeta
A flag that appeared to be that of the Taliban — the infamous terrorist group and current government of Afghanistan — had been removed from a Brighton Beach home on Wednesday morning, the day after a local politician criticized it online.
In a video posted online by Council Member Inna Vernikov on July 23, the flag is visible waving on a flagpole outside the home, above a Palestinian flag. A spokesperson for Vernikov said the clip was filmed on July 22.
The flags were visible in a video and photo posted online on July 23. Screenshot courtesy of Council Member Inna Vernikov/XWhite with black Arabic script, the flag appears to be that of the Taliban, which had previously ruled Afghanistan before 9/11, and was responsible for giving Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda safe harbor to plot the terrorist attacks.
The U.S. and coalition forces ousted the Taliban from power in the months that followed, but the Taliban continued to fight a guerilla war for control of Afghanistan for two decades. The Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 after U.S. and other coalition forces withdrew from the country.
When it rose to power, the group replaced the country’s old tri-color national flag with its own, which had previously been used during Taliban rule of the country between 1991-2001.
“My constituents called me terrified, because there is a Jewish day school just a block away from here, there is a synagogue down that block, there are daycares in this neighborhood, and we have terrorist supporters living amongst us,” Vernikov said in the video.
Modern Afghanistan has been hostile for Jewish people. According to The Guardian, there was a thriving Jewish population of at least 40,000 people as recently as the late 1800s, but it has been dwindling since then. Many Afghan Jews moved to Israel after the country was established in 1948, and Zebulon Simentov, believed to be the last Jewish person in the country, left in 2021. Afghan leaders have historically supported Palestine, but its leaders have remained largely quiet in the face of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The Taliban harbored al-Qaeda operatives — including its leader, Osama bin Laden — before and after the 9/11 attacks. The regime was quickly dismantled after the U.S. and its allies invaded the country in 2001, but quickly regained strength and began taking back Afghan land while U.S. forces were still stationed in the country.
A nearby home in Brighton Beach displays the Israeli flag. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannAfter U.S. and NATO forces withdrew in 2021, the Afghan government fell to the Taliban, which reinstated a brutal regime described by the Council on Foreign Relations as “[threatening] Afghans’ civil and political rights.” The group has crushed freedom of the press, instituted strict interpretations of religious law, and stripped women’s rights.
Vernikov claimed the U.S. immigration policies would allow support for groups like the Taliban to continue to spread.
In a post on X, the council member claimed “Open border policies allow for this and the Democrat party encourages it,” and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris — who is also the presumptive Democratic nominee for president — for her actions as the country’s “border czar.”
Republicans have slammed Harris for what they say is a failure to secure the country’s border, but the vice president was never appointed as “border czar” — rather, she was tasked with examining and improving conditions in El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. In May, the Biden administration had supported a bipartisan border security bill which Senate Republicans blocked at the insistence of presidential nominee Donald Trump. Biden would subsequently issue executive orders slowing border crossings.
When Brooklyn Paper visited the Brighton Beach home on the morning of July 24, the flag was gone. Attempts to contact the homeowners were unsuccessful.
Book vendor Igor, who was waiting for customers on Brighton Beach Avenue, told Brooklyn Paper on Wednesday morning that his friend told him about the Taliban flag display.
“It is not really good news because a lot of countries have declared [the Taliban] a terrorist organization,” Igor said. “I think it is not acceptable.”
The home where the flag was hung is located on a quiet, residential street. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannSome residents, though, were not bothered. One said that while the flag does represent an extremist group, he felt the U.S. is a “free country,” where people could put up whichever flag they wished. Another said he is from a different country, and has put up his own flag at home.
Faton, a local who asked to be identified by first name only, said he hadn’t seen the flag but did not care if someone had it up.
“If they’re gonna up the flag [of] Palestine or Ukraine, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “For me, it’s fine, why not? This is a free country.”
Vernikov said she was “happy that our exposé led to these homeowners taking down the terrorist flag that they were flying so proudly.”
“There is NO EXCUSE to publicly support terrorism,” she said. “It’s a slap in the face to every American, military member, and otherwise who was murdered under that flag.”
Fifteen-year NBA veteran and Brooklyn native Taj Gibson is giving back to his community.
On July 22, the former Knicks player and his childhood friends, Tameek Floyd and Malik Brown, announced the launch of GFB Development, a “community-driven” real estate development firm. The founders said GFB aims to bring affordable housing and community spaces to underserved areas and improve the quality of life for low-income families by providing them with resources and opportunities.
Their first project will be a multi-use real estate development at 240 Nassau St. in Fort Greene, the former location of the Navy Yard Clubhouse. The development will include affordable housing and community spaces.
GFB partnered with Brooklyn-based Alloy Development, which purchased the property from the embattled Madison Square Boys and Girls Club in November 2023 for $15 million, to turn the development, still in its planning stages, into reality.
GFB is partnering with Alloy Development to build out the former Boys & Girls Club on Nassau Street. Photo courtesy of Google MapsThe property is currently zoned for up to 59,321 square feet of residential development. An Alloy spokesperson said Alloy and GFB “plan to submit a rezoning application later this year to increase the development rights at the site.” However, the spokesperson said the scale of the project, the number of housing units, or how it will be financed are not yet determined.
Since acquiring the property, Alloy has held more than 50 meetings with community organizations, nearby NYCHA tenant associations, elected officials, and neighbors to discuss the site’s future. Both firms will continue hosting regular meetings to gather input from residents of the nearby NYCHA communities of Farragut, Ingersoll, and Walt Whitman.
Gibson, Floyd and Brown grew up in Ingersoll Houses, and their experience in NYCHA housing shaped their vision of building a firm that provides stability and safe spaces. The trio believes community engagement is essential.
“This project will rethink and reopen a vital neighborhood resource informed directly by the needs of this community. Because when residents are involved in planning for the future of their neighborhood, it makes for better outcomes for everyone,” Gibson said in a statement. “There’s so much work to do, and we’re ready to do our part.”
Gibson, who just signed a one-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets, described growing up in NYCHA housing as “a blessing and a curse.”
“It made me who I am today, but I’ve also seen how limited resources and poor housing conditions can take a toll on families,” he said. “We want to do our part in changing that cycle.”
Floyd said the firm is focused on making a difference in their community.
“Development should be about meeting the community where they are and upgrading the quality of life for all people,” Floyd said.
Brown sees the project as an opportunity to help people like him who still live in NYCHA and deserve a better life.
“I always wondered why my people who live in Ingersoll aren’t evolving with the surrounding community – it’s because they’ve been left behind,” he said. “This project is all about investing in the spaces and housing that will strengthen ties between Ingersoll, Farragut, and Walt Whitman for decades to come.”
Alloy Development has a strong track record of local hiring and community engagement in Brooklyn, most recently as part of its mixed-use Alloy Block project in Downtown Brooklyn. The project, still under construction, will include the city’s first two Passive House public schools: a new Khalil Gibran International Academy high school and a new public elementary school.
Firefighters rescued 11 residents and two firefighters sustained minor injuries during a two-alarm fire in Sunset Park on Tuesday night.
Units from the Sunset Park 40th Battalion arrived at 881 Fifth Ave. shortly after 8:45 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the second floor and spreading to the third floor of the four-story mixed-use building. Firefighters quickly deployed a ground ladder to bring the victims to safety. Six civilians were transported to area hospitals for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters rescue residents from the four-story building at 881 Fifth Ave. during a two-alarm fire in Sunset Park. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell“There was smoke pouring out from the windows when the firefighters arrived,” witness Carlos Baez told Brooklyn Paper. “They moved very quickly.”
Several residents were seen holding their pets and personal belongings on the sidewalk.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about an hour.Photo by Lloyd MitchellIn total, just over 100 firefighters responded to the scene and used two hose lines to control the main body of the fire. The blaze was brought under control at 9:50 p.m. The FDNY Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the cause and origin of the fire.
Community members in Clinton Hill and neighboring Fort Greene are seeing red after back-to-back shootings near a crowded migrant shelter on Sunday night.
The carnage began when the first victim, 30-year-old Arturo Jose Rodriguez-Marcano, was fatally shot in the chest near the Steuben Playground at the corner of Flushing Avenue and Steuben Street across from the Brooklyn Navy Yard at about 11:44 p.m. after an argument. Minutes later, his suspected killer opened fire outside a migrant shelter a few blocks away, at 29 Ryerson St., fatally shooting 21-year-old Enny DeJesus Urbina Mendez and critically injuring a 59-year-old man.
Detectives combed the areas outside the Ryerson Street shelter. Photo by Lloyd MitchellPolice initially believed the incidents were unrelated, but are now searching for a man caught on surveillance video they now believe is responsible for both July 21 shootings.
The shootings were unsurprising to some locals, many of whom said they have been protesting the neighborhood’s 3,000-person men’s-only shelter on Hall Street for a year, citing safety concerns due to its size. The 387-bed shelter on Ryerson Street, where Urbina Mendez was shot, opened earlier this year, further exacerbating existing issues in the nabe.
“These shelters are too big to be safe for both the residents and the community trying to welcome them,” one nearby resident said at a July 23 rally near the corner of Myrtle and Hall streets.
Community members rally in Clinton Hill following a fatal double shooting near a migrant shelter on Sunday night. Locals have been protesting the shelter’s size, citing safety concerns. Photo by Lloyd MitchellShelter residents have said the facility is crowded and conditions are poor. New rules implemented this spring mean most adult asylum-seekers can only stay in shelters for 30 days. A number of men who have been forced to leave the shelters in Clinton Hill have been sleeping in nearby parks, including at Steuben Playground.
Community members claim they have received little to no support from city officials, such as Mayor Eric Adams and Council Member Crystal Hudson. Locals further assert that crime, theft and violence are rapidly increasing in the area — and that they’ve had enough.
To address it, local resident Tim Wolf that the city should focus on building more shelters, “instead of cramming 4,000 people” into one.
“This isn’t working like they envisioned. These people need help,” another protester added. “Hopefully someone at City Hall makes this change.”
Residents of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene rally on July 23, demanding increased safety measures after two deadly shootings near a local migrant shelter. Photo by Lloyd MitchellIn an open letter to Mayor Eric Adams, Hudson said in May that her community has received “no material support” from City Hall since the shelters opened. Thousands of new neighbors crammed into a small space means more trash, more “neighborly disputes,” and more use of city facilities like Parks, Hudson wrote, and the nabe needs more funding and support services.
As of July 14, Clinton Hill’s 88th Precinct had only seen one homicide and two shootings this year, according to Police Department data.
In a statement Tuesday, a spokesperson for Hudson said their office had been told that the third victim — still unidentified by police — is believed to be a resident of the Hall Street Humanitarian Emergency Response & Relief Center.
Community members embrace at the rally. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell“Our office remains in communication with the Mayor’s Office and the NYPD as the investigation unfolds and have been informed that there will be additional law enforcement presence in the area,” the spokesperson said. “We mourn this senseless loss of life and remain committed to fighting all gun violence across our city.”
The mayor’s office did not respond to a request for comment. According to Gothamist, when asked about the shelters at a press briefing on Tuesday, Adams said the city is “out of room” for migrants and shelters.
“Which community should I move it in? Those who are already oversaturated? Or should we all share the burden of this? No one wants this,” he said.
Nearly 200,000 migrants have moved through New York City’s shelter system since 2022, and the city has opened more than 200 shelters to house them — including at least 17 HERRCs, like the Hall Street shelter. More than 65,000 migrants slept in city shelters during the month of June, according to a census maintained by the city Comptroller.
Additional reporting by Dean Moses and Kirstyn Brendlen
Brooklyn’s Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries became the latest powerful Democrats on Capitol Hill to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid to become president,
The top two U.S. Democratic congressional leaders announced their enthusiastic support for Harris to be their party’s presidential nominee, the pair told reporters on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries ended days of questions over whether they would join the growing number of Democrats in supporting Harris’s bid for the party nomination for the Nov. 5 election.
“We are brimming with excitement, enthusiasm, unity,” Schumer said at a press announcement with Jeffries on July 23.
President Joe Biden dropped his bid for reelection on Sunday amid worries that he no longer had the physical or mental stamina to wage what is expected to be a grueling race against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Harris told Schumer on Sunday that she “wanted the opportunity to win the nomination on her own,” the Senate majority leader said at a press conference held outside the Democratic campaign headquarters.
“Now that the process has played out, from the grassroots bottom up, we are here today to throw our support behind Vice President Kamala Harris,” Schumer said.
Jeffries, the House minority leader, shared many of the same sentiments with Schumer. He said Harris “is ready, willing and able to lead us into the future.”
“Kamala Harris and her candidacy has excited and energized the House Democratic Caucus, the Democratic Party and the nation,” he said, calling her “a common-sense leader who knows how to deliver real results.”
A majority of Democratic Party delegates committed on Monday to voting for Harris at the party’s roll call vote that is expected in early August.
Whatever knowledge Brooklynites are looking for is surely housed at the Brooklyn Public Library, which circulates thousands of books of all genres and on all topics. But finding the right book isn’t always easy — which is where BPL’s expert librarians come in.
In the middle of a dramatic and rapidly-changing presidential election campaign, the Brooklyn Public Library has curated a list of books to give Brooklynites a baseline understanding of the current political climate ahead of Election Day on Nov. 5.
The timely list offers current and historical context for American politics and elections. File photo by Kevin DugganThe stakes for the 2024 election were already high after a tumultuous few years in the U.S., but have ratcheted up in the past few weeks.
On July 12, a gunman attempted to assassinate former president Donald J. Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. Days later, at the Republican National Convention, Trump accepted his party’s nomination as presidential candidate and announced his running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance.
Then, on Sunday, the Democratic party faced its own reckoning – President Joe Biden dropped out of the race following weeks of scrutiny of his performance at the June 27 presidential debate. Biden and a number of high-level Dems have endorsed Kamala Harris as the party’s nominee, but nothing will be finalized until the Democratic National Convention next month.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally, July 20, 2024, days after an assassination attempt. Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Evan Vucci, FILETimes are, for sure, unprecedented. American politics are confusing enough, even in a normal year — inter-party politics, the conventions, the popular vote…it’s complicated. BPL librarians frequently make recommendations for individual readers, but now they’ve stepped up to make those recommendations for all Brooklynites.
The appropriately-timed 14-book list, titled “Books to Contextualize This Week in Politics,” is “a starting point for understanding these complex topics,” according to BPL.
Some books offer wider context for recent events — showing that some things are not as unprecedented as we may have thought. “1968: The Year that Rocked the World” and “The Year the Dream Died: Revisiting 1968 in America” both focus on the events of the 1968 election, the last time an incumbent president — Lyndon B. Johnson — dropped out of the race.
Other titles serve as sort of a crash-course on presidential elections, like “Presidential Elections: Strategies and Structures of American Politics,” a nonfiction book that offers a “comprehensive overview of the presidential election process” and “The Electoral College and the Popular Vote,” an anthology about the curation and purpose of the institution and arguments in support of and against it.
President Joe Biden in Delaware days after pulling out of the 2024 presidential election. AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)Librarians have also selected three books about the major players in the upcoming election — “Trump’s First Year,” by Michael Nelson; “The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Struggle for America’s Future,” by Franklin Foer; and “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey,” by Kamala Harris.
The list includes broader titles to give some current and historical context to recent events, like “How Did We Get Here?: From Theodore Roosevelt to Donald Trump” and “Why We’re Polarized.” There’s even an illustrated guide to voting in the U.S. for kids, “Drawing the Vote.”
The full list is available online, where readers with BPL cards can check out the titles or add their names to the waitlist. Brooklynites can find additional titles at their local branch, or use BPL’s online Book Match service to have a librarian curate a personal list of books.
It seems alarming, but it’s true: Apartment building insurance has increased 20 percent every year for the last two years. Here’s why:
- All types of insurance, including umbrella insurance, are experiencing significant rate increases.
- Reinsurance problems due to increased catastrophic losses (e.g., hurricanes and fires) have driven up rates.
- Reinsurers raise their rates, and carriers then pass them down to consumers.
- Insurers are facing substantial losses in their multi-family business, particularly on the liability side.
- Property owners are increasingly being found liable for covered losses occurring on their properties.
- Some insurers have been forced to leave the market entirely due to these losses. Fewer carriers in the market lead to reduced competition and higher prices.
But there’s good news:
A three-year prepaid policy from Brownstone Agency locks in this year’s rate until 2027. There is no other agency that provides that product. (For the record: Others have tried, but they don’t have the experience of Brownstone Agency, which has been doing this since the 1970s.)
To protect your investment, reach out to Brownstone Agency today and inquire about locking in a low rate with their three-year prepaid policy.
This summer is about to heat up even more as the 2024 Paris Olympics kick off this Friday, July 26. To fully capture the spirit, national pride and excitement of the games, finding the right viewing spot is essential. The perfect sports bar offers not only great food and drinks for you to enjoy but an electric atmosphere where you and your friends can cheer on your favorite team.
If you live or find yourself in Brooklyn during this cannot miss sporting season, take a look at our list of the six best Brooklyn sports bars where you can watch your favorite team take home the gold.
Banter132 Havemeyer St. in Williamsburg
In the city that never sleeps, soccer does not either. Banter was fully booked during the Copa America and Euro soccer games these past weeks, with people packed inside and forming a crowd outside just to get a glimpse at one of their enormous flat-screen TVs.
Banter will be showing all of the upcoming USA women’s and men’s soccer games live with the excitement kicking off this Friday at 1 p.m. during the opening ceremony celebration. All other Olympic Games will be available for viewing at Banter when soccer is not broadcasting live. With over 24 beers on tap, trivia on Wednesdays and new food deals almost every week, Banter is a go-to bar for soccer and all sports viewing parties.
BK Backyard Bar86 N. 11th St. in Williamsburg
The extensive drink menu features Backyard Beer Buckets, canned and hand-crafted cocktails, and wine and spirits by the glass or bottle. Emphasizing their local Williamsburg community, BK Backyard Bar hosts top talents from Brooklyn’s nightlife scene including drag performers, dog meetups and of course, sports-watching matchups.
With more than 25 TVs, a 24,000 sq. ft. backyard oasis and a beach volleyball court, there is always something new and exciting to experience at Brooklyn’s self-proclaimed “largest adult playground.” Whether on the court, at the bar or in a private cabana, join BK Backyard Bar this week to catch the opening ceremony and all scheduled events for this summer’s Olympic Games.
IV Purpose1498 Fulton St. in Bedford-Stuyvesant
This family-run leading Penn State Bar is a testament to black excellence and culture “not just on the field but also at the table.” Partnered with the New York Knicks and the New York City Football Club, IV Purpose (pronounced For Purpose) plans to make every Olympic event feel like its own celebration.
Known for their hot chicken sandwiches, oxtail sliders, frozen drinks and spiked lemonades, IV Purpose hosts a diverse menu complete with delicious bites and well-paired beers and cocktails. Do not miss out on $1 Wing Wednesdays which is happening all year long at IV Purpose. Pair your favorite type of wing for just one dollar each with your favorite Olympic event this summer.
The Commissioner247 5th Ave. in Park Slope
Weekly low-key happy hours, Soccer Sunday’s and non-stop Saturday dance parties make The Commissioner a must-visit bar this sporting season. Opening early for the Copa America and Euro soccer games, the Park Slope watering hole plans to do the same for the Olympic Games.
“We had people bringing in their laptops, working from the bar and watching the games,” said bar owner Brendan Byrnes.
Live music will be playing out front every Saturday for the remainder of July, and there are plenty of year-round special events like a photo booth, shuffleboard, darts and jenga and other board games. Enjoy brunch every weekend with a live DJ and great bar food every single day paired with a tasty, local beer on tap.
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Fulton Hall250 Ashland Pl. in Fort Greene
Just up the street from the Barclays Center, shoot some pool at Fulton Hall’s opening ceremony happy hour complete with beer and homemade white and red sangria specials throughout this year’s Olympic Games. Whether you are pre or post-gaming a Liberty game, pair your experience with classic bar food like buffalo wings, fried pickle chips, fried chicken sandwiches and so much more.
Whether you are a booth, barstool, or picnic bench person, there are plenty of seats with great views of the TVs where you can enjoy your favorite match this summer. You can also celebrate upcoming national holidays at Fulton Hall this summer like National Scotch Day on July 27, National Chicken Wing Day on July 29 and National IPA Day on Aug. 1.
Kent Ale House 51 Kent Ave. in Williamsburg
“Whether you’re a sports fan or just looking for a great place to hang out with friends, Kent Ale House has something for everyone,” said General Manager Clive Ashe. Featuring a new beer every week from small, local breweries and known for their tasty house cocktails and frozen margaritas, the extensive drink and food menu at Kent Ale House is perfect for game time and chill time hangouts.
A beautiful view of the NYC skyline is always available whether you are at the bar seated on woodwork furniture imported from Ireland or enjoying a breezy summer day at the outdoor seating options. All-day happy hours and mystery beer and shot combos are just the tip of the deals iceberg that Kent Ale House offers every single day. Going all out for the Euro and Copa America soccer and World Cup of Cricket games, Kent Ale House is excited to be the go-to bar in Williamsburg for all of your Olympic Games viewing plans.
Did your favorite Brooklyn sports bar make the list? Where do you plan on enjoying the Olympic Games this summer? Email us, leave us a comment or share on social media where you’ll be viewing the sporting event of the summer with your go-to drink and bar food favorites.
An exciting prospect for ramen lovers, beloved East Village restaurant Okiboru is joining the 21 other eateries currently featured at Time Out Market New York.
Founders Justin Lim and Sean Park traveled Japan, where they learned about the various styles of ramen, and even trained under Tokyo’s top chefs to master the art of tsukemen, a form of ramen where the noodles are served on the side of the broth intended for dipping.
The pair went on to open Okiboru’s first location in Los Angeles in 2018, where their fresh noodles — made onsite daily — in combination with their deliciously rich broths landed them a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2019. Okiboru first hit the streets of New York in 2023 and will now join the lineup of specially curated chefs, restaurants, and drinks at the popular Dumbo market.
Lim said that he and Park are “thrilled to join Time Out Market New York,” calling it “a food and cultural market that is popular with both locals and visitors – thanks to its curation of the best of the city and fantastic atmosphere.”
“We can’t wait to serve our tsukemen and ramen to all and delight our guests in this part of New York City,” Lim said.
Okiboru’s new location will feature a menu focused on chicken broth, with dishes such as Tan Tan Tsukemen and Tori Paitan Ramen.
Time Out Market New York boasts more than just delicious foods. The buzzing Water Street hangout also hosts experiences such as cooking classes, live entertainment and installations from local artists. Located right near the water, it also offers amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Okiboru is set to open on Saturday, July 27 at Time Out Market New York, Located at 55 Water St.
A “slip” of Bedford Avenue in Greenpoint has been transformed into a temporarily-permanent pedestrian plaza during the six-week shutdown of the G train.
The northernmost part of Bedford Avenue, which cuts diagonally between Nassau and Manhattan avenues, closed to vehicle traffic on June 28 and will stay that way until Aug. 12. For those six weeks, the roadway — known locally as the Bedford Slip — will act instead as a pedestrian plaza, with planters, tables and chairs and programming.
The city’s Department of Transportation opted to close the roadway during the shutdown to ease bus traffic on Manhattan Avenue, especially for the shuttle bus that’s temporarily replacing the G train.
But some locals hope the pedestrian plaza will remain for much longer than six weeks.
The plaza is temporarily filled with planters and tables and chairs. Photo courtesy of Josh KatzThe Bedford Slip sits just north of McCarren Park, at the convergence of Nassau Avenue, Bedford Avenue, and Lorimer Street, and is one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the nabe.
It’s also historically been fairly dangerous. In 2018, DOT overhauled the intersection with new pedestrian safety improvements after eleven people were injured there between 2012 and 2016. Even after those improvements, six crashes resulting in eight injuries were reported at the intersection between 2019 and 2024, per NYC Crashmapper — including a 2020 crash that left a pedestrian severely injured.
Activists say a permanent pedestrian plaza on Bedford Avenue between Nassau and Manhattan would make locals safer and bring some vibrancy to the neighborhood where now there are only cars.
“The look and feel of the space has increased the quality of life,” said Katie Denny Horowitz, executive director of the North Brooklyn Parks Alliance.
Before, illegal vendors often set up shop on the “bulb out” section of the street, which was irritating local business owners and making an already-dicey situation worse for drivers and pedestrians.
When they got word that DOT was ready to move forward with a six-week pedestrian plaza, NBK Parks, which sponsors the open street, jumped into action to procure planters and tables and chairs.
“It really has opened up the space so you can see, at this point, instead of a backup of cars and confusion and congestion of people, what you’re seeing is a lot of plant life and people enjoying the space,” Horowitz said.
Over the years, reception to the idea of a permanent plaza has been mixed. Some businesses on Bedford Avenue have hung signs opposing the plan in their windows, citing concerns about congestion, parking, and the impact on their livelihoods. An online petition against the Bedford Slip has garnered nearly 500 signatures.
A sign advocating against the Slip in a local shop window in January 2024. Photo by Kirstyn BrendlenAt the same time, more than 2,500 people have signed a petition in support of making the plaza permanent, and nearly 500 of those signatures came after the June 28 implementation of the Slip.
Benji Lampert, a volunteer who has been advocating for the slip since 2021, said reception seems “really positive.”
“I think change is a really scary thing, it is a very reasonable thing to not know how your business will be affected by a major change like this,” he said. “Now that the businesses are seeing that it’s not a catastrophe … it has made things a lot calmer and cleaner and more welcoming, I think it’s created some positive sentiment there.”
NBK Parks and other local groups have hosted block parties, movie nights, back-to-school festivals, and other events on the Slip over the years.
DOT’s decision to close the Slip for six weeks came suddenly, just days before the closure, so the groups haven’t had much time to plan activities, Lampert said, but hope to host some discussions, clothing swaps, book giveaways, and other events before Aug. 12.
After Aug. 12, Lampert said he would like to see the DOT opt to transition the Slip into a permanent plaza.
A photo of the entrance to the Bedford Slip, at left, before the plaza was installed. Photo courtesy of Google Maps“The community is showing up, and they’re saying unequivocally ‘We want it to stay a pedestrian plaza,’” he said. “I think, with the support of this community and with our elected officials, we can convince DOT to let it stay.”
DOT representative Vincent Barone said closing the slip during the G train closure would help buses move through the area more quickly and would “not only speed up riders’ commutes, but also enhance safety and create new public space for all to enjoy,” but did not comment on the possibility of the Slip being made permanent.
Horowitz said NBK Parks would be able to add some more permanent features to the Slip if it were made permanent, rather than setting up and putting away chairs and tables every night. The organization would continue to maintain and support the plaza, which she said would be a “nice complement” to other plazas and open spaces in the nabe.
Open Streets and pedestrian plazas not only open up space for pedestrians to walk and recreate, she said, but provide respite for birds and insects — like bees — making long journeys between city parks.
“It’s just been a very busy and often contentious space with a history of traffic violence,” Horowitz said of the Bedford Slip. “So, the ability to rethink how it’s used and be able to extend its use in a more thoughtful way, I think, is beneficial to the neighborhood. Not everyone’s going to agree on how to use it, but I think this moment of really thinking about all the users and how it could increase the quality of life for the neighborhood at large is a good opportunity.”
Two Brooklyn men have been sentenced to prison for scheming and robbing a 94-year-old woman of nearly $227,000.
Humberto Nunez of Clinton Hill and Mahilima Baa of Stuyvesant Heights were convicted on Tuesday of second-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal possession of stolen property. They were each sentenced to up to three years in prison.
“These defendants targeted an individual who is among the most vulnerable of our population — a 94-year-old woman — while pretending to be neighborly and helpful,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement. “Fortunately, their scheme was unraveled, and they have now been held accountable.”
Nunez lived a few doors down from the elderly victim, Rose Kane, occasionally ran errands for her, and was allegedly given power of attorney by her in July 2019 before she became incapacitated, moved into a nursing home, and needed a court-appointed guardian.
Between July 2019 and January 2020, the two defendants stole more than $50,000 from a former business account associated with Kane’s business.
In November 2019, Nunez and Baa stole $175,000 from a reverse mortgage the victim had been using since 2009. Baa also opened two credit cards using the victim’s name and personal details, including her Social Security Number, added himself as an authorized user to her accounts, and stole an additional $20,000, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. He used the money on a rental car, furniture, office supplies, alcohol, and more.
Despite claiming the funds would be used to repair the victim’s home, Nunez used the money to make credit card payments and personal purchases. The men were arrested and arraigned in 2022.
“These men took advantage of an elderly woman, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars out from under her,” said Charge Freaney, special agent in charge with the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office. “Crimes like these that affect the most vulnerable among us are abhorrent…”
Baa was additionally convicted of two counts of first-degree identity theft.
Both defendants were sentenced to an indeterminate term of one to three years in prison. The length of their incarceration will be determined by their behavior while in custody.
Brooklyn detectives are looking for two suspects who allegedly stabbed a man after they made crass comments about his girlfriend earlier this month.
According to law enforcement sources, the incident unfolded on July 6 at around 2:10 a.m. when the victim, a 27-year-old man, got into a physical altercation with two other men in front of 662 Washington Ave. in Crown Heights.
Police said the victim was with his girlfriend on a sidewalk waiting for their Uber car to arrive when he overheard the perps, who were standing nearby, making remarks about his girlfriend. One of the suspects is alleged to have been video recording the woman while making the crude comments, police said.
Growing concerned for his girlfriend’s privacy, the victim approached the suspects to get them to stop the harassment. A physical fight ensued, police said, before one of the suspects stabbed the victim three times in the neck with an unknown sharp object.
The suspects parted from each other immediately following the stabbing, with one fleeing the scene in an SUV and the other getting away on foot before officers from the 77th Precinct arrived.
EMS brought the victim to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in stable condition.
On Wednesday, the NYPD released video footage of the suspects at large. In the video, one suspect is seen wearing a black shirt and the other perpetrator is shown donning a white shirt.
https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1851-24-Assault-77Pct_video.mp4So far, no arrests have been made, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
The city is testing out a new form of green infrastructure to help prevent flooding in Brooklyn: porous pavement.
Seven miles of porous pavement will be installed along a network of streets in Sunset Park, Kensington, and Midwood, city officials announced on Monday. When it’s finished, the $32.6 million project is expected to keep 35 million gallons of stormwater out of the sewers each year.
Porous pavement, unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, allows rainwater to drain through it and into the soil below — preventing it from filling up streets and pouring into sewers. Less water in the city’s combined sewer system means less flooding, sewer overflow, and sewer backup, according to the city’s Department of Environmental Protection.
Commuters wait in a flooded station during Ophelia last year. Climate change is expected to bring more frequent, more severe storms to New York City. File photo by Gabriele Holtermann“Climate change is bringing with it rainstorms that can overwhelm our sewers and cause flooding across the five boroughs, which is why we are investing in tools that will divert rainwater away from the sewer system, such as porous pavement,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, in a statement.
Brooklyn was hit particularly hard by Tropical Storm Ophelia last fall, Aggarwala added, and the new porous pavement would help to protect residents during future storms.
Ophelia dumped several inches of rain on New York City, and parts of Brooklyn were inundated with nearly a foot of floodwaters.
That flooding was caused, in part, by the limited capacity of the city’s sewer system, officials said at the time. Most of the city’s sewers are combined — meaning they handle both sewage and storm water — and can handle rainfall of up to 1.75 inches per hour.
Porous pavement will be installed along a number of streets in southern Brooklyn.Image courtesy of NYC DEPDuring intense storms, when rain falls faster, there’s just nowhere for the water to go — causing combined sewer overflow into local bodies of water and flooding. Flooding is only expected to get worse as climate change causes more frequent and more intense storms.
The city is working to upgrade parts of the sewer system in particularly vulnerable neighborhoods, but green infrastructure is an important part of the battle.
Karl-Henry Cesar, chair of local Community Board 14, said the board has long been advocating for action to address flooding in the nabe, and said the porous pavement was a “step in the right direction.”
“We trust this is only the beginning,” Cesar added.
Brooklyn’s new porous pavement “will also save time and money,” said Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley, “since porous pavement installations can prevent flooding without the need of going underground and expanding sewers.”
An example of drainage infrastructure beneath porous pavement in Queens. Photo courtesy of NYC DEPThe pavement will be installed along the curb lines of the chosen streets, where water usually runs toward catch basins. DEP has tested several kinds of porous pavement around the city, but this is the first large-scale installation in the city, per the department.
Before installing the new pavement, the city tests the soil below to ensure it can absorb water. Once that’s confirmed, crews will remove the existing pavement, add additional drainage stones and supports underground, then put down the permeable pavement.
Porous pavement, like rain gardens, helps to allow drainage and prevent flooding. Photo courtesy of NYC DEPThousands of green infrastructure projects, like rain gardens and green roofs, have already been installed around the city, according to DEP. Contracts to add porous pavement in the Bronx, other parts of Brooklyn, and Queens are expected to be awarded next year.
“Residents of South Brooklyn have long struggled with frequent flooding as our aging infrastructure has failed to keep up with our warming climate and growing population,” said Council Member Alexa Avilés in a statement. “I’m grateful DEP and DDC are taking serious steps to mitigate the devastating effects that flood waters have brought to our neighborhoods. I look forward to working with them in the coming years to build city infrastructure that meets the realities and on the ground experiences of its people.”
New York had an out-of-this-world experience on Tuesday that alarmed some residents, and dazzled stargazers.
A meteor flashed through the atmosphere and disintegrated well above Midtown Manhattan at about 11:17 a.m. on July 16. The space rock burned up in the atmosphere, producing a fireball in the process. A boom and shaking were also reported at around the same time in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island — though it is not certain if that was related to the meteor.
It took a few hours to figure out what all the fuss was about when NASA Meteor Watch published a preliminary report about the incident on its Facebook page at about 5 p.m. Tuesday.
According to the Meteor Watch report, the meteor was first believed to have been sighted about 49 miles above Upper New York Bay, and burned up as it hurtled toward the earth while traveling at an estimated 34,000 mph (or about 1,700 times faster than the city’s 20 mph speed limit).
The space rock descended rapidly as it whizzed far above New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, then disintegrated over Midtown Manhattan, some 29 miles north of the surface. As a result, no meteorites appeared to have been produced by this cosmic event.
Aries Dela Cruz of New York City’s Emergency Management department posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the agency had not received any reports of injuries or damage related to the event.
As for the boom, NASA Meteor Watch stated that there had been reports of military activity in the area around the same time as the fireball occurred, “which would explain the multiple shaking and sounds reported to the media.” The U.S. Geological Survey did not report any earthquakes at that moment, according to WABC-TV.
Tuesday’s meteor was the latest meteorological anomaly to impact New York this year.
In early April, New Yorkers were rattled by two unusually strong earthquakes along the Ramapo Fault in northern New Jersey measuring 4.8 and 4.0 on the Richter scale. It shook up buildings across the Five Boroughs, but did not cause any major damage or injuries.
The tremors occurred several days before the April 8 solar eclipse over much of the northeastern United States. Millions of New Yorkers were dazzled by the cosmic spectacle, in which 90% of the sun was blocked out by the moon in the middle of the afternoon. New York won’t see another eclipse like that for another 24 years.
Join in the celebration for National Hotdog Day and National Daiquiri Day and support animal charities at the same time.
This year, National Hotdog Day is on Wednesday, July 17 and National Daiquiri Day is on Friday, July 19. What better way to celebrate than with good food while supporting local charities?
Daiqs and Dogs, an event that aims to raise awareness, support national and local animal shelters all while having a fun time.
Participating venues in New York City include Cpt. Dan’s Good Time Tavern, Lolita, Main Street Landing, The Richardson, Madame George, Parklife and Grand Army Bar.
Now through Friday July 19, Grand Army Bar, located at 336 State St., will be offering a special Hound Dog daiquiri and a hot dog, with every purchase, proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society. In addition, on Saturday, July 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. they will be hosting a block party full with music, drinks, food and the opportunity to adopt a pet.
In partnership with Every Last One Rescue, which takes in dogs from overcrowded shelters, the bar will hold its annual adoptable dogs meet and greet. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the current foster pups and adopt their favorite furry friend.
Artists across the creative spectrum are exploring cultural nuances during BRIC’s annual summer concert series, Celebrate Brooklyn!
Since its inception, BRIC has been dedicated to celebrating the true spirit of Brooklyn through innovative and accessible experiences. Each summer, the organization brings in creatives specializing in various mediums to celebrate Brooklyn’s emerging talents.
Through these weekly showcases, Wes Jackson, president of BRIC, emphasized the team’s commitment to authentically and collaboratively representing Brooklyn’s ethnic mosaic.
This season’s theme, “Raised by Brooklyn,” likely resonates with both natives of the borough and its new residents alike, he said, exploring the cultural norms shaped in popular neighborhoods across Brooklyn.
The longest-running free arts festival in New York City is taking over Brooklyn’s backyard with immersive musical showcases. File photo courtesy of BRIC“You don’t even have to live here to understand Brooklyn,” Jackson said. “It’s quite an institution not only for Brooklyn but for the city.”
Saidah Blount, executive director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, emphasized the importance of intentional representation, noting that the event brings in new artists from a mix of genres, cultural movements and artistic expressions.
“From traditional salsa to hip-hop, dance music, and even punk rock, the festival promises something for everyone,” she said.
Some upcoming shows include Joe Bataan, the Meridian Brothers and Madame Vacile, a mix of Latin and Afro-Caribbean performers on July 19, and a Habibi Festival on July 20, which will sample sounds from the South West Asia North Africa region.
Blount said this mix of expressions often sparks conversations about life in Brooklyn. This idea was further emphasized this year with a screening of Spike Lee’s iconic film “Do the Right Thing,” which depicted the racial tensions and conflicts simmering in 1980s Brooklyn.
The movie’s setting in a Brooklyn neighborhood is a far cry from the vibrant cultural melting pot that is the landscape for Celebrate Brooklyn!, a summer event that’s become a symbol of the borough’s diversity and inclusivity.
“The festival is a celebration of everything great about Brooklyn — its diversity, its creativity, and its ability to bring people together,” Blount said.
Ultimately, both organizers and performers are committed to celebrating the true spirit of Brooklyn through its arts programs. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, Jackson invites everyone to come and experience it for themselves.
“Come on days when you don’t know the artists because you’ll learn something new,” he said. “We want to make sure that people get a little bit of this true Brooklyn energy in a way that’s not as celebrated.”
Celebrate Brooklyn! promises to be an unforgettable summer experience with a lineup that is both eclectic and inclusive. With its commitment to the neighborhood it serves, this festival is poised to leave a lasting impact on the borough.
“We want everyone to feel seen and heard,” Blount said. “We’re trying to create a space where people can come together, celebrate themselves, and have a good time.”
Hot-diggity-dog!
Fresh from its international hot dog eating contest this Fourth of July, Nathan’s Famous is continuing the hot dog craze with a deal that takes customers back in time.
In honor of National Hot Dog Day on Wednesday, July 17, the iconic eatery will serve up hot dogs for just 5 cents — a throwback to the original price when Nathan’s opened in 1916.
Established in 1991 by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, National Hot Dog Day coincides with the annual hot dog lunch on Capitol Hill, where members of Congress, lobbyists, and journalists gather for a picnic feast. Since then, the day has inspired special offers at restaurants nationwide, celebrated every third Wednesday of July.
A long line forms in front of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs on the Reigelmann Boardwalk earlier this summer.File photo by Gabriele HoltermannFrom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Wednesday, participating Nathan’s locations, including the flagship on Surf Avenue in Coney Island, will honor this century-old deal. But, customers should still pack their wallets — there’s a limit of two hot dogs per order at this nostalgic price.
July holds special significance for Nathan’s of Coney Island, which recently crowned a new champion in its annual hot dog eating contest. Patrick Bertoletti claimed the men’s title by devouring 58 franks, while Miki Sudo set a world record and won her tenth title in the women’s division earlier this month.
All in this together!
Coney Island do-gooders lent a helping hand to beautify the area’s garden and shorelines in celebration of City of Water Day on Saturday, July 13.
The regionally recognized event is dedicated to getting New Yorkers and their surrounding neighbors out to the state’s waterways. Some selfless neighbors spent their day-of-play restoring the area’s green spaces by pulling feeds, tossing out trash and painting new trash barrels.
Young volunteers use their creative talents to paint new trash barrels for the area.Photo by Arthur De Gaeta From beaches to the bay, New York and the surrounding counties boast outdoor activities. Brooklynites can enjoy a prettier day in the sun thanks to these green thumbs. Photo by Arthur De GaetaAlexandra Kanonik, program director with the American Littoral Society teamed up with the Coney Island Beautification Project to make the neighborhood a place residents can be proud of.
“We came as a program partner and got some of the kids out here to do some restoration,” she said.
Trash has no place on Coney Island shorelines, according to these volunteers who spent City of Water Day restoring the area. Photo by Arthur De GaetaThe job was an all-hands-on-deck effort with volunteers coming out from all over — among them, Amy Plattsmier, who came as a partner with the New York City Parks Department.
“We’re cleaning up our city,” she said.
You’re never too young to make an impact. One young volunteer was spotted helping out. Photo by Arthur De GaetaAnother young helper, C.J. Powers, spent the day picking up weeds at Kaiser Park — where he spends a lot of time during the summer. Powers told Brooklyn Paper that he wanted to give back to his community and help clean up his local park.
Water Day was founded by the Waterfront Alliance and New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program. The now-annual celebration began as a way to mark the importance of resilient and equitable shorelines.
Today, different hosts set up special events across New Jersey and all five boroughs.
In a powerful display of community spirit, volunteers from all walks of life spent a day in the sun on Sunday, demonstrating that it takes a team when it comes to protecting New York City waterways.
Police are searching for a man who allegedly shot three people early Monday morning in Brooklyn.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect opened fire in a busy intersection at Flatbush Avenue and Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn on July 15 just after midnight. Three victims sustained injuries, including a 41-year-old woman who was grazed by a bullet that brushed her neck and back, police said.
A 44-year-old man was shot in the right hand, while a 33-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh, authorities said. EMS responded and brought both men to New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in stable condition. The woman refused medical attention.
Meanwhile, the gunman immediately fled the scene on foot, going southbound on Flatbush Avenue to parts unknown before officers from the 88th Precinct arrived.
Police could not confirm if the victims and suspect knew each other. However, they did say a verbal dispute took place between the suspect and at least one of the victims before the terrifying incident erupted. One of the victims was struck as a bystander, but police could not confirm which one.
The NYPD on Monday night released photos of the suspect they are looking for. He is described as having a thin build and dark complexion. In the photos, he is shown in a subway station, wearing a grey and black shirt, grey pants and carrying a green book bag.
So far, no arrests have been made, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
SONIC is shifting gears with the borough’s first full-fledged drive-through.
The iconic fast food chain, founded in 1953, has become the largest drive-in restaurant brand in the United States. While Metro New Yorkers have sampled the eatery’s award-winning menu at its first two locations (including one in Williamsburg), Brooklynites will now experience the brand’s iconic drive-through service in East New York.
The expansive, customizable menu will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to the drive-through, visitors can dine inside the new location, which seats up to 20 guests, or use the pickup window.
“The Brooklyn SONIC will offer everything our customers know and love with the added convenience of a drive-thru to enjoy their meals on-the-go,” said owner and franchise partner Jonathan Gensler. “Our team’s looking forward to serving the community both within and beyond our restaurant doors for years to come.”
Gensler opened his first SONIC location in Williamsburg — the borough’s first taste of “America’s drive-in” — in 2023.
The new East New York location marks the brand’s third location in Metro New York — and its first in the area to feature a drive-through.Photo courtesy of SONICBrooklyn customers can enjoy pain-free ordering and payment through online orders or the SONIC app, which will also offer monthly deals and discounts.
As part of its broader mission, SONIC supports public education by donating a portion of every purchase of drinks, slushes, and shakes to local schools across the U.S.
The new location officially opened Monday, July 15 at 805 Pennsylvania Ave., between Stanley Avenue and Linden Boulevard.
Elected officials and bookworms celebrated the return of Sunday service at seven library branches across the city on July 14, following an agreement between Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council last month to restore $58.3 million in funding to the New York, Brooklyn, and Queens public library systems for fiscal year 2025.
In Brooklyn, Council members Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn) and Crystal Hudson (D-Brooklyn) joined Linda Johnson, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library, and visitors at Brooklyn’s Central Library branch at Grand Army Plaza to celebrate with a party.
After Mayor Adams slashed the budget for New York City’s libraries by $22.1 million in November 2023, all library branches were forced to close on Sundays. The restored funding will reverse service reductions, reinstate Sunday service at library branches, resume paused programs, open renovated branches, and increase physical and digital collections.
A look inside Brooklyn’s Central Library branch, now open for Sunday service again.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Council Member Crystal Hudon addressed the crowd outside the Cental Library.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannHudson told Brooklyn Paper that while she was excited about the reinstatement of Sunday library services, she was also frustrated because public libraries shouldn’t have been closed on Sundays in the first place.
“That was solely due to the mayor’s budget cuts,” Hudson said. “But we’ve been through all the negotiations. And so we’re back here at the library. And I’m really, really happy to be able to open it today on Sunday for service again.”
Brannan, chair of the Committee on Finance, highlighted the $43 million in baseline funding negotiated by the City Council to protect library funding in future budget years.
Council Member Justin Brannan described libraries as community lighthouses.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Council members Crystal Hudson and Justin Brannan join Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda Johnson to celebrate the return of Sunday library service.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“Future councils and mayors can start with that bedrock funding and then build from there and expand from there,” Brannan told Brooklyn Paper. He described libraries as community lighthouses for families, seniors, and new Americans, providing numerous services, including acting as cooling centers.
“Last week, I went online to look for cooling centers,” Brannan shared. “Southern Brooklyn was bereft of those little dots because the libraries were closed. You don’t realize [in] how many ways the library really impacts the community. So, it’s a very cool day.”
The Brooklyn Central Library is open for Sunday service after the reversal of budget cuts.Johnson expressed her elation at the reinstatement of Sunday service after seven months.
“We hate being closed,” Johnson said. “People are emotional about this. People are flooding through the doors and saying, ‘Oh my gosh, this is a little bit emotional.’ It’s been since November that this library has been open on a Sunday. So, I think everybody’s very happy. Especially [on] a hot day like today.”
Families of all ages attended the “Party on the Plaza,” including 14-year-old Rachel Mandler, who said she wanted to be part of the celebration because she “loves” the library.
“I go to the library all the time,” Mandler told Brooklyn Paper. “Sometimes, after school, I don’t have time to go. Sunday was the day when I would go to the library and have fun.”
Friends Melanie, Jared, Angad, Patrick, Mike, and Nasimeh were delighted that Sunday library service was restored.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Natasha (middle) said it was about time Sunday library services were back.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannUrcel Williams, who lives around the corner from the library, was ecstatic that the libraries were open again on Sundays and grateful that Mayor Adams reinstated funding for the public library system.
“Sundays are like the days when you calm down a little bit, you come out to the library, you get your information, especially if you’re working and going to school. It’s hard to come at night,” Williams said.
Natasha, who attended the reopening with her daughters Sage and Chantel, said it was about time that the library reopened on Sundays.
“We would always come on Sundays with my father because that was the day he got off from Con Edison,” Natasha shared. “So Sundays always worked out for him.”
Council members Crystal Hudson and Justin Brannan open the Brooklyn Central Library branch.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannMike, who joined the celebration alongside his friends Melanie, Jared, Angad, Patrick, and Nasimeh, characterized libraries as the secret, hidden gem of the modern world.
“You can just walk into this place that’s full of knowledge and books, and it’s completely free, and we just have access to it,” Mike said. “All this knowledge is a human right, and I think it’s amazing.”
Sunday service at other branches will return on a rolling basis over the next few weeks. For a complete list of Sunday re-openings, please visit the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library or Queens Public Library websites.
The investigation continued Monday into the Donald Trump assassination attempt in Pennsylvania with still no greater understanding as to why the 20-year-old shooter opened fire on the former president during his campaign rally Saturday.
The FBI searched the home of Thomas Matthew Crooks, who lived in Bethel Park, PA, and are examining his cellphone for leads as to a possible motive. Federal agents said Sunday they were investigating the incident as a possible act of domestic terror, but believe Crooks acted alone.
Security, meanwhile, remains stepped up outside Trump Tower, where on Sunday New Yorkers spoke out against political violence and vitriolic rhetoric. Mayor Eric Adams and a bipartisan group of leaders, including Reverend Al Sharpton and Republican City Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, also spoke at City Hall to condemn political violence and call for unity.
Who was the shooter?A 2020 High School yearbook shows the photo of Thomas Matthew Crooks, named by the FBI as the “subject involved” in the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump, in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 14, 2024. REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk .Investigators said Crooks, while armed with an AR-style assault weapon bought by his father, opened fire on Trump and other spectators from the rooftop of a building between 200 and 300 yards away from where the former president addressed rallygoers in Butler County, PA on July 13. One of the shots grazed Trump in the right ear, but he was otherwise fine; one rallygoer, however, died, and two others were listed in critical condition.
Politically, Crooks was a registered Republican but donated $15 to a progressive group on Jan. 20, 2021. Former classmates, in an ABC News report, described Crooks as being “lonely” and “quiet” in elementary and high school.
Secret Service snipers shot Crooks dead. It is unclear how Crooks was able to get onto the rooftop in the first place. On Sunday, President Joe Biden ordered an independent review into the Secret Service detail for the ill-fated Trump rally.
‘Cool it down’During a prime-time address to the nation, Biden again reiterated his condemnation of political violence in America, both past and present, and urged Americans in this election year and beyond to “cool it down.”
“Disagreement is inevitable in American democracy,” Biden said. “But politics must never be a literal battlefield — God forbid a killing field. I believe politics ought to be an arena for peaceful debate.”
With so many questions about the assassination attempt still unanswered, Biden also wants Americans to avoid jumping to conclusions or embracing conspiracy theories about the incident.
“I urge everyone — everyone, please, don’t make assumptions about [the shooter’s] motives or his affiliations,” Biden said. “Let the FBI do their job, and their partner agencies do their job. I’ve instructed that this investigation be thorough and swift.”
‘A chance to bring the country together’Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport a day after he survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 14, 2024 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Dan Scavino Jr. via X/via REUTERS .As for Trump, campaign advisers said on Sunday he was in “great spirits” after his brush with death. He arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday for the Republican National Convention, where he will accept the party’s nomination for president with an address Thursday night.
The tone of the convention in the wake of the assassination attempt was not immediately clear as of Monday morning. While some Republican leaders, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson, have also called for a lowering of the rhetoric, AP reported, other Republicans have blamed the media and the left for branding Trump and his supporters as fascists and threats to democracy.
Trump, too, has a history of using inflammatory, sometimes violent rhetoric against his political opponents — but in an interview with the Washington Examiner, he said that he is rewriting his convention speech to focus on uniting the country.
“This is a chance to bring the whole country, even the whole world, together,” Trump told the Examiner. “The speech will be a lot different, a lot different than it would’ve been two days ago.”
This story will be updated as events develop.
Brooklyn detectives are on the hunt for the suspect who violently stabbed a man inside an apartment building earlier this month.
The NYPD released on July 13 images and video of the perpetrator behind the bloody assault, which occurred at about 8:35 p.m. on July 1 in the vicinity of Wyckoff and Flushing Avenues in Bushwick.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect confronted the victim, a 20-year-old man, as he entered the location. Cops said the attacker stabbed the victim in the neck with a sharp object, causing a laceration.
Following the bloody assault, cops said, the perpetrator exited the building and fled southbound along Wyckoff Avenue toward Jefferson Street.
Officers from the 83rd Precinct responded to the incident. EMS rushed the wounded man to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition.
The video shows the suspect outside a business on Wyckoff Avenue on the night of the attack. The perpetrator is shown wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with writing on the front, along with light, ripped blue jeans and black sneakers. For a time, he also wore a black face mask.
https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/83-Pct-Assault-RMA-1812-24-Video-Final.mp4Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Through July 7, the 83rd Precinct reported a 3.9% reduction in felony assaults year-to-date, according to the most recent CompStat report.
A $160 million cash infusion will allow the city to demolish and completely reconstruct the decades-old Brownsville Recreation Center.
The City Council and Mayor Eric Adams wrote the funding into the city’s recently-adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2025, along with millions of dollars for other parks improvements and programs.
“We came into office with a clear mission: protect public safety, rebuild our economy, and make our city more affordable and livable for working-class New Yorkers,” Adams said at a July 10 press conference. “And providing New Yorkers with clean, vibrant public spaces, particularly in neighborhoods like Brownsville that have long been overlooked, helps us continue to deliver on that mission.”
Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council allocated the funding in the FY2025 budget. Photo courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography OfficeThe Brownsville Recreation Center opened its doors in 1955, and is a “safe haven” for locals since then, said local Assembly Member Latrice Walker, with community rooms, exercise equipment, a media lab, and an indoor pool.
Then-mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $20 million partial reconstruction of the facility in 2016, but when initial construction began in 2022, crews found the building in worse shape than expected.
Eventually, it became clear that a full demolition and reconstruction was necessary, said a parks department spox. Construction at the site has been on pause since at least late last year, and parts of the recreation center have been closed for construction since 2022.
The $160 million investment will allow the city to build a new “state-of-the-art” recreation center with improved facilities and amenities and expanded programming, said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi in a statement.
“Brownsville Recreation Center has always been more than just a recreational facility; it is a symbol of community strength and solidarity,” said Dr. Frank Mason, a member of the Brownsville Old Timers Committee. “Generations of parents and their children have walked through its doors, finding not only a place to exercise and engage in activities, but also a sense of belonging and a commitment to helping others. The center has fostered a spirit of cooperation and mutual support, instilling values that resonate far beyond its walls.”
The city’s Department of Design and Construction will work alongside parks department crews to ensure the center is rebuilt “quickly and efficiently,” officials said, and the departments will work with the community on the rec center’s design. Past community input from the initial redesign will still be considered, a parks representative said.
Part of the Brownsville Recreation Center has been closed for construction since 2022. Google MapsIt’s not yet clear when public outreach will begin, and a timeline for the project has not yet been established. DDC is already working in the new Shirley Chisholm Recreation Center in Flatbush — a project officials said last year was ahead of schedule in part because of DDC’s design-build process.
When the Brownsville Recreation Center eventually closes for construction, the parks department plans provide alternative spaces for recreation and programming around the neighborhood.
“The Brownsville Recreation Center, affectionately known by many in this community as BRC is a place where as the late great Greg ‘Jocko’ Jackson would say, ‘Hope is inside!’” said local Council Member Chris Banks. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the legacy of that hope. In a community that unfortunately sees more negative stories than we would want, today’s announcement is a bright and positive sign that hope is truly inside!”
In addition to funding for the recreation center, Adams on Wednesday announced a $15 million investment for “second-shift” cleaning at parks across the city. More than 200 new parks staff will be hired to clean during the off-hours at 62 parks across the five boroughs.
When Gov. Kathy Hochul made the eleventh-hour decision on June 5 to shelve congestion pricing, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority was forced to suspend $16.5 billion in previously made investments. These investments would have included replacing the over 80-year-old train signals on the notoriously delayed A/C line in Brooklyn and installing elevators at the Nostrand Avenue and Fulton Street subway station in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
On Wednesday, New York State Senator Jabari Brisport (D-Brooklyn), Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest (D-Brooklyn), and Brooklyn Council Member Chi Ossé joined transit activists from Riders Alliance outside the Nostrand Avenue A/C subway station, where they demanded Hochul reinstate congestion pricing to avoid delays to crucial accessibility upgrades.
These upgrades are included in the MTA’s historic Americans with Disabilities Act settlement, which mandates that at least 345 subway stations be ADA-accessible by 2055.
Brisport called the governor’s decision “reckless” and dismissed her argument that it was out of concern for working people. He went on to call her reasoning hypocritical, given her simultaneous blocking of homeless vouchers, expansion of the free bus program, and funding for childcare.
State Sen. Jabari Brisport addresses the crowd.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“Over 99% of my constituents who reached out about this said they want the services [and] the improvements from congestion pricing,” Brisport said. “So on behalf of my constituents, I say to Governor Kathy Hochul, ‘You do not speak for Brooklyn, you do not speak for Bed-Stuy. We want our elevators, we want our service, and we want it now.'”
Currently, only one-quarter of New York City’s 472 subway stations are fully wheelchair-accessible, with the fewest in low-income areas. The Nostrand Avenue station serves over 10,000 riders daily and was slated to receive elevators as part of the 2020-24 MTA Capital Program.
Souffrant Forrest shared her excitement upon learning that the station in the historically disadvantaged community was finally getting an elevator, only to receive a call a few weeks ago that the project was put on hold.
“Saying that we’re going to rip away, not a dream, but what I deserve, what my community deserves … that is not right,” she said.
Council Member Chi Ossé speaks.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannOssé pointed out that Bedford-Stuyvesant was a “naturally occurring retirement community” with a high percentage of seniors who rely on public transportation.
“What [Hochul] is doing is not only an attack on all of our constituents but our most vulnerable constituents. Overturning congestion pricing is an attack on seniors,” Ossé said. “Shame on Governor Kathy Hochul. We need congestion pricing to come into law.”
Francis Byrd, who regularly uses the Nostrand Avenue station, said an elevator would be “very helpful.”
“I look like I’m great now because I’m standing up, but I got a couple of bad knees, and sometimes they don’t like when I go downstairs, and they don’t like climbing upstairs,” Byrd said, “so an elevator would be very, very helpful.”
Jackie Feliz, who travels the subway with her two- and four-year-old daughters, told Brooklyn Paper that going down the subway stairs with a stroller is a struggle. Sometimes, she has to take her daughters out of the stroller and have them walk down the stairs while she carries the stroller.
Plans to install elevators at the Nostrand Avenue A/C line are put on hold because congestion pricing has been suspended.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann The entrance to the station is not wheelchair-accessible.“That seems to be a little easier, but it’s still a struggle because if I have my book bag with their stuff in it on the stroller, it’s still heavy to bump [the stroller] down,” Feliz said. “But it’s harder when they’re sitting in it, so sometimes I have to take them out.”
Feliz also plans her subway travels around stations that have an elevator.
“I try to do that, or I sometimes end up going to another stop that I know has an elevator that’s not too far. But then it’s like extra walking,” Feliz said.
Eon Huntley echoed Feliz, recalling the days he had to carry his kids down the subway stairs in a stroller.
“Imagine that heat right now and just going down there by yourself,” Huntley said. “But imagine carrying your stroller. Could you imagine by yourself with two kids? And this is what we’re facing.”
Huntley questioned why riders didn’t have the public infrastructure they deserved.
Locals, elected officials and activists are calling on the governor to reinstate congestion pricing to accommodate transit upgrades citywide.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“It’s because we have politicians that don’t understand what we’re facing and are not willing to fight, and in this case, they actually fight against what they have been obligated to deliver,” Huntley said.
Danna Dennis, senior organizer with Riders Alliance, said that unreliable subway services cost people time, money, and undue stress and anxiety.
“Having access to our trains is a right that we demand. Having access to affordable transit, transit that works, is something that New Yorkers need, and they need it now,” Dennis said.
Hochul’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
The doctor will scam you now.
The former chair of emergency medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center is facing criminal charges after he allegedly used his company credit card to steal close to $1.5 million from the institution.
Officials say the defendant, 66-year-old Dr. Michael Lucchesi of Staten Island, used the charge card to pay for personal travel plans, catering expenses, college tuition, cash advances and a high-end pet resort. His “lavish lifestyle” eventually caught up to him, landing him a nine-count indictment, announced Tuesday by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang.
Charges include first- and second-degree grand larceny, falsifying business records and criminal tax fraud.
“As a high-ranking doctor at this vital healthcare institution this defendant was entrusted with access to significant funds, which he allegedly exploited, stealing more than one million dollars to pay for a lavish lifestyle,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “The scope of the alleged thefts is shocking, and my office is committed to holding accountable anyone who rips off the taxpayers.”
Evidence from the investigation shows Lucchesi allegedly spent $1.448 million between December 2016 and January 2023. SUNY discovered the thefts during an audit, which detailed Lucchesi’s exorbitant spending habits.
SUNY Downstate Medical Center.File photo courtesy of SUNY DownstateThe pilfering physician allegedly racked up a bill of $115,000 in cash advances, $348,000 in travel, $109,000 towards membership and training with the New York Sports Club, $52,000 in catering expenses, $46,000 in tuition for his children and $176,000 for pet care, which included a $120,000 payment to The Greenleaf Pet Resort and Hotel in New Jersey. (Talk about a pampered pet.)
The investigation also uncovered assorted payments for online shopping, flowers, liquor, electronics and other items, before retiring last year.
“New Yorkers deserve doctors who uphold their oath with the utmost integrity,” Lang said in a statement. “The spending spree on the State’s dime alleged here is an insult to hardworking taxpayers and the medical profession.”
However, Lucchesi’s lawyers told The Post that the claims aren’t all they seem to be. “There’s more to these allegations than meets the eye,” Earl Ward told the outlet.
Lucchesi, who also spent time as an acting head of Downstate’s hospital and medical school, was arraigned in front of Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on July 9. He was released without bail and will return to the court on Sept. 25.
The charges come after a year of financial woes for the institution, with locals rallying to help save the East Flatbush hospital from closure.
Last week, we celebrated Independence Day — an opportunity to reflect on the values that make the American Dream possible in our city. Public safety and livability are two such foundational commitments — allowing every New Yorker to pursue their dreams without fear for their safety and with a better quality of life.
I am proud to say that New York remains the safest big city in America — and continues to get safer every day.
As a result of our administration’s successful public safety strategy, New York City has seen six straight months of crime reduction. Overall crime continues to trend downward and is down year to date. Homicides are down double digits for the year, as well as for this quarter and for last month. Grand Larceny Auto is also down double digits. Shootings are down. And burglaries are down, too.
Our public transit system is the lifeblood of our city, so keeping New Yorkers safe on the subway is key to ensuring that New York remains the safest big city in America. That is why we surged more than 1,000 additional officers in the subway system in February and introduced additional technology, including cameras and data driven officer deployment. As a result, transit crime remains down for the year, and if you take out one of the pandemic years, we have reached the lowest level of transit crime in 14 years.
We know that community input is critical to improving public safety. That is why we are bringing partners from across the city together to find innovative approaches to reducing crime and improving quality of life. Last week, we announced the creation of our fifth quality of life improvement hub, located in Midtown Manhattan. These hubs bring together law enforcement, elected officials, and community and business leaders to address retail theft, substance use, the mental health crisis, beautification, illegal scaffolding, unlicensed cannabis shops, and more.
The coalition deploys teams to conduct regular walkthroughs where they observe issues in real time and speak with local community members and businesses on the ground. They also identify specific individuals in the area who may need connections to services, such as housing or medical care, and make referrals to the appropriate city agency or service provider.
Similar coalitions across the city are already at work making our neighborhoods safer and our streets cleaner. Our administration is committed to supporting their work and leading the way in the fight for cleaner streets and against rats. I have long been clear: I hate rats. And so do New Yorkers. That is why our administration has been ready to do whatever it takes to cut them off from their all-you-can-eat buffet. We have made enormous progress replacing black trash bags that have long cluttered our streets and fed rats.
This week, we announced the next step in our ‘Trash Revolution’ to get bags off our streets. Starting November 12th, buildings with one to nine residential units will be required to put their trash into wheelie trash bins for easy removal. And to make sure that cost is not a barrier for building owners, we had our own bins made. These bins are high-quality and affordable, with the most common size costing less than $50 — approximately three times cheaper than what you could expect to spend at a store.
For half a century, New York City’s most valuable and limited resource — our public space — has been hijacked by 14 billion pounds of stinky, leaking black trash bags every year. Together, we are changing that. Thanks to our administration’s efforts, as of November 12th, we will have containerized 70 percent of our city’s trash in just two years; that’s nearly 10 billion pounds of trash off our streets.
As part of the ‘Trash Revolution,’ we have changed set-out times for residential and commercial waste, so trash doesn’t sit on our streets for hours on end. We have designed a brand-new model of garbage truck years ahead of schedule. And we have a plan to get containerization done for every building and every business in New York City.
We came into office with the clear goal of improving public safety, rebuilding our economy, and making New York City more livable for all New Yorkers. We are making improvements that New Yorkers feel every day. And every step we take — whether it’s driving down crime or improving quality of life — is in service of creating a safer, more livable city for everyone.
Seven-day service is coming back to the Brooklyn Public Library after Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council agreed to restore millions of dollars of funding for the city’s library systems.
Sunday service is returning to the Central Library and the Kings Highway branch on July 14, according to BPL, and to the Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint, Macon, Midwood, and New Lots branches on Aug. 4.
Mayor Eric Adams celebrated restored funding for libraries on July 1. Photo courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography OfficeThe Borough Park Library, which had also been open seven days a week before budget cuts, will remain open six days a week for the time being, said BPL spokesperson Fritzi Bodenheimer. During the closure, the library was closed on Saturdays and open on Sundays to accommodate the religious observances in the nabe — and while they’re still working on an exact date, Saturday service is expected to return to the branch sometime soon.
BPL was forced to end seven-day service at the eight branches that offered it last fall, after Adams slashed funding for all city agencies by 5% — citing the high cost of caring for migrants in the city.
That meant library programs were cut, and that branches typically used as cooling centers during heat waves would remain shuttered, even as temperatures soared. The library also reduced spending on materials, programs, and building maintenance and repairs.
An additional $58.3 million budget cut for the city’s three library systems was planned for Fiscal Year 2025, which started on July 1.
New Yorkers rallied against library budget cuts last month. Photo courtesy of John McCarten/NYC Council Media UnitLibrary officials warned that such a dramatic cut — larger than the 5% slash instated in 2023 — would have forced at least half of BPL’s branches to cut back to five-day service and “indefinitely” delayed the reopening of branches closed for renovations, including the Red Hook Library.
But the City Council fought to include more funding for libraries in the FY2025 budget, and won. The proposed $58.3 million cut was eliminated, and $42.6 million in library funding was locked in for next year.
“These crucial operating dollars will enable us to reinstate Sunday service and resume the programs and services the public depends on,” said BPL President and CEO Linda E. Johnson, in a statement. “With a major portion of the funds included as baseline funding, our institution can more effectively plan for the future, providing staff and patrons with continuity and a renewed sense of stability.”
As Sunday service returns to those seven locations, all the rest of BPL’s 62 branches will remain open six days a week, and libraries under construction will reopen on time, Bodenheimer said.
Last year’s budget cuts also impacted BPL’s collections and its ability to buy new books, Bodenheimer said, forcing the library to place restrictions on digital and physical holds.
Mayor Eric Adams browsed at the Brooklyn Public Library last year. Photo courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography OfficeAs the library replenishes its supply of books, it will re-examine and maybe loosen those restrictions.
In a joint statement, the heads of BPL, the New York Public Library, and the Queens Public Library said the budget agreement was a “resounding victory.”
“We deeply appreciate Mayor Adams and his administration for restoring library funding in the FY25 budget,” the library leaders said. “We are profoundly grateful to City Council Speaker Adams and her leadership team for their unwavering commitment to libraries. Special thanks to Finance Chair Justin Brannan, Libraries Chair Carlina Rivera, the Budget Negotiating Team, and the entire City Council who prioritized library funding throughout the budget process. Without their support, this outcome would not have been possible.”
A fire broke out inside a restaurant in Crown Heights on Saturday.
Firefighters battled the blaze that tore through a restaurant located at 116 Kingston Ave. at around 1 p.m. on July 7.
Units from the 38 Battalion arrived on the scene and had to contend with heavy smoke emanating from a Caribbean restaurant on the first floor of the three-story building. Several apartments are located above the restaurant.
Firefighters searched both the restaurant and apartments. There were no injuries.
Division 15 placed the fire under control at 1:45 p.m. The FDNY Fire Marshals Office has yet to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Firefighters extinguishing a blaze at 116 Kingston Ave. in Crown Heights SaturdayLloyd Mitchell
Two women tragically died and another man remains unaccounted for after being swept out to sea in Coney Island on Friday night.
At around 8:10 p.m. on July 5, two sisters, aged 17 and 18 years old, and a 24-year-old man were swept out into the water near Stillwell Avenue. At the time, lifeguards were not on duty.
NYPD Harbor Officers from Special Operations and FDNY personnel responded and began the prolonged search and rescue, lining the shore with spotlights looking for the teen swimmers.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell NYPD Harbor Officer and Firefighters rescued a pair of missing swimmers at Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island on Friday night.Photo by Lloyd MitchellAt around 9:30 p.m., Harbor Officers and NYPD 60th Precinct officers were spotted pulling the two teens out of the water. Paramedics gave the victims CPR on the sand before transporting them to a waiting ambulance. They were removed to Coney Island Hospital in very critical condition, and ultimately died of their injuries.
The 24-year-old victim still remains unaccounted for.
Onlookers watched in horror as the dramatic rescue operation unfolded. A witness was heard screaming out to police, “Thank you for not giving up on them.”
Officers clear the Coney Island Beach during a water rescue.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell NYPD Officer and Firefighters rescued a pair of missing swimmers at Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island on Friday night.Photo by Lloyd MitchellFire Department personnel Engine Company 245, Ladder Company 161, 168, Rescue Company 5 and Rescue Company 2 searched through choppy waters but were driven back by tough currents and high waves according to Battalion 43 radio traffic.
This incident comes just twelve days after two teens went missing at Jacob Riis Park in Far Rockaway. Their bodies were recovered this past Monday. Lifeguards leave the beach at 6 p.m.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell NYPD Activation Unit searched from above for a pair of missing swimmers at Stillwell Avenue and Boardwalk on Friday night.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell NYPD Harbor Officer and Firefighters rescued a pair of missing swimmers at Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island on Friday night.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
An affordable housing lottery has opened for 125 apartments in a long-in-the-works South Williamsburg development, with units starting at $544 per month.
In a rare exception to the city’s housing lottery system, all units included in the Throop Corners lottery could be deemed truly affordable, with the most expensive four-bedroom going for $3,275 a month. According to Streeteasy, market rate apartments of three or more bedrooms in Williamsburg currently average $6,095 a month.
The eight-story building located at 88 Throop Avenue, in an area dubbed the Broadway Triangle, is one of five planned affordable housing developments being built on three city-owned sites. Included in the lottery for Throop Corners are 125 rent stabilized and income restricted studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units for families earning 30-80%of the Area Median Income. Income limits are set between $21,566 and $173,920 for households of one to nine people, according to the listing.
The 25 studios start at $544 a month and go up to $1,709, the 56 one-bedrooms start at $689 a month and go up to $2,145, and the 12 two-bedrooms start at $815 a month and go up to $2,563 a month. The 17 three-bedroom apartments range from $931 a month to $2,949 and the 15 four-bedrooms start at $1,024 and top out at $3,275.
Designed by Marvel Architects, Throop Corners has solar panels and a green roof. Its eight stories will include ground-level retail with high ceilings and big plate glass windows. Projecting panels and a canopy in bright school-bus yellow will separate the retail spaces from the light sand-colored cladding of the apartments above.
The listing says the building has bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, a community center, outdoor areas, and a rooftop terrace.
The building, and entire Broadway Triangle affordable housing project, is the result of more than a decade of wrangling that likely precipitated the downfall of at least one powerful Brooklyn politician. Initial plans for affordable housing in the area, released in 2009, spurred protests and a lawsuit alleging the housing favored Hasidic families and excluded Black and Latino locals. A 2017 settlement between the city and the community groups resulted in the city promising the nearly 400 affordable units would go to a more diverse section of the community than originally proposed.
The new scheme is being developed by a partnership of organizations that represent all three groups, including St. Nicks Alliance, RiseBoro Community Partnership, Southside United Housing Development Fund Corporation – Los Sures and United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg.
Together, the groups are working under the name Unified Neighborhood Partners and they are getting funding for the 100% affordable buildings through a variety of programs including the city’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability Program and Voluntary Inclusionary Housing Program. The 15 apartments in 88 Throop Avenue that are not included in the lottery are set aside for formerly homeless families.
St. Nick’s Alliance says on its website that Throop Corners is the first Broadway Triangle development to break ground, and that it was designed to cater to a mix of family sizes. “The building will be an all-electric Passive House building with solar energy and outdoor green spaces,” the site says. The 6,000 square foot community facility space will have a Workforce Development Center that is run by St. Nicks Alliance.
88 Throop Avenue in December 2020.Photo by Nicholas Strini for PropertySharkThe building, and entire Broadway Triangle affordable housing project, is the result of more than a decade of wrangling that likely precipitated the downfall of at least one powerful Brooklyn politician. Initial plans for affordable housing in the area, released in 2009, spurred protests and a lawsuit alleging the housing favored Hasidic families and excluded Black and Latino locals. A 2017 settlement between the city and the community groups resulted in the city promising the nearly 400 affordable units would go to a more diverse section of the community than originally proposed.
The new scheme is being developed by a partnership of organizations that represent all three groups, including St. Nicks Alliance, RiseBoro Community Partnership, Southside United Housing Development Fund Corporation – Los Sures and United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg.
Together, the groups are working under the name Unified Neighborhood Partners and they are getting funding for the 100% affordable buildings through a variety of programs including the city’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability Program and Voluntary Inclusionary Housing Program. The 15 apartments in 88 Throop Avenue that are not included in the lottery are set aside for formerly homeless families.
St. Nick’s Alliance says on its website that Throop Corners is the first Broadway Triangle development to break ground, and that it was designed to cater to a mix of family sizes. “The building will be an all-electric Passive House building with solar energy and outdoor green spaces,” the site says. The 6,000 square foot community facility space will have a Workforce Development Center that is run by St. Nicks Alliance.
At one time notable for its many empty lots and ramshackle appearance, the Broadway Triangle area covers parts of Bed Stuy, Bushwick, and Williamsburg near the intersection of Broadway and Flushing. During the time the city-owned plots were tied up in court, privately developed apartment buildings have risen in the area, some with the staggered balconies favored by Hasidic families for celebrating the fall harvest festival of Sukkot. One major development in the area is Rabsky’s mega-project on Wallabout Street.
The Throop Corners lottery closes Aug. 20. To apply, visit the listing on New York City’s Housing Connect website.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
A beat-up asphalt softball field in Red Hook has been given new life as a state-of-the-art skate park.
The “underutilized” field at Harold Ickes Playground, formerly flat and aged, now features new ramps and bowls for skaters and BMX bikers.
According to the Parks department, the $4.3 million project — funded by the mayor’s office, the City Council, and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso — wrapped up months ahead of schedule and has been open to the public since its soft opening in February.
Local skater Eric Hernandez “cut the ribbon” by skating through it on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Daniel Avila/NYC ParksThe park officially opened on July 2, as skater Eric Hernandez “cut the ribbon” by skateboarding through it.
“As more New Yorkers take up sports like BMX biking and skateboarding, it’s vital that they have safe, dedicated spaces to practice, not just sidewalks and parking lots,” said Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, in a statement. “It’s inspiring to see the transformation that we were able to achieve in this playground, turning an underused asphalt softball field into a lively skate park that’s already won the hearts of many Red Hook residents.”
Work on the project first started in 2017, and the parks department worked with skateboarders and BMX bikers to develop their vision for the skate park. In addition to new ramps, bowls and rails for skaters to enjoy, the playground has a new bike repair station and air pumps.
The skate park was designed with help from skaters and BMX bikers. Photo courtesy of Daniel Avila/NYC ParksFor non-skaters, the green space now has a parkour space with safety surfacing to protect from falls and injuries and a climbing boulder.
Throughout the playground, the parks department refreshed the greenery and planted new trees, installed new benches, security lighting, chess and checkers tables, and new water bottle filling stations.
“You know what they say: if you build it, they will skate,” said state Sen. Andrew Gounardes, in a statement. “Parks has transformed this underused field into a beautiful space for the Red Hook community to enjoy skating, biking, climbing, and simply spending time outdoors. These sports get kids — and adults — active, and teach us so many important lessons, from the patience required to master a skill to the importance of picking yourself up when you fall.”
Skaters tested out the new equipment after the ribbon-cutting. Photo courtesy of Daniel Avila/NYC ParksThe last few years have brought a revival for recreation facilities in Red Hook, which suffered from a lack of green and public spaces for years. Several of the nabe’s ball fields are open again after an intensive environmental cleanup, and the aging recreation center has received some major upgrades.
More is coming, too. According to the parks department’s Capital Projects Tracker, work is underway to renovate the rest of the ball fields and the track at the Red Hook Recreation Area. Next spring, the renovated Red Hook Library will reopen after a two year closure.
A young skater fist bumps Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Martin Maher.Photo courtesy of Daniel Avila/NYC ParksElsewhere in Brooklyn, the city plans to open two new skate parks as part of an effort to make New York City the “skate capital of the East Coast.” The “bare bones” skate park in Brower Park will get a significant upgrade, and a 40,000-square-foot park called the Brooklyn Skate Garden is planned for Mount Prospect Park.
A Williamsburg eatery has quickly established itself as a go-to spot in the neighborhood for good vibes and to-go libations.
Please Tell Me is a vinyl bar inspired by classic Japanese listening rooms. Tucked away on Metropolitan Avenue, this cozy spot strives to make the guest’s listening experience that of going to a full bar.
“It’s small and intimate, it’s not a big space. The concept was to pay homage to Japanese Hi-Fi system listening rooms where they are a bar and serve food,” said Eric Griego, co-owner of Please Tell Me. “
For a small space, Please Tell Me packs a huge punch when it comes to its sound system. For the Please Tell Me team, curating the right music for the space was crucial — DJs that have come through Please Tell Me have spun everything from hip-hop and Amapiano, to UK Grime and Nigerian pop.
Photo by Emily Davenport“I’ve seen DJs around New York for a while and you don’t always get really good curated hip hop and R&B, like the new stuff they don’t play on the radio or the stuff that’s coming from smaller, independent artists,” said Griego. “You really have to go to a club scene to get that kind of good music, especially in this area of Williamsburg. We wanted to bring that to more of a lounge, date night sort of spot.”
Please Tell Me’s bar highlights a selection of natural wine and boasts a selection of cocktails that are made with natural ingredients. The menu features different shareable options, including saganaki (fried halloumi with honey, flaky salt & figs), fava bean hummus (served with grilled snap peas, chive oil, pita crackers), calamari, and croquettes (wild spring onions, gruyere, potato, caramelized ramps).
“Our chef has worked at a number of different places. Our tapas are plated and priced to be shared between two people. We really have gone deep into organic and natural wines that are hard to find in our area,” said Griego.
Please Tell Me’s fava bean hummus.Photo by Emily DavenportPlease Tell Me also does brunch on weekends, allowing guests to really lean into the drink program that the bar offers.
“We have DJs during brunch, it’s much more centered around our drink program,” said Griego. “I think especially in the summer with the good weather, we’ve got outdoor seating and it’s a really nice space to enjoy the weather and get good music.”
Please Tell Me leans into the “hole in the wall” archetype with a literal hole in its wall — okay, it’s not quite a hole, it’s a take-out window that sells wine.
The window is open every Wednesday for Winyl Wednesdays, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays for take-out. The wine is served alongside a selection of Please Tell Me’s mini sandwich options.
The avocado toast from Please Tell Me.“[New York] extended the legislation that they had for COVID for restaurants to be able to offer patrons to-go beer, wine and cocktails. A lot of restaurants stopped, so we thought, we have a really cute sort of coffee window, we have this wine identity. Let’s do something like that,” said Griego.
Griego and the team partnered with their wine providers to pick out some summer wines and make sandwich options to pair with the wine but also satisfy the law requiring food with to-go alcohol. Soon enough, the wine window exploded in popularity with Please Tell Me’s customers as well as passersby in Williamsburg.
“We get a lot of people just want to stop by, they’re walking their dog or they want to go to the park and we’ll just hook them up with a bunch of natural organic wines to go,” said Griego.
Please Tell Me’s cocktail menu.Photo by Emily DavenportIn addition to Winyl Wednesdays, Please Tell Me hosts a variety of themed events, partnering with local businesses to elevate their nights and brunches even further throughout the summer. The music that is spun will match whichever group is coming in that day, ranging from R&B to Japanese jazz fusion.
“It’s definitely centered around good music, and we’re gonna try and get some of our neighbors involved. Music is almost a part of the menu, and that comes with different groups,” said Griego. “If you’re someone who likes music, Iikes to go out to eat and maybe leave that door open to dance, what we’ve got is like a really good date night spot for that exact kind of vibe.”
Please Tell Me is located at 749 Metropolitan Ave. For more information, visit pleasetellme.nyc.
Brooklyn detectives continue to hunt for the suspect who shot and killed a man in front of an apartment building on the Fourth of July.
Law enforcement sources said Kaylon Baugh, 22, of East 21st Street in Brooklyn was gunned down near 2126 Dorchester Road in Flatbush at about 1:58 p.m. on July 4.
Officers from the 70th Precinct, in responding to a 911 call about the shooting, found Baugh conscious and alert, but with a gunshot wound to his groin.
Baugh’s condition, however, took a turn for the worse. EMS rushed him to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Police investigate a fatal shooting in Flatbush, Brooklyn.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe motive for the shooting remains unknown and under investigation, So far, no arrests have been made. Police have yet to provide a description of the shooting suspect.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
We have a weiner!
In a dramatic turn of events at this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Patrick Bertoletti emerged victorious, devouring 58 hot dogs to claim the championship title after longtime victor Joey Chestnut was barred from the competition after inking an endorsement deal with vegan food giant Impossible Foods.
In the women’s division, Miki Sudo continued her winning streak with an impressive 51 hot dogs consumed, breaking the world record and earning her tenth title. In the end, she was just seven franks away from beating out men’s champion Bertoletti.
“I finally hit that milestone because I had competition pushing me,” Sudo told reporters after the face-off, adding it was great to know that “if I’d just pushed a little bit harder, I would have beat a lot of the guys, too.”
Miki Sudo is overcome with emotion after downing 51 hot dogs — beating the world record.Photo by Dean Moses Miki Sudo is crowned the women’s champion during the 2024 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island.Photo by Dean MosesSudo said she had more to give, but is already looking ahead to next year’s contest. Hopefully, she said, the weather will be as calm as this year, and the crowd — which Sudo lovingly referred to as “a constant” — will bring the same exciting energy.
“I see [my] numbers going up 10%,” she said of 2025.
This year’s contest was notably different from previous years due to the absence of 16-time champion Chestnut. Major League Eating (MLE) announced last month that it was parting ways with Chestnut, citing a rule prohibiting participants from striking endorsement deals with rivals of Nathan’s, the contest’s primary sponsor.
Chestnut’s departure left the competition wide open, setting the stage for new champions to rise. Chestnut’s personal best was 76 hot dogs downed during the contest in 2021. Last year, he faced 62.
Crowds cheered with excitement during the annual July Fourth competition.Photo by Dean Moses The Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest has become synonymous with the Fourth of July in Brooklyn.Photo by Dean Moses Fans were decked out in red, white and brew to celebrate the holiday — and the annual competition.Photo by Dean Moses“This was the best contest, in terms of competition, that I’ve seen in more than a decade,” Shea told Brooklyn Paper and amNewYork Metro. “We had four or five eaters going back and forth, but finally, Patrick Bertoletti set his own personal best — 58 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes — to win this contest. Chicago is cheering right now.”
Bertoletti, a seasoned competitor known for his impressive eating feats, seized the opportunity to clinch the title. His performance was both strategic and relentless, outpacing his rivals in a tightly contested battle.
In the women’s division, Sudo reaffirmed her dominance. But she wasn’t the only one to set a world record on Thursday.
Crowds in the thousands descended upon the Nathan’s Famous flagship on Thursday for the annual frank-fest.Photo by Dean Moses Patrick Bertoletti was crowned the champion of the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on Thursday.Photo by Dean Moses Spectators camped out ahead of the festivities to get a good view of the chowdown.Photo by Dean MosesEric ‘Badlands’ Booker chugged a gallon of lemonade in 21 seconds during Nathan’s often underrated, but just-as-sweet drink-chugging contest — setting yet another world record.
“It was a very exciting day,” Shea said.
The iconic showdown — now synonymous with the Fourth of July in Brooklyn — was held in Coney Island, drawing thousands of spectators to the flagship Nathan’s Famous at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenue. On-lookers (many decked out in red, white and blue or Nathan’s Famous yellow) charged with excitement as host George Shea crowned champions in both divisions.
Additional reporting by Dean Moses and Dylan Christie
A Brooklyn suspect shot a man, then briefly barricaded himself inside an apartment on Wednesday night, leading to a brief standoff with police.
Police said the chaotic scene unfolded just after 10:30 p.m. on July 3 inside 693 Halsey St. in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Officers from the 81st Precinct responded to an initial 911 call and found a man inside the apartment shot multiple times in the buttocks and right hip. Two children were also located nearby, but were not harmed, law enforcement sources said.
EMS rushed the victim to Interfaith Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
Meanwhile, police at the scene located the gunman in a rear room inside the apartment; he refused to come out, and engaged cops in a standoff.
NYPD Emergency Service Unit and Hostage Negotiation Team members at the scene where a barricaded suspect shot a man in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn on Wednesday, July 3.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe NYPD then dispatched its Emergency Services Unit to help diffuse the situation. The sight came as a shock to residents.
“The cops were moving in with shields, they came out with him a short time later,” said one resident. “This is interesting; never seen this on my block before.”
The standoff turned out to be brief. Within 30 minutes, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident, police noted.
Charges against the perpetrator are pending the results of the ongoing investigation, police said. His relationship to the shooting victim and the children inside the residence was not disclosed.
The city is again planning to build a bus lane along Brooklyn’s Flatbush Avenue, aiming to speed up commutes on the primary thoroughfare crossing the borough.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) last month presented a proposal to Brooklyn’s Community Boards 2 and 8 that would transform the thoroughfare, one of the longest and most congested in the city, and speed up some of the city’s most laggard buses.
The Adams administration first proposed the bus lane back in 2022 and won the support of key elected officials along the corridor. But until now it has largely languished in the political stew along with many other bus lane projects.
“By redesigning Flatbush Avenue, we can speed up bus service to improve the lives of nearly 70,000 daily bus riders currently stuck on one of the most congested corridors in Brooklyn — while also enhancing pedestrian safety,” said DOT Press Secretary Vin Barone in a statement.
The first phase of the proposal is focused on the portion of Flatbush Avenue between Downtown Brooklyn and Prospect Park — the most congested section of the 9.9-mile thoroughfare.
About 69,000 people travel the northern part of the corridor on six different bus lines; those riders find themselves on a heavily congested roadway littered with double-parked cars and trucks, leaving buses traveling at less than 4 miles per hour on average in Downtown Brooklyn.
DOT has not finalized its proposal for the bus lane, but has three proposed lane types to choose from: lanes running directly alongside the curb, lanes running in the center lanes of the roadway, or offset lanes with parking between the bus lane and the sidewalk.
The agency is conducting an analysis of traffic volumes along the stretch and how a potential bus lane would impact traffic on Flatbush Avenue and on side streets. The DOT is set to present analysis reports to Community Boards and other interested parties this fall, after which designs will be refined before an expected implementation of the lane in spring or summer 2025.
“We are considering center-running bus lanes and other options, and look forward to continued public outreach, design refinement, and completing our traffic analysis in consultation with the community,” said Barone. “This process will help inform the best way to make Flatbush Avenue work best for all New Yorkers using the corridor.”
The DOT, however, has not committed to building bus lanes on Flatbush below Grand Army Plaza, noting instead that it intends to “study bus priority treatments in other sections of the corridor in future phases.”
The lone bus traveling along the full length of Flatbush Avenue, the B41, carries 28,000 riders per day but last month puttered along at just 6.5 miles per hour on average, according to MTA statistics.
A bus lane on Flatbush Avenue would arguably be one of the Adams administration’s signature transportation achievements. It would come after two straight years where the administration has failed to construct statutorily required miles of new bus lanes.
The administration was supposed to have built 50 miles of new bus lanes in the past two years, per the 2019 Streets Master Plan law, but has only built 9.6 miles, less than 20% of the requirement.
“Flatbush Avenue riders have been promised faster buses for decades but service has only gotten slower,” said Danny Pearlstein, policy director at the Riders Alliance. “Now it’s time for the mayor to deliver the priority bus riders deserve along the spine of Brooklyn.”
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork Metro.
Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams capped off another contentious round of city budget negotiations on Friday by shaking hands on a tentative $112.4 billion Fiscal Year 2025 spending plan that restores many of the mayor’s unpopular cuts.
The not-yet-finalized budget deal comes just two days before the June 30 deadline by which the City Council must adopt a financial blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. It also dispels speculation that the spending plan would be late this year.
The tentative budget is up roughly $5.4 billion from last year’s $107 billion adopted plan and $800 million from Hizzoner’s $111.6 billion executive proposal in April. The plan restores $349 million in funding for various items, including the city’s three public library systems, cultural institutions, parks, and early childhood education programs.
“Today, we deliver a budget that invests in the future of our city and the working people who live here,” Mayor Adams said during the budget deal announcement at City Hall on Friday afternoon. “Our actions have helped us arrive at a strong fiscally responsible budget today that has allowed us to partner with the council together, invest in our early childhood education, cultural organizations, libraries, parks, public safety, housing and health care. budget.”
The Speaker called the budget process, much of which the council focused on restoring the mayor’s cuts, “most difficult.”
“Throughout this year’s budget process, the council has been clear-eyed about the needs of the communities we represent and what working families require to live in a city they love,” the speaker said. “The Council works hard to secure investments for these priorities within this budget, because they matter to New Yorkers and are irreplaceable. We are immensely proud of the work to restore this funding.”
The Speaker said all of the council’s top priortiies for restorations were addressed by the spending plan. She added that the city must “move away” from a budgeting process focused on restoring cuts.
The budget also includes $2 billion for creating new affordable housing and preserving existing public housing—as well as $10 million to expand eligibility for the Fair Fares half-priced MetroCard program for low-income New Yorkers from 120% of the federal poverty level to 145%.
However, the council did not restore all of the mayor’s cuts.
For instance, the budget does not include as much funding for the city’s Universal Pre-K and 3-K programs as advocates and lawmakers had been calling for. The plan added $20 million to expand the tow programs by roughly 2,000 seats in areas with the most need, which is less than the $170 million the mayor eliminated through two rounds of cuts.
Yet Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan said that while the council would have liked more funding for the programs, they must first be revamped to fix a mismatch between empty seats in certain parts of the city and a waiting list for seats in other areas. The deal also includes a working group between the adminisration and the council that will figure out how to revamp the programs.
“We needed to do more than just restore those cuts, we needed to be smart about it because we have a system right now that has a wait list and a lot of vacant seats,” Brannan said. “So, it needs reform, it doesn’t just need more money. And I think we’re sort of going to hit reset on that whole system and do 3-K, Pre-K 2.0 and do it right.”
The mayor has long made a similar argument that the programs must be realigned before greelighting more seats because the city was paying for spots that no children were occupying.
Child care advocates, however, still voiced frustration with the final deal.
“Parents are grateful to the New York City Council for their herculean efforts in achieving a budget that rolls back some of the Mayor’s cuts to 3-K,” said Rebecca Bailin, executive director of New Yorkers United for Child Care. “Despite these steps, families are still facing millions in unnecessary cuts to 3-K and Pre-K. As child care costs soar, the Mayor should be focused on ensuring every family can access free 3-K; instead, the Mayor continues to underinvest in this lifeline for working families.”
The mayor’s relenting on many of his belt-tightening measures comes after months-long public pressure campaign paired with low poll numbers that showed the reductions to be deeply unpopular.
The deal comes after months of heated negotiations over across-the-board 5% cuts Mayor Adams enacted in November and January. He insists the reductions were necessary to balance the city’s books as spending on the influx of over 200,000 migrants has cost the city over $4 billion and as billions more in federal pandemic aid is set to expire.
The mayor then backtracked on some of his more unpopular reductions in January, restoring funding for NYPD academy classes and litter basket service that he had chopped earlier. He also canceled a third round of trims that was set for April, but left most others in place.
He justified the reversals by arguing that his extremely conservative fiscal approach allowed the city to avoid a financial crisis. His budget office revised its revenue projections upward and implemented a plan to reduce migrant crisis spending by 30%.
The council has long argued the cuts were unnecessary because the city had enough available revenue to avoid them — a notion City Hall denies.
During the news conference, Adams insisted that the cuts were neccessary becasue of financial “uncertainties” driven by the influx of migrants last fall. He said the cuts combined with limits on migrant spending, including how long they can stay in city shelters, since then brought the costs under control.
“I don’t live my life through the rearview mirror, I live it through the front windsheild,” Adams said. “We made decisions based on the uncertainties we were facing … If we didn’t put in place real iniatives to bring down the numbers, we would be having a different conversation right now.”
Much of the focus of this budget cycle surrounded making the city’s public libraries whole after the mayor’s November cuts to the systems caused them to end Sunday service at most branches. The budget will reallocate $58 million to the library systems that were previously trimmed, $43 million of which will be baselined—meaning the funding will not be subject to negotiations next year.
In a joint statement, public library leaders called the restoration a “ resounding victory” for New Yorkers. They said the funding will allow them to bring back seven-day service in the coming weeks and to continue universal six-day service, which has been in place for nearly a decade.
“We are honored to be able to continue the vital programs, initiatives, and hours of operation that this great city so clearly wants, needs, and deserves,” the library leaders said.
The Canarsie community is set to come together to celebrate summer and the spirit of togetherness on June 29.
Residents, local artists, elected officials and community organizations will gather at the nabe’s first Peaceful Summer Fest, a live music festival complete with entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities. The festival kicks off at I.S. 68 Park at 956 East 82nd St. at noon, and will wrap up around 5 p.m.
Organizers said the event is all about building unity and celebrating the spirit of togetherness.The festival is the brainchild of Man Up Inc. USA, a non-profit organization founded by A.T. Mitchell Mann, a New York City gun violence prevention czar.
“We are thrilled to bring the Peaceful Summer Fest to Canarsie. This festival is all about creating a safe and enjoyable space for our community to celebrate and have fun together,” Mann said.
This vibrant festival will feature live performances by some of the hottest talents in the music industry, including D Sturdy, Lil’ Mama and Lucky Banks.
“This festival is a great opportunity to demonstrate that love and community spirit will always triumph over violence,” said Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who represents the neighborhood, in a statement. “I look forward to seeing everyone come together to enjoy this wonderful day and to build a stronger, safer Canarsie.”
Music isn’t all the summer fest will offer. Neighbors can enjoy a variety of food options from local vendors, participate in fun games and contests and take part in giveaways.
Jibreel Jalloh, founder of event co-sponsor The Flossy Organization, expressed his gratitude for Mann and MUSA’s efforts and looks forward to spending the day with the Canarsie community.
The Flossy Organization has been fighting to fund local anti-violence programs in Canarsie for years amid a wave of gun violence — especially among young people — in the neighborhood.
“Our community has suffered the loss of too many lives to violence, and more needs to be done. This festival is a positive step in the right direction, fostering unity and providing a safe, joyful space for all,” Jalloh said.
WWE Superstars Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill exemplified the importance of diversity in Brooklyn Friday as hundreds of fans looked to meet their heroes.
For the droves of young girls of color who lined the block surrounding the 61 Graham Ave Cricket Wireless Retail Store on June 26, the former WWE tag team champions are not just larger than life figures who run roughshod over the roster, they are symbols of the power of black women and an inspiration.
“It is so important to see representation, not just in wrestling but in anything. I feel like if I saw them growing up, I might have been a different person,” fan Luxury Leah said, who arrived dressed up as Jade Cargill. “Having athletes like them, who are beautiful, who are glamorous — I am just honored to be part of the community.
Fan Luxury Leah said that WWE Superstars Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill are positive role models for black excellence.Photo by Dean MosesBoth Cargill and Bianca Belair spoke to amNewYork Metro before their scheduled meet and greet where they candidly talked about representation and what it means to them to inspire others. According to Belair she actually got the idea to have a group of young ladies accompany her at her Wrestlemania entrance during a Cricket Wireless meet and greet.
Super fan Luxury Leah dressed like WWE Superstar Jade Cargill for the meet and greet at Cricket Wireless.Photo by Dean Moses“The Cricket meet and greets is actually one of my favorite things to do. The idea to have little girls to do my entrance I got from being at the Cricket meet and greets because I see so many girls dressed like me,” Belair explained. “Getting to meet these fans you really get to see how you impact their lives. We put smiles on their faces and they put smiles on our faces.”
Cargill agreed, stating that the sight of the long lines of people just waiting to meet her is an awe-inspiring sight.
WWE Superstars Bianca Belair (left) and Jade Cargill.Photo by Dean Moses Fans shared why WWE Superstars Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill are so inspiring.Photo by Dean Moses“It shows that what we’re doing is worth it, you know, like they’re standing in line for hours and hours for us. It just makes us humble and makes us grateful,” Cargill added.
The pair have been dominating the women’s tag team division as of late and even swiftly became tag team champions before losing them in a three-way match at Clash at the Castle in Scotland to Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn. Despite this bump in the road, the pair say they plan on regaining their championships.
“We’re definitely going to get our titles back,” Belair declared. “You know, the best team won that night, we got caught slipping. It’s only gonna make us better. We didn’t get to finish what we started with the tag team division. We want to continue to elevate it and continue to put our women’s roster on the map.”
“We are going to get those titles back,” Cargill repeatedly with firm confidence.
WWE Smackdown will be live at Madison Square Garden on June 28.
Fans were excited to see WWE Superstars Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill at the meet with fans inside of the Cricket Wireless Retail Store in Brooklyn.Photo by Dean Moses
While many political commentators have described Thursday’s presidential debate as a disastrous night for President Biden, New York Democrats made it clear on Friday that they are either standing by their man — or choosing to stay silent — following his performance.
Many elected Democrats shifted the focus to Trump, away from Biden. Others focused solely on Biden’s strengths, ignoring his apparent stumbles.
“Let’s be clear. Donald Trump is the greatest threat to the American people,” NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the 90-minute debate ended. “He is a convicted felon who wants to ban abortion nationwide. Those are the stakes this November.”
U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn) told amNew York Metro that there is “no question” that Biden had an off night. He added that Biden should not be judged on one debate—a debate analysts say was marred by mumbles and ramblings, accusations of lies, and turned-off mikes.
“Presidents are defined by their record, and last night we saw one candidate with decency, honor, and integrity who has helped working families throughout America and has historically invested in our infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy independence up against a lying, corrupt felon who didn’t accept responsibility for Jan. 6, would not agree to a peaceful transfer of power, proudly took responsibility for taking away a woman’s reproductive freedom, and vowed to raise inflation and the national debt by cutting taxes even more for the super wealthy,” Goldman said.
amNew York Metro called and emailed other top New York Democrats numerous times for comment on the debate, including U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, but did not hear back.
Nevertheless, while not expressly commenting on the debate, Jeffries did tell Washington reporters that it was “not my position” to say whether Biden should drop out of the race: “I stand behind the ticket.”
NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, another Democrat, took a more direct approach in analyzing the debate, giving both Biden and Trump mixed reviews.
“Overall: Biden absolutely actually answered questions with real policy. Unfortunately, he said it with tremendous lethargy and, at times, not cohesive,” Williams posted on X. “Trump talked pure nonsense but said it with energy, verve and divisive red meat.”
Most Democrats, however, have stayed silent following the debate, not issuing statements or commenting on social media.
New York Republicans, however, have been eager to share their thoughts about the debate, giving accolades to Trump while criticizing Biden for his apparent lack of clear communication.
NYC Council Member Inna Vernikov (R-Brooklyn) told amNew York Metro that the “right choice” for November’s election was “clear” last night.
“What a sad state of affairs that the Democrats set up this clearly declining elderly man to fail not only in front of the entire nation, but on the world stage in front of our allies and enemies alike,” she said. “How anyone could watch this and come away thinking we’re strong and prosperous under this administration is beyond me.”
She also questioned Biden’s ability to run the country now and in the future.
“My question is, who has really been running the country for the past four years? I think the right choice in this election is very clear.”
U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) shared a similar testament.
“The 90-minute debate was terrible for Joe Biden, but the last 3.5 years have been a disaster for America,” she said. “Joe Biden and his administration have driven up inflation and interest rates, destroyed our energy supply and opened our borders to murderers, rapists and terrorists.”
According to a CNN poll, viewers overwhelmingly said Trump was the star of the show Thursday night. The numbers said that Trump had a better performance, 67% to 33%.
Despite Biden’s poor performance, he has no plans to leave the race. In fact, as reported in the New York Post, he plans to go up against Trump in a second debate later this year.
President Biden doubled down on his commitment to the race, posting on X Friday afternoon that he would not be leaving the race.
“Last night made it clear: There is too much on the line to sit this election out. That’s why Dr. Biden [Jill Biden] and I are in Raleigh talking to voters about how we plan to win in November.”
The 18-year-old suspected of fatally shooting 15-year-old Faridun Mavlonov in Bensonhurst last July was arrested on Thursday, according to the NYPD.
Leopoldo Nash Montoya allegedly shot Mavlonov in the back near the intersection of 62nd Street and 20th Avenue on July 17, 2023. The teen was found unresponsive in the street and was hospitalized in critical condition, but died of his injuries the following day.
Montoya fled to Panama after the shooting, according to police. Photo by Lloyd MitchellMontoya, who was then 17 years old, fled to Panama immediately after the incident, cops said. The NYPD, with help from the U.S. Marshal’s New York Fugitive Task Force and Panamanian officials, tracked Montoya to Panama City and extradited him to the U.S. on June 14. He was cuffed in southern Brooklyn late on the night of June 27.
The 18-year-old faces a slew of charges, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, attempted gang assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and assault. Montoya was silent as he was led out of the 62nd Precinct by homicide detectives on Friday.
Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban attended Mavlonov’s funeral last summer, where the mayor decried gun violence in New York City.
“We must save our children, we’re losing too much and too many,” Adams said at the funeral service. “I am renewed in my spirit of this painful moment to turn it into a purposeful moment to stop the violence that we’re witnessing.”
Mavlonov was remembered as a good student and aspiring UFC fighter.File photo courtesy of the Mavlonov familyThe teen’s loved ones remembered him as a dedicated student who had aspirations of becoming a UFC fighter. His grandmother, Umaro Kamalova, told reporters last year that her grandson was a “smart, beautiful, peaceful boy who was always helping his family.”
From Jan. 1-June 23, the rate of shootings has remained flat in the 62nd Precinct, where Mavlonov was killed, according to the latest NYPD data — just one shooting has been reported in the precinct so far this year. Homicide is up 100%, though, from one last year to two this year.
Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams have agreed to expand eligibility for a program that provides low-income New Yorkers with half-priced MetroCards in the upcoming city budget, an increase that still falls short of the one desired by the speaker and transit advocates, sources familiar with budget talks told amNewYork Metro.
The Fiscal Year 2025 spending plan will increase the eligibility for the city’s Fair Fares program from those making 120% of the federal poverty line to 145% (about $22,000 per year for an individual), according to one source and confirmed by a second, who was granted anonymity to discuss the not-yet-announced deal. The mayor and the speaker are expected to reach a handshake agreement on the coming fiscal year’s budget sometime Friday.
While City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, for whom expanding Fair Fares eligibility is a major priority, sees the increase as a hard-fought win, it still falls far short of the 200% of the federal poverty level threshold she has long sought. Transit advocates and even MTA leadership have also pushed for an increase to 200%, but the Adams administration has been resistant to raising eligibility in the past.
Danny Pearlstein, policy and communications director at the transit advocacy group Riders Alliance, applauded the move in a statement to amNewYork Metro.
“In this budget, subway and bus riders won the biggest Fair Fares expansion so far,” Pearlstein said. “Thanks to our robust coalition, affordable transit will be within reach of hundreds of thousands more New Yorkers. We’ll keep working to reach 200% of the federal poverty line and we’re thrilled to have Speaker Adams and the Council in our corner.”
The expansion appears to be one of many last-minute wins the council has scored, as the tumultuous budget cycle that has seen haggling over the spending plan goes right down to the wire. The council was successful in getting roughly $111 million in the mayor’s cuts to public libraries and cultural institutions reversed, with more restorations expected to be announced Friday.
The widened eligibility level for Fair Fares is possible because of an additional $10 million in baselined dollars for the program—meaning money that will not be subject to budget negotiations next year. This brings the overall funding level for Fair Fares to just over $100 million annually. It comes one year after the mayor and speaker agreed to raise the eligibility level to 120% of the federal poverty level from 100% in the 2023-2024 budget deal.
The federal poverty line this year stands at $15,060 for an individual and $31,200 for a family of 4 — an amount that varies based on family size. That means the 145% level will open the program to individuals making $21,837 and a family of 4 making $45,240 annually, up from individuals making $18,072 and $37,440 a year.
Although most users still need a MetroCard to access Fair Fares, the MTA and the city Department of Social Services are piloting a program in which 50 eligible riders can access it through the OMNY tap-to-pay system. The pilot began in May and will last through the end of July.
Thus far, 335,966 New Yorkers have enrolled in Fair Fares, according to the city’s Human Resources Administration. The expansion widens the approximate number of people eligible for the program from 932,000 to just over 1 million.
City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan and economist James Parrott, in an amNewYork Metro op-ed last week, argued that expanding the program is a matter of racial equity as 78% and 65% of bus and subway ridership is comprised of people of color, according to a New School study they cited. Additionally, they contended it would give low-income New Yorkers in the outer boroughs greater access to all the city has to offer.
“By expanding the reach of Fair Fares, we can ensure that all New Yorkers – particularly those who are already struggling during a crisis of affordability – can fully participate in the economic, social, and cultural opportunities of our city,” they wrote.
Yes, chef! A brand new food festival is coming to Williamsburg this summer.
The Yes Chef Food Fest is the brainchild of Jack’s Dining Room, the NYC-based social media creator who is best known for showcasing global restaurants and foods. Created in collaboration with NYBucketlist and Rose Gold Presents, the festival will take place on Aug. 10-11 at Bk Backyard Bar (86 N 11th St.).
“After traveling the world in search of the best culinary experiences, I can confidently say what many of you already know: NYC has some of the best food in the entire world,” said Jack Goldburg, the face behind Jack’s Dining Room. “In launching Yes Chef food fest, we are bringing together our favorite restaurants in NYC to showcase the incredibly talented chefs and unique dishes that make those restaurants so special. These folks are more than chefs – they’re pillars of our community, dishing out unforgettable experiences and capturing the vibrant spirit that makes this city so special. Join us for two days of amazing food, music, and culture!”
Photo courtesy of Yes Chef Food FestThe inaugural Yes Chef Food Fest is expected to welcome over 5,000 foodies over the two-day fest. The festival will give fans a chance to try a myriad of dishes from highly sought-after restaurants, take part in interactive experiences, watch live demonstrations and musical performances, and more!
Among the restaurants participating in Yes Chef Food Fest include:
- Mama’s Too!
- Gotham Burger
- Arthur & Sons
- Taqueria Ramirez
- Milano Market
- Pecking House
- Bark BBQ
- Charles Pan Fried Chicken
- Soothr
- Pig and Khao
- Mesiba
- Mimi Chengs
- Federoff’s Roast Pork
- Red Hook Lobster
- Taste of Heaven
- Bodega SF
More vendors and musical guests will be announced at a later date.
Tickets are on sale now starting at $20 and can be purchased at www.yescheffoodfest.com. For more information, visit www.yescheffoodfest.com and keep up on social at @yescheffoodfest and @jacksdiningroom.
Photo courtesy of Yes Chef Food Fest
For 70 years, Veselka has been serving up authentic Ukrainian cuisine in New York City, and its legacy lives on in their new Williamsburg location.
In 1954, the New York City staple was brought to life by Volodymyr and Olha Darmochwal, grandparents of current owner Jason Birchard, in the East Village.
Veselka has become well-known for its authentic Ukrainian fare. Photo by Emily Davenport“So you might consider our early days sort of like the Ukranian bodega, Jason’s grandparents immigrated to the United States, fleeing Russian oppression in the 50s, settled in the East Village, which is Little Ukraine,” said Justin Birchard, Director of Development at Veselka. “Veselka started as a kind of newsstand/coffee shop and slowly over time, expanded the menu and food offerings and also the physical footprint of the restaurant and building it into what it became today.”
Tom Birchard, Jason’s father and Justin’s uncle, took over for the Darmochwals several years later, with Jason taking the reins in 2020 and Justin joining in 2022. The team has since opened a kiosk in Grand Central Terminal and has found great success in an e-commerce platform.
Veselka has been well-known over the years for serving delicious, authentic Ukrainian food. Among the more popular items on the menu include the pierogi/varenyky, which come with a variety of fillings such as the classic potato, cheese, and braised beef, but also take a modern twist with the bacon, egg and cheese dumpling.
A plate of classic Veselka potato pancakes. Photo by Emily DavenportSome other go-to items for the Veselka menu include chicken noodle soup, beef stroganoff, borscht, and potato pancakes.
“It’s hearty, stick to your ribs, homemade like your grandma used to make kind of food,” said Birchard. “It’s a place that people have, have fond memories of from their youth, maybe early morning breakfast or late night lunch dinners, whatever the case may be.”
At the beginning of June, Veselka opened up its first Brooklyn location in the heart of Williamsburg. Located at 646 Lorimer St., the new Veselka location serves up the same classic fare that customers know and love from the brand’s East Village store.
For the Veselka team, taking the brand to Williamsburg was a no-brainer.
“We have seen other restaurant concepts that are neighbors of ours in the East Village move over to Williamsburg and have a lot of success. We always felt that Veselka was bigger than just the East Village and wanted to branch out,” said Birchard. “It’s a neighborhood that Jason and I both like a lot, and I happen to live here so I know it well.”
To celebrate the opening of the new store as well as Veselka’s 70th Anniversary, the store teamed up with Katz’s Delicatessen to create two new items, starting with the Pastrogi.
The Veselka “pastrogi,” a pastrami-stuffed pierogi. Photo by Emily Davenport“We wanted to do a special collaboration with an iconic New York brand. Jason happens to know the owner of Katz’s from some previous TV engagements. When we reached out, we came up with the idea of doing a pastrami-filled pierogi, which we are dubbing ‘the pastrogi,’” said Birchard. “We serve it fried or boiled with a side of Bavarian mustard and it’s been a huge hit.”
The pastrogi is available for dine-in or take-out and is also available for nationwide shipping. Veselka and Katz also created The New York Classics Package featuring Veselka, available on Katz’s website. The package includes one dozen of Veselka’s classic potato pierogies, Katz’s hand-carved pastrami and all the classic fixings.
The team behind Veselka hopes to be able to continue and grow the brand’s legacy for years to come, keeping Slavic food as a prominent player in New York City’s food industry.“I think Slavic cuisine traditionally is a little underrepresented in America. We’re looking to launch a line of frozen pierogies, and our hope is that it will be available in grocery stores locally, regionally, and maybe one day nationally,” said Birchard. “We love the brand and its legacy that it had through the generations in our family and the lives that it’s impacted in New York. We want to spread that as much as we can.”
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
An 83-year-old woman was fatally struck by a dump truck driver in Boerum Hill on Wednesday afternoon, according to the NYPD.
The crash occurred around 11:30 a.m., police said, as Gowanus Houses resident Carolyn Cox was crossing Bond Street midblock toward Butler Street. While she was crossing, the driver of a 2018 Kenworth dump truck turned right from Butler Street onto Bond Street and struck her with the passenger side of the vehicle.
Cops said the driver, who has not been identified, continued to drive but came to a stop at the corner of Third Avenue and Bergen Street — about a half mile from the scene of the crash.
Cox was found unconscious and unresponsive in the road, and was taken to New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.
There is not an east-west crosswalk at the intersection where Cox was killed. Photo courtesy of Google MapsThe intersection of Bond and Butler streets is a “T,” intersection — Butler Street meets Bond Street, but does not continue on the other side. Though there is an intersection north-south across Butler, there is not an east-west crosswalk on Bond, where Cox was crossing. There is a stop sign for eastbound traffic turning from Butler onto Bond, as the dump truck driver was.
Three crashes have been reported at the intersection between over the last five years, according to NYC Crash Mapper, resulting in three pedestrian injuries.
“This tragedy underscores the pressing need to design all of our streets with safety in mind, including features like physical curb extensions, clearly marked and raised crosswalks, and universal daylighting, and to implement the lower speed limits facilitated by the recent passage of Sammy’s Law as soon as possible,” Brooklyn Community Board 6 said in a statement. “Our thoughts tonight are with the victim and her family and friends.
Six people have been hit and killed by dump trucks in New York City this year, according to streets-safety group Transportation Alternatives. In March, a 58-year-old woman was struck and killed by a dump truck in Flatbush — the same truck that killed a Queens crossing guard in 2023, according to the New York Daily News.
Two pedestrians — ages 75 and 77 — were killed by dump trucks in southern Brooklyn in the span of just four months last year.
“We need painted crosswalks at every intersection – including and especially all three sides of these T-intersections,” said TransAlt representative Elizabeth Adams in a statement. “DOT proposed a rule to prohibit vehicles from blocking pedestrian crossing points at unmarked crosswalks back in September, but hasn’t moved forwards.”
Hours after Cox was killed, a delivery truck driver struck and killed an eight-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl in an unrelated incident in Queens. The 16-year-old was killed, while the eight-year-old was hospitalized with serious injuries.
“During the deadliest year for traffic crashes in over a decade, two more families are mourning wholly preventable losses and we are furious as we demand more from our city’s leaders,” Adams said. “We need real action and real leadership to protect our youngest and oldest pedestrians.”
For 70 years, Veselka has been serving up authentic Ukrainian cuisine in New York City, and its legacy lives on in their new Williamsburg location.
In 1954, the New York City staple was brought to life by Volodymyr and Olha Darmochwal, grandparents of current owner Jason Birchard, in the East Village.
“So you might consider our early days sort of like the Ukranian bodega, Jason’s grandparents immigrated to the United States, fleeing Russian oppression in the 50s, settled in the East Village, which is Little Ukraine,” said Justin Birchard, Director of Development at Veselka. “Veselka started as a kind of newsstand/coffee shop and slowly over time, expanded the menu and food offerings and also the physical footprint of the restaurant and building it into what it became today.”
Tom Birchard, Jason’s father and Justin’s uncle, took over for the Darmochwals several years later, with Jason taking the reins in 2020 and Justin joining in 2022. The team has since opened a kiosk in Grand Central Terminal and has found great success in an e-commerce platform.
Photo by Emily DavenportVeselka has been well-known over the years for serving delicious, authentic Ukrainian food. Among the more popular items on the menu include the pierogi/varenyky, which come with a variety of fillings such as the classic potato, cheese, and braised beef, but also take a modern twist with the bacon, egg and cheese dumpling.
Some other go-to items for the Veselka menu include chicken noodle soup, beef stroganoff, borscht, and potato pancakes.
“It’s hearty, stick to your ribs, homemade like your grandma used to make kind of food,” said Birchard. “It’s a place that people have, have fond memories of from their youth, maybe early morning breakfast or late night lunch dinners, whatever the case may be.”
At the beginning of June, Veselka opened up its first Brooklyn location in the heart of Williamsburg. Located at 646 Lorimer St., the new Veselka location serves up the same classic fare that customers know and love from the brand’s East Village store.
For the Veselka team, taking the brand to Williamsburg was a no-brainer.
Potato pancakes from Veselka.Photo by Emily Davenport“We have seen other restaurant concepts that are neighbors of ours in the East Village move over to Williamsburg and have a lot of success. We always felt that Veselka was bigger than just the East Village and wanted to branch out,” said Birchard. “It’s a neighborhood that Jason and I both like a lot, and I happen to live here so I know it well.”
To celebrate the opening of the new store as well as Veselka’s 70th Anniversary, the store teamed up with Katz’s Delicatessen to create two new items, starting with the Pastrogi. This limited-edition menu item
“We wanted to do a special collaboration with an iconic New York brand. Jason happens to know the owner of Katz’s from some previous TV engagements. When we reached out, we came up with the idea of doing a pastrami-filled pierogi, which we are dubbing ‘the pastrogi,’” said Birchard. “We serve it fried or boiled with a side of Bavarian mustard and it’s been a huge hit.”
The pastrogi at VeselkaThe pastrogi is available for dine-in or take-out and is also available for nationwide shipping. Veselka and Katz also created The New York Classics Package featuring Veselka, available on Katz’s website. The package includes one dozen of Veselka’s classic potato pierogies, Katz’s hand-carved pastrami and all the classic fixings.
The team behind Veselka hopes to be able to continue and grow the brand’s legacy for years to come, keeping Slavic food as a prominent player in New York City’s food industry.
“I think Slavic cuisine traditionally is a little underrepresented in America. We’re looking to launch a line of frozen pierogies, and our hope is that it will be available in grocery stores locally, regionally, and maybe one day nationally,” said Birchard. “We love the brand and its legacy that it had through the generations in our family and the lives that it’s impacted in New York. We want to spread that as much as we can.”
For more information, visit veselka.com.
Dessert Pierogis at VeselkaPhoto by Emily Davenport
Firefighters rescued three people from an apparent lithium-ion battery fire in Midwood early on Thursday morning.
FDNY personnel from the 33rd Battalion raced to the scene at 416 Avenue M just after 6:23 a.m. on June 27 and found heavy fire and smoke pouring from the second floor of a mixed-use building. One victim had already jumped from the building to escape the inferno, firefighters said, and was found with burn injuries on the sidewalk.
Paramedics transported residents to local hospitals following a two- alarm fire at 416 Avenue M. Photo by Lloyd MitchellChief Fire Marshal Dan Flynn said “the fire damage was pretty significant and units had heavy fire front to rear on the second floor.”
During a press conference after the blaze, firefighters said the e-bike that sparked the fire was found in the hallway, leading to difficulty removing the victims. Paramedics hurried one of the victims to a local hospital in critical condition. The other two were reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation, and were in stable condition.
The e-bike was reportedly in the hallway of the building. Photo by Lloyd MitchellMore than 100 firefighters deployed four hose-lines to knock down the main body of the fire, and got the blaze under control at 7:43 a.m., more than an hour after they first arrived on the scene. Residents of the building watched from the sidewalk, holding their pets and belongings.
The FDNY’s Hazmat squad safely removed the hazardous e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries from the scene, and the fire marshal is still investigating the cause of the fire. According to city records, firefighters requested a structural investigation of the building after the fire.
Firefighters inside one of the damaged apartments. Photo by Lloyd MitchellLithium-ion batteries — commonly used to power e-bikes and e-scooters — are prone to overheating and exploding, causing fast-moving and destructive fires. Last fall, an lithium-ion battery fire killed three people and injured more than a dozen more in Crown Heights, and law enforcement officials in April arrested a Flatbush shop owner for improperly storing the dangerous batteries.
The Hazmat squad removed the batteries and bikes from the scene. Photo by Lloyd MitchellTo reduce the risk of fire, the FDNY recommends that New Yorkers only purchase legal, authorized lithium-ion batteries and chargers, and says batteries should be charged with a wall outlet, not a power strip, and away from doors or hallways. Charging lithium-ion batteries should not be left attended or left to charge overnight.
— Additional reporting by Kirstyn Brendlen
A group of 20 immigrant families who faced eviction after being defrauded of millions of dollars by their landlord are now on the path to homeownership after a nonprofit affordable housing developer stepped in to purchase the building.
Residents of 345 Ovington Ave. paid over $5 million to developer Xi Hui Steven Wu for Bay Ridge condominiums, only to later discover that Wu lacked state permission for the sales and never transferred the deeds.
As Wu was also not paying the mortgage and still owed more than $5 million as of October 2018, his lender, Maxim Credit Group, started foreclosure proceedings on the building, leaving residents in jeopardy.
Kris Chan was a teenager when she moved into Ovington Avenue with her mother and two siblings in 2016. To live in the building, the Chan family and other tenants were paying monthly condo fees on top of the massive sums they had paid in down payments for their units — up to $500,000 in some cases.
Wu purchased 345 Ovington Avenue, then the site of Salam Arabic Lutheran Church, from the Lutheran Metropolitan New York Synod for $1.5 million in 2011. Photo courtesy of Google Maps“Initially my mom wanted to purchase this apartment because of the local community and the school zone but in 2017 we received some correspondence from a bank that made us think there was something wrong financially,” Chan told Brooklyn Paper on Wednesday, adding that after an initial meeting with Wu about the issue, residents decided to enlist the help of an attorney who warned them that they may be victims of fraud.
“We were devastated and felt helpless and overwhelmed when we learned what happened,” she said.
Another resident, Rei Tan, purchased an apartment for his elderly parents. “We wanted them to be close by here in Bay Ridge. For so long, it felt like a hopeless situation with nowhere to turn for help,” he said.
In 2021, after a protracted legal battle, the residents won a lawsuit against Wu but continued to face foreclosure threats. In July 2022, Chan and two other tenants filed an involuntary bankruptcy claim against Wu’s LLC, halting the sale of the building and allowing time to negotiate a solution.
The tenants publicized their case through local elected officials, leading to a partnership with the nonprofit Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE). In collaboration with the residents’ attorney, Ed Cuccia, and the court trustee, AAFE staff began meeting with the families and hatched a plan to first purchase the mortgage note to prevent foreclosure and then start the lengthy process of converting 345 Ovington Ave. to a limited equity cooperative.
Last month, AAFE, with support from New York Homes and Community Renewal and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, finalized the building’s purchase.
AAFE Executive Director Thomas Yu praised the collaborative effort on Wednesday, stating, “Two years ago, it appeared a miracle would be required to keep these families in their homes. So many dedicated partners came together to resolve a myriad of complex legal and financial issues, helping AAFE implement an innovative plan to turn a fiasco for these families into a remarkable success story.”
“We are so happy for the residents who are now well on their way to realizing the American dream of homeownership,” he added.
The project, including property acquisition and necessary renovations for the 25-unit building, is expected to cost over $15 million, according to AAFE. Funding came from HCR, HPD, and $1.5 million from City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council member Brannan in the FY24 Capital Budget. Senator Iwen Chu also contributed $400,000 in capital funding over the last two years.
“The residents have endured tremendous hardships fighting for their rights and the homes they poured their hearts and savings into. Despite these challenges, they remained united and resilient,” said Sen. Chu. “New York should be a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and today, we are one step closer to achieving that goal.”
Attorney General Letita James joined the celebratory press conference held outside of 345 Ovington, criticizing Wu for exploiting the residents’ trust, noting, “He sold these families condominiums that did not legally exist. He failed to give them proper mortgage contracts or deeds to their home.”
Attorney General Letitia James sued Wu in 2022. Photo courtesy of Council Member Justin Brannan/X“In fact, when he submitted the plan to our office, he also submitted documentation which was fraudulent as well,” said James. “And he collected $5 million in fraudulent monthly mortgage payments and fake building fees all for his own personal use.”
In November of 2022, James’ office sued Wu and a number of other individuals for taking advantage of the 20 families, filing a lawsuit against them for selling non-existent condos and illegally collecting millions of dollars from the families.
The lawsuit is still ongoing but James said she intends to recover the millions of dollars that Wu stole and to ban him from the real estate industry.
In the coming months, AAFE said it will assess the building’s needs and develop a construction plan. In the meantime, residents will be participating in training to become part of a resident-led Housing Fund Development Corporation, while five apartments will be offered as middle-income cooperatives through a city lottery.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Rei Tan expressed gratitude to AAFE and others who worked toward saving their homes.
“All my mother wanted when she found this apartment was a safe home in a good neighborhood. We finally have some peace of mind,” he said.
The NYPD is investigating a shooting that left three people injured in Brooklyn.
Authorities say that just after 8 p.m. on June 26, officers responded to a 911 call regarding two people shot at East 93rd Street and Clarkson Avenue. Upon their arrival, officers found a 23-year-old man who was shot in the right leg and a 24-year-old man who was shot in the left leg.
Paramedics took the victims to Brookdale Hospital and Kings County Hospital. Shortly afterward, a 25-year-old man walked into Brookdale Hospital with a gunshot wound.
Police are investigating a shooting that left three injured in Brooklyn.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell“This block is notorious for shootings. I am afraid it will never stop. It is senseless,” a nearby resident told amNewYork Metro.
No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Getty ImagesBest Spots to Watch Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show 2024New Yorkers may be the luckiest, for the city’s July 4th celebrations are newsworthy. The most famous is the iconic Macy’s 4th of July fireworks celebration, which families from all over stream on NBC. However, New Yorkers have the opportunity to watch it in real life and can watch it from viewing stations in Manhattan and Hoboken.
This year, there will be more than 60,000 shells, with over 30 colors, light up the night sky as only Macy’s can. Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, shares, “This year’s Fireworks will feature never before seen effects created for Macy’s, special surprise and delight moments, and an exciting musical score of summer’s greatest hits, inspiring our audience nationwide.
These never-before-seen fireworks will feature a red and blue alternating kaleidoscope, cross rings, strobing comets, waterfalls, Saturn circles, crackling pistils, and special ghost pyro shooting off multiple hues. They were conceived, designed and produced by Macy’s Studios in collaboration with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza.
Psst…check Where to See Fireworks Shows in and Around New York for Summer 2024
Macy’s new summer campaign, Summer’s Greatest Hits, inspires this year’s custom 25-minute musical score celebrating the season with summertime favorites. Produced and arranged by Grammy and Emmy Award winner Jason Howland, the score will feature chart-topping musical talents reimagining classic songs to create the ultimate summer soundtrack, featuring a variety of genres and decades and patriotic anthems.
Where to view the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks ShowTake in this fireworks spectacular along the Hudson River, at multiple locations listed below in Manhattan and New Jersey.
Manhattan West Side Highway entry points managed by NYPD:
Christopher St. & Washington St.
W. 11th St. & Washington St.
W. 12th St. & Washington St.
W. 29th St. & 11th Ave.
W. 40th St. & 11th Ave.
W. 41st St. & 11th Ave.
Hoboken:
Pier A Park, 100 Sinatra Drive
Maxwell Place Park, 1025 Maxwell Lane
Stevens Park, Hudson Street
Elysian Park, Hudson St. Btw 10th &11th Street
Visit Macys.com for additional entry and viewing details, ADA viewing and watercraft viewing.
You want to arrive early to secure a good spot; note that lawn chairs, blankets, backpacks, or other large bags will not be allowed into the public viewing locations for security reasons. Viewers from New York City are subject to a search by the NYPD and all viewing locations are subject to change at any time by NYPD.
Want a chance to secure free tickets to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show?New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced 10,000 free tickets to the general public to view the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks from Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 or Pier 84 in Manhattan. Tickets went live Wednesday, June 26th, and there is still time to try to score a set of two. However, June 27th may be the last day to get on the online queue to try to score a set.
Want to see the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show from the water?If you are willing to splash out the cash for these tickets, here are some great options to watch from the water.
Fourth of July NYC Party Cruise aboard The HarmonySailing from the Skyport Marina, 2430 FDR Drive at East 23rd Street, Stuyvesant Park
Board at 6:30 pm, Sail at 7:30 pm, Return at 10:30 pm
Tickets start at $169 and include dinner buffet
Enjoy an unforgettable 4th of July celebration aboard the Harmony Yacht in NYC, offering a family-friendly atmosphere, an open bar, and stunning views of the city skyline, promising a spectacular view of the Annual Macy’s Fireworks Show from the Hudson River.
4th of July Family Friendly Fireworks CruiseSailing from Pier 36, 299 South Street, Downtown Manhattan
Board at 6:30pm, Sail at 7:30pm, Return at 10:30pm
Tickets start at $169 and include dinner buffet
Experience up-close views of the world-famous July 4th Fireworks show on this exclusive party boat. Aboard the Liberty Belle, enjoy cocktails, dance to the top hits spun by a live DJ, and sightsee the New York City Skyline on open decks.
Family-Friendly NYC July 4th Fireworks Cruise on LucilleSailing from the Skyport Marina, 2430 FDR Drive at East 23rd Street, Stuyvesant Park
Board at 6:30 pm, Sail at 7:30 pm, Return at 10:30 pm
Tickets start at $179 and includes a dinner buffet
The Lucille will sail towards the 48th Annual Macy’s Fireworks Show, taking place on the Hudson River offering guests spectacular views of this annual event.
The vibrant spirit of community and creativity took center stage on Third Avenue in Bay Ridge as top bars clashed in the inaugural “Battle of the Bartenders” on June 24.
The Merchants of Third Avenue — one of the neighborhood’s small business support groups — brought seven local bars together for the unique cocktail competition. During the contest, each representing mixologist was tasked with creating a vodka-based drink called The Merchant — all in the name of fundraising for the thoroughfare.
The match was the brainchild of Chrisie Canny, events coordinator for The Merchants of Third Avenue. Canny told Brooklyn Paper that she was thinking of creative ways to celebrate the neighborhood’s food and beverage industry, which led to her corralling local barkeeps.
Malone’s Chop House will be the first to etch their name on the winning trophy, but it will passed around for years to come, Canny said.Photo courtesy of Chrisie Canny“I thought ‘Let’s do something with the bartenders,” she said. “It took a little convincing, but at the end, we had seven bars participating.”
During the event, held outside the Wicked Monk, attendees got to try all seven of the mixes and vote for their favorites. As they made their way through the night, their drinks were marked off like a scavenger hunt.
Meanwhile, three judges witnessed each bartender’s creation being crafted fresh, just for them. Presentation was a crucial factor in the judging process, with participants getting creative with garnishes and glassware. Bartenders from the Monk, Kettle Black, Ho’Brah, Pipin’s Pub, Cebu Bar & Bistro, Pour House and Malone’s Chop House showed off their stuff.
Malone’s took home the top prize, while Cebu won over attendees’ hearts with the People’s Choice award. The results will be etched onto a trophy, which Canny said will be passed down from year to year as part of an ongoing tradition.
Fort Hamilton Distillery and Tops Restaurant and Bar Supply sponsored the inaugural ‘Battle of the Bartenders.’ Photo courtesy of Chrisie CannyThe event’s true winner, however, is the Bay Ridge community. Funds raised will support ongoing beautification efforts, including clean-up initiatives and tree-planting projects.
“We’re trying to change habits,” Canny said. “We want people to reinvest in their neighborhood and care about where they live.”
With its rich history and diversity of businesses, Canny hopes Third Avenue can slowly return to its former glory.
“In the nineties, there was a line outside every bar and restaurant,” she told Brooklyn Paper, adding that the event’s success is already paving the way for future collaborations between local businesses and residents. “We’re trying to bring that back.”
Five current and former city employees are facing state and federal criminal charges for allegedly smuggling drugs and weapons into a secure juvenile detention facility in Brownsville.
Law enforcement officials arrested the suspects on Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. District Attorney in the Eastern District of New York, after a lengthy investigation.
Four of the defendants — Da’Vante Bolton, Roger Francis, Christopher Craig, and Nigel King — are actively employed by the city’s Administration for Children’s Services as Youth Development Specialists at the Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brownsville.
The fifth, Octavia Napier, worked at Crossroads as a Youth Development Specialist for just over a year, but was fired last spring when she was suspected of smuggling contraband into the facility, according to court documents.
The five defendants allegedly smuggled contraband into the Crossroads Juvenile Detention Center in Brownsville. Photo courtesy of Google MapsFederal officials have charged all five defendants with conspiracy to commit bribery under the federal Travel Act, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. They are expected to appear in Brooklyn Federal Court on Wednesday afternoon.
Crossroads is a city-operated secure detention facility for young people who have been accused of serious felonies or misdemeanors. Secure detention facilities are meant to “[ensure] the young person appears in court on time while keeping the young person and the community safe,” according to ACS.
Drugs, cell phones, alcohol, weapons, and cigarettes are banned from Crossroads, per court documents, and staff — like employees at city jails and prisons — are meant to search for and confiscate any contraband. Staffers are also supposed to be searched for contraband every time they enter the building.
However, between March 2022 and May 2024, roughly 75 phones and 340 razor blades were found inside the facility — as were drugs and narcotics, per court documents. At least some of that contraband appeared to have been smuggled in by employees in exchange for cash.
The five defendants arrested on Wednesday allegedly smuggled in razor blades, marijuana, phones, prescription pills, and alcohol into the facility between 2018 and 2024 and received a combined $50,800 in cash from Crossroads residents and their family members.
“As alleged, these so-called ‘Youth Development Specialists’ violated their duty to the City and the residents at Crossroads by smuggling in weapons, drugs, and other contraband in exchange for bribes, placing young people and other staff members at an alarming risk of serious harm,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace, in a statement. “Today’s arrests demonstrate that this Office remains committed to rooting out corruption and cleaning up our city’s jails and juvenile detention facilities.”
Bolton is accused of receiving the largest sum of cash — $20,000 between November 2022 and February 2024. Per court filings, two illegal cell phones found in the facility in September 2023 contained text exchanges that appeared to implicate Bolton in smuggling in contraband.
Phone records appear to show the resident texting with friends and family members, requesting items like marijuana — then those friends texting with Bolton.
Other phone records appear to show residents routinely texting Bolton and the other defendants asking for drugs, weapons, food, and more and sending payment for those items. Napier, who was fired in 2023, also allegedly allowed a resident to use her Cash App account to run his own contraband business.
In a statement, New York City Department of Investigation commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said ACS had reported their findings to the DOI — which led to a joint investigation by the DOI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The defendants were expected in Brooklyn Federal Court on Wednesday afternoon. File photo courtesy of Ajay Suresh/Wikimedia CommonsAn ACS spox said the department will suspend any of the accused employees who are still working at Crossroads “immediately,” but did not confirm which of the four defendants currently employed by ACS were still actively working at Crossroads.
“ACS’ first priority is always keeping our young people safe,” the spox said in a statement. “Anyone who violates that mission has no place working for ACS. We appreciate the partnership of DOI and the FBI in helping us to weed out the behavior alleged today”
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Youth jails like Crossroads are reportedly badly under-funded and understaffed. Earlier this month, hundreds of people came forward after allegedly being sexually abused by staffers at juvenile detention centers in the city, including at Crossroads.
Detectives are investigating a shooting in Brooklyn that left a 30-year-old man injured on Primary Day.
Police say that at around 1:30 pm. on June 25, the victim was sitting at a red light at Marcus Garvey Blvd and Malcolm X Blvd in the driver seat of an Elantra when he felt pain in his right shoulder. He looked down to find a bullet wound in his shoulder.
Paramedics took the victim to King County Hospital in stable condition.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd MitchellOfficers were able to recover seven shell-casings at the scene. No arrests have been made and an investigation remains ongoing. Officers currently have no leads on suspects.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-577-Tips. All tips will remain confidential.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
The June 25 Democratic primaries in Brooklyn have wrapped up with few surprises and easy victories for the incumbents in every challenged district, according to unofficial results from the city’s Board of Elections — even in some races considered among the most contentious in the city.
Turnout was fairly low for the primary election, and relatively few races in Brooklyn were contested at all — only one Congressional district, one state Senate district, and four state Assembly districts held Democratic primaries. All of the Republican races were canceled, with one or fewer candidates.
CongressNY-10 – Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Cobble Hill, Red Hook, Gowanus, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Sunset Park and lower Manhattan
In Congressional District 10, incumbent Democrat Dan Goldman secured the party nomination with more than 65% of votes, leaving his two challengers – Bruno Gransard and Evan Hutchinson — with 10.30% and 23.11% of the vote, respectively.
U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, the Democratic incumbent, won the party nomination on June 25. File photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Dan GoldmanIn November, Goldman will face off against Republican candidate Alexander Dodenhoff and Conservative candidate Paul Briscoe.
State AssemblyAD41 – East Flatbush, Sheepshead Bay, Flatlands, Midwood, and Canarsie
For the first time in 40 years, there was no incumbent in Assembly District 40 after longtime Democratic incumbent Helene Weinstein retired. Local Council Member Kalman Yeger clinched the Democratic nomination — and thus, the seat, since there are no Republicans on the ballot in November — in AD41 with 70.3% of the vote, trouncing challenger Adam Dweck.
Yeger also ran on the Republican and Conservative party lines.
AD50 – Williamsburg and Greenpoint
Money poured into the Democratic primary in AD50, and the race became one to watch as Anathea Simpkins gained donations and support — but that wasn’t enough to topple incumbent Emily Gallagher, who earned 75.38% of votes to Simpkins’ 20.73% and third candidate Andrew Bodiford’s 3.47%.
There are not expected to be any Republicans on the ballot in AD50 come November, so Gallagher will sail back to the statehouse. “North Brooklyn, this is your victory,” Gallagher said in a social media post sharing the election results on Tuesday night.
North Brooklyn Assemblymember Emily Gallagher. File photo courtesy of New York State AssemblyAD52 – Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, Park Slope and Gowanus
Incumbent Democrat Jo Anne Simon sailed to victory over newcomer Scott Budlow in AD52, with 79.18% of votes to Budlow’s 20.33%. A Conservative Party candidate, Brett Wynkoop, will appear on the ballot in AD52 in November. Wynkoop also ran against Simon in AD52 in 2022, but lost with just 7.9% of votes.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the people in Brooklyn’s AD 52!” Simon said on social media on Tuesday night. “I’ll never stop fighting for you.”
AD56 – Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights
The contest between incumbent Democrat Stefani Zinerman and challenger Eon Huntley quickly became one of the hottest races in the city. Zinerman had support from local political heavyweights including U.S. Reps. Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
A Huntley supporter campaigned on primary day. Photo by Lloyd MitchellBut Huntley, who loudly criticized his opponent’s stance on the Israel-Hamas war, was endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America and by local lawmakers including state Sen. Jabari Brisport and Assembly Member Phara Souffrant-Forrest.
The race was tight, but Zinerman won the Democratic nomination with 52.77% of votes, compared to Huntley’s 46.92%. Fewer than 8,200 people cast their ballots in AD56, according to unofficial BOE results, and Zinerman earned just 479 more votes than Huntley.
Zinerman will head back to Albany next year, as she is not facing a challenger in November.
State SenateSD59 – Greenpoint, Williamsburg, parts of Queens and Manhattan
Incumbent Democrat Kristen Gonzalez easily beat her challenger Gus Lambropoulos, winning 84.96% of votes to Lambropoulos’ 14.72%. With no Republican challenger on the ballot in the general election, winning the primary means Gonzalez has won another term in the state Senate.
Civil Court Judge6th Municipal Court District
In a lesser-known election to fill a vacant seat on the Civil Court bench, Democrat Janice Robinson, won the nomination over Kenneth Gayle – who was endorsed by Assembly Member and Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn. Robinson, a longtime lawyer and Brooklyn native, earned 72.27% of the vote, compared to Gayle’s 26.12%.
What’s next?Campaigning for the November general election will likely begin ramping up soon. Some districts that did not have primary elections will have more heated races come fall — like AD46, where Council Member Justin Brannan’s longtime chief of staff Chris McCreight, a Democrat, is running against incumbent Democrat Alec Brook-Krasny.
Almost two years after Willoughby Avenue’s historic Jacob Dangler mansion was torn down during a landmarking review process, sending many neighbors into mourning, Willoughby Avenue and Hart Street locals were jubilant Tuesday after the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to preserve their blocks of predominantly late 19th century Neo-Grec brownstones.
The packed viewing room broke into applause and tears as the commissioners declared the two block area between Nostrand and Marcy avenues the city’s newest historic district: The Willoughby-Hart Historic District.
“It’s bringing tears to my eyes, to be here, to hear this,” unofficial Willoughby Avenue “mayor” Michael Williams told the commissioners from the audience after the vote passed.
“Growing up, my parents, they worked so hard, on Willoughby Avenue, that area was redlined, my parents couldn’t get a loan to have a business, so my brother and sister and I, we struggled so hard to maintain that building and to this day I still love this block and that building and I appreciate what you’ve been doing for us, thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Residents of Willoughby Avenue gathered to recreate a historic photo earlier this month.The designation marked the end of a long process for local residents who had been particularly active in advocating for designation since the Dangler mansion’s demolition, but whose advocacy for protecting and preserving the block dated back generations. LPC research staff said the block was first looked at for designation by the commission in 1992.
Before the vote took place, LPC Chair Sarah Carroll said when she went on a site visit to tour the area she found “these streets really stood out architecturally within their immediate surroundings.”
“Further, it was my impression that these streets were comparable to the already designated streets in the other Bed-Stuy historic districts in terms of style and integrity,” she said, before adding “I would strongly urge that we consider designation of these two standout streets based on their architectural and historic merit.”
“These streets are lined with row houses that were built within a 20-year timeframe, beginning in 1871, during a time that the area was rapidly transforming from farmland to dense residential development, and built in varying styles that were popular at the time, including Neo-Grec, Second Empire style, Queen Anne and Romanesque Revival styles, and the consistency of their development and the variety of the stylistic features provide both unity and variety that, I believe, creates a distinct sense of place,” Carroll said.
Brownstones on Willoughby Avenue.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithCarroll said to those both for and against landmarking that it isn’t the commission’s job to stop change, and that LPC frequently allows rooftop and rear yard extensions and it will continue to do that.
She said the commission had done extensive homeowner outreach around landmarking, which included three public meetings and a number of one-on-one conversations, and it will continue to work with homeowners who are considering making changes to their homes.
The tumultuous public review period saw petitions both in favor and against landmarking gaining more than 1,000 signatures each, and in the June 15 meeting LPC staff said the commission received 117 letters of support, including from City Council Member Chi Ossé, and 115 letters in opposition. Those letters were on top of the 57 people who spoke at the public hearing earlier this month, including local Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman and State Senator Jabari Brisport, who both supported landmarking. Twelve of the 57 spoke against landmarking
Brownstones on Hart Street.Photo by Susan De VriesOf the 12 who spoke against landmarking at the hearing, all said a designation would be discriminatory to Jewish families who need larger homes to accommodate their families. Adam Leitman Bailey, a real estate lawyer representing local Jewish owners, said those pushing for landmarking were being antisemitic and invoked October 7 saying “never in the history of the United States of America has a body voted to remove this many Jews from streets through passing a vote via a law and government body.”
Bailey accused the commission and local community board of excluding the Jewish community from the landmarking process, and said actions by the commission amount to housing discrimination.
LPC commissioner Michael Goldblum, who was unable to attend Tuesday’s meeting and sent a statement that was read by Carroll before the vote, said he was “deeply troubled by the public testimony” at the hearing and said the accusations thrown around amounted to “a staggering event, one of the most troubling and bizarre hearings I can recall in my 14 years as a commissioner.”
“The accusing testifiers did so because they said a landmark designation would limit a homeowner from enlarging his or her building, unavoidably forcing people with large families to move out. There are many questions I could ask them to try to find any merit in what seems to me to be a very weak argument,” Goldblum’s statement said. He added that a number of city agencies limit what a person can build, and questioned if that makes all those agencies antisemitic.
He said while LPC does impose constraints on development, “anyone who has spent a half hour watching our YouTube hearings or sitting here in this room on any given Tuesday would attest landmark districts are full of change, awash in enlargements, and open to reasonable arguments, to consider special conditions when possible.”
He added that, regrettably, antisemitism is real and as “an observant Jew with a personal familiarity with the pain that antisemitism can cause, I would say that anyone, especially a Jew who uses the accusation of antisemitism or racism cynically or otherwise to influence a land-use process like this, is doing all Jews and all minorities a disservice, because to misuse the claim is to diminish its power.”
Brownstones on Hart Street.Photo by Susan De VriesGoldblum said that while the Willoughby-Hart district is charming, “it is neither unique nor pristine,” but added the LPC regulations do not require uniqueness or perfection. “They require a determination, first by staff and then by us, that the district possesses qualities of historical and cultural importance sufficient to merit, in our view, landmark protection.”
“I, for one, find that it meets those standards, comparing this district to similar districts and finding it similar enough in quality and historic interest to merit protection,” he said. “I am confident that if this district is approved today, it will be administered by the staff, Jews and non Jews alike, with the same fairness [and] openness that they offer to other communities and individuals of any color, race, religion, ability, gender, or sexual orientation, whose buildings are protected by our regulations.”
Goldblum’s statements were met by applause from the room and support from his fellow commissioners.
Willoughby Avenue and Hart Street residents outside the municipal building at 1 Center Street after the public hearing on June 11.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithAs Bed-Stuy locals poured out of the hearing room after the vote, hugging, crying, and congratulating each other, many reflected on the process of landmarking and the relief they were feeling that the vote had gone their way.
“I’m overjoyed at LPC’s decision this morning. It was earth shattering for us,” Joanne Joyner-Wells told Brownstoner after the vote. She said locals have no issue with who owns houses on the block, but landmarking is about “what you do with the house that you purchase.”
Joyner-Wells said neighbors had worked for each other and their community to get the vote to come to pass, and she noted a number of elderly homeowners couldn’t be there to see it in person and thanked the younger generation for picking up the mantle.
“We’ve worked so hard to preserve the history of our homes, our neighborhood, and the entire community, so for the vote to go in our favor is just a blessing to all of the work we’ve done.”
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner
The city has a new proposal for the battered triple cantilever portion of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in Brooklyn Heights, but no matter how the administration chooses to overhaul the roadway, construction won’t start until 2029, a year later than the most recently-announced plan.
Ahead of two public workshops about “BQE Central,” the 1.5-mile city-owned stretch of the BQE between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street, the Department of Transportation released their newest idea for the triple cantilever — a “stacked” design, not dissimilar to the roadway’s current three-tiered layout.
A rendering of the current BQE layout (left) and the proposed “stacked” design (right.) Image courtesy of NYC DOTThe new layout, though, would tuck the Staten Island-bound lanes directly below the Queens-bound ones, where the existing Staten Island-bound lanes jut out slightly. In the new proposal, a skeletal wall would fence in the Staten-Island bound lanes, blocking them from view from street level.
In order to tuck the lower lanes directly below the upper ones, the city would have to relocate an MTA conduit room located beside the roadway, and it’s not currently clear how feasible that is, per a DOT presentation shared with Brooklyn Paper. The stacked structure would mean the roadway would be 20% wider than it is currently, to account for federal highway regulations, and would also require the city to rebuild the retaining wall along the triple cantilever.
The “stacked” design is the city’s fourth proposed redesign for the triple cantilever. According to Gothamist, DOT commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said last week that he’s not sure if the city will choose this new design, or decide to move forward with one of the other three.
The city is in the midst of an in-depth traffic study of the BQE, according to the DOT, and is working alongside the state DOT and the Federal Highway Administration. This fall, the three agencies are expected to begin a “pre-environmental review process” before the actual environmental review begins in 2025.
Renderings show the proposed wall that would close off the triple cantilever. Image courtesy of NYC DOTFinally, construction is slated to start in 2029. The work has already been delayed several times – last year, the city pushed back the start of the environmental review — delaying construction by several months. In May, city officials admitted that construction would not realistically start until 2028, after the federal government rejected a grant application to fund the project.
In 2020, a panel of experts warned that the triple cantilever could be unsafe for vehicle traffic as soon as 2026. The city has sought to extend its lifespan by reducing the number of vehicle lanes, cracking down on overweight trucks on the span, and carrying out short-term spot repairs.
Though some locals criticized the repeated delays, the city insisted last week that the BQE is safe, and is “one of the most closely-monitored pieces of infrastructure in the city.” If the full overhaul isn’t carried out soon, the city might have to reconsider stricter weight restrictions or full closures, according to the DOT.
The city hosted an in-person public BQE workshop on June 20, and will host a virtual workshop on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24.
In yet another act of antisemitism in NYC, a Jewish family was verbally and physically assaulted at a fifth-grade graduation ceremony in Brooklyn.
But the incident, first reported in the New York Post on Sunday, is just one of many hate attacks that have plagued NYC schools since the start of the Israel – Hamas war on Oct. 7, 2023.
During the graduation incident, which took place on June 14 at P.S. 682 in Gravesend, a Jewish family was physically assaulted by an Arabic-speaking family when they were trying to take photos in front of a school banner.
The NYPD ended up arresting a man involved in the episode, 26-year-old Ez-Al Dean Bazar of Brooklyn, who was charged with third-degree assault. The NYPD is investigating the incident as a hate crime.
School officials said both families participated in violence and did not stop fighting, even when directed by the assistant principal.
“Graduations should be times of celebration and joy, and we strongly denounce anyone who acts in a violent or aggressive way during such events,” said Nathaniel Styer, a spokesperson for the Department of Education (DOE). “Initial reports we have received from multiple witnesses indicate that both families engaged in aggressive behavior, but we are still investigating the matter and are simultaneously engaging with families as we work towards a resolution.”
Since Oct. 7, antisemitism in public schools and colleges, across the city and the United States, have been on the rise. In fact, U.S. college campuses experienced 505 antisemitic incidents and K-12 schools reported at least 246 incidents, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Antisemitism has become a scourge for the city and for Schools Chancellor David Banks as he continues his efforts to combat antisemitism in schools. Even many New Yorkers have been getting fed-up with the ongoing attacks of hate, both in and out of the classroom.
“Antisemitism appears to be growing throughout the city, and some people just keep ignoring it,” said one New Yorker, Maria, who preferred using only her first name.
Holocaust survivor Mark Schonwetter, who founded the Mark Schonwetter Holocaust Education Foundation with his daughters, said the “ferocious” surge in antisemitism can in part be linked to what he calls a lack of education surrounding the Holocaust.
“As Jewish residents of New York City and the United States, we alone cannot solve this issue,” Schonwetter said. “We need to sit down together, people of different backgrounds and faiths to come together and unite with leadership. Today it’s the Jews and tomorrow it’s someone else so we need to unite and fight antisemitism and all forms of hate together.”
Alison Devlin, a single mom from Manhattan, said antisemitism in the classroom is a problem, but it also depends on the school in question.
“I am fortunate because the public school that my child attends is not that bad,” she said.
Marchers at the Salute to Israel Parade on June 2, 2024 called for hostages to be released.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannSelf-defense in an ‘uncertain time’Devlin is a Jewish advocate who attends many pro-Israel rallies. She is more concerned about the rampant antisemitism occurring throughout the city. While she is thankful for the work the NYPD has done to protect bystanders, Jewish people and Jewish supporters during ongoing protests and riots, she realizes their hands are sometimes tied with what they can do to punish offenders.
Lyss Stern and Alison Devlin, founders of Bad Ass Moms, show self defense techniques.Photo credit: Sam CohenShe and fellow Manhattan mom Lyss Stern even started a self-defense program called “Bad Ass Moms” to teach high school seniors, women and college-age girls self-defense in what she calls an “uncertain time.” Proceeds from the program benefit End Jew Hatred, a movement that is centered around Jewish freedom from oppression and discrimination.
“We don’t ever want to have to use this. But we’re living in 2024 in Manhattan, and this is a different world,” said Stern, a mom of three.
Bad Ass Moms chief instructor Tommy DiLalloPhoto credit: Sam CohenShe added that social media is adding fuel to the antisemitism fire by providing young people with constant misinformation, or repeating what people in the pro-Palestinian movement are doing without fully understanding what they are seeing.
“People believe that what they see on social media, that they should be a part of this, but they don’t know what they are saying. They don’t know what they are chanting,” Stern said.
Combating antisemitism in the classroomDepartment of Education Chancellor David Banks.Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.In May, Banks was one of several leaders from public school district across the country who had to testify in front of Congress about antisemitism in the classroom. Lawmakers grilled Banks about several high-profile incidents, including one at Hillcrest High School in Queens in which a teacher had to hide in a locked office after a mob of teenagers angrily called for her termination because she supports Israel.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas War has pitted many Jewish and pro-Palestinian students and faculty against eachother in NYC and across the country, and it is a socio-political subject teachers have been grappling with discussing in the classroom.
Banks has been on a campaign to end antisemitism in city schools starting with a plan launched in January that includes professional learning focused on navigating difficult conversations, expanded materials focused on combating hate and updated diversity training.
Last month, Banks joined City Council Member Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) and Jewish officials in announcing a new initiative at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust in Battery Park City to teach kids about the horrific world event.
As part of the program, the museum will expand its school-group tour program, hire additional education staff, facilitate discussions and provide resources for teachers to include in their classroom lessons.
Scores of colorful mermaids and sea creatures braved scorching heat and a summer storm on Saturday for the 42nd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
The parade bills itself as the largest art parade in the U.S., and an homage to the nabe’s wacky past and present.
Mermaid Parade royalty Whitney Ward and Joe Coleman. Photo by Erica Price The Fogo Azul Marching band was one of several bands to partake in the parade. Photo by Erica PriceDecked out in glitter and tentacles, Mermaid Queen and Neptune King Joe Coleman led the procession of marching bands, floats, and nautical homemade costumes and puppets down Surf Avenue and onto the boardwalk.
Hurrying to catch up to the parade in body paint and high heels was Paris Alexander, an artist and drag performer who had slept through their alarm and raced to get to Coney Island from their home in Bushwick.
Paris Alexander, dressed as the sun, posed after the Mermaid Parade. Photo by Erica PriceParis was dressed as the sun, they said, in a golden feathered headdress designed by their friend Darrell Thorne, thigh-high heels, and plenty of shimmering paint.
It was Paris’ first time marching in the parade, and only their second time attending. The boardwalk presented a challenge for their high heels, which kept getting caught and tripping him up — requiring some Willy Wonka-esque tricks as they righted themselves and turned the stumble into a dance move.
Some of Paris’ friends attend the parade every year, they said, which moved them to try it out last weekend. It reminded them of the Pride parades they used to attend in Vermont and Arizona.
Attendees said the parade has maintained its authenticity. Photo by Erica Price Dozens of floats sailed down the route. Photo by Erica Price“There’s something about, like, weirdo parades, where somehow it’s always like the same one,” they said. “It doesn’t matter what the looks are, or where it is … I don’t know how to describe the feeling. It’s cheesy to say I felt like I belonged, but I really did.”
Jan Aiello, her son Dave, and her husband Mike took part in the parade with a pair of homemade, seemingly odd-couple puppets: a mermaid and Godzilla.
But, the former Bensonhurst resident said, they make sense together. The mermaid is really the Ondine, a spirit they created as a guardian of the “healthy Hudson River.”
Mother and son Dave and Jan Aiello pose with their mermaid puppet. Photo by Erica PriceGodzilla, she said, is “also an environmental feature … he’s a cautionary tale for anti-nuclear weapons.” (Godzilla, who was finished only a few days before the parade, was already headed back to the car with Aiello’s husband when Brooklyn Paper caught up with her on Saturday.)
Though the blistering heat caused Aiello’s flip-flops to melt and stick to the hot pavement, she said the parade was “the antidote to that 21st century despair.”
A cardboard anglerfish gets to know a young parade guest .Photo by Erica Price“I see that whole panoply of human beings, all ages, interacting in that immediate moment, face-to-face, it feeds you, it just feeds your whole psyche,” she said. “…it’s this environment where people can safely just be together, be joyous, be inventive. It’s all good, it’s all good.”
Swimming among the vast parade ecosystem of fish and merpeople were the Pleiades Puppets, headed up by Deb Roth.
Roth, a Bay Ridge lawyer who picked up puppetry after a long break in 2019 and dove headfirst into the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, decided to go “full throttle” at the Mermaid Parade in 2022.
The Pleiades Puppets. Photo by Erica PriceShe and the Pleiades Puppets have been there every year since, a group of about 15 people working together in a “huge collaboration.”
Their theme this year was “Fishing for Compliments,” and the centerpiece of their contingent were four “monsters” in colorful outfits created with tulle, chicken wire, and plastic. It took Roth and her crew about six months to finish the outfits and their puppeteered fish, she said.
“It was fantastic,” she said of the parade. “We were all suffering and hot, but I think the thing that brings me the most joy is not only the people loving it … but I didn’t realize when I started working with a bunch of other people that it was so meaningful to them to be able to participate in something like this.”
A mermaid prepares for the parade. Photo by Erica Price A group of hammerhead sharks and mermaids swam the parade together. Photo by Erica PriceThe crew were “beside themselves with excitement,” Roth said. They’ll be back next year with a new theme — last year was “Reefer Madness.” She said she’s grateful to Coney Island USA for hosting the parade and allowing people to strut their stuff and show off their work without shame.
“Before I became a lawyer, I was a painter-printmaker,” she said. “I think it sounds cliché, but the whole COVID situation got me re-thinking about what I wanted to do.”
Miss Gefilte Fish cooled off on the boardwalk. Photo by Erica Price A group of fish and merpeople approach the end of the route. Photo by Erica PriceAfter the parade, there’s an annual ceremony on the beach, where participants throw fruit into the sea as an offering and celebrate the official (but unofficial) start to summer.
When he got to the end of the route, Alexander said they were given a bunch of grapes to toss into the waves. The ceremony and magic of the Mermaid Parade is part of what drew them to participate, they said.
Dick Zigun celebrated the official start of summer on the beach after the parade. Photo by Erica Price“There are a lot of things in New York that are a little inauthentic, kind of like the Pride Parade,” Paris said. “But there are still these underpinnings of community marches that I think still maintain some kind of meaning and authenticity. Even though the Mermaid Parade was full of tourists and families … there’s still all of these freaks who are walking down Coney Island.”
As New Yorkers head into the primary election on Tuesday — and as most eyes are on the hotly contested race between Bronx Rep. Jamaal Bowman and his challenger, Westchester County Executive George Latimer — another race has been heating up in Brooklyn’s 56th Assembly District, where first-time candidate Eon Tyrell Huntley is vying to unseat Democratic incumbent Stefani Zinerman.
Huntley, a lifelong Brooklynite backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is running on the issues of affordable housing, world-class education and free, universal and accessible healthcare, among others.
He has also been outspoken for a ceasefire in Gaza, the liberation of Palestine and supports the “Not On Our Dime!” campaign to end funding of the ongoing war in the Middle East. The campaign supports legislation introduced by Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdai, which would end the nonprofit status of New York-based organizations that fund Israeli settlements.
In a recent tweet, Huntley accused his opponent — who has represented the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights district since 2021 — of remaining silent on issues related to Israel and Palestine, and pointed out that Zinerman has received hefty campaign contributions from AIPAC of NY.
But a recent Huntley campaign mailer drew the ire of Jewish constituents. The mailer, printed in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the headline “Palestine is on the ballot this June,” was perceived by some as an attack on Jewish donors, incumbent Zinerman, and the local Jewish communit.
“This campaign mailer, sent to thousands in Bedford-Stuvyesant and Crown Heights, focuses on Israel, something the office Huntley is seeking has nothing to do with,” Sara Forman, executive director of the New York Solidarity Network, wrote in an email to members and supporters of the organization. “An attack on Jewish donors and Israel as much as it is an attack on [Zinerman], Huntley’s gross display demonstrates the critical importance of our work to support Stefani.”
Huntley for his part has been endorsed by a slew of progressive lawmakers, including State Senator Jabari Brisport (D-Brooklyn), Assembly Member Phara Souffrant Forrest (D-Brooklyn), and organizations like The Jewish Vote, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn and IATSE Local 161.
Zinerman, meanwhile, has the support of Brooklyn political powerhouses like Congress members Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clark, New York State Attorney Letitia James and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and unions like the United Federation of Teachers. She also has the backing of the Kings County Democratic County Committee.
Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman at a 2022 rally to stop the sale of the historic Dangler Mansion site in Bed-Stuy.File photo by Anna Bradley-SmithThe chair of the Committee on Emerging Workforce has been busy during her tenure in the state Assembly. She secured foundation aid for New York City public schools after a 30-year fight, provided COVID-19 relief to homeowners, renters, and small business owners, and created a Small Business Council and People with Special Needs Committee.
Honoring the arts, culture and entrepreneurship in her district, she created a District 56 Arts and Culture Council to turn the area into an international tourism and economic development destination.
Zinerman believes in supportive housing policies that provide the increasing number of unhoused New Yorkers with permanent housing. She is advocating for $3 billion from the federal government to fund Homeless Assistance Grants, Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, Project-Based Rental Assistance, Public Housing Operating Funds and Public Housing Capital Grants.
She has also partnered with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the NAACP’s NextGen program to increase and create a pathway to homeownership within the Black community. Zinerman has also reportedly called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, according to statements made by Public Advocate Williams in regards to his endorsement of the incumbent, though Huntley claims there is no evidence to back that claim.
In a statement to Brooklyn Paper, Huntley said the upcoming primary election is “about accountability and the future of our community.”
“I do not take any money from real estate developers, charter school interests, or the pro-war lobby. I will always stand strong for Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights, and fight to protect renters, fully fund our public schools, invest in free childcare and free CUNY, win healthcare for all, and demand freedom and justice for all people around the world,” he said. “This is a campaign about representing people who have not been heard and whose voices have been drowned out by special interests.”
Reps for Zinerman’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 25. Head to the Board of Elections website for more information, and to find your voting site.
Three-point shot!
Fifth-grade students at Mill Basin’s PS 236 got a treat when Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson showed up at their school.
Johnson recently visited a class with dozens of students enrolled in the NETSTEM program. Kings County’s home team is providing an online course that covers science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for middle school and high school students throughout Brooklyn. The course includes basketball-related games like designing the ultimate prototype of a basketball sneaker, understanding game data, and game development studio.
“These kids have a fire in them,” Johnson said in an exclusive interview with Brooklyn Paper. “The Nets’ commitment to the schools of Brooklyn is very high level. The programs they have in place and the way they make it easy for us to kind of insert ourselves into the area is impressive.”
Johnson is a science enthusiast. As a student, he was “pretty solid” in those subjects, he said.
Kids were eager to ask Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson questions during his visit to the Mill Basin school.Photo by Ximena Del CerroNow, he is especially interested in space. Before his visit to PS 236K, he met with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson at the Museum of Natural History to discuss the coolest space facts they could think of. The athlete also owns a telescope. However, he says discussions about science are different when it comes to the game.
“We have a whole analytics department; they’ll tell you if something’s going wrong,” he said. “They study every step so that we don’t have to. They provide us with data about shooting, focusing on factors like how much arc you put on your shot. They track every one of those for every shot we take. If everything is business as usual, they won’t bother because we want everything to flow naturally.”
The NBA player dropped into one of the classrooms while the kids used Nets software to calculate the optimal angles for animated players to shoot and score. Johnson sat between a couple of them to offer assistance.
Later, there was a lively pop quiz in the school gym. Johnson quizzed the kids on metric systems, sports data, and methods for calculating basketball averages and percentages. For each correct answer, Johnson handed out a Nets T-shirt and a high-five. The kids eagerly raised their hands and cheered for each other.
Before the kids headed to their next class, Johnson fielded their questions about the NBA, his team and teammates, his college life before joining the league, and the latest in his athletic career.
“I was really impressed by their curiosity, by their confidence and, honestly, by their abilities,” said Johnson. “They were engaged, which is cool to see. Kids these days, their attention spans are getting a little shorter, but these guys were locked in the entire time, excited, ready to answer questions, being confident in their answers and being confident in the questions that they had to ask, which I think is really important. I had a lot of fun, I hope they did too. I look forward to seeing them again.”
Cam Johnson popped into one of the STEM classrooms.Photo by Ximena Del CerroJohnson shared his own experience as a student with the science-savvy kids to reinforce their motivation to pursue higher education.
“I was able to stay in college for three years before I was drafted, which not many people in the league get to do, and that wasn’t too much suspense, I loved it,” he said. “As you go to college, getting to the NBA is not guaranteed. They always love putting out the numbers of percentages of student-athletes that play in college and then percentages of student-athletes that go on to play professionally and those percentages of those who to play in the NBA aren’t great. So, making it was not something that I was ever confidently expecting. It was just a process that I enjoyed. I made so many great relationships along the way, I was able to continue academically and it felt right and important to do so.”
Johnson said his court experience taught him a valuable lesson applicable to everyday life, which he wanted to impart to the kids.
“Anytime you go through something hard, just understand that it’s preparing you for whatever’s next in your life or preparing you to take a step forward in some way,” he said. “You rarely learn if all you do is succeed. It takes a couple stumbles along the way to find yourself and to make yourself a better person.”
A former Staten Island cop admitted to shooting a woman dead and trying to kill another amid a love triangle in Brooklyn back in 2021.
Disgraced Officer Yvonne Wu, 34, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and attempted murder for the October 2021 killing of Jamie Liang and attempted murder of Jenny Li, who was reportedly Wu’s girlfriend. State Attorney General Letitia James announced the guilty plea Monday.
On Oct. 13, 2021, prosecutors said, Wu, who was off-duty, went to Li’s home in Brooklyn. Reports indicate that Li got into Li’s apartment, located in the vicinity of 19th Avenue and 79th Street in Bensonhurst, just before she and Liang arrived.
Wu then used her NYPD-issued service weapon to shoot and kill Liang, who had a gunshot wound to her chest, and wounded Li, who had a gunshot wound to her torso.
Liang was rushed to Maimonides Hospital, where she died of her injuries. Wu was taken into custody shortly after authorities arrived on scene.
Wu is now held without bail until her sentencing on Aug. 28. Prosecutors have recommended that Wu serve 22 years for the manslaughter charge and five years for the attempted murder charge, to run consecutively.
Once out of prison, Wu will also likely serve five years of post-release supervision and an order of protection for Li. The guilty plea also includes a waiver of Wu’s right to appeal, James noted.
An affordable housing lottery has opened for 35 apartments in a curvy development on the corner of Metropolitan and Bushwick avenues in East Williamsburg. The nine-story, 136-unit building at 828 Metropolitan Avenue has risen on the site of one of the many former gas stations in Brooklyn that have been replaced by residential developments.
Of the 35 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments in the lottery, all income restricted and rent stabilized, 28 could be deemed truly affordable. Those are for families earning 40 to 60 percent of the Area Median Income, with limits set between $35,829 and $100,620 for households of one to five people, according to the listing.
The cheapest apartments included in the lottery are nine one-bedrooms at $933 a month for households of one to three people earning between $35,829 and $55,920 annually. The other affordable units include five two-bedroom apartments for $1,104 and three for $1,739 a month; nine one-bedrooms for $1,463 a month; and two studios for $1,374 a month. The remaining units are for families earning 130 percent of AMI, or up to $218,010 for five people, and include a two-bedroom apartment for $3,963 a month.
Rendering via NYC Housing Connect Rendering via NYC Housing ConnectThe architect of record for the pet-friendly, smoke-free mixed-used structure is Kao Hwa Lee Architects PC. The J Associates contributed planning and exterior design, while Swive Interiors & Architects worked on the interior design. The building includes covered and dedicated parking spaces, bike storage, a gym, yoga studio, business center, rooftop terrace, storage options, and an elevator.
Apartments will have floor to ceiling windows, washers and dryers, and energy-efficient and high-end appliances, according to the listing. Tenants pay for electricity, including electric stoves and electric heating. Rent includes hot water.
Leasing of the market-rate units has already started, and the building looks close to finished inside and out. Starting on the second floor, the building is wrapped in balconies whose wavy floors create a rippled effect across the building’s facade.
The development in January.Photo by Anna Bradley-Smith The development in January.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithA rendering attached to the fence and included in the housing lottery listing show the building has a glassy facade broken up by rectangular columns and partially obscured by the translucent brown balconies. The ground floor, which will be used for retail, is largely covered in floor to ceiling windows, punctuated by rectangular columns whose coved tops bend outward, the rendering shows.
The undulating lines of the building accord with a current vogue for scallops in interior design and contrast with the jagged Jenga-like assemblages of boxes that have held sway in Brooklyn building design for the last decade or so.
The property comprises what used to be separate lots from 834 Metropolitan Avenue to 15 Bushwick Avenue. To make way for the new building, the developers demolished two three-story townhouses at 832 and 834 Metropolitan Avenue and the Speedway gas station at 7 Bushwick Avenue. A parking lot sat between the residential homes and the gas station.
The Speedway gas station in 2021.Google MapsA used car dealership occupied the lot at 7 Bushwick Avenue in the late 1930s, tax photos show, and by the 1980s it had been converted to a gas station. Remediation work was required for the new development.
City records show 66 South 2nd Street LLC acquired the site with the gas station for $2.4 million in 2016, with developer Michael Kubersky signing for the LLC. The deed has been transferred several times since, but Kubersky’s signature still appears on paperwork along with developers Yoel Hershkowitch and Konstantin Gubareff. In 2022, the developers bought the townhouses at 832 and 834 Metropolitan Avenue from 834 Metropolitan Avenue LLC for $1.6 million, records show. Later that year, the three sites were made into one zoning lot.
A rezoning of the three sites was completed in 2021, changing the land use of 7 Bushwick Avenue from commercial to residential, and increasing the height limits on new development on the two residential lots. Due to the rezoning, the new development is required to include affordable apartments through the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing program, which results in much more affordable units than the now expired 421-a tax break (which the building will also likely qualify for).
The 828 Metropolitan Avenue Apartments lottery closes on August 9. To apply, visit the listing on New York City’s Housing Connect website.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
Police in Brooklyn are investigating after a woman was found dead in a homeless shelter bathroom on Saturday night, authorities reported.
Staff from Star Bright Family Residence, located at 615 East 104 St. in Canarsie, walked into one of the facility’s restrooms to discover a 56-year-old woman unconscious and unresponsive at about 11 p.m. on June 22, law enforcement sources said.
The woman was found with her head submerged in a bathtub, according to sources familiar with the incident. Officers from the 69th Precinct and EMS responded to the scene, but efforts to revive the victim were unsuccessful.
EMS officially pronounced the woman — whose identity is being withheld pending family notification — dead at 11:59 p.m.
Police report that there was no visible sign of trauma to the body or indication of what could have caused the incident.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
A Brooklyn probationary firefighter helped save a resident’s life during a house fire on Saturday morning.
Joe Tenteromano, a rookie FDNY member assigned to Ladder Company 172, was one of 60 firefighters who responded to the one-alarm blaze that broke out at about 8 a.m. on June 22 inside 2108 62nd St. in Bensonhurst.
A firefighter from Tower Ladder 172 rescued a trapped civilan on the first floor of a private house at 2108 62 Street in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on Saturday morning.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe first arriving FDNY units spotted heavy fire coming from the first floor of the two-story wood frame home.
While searching the home, it was reported, Tenteromano and his colleagues found a semi-conscious man and pulled him out of the burning residence to safety.
Some 60 Firefighters responded to the all hands fire at 2108 62 Street on Saturday morning.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThey began pre-life saving CPR on the man in the street, then handed the man off to arriving paramedics, who removed the victim to Maimonides Hospital in critical condition.
The fire was placed under control at 8:39 a.m. on Saturday morning. The FDNY’s Fire Marshals Office will investigate the cause and origin of the fire.
The Brooklyn Edison Building in Downtown Brooklyn has become the borough’s newest landmark, after commissioners on the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to designate the stately Renaissance Revival-style corner property.
The structure located at 345 Adams St. was first brought before the commission for consideration in February this year, and on June 18 LPC Chair Sarah Carroll urged the commissioners to move forward with designation.
The building sits at the intersection of Adams, Pearl, and Willoughby streets. File photo by Susan De Vries“As you walk into Downtown Brooklyn and you see the new life that’s happening there, this building continues to play an important part of that evolving character and nature,” she said. “It is architecturally significant by virtue of its style, its size, its type, and its architects, but it really does also provide a sort of an anchor, as well as a gateway to this new evolving neighborhood.”
The 14-story commercial building sits at the intersection of Adams, Pearl, and Willoughby streets in Downtown Brooklyn, very much in the commercial and civic center of the borough. It was commissioned by the Brooklyn Edison Company, which played an important role in pushing technology and electricity forward in the the borough, and designed by architects McKenzie, Voorhees and Gmelin, according to LPC research department staff.
Built in two phases, the original structure fronting Willoughby Street rose in 1922, and a 1926 addition extended north along Adams Street. As Adams Street was expanded in the 1950s, the buildings to the west of the Brooklyn Edison Building were demolished and the Adams Street facade became its primary one.
At a recent public hearing on the building’s designation three people spoke, including Jeffrey Kay, a representative of Muss Development which owns the bottom two levels of the 14-story building. Regina Myer, the president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, and Lucy Levine of the Historic Districts Council also testified.
While none opposed the designation, Kay and Myer both urged the commission to take into account the active retail space on the ground floor of the building and how landmarking would impact that space, while Levine voiced full support for designation. LPC received two letters in support of landmarking from Council Member Lincoln Restler and a representative from the Brooklyn Heights Association.
The Edison Building was constructed between 1922 and 1926. File photo by Susan De VriesIn an agency press release following the vote, Carroll said the building is “a testament to the technological advancements that helped Brooklyn to become the thriving, vibrant borough that we know today, and a tangible reminder that New York City has always been a center for innovation and creativity.”
The building’s 12 upper stories are owned by New York City, and the city’s Executive Deputy Commissioner for Assets and Property Management Laura Ringelheim said in the release the agency looks forward to continuing the historic structure’s “legacy for future generations to come.”
“We take our stewardship of this Brooklyn gem seriously, and its recent restoration exemplifies our commitment to preserving the city’s historically significant facilities in our portfolio, while ensuring the building remains a vibrant part of downtown Brooklyn’s commercial and civic life,” she said.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music is launching itself into a new season art and performance with new leadership and themed programming beginning this fall.
Arts veteran and longtime partner of the academy Amy Cassello is stepping up as the new artistic director tasked with overseeing the creativity and imagination of the multi-discipline arts center.
Amy Cassello has been named Artistic Director at BAM. Photo courtesy of Beowulf Sheehan/BAMBAM president Gian Duncan credited Casello’s eye for detail and sharp thinking.
“This is an exciting moment for BAM as we bridge our past with our future. Amy is a deep thinker who considers the needs of artists and arts workers at every turn. As a longstanding BAM programmer and creative producer, she intimately understands our role in the arts ecosystem,” Duncan said in a statement. “I could not have a better partner in leading BAM’s artistic programming at this pivotal moment.”
Cassello has been on the BAM team since 2012 as the inaugural associate producer for the Next Wave Festival, an annual celebration of dance, music, theater and opera. She’s been serving as the interim artistic director since the fall of 2023.
Next Wave Festival will include dance pieces like “Still/Here.” Photo courtesy of BAM“I am excited to work with Gina and BAM leadership as we endeavor to find new, substantive ways to support art-making and the expansion of our audience base by incorporating more curatorial voices into our programming choices,” Cassello said.
She joins the team as BAM prepares for its fall programs, Next Wave 2024 and Emerging Visions. This year’s schedule aims to re-contextualize contemporary creatives with work that unpacks a present that is informed by the past and imagines future artistic possibilities.
Next Wave 2024 begins in October with a yet-to-be-announced musical performance, and continues through January 2025 with a poetry series, dance pieces including “Still/Here” and “Frontera,” the plays “Catarina and the Beauty of Killing Fascists” and “Gaviota,” and more.
“Emerging Visions” will feature two theater pieces, including “Reconstructing (Still Working but the Devil Might Be Inside.” Photo courtesy of Alon Koppel PhotographyEmerging Visions will feature two new works — a musical adaptation of the film “Safety Not Guaranteed,” directed by Lee Sunday Evans and with music by Ryan Miller of Guster; and “Reconstructing (Still Working But the Devil Might be Inside)” a “meta theater experiment” directed by Rachel Chavkin and Zhailon Levingston.
A detailed list of shows and performance times is posted on the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s website.
Brooklyn detectives are investigating a shooting that left a 52-year-old man in critical condition Thursday night.
According to law enforcement sources, the incident occurred in front of 323 Lincoln Place in Prospect Heights, just a few blocks from the Brooklyn Museum, on June 20 at approximately 10:05 p.m.
After a series of gunshots were fired, officers from 77th Precinct rushed to the scene where they discovered the victim with multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body, including his head, police sources said.
Detectives from Brooklyn South and police from the 77th Precinct investigate the shooting of a 52-year-old man. Paramedics removed the man to Methodist Hospital in critical condition.Photo by Lloyd MitchellEMS was on site and rushed the man to Methodist Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Preliminary reports say a firearm was recovered inside a vehicle at the scene, though police could not confirm a motive just yet.
Meanwhile, two men were seen fleeing eastbound on Lincoln Place before cops arrived. Witnesses observed detectives canvassing a ride sharing car for clues throughout the night.
So far, no arrests have been made, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Detectives from Brooklyn South and police from the 77th Precinct investigate the shooting of a 52-year-old man at 323 Lincoln Place. Paramedics removed the man to Methodist Hospital in critical condition.Photo by Lloyd MitchellAnyone with information regarding the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Early voting is well underway for the June 25 Primary Election here in New York. Here’s a guide of everything you need to know before you head to the polls!
This primary season is fairly quiet in Brooklyn — though there are congressional, state Assembly, and state Senate races on the ballot, primaries have been canceled in many districts where there’s only one candidate from each party. There are also races in some parts of Brooklyn for delegates to the Judicial Convention, State Committee, and Civil Court Judge.
Early voting is already well underway in New York City. File photo by Paul FrangipaneHow to voteEarly voting is already underway in New York City, and will continue through Sunday, June 23. The polls are open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 21, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 22 and 23. Head to the Board of Elections website to find your early voting site, and remember that early poll sites are often different from Election Day sites.
On the day of the primary, Tuesday June 25, polls will be open from 6 a.m.-9 pm. Find your polling place and a sample ballot to familiarize yourself with on the NYC BOE website.
Who’s on the ballot?Only a handful of districts across Brooklyn will have primaries this year. File photo by Paul FrangipaneCongress Primaries were canceled in three of four Congressional districts in Brooklyn — NY-7, 8, and 9.
NY-10
Incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, who represents Congressional District 10, is facing challenges from fellow Democrats Bruno Grandssard and Evan Hutchinson.
First elected in 2022, Goldman is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney who also served as lead counsel in the impeachment investigation of former U.S. president Donald Trump. The incumbent’s platform is largely built around protecting democracy, human rights, and safety.
Grandsard, who has a long career in private equity and investment firms, is campaigning on his promises to improve affordable housing, fight climate change, and reform broken Democratic processes with open primaries and instating ranked-choice voting.
The topline issue for Hutchinson, meanwhile, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel if elected. The candidate has long worked in politics and strategy, and is running on a platform of championing affordable housing, protecting abortion rights and LGBTQIA+ communities.
State AssemblyFour Assembly districts will see primary elections this season, with heated races in a few. All four districts will see Democratic primaries only, since each district has only one Republican candidate.
District 41
After 44 years in representing District 41 — which includes parts of East Flatbush, Sheepshead Bay, Flatlands, Midwood, and Canarsie — longtime incumbent Democrat Helen Weinstein announced this year that she would retire, leaving her seat up for grabs for the first time since 1980.
Immediately after Weinstein’s announcement, local Council Member Kalman Yeger announced he would run for her seat as a Democrat. Back in March, Yeger told Brooklyn Paper that the neighborhoods he would represent are “almost the same,” and that if elected, he would bring a strong focus on local constituent services. Yeger will also appear as the sole candidate on the Republican party line come November.
Yeger will face off against Adam Dweck, who had previously announced his intention to run against Weinstein. A former political staffer, Dweck says on his campaign website that he is most focused on “government accountability, fixing the MTA, and applying common sense solutions to the migrant crisis, bail reform, and congestion pricing.”
District 50
In Williamsburg and Greenpoint’s AD50, incumbent Democrat Emily Gallagher is facing a challenge in AD50 from Anathea Simpkins, a longtime Greenpoint resident and anti-violence educator.
In her re-election campaign, Gallagher, also a longtime north Brooklyn resident, has celebrated her legislative wins — like passing the All-Electric Buildings Act and the LLC Transparency Act, as well as keeping AD50 whole during the redistricting process.
Simpkins says she will focus “tackle the housing affordability crisis, improve healthcare, increase education funding, strengthen our economy, and protect our environment.”
District 52
In AD52, which includes parts of Downtown Brooklyn, Dumbo, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, Park Slope and Gowanus, private practice attorney and law professor Scott Budow is challenging incumbent Democrat Jo Anne Simon.
Simon, also a lawyer, has served in the Assembly since 2015, championing causes like gun violence prevention, campaign finance, and children’s education. The Assembly Member has also focused on repairing and protecting the crumbling Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, a hot-button issue in Brooklyn Heights.
For his campaign, Budow says on his website that he was inspired by New York City’s affordability and equity crises, and, if elected, would work to address disparities in healthcare and education while bringing down housing costs and raising minimum wage.
District 56
Last but not least is AD56, one of Brooklyn’s most-watched races this year. Democratic incumbent Stefani Zinerman, who was elected to represent Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights in 2020, is running against primary challenger Eon Tyrell Huntley, a consultant and retail brand manager.
Zinerman, who before being elected worked as a political staffer and program manager for nonprofits, says her primary focus is “provide resources and opportunities for the residents, nonprofits, and small businesses in her district.”
The incumbent said she worked to secure financial aid for New York City public schools, fund gun violence prevention, and helped to legalize marijuana and protect workers from wage theft. Zinerman has also voiced her support for preserving arts and culture in AD56.
Huntley, a longtime retail employee who grew up in NYCHA housing, says he supports boosting affordable housing and tenant protections, education equity and investing in public schools, universal healthcare, and supporting the MTA.
State SenateThere will be just one state Senate primary race in Brooklyn this year, a race between two Democrats in northern Brooklyn.
District 59
In SD59, which encompasses parts of Greenpoint and Williamsburg as well as Astoria, Long Island City, and a slice of Manhattan, incumbent Democrat Kristen Gonzalez is being challenged by Gus Lambropoulos.
Gonzalez, a former tech worker, took office in 2022. The incumbent says, if re-elected, she will continue to focus on funding public schools, speeding up the state’s climate goals, and supporting unions and union jobs, as well as passing tenant protections.
Lambropoulos, the son of Greek immigrants, is a former real estate broker and president of a property management and investment firm. The candidate has heavily emphasized his roots in business, and says he will continue to boost the local economy, support local businesses and build community.
Comptroller Brad Lander took aim at the NYPD’s ShotSpotter technology Thursday, calling the citywide network of sound sensors designed to detect gunfire an ineffective waste of resources.
The New York City Comptroller’s office announced the findings of an audit on June 20 that claims ShotSpotter often sends cops on wild goose chases. Shootings were correctly identified just 13% of the time, according to the comptroller’s audit, wasting officers’ time by sometimes more than a half-hour on a bogus activation — leading to thousands of hours wasted over a given year.
The NYPD, however, decried Lander’s findings and insisted ShotSpotter has proven its worth in helping to save lives and catch shooters. The audit comes as police brass say they plan to add the technology to drones to provide a faster response to reported shootings.
Lander’s audit reviewed an eight-month period between 2022 and 2023, and 7,262 incidents that did not lead to confirmed shootings.
“ShotSpotter claims to be ‘a proven detection system’ that is ‘faster and more accurate’, but our audit found that 87% of the time, ShotSpotter is sending NYPD officers in response to loud noises that don’t turn out to be confirmed shootings,” Lander said. “The evidence shows that NYPD is wasting precious time and money on this technology and needs to do a better job managing its resources. Chasing down car backfires and construction noise does not make us safer.”
Lander recommends the Big Apple does not renew its contract with ShotSpotter, following in the footsteps of other major U.S cities like Chicago, Atlanta and Portland.
City Comptroller Brad Lander. File Photo by Dean MosesIn response to the audit, the NYPD released a six-page rebuttal to the findings and recommendations stating foremost that it is the responsibility of the responding officer, who is already on patrol in that area, to investigate if there was a shooting that set off the ShotSpotter alert.
Ballistic evidence is not always present especially if the shooter uses a revolver or does so from a car where the casing remains.
“The auditors’ analysis found that ShotSpotter alerts yield a confirmed shooting rate of 8% to 13% for the second half of fiscal year 2023 (January 2023 to July 2023). The auditors are critical of this low confirmed shooting rate; however, an anticipated benefit of ShotSpotter’s technology is to produce a police response to a shooting whether or not a 911 call is made. Year-to-date (as of May 19, 2024), 2,601 ShotSpotter alerts were activated citywide with a 15.6% confirmed shooting rate,” part of the response said.
Landers’ audit reports that “over-policing” may occur due to frequent false alerts; however, the NYPD dismisses that notion.
ShotSpotter, the NYPD insisted, does not provide officers to stop or arrest an individual; rather, the system only provides a location where a possible crime may have occurred.
“The NYPD provided a comprehensive response to the audit’s findings and recommendations, which was included as part of the report. The Department consistently reviews the effectiveness of technologies it utilizes to combat crime. ShotSpotter remains an integral tool in the NYPD’s mission of addressing gun violence and keeping the public safe,” an NYPD spokesperson said in a statement.
FILE – An officer at a crime scenePhoto by Dean Moses
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said Thursday that negotiations over the nearly due city budget are in a “holding pattern” — co-opting Mayor Eric Adams’ frequent description of the spending plan as a plane he will land.
The speaker’s comments indicated that negotiations over the city budget are at a stalemate with a little over a week before the mayor and City Council must agree on a Fiscal Year 2025 spending plan, which is due by a June 30 deadline.
She made the remarks in response to a question about what the process for a late city budget would look like, using the mayor’s common answer refrain about budget talks that they will “land the plane.”
“From a council perspective, I will say this, we have banked left, we’re in a holding pattern, we’re circling the airport and if possible, there will be a diversion,” the speaker, who is a former flight attendant, said.
Speaker Adams did not indicate whether or not she thinks the budget will be late, instead saying “our goal” is to pass the spending plan on time. Her comments came amid reports there is growing anxiety among council leaders that they will blow past their budget deadline due to an impasse over several areas where the council is hoping to restore funding cut by the mayor.
If a budget is not passed by the June 30 deadline, the latest proposed financial plan would go into effect, according to the speaker’s office. That would be the mayor’s $111.6 billion executive budget that he proposed in late April. But there is little recent precedent for late budgets at the city level, so it is not entirely clear what the long-term impacts would be.
While the speaker did not indicate which specific areas are hampering negotiations, she said the council is prioritizing restoring funding to the city’s public libraries, early childhood education programs and Parks Department, among others.
“We’re still negotiating all aspects of all of those things,” she said.
In response to the speaker’s comments, top mayoral spokesperson Fabien Levy referenced Adams saying they would “land the plane” earlier this week.
“The mayor made it abundantly clear on Tuesday: we’ll land the plane like we have done twice before,” Levy said, in a statement. “We look forward to finalizing and adopting an on-time budget that works for the working-class people of New York in the next week.”
The central divide, Speaker Adams said, focuses on how much revenue the city has at its disposal to reverse the outstanding budget cuts, which the mayor enacted in November and January in a bid to close a sizable projected funding gap. The council argues there is over $1 billion in revenue that the mayor’s budget office refused to recognize in its executive budget.
It continues a trend of the City Council more quickly estimating higher revenue than City Hall will.
In addition to higher revenue, the council also estimates there is $2.25 billion in potential underspending and $550 million of in-year reserves that can also be tapped to undo the mayor’s cuts.
“Speaking about restoration and the cuts that came about some months ago, the council does not believe that those cuts were ever necessary,” Speaker Adams said. “We still believe that there is money there. We saw in excess of a billion that we believe need to work on behalf of, not just restoring but building funding for everything that we just mentioned.”
Small businesses have faced numerous challenges in recent years, from supply chain disruptions and labor shortages to inflation and decreased foot traffic.
To survive, small businesses are turning to digital platforms to reach new customers and promote their products and services. As a small business owner, I know these struggles firsthand, and Facebook and Instagram have emerged as critical tools behind my small business’s growth and global reach.
Unfortunately, as Congress considers tech regulation, I fear that small business owners’ voices and the impact on our businesses will be overlooked. Lawmakers need to understand that small businesses are finding ways to compete and succeed through digital tools, especially through targeted advertising on social media platforms.
As the founder of fashion label ZYEM NYC, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of targeted ads and other social media tools. I started my business as a community-based enterprise, serving local audiences with passion and purpose. However, by utilizing targeted ads on social media that rely on third-party data, I have expanded our brand’s global appeal and connected with diverse audiences worldwide. Today, my fashion label has surpassed local boundaries thanks to the power of digital platforms to amplify my mission of promoting positivity, empowerment, and self-expression.
As a small but impactful intergenerational apparel brand, my success in expanding my businesses’ online presence is largely attributed to the free strategic tools and features offered to local businesses by social media. Through online engagement, I have experienced significant and tangible results. With the help of our new followers and friends, event attendance and sales leads have increased, propelling my company to new heights.
Targeted advertising on social media is a great equalizer for small businesses. We can compete with more prominent players by strategically allocating our marketing budget.
Facebook’s scalability makes it accessible to small businesses like mine. The critical component of digital advertising is that it provides analytics with insights into the audience’s interests. Armed with data, I refine my businesses’ strategies and adapt to changing trends.
Targeted ads allow me to reach specific demographics interested in my brand. Whether it is parents seeking stylish outfits for their kids or fashion-forward individuals, the precision ensures my message doesn’t get lost in the noise.
Social media empowers small business owners to recognize our potential and make a meaningful global impact. As lawmakers deliberate on rules that could impact these digital resources, they must recognize social media’s critical role in operating a small business. I recently traveled to Washington DC to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer’s staff to discuss how valuable data-driven advertising is. While protecting consumer data is important, this valuable resource cannot be cut off by rushed lawmaking.
My businesses’ journey exemplifies how targeted advertising and social media can amplify a small business’s reach. As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, let’s work together to champion policies that uplift our entrepreneurs and small businesses. With their success comes the success of our communities.
Monique (Mo) Glover is a NY-based fashion designer with two decades of experience designing for emerging womenswear and children’s retail brands. She is the founder and owner of fashion label ZYEM NYC.
A Stuyvesant Heights man was sentenced to 17 years to life in prison on Tuesday for sexually assaulting a 62-year-old woman as she walked to work in 2021.
Leroy Hatcher, 44, was sentenced by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on June 18 after pleading guilty to first-degree attempted criminal sexual act and first-degree sexual abuse on May 30.
On Feb. 6, 2021, the 62-year-old victim was walking near 482 Kosciuszko St. in Stuyvesant Heights at around 5:45 a.m. when Hatcher approached her from behind, grabbed her by the hair, covered her mouth, and forced her into an alley, according to the District Attorney’s office.
During the assault, Hatcher threatened the woman as she struggled to get away by putting a knife to her throat. He then removed her pants and underwear, and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint before fleeing the scene.
Surveillance footage from the surrounding area captured Hatcher in the area on the morning of the assault, according to prosecutors who said he was positively identified by his parole officer.
DNA evidence also linked Hatcher to the crime. A condom recovered from the alley had his DNA as well as the victim’s, prosecutors said.
“This horrific and violent attack on an innocent woman shocks the conscience, and the depravity of the crime warrants today’s lengthy prison sentence,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “We are steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for all victims of sexual violence and continuing the progress we have made making Brooklyn safer for everyone.”
Dr. Sandra Scott, Interim CEO at One Brooklyn Health, is continuing to break the glass ceiling in healthcare, and is working to help bring trust back in the system for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Scott knew from the time she was a little kid that she wanted to be a doctor. After receiving a degree in science from Louisiana State University, Dr. Scott went on to study medicine in Houston, Texas at the Baylor College of Medicine.
It was at Baylor that Dr. Scott started to come into her own identity as a woman of color and as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“In Louisiana during that time, there was no discussion. I think the discussions around being a person of color was about gently pushing back against a lot of the racist practices that we had to deal with. I never really heard any discussions about the LGBTQIA+ community, I don’t remember in college, I don’t remember there being gay bars or gay societies,” said Dr. Scott. “When I went to medical school, I think Houston had a more vibrant gay community in what was called the Montrose area back then. So that’s when I was really introduced to this whole sense of community and that there were places that you could go and diversity was the norm and people celebrated diversity. So whether you were gay or Black or Hispanic, it was a safe place in the gay community in Houston.”
After graduating from medical school, Dr. Scott made her way to Boston, and traveled around practicing medicine on the East Coast and overseas before eventually settling in Brooklyn. However, it was her time in Boston that gave her more of a socially conscious training experience, particularly in the field of emergency medicine.
“I actually had a teacher who was a lesbian who taught domestic violence and sexual assault work. That’s where my broader understanding of how health care must be sensitive to the needs of all communities, and really train staff, that’s nurses and the clerks who check you in and the doctors and the residents in training, to be able to be mindful that you don’t necessarily want to treat others the way you want to be treated, and that requires that you ask questions and be vulnerable and be open,” said Dr. Scott.
Dr. Scott made history in Brooklyn when she became the first woman, physician and person of color to serve as executive director of the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center. She has since taken on the role of Interim CEO of One Brooklyn Health, where she continues to serve and uplift communities with health and equity disparities.
Medical care and the LGBTQIA+ communityIn her career, Dr. Scott has seen firsthand how the LGBTQIA+ community may be hesitant to seek medical care. Even for the most standard levels of care, Dr. Scott says that there is an astounding lack of knowledge about the LGBTQIA+ community in the medical industry.
“We’re all human beings, right? LGBTQIA+ people have headaches and chest pains and stomach viruses and COVID. There are a few circumstances where there’s something that might be unique to the LGBTQIA+ community, like transitioning. But for the most part, it’s the medicine that is not terribly different, because we’re all human beings. But the perspective and understanding, I think we were talking about this before just something as simple as asking someone, what’s your preferred name and what’s your preferred pronoun?”
In certain medical situations, Dr. Scott says that LGBTQIA+ patients aren’t fully informed as to why certain procedures are done, and the doctor/patient or nurse/patient relationship needs to be built on respect.
“If you’re a trans man and you go to your OBGYN visit or if you go to your primary care visit and someone needs to ask you for a pregnancy test, did the staff do that in a respectful way? How do you ask a man for a pregnancy test? That’s part of the normal checkup for that person assuming they still have their uterus, but that requires training,” said Dr. Scott. “It requires training because in my experience over the years, most people are not comfortable with those types of conversations. So I think, what might be routine for someone who’s straight checking in for an appointment being greeted, asking to give urine and blood, right? Those are routine steps in a primary care visit, but for someone who is LGBTQIA+, that could be a very anxiety-provoking experience.”
Dr. Scott told amNewYork Metro that in these situations, medical professionals can stand to be trained to further develop a healthy relationship with their queer patients.
“I think that medicine is doing a better job of educating and training and setting expectations and allowing LGBTQIA+ people to participate in the training and education so that we hear their perspective straight from them and not interpreted by others is helping to move the needle, but largely discomfort and probably in many circumstances, disrespect, both intentional and unintentional is what keeps people from going to the doctor,” said Dr. Scott.
On the patient side, Dr. Scott is seeing a lot more patients advocating for themselves, which is crucial, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. She told amNewYork Metro that every medical facility should have a Patient Advisory Committee where patients can talk about their experiences with that organization.
That said, when patients are in their appointments, Dr. Scott says the best thing they can do is advocate for themselves.
“If the patient doesn’t speak up, it may not get reported. The staff may feel like, well, when I talk to the patient, I’m following the appropriate guidelines and my communication but not understanding that,” said Dr. Scott. “When you’re talking about the patient, like 7 feet away, they can hear you because many of our healthcare settings are open. The patient can personally describe how that impacts them and the vulnerability that you’re in as a patient when you’re relying on the same staff to provide you with treatment. Like, do I complain to the person who has to give me my shot and draw my blood in a few minutes? So I think giving patients another avenue to be able to give us a firsthand account of how it feels to be them in our health care settings is extremely important.”
There is more work to be doneIn her career, Dr. Scott has seen the medical community make some great strides in care for the LGBTQIA+ community, with more training taking place, online portals giving options for patients to provide their preferred name and pronouns, as well as increasing their visibility in the community in Pride parades (Dr. Scott herself served as one of the Grand Marshals of this year’s Brooklyn Pride Parade).
However, Dr. Scott acknowledges that there is still more that can be done.
“I think it would be good for health care organizations to hold forums for their LGBTQIA+ patients, to be able to just have a conversation with the community and talk about what can we do to make this a better experience for you. Ideally they come in for their visit and they’re just like anybody else who comes in for a visit,” said Dr. Scott. “I think that it is necessary for the community to partner with healthcare organizations and help us get to where we need to be so that anyone can walk through our doors and feel comfortable and access the care that they need.”
At the end of the day, no matter what your identity may be, Dr. Scott urges everyone to get the medical attention they need, no matter how serious, because your health is paramount and who you are should not stand in the way of you getting treatment.
“No matter who you are or where you come from or what language you speak or what you look like when you need health care, those things that make you a diverse, unique individual are not barriers to you getting the treatment that you need. That’s my hope and dream,” said Dr. Scott.
A 34-year-old woman will spend 12 years behind bars for carrying out a random acid attack inside a Prospect Lefferts Garden subway station in 2022, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Tuesday.
Rodlin Gravesande, formerly of Brownsville, was handed down the sentence by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quinones on June 18 after she was convicted of first- and second-degree assault in May.
According to the evidence, at around 12:45 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2022, the 21-year-old victim, Juanita Jimenez, was riding a southbound 2 train to work at Kings County Hospital when Gravesande began yelling and threatening fellow straphangers. She reportedly did this for several minutes before turning her attention to the victim.
When the train arrived at Winthrop Street Station, in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Jimenez exited the train but was followed by Gravesend.
After a brief exchange, Gravesande punched Jimenez in the head before opening a vial of sulfuric acid and throwing it in her face.
The acid burned a hole through the 21-year-old’s clothing and caused second- and third-degree burns to the left side of her face.
Following the attack, she ran to Kings County Hospital and was later transferred to the burn unit at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx. She has since undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries on her nose and lip as well as multiple skin grafts.
Gravesande fled the scene but was later apprehended in Atlanta, Georgia, by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office before she was extradited to Brooklyn in January 2023.
“Today’s sentence holds this defendant accountable for a frightening and random attack on an innocent woman. Brooklyn residents deserve to feel safe when taking the subway and those who jeopardize their safety will be held accountable,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “My heart goes out to the young victim of this attack as she continues to heal from her injuries.”
Following the attack, Jimenez set up an online fundraiser to help pay for her medical bills and to purchase a car “so that I no longer have to take the MTA where I do not feel safe.”
The 21-year-old went on to share her recovery journey on TikTok, and most recently underwent free reconstructive surgery after reaching out to a California-based surgeon, Dr. Carl Truesdale.
In a June 6 Instagram post, Jimenez thanked Dr. Truesdale for getting her confidence back.
“People are literally squinting to see the scaring,” she said. “Thank you so much for giving me my confidence back to graduate and walk outside.”
Bedford Stuyvesant celebrated Juneteenth with a street co-naming ceremony on the corner of Greene and Marcy avenues for Max Roach, one of the most influential jazz drummers and composers of all time.
Friends and elected officials joined the Roach family for the unveiling of the “Max Roach Way,” which honors not only Roach’s musical legacy but also his role as a Civil Rights activist. The festivities were part of several nationwide events commemorating the centennial year of Max Roach, whose career spanned seven decades.
Councilmember Chi Ossé, Max Roach’s family members, and Mayor Eric Adams unveiled the Max Roach Way sign.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannRoach was born in the South, and his family moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant when he was four. After graduating from the Boys High School in Brooklyn, Roach became the house drummer at Monroe’s Uptown House, where he played alongside bebop greats like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Roach recorded with Miles Davis and released his first solo work in 1953. The Grammy Hall of Famer, whose career spanned seven decades, was the first jazz musician to be honored with a MacArthur fellowship, the “Genius Grant.” Roach recorded his final album in 2002 and passed away on Aug. 16, 2007, at 83.
Council Member Chi Ossé, the master of ceremonies, proclaimed that while he was always proud to walk down Greene Avenue, he’d be even prouder now looking up at the street sign, knowing that he was walking in the footsteps of a giant.
Council Member Chi Ossé said he would be proud to look up at the sign.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“In a career that spans many decades and touched countless lives, Max Roach set himself apart as one of Brooklyn’s greats,” Ossé said. “Our community, our culture, our city, and our music all wear his mark and carry his legacy.”
Ossé described Roach as “unequivocally pro-black.”
“We are dedicating the street to an artist who mastered his genre and advanced it, who dove into others and advanced them too, who composed ballads of freedom and triumphs of love, and who never forgot his roots and always came back home again,” Ossé said.
Family and friends of Max Roach joined the street naming ceremony in Bedford-Stuy on June 19.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannMaxine Roach, who played alongside her dad in the Uptown String Quartet, described her dad as an “exquisite” musician and shared that Roach was well-versed in all genres of music.
“I’m just so blessed to be able to have played with him,” Maxine Roach said. “I know he’s looking down right now. And he’s very proud that his family’s here. He’s enjoying this as well.”
Max Roach’s daughter Maxine addressed the crowd. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannAssembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman greeted the crowd with “Happy Freedom Day.” Zinerman thanked the Roach family for keeping their father’s legacy alive.
“So many other artists, their talents, and their contributions have to be unearthed because no one told the story moving forward,” Zinerman said. “So thank you for doing that. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate him today.”
Drummer Nasheet Waits was one of Roach’s proteges, and shared that Roach taught him to find his identity.
“[Roach] would say, ‘Well, if you want to do this.’ And then, he would give me a demonstration of a drummer from this neighborhood that I had never heard of. And he said, ‘But that’s not what you want to do. What you want to do is be yourself,'” Waits said.
The Marcus Garvey Drummers Collective played for the crowd. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannJazz drummer and percussionist Warren Smith was a founding member of the Max Roach percussion ensemble M’Boom. Smith recalled that when on tour, Roach would ensure that the hotel accommodations for his band members were up to standard.
“There were six or seven of us, and we would check into a hotel, and before Max unpacked his bag, he would go around to each of our rooms and make sure that the accommodations met his satisfaction,” Smith shared. “What impressed me was that he was much more interested in the men that he was responsible for and how we were taking care of than he was in himself. His attitude towards humanity probably taught me more than even listening to him play music.”
Emmy-award-winning journalist Janus Adams said it was fitting that the street co-naming ceremony for Roach was held on Juneteenth.
“When we talk about Max, we are talking about a man [who] not only was conscious of the shoulders on which he stood but of the lives he carried on his own shoulders, everywhere he went,” Janus said. “What we have to also understand is that what Juneteenth represents is the 100 million lives seized and stolen, and forced into being strained for enslavement in the Americas for the slavocracy of America.”
Mayor Eric Adams called Roach a “physician,” and said drums have the ability to heal. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannMayor Eric Adams called Roach a “physician” because drums had the ability to heal.
“With all of the hate that we feel, it disconnects us, and drums have the ability to reconnect us,” Adams said. “And each time he played, each time we heard the beat, it allows us an opportunity of that reconnection that we need.”
Adams hoped that the street sign would inspire generations to come.
“Hopefully, every time a child walks down the block, they will look up, and they will see the name Max Roach and what it means [and] it will become inspiring to others as we reconnect ourselves from the pervasive hate that we see all the time,” Adams said.
Brooklyn detectives are looking for a group of suspects who allegedly shot a 15-year-old boy earlier this month.
The shooting occurred in front of a house located at 974 Schenectady Ave. in East Flatbush on Saturday, June 8, at approximately 5:28 p.m. Police said four suspects approached the young victim, fired multiple shots, with one bullet hitting him in the arm.
The suspects, at least three wearing COVID-style masks, then fled the scene in an unknown location before officers from the 67th Precinct arrived.
Police sources said the boy was an unintended target, and the suspects did not know the victim.
EMS responded and brought the teen to NYC Health and Hospitals/Kings County in stable condition.
Police on Wednesday released photos of the suspects. So far, no arrests have been made, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Earlier this week, a 16-year-old boy was shot dead in the Bronx, less than a mile from where he lived. No arrests have been made in that shooting, though the investigation remains ongoing.
According to the latest crime statistics, the city’s murder rate is down 17.1% year to date, with 29 fewer people killed in 2024 compared to 2023 (141 vs. 170). The numbers also show that the felony assault rate in May 2024 increased 7.4% from the same month last year.
An interim library is set to open in Red Hook next month, in the midst of a two-year closure of the neighborhood’s local branch.
The Red Hook Library shut its doors in March 2023 for a $17 million renovation. When the project wraps next spring, the library is set to have more public space with dedicated rooms for teens and children, meeting rooms, new tech, and outdoor space.
A rendering of the interior of the renovated Red Hook Library. Image courtesy of Levenbetts/Brooklyn Public LibraryStarting on July 9, the interim library at 362 Van Brunt St. will offer books for all ages, computer access, free Wi-Fi, and all kinds of typical library programming, the Brooklyn Public Library announced on Tuesday.
Amazon will be providing financial support for the interim library, and furniture and supplies were donated by the Red Hook IKEA store. Community leaders including Council Member Alexa Avilés, the Friends of Red Hook Library, Red Hook Houses West, and the former Red Hook Civic Association identified and secured the location, according to BPL.
At a 2023 meeting, locals said they were frustrated about the impending closure. File photo by Ximena del CerroWhen library officials announced their plans to close and upgrade the library in 2023, patrons were frustrated. They said BPL’s plans to deploy mobile library services and relocate some programming weren’t enough, and that other neighborhoods had received temporary brick-and-mortar locations while their libraries were closed for renovations.
The Red Hook Library has long been in need of upgrades, in part because the building, like so many in Red Hook, was badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Critically, the new library will be flood-proofed, with flood-resistant walls and windows and barricades for doorways. All of the library’s mechanical and electrical equipment will be relocated to the roof, well above potential flood lines.
Renovations were supposed to start in 2020, but were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The finished library will have more public space and much-needed flood proofing. Image courtesy of Levenbetts/Brooklyn Public LibraryWith roughly nine months left to go until the library is set to reopen, the interim location is slated to open its doors at 11 a.m. on July 9, and will be open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Recent updates on the Red Hook Library website say that work is moving along as expected, and is still slated to be completed in the spring of 2025. However, library officials have warned that Mayor Eric Adams’ proposed $58.3 million budget cut could lead to “indefinitely delayed reopenings of renovated branches.”
Four fencers from Manhattan Fencing Center are preparing for their Olympic debut.
Like athletes in any international competition, these Big Apple swordsters have spent their entire careers preparing.
As competition day approaches, coaches and fencers from MFC are feeling the pressure and excitement of taking their talents from a Midtown facility on the biggest sporting stage in the world.
Olympic contestants say they are leaning into the good — and not-so-good — parts of the training process. Photo courtesy of Manhattan Fencing CenterElizabeth Tartakovsky, a 24-year-old qualifier bound for Paris, spends five days a week on the practice floor, with sessions lasting four hours each. Her preparation includes rigorous strength and conditioning, but what she believes will distinguish her is achieving the right mental state to push herself, trust her talents, and remain resilient.
“The athleticism and technique is something that every athlete on a high level has,” she said. “But as I get closer to the Olympics, it becomes increasingly important to get my mind right and my body rested enough so I can continue to push it to the limits.”
Growing up as an energetic child, Tartakovsky participated in numerous sports: dance, ballet, tennis, swimming — she tried them all. However, it wasn’t until 2008, when she saw her great-uncle and current coach, Yury Gelman, competing on television, that she became captivated by fencing.
“As a younger sibling, it was fun to be able to smack my older sister with a sword and have a way to defend myself,” she said. “I love fencing because it is the perfect mix of athleticism, creativity, and strategy. As my coach says, fencing is all about setting up ‘traps’ and tricking your opponent. It truly is a game of physical chess.”
After years of dedication to her craft, she now gets the chance to represent her family, her coaches and herself on the Olympic stage.
“I have basically been preparing my entire life for this moment so it feels so gratifying that all my hard work paid off. It’s definitely a mix of pressure and excitement,” Tartakovsky told Brooklyn Paper.
Gelman has coached 19 Olympic qualifiers, six of whom were medaled for their achievements.
“It feels amazing. This is a result of my and my students’ hard work for many years,” he said on the chance to take even more fencers to the Big Games.
Manhattan Fencing Center offers classes for kids ages 4-16. The classes are unique in that they are broken up by both age and skill, unlike most fencing clubs where kids are thrown into one big class. Photo courtesy of Manhattan Fencing CenterFencing first started as a military dueling strategy but has since transformed into a game of physical chess where, instead of using wooden pieces to outsmart your opponent, sword fighters use intricate footwork and defenses to strike their enemy.
Athletes compete in one of three disciplines — foil, saber, or epee — named after the weapons used in individual and team matches. (This reporter took a stab at all three during a June 11 visit to MFC.)
Qualifying MFC students include Tartakovsky, Feres Ferjani, Maia Chamberlain and Colin Heathcock. The group will be coached by Gelman and Vladimir Lukashenko.
A total of 212 fencers will get a chance at the gold when fencing competitions begin on July 27.
Brooklyn Workforce Innovations raised over $200,000 last week at a fundraising event to support the nonprofit’s mission of providing skills training and job placement for low-income New Yorkers facing employment barriers.
For more than two decades, BWI has empowered marginalized communities across New York City by creating living-wage employment opportunities and access to career paths in high-demand local industries. Each year, the group assists more than 900 individuals in overcoming employment challenges and achieving long-term success.
The event, a “Spring Celebration” held on June 13 at 501 Union in Gowanus, drew a diverse crowd, including partners from the city’s entertainment, affordable housing and technology sectors, elected officials, business leaders and more.
After opening remarks from BWI Executive Director Aaron Shiffman, awards were given out, such as The Hero Award, presented to Francine A. LeFrak, a social entrepreneur and philanthropist known for her partnership with BWI through The Tools of The Trade Fund, and The Inspirational Graduate Award, presented to Rabia Rmaidi, a graduate of the Red Hook on the Road program who has transitioned into a career with NYCS Bus, exemplifying the impact of BWI’s programs.
MJ Jones, a graduate of the “Made in NY” Production Assistant program, presents The Hero Award to Francine A. LeFrak.Photo by Stefano GiovanniniFour businesses — ABM Aviation, Alphacord Media Group, Alma and Pronto Housing — also received Outstanding Employer Awards for their exceptional support in helping BWI graduates successfully enter the workforce.
The city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development was awarded The Innovator Award, accepted by First Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, for the agency’s innovative support for affordable housing and employment.
The fundraising event also served as a celebration of BWI’s 24 years of service to the people and businesses of Brooklyn.
The daughter of a Sunset Park man who was fatally struck by an allegedly unlicensed moped rider earlier this month maintains that the misdemeanor charges against the suspect are too lenient and called on the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office to include manslaughter.
On June 3, 82-year-old Efrain Barreto was struck by 32-year-old Abed Abed, of Bay Ridge, as he crossed the street near the intersection of 60th Street and Fifth Avenue.
According to an investigation by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad, Abed was riding a 2023 Gas Powered Jiajue 150 moped northbound on Fifth Avenue, approaching the intersection of 60th Street, at around 5 p.m.
After traveling through the intersection, Abed struck Barreto as he was attempting to cross the roadway, mid-block, from the east sidewalk to west sidewalk, approximately 19 feet north of 60th Street, authorities said.
EMS transported Barreto to NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, June 6.
Abed remained on scene following the incident and was arrested later that evening. He now faces a litany of motor vehicle charges, including aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and operating out of appropriate class.
Barreto’s daughter, Vivian, appeared at Community Board 7’s meeting on June 12, the day after laying her father to rest, to appeal to fellow community members to back her cause.
“It is not okay that this guy is out on a misdemeanor,” Vivian Barreto told the CB7 meeting. “This guy got on his vehicle intentionally knowing that his license was suspended, evading police and disrespecting the laws that all of you including myself abide by.”
Vivian Barretto appearing before CB7’s June 12 meeting. Photo courtesy of Image courtesy of YouTube/Community Board 7It’s understood that manslaughter charges were not pursued against Abed as the incident is viewed as an accident. According to law enforcement sources, security footage allegedly shoes Abed attempting to break before crashing into Barreto, who was crossing the street mid-block. It is also alleged that Abed was not seen to be driving recklessly prior.
Vivian’s husband, Paul Osborne, told the meeting that the couple do not see Barreto’s death as an accident: “In our opinion, it was intentional and he should not have been driving that scooter that day.”
Efrain Barreto, originally from Puerto Rico, was a Sunset Park resident since 1967 and was a staple in the community, according to Vivian.
“He helped migrants and immigrants alike. He put myself and my brother through school, and did the best that he could and was a very humble man,” Vivian said. “I can’t get my father back but I can get your help.”
Abed could not be reached for comment. The DA’s office declined to comment on the calls for additional charges.
Park Slope is about to get even more creative with the grand opening of the reimagined Brooklyn Beauty and Fashion Laboratory, a Japanese-American innovation hub, on June 21.
Members of J-Collabo — an art network and coalition of Japanese makers — are teaming up to revive their mission of being a sustainable bridge between Brooklyn, Japan and the world.
Brooklynites have long enjoyed the space, formerly a Japanese supermarket, but partners are expanding to include a sushi bar, cafe and bakery, and a newly launched fashion workshop on the basement level.
The site of Brooklyn Beauty and Fashion Laboratory, once a Japanese supermarket, is expanding to further bridge the gap between New York City, Japan, and the rest of the world. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Beauty and Fashion LaboratoryRickey Davy, one of the partners on the business’ fashion side, said this all-embracing “labo” — the term partners are using to refer to the style laboratory — aims to serve as a celebration of the Brooklyn and Japanese lifestyle.
“In a lot of ways the two cultures mesh together,” Davy told Brooklyn Paper. “We found each other and I think it works because Brooklyn is so diverse.”
Both the food and fashion centers will feature Brooklyn-exclusive brands as well as authentic Japanese products. Storefronts will spread across three floors, a basement workshop and a rooftop.
Rick Davy, a partner from the Fashion ‘labo,’ said the reimagined arts and entertainment center will be a breeding ground for new ideas. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Beauty and Fashion LaboratoryBrands plan to take advantage of joint workshops and other collaborations, including an upcoming lifestyle product line with beauty goods, fashion exclusives and food.
This is just one of the many creations to come out of the labo, according to Davy.
“It’s a great mix of culture,” he said. “The community and products bring a lot to the table regarding fashion and entertainment.”
The new Brooklyn Beauty and Fashion Laboratory, located at 300 Seventh St., will officially open for creatives this Friday, from noon to 4 p.m.
Do you have a kid that’s bored during the summer break or passionate about performing arts? The annual Brooklyn-based Asase Yaa’s Children’s Summer Arts Camp has opened registration for the 2024 six-week youth program.
The camp runs from July 1 to Aug. 9 from Monday to Friday (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and this year’s theme is exploring African wildlife, history and culture.
Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization, aims to “enrich, educate, entertain and promote the importance of cultural performing arts to youth and adults in our community,” according to their official website.
During the camp, kids will have the opportunity to delve deeper into African Diaspora dance, music and culture, learning, performing and having fun all at the same time.
Courtesy of Asase Yaa’s Children’s Summer Arts Camp.According to the children’s summer camp’s official website, it “is the only summer program that offers youth (ages 4-13) a chance to contribute, create, and produce an original live production. We teach writing, dancing, music, singing, drama, set building, costumes, choreography, staging, lighting, and sound.”
Through interactive activities like games and field trips, children will learn and create, while letting their creativity shine through.
“In addition to our camp staff, we attract top artists who have mastered their artistic discipline and come and work with our students. Many who volunteer their time throughout the camp experience,” according to the camp’s official website.
The top-trained staff help children develop their artistic abilities throughout the six weeks.
“Every year we eagerly anticipate producing exciting adventures and fun-filled activities for our youth attendees including dancing, drumming, arts and crafts, choir, acting, and much more,” said in a statement K. Osei Williams, executive director at Asase Yaa’s School of the Arts.
“We always close camp with a theater production featuring our campers, and this year we’re excited about our finale show, ‘Nana’s Expedition,’ where they’ll get a chance to explore and learn about Africa’s rainforests,” Williams added.
Friends and family are invited for the final production.
The summer camp registration fee is $100 and camp tuition is $1100. Registration closes on June 28.
As the second Black mayor of New York City, I am proud to celebrate Juneteenth, a day that commemorates June 19, 1865, when every enslaved Black American was finally free. This is a day of importance not just for Black Americans, but for all Americans. It is a day when the promise of freedom finally matched Black Americans’ lived reality. It is a day when the freedom for which America is known for around the world finally became available to a wider group of citizens.
However, as we all know, that was only the start of a longer struggle — a struggle for equal access from housing and health care to the ballot box and boardrooms that continues to the present day. In honor of Juneteenth and the progress we have made over the past centuries and decades, our administration wants to play its part in using the present to reckon with our past so we can build a better future.
New Yorkers walk through neighborhoods like Brooklyn every day, unaware of the history right under their feet and surrounding them. To tell that history, we launched “More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk,” an interactive audio tour that explores Brooklyn’s history as a critical neighborhood for the National Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. The 4.5-mile walkable path incorporates 19 stops highlighting the many landmark sites that capture the borough’s rich abolitionist history. Along the way, in addition to seeing famous abolitionist sites, you can learn about important local historic figures, including businesswoman Elizabeth Gloucester, pioneering sisters Dr. Susan Smith McKinney-Steward and educator Sarah J. Tompkins Garnet, and Plymouth Church preacher Henry Ward Beecher. The tour can be accessed on your smartphone, tablet, or other device through the Landmark Preservation Commission’s website. With this interactive tour, our city can celebrate the heroes who stood up against injustice, risked their lives, and fought for the freedom they deserved.
The city’s abolitionist history lives across all five boroughs. In Staten Island’s Oakwood Heights, we are commemorating our shared history by designating the Frederick Douglass Memorial Park as a landmark. The Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is the only non-sectarian cemetery founded by — and specifically for — New York City’s Black community. The memorial park opened in 1935, offering a dignified cemetery for Black New Yorkers at a time when discrimination and segregation excluded them from other burial sites and limited them to substandard facilities and services. In a time when others turned their backs on Black New Yorkers, this park chose to open its doors. The 14.88-acre burial site memorializes Black heritage and honors the generations of Black Americans who are buried there. Frederick Douglass Memorial Park offered a dignified and dedicated space for the Black community to honor those who transitioned. But, our remembrance of Juneteenth cannot be just symbolic, but substantive.
As recently as last January, Black New Yorkers were four times more likely to be unemployed than white New Yorkers, but, thanks to our efforts, we have been able to narrow this gap, and now the unemployment rate for Black New Yorkers is at its lowest point in half a decade. This marks the first time since 2019 that the Black unemployment rate in New York City has been below 8 percent. And between January 1, 2022, and April 1, 2024, the Black unemployment rate in the five boroughs decreased from 10.7 percent to 7.9 percent — a 26 percent decrease. While our work is never done, our city is making real progress in delivering economic equity.
This Juneteenth, I call on all New Yorkers to learn about and honor our city and nation’s inspiring and troubled past and continue to build on the progress we have made. Let us celebrate American ideals, American freedoms, and American potential, together. And let us start right here, in the most diverse city on the globe, a place where those from all walks of life live side by side, proud to call themselves by one name: New Yorkers.
A New York City board will vote Monday night on how much to raise rents this year for the Big Apple’s approximately 1 million stabilized tenants — a hike that could reach as high as 6.5%.
The nine-member panel, known as the Rent Guidelines Board, will hold its final vote to determine the amount in rent increases stabilized tenants will see this coming year during a June 17 meeting. The proceeding, which is open to the public, will take place at Hunter College’s Assembly Hall at 7 p.m.
The RGB’s final meeting comes after it approved preliminary rent increase ranges of 2% to 4.5% for one-year leases, and 4% to 6.5% for two-year leases, during a separate vote in late April.
The final increases have historically fallen somewhere within the preliminary ranges.
The panel advanced the ranges despite the objections of its two tenant members, who walked out of the meeting in protest. They argued raising the rent for regulated apartments for the third year running is untenable for low-income tenants already struggling to make their monthly payments.
The board’s tenant members are hardly alone. Earlier this week, 25 state lawmakers sent a joint letter to the board’s chair — David Reiss — urging the panel to either institute a rent freeze or approve the lowest possible increase.
“With homelessness and housing evictions increasing dramatically, and the cost of living soaring, rent hikes harm tenants and threaten our economy by driving out low and middle-income New Yorkers,” the letter reads. “We urge the Rent Guidelines Board to consider a rent freeze rather than risk sending more families into homelessness and poverty.”
The letter was co-led by Assembly Members Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan) and Karines Reyes (D-Bronx).
On Monday morning, the Legal Aid Society issued a similar letter calling for a rent freeze.
“The reports produced by the Board since March have proven that any increase on rent for this vulnerable population would not only be unnecessary, but would betray the stated purpose of the Board, which is to protect stabilized tenants from exorbitant, needless rent hikes,” said Adriene Holder, chief attorney of the Civil Practice at The Legal Aid Society. “Despite the disappointing outcome of the preliminary vote, the Board still has the opportunity to do right by the more than one million New Yorkers who reside in rent-stabilized units. Ahead of tonight’s vote, we call on the Board to listen to the cries of these already-struggling tenants who could be facing imminent evictions and displacement should an increase be passed and vote for an outright rent freeze on all stabilized units.”
Tenant advocates also pushed for a rent rollback during the board’s penultimate hearing in Manhattan earlier this week before staging a dramatic walkout, according to a published report. Landlords at that meeting countered that they needed the increases to keep their properties in good condition.
While Mayor Eric Adams appointed all of the board’s members, he has always maintained that he does not get involved in their decisions. However, the way each RGB votes usually reflects the priorities of the mayor who appointed them.
Following the preliminary vote, Adams indicated that a 6.5% increase on two-year leases goes “far beyond what is reasonable to ask tenants to take on at this time.” But he said the board must also consider the interests of landlords, making sure they collect enough rent to maintain their buildings.
Monday’s vote will likely mark the third time stabilized tenants have seen their rents go up since Adams took office two and a half years ago. Last year, the board advanced increases of 3% for one-year leases. It divided two-year lease increases into two rounds: 2.75% in the first year and 3.2% of the increased amount in the second.
The recent trend differs greatly from Adams’ predecessor Bill de Blasio, who appointed a board that voted to either keep rents frozen or increase them a minimal amount for multiple years.
With reporting by Robert Pozarycki
Brooklyn detectives are seeking the gunman who shot a man in the groin in broad daylight on Sunday.
Law enforcement sources said the shooting occurred at about 1 p.m. on June 16 near the corner of East 49th Street and Church Avenue in East Flatbush.
Officers from the 67th Precinct, in responding to a 911 call about the shooting, learned that an unknown shooter opened fire on a 24-year-old man, striking him once in the groin area.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown and under investigation, police sources said.
EMS rushed the victim to Kings County Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
A detective at the scene of a Brooklyn shooting on June 16, 2024.Photo by Lloyd MitchellNearby residents expressed remorse over Sunday’s shooting, and lamented gun violence that has occurred in the community.
“I heard the shots but didn’t think anything of it,” said one local resident, Roger Benson. “I will pray the guy makes it.
“There is also something bad happening on this block,” added Denise Clark. “This is at least the third or fourth shooting I can remember.”
Police rope off the crime scenePhoto by Lloyd MitchellThe 67th Precinct, which covers East Flatbush, has reported 14 shootings year-to-date through June 9, according to the most recent CompStat report. That’s down three from the 17 shootings that occurred at the same point in 2023.
As for Sunday afternoon’s shooting, no arrests have been made, thus far, in the ongoing investigation, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
With reporting by Lloyd Mitchell
The Federal Highway Administration’s final approval for the MTA’s now-shelved congestion pricing program gave plaudits to the tolling scheme which Gov. Kathy Hochul scuttled for the sake of easing economic costs to drivers.
On the contrary, the approval decision on June 14 seemed to indicate that congestion pricing would provide significant economic benefits, including “travel-time savings and travel-time reliability improvements, as well as reduced vehicle operating costs.”
In determining the final plan approved by the MTA in March would pose no significant impact on the environment, the feds have now eliminated the final roadblock for the toll to commence — save for the governor herself, who announced this month that she indefinitely put the plan on pause just weeks before it was due to be activated on June 30.
Nevertheless, the MTA hopes the federal approval will give Hochul second thoughts about the decision.
“We are pleased, and not surprised, the federal government has once again determined that congestion pricing will not adversely affect the environment, the economy, or environmental justice communities,” said Juliette Michaelson, the MTA’s deputy chief of external relations. “We remain ready and committed to work with our partners in government so New Yorkers can realize benefits of the congestion relief program.”
The final hurdle for congestion pricing is a document allowing the MTA to undertake a “Value Pricing Pilot Program” (VPPP). The feds, the MTA and the city and state Departments of Transportation must sign off on it before activating the plan, but Hochul has made clear that her Transportation Commissioner, Marie Therese Dominguez, will not sign it for the time being.
The MTA and both the city and state DOTs had all requested the FHWA continue with its “re-evaluation” of the program’s environmental bona fides even after the governor announced the pause. Hochul spokesperson John Lindsay said this will “keep all options available as discussions continue regarding next steps.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul scuttled the congestion pricing plan, at least for now, because she wanted to spare drivers extra economic burdens.Office of Governor Kathy HochulReducing traffic, cleaning airThe FHWA approval indicates that congestion pricing — which would have charged most motorists $15 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street — would reduce vehicle volumes in the region’s busiest area by 17%, with truck traffic expected to plummet by 55%.
This reduction in traffic volume, according to the approval, would lead to a slight improvement in air quality throughout the entire region, including 10 counties in New York State and two in New Jersey.
Overall, the feds say the final plan not only still doesn’t pose significant environmental impacts, but in fact also dispels some of the originally forecasted negative effects in the retooled plan that the MTA Board approved in March.
Where the plan could have caused an increase in vehicle volume, the MTA committed to some $330 million in mitigation efforts, including in four New Jersey cities deemed “environmental justice communities.” That undercut the core of New Jersey’s arguments in federal court seeking to overturn the program, where attorney Randy Mastro argued the feds did a shoddy job examining environmental impacts of the toll by ignoring New Jersey communities.
The lawsuit from New Jersey and various other plaintiffs to overturn the plan is still pending. For now, Hochul’s pause has opened the state up to litigation from the pro-toll camp: City Comptroller Brad Lander and a slew of legal experts and advocates say Hochul doesn’t have the authority to invalidate the original congestion pricing statute, and her actions could run afoul of various state environmental laws, plus the federal Americans With Disabilities Act.
They intend to file lawsuits should the congestion pricing plan not go into effect on June 30, as planned.
Hochul justified her decision to pause congestion pricing as an economic one, noting she had spoken to people in diners and elsewhere who said they could not afford to absorb another cost.
On the other hand, the FHWA approval indicated that congestion pricing would not only save time and money and reduce vehicle operation costs, it would also provide no adverse impacts on the labor force in any particular industry, including the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry. Costs of goods would be negligibly impacted.
Further, because the overwhelming majority of commuters arrive in Manhattan via mass transit, the toll “would affect only a small percentage of the overall workforce.”
Transit projects in limboMTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber discusses an upcoming critical modernization project on the G line and announces the appointment of Hugo Zamora as project Czar at Greenpoint Av station on Wednesday, Jun 12, 2024.
Janno Lieber, the head of the MTA, said last week that the agency will now have to “reprioritize and shrink” its capital plan to focus on keeping the system from “falling apart,” rather than modernizing and expanding it as previously planned.Marc A. Hermann / MTAMeanwhile, the $15 billion the plan was to raise for mass transit improvements will evaporate into thin air if the tolling cameras are not turned on. That means big expansion projects like extending the Second Avenue Subway to East Harlem and the Interborough Express light rail between Brooklyn and Queens are on ice, as are less “sexy” but perhaps more important projects like modernizing Great Depression-era signals on two subway lines, buying electric buses, and building elevators to make subway stations accessible.
Janno Lieber, the head of the MTA, said last week that the agency will now have to “reprioritize and shrink” its capital plan to focus on keeping the system from “falling apart,” rather than modernizing and expanding it as previously planned.
Although the toll has polled poorly, Hochul’s decision to pause it has been highly controversial, especially among advocates for transit, the environment, and people with disabilities.
“The Federal Highway Administration’s reevaluation of the submitted tolling structure is more than validation that there are no significant impacts; it’s vindication against all the naysayers and doomsdayers who claim otherwise,” said Lisa Daglian, head of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA. “It’s time for Governor Hochul to take stock of the facts, follow the law, and unpause the pause.”
Detectives in Brooklyn are questioning five people after two seniors were shot on Saturday in gun violence-ridden Brownsville, authorities confirmed.
According to police sources, the incident occurred at around 10:30 p.m. on June 15 not far from Livonia Park, in the vicinity of Powell Street and Livonia Street.
Officers from the 73rd Precinct — which has seen shootings and murder soar so far in 2024 — rushed to the scene to find two senior victims with gunshot wounds.
One of the victims, a 71-year-old woman, took two bullets to her torso and one to her right leg, while a 70-year-old man was shot in the left leg. It was not immediately clear if they were the intended targets, police said.
EMS rushed the pair to Brookdale Hospital, and they are expected to survive.
Meanwhile, cops say they took a group of five people into custody at the scene in connection with the horrific shooting. Charges against them are pending the results of the ongoing investigation.
Police brass say this is the latest in a string of shooting incidents that have plagued the area this year. As of June 11, there had been 29 shooting incidents in the area resulting in 35 victims. The same neighborhood is also leading the way in homicides with a staggering 13 people dead.
Chief Crime Control Strategies Michael Lipetri told amNewYork Metro that law enforcement is attributing the shootings to warring gangs.
“We have multiple issues right now going on in the 73, with multiple crews feuding,” Chief Lipetri said. “Some of the housing developments are right next to each other and they feud because of different crews they belong to.”
Police say they are surging hundreds of additional cops and specialized units into the 73rd Precinct over the next several months in an attempt to combat the gun violence.
More than 30 years after the city’s landmarking body first considered preserving a historic section of Willoughby Avenue and Hart Street in Bed-Stuy, residents — some whose brownstones have been in their family for five generations — were able to share at a public hearing why they are calling on the agency to designate part of their neighborhood as a historic district.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, 57 people testified in a heated three-hour-long public hearing about the proposed designation of the Willoughby-Hart Historic District. Creating the district would mean more than 100 houses over most of Willoughby and Hart streets between Nostrand and Marcy avenues would be landmarked and protected from significant alteration.
While the majority of the 32 people who spoke in person at the hearing were in vocal support of preserving the historic, mostly brownstone architecture in the neighborhood, three men, two of whom are real estate lawyers and one who owns a townhouse in the area, decried the proposal. All three said landmarking is discriminatory against large Jewish families who need to expand their homes and that there isn’t anything landmark worthy about the blocks. Those who spoke in support cited the area’s importance to local history and community and its well-preserved late 19th century row houses and streetscape.
Brownstones on Hart Street.Photo by Susan De VriesManhattan real estate lawyer Adam Leitman Bailey accused the LPC and those trying to get the historic brownstones landmarked of antisemitism. He invoked Oct. 7 and said “never in the history of the United States of America has a body voted to remove this many Jews from streets through passing a vote via a law and government body.”
Bailey accused the commission and local community board of excluding the Jewish community from the landmarking process, and said actions by the commission amount to housing discrimination.
Adam Leitman Bailey at the meeting.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithHowever, the majority of the speakers in the room and those who spoke on Zoom rejected Bailey’s comments. They called the blocks inclusive, friendly, and loving, and said they had been that way over many generations. “It pains me to think that we are being accused of being anything else but,” said Joanne Joyner-Wells, who said she grew up riding her tricycle up and down Willoughby Avenue, where she still lives.
“All we ask is if you are given the honor and blessing of acquiring one of these beautiful homes, that you make a decision to become a part of the community that you desire to join with the same goal of preservation,” she said.
Joyner-Wells added that brownstones in Bed-Stuy have an inherent element of connectivity. “I think that element is what we hope to maintain: connectivity to the community, its rituals, and routines, its history most of all, and its beauty.”
“I assume that if you buy a house adjoining mine, you understand that you are connected to me by a wall. Therefore we are neighbors, or we should be neighbors.”
Row houses on Willoughby Avenue.Photo by Susan De Vries Sekiya Dorsett speaks in favor of landmarking.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithWilloughby Avenue tenant Jules Bartkowski said that as a Jewish member of the community, whose family members had survived the Holocaust, the notion of antisemitism should be completely removed from the understanding of the landmarking issue.
“My mother was born in a displaced persons camp, and my grandfather passed along to my mother, who passed along to me, a desire for justice, democracy, and equal rights. What we are looking for in this situation is to preserve the historical integrity of this community,” he said. “I have witnessed in the time that I have lived there, the displacement of the historic community, the destruction of historic buildings, we are unwilling to continue to watch that.”
He called on the LPC to vote quickly in favor of landmarking, adding, “I refuse any antisemitism accusations, it breaks my heart, [it] is personally offensive.”
Overall, 12 of the 57 people spoke against landmarking, all arguing it would impede on Jewish families’ rights to extend their houses. They lamented that the hearing was being held before the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, which they said limited the number of people able to attend. Willoughby Avenue owner Abraham Wertheimer said while he plans to preserve the facade of his house, he wants to be able to add a backyard extension and is against the commission governing those.
Brownstones on Willoughby Avenue in 2022.Photo by Susan De VriesHart Street townhouse owner Rabbi Shaya Saks said the Jewish community feels like the LPC “is against us,” adding “we lived in Williamsburg and slowly we moved now to Bed-Stuy because as mentioned, we have large size families, we need bigger houses, and by doing this landmark this is stopping us and blocking us from being able to use those properties that we already purchased.”
The 2022 demolition of the historic French Gothic Revival Jacob Dangler mansion, which served as a cornerstone of Willoughby Avenue and is now an empty lot owned by a Florida-based developer, came up multiple times at the hearing, with numerous speakers saying they don’t want to see any more destruction of the history on their blocks.
Multiple people said the site should be included in the proposed historic district and, to applause, Christina Conway of the Victorian Society of New York said the commission having a role in the new building’s design is “absolutely within the sphere of good preservation planning.” She added, “including the lot would also have the beneficial effect of sending a message that cavalier actions regarding the landmarks laws have consequences.”
Issues around construction and unpermitted work on the blocks also came up multiple times. Amelia Martinez said from 2022 to 2024 the Department of Buildings recorded 200 complaints and 120 violations on the blocks. These included “stop work orders, cutting, construction, demolitions, expansions from two- to three-families to four- to six-family homes, extending in backyards, large machinery, dumping debris into neighbors’ yards, and excavating so far down into basements that they’re risking the structural integrity of foundations, all without permits.”
She said as a third-generation Brooklynite, she knows the impact of gentrification on a neighborhood, “having watched my family’s neighborhoods of Los Sures in Williamsburg and Greenpoint vanish, only to be replaced by new developments, pushing out the culture and communities that made them what they were.”
She said the same occurrances are beginning to encroach on the brownstones of Bed-Stuy, where the community is “witnessing significant architecture decimated and replaced by structures lacking quality and charm.”
The Jacob Dangler mansion in April 2022.Photo by Susan De VriesBlack residents of Willoughby Avenue and Hart Street shared stories of their relatives buying the properties despite redlining, and looking after them for future generations of their families, as well as building the community into what it is today. They called on the LPC to support them in their efforts to continue as the caretakers of the historic buildings for future generations to come — who have the right to experience the city’s history, they said.
Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman spoke about the pressing issues of deed fraud and displacement happening in Bed-Stuy, saying protecting the community is of utmost importance, with homeowners being harassed and targeted every day. She urged the commission to “do the right thing” with the landmarking vote.
Everett Hughes, who owns a house on Hart Street and another on the landmarked section of Decatur Street, said the importance of landmarking for him is that his homes, which he has restored to original details, maintain historic value and he is able to pass them down to his children.
“That’s why we need to have landmarking, so we can preserve the integrity of the neighborhood, we can have generational wealth, and we can pass our buildings down, not to our kids but to our grandkids.” He added that while there are rumors of insurance costs going up and property values going down with landmarking, that isn’t the truth.
Residents of Willoughby Avenue gathered to re-create an historic photo on the block on Sunday.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithOne mother said her daughter asked her to tell the commissioners that the blocks need to be protected because they’re like Sesame Street, and one woman who grew up on the block reminisced how the bass player for Jimi Hendrix had done so too.
Willoughby Avenue resident Lauren Cawdrey said her house had been built in 1875. “Just to put that in context, that predates modern marvels like the automobile, lightbulbs, and even the Brooklyn Bridge. The fact that these brownstones are not only surviving, but thriving is a testament to their structural integrity, their classic beauty, and the nurturing of custodians who are lucky enough to inhabit them.”
Save Harlem Now Executive Director Claudette Brady, a longtime resident of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights who has been instrumental in landmarking other parts of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights, said the blocks in question are the only two in the area of northern Bed-Stuy that have maintained their original architectural integrity. “The designation of Willoughby-Hart Historic District is not about pushing one group out of the neighborhood. It’s about most importantly completing a process that started 32 years ago and upholding the tenets of LPC’s equity framework,” she said.
Meanwhile, architectural historian Suzanne Spellen, a former resident of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights who has helped landmark the latter and writes a column for Brownstoner, said the lots contain “quintessential Brooklyn brownstones” that maintain a unique sense of place that is “part and parcel of landmark status.”
She added that the area was initially inhabited by German immigrants, and later, under government-backed redlining, newly emigrated Russian Jews and Black people. “These blocks could have gone the way of far too many others, with rundown houses, burnt-out shells, and empty lots. They could have been razed for housing projects. But they remained intact thanks to the predominantly African American homeowners who purchased them and cherished them as the culmination of the American dream of home ownership.”
In regards to the historic architecture, Historic Districts Council Executive Director Frampton Tolbert called the blocks an “especially cohesive and highly intact streetscape of late 19th century Neo-Grec, Second Empire, and Romanesque Revival row houses that create a unique sense of place.”
LPC Chair Sarah Carroll closed the public hearing, thanking the community for testifying and saying the commission would now schedule a vote on whether to designate the proposed Willoughby-Hart Historic District.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
Police said a 50-year-old man was found dead in a Brooklyn park Wednesday morning.
According to law enforcement sources, officers from the 72nd Precinct responded to a 911 call of person in need of help at 44th Street and Sixth Avenue in Sunset Park on June 12 at approximately 8:27 a.m.
When officers arrived, they found Sergio Prieto of 53rd Street in Brooklyn, lying face up in a grassy field. The man was unconscious and unresponsive, police said, with no visible signs of injury to the body.
EMS responded and pronounced Prieto dead at the scene.
The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential
In time for Juneteenth celebrations, the Landmarks Preservation Commission launched a new interactive audio tour exploring Brooklyn’s significant role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.
Created by Kamau Studios and Black Gotham Experience, “More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk” leads listeners on a 4.5-mile walk with 19 stops in Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fort Greene.
Included are landmarked sites like Plymouth Church, the Friends Meeting House, the Eagle Warehouse and Storage Company Building, and 227 Abolitionist Place-Duffield Street, the home of Harriet and Thomas Truesdell. The tour is arranged in three parts, referred to as theaters. Theater I delves into the early 1820s, Theater II spans 1828 to 1855, and Theater III includes the Civil War and its aftermath from 1855 to 1920. Historic figures whose stories are told in the narrative include Dr. Susan Smith McKinney-Steward, Elizabeth Gloucester, and Henry Ward Beecher.
Each stop along the way has an audio recording and walking directions are included to make sure listeners find each site or view being discussed. The tour is accessible online and includes interactive maps that mark each stop and also show the historic districts in the borough.
If you just want to listen to the audio files they are all available via Sound Cloud.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
Hundreds of New Yorkers descended upon City Hall on Wednesday in to voice their opinions on Brooklyn Council Member Chi Ossé’s bill to shift the onus of costly broker fees off of tenants and on to landlords.
Intro. 360, also known as FARE Act —Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses — would require whoever hires the broker to pay the fees. More often than not, it’s the landlord who has hired the broker, but the renter who must absorb the sometimes-exorbitant fees.
On June 12, hundreds of New Yorkers testified at an hours-long City Council hearing on the bill. Supporters said high broker fees burden New Yorkers looking for new apartments, sometimes to the point that they opt not to move at all. Detractors, though, said the bill would put brokers out of a job and raise rents across the city.
The cost of broker feesTwo-thirds of New York City’s residents are renters, most of whom have had firsthand experiences with stressful and frustrating apartment-hunting processes. In many instances, that process includes paying a broker fee to a licensed real estate agent hired by the apartment owner to arrange showings of the homes.
Broker fees range from one months’ rent to 15% of the annual rent or more. When looking for a place to live, many tenants’ experiences are limited to finding an available apartment online, arranging one visit, and putting together an application, all on their own. They sometimes never meet a broker but pay the fees the landlord agrees to.
Dozens of people joined Ossé to rally in support of the bill on Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Emil Cohen/City Council Media Unit“People can’t afford their rent and people certainly can’t afford an additional $2,000, $3,000 to a broker they never hired,” said Ossé, who represents parts of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights, at a rally ahead of the hearing.
The line to get into the meeting wrapped around the block — full of bill supporters holding signs that read “End Forced Broker’s Fees” and “Pass the Fare Act Now” as well as opponents, including many members of the Real Estate Board of New York, who held signs that said “Agents Are Tenants Too,” and “Don’t Raise the Rent.”
Detractors of the bill say that if landlords are forced to pay the broker fee, they will simply pass on the expense to the tenant in the form of higher monthly rent.
In his opening statement, the Ossé tried to appease renters worried about costly rents.
“Rent is determined by market forces, not landlords,” he said “If a landlord could magically raise your rent by several thousands of dollars tomorrow, he would have done so yesterday.”
Ossé tried to reassure renters that the bill would not increase rents. Photo courtesy of Emil Cohen/City Council Media UnitAt the hearing, which was hosted by the council’s Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, there were no officials from the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection or any representative from the city’s administration who could provide data to support or oppose the bill.
The Adams administration instead sent a representative of the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development — drawing criticism from lawmakers.
“This is a literal waste of time,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who called the FARE Act a “common sense bill.”
“We are going to be relegated to having a conversation that we already had in the public,” he said. “We are wasting time. (…) I don’t even know if anyone from the administration has stayed to listen to the testimony of all these people who deeply care about this issue.”
New York City’s housing crisisReynoso rebuffed claims that the bill would increase rent or worsen the city’s housing crisis.
“No one here, not even the landlords, needs to tell me that we are experiencing a housing crisis, but because we are not building enough,” he said.
According to the most recent city data, New York City’s vacancy rate is at a historic low of 1.4%, the lowest it has been since 1968.
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso shared his personal experience with broker fees. Photo courtesy of Emil Cohen/City Council Media UnitIn a statement released in February, when the data was presented, HPD called for “urgent action and new affordable housing.” It added that “without significant public investments in new construction and housing preservation, the city’s wealth gap and racial disparities will grow while middle—and low-income New Yorkers will increasingly struggle financially.”
Reyoso shared his experience of having to put down a security deposit and a broker’s fee in one payment of $7,500 to get his apartment in 2009 without ever meeting the broker.
“It was very difficult for me who is well off, middle class,” he said. “When I was a council member, it was very difficult. Those challenges are real for people who experience it. Paying $1,000 instead of $5,000 would have made a big difference for me and my family.”
Some brokers stand against the FARE ActLeading the charge for the brokers was James Whelan, president of REBNY.
“Housing affordability will not be solved by this misguided and hollow legislation,” said Whelan. “Legislation that will make rents higher, further limit housing access and threaten the livelihood of hardworking agents is legislation that New York City elected officials should be unanimously against.”
While Gary Malin, chief operating officer for The Corcoran Group, agreed with Reynoso’s assertion that not enough housing is being built, he said the FARE Act would only make things worse.
Gary Malin of the Corcoran Group said the bill could put brokers out of work. Photo courtesy of Emil Cohen/City Council Media Unit“We all support a more affordable New York,” Malin said, according to Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork. “However, this bill will not achieve that goal. We face a supply and demand issue. Until we address this, pricing will not change. The market will become less negotiable. Landlords will become more rigid in the fees they charge, and these fees will be baked into the cost of rent, pushing them even higher.”
With the hearing complete and testimony collected, Julie Menin, chair of the committee on Consumer and Worker Protection, will next decide whether or not to bring the bill to a committee vote. If it passes, it will head to a vote before the whole City Council. The FARE Act has garnered at least 31 co-sponsors, just shy of the 34 needed for a veto-proof majority.
Two applications to operate legal cannabis dispensaries in Bay Ridge received a resounding no from the locals who showed up to a public hearing Monday, in what was a referendum on cannabis use in the neighborhood.
Community Board 10’s Police and Public Safety Committee passed a motion on June 10 recommending the disapproval of the two applicants’ request to operate adult-use cannabis dispensaries on 3rd Avenue because of their proximity to schools and houses of worship, following strong objection from those in attendance.
A Bay Ridge resident of 30 years, Chase Landau, told the crowd at Monday’s meeting that he has to chase people away from his home everyday because they are smoking cannabis.
“I can’t sit in my backyard without smelling it, I can’t walk out my door,” he said. “Imagine what we will have to do if they [the dispensaries] are on Third Avenue. This is not good for the community. It’s not good for families, our children or the future of Bay Ridge.”
The committee’s motion will be presented to the full community board at its monthly meeting on June 20 before a full opinion is sent to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). The approval and oversight body of the OCM, the Cannabis Control Board, will then review the recommendations of CB10 and the OCM before a final decision is issued on the two applications.
For prospective cannabis retailers to operate legally they must be granted a permit, known as a CAURD (Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary) license, by the state OCM.
As part of the process for dispensaries to be granted a CAURD license, the community board in the locality is given 30 days to review their applications, make a decision and send any thoughts back to the state, which makes the ultimate decision.
Typically, community boards approve liquor license applications at the request of new establishments, but since the legalization of cannabis in the state, community boards have also been tasked with measuring if a proposed dispensary is far enough from schools and houses of worship to adhere to regulations.
Current cannabis laws state retail licensees cannot have a storefront within 500 feet of a school or within 200 feet of a house of worship.
In the case of the proposed dispensaries at 8412 and 8414 on 3rd Avenue, the Police and Public Safety Committee voted to disapprove the application because of its proximity to Home Sweet Home Child Day Care Center (less than 500 feet) and its close proximity to several schools and houses of worship (within 1,000 feet) including Bay Ridge Catholic, Holy Cross, DGK School, Adelphi, Fort Hamilton High School and P.S. 185.
(L) Audience members were brought to their feet several times by speakers against the dispensaries. (R) Assembly Member Alec Brook Krasny addresses the crowd.Photos by Adam DalyThe June 10 meeting at Dimitrios & Georgia Kaloidis Parochial School saw residents turn out in l droves, causing a last-minute change of venue to the school’s gym to facilitate the some 200 people who showed up — with sound system issues adding to the tension in the room.
Despite the proposed dispensaries technically being within the proximity regulations, residents decried that being within 1,000 feet of a school was still too close for comfort given school kids hang around the areas after school and that it would further “normalize drug use in the neighborhood.”
Proceedings throughout the meeting were regularly interrupted by the crowd who consistently let out cries of “we don’t want it,” interrupting the representatives from applicants RMAN Holdings LLC and Cannalicious LLC as they tried to answer the committee’s questions.
“Take your marijuana and go somewhere else,” Chairman of the Brooklyn Republican Party Richie Barsamian told the prospective licensees to a roar of applause from the crowd, encouraging them to protest in front of the dispensaries if the OCM approves the licenses.
His sentiments were shared by other speakers, including Assembly Member Alec Brook Krasny, who was the only elected official present at the meeting, and Vito LaBella, who is running against Andrew Gounardes in the Senate Race to represent the 26th District.
LaBella told the crowd — many of whom were expressing frustration at CB10 and its leaders — that the community board is in an “untenable position” as they have “zero authority tonight to stop this.”
“Everything they do tonight is advisory and they’re getting the most of your anger instead of the people who are responsible for this,” said LaBella, advocating for the criminalization, on a violation level, of the public use of cannabis.
During the meeting, a poll was taken of the audience asking who smokes cannabis — in which one man raised his hand in the 200-strong crowd.
One young man who took to the podium to speak in favor of legal cannabis use was shouted down by the audience for wearing an N95 mask at the microphone, unable to finish his speech due to the boos bellowing from the crowd.
There are currently nine legal dispensaries operating in Brooklyn, none of which are in Bay Ridge. But the neighborhood is home to some of the roughly 2,800 illegal weed shops that have proliferated across the city ever since Albany lawmakers moved to legalize cannabis in 2021. The illegal stores were able to take root due to the state’s slow rollout of licenses to sellers who applied for them through the mandated process.
The city and state has since ramped up its battle with illegal smoke shops, culminating in “Operation Padlock to Protect” that has seen shops shuttered across the city.
A Stuyvesant Heights woman was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison Thursday for fatally striking a 70-year-old woman with her SUV after deliberately driving onto the sidewalk in an attempt to run over a male acquaintance.
Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Michael Kitsis handed down the sentence on June 13 to Layla Adredini, 33, after she was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder on May 23 following a jury trial, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney Office.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Adredini was driving her 2003 white Ford Explorer near 2185 Pacific Street in Ocean Hill the evening of August 24, 2021, when she deliberately drove onto the sidewalk in an attempt to hit a 50-year-old male acquaintance.
After missing her intended target, Adredini crashed into Brenda Ann Whidbee, 70, who was seated in a chair outside her home.
The evidence further revealed that Adredini attempted to flee the scene on foot but was stopped by neighborhood residents.
Whidbee, a grandmother and a beloved community member for over 40 years, suffered severe injuries and was taken to Brookdale Hospital, where she was pronounced dead
“Today’s sentence holds this defendant accountable for her shocking and depraved actions that cost an innocent woman her life,” Gonzalez said. “While nothing can bring Brenda Ann Whidbee back to her family and friends, I hope this sentence offers them some sense of solace.”
Welcome to the freak show!
All summer long, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow is hosting events that embrace what makes Coney Island unique. From burlesque shows to pop-ups, you never know what kind of shenanigans you can find at the sideshow.
Here’s a look at the upcoming events that are coming to Coney Island’s sideshow. All of the following events are located at 1208 Surf Ave. and tickets can be purchased at coneyisland.com.
Teacher Appreciation Fridays at the Freak BarDate: June 14, 2-7 p.m.
Price: Free entry
Coney Island is celebrating the teachers that work hard all year long. Show your school or UFT ID for 10% off your bar tab!
Prideshow at the SideshowDate: June 14, 9 p.m.
Price: $20
Coney Island’s own Nancy Nogood is taking the stage with a drag kings, queens, and things from all over NYC for a night of drag, drama and comedy. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
Lillian Bustle and Abby Fantastic Present: Bounce House BurlesqueDate: June 15, 9 p.m.
Price: $25
Bounce House Burlesque is back with a “body-abundant beach bash” that you won’t want to miss. Lillian and Abby are emceeing a massive night of fun. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
The 42nd Annual Mermaid ParadeDate: June 22, 1 p.m.
Price: Free
Here come the mermaids! This is the quintessential Coney Island event of the summer. Come and join in the nation’s largest art parade!
Hot Fix Sideshow’s INFERNODate: June 28, 8 p.m.
Price: $30-$50
Take a unique journey into Dante’s Inferno. Hot Fix challenges the audience to reframe the homophobic concept of Hell and look at a potential afterlife as a place that celebrates marginalized communities. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
Assorted Chocolates present MELTDate: June 29, 9 p.m.
Price: $25
Feeling sensual? Melt is a night of pure indulgence, curated by Coney Island’s all-star, all-Black cast of award-winning performers. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
Shake your tails at Coney Island’s 42nd annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 22.File photo by Erica PriceMaggie McMuffin Presents: Such Sights II: HELLBOUNDDate: July 6, 9 p.m.
Price: $25
Hosted by Miss Coney Island 2023 Maggie McMuffin, this is a night of body horror cabaret, twists and turns and incredible talent. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
Summer Pop Up MarketDate: July 14, 1 — 7 p.m.
Price: Free
Shop local at this pop-up market. There will be a lineup of local vendors to shop through, live caricatures from Patricia Scanlon, and food from Anirbas Catering.
Sideshow ShenanigansDate: July 26, 9 p.m.
Price:$20
Host Kita St Cyr brings Coney Island an adults-only night of performances from traveling troupes from all over the USA. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
Sideshow Shenanigans presents Doctor Finnegan’s CircusDate: Aug. 30, 9 p.m.
Price: $20
Doctor Finnegan’s Circus is bringing larger-than-life oddities, superhuman circus performances and more that will have your mind blown.
The 21st Annual Miss Coney Island PageantDate: Sept. 14, 9 p.m.
Price: $40 for the theater, $20 for Freak Bar Simulcast
Come by and see who will take the crown of Miss Coney Island 2024! You can either watch it in the theater or in the Freak Bar for a lower cost.
Coney Island USA headquarters.Wikimedia CommonsSideshow Shenanigans presents Aaaahh… FREAK OUT!Date: Sept. 27, 9 p.m.
Price: $20
Conceptualized by the Reverend Xander Lovecraft, spend the evening celebrating true sideshow royalty. Former sideshow performers and rising stars alike will take the stage to dazzle and impress with their incredible acts.
Hot Fix Sideshow presents: GHOST HOLEDate: Oct.11, 8 p.m.
Price: $30
Looking to the fall, start the spooky season right with fire, burlesque, sideshow fun and so much more. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
Sideshow Shenanigans presents BLACK MASSDate: Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
Price: $20
Celebrate blasphemy and sin at this one-of-a-kind night of fun. At Black Mass, you can “free your soul, find community, and release yourself from the binds of society.”
Burlesque at the BeachIf you love burlesque, Coney Island hosts its Burlesque at the Beach series all summer long. Each show is $25 for entry. Must be 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.
- Clara Coquette Presents: Hold Me Closer Tony Danza: A Burlesque Tribute to Misheard Lyrics Part 2!, July 13, 9 p.m.
- Glenn Marla, July 19, 9 p.m.
- Darlinda Just Darlinda and Minnie Tonka Present: The Schlep Sisters, Date: July 20, 9 p.m.
- Switch n’ Play presents, July 27, 9 p.m.
- The Brides of Burlesque, Aug. 3, 9 p.m.
- Francine Presents: “The Sopranos”, Aug. 9, 9 p.m.
- Jo Boobs, Aug. 10, 9 p.m.
- Tiger Bay & Fancy Feast, Aug. 17, 9 p.m.
- Bambi The Mermaid Presents: GOLD DIGGERS, Aug. 24, 9 p.m.
- TIGGER, Sept. 7, 9 p.m.
- Cats Eye Cabaret, Sept. 28, 9 p.m.
The Brooklyn man who took hostages and engaged police in a tense armed standoff at a money transfer store on Saturday night had some serious money troubles which led him to commit a violent act of desperation, police officials said.
According to NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, the two-hour-long standoff began at around 7:45 p.m. on June 8 inside the Darwin Money Transfer store on Irving Avenue near Linden Street in Bushwick.
Police said the suspect, a 38-year-old man, walked into the location posing as a customer — then approached workers and announced his intention to rob the place. Two employees and a customer were inside the location at the time; authorities said one worker was able to escape and call 911.
That initiated a massive police response which included the 83rd Precinct, the Emergency Services Unit and members of the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team. Drones were also deployed to survey the surroundings and give police further intel about the situation.
“When the officers responded, they saw that the door to the premises was barricaded with multiple chairs,” Chief Maddrey, said. “We immediately deployed drones up. We started a dialogue with the male.”
At one point, police sources said, the suspect had been spotted holding a gun to a hostage’s head, then pointing it at officers outside. But Maddrey noted the responding officers exercised restraint and instead chose to talk with the man to pursue a peaceful end to the impasse.
The firearm used in the robbery was apparently fake, police said.Photo courtesy of NYPDDuring negotiations, police got the suspect to reveal his apparent motives. He told police that he had been suffering from money troubles and gambling addiction, and wound up behind on his rent payments.
NYPD negotiators also brought in members of the suspect’s family to try and talk him into diffusing the situation. In time, the negotiations worked.
“They [cops] are able to relate to him, they are able to offer services. We did, at one point, get his brother, his brother was able to help us communicate. Eventually, his wife, one of his sons, came to the scene,” Maddrey said. “We were able to use them and more and more family members came and we were able to use them to leverage a surrender.”
Though police were able to get the suspect to surrender, they said it did not end with complications. The man exited through a back window and climbed down a ladder, but lost his footing along the way and fell a short distance. Though he briefly hyperventilated, Maddrey said, he was not seriously injured.
Police took him into custody and brought him to a local hospital for an evaluation. The two hostages were also medically evaluated. No serious injuries were reported.
Cops later determined that the purported gun that the suspect brandished was a fake.
Two more people were shot early on Saturday morning in a Brooklyn neighborhood that has been bombarded by gun violence all year.
Law enforcement sources said gunfire erupted at about 3:03 a.m. on June 8 at the Langston Hughes Houses located at 315 Sutter Ave. in Brownsville, within the confines of the 73rd Precinct. It was the area’s fourth shooting this week.
Officers responding to the scene Saturday found a 19-year-old woman shot in the right shoulder, and a 35-year-old man struck in the right arm. EMS took both victims to Brookdale University Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
Well after sunrise Saturday, police were still on the scene combing the area for clues. A trail of blood served as a reminder of the gun violence; it led from the building lobby onto the sidewalk.
A trial of blood ran from the lobby to the street following a shooting at 315 Sutter Ave. in Brooklyn on June 8, 2024.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell The 73rd Precinct leads Brooklyn in gun violence incidents so far this year.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe 73rd Precinct has been rocked with gun violence throughout 2024. Through June 2, according to the most recent CompStat report, the 73rd Precinct has seen 13 homicides, more than triple the year-to-date total recorded at the same point last year, along with 24 shootings with 28 victims. At the same point last year, there had been 16 shootings with 17 victims.
Earlier in the week, two girls were shot and wounded when gunmen opened fire at the Hilltop Playground on Dean Street. Before that, a 14-year-old boy was shot and killed at the Howard Houses during alleged gunplay with his 12-year-old cousin.
Overall crime in the command is down a little more than 1% so far in 2024, but that brings no comfort to residents who are fed up with the ongoing gun violence.
“I am praying for the victims,” said building resident Patricia Bookings after Saturday’s shooting. “This is absolutely senseless and heartbreaking. This community never learns or grows.”
So far, no arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation. Both victims have been uncooperative with detectives, police sources reported.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
With Juneteenth around the corner, New York City releases a self-guided interactive tour, “More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk.”
The audio tour celebrates and illuminates Brooklyn’s rich history and involvement in the National Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad.
Users will immerse in a journey through Brooklyn’s most iconic landmarks and historic figures in the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Fulton Ferry, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fort Greene. This tour is available on any electronic device (smartphone, tablet or computer).
Church of the Pilgrims (now Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Cathedral).“This project is a culmination of many efforts to uncover and contextualize a wealth of Brooklyn 19th century abolitionist history, before and after the American Civil War,” reads the introduction page of “More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk.”
The voices behind the eight chapters and eighteen stops are musical artist, Isa Reyes and award-winning artist and historian, Kamau Ware.
An interactive map and pictures help users follow alongside the audio. While the tour can be accessed remotely, it is recommended to be followed on-site for optimal enjoyment.
“More Than A Brook is a walk through Brooklyn that connects historic locations to illustrate a portrait of 19th century communities resisting the institution of slavery. The concentration of characters that walked the docks onto city streets is significant to the history of New York State and the United States,” said in a press release Ware.
The tour allows users to learn the history of churches, streets, residences, and historical figures as they walk.
“Our public spaces are where New Yorkers connect-not just with their neighbors and with the great outdoors, but also with our history,” said in a press release Sue Donohue, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation commissioner.
Just in time for the commemoration of Juneteenth, the tour is available to all.
“Juneteenth provides us the opportunity to reflect on the wrongs of the past while honoring the resiliency of those that came before us and sacrifices so much,” said in a press release Sideya Sherman, New York City Chief Equity Officer and New York City Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice commissioner.
The project was commissioned by the Landmark Preservation Commission and made possible through a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation with additional funding from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Creation credits go to Kamau Studios and Black Gotham Experience.
“Oral history is the perfect tradition and vehicle to reckon with the past and honor the ongoing fight for a more equitable future based on racial and social justice,” said in a press release Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn borough president.
Courtesy of Landmarks Preservation Commission.
New York was to make history on June 30 as the first American city to implement a congestion pricing program, decades in the making.
Now, just three weeks before the planned start date, history has been made of a different kind: New York is the first American city to very nearly adopt congestion pricing, before dropping it at the last minute without an equal alternative in place.
On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul indefinitely postponed the MTA’s congestion pricing plan, which would have charged $15 for most motorists to enter lower Manhattan in a bid to reduce punishing traffic in the central business district and finance the modernization of the city’s mass transit.
In a prerecorded address, Hochul said she could not allow the plan to move forward, citing concern over the toll’s impact on New Yorkers’ cost-of-living. Others, however, suspect that Hochul’s move is a political one, as Democrats seek to recover congressional seats in suburban areas particularly hostile to the toll.
Gov. Kathy Hochul abruptly announced Wednesday that she was putting congestion pricing on indefinite hold, just weeks before implementation.Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul“It’s nonsense. It’s all politics,” opined Sam Schwartz, the legendary traffic engineer and former city transportation official who coined the term “gridlock.” “This is really a poor decision by the governor if she’s worried about the economy.”
Schwartz was just three weeks away from seeing his decades-long dream of pricing motor vehicle traffic come into being.
“It’s 2024, we’re 25 days from implementing it, and the governor got cold feet,” Schwartz said, describing his state of mind as “devastated” to see the plan come crashing down so close to the finish line.
A history of false startsSpeaking with amNewYork Metro, Schwartz recalled his time as an engineer at the city’s Traffic Department (now the Transportation Department) in the early 1970s under Mayor John Lindsay, when he and other engineers proposed tolling the East River and Harlem River bridges as a means of controlling traffic in Manhattan.
When Abe Beame became mayor he said the tolls would happen “over my dead body,” Schwartz recalled. Beame was sued by environmental groups who took their case all the way to the Supreme Court and won, and it appeared New York would adopt an early form of congestion pricing.
But like what occurred on Wednesday, the plan was nipped in the bud by an eleventh-hour political act: in 1977, Congress passed legislation that forbade New York City from implementing such tolls.
“Gridlock” Sam Schwartz, who has advocated for and attempted to implement congestion pricing for 50 years, said he is “devastated” by Hochul’s about-face.File Photo by Ben BrachfeldAs he moved up the ladder to become the city’s Traffic Commissioner under Ed Koch, Schwartz tried in vain several more times to implement different versions of congestion pricing. But, also similarly to today, the plans were thwarted by numerous lawsuits and by politicians who got cold feet due to protests of the plan.
The dream was shelved for another two decades until 2007, when Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed a congestion charge as part of his PlaNYC environmental proposal. By then, several world cities had adopted a congestion charge, including London, Stockholm, and Singapore; Bloomberg and his Transportation Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, saw reducing traffic in the central business district as a venerable climate goal for the coming decades in the city.
Unlike most of Bloomberg’s PlaNYC proposals though, congestion pricing required approval by the State Legislature, and the administration could not secure that before abandoning it in 2008, running into opposition from powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, both of whom later went to prison on corruption charges.
Alex Matthiessen, an environmental consultant who used to lead the nonprofit Riverkeeper, said the Bloomberg administration had done little to convince residents and pols outside of Manhattan that the plan was worthwhile.
“They did very little retail politicking, they consulted with very few rank-and-file legislators,” said Matthiessen. “And as a result, their plan was panned immediately as pro-Manhattan, and in favor of wealthy white Manhattanites.”
Matthiessen, a fierce proponent of congestion pricing, sought to change that. He founded the Move NY coalition in 2010, and ultimately teamed up with Schwartz to devise a new congestion pricing plan they felt would both achieve the aims of reducing punishing traffic while getting political support across the five boroughs and beyond.
Like Bloomberg’s plan before and the one adopted later, motorists would be tolled for driving into Manhattan south of 60th Street, but Matthiessen said the Move NY plan would appeal to suburban drivers by sharply reducing tolls on crossings entirely within the outer boroughs, and investing part of the toll revenue back into the state’s roads and bridges.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan tried in vain to get a congestion pricing plan approved in the 2000s.Edward Reed/Mayoral Photography Office‘Summer of hell’ changed attitudesIt was stuck in the political wilderness for several years but that all changed in 2017, “the summer of hell,” the year subway service reliability plummeted in an extremely high-profile fashion due to long-term disinvestment, and New Yorkers were losing faith in their transit system. Transit advocates like the Riders Alliance were consistently hammering Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who shouldered much of the blame for the crisis, for his attempts to pass the buck, holding press conferences to explicitly tie the governor to the failures of the transit system.
Eventually, Cuomo acknowledged the need to invest in modernizing the system and jumped on the congestion pricing bandwagon, acknowledging that the policy’s “time has come.”
Cuomo empaneled a commission called “Fix NYC” which ultimately recommended a congestion charge that would funnel revenue back into mass transit. The MTA would use the $1 billion in annual proceeds to issue bonds and generate billions more for urgent construction priorities, like modernizing subway signals, making the subway wheelchair-accessible, buying electric buses, and keeping the 120-year-old transit system in a state of good repair, as well as expansion projects like the Second Avenue Subway.
Matthiessen was a vigorous supporter of the enacted plan but feels the original Move NY plan, which kicked some money back to drivers, might have assuaged some of the political rankling that followed.
Congestion pricing would have funded billions of dollars in MTA construction priorities, like modernizing nearly century-old train signals and making the subway accessible for people with disabilities.File Photo by Ben Brachfeld“This was a good plan,” said Matthiessen. “I think it would’ve been a better plan if Cuomo had done what we did which was give some of the money to the drivers in the form of maintaining roads and bridges in the New York City area, and maybe reduce tolls on the outer borough crossings.”
Approval in 2019, of course, turned out to be just the beginning. The MTA initially intended to have the program up and running by 2021, but first needed approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Under the Trump administration, that agency simply bided its time for a president who has recently confirmed his distaste for the policy, and had promised to unwind if reelected this year.
The process began moving forward when Joe Biden assumed the presidency, culminating in the release of a massive 4,000-page environmental assessment comprehensively studying the policy’s impacts which won the approval of the FHWA. That was followed by a torrent of lawsuits claiming the method of environmental study used was illegal, all of which remain pending.
When Cuomo resigned amid a sexual harassment scandal, advocates initially worried Hochul, his upstate-born lieutenant, was a question mark on transit, but until Wednesday she had consistently praised the program, even explicitly rebuffing arguments from critics.
Following the FHWA’s granting approval last year, Hochul said the plan would help “millions of New Yorkers…lead happier, safer, less stressful lives.”
“She showed herself to be a person of courage, or at least we thought so,” Schwartz said.
The MTA had spent over $500 million installing the gantries to assess tolls to motorists at ports of entry to the Manhattan CBD, and had recently finished that installation. The agency was just weeks away from finally implementing the nation’s first congestion pricing program when Hochul abruptly pulled the plug on Wednesday.
Matthiessen, for one, believes Hochul’s about-face on congestion pricing is disqualifying for her likely reelection bid in 2026.
The MTA spent $500 million installing tolling infrastructure at ports of entry to Manhattan’s central business district, which will now go unused.File Photo by Dean Moses“It’s the most cowardly, craven collapse of political courage I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s extraordinary,” Matthiessen said. “She just disqualified herself for reelection in 2026. In this time of national instability and global climate chaos, we need leadership in New York, not an indecisive panderer who doesn’t know what she thinks from one day to the next.”
Schwartz, meanwhile, sees consequences emanating beyond the borders of New York’s five boroughs and 62 counties — proven to him by his experience recently at the American Public Transportation Association’s Rail Conference this week in Cleveland.
“Every city is rooting for New York City to pass congestion pricing,” said Schwartz, who now runs a traffic engineering consulting firm. “These were the transit officials of every city in the United States, Canada, and the Americas, and they were rooting for New York because if it could happen here it could happen there.”
“It’s needed now more than ever,” Schwartz continued. “We’re gonna starve our transit system yet again, we’re gonna get more people into driving yet again, and the city will become less habitable.”
The East Brooklyn Business Improvement District will host its second annual economic development summit on June 13, aiming to unite local businesses to foster growth and tackle pressing issues in the 40-block industrial park.
The event, themed “Refresh, Renew, and Reinvigorate,” will feature workshops and keynote speeches focused on rejuvenating business models, renewing service offerings, and expanding market opportunities to ensure sustainable growth and resilience.
William Wilkins, executive director of EBBID, expressed excitement about the summit’s potential to bring together more businesses from the Industrial Park, preserving the rich manufacturing history of East New York, which he described as an “economic ecosystem.”
The East Brooklyn Business District houses more than 100 distinct businesses — largely in the manufacturing sphere. Photo courtesy of EBBID/Facebook“There’s something unique and also divine about working and living in the same community,” Wilkins said. “This creates a microeconomic synergy where money is recycled within the community, benefitting both businesses and residents in an under-resourced area.”
The 40-block area, bordered by Atlantic Avenue to the north and Sutter Avenue to the south, hosts a variety of over 100 businesses in five predominant industries: manufacturing, distribution, transportation, steel fabrication, and the building trade. Notably, the park has been home to Eastern Steel since the 1930s and Adriatic Wood, the last wood mill in New York City, since 1982.
Beyond enhancing the business environment and boosting economic activity, EBBID is committed to addressing issues directly impacting local businesses. Following last year’s summit, EBBID and Council Member Sandy Nurse established a task force to meet monthly with relevant agencies to discuss local business concerns.
According to Wilkins, key issues include illegal dumping, graffiti, prostitution, and homeless encampments, which primarily occur after business hours.
“If you have people living on the street, barbecuing, washing, doing drugs, and hanging out, it affects business,” Wilkins said. “Customers and suppliers visiting an Industrial Park with such issues will be deterred.”
The upcoming summit will also provide a platform for businesses to voice their concerns to city agencies, including the Department of Sanitation, NYPD, and the Department of Consumer Affairs.
After last year’s summit, EBBID partnered with local officials to form a task force to address local issues. Photo courtesy of EBBID/Facebook“Part of the summit is to identify the tools, programs, and resources that various agencies have and how to implement them,” Wilkins said. “This event allows us to come together with community-based organizations, government, and the private sector to discuss issues and develop vital lines of communication.”
“Instead of working in opposition, we’re working cooperatively,” Wilkins added.
The summit will be hosted at SoFive, located at 2015 Pitkin Ave on June 13. Interested attendees can register here.
Major crimes in NYC including murder, burglary and grand larceny were down in May compared to the same month last year, the NYPD announced on Wednesday.
Robbery and felony assaults continue to surge, due in large part to offenders fleeing crime scenes on illegal e-bikes and similar vehicles, according to the NYPD report of June 5.
Straphangers can rest easy though, as the department reported a continued reduction in transit crime, which dropped another 10.6% in May. Crime in the nation’s largest subway system has seen double-digit drops in the past four consecutive months of 2024.
Overall, the Big Apple saw 261 fewer crimes in May compared to the same month last year. The most significant reduction was in murder, which saw another 21.1% drop this year.
Murders have also declined by 17.1% year to date, with 29 fewer people killed in 2024 — 141 incidents compared to 170 this time last year.
Shootings increased by almost 5% last month compared to the previous May (89 shootings compared to 85 in May 2023), though police reported a nearly 13% reduction in shootings year-to-date. Cops took 571 firearms off the streets in May, adding to the nearly 2,750 illegal guns seized so far this year through May 31.
Robberies increased nearly 5% in May (1,432 incidents compared to 1,368 in May 2023).
Citywide in May, 123 fewer vehicles were stolen, a 9.1% drop (1,231 compared to 1,354 in May 2023); 88 fewer burglaries were committed, a 7.5% decrease (1,091 compared to 1,179 in May 2023); and 299 fewer grand larcenies were reported, a 6.9%reduction (4,037 compared to 4,336 in May 2023).
Public housing complexes throughout the city saw a slight reduction in crimes (534 compared with 536 May 2023).
Antisemitic incidents continue to rise. The total number of bias incidents investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force in May increased by 30, a 54% surge over the same month last year, with anti-Jewish offenses leading the rise. The city saw an 83% decrease in anti-Asian crimes.
Police Commissioner Edward Caban said his department will continue to address community concerns and take other actions to combat city crime.
“The men and women of the NYPD continue to turn the tide on overall crime in neighborhoods throughout New York City, as well as below ground in our vast subway system, by remaining nimble and strategically deploying our resources,” Caban said. “We vow to stay in front of crime trends by directly addressing community concerns, disrupting emerging patterns, and dismantling criminal networks where they operate. New Yorkers expect and deserve nothing less.”
Rape continues to be an underreported crime, according to the department. Anyone who was a victim of a sexual assault is urged to call the NYPD Special Victims Division at 212-267-RAPE.
E-bikes and e-scooters: Getaway vehicles for perpsSeizing illegal vehicles has played a big role in reducing crime, according to the NYPD. Police attribute the reduction in most crimes to agency-led initiatives at the city’s bridges, tunnels and roadways that target “ghost vehicles” – unregistered, uninsured cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Since its inception in March, a multi-agency task force has conducted 17 operations that resulted in 218 arrests made, 7,722 summons issued, and 997 vehicles seized that owed more than $7.7 million in unpaid tolls, fees, and outstanding judgments, the NYPD reported.
But illegal e-bikes and e-scooters remain a big issue in the world of violent crime.
Robberies and felony assaults are on the rise, NYPD officials said, and criminals often use vehicles such as motorized scooters, bikes — even Citi Bikes — to flee their crime scenes.
In response, the department kicked off an enhanced summer enforcement strategy aimed at confiscating these illegal vehicles on city streets.
E-vehicles have been a concern among New Yorkers in recent years and a priority for the NYPD since 2022. In all of 2023, cops seized more than 18,000 illegal and unregistered motorized scooters and bikes.
As for 2024, the NYPD has already seized more than 13,000 illegal two-wheeled vehicles and ATVs, bringing the total to nearly 42,000 since the start of 2022.
“When it comes to protecting public safety, this administration is crushing it and that includes our efforts to crack down on the ongoing issue of illegal mopeds and scooters on our streets and sidewalks,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “Mopeds and scooters are not only endangering pedestrians when they are driven recklessly, but we have also seen an exponential increase in criminals using them to ride around and snatch property from New Yorkers.”
Since 2022, crime patterns for street robberies and grand larcenies involving the use of illegal scooters and mopeds have steadily increased. In the first five months of 2022, cops tracked 10 total robbery patterns, made up of 44 complaints involving these types of unregistered vehicles. Over those same five months in 2023, the number of robbery patterns increased to 22, while the number of complaints jumped to 104.
Unsafe to share the streetsE-vehicles are not just used in crime, as the NYPD reported, but many New Yorkers cite them as a larger “quality of life” concern.
“It’s frustrating when the bikers don’t pay attention to the traffic lights and when they ride on the sidewalks,” Upper West Side resident Alan Wolfe said. “It’s dangerous and scary.”
New Yorker April Karno Kaminsky, agrees.
“Nobody is safe walking, riding or driving anywhere in the city due to their recklessness,” she said.
Another New Yorker named Nancy, who preferred to use just her first name, enjoys riding her own non-electric bike and Citi Bikes. Although she recognizes the convenience of e-bikes, she often encounters reckless bikers — as well as reckless drivers — on the road.
“Something I notice is people who don’t use e-bikes in the way they’re supposed to and don’t follow the rules often,” she said. “I see e-bikes running lights and not stopping for pedestrians.”
She added that she does not think the bus lines are safe for bikers due to drivers who too often break traffic laws or yield to bikers.
“The bike lanes aren’t protected and safe,” she said. “Cars cut me off, don’t signal, don’t look out for me as a biker. It’s so incredibly dangerous. Pedestrians cross against the lights and don’t look out for me, even though I follow the road rules. It’s scary.”
In a press release, Caban said the NYPD will continue to listen to concerned New Yorkers “who correctly demand that these hazards be removed” from city neighborhoods.
“These illegal vehicles have no place in New York City,” the police commissioner said. “These motorbikes are dangerous and reckless, and they put everyone on our streets and sidewalks at risk. On top of that, these bikes have become the vehicle of choice in the commission of robberies and other violent crime patterns across our city. The NYPD takes this issue seriously, as proven by the thousands of vehicle seizures we have made so far this year.”
Violent crimes often spike in the summertime, and as the mercury rose in Brooklyn last month, so too did the crime rate in some parts of the borough, according to the latest NYPD data.
The overall rate of major felonies rose in more than half of Brooklyn’s 23 police precincts during the 28-day period ending on June 2 compared to the same period last year, statistics show, though the number of crimes reported dropped very slightly — by less than 1%.
Robbery and grand larceny auto rose across the borough. File photo by Lloyd MitchellIn the Brooklyn South patrol, the rate of violent crime increased by 1.65%, from 1,155 total incidents reported between May 5-June 2 last year to 1,174 this year. The district saw a notable increase in robbery, felony assault, and grand larceny auto — while murder, rape, burglary, and grand larceny all decreased.
Meanwhile, the overall crime rate in Brooklyn North fell 2.71% from 1,328 incidents in 2023 to 1,292 in 2024. Despite that drop, the patrol saw an increase in murder, rape, robbery, burglary, and grand larceny auto, statistics show.
Brooklyn North has seen a significant uptick in homicides this year. Between May 5-June 2, a total of eight homicides were reported in the district – up 14.3% from last year. Year-to-date, homicides in the patrol are up 6.7%, for a total of 31. Shooting incidents also jumped by 42.1% during the most recent 28-day period, from 19 to 27, though shootings are down slightly year-to-date.
Shootings and homicides rose dramatically in BrownsvilleThe 73rd Precinct, which includes Brownsville and Ocean Hill, has seen a particularly violent year. During the 28-day period ending on June 2, homicides rose 200%, from one to three. So far this year, the precinct has reported a 225% rise in homicides, for a total of 13 — and a 50% rise in shooting incidents, from 16 to 24. Seven of those incidents occurred between May 5-June 2.
Police investigated the scene where two young girls were shot in Brownsville on June 3. File photo by Lloyd MitchellThose incidents included a man shot to death outside his Strauss Street home on May 12, one man killed and another wounded by a gunman on Pitkin Avenue on May 18. On June 2, a 12-year-old boy allegedly accidentally shot his cousin while they played with a firearm in a Brownsville apartment. Two young girls were shot and wounded in a Brownsville park on June 3 in an incident not yet reflected in official statistics.
Homicides increased in three other precincts across the borough — the 61st, which includes parts of Kings Bay, Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay, and Manhattan Beach; the 79th, which includes Bedford-Stuyvesant; and the 83rd in Bushwick.
Assaults and grand larceny auto tick up across BrooklynA dozen precincts reported an uptick in felony assaults — some dramatic. The 70th Precinct, which includes parts of Midwood, Ditmas Park, and Prospect Park South, reported an 112% increase when compared to the same 28-day period last year — from 16 to 34. The 84th Precinct in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn and Dumbo, meanwhile, saw 26 assaults, up more than 136% from last year.
Thirteen precincts, meanwhile, reported upticks in grand larceny auto and robbery. Grand larceny auto has been rampant in Brooklyn over the past year — and though the number of cars stolen had trended downward in recent months, a total of 308 incidents of grand larceny auto were reported across Brooklyn between May 2-June 3.
Hate crimes on the riseHate crimes have also increased in both Brooklyn patrols this year, the data show. During the most recent 28-day period, hate crimes rose 16.7% from six to seven in Brooklyn South and 266.7% from three to 11 in Brooklyn North. Year-over-year, hate crimes are up 17.2% in Brooklyn North and 55.6% in Brooklyn South.
On May 30, cops arrested a 12-year-old boy for allegedly assaulting two children wearing yarmulkes as they played outside in Bed-Stuy. A day earlier, a man allegedly attacked men and students outside a Flatbush yeshiva in his car, driving over the curb and attempting to hit them on the sidewalk and lawns.
In a move to boost education in Gravesend, the New York City School Construction Authority broke ground last week on a 553-seat middle school slated to open in September 2026.
City officials said the new center, John Dewey Middle School, will open behind the namesake high school at 50 Ave. X.
Nina Kubota, president and CEO of the SCA, joined other education and elected leaders on May 30 to celebrate the construction of a three-story “feeder” school. The school will welcome students ages 6 to 8, who will likely go straight to John Dewey High School.
A rendering of the completed John Dewey Middle School annex. Image courtesy of the School Construction Authority“This project is a perfect example of providing support tailored to the specific needs of a school community through a carefully thought out and collaborative use of resources,” Kubota said in a statement. “Building this annex lays the foundation for future generations. As a feeder to John Dewey High School, we are crafting a continuum of excellence, where young minds grow, ready to fulfill dreams and expand their horizons.”
John Dewey Middle School is expected to feature 18 classrooms, two science labs and speech and reading rooms. Officials said students can also enjoy a guidance site, a medical suite, a playground, a library, an exercise room, student dining and designated art and music spaces.
Council Member Justin Brannan, who represents the area, said the project will be a great place for students to learn for generations to come.
“Since the day I was elected, building new public schools has been one of my most urgent priorities,” Brannan told Brooklyn Paper. “We know kids thrive when they have individualized attention from our educators and access to state of the art resources. Southern Brooklyn has some of the best public schools in the city and therefore they are some of the most overcrowded. Building new schools is the clear way to build on that success and deliver that world-class, high-quality public education to more and more local kids.”
School District 21, which includes Gravesend, is set to open more learning centers in the coming years, including a 391-seat addition at P.S. 253 on Ocean View Avenue. Another campus on 60th Street is currently under construction, bringing an additional 640 seats to the district in 2025. The new schools come as New York City tackles the issue of overcrowding with a hefty Capital Plan.
“Our school buildings are the physical pillars of each and every community that we serve,” Schools Chancellor David C. Banks said in a statement. “Our continued collaboration with our School Construction Authority partners ensures our buildings and annexes such as this one bring together our staff, students, families, and neighbors alike.”
Council Member Justin Brannan said building new public schools is one of his most urgent priorities. Photo by Arthur de GaetaDistrict 21 is no stranger to overcrowding.
According to a 2023 report by the New York City Department of Education, only 31% of classes in District 21 are at or below the class size caps, which is determined by New York State law, leaving over half of the region with packed classrooms.
In September 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law that would help reduce the number of students in each classroom in New York City, with a focus on helping schools that serve areas with higher poverty rates. The new rule will gradually reduce the number of students in each classroom from 20 to 25 students over a period of five years, starting in 2023 and ending in 2028.
The previous law allowed for a 33 seat-cap in city middle schools and 34 in high schools. The new cap has been lowered to 23 and 25 respectively.
A criminal complaint was filed in federal court in Brooklyn Tuesday charging local resident Long Phi Pham with conspiring with others to defraud a sports betting company.
The 38-year-old Pham worked alongside three co-conspirators who remain at large with former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter, who was banned for life by the NBA last month for violating league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, to place “under prop bets” on the forward in games on Jan. 26 and March 20 of this year.
Porter’s name was not specifically listed in the release by the US Department of Justice, but the dates listed in the complaint directly coincide with the incidents that ultimately led to Porter’s banishment from the NBA.
Having amassed large gambling debts to some of Pham’s co-conspirators, Porter was encouraged to clear his debts by exiting certain games early to guarantee certain under-prop bets were hit.
On Jan. 22, Porter suffered an eye injury that was diagnosed as corneal abrasion but was not placed on the NBA’s official injury list. Before the Raptors’ game on Jan. 26 against the Los Angeles Clippers, Porter told Pham and the co-conspirators that he would remove himself from the game early and claim that he was injured. He played just four minutes and recorded zero points with three rebounds and one assist.
It allowed a relative of one co-conspirator to parlay a $10,000 bet into $85,000. Another co-conspirator won $40,250 on a $7,000 bet.
Prior to Toronto’s March 20 against the Sacramento Kings, Porter disclosed to Pham and the co-conspirators that he would exit early feigning an illness. He did so after just three minutes of play in which he didn’t record a point or an assist while posting three rebounds. The parties involved agreed to split the profits, which totaled over $1 million, including a 24% cut for Pham.
A group chat obtained by the US Attorney of the Eastern District of New York from April 4 included concerns about picking up racketeering charges and that all participants had to delete any evidence.
Pham was arrested on Monday and made his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak. Pham was ordered detained pending trial.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charge.
“Whether on the court or in the casino, every point matters. As alleged, the defendant and his co-conspirators, as well as an NBA player, participated in a brazen, illegal betting scheme that had a corrupting influence on two games and numerous bets,” United States Attorney Peace said. “This prosecution serves as a warning that fraud and dishonesty in professional sports will not be tolerated and those who engage in this flagrant flouting of the law will be prosecuted.”
If convicted, Pham faces up to 20 years in prison. The case is being handled on the government’s behalf by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and General Crimes Sections. Assistant US Attorneys Kaitlin Farrell, Benjamin L. Weintraub, and David Berman will oversee the prosecution.
For more on Jontay Porter and the NBA, visit AMNY.com
Last weekend, we unofficially kicked off the summer in New York City during Memorial Day weekend. Our beaches are open for the season, and our public pools will open June 27. New York City has so much to see and do that people forget that this is a beach town, with two of the best beaches in the entire country just a subway ride away!
We want to make sure summer in the city is fun and safe, no matter what the weather conditions. That’s why we are hitting the ground running this season, with good news about lifeguard staffing and expanded plans to protect New Yorkers from extreme heat and other emergencies.
Let’s start with lifeguards. As many New Yorkers are aware, there is a national lifeguard shortage. It’s not just an issue in the greatest city in the world. But lifeguard shortages mean fewer places to swim. That’s why the city has been working to change some of the rules in the contract with the union representing city lifeguards to allow us to hire more New Yorkers to keep more of our beaches open longer.
Last week, we announced commonsense changes that will modernize our lifeguard requirements and align them with state regulations and industry standards. It will allow us to hire more fully qualified lifeguards, keep our beaches and pools open, and improve overall safety for our swimmers, especially our children and young people.
Remember: Swimming and bathing are allowed ONLY when a lifeguard is on duty. Lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week, from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM through September 8. They are looking out for your safety, but everyone needs to do their part. Be aware of surf conditions, especially riptide warnings, which can sweep even experienced swimmers out to sea with little warning.
While a perfect day at the beach is one of the best things about summer, extreme heat can be dangerous and even deadly.
Summers are different than they used to be. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense heat, a heat wave can be more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous or even life threatening. That is why New York City is getting ready in advance — and we want all New Yorkers to be ready, too.
Having a working air conditioner or a fan in your home is one of the most effective ways to guard against heat emergencies. If you need help purchasing an air conditioner or fan, you may be able to get help from the Home Energy Assistance Program. Dial 311 or visit nyc.gov/311 for more information and to learn about eligibility.
Our city has also expanded the number of cooling centers available this year, and our new “Cool Options” map will now be available 24/7 online, starting this week. This map will show a broad variety of cooling center options available in our city. These include many of our public libraries, older adult centers, and museums, in addition to official New York City Cooling centers.
It’s not too early to plan for an extreme heat event. Just like you locate the emergency exit on an airplane ahead of time, it’s a good idea to locate a nearby cooling option before you need it. Make sure your family, friends, and neighbors have cooling plans, too — especially those who are vulnerable to extreme heat, including older folks, families with young children, and people who need to bring their pets with them. While service animals are welcome at all centers, there are also designated pet-friendly cooling centers in every borough, so plan ahead to make sure everyone is safe.
In addition to opening cooling centers citywide, we are also expanding our city’s natural cooling system — our tree canopy. Our Parks Department has planted over 15,000 new trees in 2024, and we are on pace to plant more than 18,000 trees this year — the highest total in eight years.
Prolonged heat is not our only concern. Our city must be prepared for other extreme weather events like hurricanes, flash floods, and wildfire smoke. Last year, we saw how quickly dangerous wildfire smoke could blanket our city, even from fires thousands of miles away.
This year, we have updated our air quality emergency guidelines with new protocols and monitoring. We are doing more outreach to vulnerable populations, and expanding protections for critical services and infrastructure, such as public transportation and hospitals. If there are serious air quality concerns, we can modify school operations and outdoor events, and distribute high-quality masks to the public.
New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, which keeps everyone updated about weather, air quality, and other emergency issues. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. Visit nyc.gov/notify to sign up or call 3-1-1. You can also visit airnow.gov for up-to-date information on air quality in your area.
As we saw during Superstorm Sandy, a hurricane heading towards New York City is one of the biggest threats we face, and the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be worse than usual because of near-record warm ocean temperatures, among other factors.
New Yorkers can find out if they live in one of the six hurricane evacuation zones by visiting NYC.gov/knowyourzone or by calling 3-1-1. Make a plan to evacuate by knowing where you will go and how you will get there.
Flash flooding is also a concern for our city. If you live in a below grade, low-lying or low drainage area, make sure you have a plan for extreme flash flooding. As with every other emergency, make sure you are prepared in advance. There are great resources online at nyc.gov/readynewyork.
This administration has made public safety the center of everything we do, and that includes preparing for weather emergencies and protecting people at our pools and beaches. Let’s work together to make the summer of 2024 our safest summer ever.
The City Council’s proposed expansion of the Fair Fares half-priced MetroCard would benefit some 650,000 additional low-income New Yorkers, a new report finds.
About 950,000 New Yorkers are currently eligible for Fair Fares, though only about a third of them are actually signed up for the benefit, according to a new report from the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC), a transit advocacy group.
Still, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who struggle to make ends meet cannot take advantage of the benefit because of its strict income thresholds capped at 120% of the federal poverty line, which translates to just $18,072 annual income for an individual and $37,440 for a family of four. Working a full-time job at New York City’s $16 minimum wage, meanwhile, nets a $33,280 salary.
Raising the threshold to 200% of the federal poverty line would enable 650,000 more New Yorkers to sign up, including 250,000 regular commuters, according to the PCAC report.
“That is a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people every day,” said Lisa Daglian, PCAC’s executive director, at a rally outside City Hall on Tuesday. “That means you don’t have to choose between fares and food.”
Two attendees at a rally for the Fair Fares program at City Hall Park on June 4, 2024.Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media UnitUnder the proposal, Fair Fares would expand to individuals making less than $30,120 per year and families of four earning less than $62,400 annually.
One of those beneficiaries would be Judy Wang, a Queens resident whose mother has benefitted from the program.
“I’ve seen firsthand how it eases the financial burden on our family,” said Wang, a member of the Riders Alliance. “Without it, my mother’s access to necessities like healthcare, food, and community would be severely limited.”
Not having access to the program means Wang doesn’t take public transit for recreation, only for job-related outings, she noted. “All my living expenses, I had to cut dramatically, including public transit.”
The City Council has once again advanced the proposal for the upcoming city budget, but Mayor Eric Adams has not supported the measure.
“New Yorkers are facing an affordability crisis that is pushing people to the brink,” said Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “We have the opportunity now to help hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers by ensuring Fair Fares eligibility helps reach residents living at 200% of the federal poverty level.”
About 20% of New Yorkers report struggling to afford the cost of transit, according to a March analysis by the Community Service Society.
Moreover, all people making under 200% of the federal poverty line appear to struggle with transit affordability at similar rates, CSS found. Meanwhile, over 40% of New Yorkers are “rent burdened,” meaning they pay more than 30% of their income towards rent, while 10% of New Yorkers are food insecure.
The PCAC also found that, outside the Manhattan central business district, there appears to be a strong correlation between where fare evasion summonses are handed out and where those who would be eligible for expanded Fair Fares live.
New York is well behind other US cities in the generosity of its low-income transit benefit, the PCAC reports. San Francisco, Boston, Washington DC, and Portland all offer a half-price base fare to qualifying residents living at up to 200% of the federal poverty line; Los Angeles extends the benefit to those making 300%.
A spokesperson for the city’s Department of Social Services, which runs the program, would not say whether the administration intends to support the expansion but noted it is now reaching some 330,000 New Yorkers.
“Following the Adams Administration’s implementation of the first expansion of Fair Fares eligibility since the program began, significant increases in investments, extensive community outreach, and enrollment events held in partnership with community-based organizations, the MTA, elected officials, and agency partners, on average the city is supporting 330,000 New Yorkers through this vital city-funded discount today — reaching more New Yorkers than ever before in the history of the Fair Fares program,” said DSS spokesperson Neha Sharma.
Brooklyn’s largest gastroenterology practice has expanded to Bay Ridge with a brand-new office.
Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn cut the ribbon this month on the Bay Ridge Women’s Center and S.E.R.A. Wellness Center at 9921 4th Ave. With a dozen doctors board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology, Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn offers treatment for a range of GI issues – from heartburn and food allergies to colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
The new office includes the Bay Ridge Women’s Center and the S.E.R.A. Wellness Center. Photo courtesy of Gastroenterology Associates of BrooklynDr. Kayane Hanna-Hindy said the practice prides itself both on its medical know-how and its diversity.
“Not only are we the largest private GI practice in Brooklyn, I really feel like we’re the United Nations of Brooklyn,” she said. “We are all from different backgrounds, from Middle Eastern backgrounds to Caribbean to European to American to Canadian.”
The providers at Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn speak many languages, including Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and Hebrew — meaning they can treat and connect with the diverse populations that make up Brooklyn.
Hanna-Hindy, who immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon and trained at SUNY Downstate, was initially based out of the practice’s Brooklyn Heights office, and is excited to work in the new Bay Ridge location — especially since she grew up in the nabe.
“Not only is it reflecting all of us, giving the care to such a diverse community, it’s quite an inclusive practice, and that’s important to us, to have that inclusivity,” she said.
In addition to being board certified in multiple fields of practice, many of the doctors at Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn teach medicine at local colleges and are actively involved in research, Hanna-Hindy said.
The doctors at the practice speak many languages. Photo courtesy of Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn“We like to constantly expand our knowledge and provide the most updated care to our patients,” she explained.
The doc said she feels providers at many large practices — especially those associated with hospital systems — are forced to compromise the quality of their care in order to meet patient quotas and mandatory appointment times.
“[Patients] need the compassion, they need the care that I feel most of these practitioners who have been in private settings couldn’t sustain,” she said. “There’s no question there’s a compromise of care there. That’s where we step in.”
While the compassionate, skilled care at the new office is the same, it also offers something new — the S.E.R.A. Wellness Center.
The Wellness Center is almost an “extension” of the care offered at the Women’s Center and at the practice’s other locations, Hanna-Hindy said, with resources specifically for obesity and weight loss.
Many of the patients at Gastroenterology Associates of Brooklyn are dealing with fatty liver disease or other conditions associated with obesity – and some come in specifically for weight-loss consultations, she said.
At the Wellness Center, patients can consult with doctors on how to lose weight and maintain their new weight — as well as talk with a nutritionist about the best approach for weight loss.
Many patients who embark on a weight loss program end up with a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals, Hanna-Hindy said, so the Center offers IV drips and supplements to keep them fully healthy.
“We fix the inside, we get them to lose the weight and feel well, and then on the outside a little bit of extra cosmetics,” she said.
Environmentally friendly small-batch paint and plaster company Color Atelier has entered the Brooklyn scene, opening its first East Coast showroom in Industry City where customers can peruse the brand’s range and see its mineral-based products on large surfaces.
Launched five years ago by paint chemist and designer husband and wife duo Burcu and Olivier Garnier, Color Atelier offers mineral-based products with none of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) common in the majority of paint products, making them healthier and more environmentally friendly, Burcu Garnier told Brownstoner. The couple formulates and produces the paints and plaster products in California, and sells online across the country.
In the Industry City showroom at 220 36th St. in Sunset Park, which opened in April, visitors can see samples of the limewash, tadelakt, and plaster products on walls, floors, and other surfaces, and flick through the 66-swatch palette portfolio. There are also some products available for sale (a gallon of the paint goes for $85.90, and a 4-ounce sample for $9.90), and the showroom can be used as a pick up location for online orders. Staff tint all the paints on site, and will soon fulfill all East Coast orders from the location, Garnier said.
Color Atelier founders Burcu and Olivier Garnier.Photos by Matt Harrington via Color Atelier“We always wanted to be in New York, we work a lot with New York-based design and architecture firms, and we feel like New York is always one step ahead, so having the opportunity to have an extension on the East Coast is really, really amazing,” Garnier said.
She said the couple thought the Industry City location was the perfect fit for them given the number of other artisanal makers in the building, including carpenters, light-fixture manufacturers, and wallpaper companies.
What makes Color Atelier different from other paint producers, Garnier said, is that the couple completely manage the small batch production, “ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of quality in our paints and plasters.” She added that it is still quite rare to find eco-friendly paints and plasters in the U.S. market, which are made and colored from minerals and are “the healthiest paints out there.”
A look inside Color Atelier’s new East Coast showroom.Photos by Matt Harrington via Color AtelierThe 66-color palette offers a range of whites to off whites, deep saturated reds, greens, blues, and charcoal and black options, Garnier said. While the company is working with designers on some capsule collections, she said it would never offer more than 100 colors.
As well as the paints, Color Atelier offers a range of plaster products, which Garnier said all contain the same ingredients but are different textures and consistencies, and have different application methods so they can be used on interior and exterior and wet and dry surfaces.
The new shop is now open for appointment only at Industry City.Photos by Matt Harrington via Color AtelierThe Color Atelier team is also releasing a new product in the summer, available to view at the Industry City showroom, called Resurface, which is a high-strength mix of cement and limestone, formulated to stick directly on top of tile, stone, and concrete. While it is primarily designed for flooring, Resurface can be used for walls, countertops, and wet areas.
Garnier said Color Atelier’s arrival in Brooklyn has so far been welcomed by the design, construction, and DIY communities, and she and her husband are very excited by that. She said they plan to hold workshops for trade professionals in the showroom, and then to branch out to hosting workshops for home renovators and DIYers.
For now, the showroom is open by appointment only from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
Thousands of Brooklynites descended upon Bay Ridge on Sunday, June 2 for a milestone installment of the Fun on Fifth Festival.
The street fair, hosted by the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), spanned Fifth Avenue from 69th to 85th streets, and featured something for everyone.
The festival kicked off bright and early, with vendors and performers hitting the pavement as soon as 10 a.m. The fun lasted all day, with crafts, games and interactive shows for little ones, and plenty of food and drink from local merchants and vendors from across the borough.
Performers wowed the crowds all day.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta A band performs outside of Mussels & More.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta“The Bay Ridge 5th Avenue BID is delighted to announce the resounding success of the 30th Annual Fifth Avenue Festival, a landmark event commemorating three decades of vibrant celebration,” Elizabeth Lovejoy, the group’s executive director, told Brooklyn Paper in a statement. “The 30th Annual Festival showcased an impressive array of attractions, including live music performances, captivating art exhibitions, a diverse selection of food and merchandise, and a special area for children’s activities featuring amusement and pony rides. The festival truly had something for everyone, creating an atmosphere of joy and community spirit.”
Lovejoy said the BID was proud to celebrate the fair’s 30th year.
“The Annual Fifth Avenue Festival has evolved into a cherished tradition in our community, uniting merchants, residents, and visitors in a collective celebration of our vibrant spirit,” she said. “This year’s event was a testament to our enduring community bonds and the dynamic energy that defines Bay Ridge.”
Kids games and rides were aplenty. There were plenty of foods to choose from.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta
Law enforcement and loved ones ares searching for a South Brooklyn man who has been missing for 10 days.
Dwayne Rose, a 56-year-old man from Midwood, was spotted leaving the Kings Plaza Mall in Mill Basin on the afternoon of May 25, according to police. He then boarded a B3 bus toward Bensonhurst, according to YAI, an organization that supports disabled Brooklynites.
Rose was last seen boarding a bus toward Bensonhurst. Image courtesy of YAIRose has a developmental disability, YAI said, and can only use a few words to communicate. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, beige khaki shorts, and black sneakers.
Anyone who has seen or heard from Rose is asked to contact YAI at (718) 913-0187, or the NYPD’s Crimestoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or the Crimestoppers website.
Hundreds flocked to the annual “Dumbo Drop” on Washington Street between Front and Water streets on Friday to cheer on thousands of flying toy elephants parachuting from the buildings lining Brooklyn’s most picturesque street.
The unique ticketed spectacle raises money for Dumbo’s Title 1 public school, PS 307 Elementary, and The Dock Street Middle School. Both shows, at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., were sold out. Each spectator received a souvenir toy elephant, a guaranteed spot to view the drop, and an entry into the drop’s prize sweepstakes.
Jellyband entertained the crowd with new and old tunes. Before the drop, the Brooklyn Diamonds showed off their dance drills, while New York City’s beloved drum line band, Fogo Azul, performed on the cobblestone-paved street as toy elephants rained down on them.
A spectator came dressed for the occasion.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Fogo Azul performed on the picturesque cobblestone paved street during the drop.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe unlucky few who weren’t able to score a ticket still had the chance to party at the DUMBO Archway Kids Zone, which offered more than 30 activities for children ages 1 to 10, and Restaurant Row, featuring neighborhood eateries.
Alexandria Sica, president of the DUMBO Business Improvement District, told Brooklyn Paper they came up with the idea of the “Dumbo Drop” to capitalize on the beautiful scenery and magical spot that offers views of the Manhattan Bridge and the Empire State Building in the distance.
“We wanted to find a way to have Washington [Street] work for the students of the neighborhood,” Sica said. “The community has loved this event for many years. It’s a neighborhood tradition; families come out, and the workforce pokes their heads out the window and gets to see something you can only see in this place on this part of the planet.”
The initial flight of the miniature pachyderms took place in 2017, and every year, the parachutes are designed by a neighborhood artist. This year, Noah Lyon, a multidisciplinary creator based in Brooklyn, designed the parachutes for Operation Dumbo Drop.
Denise and Michael from Long Island visit DUMBO often because the area is “a lot of fun.” When Denise looked up events happening in Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, she came across the drop.
The dance squad Brooklyn Diamonds showed off their skills.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Crowds get ready for the drop of the toy elephants on parachutes.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“I never knew that they did this all the years we’ve been coming here. I think it’s great,” Denise said. “And it’s funny, [Michael] is a [Department of Education] teacher. So the fact that it turns out to be a fundraiser for them is even better.”
“I took a vacation day today, and I was like, ‘Oh, okay, great, this is supporting another school,'” Michael added.
Jessica Chao and Tanda Lee from Flushing, Queens, saw pictures of the drop on social media and went straight to the DUMBO Improvement District’s website to buy tickets.
“In the beginning, we thought we needed to catch [the elephants],” Chao said. “I realized it’s going to be super dangerous, especially for the kids here. So, it makes sense that they just give us the [souvenir] elephants.”
Icesis from Bed-Stuy shared that elephants were her favorite animals, which was evident from her Dumbo ear headband, Dumbo shirt, and a jacket embroidered with cartoon Dumbo.
The Brooklynite had heard about the event from the news and regretted not knowing about it earlier.
Jellyband entertained the crowd with popular tunes.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Toy elephants make their way down to the ground.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“This is so exciting,” Icesis declared. “I’m so mad. This is my first time coming. I wish I would have come many years [ago]. But I’m so excited since I’ve been here. I can’t stop dancing. I love the band.”
DUMBO resident Neil Modi and his three-year-old daughter Maya loved the drop.
“It’s so fun and silly, [and] so great for the kids,” Modi said. “I always appreciate the games they have for the kids, and I like that they raise money for local schools.”
The A train got an A-plus on May 31, as Queerly Femmetastic, representing the triboro subway route, was crowned the winner of the annual Miss Subways pageant.
Once a beauty contest sponsored by advertising agencies, the revamped Miss Subways returned in 2017 with a twist. No longer is Miss Subways an old-school beauty pageant — instead, it’s an opportunity for Brooklynites of all ages and genders to prove that they’re the best representative for their respective subway line.
Queerly Femmetastic, center, represented the A train at the pageant. Photo by Paul FrangipaneAt the Sideshow by the Seashore theater in Coney Island on May 31, contestants put on a show like no other – wearing outfits that paid homage to their respective train lines, they performed stand-up comedy, burlesque, and dance routines. Christine Stoddard, repping the C line, performed a song meant to summon the city’s many subterranean rats.
The winners of the old Miss Subways would have their photos plastered all over subway cars, but the contest itself wasn’t public — there were no performances, no chances for contestants to meet their loving public.
Christine Stoddard, representing the C train, put on a rat-attracting show. Photo by Paul FrangipaneDave Herman, founder of the City Reliquary, which resurrected the event, said the new version is meant to give riders their moment to shine.
“We wanted to resurrect it and give it more of the pageantry and put more of the ownership into the performers’ hands and so it’s no longer about what’s happening behind closed doors, it’s about what happens here on the stage,” he said.
Contestants compete in three categories: Costume, talent, and interview.
Julia Schemmer represents the J train with a puppet performance. Photo by Paul Frangipane Sally Ann Hall represents the M train. Photo by Paul FrangipaneThe contest was judged by a panel of local celebrities: Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, Miss Subways 2017 Lisa Levy, Miss Coney Island 2024 Aurora North, and Derrick Holmes of Riders’ Alliance.
The fifth judge, though, nearly stole the show. Bernie Wagenblast, one of the voices of the New York City subway system, blew the roof off the theater when she asked attendees to “Please step away from the platform edge” as she introduced the panel.
Bernie Wagenblast, the voice of the New York City subway takes in cheers from the crowd. Photo by Paul FrangipaneWagenblast’s iconic voice is heard all over the subway system as well as on the PATH train and on the AirTrain — but Wagenblast herself now speaks a little differently, as she came out as transgender in 2022.
The revived Miss Subways was held first in Williamsburg, then at Littlefield NYC in Gowanus. Organizers moved the contest to Coney Island last year. Adam Rinn, creative director of Coney Island NYC, took the opportunity to critique a proposal to build a casino in Coney Island.
Kandi Spindler represented the 2 train. Photo by Paul Frangipane“They want to put a casino literally like over our building,” Rinn said, to boos from the audience. “This is the shit we’re up against!”
“We know that when it comes down to it we have everybody’s support in this room against this casino,” he added. “But we’re not here to lament what could be, we’re here to celebrate every one of these contestants.”
Dressed in a glittering blue dress with an A train headpiece and a fluffy rainbow shawl, Queerly Femmetastic performed a new version of the jazz classic “Take the A Train.”
Queerly Femmetastic sang a version of “Take the A Train.” Photo by Paul FrangipaneWhere the original version of the song urges listeners to hop on the train up to Harlem, Queerly Femmetastic sang about the route down to Brooklyn. She ended her act with a burlesque number — earning loud cheers from the audience as she stripped out of her costume.
Miss Subways 2023 Harmony Hardcore crowns Queerly Femmetastic as Miss Subways 2024. Photo by Paul FrangipaneAt the end of the night, Queerly Femmetastic was awarded the “transit tiara,” a glittering crown covered with the iconic subway line symbols and, of course, a pizza rat.
Two young cousins in Brooklyn were shot and wounded Monday night while playing in a park in a police precinct plagued by gun violence all year.
According to NYPD Assistant Chief Scott Henderson and Deputy Chief John Mastronardi, the incident unfolded at the Hilltop playground on Dean Street near Thomas S. Boyland Street in Brownsville, within the 73rd Precinct‘s confines, at around 9:05 p.m. on June 3.
Police said the victims, both girls ages 9 and 11, were inside the park playing under the watchful eye of the older girl’s mother when two gunmen entered the area and began firing.
Early on in the investigation, sources familiar with the case said, it’s believed the girls were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time by shooters looking to settle a gang-related score with rivals.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that there were possibly two shooters that fired at least six rounds in the direction that the children were playing,” Chief Henderson said. “Thankfully, both young girls are conscious and alert.”
Children’s shoes were found on the playground floor at the shooting scene.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell A disturbing trend of gun violence continued in Brooklyn on Monday night when two young cousins were shot while playing in a park, police reported. Photo by Lloyd MitchellPolice say the 9-year-old was shot in the right leg while the 11-year-old suffered a bullet wound to her back. A family member rushed the cousins to Brookdale Hospital, where they are expected to recover.
Cops recovered two sets of shell casings, confirming there were at least two shooters.
“We’re not going to rule out gang-related incidents that are problematic to this particular area,” Chief Mastronardi said, also noting the debris left in the wake of the shooting.
“The children came into the park to play and as you can see behind us their Crocs are still on the field,” he added.
Monday night’s shooting occurred nearly 36 hours after 14-year-old Josai Guy was shot and killed at the Howard Houses on Osborn Street in Brownsville. Guy’s 12-year-old cousin, who allegedly shot the teenager while playing with a shotgun, was booked on manslaughter charges.
Through May 26, the 73rd Precinct had seen 12 homicides, up 200% from the four reported at the same point last year; there have also been 23 shootings with 27 injuries year-to-date, up from 14 shootings with 15 related injuries year-to-date in 2023, according to the most recent CompStat report.
Meanwhile, police asking anyone with information regarding Monday night’s shooting to come forward.
Anyone with information regarding the shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
G train commuters are preparing for a tough summer as the MTA prepares to shut down the Crosstown Line in three phases starting at the end of this month.
The first phase of the shutdown will last from June 28 through July 5, from Court Square in Long Island City to Nassau Avenue in Greenpoint. After that, the G will shut down from July 5 through Aug. 12 between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand Avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Finally, from Aug. 12 to Sept. 2, there will be no G service between Bedford-Nostrand and Church Avenue in Kensington.
“The G train is our lifeline, and for 6 weeks this summer it’s gonna be shut down,” said local City Council Member Lincoln Restler. “And that’s just gonna be a huge pain in the you-know-what for everybody.”
The shutdown will be particularly tough for residents of Greenpoint, where the G is the sole subway line. Neighborhood residents packed a May 30 town hall on with elected officials and representatives of the MTA and New York City Department of Transportation to express their frustration.
Shutting down a subway line is no small undertaking, and the MTA isn’t doing it without justification. The transit agency is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to replace the line’s Great Depression-era train signals with modern Communication-Based Train Control, which allows the system to run trains closer together at shorter intervals — meaning, by extension, trains will run faster.
The agency has been upgrading and updating signal tech on a number of train lines. Photo courtesy of MTAOn the L and 7, the only lines where CBTC installation is complete, service reliability has skyrocketed in the years since implementation.
“The one silver lining I would say here is the CBTC technology they are installing while the shutdown is happening is a major positive development for the G line,” said Restler. “And it will hopefully, in the not distant future, lead to more efficient service, more reliable service, even more frequent service.”
The work is not expected to be totally complete until 2027, but MTA officials opted to pursue 24/7 shutdowns this summer in what was described as a bid to save money and reduce complications. The biggest crunch point is the installation of six new switches to replace the 1930s-era devices at interlockings, said Sean Fitzpatrick, deputy chief of staff to MTA Construction & Development, because it will require changing the track geometry — or the rail positioning — of the line.
“It’s very, very hard to do that sort of a little bit at a time,” Fitzpatrick said at the town hall. “And so for that reason, we’re gonna get the work all done this summer to make sure that we’re not stopping and starting and inconveniencing folks for a very, very long time.”
The MTA will run free shuttle bus service in the interim, at intervals of up to 4 minutes during the day on weekends to as infrequently as every 10 minutes overnight on weekends.
And the MTA and city are also attempting to ensure parking scofflaws don’t keep people from where they need to go. The DOT is planning on installing new curbside bus stops, daylighting intersections to prevent illegal parking, and installing new commercial loading zones on key blocks. NYPD parking enforcement will also be enhanced on the shuttle bus corridor.
Furthermore, the B62 bus, whose route largely mirrors the G, is set to be one of the first buses with Automated Camera Enforcement, the MTA’s expanded bus lane ticketing system. Buses will now automatically write tickets to motorists double parked or parked in bus stops.
“We know how essential the G is to communities like Greenpoint but throughout the entire length of the G,” said Fitzpatrick. “We will be providing frequent and reliable shuttle service as a replacement.”
Busway push in GreenpointStill, several attendees of the town hall found the shuttle bus plans inadequate in addressing the scope of the impact the G shutdown will have on communities along its corridor, especially in Greenpoint.
“Obviously there’s been a lot of work that’s gone into this, but it is absolutely insufficient for the amount of disruption that Greenpoint is going to face with this shutdown,” said an attendee named Kevin. “If the city was shutting down the [Brooklyn-Queens Expressway] for 10 weeks through Brooklyn, there would be a lot more than some daylighting for bus turns and left-hand turn mitigation. It would be an all-hands-on-deck situation, it would be an emergency situation.”
Local pols and transit advocates have called on the city to consider installing a bus lane or a busway along the route, but say they’ve made little headway on that with the city DOT, which controls the usage of city streets.
Christopher Hrones, director of transit planning and policy at DOT, said the agency is considering, at least temporarily, new bus lanes on DeKalb and Lafayette avenues. But for busy Manhattan Avenue, underneath which the G runs in Greenpoint, that is not on the table.
Greenpointers have pushed for a new busway in the neighborhood during the shutdown.Photo courtesy of GeneralPlunger/Wikimedia Commons“On Manhattan Avenue specifically, which is what we’re focusing on tonight, we do not believe bus lanes are feasible,” said Hrones. “It’s a narrow street, there’s simply not enough room to have bus lanes on portions of it.”
Furthermore, the temporary nature of the shutdown means that the amount of work DOT would put into planning for diversions would all be for naught by the end of the summer, said Hrones.
“We have a unique situation here because we have a — I know it feels like forever for the people who have to deal with it, but it is a temporary situation here with the G train shuttle during the summer,” said Hrones.
The agencies have also apparently done little to address a potential boom in cycling during the shutdown. While Fitzpatrick said the MTA is working with Citi Bike on better rebalancing for bikes at Greenpoint docks, Hrones said DOT would “look into” adding new bike parking around subway stops and building new protected bike lanes, but made no promises, noting it is a “lengthy process” to get those approved.
“I think it’s just critical for us to express that the community is so deeply unhappy with what’s presented,” said an attendee named Kylie. “I assume you guys aren’t gonna be the ones on these buses twice a day, every day, for six weeks.”
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork Metro.
A 14-year-old boy fatally gunned down inside a Brooklyn apartment Sunday was allegedly shot by his young cousin accidentally as his grandfather slept in a nearby room, law enforcement sources said.
According to police sources, officers from the 73rd Precinct rushed to Howard Houses located at 80 Osborn St. in Brownsville at around 10:43 a.m. on June 2 to find the young teen dead with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Just prior to the shooting, according to sources with immediate knowledge of the incident, the teen’s grandfather had apparently fallen asleep after taking a slew of sleeping pills. Meanwhile, in the room next door, the boy and his 12-year-old cousin had somehow gotten hold of a shotgun and were playing with the weapon when it discharged.
Police at the scene where a 14-year-old boy was shot dead in Brownsville, Brooklyn on June 2, 2024.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell“I shot my cousin by accident, I don’t want him to die,” the 12-year-old boy heartbreakingly told responding cops as soon as they arrived on scene.
The teenager was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital by EMS, but could not be saved.
While it is not exactly clear how the children got hold of the weapon, law enforcement sources reported that the shotgun belonged to the deceased child’s father, who works as an active FDNY firefighter. Police sources familiar with the case said he did not have a permit for the weapon.
According to NYPD officials, the investigation remains ongoing; no charges have been filed at this time.
Meanwhile, the deadly shooting marked the latest bloody chapter in a terrible year for gun violence in the 73rd Precinct.
The command has seen a massive increase in homicides and shootings so far in 2024, according to the most recent CompStat statistics.
Through May 26, the command had seen 12 homicides, up 200% from the four reported at the same point last year; there have also been 23 shootings with 27 injuries year-to-date, up from 14 shootings with 15 related injuries year-to-date in 2023.
The Gowanus Canal is a mysterious and oft-misunderstood waterway. Its waters are heavily polluted and its bed covered in a thick coating of old industrial sludge called “Black Mayonnaise.”
Legend has it that back in the day, America’s most polluted canal was dumping ground for mobsters who met an unfortunate and untimely ending. In the 1950s, a shark accidentally wound up in the Gowanus Canal and met its demise when it became the target of shooting practice for the NYPD. In 2007, Sludgie, a 12-foot minke whale, took the wrong turn and ended up in the Gowanus, where it died. Sludgie’s death, however, wasn’t in vain, since it helped inspire the cleanup of the canal.
The inaugural Gowanus Art Parade showcased the creative talents of the community. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann One outfit paid homage to the less-pleasant parts of the Gowanus Canal. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannIn celebration of the canal’s sordid past — and slightly sunnier present — Arts Gowanus held its inaugural Gowanus Art Parade on June 1, themed “Creatures of the Canal: Real or Imaginary.”
A few hundred spectators, wearing costumes that were part art and part political statement, showed up for the spectacle, a crowd that exceeded Johnny Thornton’s expectations.
Thornton, executive director of Arts Gowanus, was excited to see the large crowd wearing fantastical costumes or portable sea creature art that had assembled at the parade’s starting point on the corner of Nevins and Union streets in Gowanus.
Arts Gowanus executive director Johnny Thornton was blown away by how many people participated in the inaugural parade. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Hundreds of people trooped through Gowanus with the parade. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“I’m so happy. When I turned the corner and saw these people, I was thrilled,” Thornton said. “I had no idea what to expect. And so I’m blown away [by] what people have done. They’ve really taken this on.”
Thornton said Arts Gowanus came up with the idea to celebrate artists and the “wacky” history of the Gowanus Canal.
“We immediately all started laughing, and it’s perfect and allows the creative community to come out, wear costumes, and enjoy the summer together,” he said.
A many-eyed sea creature emerged from the canal. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannLed by the Honk Family Band, the parade of bizarre creatures headed trooped down Union, Bond, and Carroll streets and gathered at the Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse for an evening of fun.
Gowanus resident Sandye Renz’s costume was a play on the “Black Mayonnaise” lurking on the bottom of the canal. Renz said parades are always “good.”
Sandye Renz’s costume was a play on the “Black Mayonnaise” lurking on the bottom of the Gowanus.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann The “Black Mayonnaise” inspired more than one outfit at the parade. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“It gets people to pay attention to what’s around them in a serious but also a really funny way,” Renz elaborated.
Assembly Member Jo Ann Simon was excited to see all the creative costumes.
Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon joined in on the fun. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“Everybody is dressed up, looking like all sorts of creepy ooky things, and it’s wonderful,” Simon said. “It brings people together, and also people from different crafts. One of the groups I’ve been involved with is the Yarn Bomb Group. They’ve knitted and crocheted a lot of parts of costumes. [Though] I did not do any of that this year.”
Artist Morgan Smith, who lives in Gowanus, was wearing a red “mob wife” tracksuit. A Peg Bundy wig and a pair of cement boots completed her outfit. When Brooklyn Paper caught up with her, Smith was about “to call Vinnie.”
Morgan Smith dressed up as a mobster’s wife in a pair of “cement boots.” Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“The play on my costume is the myth that the mafia would get rid of people with cement shoes in the Gowanus Canal. Or maybe I just really wanted to buy myself a tracksuit,” Smith joked.
Hannah wore a headpiece presenting the oyster toadfish which lives in the Gowanus Canal. She has always been fascinated with the going-ons of the canal, which was designated an EPA Superfund site in 2010.
“The Gowanus Canal has held a mythic place in my mind for years,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “Me and my dad would go on this website in 2010, and here’s the list of awful things that have happened in the Gowanus Canal. There’s a sentient slime at the bottom of it. A shark got into it in the 50s, and it got shot; there was a whale stranded in there.”
Paradegoers drew inspiration from all things Gowanus Canal. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Joann Amicrano attended the parade with her daughters Rosie and Bella Oliveto.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannTracy Penn is an Arts Gowanus artist and a member of Beyond Plastics, a group focused on reducing plastic pollution. Penn’s costume was adorned with everyday plastic items. Penn explained that only 6% of plastic is recycled.
“We’re trying to get a bill in the New York State Legislature to stop the amount of plastic packaging that’s created,” Penn explained.
One outfit focused on the issue of plastic pollution. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe bill is called the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and calls for a 50% reduction in plastic packaging in the next 12 years.
“[The bill] will make the manufacturers responsible for putting less plastic into the world, rather than you and I trying to recycle. Plastic, unlike glass and metal, isn’t really recyclable,” Penn said
Miss Gowanus and former Miss New York USA 2022 finalist Addie Berger was “blown away” by all the creative costumes.
Locals donned their beast “Creatures of the Canal”-themed digs for the first annual Gowanus Art Parade. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Miss Gowanus Addie Berger can’t wait to see the parade get even bigger next year. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“I think it’s a great way to raise awareness about the canal and see some of the awesome creativity and bring the community together,” Berger told Brooklyn Paper. “I can’t wait to see it next year as it gets bigger and bigger.”
Police in Brooklyn need the public’s help in finding a monstrous crook who choked a 6-year-old girl while robbing her and another youngster last month.
The NYPD released on Saturday images of the brute responsible for the violent attack, which occurred at about 3:15 p.m. on May 29 in the area of Eastern Parkway and Ralph Avenue in Crown Heights.
According to law enforcement sources, the perpetrator approached from behind two girls, ages 6 and 14, as they walked through the area. He then demanded the gold necklace which the 14-year-old girl wore.
When she refused, cops said, the monster then grabbed the 6-year-old by the throat and choked her while ripping her gold necklace off her neck. He then yanked off the 14-year-old girl’s necklace, then fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
The incident was reported to the 77th Precinct. EMS brought the two victims to Maimonides Medical Center, where they were listed in stable condition.
Police described the suspect as a man with a light complexion believed to be between 25 and 40 years of age, with a light complexion and a medium build, standing about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with dark hair in a ponytail.
Photo courtesy of NYPDDuring the robbery, cops said, he was seen wearing a white t-shirt, black pants and dark shoes while carrying a gray-and-red Target shopping bag. After the attack, he was spotted removing a gray hooded sweatshirt from the bag and then putting it on.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
An affordable housing lottery has launched for 70 apartments in a large and shiny 11-story development under construction on Myrtle Avenue between Lewis and Broadway in Bed-Stuy. Dubbed The MC, the Hill West-designed, 233-unit mixed-use building at 1100 Myrtle Ave. goes all the way through the block to Vernon Avenue and has replaced a Food Bazaar supermarket, mural-covered garages, and a parking garage.
Of the 70 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments in the lottery, all income restricted and rent stabilized, 38 could be deemed affordable. Those are for families earning 80% of the Area Median Income, with income limits set between $57,258 and $134,160 for households of one to five people, according to the Housing Connect listing.
The lottery includes 70 of the building’s 233 units. Image courtesy of The MCOne unit is a studio going for $1,585 a month, 32 are one-bedroom apartments for $1,692, and five are two-bedroom units that will rent for $2,018. The remaining apartments in the lottery are for households earning 130%, or up to $218,010, including four two-bedrooms priced at $3,800 a month. According to the development’s website, a one-bedroom at market rate will be priced from $3,346 to $3,715 a month.
With interior design by Alchemy Studio, the apartments have high ceilings and include floor-to-ceiling windows, in-unit dishwashers, air conditioning, and smart controls for heating/cooling, according to NYC Housing Connect. The website for the development says the units have European oak flooring, stainless steel appliances, and Caeserstone countertops.
A unit inside The MC. Image courtesy of The MCThe building itself has a shared laundry room, gym, roof deck, barbecue grills, a rooftop dog run, game room, media room, party room with kitchen, dog washing station, bike storage, and a parking garage. Some of the amenities will be at an additional cost to residents. Tenants are responsible for electricity including heat, but gas is included with the rent.
Renderings show the street facing facade along Myrtle Avenue is gray with orange details. Its three sections include a mirrored expanse in the middle. The stucco portions on either side have grids of orange-bordered windows. The roof is landscaped with gardens and seating.
Move-ins are scheduled for this summer, according to Corcoran, which is marketing the rentals. After closing in 2021 to make way for the new build, the Food Bazaar supermarket opened in a retail condo on the ground floor in October.
A shared space inside the building. Image courtesy of The MCThe new-building permit approved by the Department of Buildings in 2021 says the 11-story building has 170,168 square feet dedicated to housing, and 24,798 to commercial space. According to the permit, it is owned by SWDN Myrtle LLC, with Larry Davis as the representative. Davis is the CEO and president of Shorewood Real Estate Group, which features The MC on its site.
Because construction started on the project long ago, the building will likely qualify for the now-expired 421-a tax exemption program.
The MC lottery closes July 23. To apply, visit the listing on New York City’s Housing Connect website.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
Community Help in Park Slope will soon be able to expand their mobile food pantry program, thanks to new federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman.
Goldman on Thursday presented the organization with a $250,000 Community Project Funding Grant award, which passed as part of the most recent federal appropriations bill in March. The funding came just in time, as CHiPS is facing a massive increase in demand for food assistance, according to executive director Peter Endriss.
Between its soup kitchen and food pantry, CHiPS serves more than 400 free meals a day – more than double the number of meals it was serving in 2023. The increased demand has been driven in part by the migrant crisis, as hundreds of people are living in shelters in the neighborhood.
CHiPS executive director Peter Endriss said demand for food assistance has skyrocketed since last year.Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep Dan GoldmanLast year, to keep up with demand, the organization launched the mobile food pantry. At the beginning, the van made two deliveries a week — one at Gowanus Houses and one at P.S. 124.
“This is going to be amazing for us, this is going to help us expand in pace with the expanding need we’re seeing,” Endriss said. “The need is real and keeps increasing month over month, and the mobile food pantry allows us to access folks that can’t make it to our brick and mortar, that are in food deserts.”
The organization plans to purchase a new refrigerated truck with the funding, Goldman said. A significant obstacle for the mobile food pantry has been keeping food from going bad in transit, which meant CHiPS couldn’t deliver too far away.
A refrigerated truck will solve that problem — and will allow the organization to more easily pick up donated food from all over the borough. About 80% of the meals served by CHiPS are prepared with ingredients donated by businesses and even local restaurants.
CHiPs launched their mobile food pantry last year. File photo courtesy of CHiPS/InstagramAt present, the mobile food pantry serves about 400 households — and about 2,000 people in total. The grant funding will “more than double” the number of people they can reach, Endriss said.
Going forward, the mobile food pantry will make extra stops at local NYCHA complexes, schools, and community centers — distributing about 400 bags of food each week, with fresh and frozen produce and shelf-stable items. CHiPS also plans to hold cooking demonstrations using the ingredients included in the free bags.
Karen McCreary, a member of the Gowanus Houses Tenant Association, said residents look forward to the mobile van’s visits every week.
Tuesday is Taco Tuesday, she said, and their bags include cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese – all the necessary fixings.
“The kids come out, the adults come out, and the senior citizens come out, and they just say to me ‘Karen, I’m so glad that you’re here, and I’m so glad you brought CHiPS to us,” she said. “It’s all about the food, it’s all about the community, and it’s all about the love.”
Goldman said he would continue to support the organization. Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Dan GoldmanAt its Fourth Avenue headquarters, CHiPS distributes hundreds of bags of free food a week — including special pantry bags for migrants living in shelters, who only have access to a microwave for food preparation.
“In the face of an increasing need for fresh, quality food, CHiPS has continued to step up to the plate and deliver for our community,” Goldman said in a statement. “I will continue to work alongside them to address food insecurity and ensure they have the resources they need to continue this great work.”
Cops are searching for a pair of jewel thieves they say plundered the Kings Plaza Mall over Memorial Day weekend.
The duo allegedly slipped into the mall’s parking garage well after closing on May 25 and pried open a door to the mall. Once inside the shopping center, they apparently dodged security and made their way to a jewelry stand at one of the mall’s kiosks. Surveillance footage shows the plunderers — dressed in dark clothing with their hoods up — digging through glass jewelry cases and appearing to fill a bag with stolen jewels before fleeing back up a staircase and out of the mall.
The thieves dug through a jewelry case at a kiosk in the mall. Screenshot courtesy of NYPD CrimestoppersOnce outside, cops said the suspects fled on foot across Flatbush Avenue onto Avenue U, where they headed Toward Ryder Street. The thieves allegedly made of with $55,000 worth of jewels, and have not yet been arrested.
The NYPD asked anyone with knowledge of the incident to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or submit their tips anonymously online or on X (formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips.
Cops are still searching for the suspects, pictured. Photo courtesy of NYPD CrimestoppersCrime statistics show that burglary is down more than 11% year-to-date across the city, and nearly 40% in the 63rd Precinct, which includes the Kings Plaza Mall. A total of 26 robberies had been reported in the precinct as of May 26, compared to 42 during the same period in 2023. The Kings Plaza mall has seen its share of crime over the years — in 2023, three men allegedly beat and robbed a 13-year-old inside a staircase at the mall, and in 2022, several teens were arrested in connection with the shooting of a 14-year-old inside the building.
With summer right around the corner, Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday new preparations that aim to keep New Yorkers safe from and informed about intense heat, poor air quality and other extreme weather that may befall the city this season.
Adams, during a May 30 morning news conference at the Brooklyn Museum, said vulnerable populations — especially seniors and those with respiratory conditions — should be prepared for heat waves and extreme weather that can come with the summer months.
Preparing for higher summer temperatures“We all may love a nice hot summer day, but it comes with some warning signs that we all should be prepared [for],” Adams said. “And our summers are different now, global warming is real and we want to make sure that climate change and the heat that it brings with intensity, that people are aware of how to deal with it during the heatwave.”
The city released a new “Beat the Heat” guide telling New Yorkers how to ride out extreme weather. Photo courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography OfficeTo prepare for extreme heat events, when temperatures often rise at least 10 degrees above the average, the city has launched an online guide called “Beat the Heat” with guidance on how to ride out boiling summer days.
Additionally, the city has expanded the number of cooling centers that will be operating this summer — including elected officials’ offices and museums — and rolled out a revamped interactive map that indicates which ones are open in real-time.
There will be roughly 620 cooling centers online this summer, according to New York City Emergency Management spokesperson Aries Dela Cruz, which is 13 more than were in operation last year. The centers will be open mostly during business hours, but times will vary between each location, he added. Cooling centers are only open during heat advisories, but the city had previously been criticized for only publishing the list of cooling centers during active head advisories — meaning people were not able to plan for extreme heat ahead of time.
The “cool down kits” include water, electrolyte mix, and cooling towels. Photo courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography OfficeThe city is also rolling out a pilot program to give “cool kits” to delivery drivers, those who work outdoors and others who are at risk during extreme heat events, according to Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. The kits contain items such as sunscreen, cooling towels and electrolyte drink mix.
Responding to wildfire smokeIscol also said the administration has developed new protocols for responding to poor air quality events, such as the one caused by Canadian wildfires that blanketed the city last summer with smog and orange haze.
City Hall was widely criticized for its response to that incident, with many lawmakers accusing it of being too slow to inform the public about the potential dangers of breathing the toxic air. Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler last fall introduced a new package of bills that would force the city to create new air quality warning and response systems.
“Since wildfire smoke blanketed the city last year, we’ve been working on internal protocols to improve our response to wildfire incidents,” Iscol said.
Wildfire smoke blanketed the city on June 7, 2023. AP Photo/Alyssa GoodmanThe new internal guidance contains instructions around how various city agencies — including Emergency Management and the Department of Health — should notify the public about air quality emergencies and how best to prepare, according to Dela Cruz. The guidance goes over issuing travel advisories, advising workplaces and schools to shift to remote work and instruction and monitoring emergency room admissions.
The new guidance is needed, Iscol said, since this summer is shaping up to be another active Canadian wildfire season.
“It is something that we are looking at and preparing for,” he said. “It looks like there are a lot of very dry areas of Canada right now that can lead to increased amounts of smoke when you have these types of wildfires.”
This story first ran on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork Metro.
Firefighters battled a fire in a Brooklyn home on Thursday night.
At 9:21 p.m. on May 30, FDNY units responded to a fire at 592 Ashford St. in East New York. After cutting through the security gates, members made up of 12 units from the 15th Division deployed three hose lines to knock down the main body of the fire.
Sparks surround a firefighter as he cuts window bars from the first floor of a 592 Ashford Street.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell A firefighter advances a hoseline, while a firefighter removed windown bars during an all hands fire at 592 Ashford Street.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe fire was placed under control at 10:15 p.m. Searches of the first and second floors of the building were negative.
The cause of the fire will be determined by the FDNY Fire Marshal’s Office.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell A Division Chief surveys the top floor fire at 592 Ashford Street.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
The NYPD has released the identity of a Brooklyn man who is wanted in connection to an armed robbery at the Atlantis Fresh Market in South Richmond Hill during the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 14.
Investigators have determined that Jose Valentin, 33, of Liberty Avenue in Cypress Hills, approached a 20-year-old man in front of 134-30 Atlantic Avenue, pulled out a handgun, and demanded that he open the door of the store. Once inside, Valentin allegedly removed $275 worth of merchandise before fleeing southbound on the Van Wyck Expressway service road. Police from the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill responded to the location and reported that there were no injuries as a result of the armed robbery. Valentin is known to frequent areas in the confines of the 102nd Precinct and the 104th Precinct in Ridgewood.
The NYPD released surveillance images of Valentin on Wednesday and described him as having a light complexion, 5’8”, 200 pounds with short brown hair and brown eyes. A reward of up to $3,500 is being offered for information that leads to his arrest.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Through May 26, the 102nd Precinct has reported 75 robberies so far in 2024, a dozen more than the 63 reported at the same point last year, and an increase of 19%, according to the most recent CompStat report.
Police have arrested a 12-year-old boy in connection with an alleged hate crime in which two Jewish boys were assaulted while they played on a Bed-Stuy sidewalk earlier this month.
The suspect, who cannot be named because he is a minor, was arrested Wednesday on hate crime charges for the alleged assault on two kids on May 12, officials said.
According to police, the two victims, ages 13 and 11, were each wearing a yarmulke while playing on the sidewalk in front of 173 Franklin Ave. At around 9 p.m., the alleged suspect rode past them and said “Get off the sidewalk.”
Cops said the cyclist returned moments later, got off his bike and pushed the 13-year-old victim to the ground before proceeding to kick and punch the 11-year-old in the back. The suspect fled the scene on his bike southbound on Franklin Avenue toward Willoughby Avenue before cops arrived.
The young victims were treated by paramedics at the scene and subsequently released, police said.
On May 29, following an investigation, a 12-year-old boy was taken into custody on charges of third degree assault as a hate crime and second degree harassment as a hate crime.
Citywide, reports of hate crimes are up 5.6%, according to the latest police department data, and antisemitic hate crimes are up nearly 50% year-over-year. So far in 2024, 206 incidents have been reported, up from 195 during the same period last year. In the 79th Precinct, where the May 12 incident occurred, there have been five reported hate crimes so far this year, up from two in 2023.
An affordable housing lottery has opened for 90 apartments in a 100% affordable development overlooking the JMZ subway tracks at Broadway and Hancock Street in Ocean Hill.
The studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments at 1510 Broadway are aimed at households earning between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income, a truly affordable range compared to the majority of the units offered in the city’s housing lottery system. The level of affordability is due to a private and nonprofit development partnership making use of a city program that funds housing construction for very low income families.
Eligible incomes range from $19,578 to $154,080 for households of one to seven people, and rents vary from $486 to $2,664 a month depending on unit size and income level, according to the NYC Housing Connect listing.
Rendering via Gluck+ Rendering via Gluck+Included are seven studio apartments ranging from $486 to $1,546 a month, 38 one-bedrooms from $617 to $1,941 a month, 34 two-bedrooms from $727 to $2,316 a month, and 11 three-bedrooms from $829 to $2,664 a month.
The lottery site says there is a preference for residents of Brooklyn Community Board 16 and city employees, and 5% of units are set aside for people with mobility issues and 2% for people with vision or hearing issues.
The new eight-story building has 108 units, with the 18 units not included in the affordable housing lottery being set aside for formerly homeless residents referred through city and nonprofit programs. The development resembles a modern row of townhouses in a blue, grey, and white color scheme, and the residential component surrounds a large interior courtyard.
Floor plan via NYC Housing Connect The color scheme along Saratoga Avenue.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithThe building includes big store windows for retail at the ground level, and the row house-inspired facade includes indentations, colors, and window placement that evoke the celebrated housing type. Income from the stores along Broadway and Hancock — totaling 9,105 square feet — could help fund future building expenses.
When Brownstoner stopped by last week, a green construction fence still surrounded the site. While work on the building’s exterior seemed to be wrapped up, workers were going in and out of the site with equipment.
Designed by architect firm Gluck+, 1510 Broadway, as it appears to be called, is being developed by East Brooklyn Housing Development Corporation, MacQuesten Development LLC, and the Local Development Corporation of East New York, with input from Community Board 16, according to NYC’s Housing Preservation and Development.
The building viewed from Hancock Street and Saratoga Avenue.Photo by Anna Bradley-SmithAccording to Gluck+’s website, the new development “responds to the critical need for affordable housing in the Bushwick and Bed Stuy neighborhoods in Brooklyn.” The firm says that rather than building eight stories right in front of the subway tracks, a creative V-shape design positions apartments along Hancock Avenue and Saratoga Avenue.
“This simple strategy allows more daylight to reach Broadway and, at the same time, creates a triangular buffer on the second floor of the building—an open terrace to promote a vibrant residential community,” the site reads.
Units include hardwood flooring, energy efficient appliances, and an intercom system, the listing says. Sound-deadening windows and PTAC air conditioning units will help drown out noise from the elevated tracks. On site will be bike storage, a package room, and laundry room. Amenities include a 1,400-square-foot indoor recreation space, a large landscaped outdoor area, and free Internet, according to the listing. The building, which is smoke free and pet friendly, will also have a live-in super and porter, who are both full time. The building is insulated and LEED certified.
The complex is part of HPD’s Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability Program, also known as ELLA, which mandates that apartments be affordable to households earning no more than 80% of Area Median Income.
The site in 2021.Photo by Nicholas Strini for PropertySharkThe property was an empty lot going back many years. Like many such long-empty lots along Broadway in Ocean Hill and Bushwick, it was once home to a handsome 19th century brick apartment building with storefronts that may have burned down in the arson fires of the 1970s.
The property shares the block with a religious organization called Healing Sanctuary in what was a 1920s auto garage at 17 Saratoga Ave.. In recent years, a building boom has filled many empty lots in the neighborhood with new condos and affordable housing.
The lottery for 1510 Broadway Apartments closes on July 18. To apply, visit the listing on Housing Connect.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Browstoner
With sunshine abound and temperatures hovering around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, Saturday certainly felt like the start of summer as thousands flocked to Coney Island to kick off Memorial Day weekend and celebrate the opening of the city’s beaches for the summer.
The chilly water temperature of 64.1° F didn’t deter some brave beach frolickers from taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean under the watchful eyes of the city’s lifeguards, while others opted to lounge on the beach to soak in the sunny skies, build sandcastles, or play soccer and beach volleyball.
Lifeguards were on duty on Coney Island Beach opening day. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann An ice-cream vendor sells her frosty delights to beachgoers. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“Our free public beaches are an essential part of summer for New Yorkers,” said parks commissioner Sue Donoghue, in a statement. “They’re great places to cool off, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends, and we’re committed to making sure that all of our beaches are clean, safe, and attractive destinations. There’s so much to see and do at our beaches, from a new nature preserve in the Rockaways to the iconic amusement rides in Coney Island, and we’re thrilled to welcome back New Yorkers and visitors for another season of summer fun!”
Brooklynites Patty Swiatkowski and Madison Sanchez were lounging under a beach tent, taking in the sights and sounds of summer. Swiatkowski said she has been coming to Coney Island Beach for her entire life, 48 years.
Brooklynites Madison Sanchez and Patty Swiatkowski enjoy Coney Island’s sense of community. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Some visitors frolicked in the cold ocean water. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“It’s Brooklyn, that’s the draw,” Swiatkowski declared. “The people, the environment, the air, the water.”
“Honestly, the sense of community. Everybody comes here, no matter what part of New York you’re from,” Sanchez added. “It’s great.”
Dominic Barron, a 15-year-old from Long Island, said he and his family visit Coney Island twice a month during the summer. Barron liked Coney Island’s vibe.
The beaches are open to the public daily through September. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Locals enjoyed a game of double dutch on the boardwalk. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“People just come out here, and they’re open to everything. They express their culture, that’s what I like about [Coney Island],” Barron said.
Brave Brooklynites took a spin on the world’s second-steepest wooden roller coaster, the Cyclone, while others enjoyed the rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and Luna Park.
The boardwalk was abuzz with visitors enjoying fresh Italian gelato from Coney’s Cone, chowing down Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, or watching the happenings on the boardwalk while sitting at Coney Island staples Rudy’s Bar and Grill or Tom’s Coney Island, enjoying an ice cold brew.
A long line formed in front of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Thrill seekers took a spin on the Thunderbolt. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannRenee, sporting a United States Marine Corps baseball hat, served as a reminder of what Memorial Day is all about. He was a U.S. Marine from 1970-1978 and recently moved from Illinois to Brooklyn.
“You have to remember those who passed away for us,” Renee said. “It is not just a party. A lot of [soldiers] died. And they celebrate them on Memorial Day. That’s what [Memorial Day] means.”
People stroll down the boardwalk. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann Steeplechase Pier is a popular spot for salsa musicians and dancers. Photo by Gabriele HoltermannBrooklyn’s beaches — Coney Island Beach, Brighton Beach, and Manhattan beach — are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and beachgoers can enjoy the water as long as lifeguards are on duty. Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty or in closed sections marked with signs or red flags. Lifeguard shortages have forced the city to limit swimming at some city beaches over the last few years, but the Adams administration on Friday reached a new contract with the lifeguard union — which officials hope will ease the shortage.
The next big Coney Island celebration is the 42nd annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 22, which kicks off at 1 p.m. on West 21 and Surf Avenue.
Tis the season for fun in the sun! Summer is here and to celebrate, Brooklyn venues are welcoming families, friends, tourists and locals for free music events. From concerts in the park to music festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Here is a list of free music events in the borough:
Red Hook FestOn May 30, Hook Arts Media will kick off the 31st annual Red Hook Fest on the Red Hook Waterfront. A beloved community festival, Red Hook Fest will feature stunning dance and music performances as well as a resource fair for locals! The celebrations begin with a free cookout and dance party with a live DJ, and continues with main stage performances on June 1 at Valentino Pier. This years featured performers include renowned dance company Ephrat Asherie Dance, Jarana Beat, and Johnnie Mercer’s TheRedProjectNYC. RSVP is encouraged, but not required!
Red Hook Fest, Red Hook’s largest cultural event, is coming back this summer with music, dancing, and more. File photo courtesy of Todd SeelieBRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!You can’t talk about music events in the borough without mentioning New York’s longest-running free summer concert series! During this month-long series, BRIC brings out various artists to the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic baskets to Brooklyn’s backyard and settle in for an outdoor performance, beginning June 8. Whether you prefer indie artists or the smooth vocals of RNB artists, BRIC has something for everyone. Check out some of the featured artists and show dates online.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is one of the most beloved free musical events in the borough. File photo courtesy of BRICConey Island fiestaHead down to Coney Island on June 15 to enjoy some of the rhythms of Puerto Rico. Andy Montañez, known as the Godfather of salsa and Charlie Cruz, a salsa musician, will take over the stage of the Coney Island Amphitheater. People of Earth, a band known to play a mix of music from Cuba, Puerto Rico and Brazil will join in on the fun. Brooklynites can head out to this lively show full of diversity and culture. Find more details on the venue’s website.
Outdoor Opera at Brooklyn Bridge ParkAn evening at the opera can be expensive, but if you’re looking for an affordable option, the Metropolitan Opera has got you covered. On June 20, three young artists are coming to the Brooklyn Bridge Park for a high-class evening featuring arias, duets, and ensembles. Prepare to hear the artistry of Leah Hawkins, Mario Chang and Michael Sumuel with Dimitri Dover, the Met’s assistant conductor, as an accompanist. The event will be completely free and tons of fun.
Live at the ArchwayLive at the Archway, Dumbo’s iconic music and arts series, returns to the Manhattan Bridge Archway on June 20. Every Thursday night through Aug. 15, free concerts and visual art exhibitions will take place at the Archway — starting with a performance by Peruvian cumbria band La Banda Chuska and Fogo Azul. Later in the summer, enjoy performances by Paisley Fields, the Gentleman Brawlers, and Tracy Bonham.
Each session is accompanied by a new collaborative art exhibition from various artists — and beer, wine, and other concessions will be available for purchase!
Live at the Archway will offer free music and art every week starting June 20. File photo courtesy of Noemie Trusty/Dumbo BIDSounds at Sunset at Brooklyn Bridge ParkIs there a better way to start a summer weekend than with live music and a beautiful view? Starting on June 21, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy is hosting outdoor concerts every Friday evening. The series begins with a “Steely Dan Happy Hour,” paying tribute to the beloved rock band — and a real highlight of the summer is the 10th annual Brooklyn Americana Music concert, featuring internationally-known singer-songwriters with fiddles, banjos and guitars. The full schedule is available online.
Brooklyn Americana Music will return to Brooklyn Bridge Park this summer. Photo courtesy of Alexa Hoyer/Brooklyn Bridge Park ConservancyHip-Hop Celebration Come celebrate J Dilla’s 50th birthday in Bed-Stuy with Fusicology and Future x Sounds. The event will feature performances from influential acts representing J Dilla’s legacy and his hometown of Detroit. Slum Village, Dilla’s first group, will also be performing, along with Breakbeat Lou, a pioneering DJ responsible for essential compilations in hip-hop. This celebration will highlight how J Dilla’s music continues to shape the hip-hop scene. Party with the emcees on July 12 at the Herbert Von King Park in Bed-Stuy.
Young World FestivalLocal emcee MIKE has been bringing a vibrant hip-hop community together for years with their annual Young World Festival. This year’s event returns July 13 with a special performance by Earl Sweatshirt, a beloved rapper and producer. Other musicians and DJs are on the line-up including Milwaukee’s Myaap, DMV’s Sideshow, Atlanteans Stahhr and Stacy Epps. Make plans to head to Herbert Von King Park for some free hip-hop.
Live music at ShenanigansThe beats and brews flow free at Kensington Pub, Shenanigans. Hear live music played by local musicians every Friday at their neighborhood watering hole. Bands can range in style so you never know what kind of talent you may run into. Swing by the dive located at 802 Caton Ave., between E. 8th Street and Coney Island Avenue.
There’s plenty of opportunities to enjoy free music and great weather in Brooklyn this summer. Photo courtesy of John Eng/Brooklyn Bridge Park ConservancyWhether you’re a resident or just visiting the neighborhood, scheduling a visit to one of these live music events is a great way to immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene in Brooklyn — all while having an affordable and enjoyable summer night out.
An allegedly armed man in Brooklyn is recovering at a local hospital after police officers struck him with their unmarked patrol car during a pursuit early on Saturday morning.
Law enforcement sources said the man was first observed pointing a handgun at a woman during a dispute outside a store near the corner of Sutter and Ralph Avenues in Brownsville at about 3:30 a.m. on March 26.
Detectives from the Bronx Narcotics Unit, who were assigned to a special summer violence reduction detail in the community, spotted the incident and intervened.
“They were exactly where they were supposed to be and probably prevented a shooting tonight,” Chief of Patrol John Chell said at a Sunday morning press conference regarding the incident and a police shooting in nearby Bushwick.
The gun allegedly recovered from the man who was struck and injured by police in an unmarked car in Brooklyn on May 26, 2024.Photo courtesy of NYPDThe suspect bolted, cops said, and the detectives pursued him to the corner of East New York and Ralph Avenues, where a responding sergeant and police officer inside an unmarked car attempted to cut the man off in a driveway.
But their efforts, Chell noted, led to a collision with the running man.
EMS rushed him to a local hospital, where he was in surgery on Sunday morning. Chell said a firearm was recovered at the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, police said.
Two officers in Brooklyn shot and killed an emotionally disturbed man armed with two knives who charged at them on Sunday morning, police officials said.
The 26-year-old man approached two officers assigned to the 83rd Precinct as they sat in their patrol car in front of 155 Eldert St. in Bushwick at about 2:20 a.m. on May 26.
According to Chief of Patrol John Chell, the officers had just wrapped up responding to a domestic violence incident when the man knocked on the patrol car window. When the two officers stepped out of their vehicle, the man displayed a pair of knives.
“They tried to quickly, verbally de-escalate, to no avail,” Chell said during a Sunday morning press conference at the scene.
The two officers, Chell said, first deployed their Tasers — which caused the 26-year-old man to fall, and drop one of his knives. But seconds later, he noted, the briefly stunned man got back up while holding the second knife.
Chell said the two officers again ordered the man to drop the knife, but he instead charged at them. This time, the chief said, the officers had no choice; they opened fire with their guns, striking the man multiple times.
The knives recovered at the scene which the 26-year-old man shot and killed by police allegedly brandished.Photo courtesy of NYPDEMS removed the man to a local hospital, where he died a short time later. Police have not yet released his identity. Chell said the two officers were also taken to a local hospital for an evaluation.
It’s the second time in six weeks that police shot and killed an emotionally disturbed man. On March 27, Win Rozario was shot and killed by 102nd Precinct officers inside his home after he charged at them with a pair of scissors during a mental health crisis. His family and criminal justice advocates, however, demanded accountability against the officers involved following the release of bodycam footage of the incident.
Chell stressed that NYPD officers do everything possible to de-escalate situations with emotionally disturbed individuals.
“When it comes to emotionally disturbed people, we do everything we can to de-escalate. But sometimes it doesn’t work out the way we want,” Chell said at the Sunday morning press conference. “It’s a very tough night for these officers, and for the family of the” man who was shot.
The NYPD Force Investigation Division, which probes police shootings, is now looking into the case.
The city is nearly finished with short-term repairs on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, according to the Department of Transportation — but a portion of the span will close down for a the third and last time in early June to get the work done.
Queens-bound lanes between Atlantic Avenue and Sands Street will close to traffic from 1 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 to 4 a.m. on Monday, June 3, the department announced on May 21. It will be the third and final short-term closure of the BQE’s triple cantilever as crews work to shore the roadway up as it awaits a large-scale overhaul slated to begin in 2028. Brooklyn-bound lanes will remain open.
Queens-bound traffic will have to detour around the triple cantilever. Image courtesy of NYC DOT“We are approaching the third and final phase of our interim repair work for 2024 on the BQE to preserve its lifespan and keep it in a state of good repair,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, in a statement. “As we did in October and April, we will keep the public closely updated on our progress as we plan ahead for this work.”
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the BQE altogether that weekend, but any drivers who must take the BQE should expect heavy traffic and long detours as they navigate around the closure on side streets. The detours will be heavily signed, according to the DOT, and maps with additional information are available online.
Five entrance ramps will also be closed to accommodate the work: the 3rd Avenue ramp, 6th Avenue ramp, Prospect Expressway Entrance Ramp, the Hamilton Avenue entrance ramp, and the Atlantic Avenue entrance ramp.
Crews performed similar repair work on the BQE last fall. File photo courtesy of NYC DOT/XThe construction will focus on adding new concrete and reinforcing steel beams in the portion of the Triple Cantilever near Grace Court and Clark Street in an effort to strengthen the roadway — which is quickly entering the end of its useful and safe life, according to expert reports. A massive overhaul and reconstruction of the cantilever is in the works, but the city needs federal funding for the project – and the Biden administration rejected the initial grant application in January.
Construction has already been delayed several times, most recently until 2028. In the meantime, the short-term repairs are meant to keep the roadway safe for motorists. The city is also working to fine drivers of overweight trucks who drive on the span against regulations, since heavy vehicles damage and deteriorate the span more quickly.
Brooklynites can now rev their engines at Luna Park’s newest attraction, an immersive and sustainable go-kart experience that opened on May 24 with a celebratory ribbon-cutting.
Electric Eden Raceway is the city’s first eco-friendly, electric go-kart course. Participants said it’s a lot like strapping in for a round of the classic video game Mario Kart since racers are challenged to outpace other karts and collect gold coins by driving over them on the racetrack.
Community members, civic leaders, and the first 100 visitors at the park got the first try at the racetrack, including Alessandro Zamperla, president and CEO of Central Amusement International.
“A lot of people were asking for a racing experience. It’s something where you can have bragging rights with your friends. For us, it’s amazing that we could add something that was requested by our guest,” he said. “This is the best place to come have fun.”
The attraction was celebrated in true Coney Island style with stilt walkers waving bubble guns and mimers entertaining guests. The Coney Island Sharkettes, an organization for young adults in the neighborhood, also performed a dance routine for the crowd ahead of the ribbon-cutting.
According to the team, Electric Eden Raceway pays homage to the original Luna Park, which was once known as “Electric Eden” for its iconic use of lights to embellish every structure. The course uses video mapping gamification to create an engaging experience from start to finish, and at night, the karts will shine thanks to the LEDs wrapped around each car.
Racers, start your engines! Locals hit the track on Friday, May 24 at the grand opening of Electric Eden Raceway.Brooklyn PaperThis attraction joins 37 other rides and games spread across the Luna Park campus. Whether people come to the neighborhood for a ride on the historic Cyclone or choose to take it easy on the swings, the neighborhood’s amusement district has everything Brooklyn needs to create lasting memories for visitors.
“We want to make sure that the amusement park is always in a better place. Every single year we make the best efforts to do that,” Zamperla previously told Brooklyn Paper. “It’s honoring the legacy. We want to make sure it’s consistent and really paying homage to the great legacy that no one else can offer.”
Coney Island Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny gave the team at Luna Park two thumbs up on its latest addition, and celebrated Zamperla for continuing his family’s legacy of bringing smiles to everyone who visits the People’s Playground.
“You’re father is smiling and he is very happy,” Brook-Krasny told Zamperla on Friday. He joked that the attraction is not just for youngsters, but also for those who remain kids at hearts.
Luna Park is located at 1000 Surf Ave., and stretches from the area’s famous wooden rollercoaster to the B&B Carousel, with various restaurants, retail shops and carnival games woven in between the rides.
Park admission is free but tickets and wristbands for rides and attractions, like the new Electric Eden Raceway, can be bought on-site or online.
Mayor Eric Adams announced Friday a deal with the union representing city lifeguards that is expected to help boost the number of workers who patrol city beaches and pools amid a years-long shortage.
The deal, part of the ongoing negotiations between the city and the union District Council 37 (DC37), will ease some of the stringent requirements for the qualifying exam to become a lifeguard. The move aims to help the city increase the number of lifeguards qualified to work at city beaches and pools, thereby permitting swimming in areas that had been closed off in recent years due to a lack of coverage.
The agreement, which was inked via an arbitrator, comes as the city’s eight public beaches are set to open on Saturday for Memorial Day weekend. However, according to city officials, sections of those beaches will be closed to swimming because there are only 230 lifeguards currently on hand.
Adams, during an impromptu Friday afternoon news conference outside City Hall, said the agreement updates outdated rules that have been in place for 40 years to align with state regulations and industry standards.
“These rules have restricted lifeguard hiring and prevented the city from doing everything we feel that is necessary to hire more lifeguards,” Adams said. “These are just common sense changes aligned with the state regulations and industry standards. And allow us to hire more fully qualified lifeguards so we can keep our pools and our beaches open for all.”
Starting this year, the agreement eliminates the speed requirement for the 300-yard swimming test specifically for lifeguards working in shallow-water city pools—those five feet and under—while keeping all other parts of the exam in place. The change will help some of the over 300 new recruits currently in training have a better chance of getting hired as lifeguards.
“They still need to go through rigorous training, be able to swim those 300 yards, but it just won’t be timed, so it’ll have a definite impact on our shallow water pools,” said Sue Donoghue, commissioner of the Parks Department, which runs the city’s beaches and pools.
Furthermore, the pact relaxes the requirements around the vision standards for lifeguards in mini and wading pools. Beginning next year, those with 20/70 uncorrected vision between both of their eyes — with 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye with corrective lenses — will be able to qualify. Currently, only those with 20/30 vision in one eye and 20/40 in the other eye, without corrective lenses, can make the cut.
The announcement of the deal follows Meera Joshi, Adams’ Deputy Mayor for Operations, earlier this week saying she is “confident” the city will have more lifeguards this year than last—when it had roughly 850 at the peak of summer. Joshi said there are 560 new recruits this year, which is more than last year, but she noted they still need to go through training.
She added the city likely will not reach optimal staffing levels this year, which is 1,500, to have its beaches and pools completely opened for swimming.
The Parks Department told amNewYork earlier this week that it will continue to certify new lifeguards through July 4, a few days after the city’s 51 outdoor pools open for the season on June 27.
Southern Brooklyn pols took their opposition to a planned homeless shelter in Gravesend to the steps of City Hall Thursday, calling on Mayor Eric Adams to fix what they say is a “failed policy” in dealing with homelessness.
Led by Assembly Member William Colton and Council Member Susan Zhuang, hundreds of protestors from across the city’s boroughs turned out for the rally, flooding City Hall Park with signs decrying what will be the first shelter in the district, at 86th Street and 25th Avenue.
“It’s a failed policy. It makes money for the very wealthy, and it does damage to everybody else, including the homeless, people who we have to sympathize with and try to find ways to help,” Colton said, saying the city needs to rehaul its current policy to deal with people in need of shelter on a case-by-case basis.
Council Member Susan Zhuang joined in the chants of “No Homeless Shelter.” Photo courtesy of Assembly Member William ColtonSpeaking to Brooklyn Paper after Thursday morning’s rally, Colton suggested that the city could establish one large intake shelter, possibly at Rikers Island, with the goal of “immediately getting them into permanent housing or into treatment that will lead to permanent housing.”
Colton and Zhuang have led several protests against the Gravesend site, largely due to its location near schools, daycares and senior facilities.
“This is a reckless and dangerous decision by the city,” said Zhuang. “We must work to address homelessness by building more affordable housing, creating jobs and developing programs that help rehabilitate those who are unhoused, not send them to a human warehouse that will use taxpayer dollars to fund illegal substances for individuals suffering from addiction.”
The Department of Social Services first notified residents of the planned shelter back in November and said it remains committed to notifying communities at least 30 days ahead of the potential opening of new traditional shelter locations.
The 86th street facility, which is planned to be operated by Bronx-based VIP Community Services, is being developed by 86th Street NY LLC, and could house up to 150 single men experiencing homelessness, including those experiencing mental health challenges.
VIP will be providing an array of on-site services and off-site service such as case management, individual and group counseling, permanency planning and housing placement assistance, on-site medical, support groups, independent living and life skills workshops, and supports in finding and securing employment.
To address the safety concerns of local residents, it said there will reportedly be on-site security around-the-clock, promising a minimum of seven security staff per shift, with a total of 74 security cameras expected to be installed throughout the building and across the shelter grounds.
Protesters flooded the intersection of 86th Street and 25th Avenue to rally against the shelter on March 16. Photo ourtesy of Assembly Member William Colton’In the face of Thursday’s protest, a DSS spokesperson said the agency looks forward to bringing this “vital resource” to the Gravesend community and is confident that when the shelter opens later this year that “these New Yorkers, who deserve the same dignity and compassion as stably-housed community members and every other New Yorker, will be warmly welcomed at the first-ever shelter in this community.”
“Working together with our not-for-profit provider-partner VIP, we will be providing robust wraparound supports as dedicated staff work closely with shelter residents to help them stabilize their lives and move into permanent housing,” the spokesperson continued. “As we have always done, we will continue to maintain open lines of communication with the community and remain committed to ongoing engagement as we work collaboratively to support our neighbors in need.”
The Fair Share provision of the New York City Charter requires the city to equitably distribute services and facilities across all five boroughs – from libraries to facilities such as homeless shelters.
An audit by the Comptroller’s Office last year found that some neighborhoods have far more than their share of homeless shelters, with 40% of DSS shelters being located in community districts that already had a high concentration of shelter beds to the population living in the district. The analysis also shows that shelters have been consistently over concentrated in certain communities of color such as the South Bronx and East Brooklyn.
There are currently no shelters of any kind in Brooklyn Community District 11, where the 86th Street shelter would be located.
When asked about the absence of shelters in his district, Colton said that “the reality is that it is not fair to spread something bad.”
“They’ve spread it all over, and it doesn’t help the problem of homelessness. Let’s do something bold. Let’s do something different. Let’s try to help homeless people for a change,” said Colton. “If it brings about evil, no one should have it. So let’s stop opening new ones. And let’s start closing the ones that are there.”
“I don’t want to hear arguments by somebody saying, ‘Oh, you have to share it with everybody in the city.’ You don’t share evil things. You don’t share bad policies, you change them, you stop them and you change them. That’s what you need to do. And that’s what we demand happens here,” he added.
DSS said it is important that every community comes together to address the citywide challenge of homelessness by ensuring there are “safety net resources” across the city because “we know that New Yorkers experience homelessness in every community and many households are just a pay check away from falling on hard times.”
“We look forward to continuing to deliver on our mission to address homelessness with transitional housing programs like this which are vital to helping vulnerable New Yorkers stabilize their lives as dedicated staff work closely with clients to address their unique needs while making vital connections, including rental assistance and health supports, to position them for long-term housing stability,” a DSS spokesperson added.
According to the Department of Homeless Services’ daily census, over 86,000 people slept in New York City shelters on the night of May 23. More than 14,000 of them were single adult men.
Hundreds waited outside the gates of City Hall during the morning press conference. Photo by Adam DalyColton previously led protests against a now-scrapped homeless shelter on Bath Avenue in 2021 — which was set to be built by the same developer behind the new 86th Street shelter, Tejpal Sandhu of The Sandhu Group.
Sandhu purchased the site at 2501 86th St. in Feb. 2023 for $4.8 million, and filed permits to build a 32-room hotel on the site last October. Colton accused developers of making a practice of building “so-called hotels in unexpected locations then leasing them to the city.”
When it comes to opening shelters, the DSS signs contracts for shelter sites with not-for-profit provider-partners, rather than the property owners or landlords. The department said it evaluates proposals submitted by not-for-profit service providers for use of specific locations as shelter to the DSS through an open-ended request for proposal process.
In case of the 86th Street shelter, the city is dealing only with VIP Community Services, rather than the developer.
Despite this, some developments with the intention of being shelters are moving ahead prior to the City officially signing off on them – to the dismay of locals who feel out of the loop.
In the Greenwood Heights section of Sunset Park, residents have been banding together since construction began earlier this year to turn a hotel into a 300-bed men’s homeless shelter.
Documents filled by developers with the Department of Buildings suggest the site at 225 25th St. will be a “lodging house” operated by a not-for-profit and sponsored by the Department of Homeless Services. The DSS told Brooklyn Paper that this facility is not currently in their shelter pipeline.
Despite this, the Greenwood Heights Association is convinced that the site will end up being a shelter and launched a petition to fight the ongoing construction, saying it will place a disproportionate burden on Community District 7 which hosts an estimated 14 shelters.
“Our community, which already supports a significant number of shelters within one mile of this location, thinks that the addition of a 300+ bed facility will strain our neighborhood’s resources and infrastructure beyond capacity,” the group wrote in a letter to Mayor Adams.
Their calls to City Hall and their elected officials have so far gone unanswered they say, as they seek “meaningful engagement” on the issue.
An apartment fire in Brooklyn left two people injured on Thursday night.
At 7:55 p.m. on May 23, FDNY personnel responded to multiple phone calls regarding a fourth-floor apartment fire at 210 Linden Blvd. Upon their arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire within the apartment.
Around 60 firefighters were deployed to the scene and used two hose lines to knock back the main body of the fire. The fire was brought under control at 8:25 p.m.
Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Firefighters quickly contained a fourth floor apartment fire at 200 Linden Blvd.Photo by Lloyd MitchellSearches throughout the apartment and floors above were negative. Two people were injured as a result and were taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County for treatment.
The FDNY Fire Marshal’s Office will determine the cause of the fire.
A firefighter swaps out air cylinders after operating an apartment fire at 200 Linden Blvs.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Firefighters used two hoselines to knock down heavy fire in a fourth floor apartment at 200 Linden Blvd.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell A resident was transported to a local hospital after a fourth floor apartment fire at 200 Linden Blvd.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
An NYPD officer was dragged several feet by an SUV during a traffic stop in Brooklyn early Friday morning.
The harrowing incident occurred just after 12:50 a.m. on May 24 when officers from the 75th Precinct pulled over a gray Toyota SUV at Hegeman and Van Siclen Avenues. The vehicle then sped off, hitting the officer in the ankle and dragging him several feet, police said.
A second officer then discharged his service weapon and shot at the suspect’s car, sources said. Witnesses who were nearby when the incident happened said the officer remained on the ground for a notable period of time.
Officers from the 75th Precinct discharged their service weapon after an officer was dragged at Hegeman Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell“I heard the car pull off in a hurry,” bystander AJ Clark said. “The officer was down for some time. His other officer went to help him.”
Roger Parris, who was also there when the incident occurred, said there is frequent “lawlessness” in the neighborhood.
“This area is lawless, there is something always happening over in East New York,” he said. “None of this makes sense.”
EMS brought both officers to an area hospital where they are in stable condition.
EMS Paramedics arrive at the scene of an officer involved shooting at Hegeman Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue on Friday, May 24.Photo by Lloyd MitchellSo far the SUV has not been found and no arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential.
The anticipation of summer baseball is mounting, and the Brooklyn Cyclones have crafted a schedule of seasonal fun that promises thrills and entertainment for fans of all ages.
From fireworks extravaganzas to themed celebrations, each game offers a unique experience that reflects the spirit of Brooklyn — and draws crowds to Maimonides Park on Surf Avenue to catch the borough’s home team square off against some of its fiercest opponents.
Summer 2024 boasts an array of exciting promotions, from homages to beloved shows and film franchises, to merch giveaways and the occasional “Bark in the Park,” where fans’ four-legged friends are invited to come catch the game.
Here’s a list of some of the Brooklyn Cyclones’ biggest games and deals this year:
Pride NightStep up to the plate for Pride Night at the Brooklyn Cyclones game on Thursday, June 6, as the stadium swings into Pride month with a splash of color! The first 1,000 fans will snag Pride-themed caps, ensuring you stand out in the stands. Plus, lucky ticket holders could score a home run with a Limited Edition Pride Jersey. It’s more than just baseball — it’s a celebration of diversity, community and love.
Margaritaville NightMargaritaville Night on Saturday, June 22 at Maimonides Park promises a taste of island paradise. The first 1,500 fans will be adorned in exclusive Cyclones Hawaiian shirts, adding a splash of aloha spirit to the game. Embracing the laid-back vibes of Jimmy Buffett, the event features tantalizing tiki mug drink packages, ensuring a night of fun and relaxation reminiscent of a beachfront getaway.
Jewish Heritage NightCelebrate Jewish Heritage Night at Maimonides Park on Sunday, June 23. With the purchase of a special ticket package, receive a unique blue-and-white Jewish Heritage Cap featuring the Star of David, a symbol of both Jewish identity and Judaism. Available while supplies last.
Irish Heritage NightExperience the charm of the Emerald Isle at Maimonides Park on Thursday, July 25 for Irish Night! Transforming Coney Isle into a Celtic celebration, the Brooklyn Cyclones invite you to indulge in Irish culture. Purchase the special ticket package to snag an exclusive Kelly Green Cyclones jersey (available in sizes S-XXL, on a first-come, first-served basis). The first 1,000 fans will also receive an Irish-themed cap, making it an unforgettable evening of baseball and Irish pride.
Italian Heritage NightTransport yourself to Italy at Maimonides Park on Friday, July 26 for Italian Heritage Night! Join the Brooklyn Cyclones in celebrating Italian culture with a special Fri-YAY ticket package. Purchase this exclusive offer and receive a stylish Italian Cap, a perfect memento of the evening’s festivities. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Italy while enjoying an exciting game of baseball. Buon divertimento!
The first 1,500 fans headed to Maimonides Park on July 3 will walk away with a Joey Chestnut bobblehead, in honor of the famed Fourth of July frank-fest.Photo by Dean MosesHarry Potter NightPrepare to wield your wands! On Saturday, July 27, Maimonides Park transforms into a wizarding wonderland as the Brooklyn Cyclones present Harry Potter Night. Embrace your Hogwarts house allegiance with exclusive Limited Edition Jerseys (first 1,500 fans only). Whether you’re a daring Gryffindor, loyal Hufflepuff, wise Ravenclaw, or ambitious Slytherin, secure your tickets for this enchanting evening at the ballpark. Tickets for Baseball You Can Drink (the team’s promotional drink package) also come with a Hogwarts stein, while supplies last. Join fellow fans for a magical experience you won’t soon forget!
Seinfeld NightGet ready for Seinfeld Night 2024: The Summer of George! Happening Saturday, Aug. 10, this event promises a fest of iconic references from the beloved sitcom. Attendees can immerse themselves in Seinfeld lore, from “puffy shirts” to “festivus poles.” The first 2,000 fans will score a coveted George Costanza bobblehead. Don’t miss this quintessential summer event where every fan will feel like a “master of their domain.” It’s a night about nothing not to be missed!
Star WarsEnter a galaxy far, far away at Maimonides Park for Star Wars Night on Saturday, Aug. 24, where the thrill of baseball meets the power of the Force. The first 1,500 fans will seize a coveted Jett Williams bobblehead, embodying the spirit of the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter. Opt for select ticket packages and snag a reversible bucket hat showcasing the iconic duo, BB-8 and R2-D2, perfect for navigating the sands of Tatooine or outsmarting Imperial entanglements. Let the home runs guide you on this epic intergalactic adventure!
Friends NightGather your lobster crew and head to Maimonides Park for Friends Night on Sunday, Aug. 25. The first 1,000 fans will score a “How You Doin’?” shirt — a nod to Joey Tribbiani’s classic catch phrase. Get ready to pivot like Ross or order a round of “Moist Maker” sandwiches for the gang. It’ll be more fun than a game of Bamboozled! Don’t miss out on the laughs and memories — it’s Friends Night, after all.
Other exciting nightsThere’s no shortage of fun on the Cyclones’ home field this summer. Families can enjoy an appearance from television’s lovable Blue Heeler puppy Bluey on Sunday, June 23, and on Saturday, June 8, the first 1,000 fans will head home with custom socks featuring the team’s very own King Henry in honor of the New York Mets playing in London. And the first 1,500 fans to get to the stadium on Wednesday, July 3 will score a Joey Chestnut bobblehead, right there in the Hot Dog Capital of the World.
For more of this summer’s Cyclones promotions, or a full game schedule, visit milb.com/brooklyn/tickets/promotions.
Five years after being elected to office, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams took the stage in Jamaica to deliver his annual ‘State of the People’ address on Wednesday.
His afternoon speech at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center kicked off with song and dance performances followed by a medley of religious speakers who engaged the audience in prayers. Several other elected officials were in attendance, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council Member and Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
While William’s address last year primarily centered around public safety, this year, he chose to touch on a mix of issues that carry an undercurrent of fear for many New Yorkers. From fear of crime to fear of overdevelopment of one’s neighborhood, he called to the stage several New Yorkers who have been personally affected by some of these issues to share their stories with the audience directly.
One is a Columbia University student who recounted growing up in gang activity and overcoming violence through recognition of his trauma. Another, a delivery driver for DoorDash who immigrated from the Ivory Coast two years ago, talked about the lack of safety and resources on the job. One high school student shared the downfalls of the public school system he had to overcome to create success for himself.
“I’ve always tried to make my office a megaphone, to amplify the needs of New Yorkers, to give voice to the people,” said the public advocate after taking the stage. “I want everyone to hear those voices directly, and come together to confront our neighbor’s fears with courage and action.”
Williams is the fifth elected official to hold the position of public advocate since the role was created to replace the President of the City Council in 1993. The role primarily involves investigating citizen complaints about the city’s shortcomings while also making proposals to facilitate oversight and improve services. The advocate can also introduce and co-sponsor legislation in the city council, but does not have voting power.
Since taking office in 2019, Williams has passed the Fair Chance Act, also known as Ban the Box law, which prohibits employers citywide from asking about criminal history or running a background check until a conditional job offer is made. He’s also cracked down on illegal commuter vans, attempted to maximize affordable housing opportunities with the Housing, Not Warehousing Act, and advocated for immigrant rights.
However, the majority of the legislation he was able to pass centered around protecting tenants from landlord harassment and lack of repairs in their buildings. He passed a law that formally defined tenant harassment and another that doubled fines for landlords who engage in it.
One popular component of his office is the compilation of an annual Worst Landlords Watchlist, which features 100 property owners ranked by their violations to tenants.
During his address on Wednesday, Williams announced that his office will take the initiative one step further with a new platform for tenants to share their stories that will launch in the coming weeks. The initiative is in partnership with the organization WYL, which stands for Who’s Your Landlord and allows the public to read and write reviews about landlords.
The goal is for tenants who live in buildings on the watchlist to share their stories with the public and each other. Ultimately, Williams says it can help the tenants unite and organize for better conditions while applying more pressure on landlords to improve living conditions.
“Fears when it comes to housing are often misdirected to instill panic and stall problems,” said Williams. “We have to make sure that we’re honoring the concerns of communities, but not stopping the progress we need to address the housing crisis.”
He also discussed the fear of crime that plagues many residents and offered solutions to address the root cause by turning away from handcuffs and funding community programs for crisis management, workforce development and mental health resources for vulnerable youth.
“These are part of a new system, one that allows accountability for acts of violence while changing the structures that drive them,” said Williams. “Law enforcement are critical partners in public safety… best in acute moments of need. But officers can’t do everything, and they can’t do it alone.”
He also added that the city needs to double down on its commitment to closing Rikers Island, the city’s largest jail, which received a big round of applause from the audience.
“Fear inherently implies a threat to safety, and public safety is paramount among the concerns of New Yorkers. Unfortunately, it’s also an issue that has been mischaracterized and misunderstood by many leaders trying to look tough on crime without being serious about safety,” said Williams.
As the public advocate pointed out, many of the issues he discussed on Wednesday were the same issues he discussed at his first State of the People address. He noted that while diversity in the city’s leadership has improved, the impact on the city’s diverse communities hasn’t.
Brooklyn streets are about to get even prettier thanks to an asphalt art initiative led by Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and the New York City Department of Transportation.
This week, street-scape enthusiasts began installing new ground murals – also known as asphalt art – in some of the pedestrian spaces throughout Downtown Brooklyn. The upgrades include public art, some of the program’s signature planters, granite blocks, bike corrals and various street furniture.
Next time Brooklynites take a stroll through the nabe, specifically along Pearl Street and Jay Street, they’ll be surrounded by the vibrant designs of Austrian artist BOICUT, the creator behind this latest installment. His vibrant artwork is filled with abstract lines and an array of six vibrant colors and styles.
Austrian artist BOICUT said he’s looking to infuse American pop culture and hints of Austrian art in his new street paintings. Photo courtesy of DBP and BOICUTRepresentatives for the project said the redesign aims to connect the area’s core streets and increase safety by delineating pedestrian priority zones.
“Public art enlivens our communities, and the NYC DOT Art Program partners with local organizations to bring murals, sculptures, and other art installations to NYC DOT properties across the city,” said Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC DOT commissioner.
The Shared Street initiative is one of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership’s main programs that reclaim streets for pedestrians and cyclists and beautify downtown’s streetscape.Photo courtesy of DBP and BOICUTThese pedestrian-priority streets are all a part of a network of Shared Streets that aim to slow travel speeds where pedestrians and cyclists are prioritized, and motorists are treated as guests. On Shared Streets, a car’s access is limited for loading, carting, parking and other services. Drivers are also reminded to maintain slow speeds through various signs, street markings and the addition of public amenities such as seating.
“With vibrant new artwork adorning the streetscape we are welcoming pedestrians and making Downtown Brooklyn a true people-first neighborhood,” said Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Regina Myer, in a statement.
The Shared Street model was first launched in Downtown Brooklyn on Pearl Street and Willoughby Street in 2019 and has since expanded across blocks in the heart of the neighborhood.
Brooklyn’s The Red Pavilion is putting a unique spin on Bushwick’s arts scene.
Located at 1241 Flushing Ave., The Red Pavilion is an Asian Neo-Noir Cabaret and Nightclub that has made itself a pillar in the community over the past year. The concept was created by Shein Lee, who wanted to create a space for healing for the AAPI community after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Everyone was really isolated and there was a surge of anti-Asian hate crimes at the time. As the vaccines were coming out, I thought, we need a place where people can come together and heal,” said Lee. “I wanted to be able to promote and showcase my culture and elevate artists that have a voice to share their experiences. I’m really proud to say that it is a safe haven, a beacon for AAPI resilience. And being a queer Asian myself, it’s kind of been home to a very queer creative nontraditional kind of new generation of Asian people.”
For Lee, in hindsight, Bushwick was the perfect spot to get the ball rolling on The Red Pavilion. Once known for its thriving arts scene, Lee says the neighborhood is starting to head in that direction once more.
Shien Lee, owner of The Red Pavilion.Photo courtesy of The Red Pavilion“Bushwick used to be a big town for theater and that really changed, but I really love that there’s a big renaissance going on now. There are a lot of nightclubs and theatrical venues all around my block,” said Lee. “I feel like the word is already getting around that Bushwick is a really great entertainment area, but I really hope that more and more people will come out to Bushwick.”
From drag artists to pole dancers and aerial artists, The Red Pavilion is truly a stage for the spectacular and the avant-garde, all while lifting up Asian artists. The programming in one night can range from an Anime jazz performance in the early evening to Wicked City Burlesque.
Lee says that the burlesque shows quickly became popular with The Red Pavilion’s patrons, though the jazz nights got their own following.
“There’s a spectrum. On Friday nights, for example, you can come in early for the first show, which is jazz you can bring your parents, your mom, and your grandma to. Then after that, sometimes there’s a a cabaret show that’s more burlesque, or there’s a dance party with DJs,” said Lee. “I would say it’s our cabaret show Lost Caution [that’s popular], although jazz, it’s a whole other crowd and it’s also very popular. We also do Studio Ghibli nights where a band plays music from the Studio Ghibli movies.”
A performer at The Red Pavilion in Bushwick.Photo by Ze Castle PhotographyWhile enjoying the shows, guests at The Red Pavilion can indulge themselves in the bar’s rotating cocktail menu. Each cocktail gets an Asian twist, such as the Sesame Colada
made with rum, Baijiu, caramelized pineapple, purple mangosteen, and white sesame paste; the Red Dragon, a fiery fusion of tequila, blood orange, beet, lemon, agave, and
Sichuan chili powder, rimmed with poppy seeds; and the Phoenix, blending Mezcal, Campari, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, and agave.
There is also a selection of mocktails and CBD cocktails, as well as bar snacks from local vendors to enjoy.
The Red Pavilion bar.Photo by Chris Setter Photography“Our bar manager, Orson, is steeped in knowledge about Asian liquors and wines. He also incorporates a lot of different ingredients into the cocktails to make it to have like a unique twist on classics,” said Lee. “Personally, I’m actually allergic to alcohol, so there’s a decent selection of non-alcoholic drinks that I like.”
Back in April, The Red Pavilion celebrated one year in business with a larger-than-life party, complete with live jazz, dancers and aerial artists. Lee hopes that in the years to come, The Red Pavilion can expand and reach more people.
“I would like to continue to attract artists, not just Asian American or Asian artists, but I would just like [The Red Pavilion] to be a platform for artists to tell their stories,” said Lee. “We also want to be curating more programming and being able to reach a wider audience so more people can experience our culture.”
The Red Pavilion is open Wednesdays through Saturdays. For more information, visit theredpavilion.com.
The Red PavilionImage Courtesy @dottaviophoto The Red Pavilion 1st Anniversary PartyPhoto courtesy of The Red Pavilion Photo courtesy of The Red Pavilion
NewYork-Presbyterian and March of the Dimes have partnered to bring a mobile OBGYN office to the tri-state area. The Mom and Baby Mobile Health Center brings pregnancy, post-birth and women’s health care directly to mothers in need of care.
The mobile bus serves unhoused and undocumented women and collaborates with community-based organizations to provide safe healthcare. Additionally, the healthcare-mobile aims to help close the healthcare access gap and reduce negative health outcomes for moms, babies, and women of childbearing age. Some of the services provided include full obstetric exams, prenatal and postnatal care, STI screenings, ultrasounds, and cervical cancer screenings.
The 40-foot unit features 2 exam rooms and an intake lab area, complete with materials to store specimens, medications, and vaccines. New York-Presbyterian healthcare providers will staff the units and provide care for those in need of services.
Dr. Auja McDougale, the mobile center’s medical director and an obstetrician and gynecologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, explained that the mobile service provides important medical care to local mothers in need. “The Mom and Baby Mobile Health Center offers a bridge to care. Bringing patients into the healthcare system so they have ongoing, much-needed medical care is vital for healthy moms and healthy babies,” she said.
The mobile health center currently services two shelters for unhoused women and families in Queens. Officials plan to expand the services to other areas of Queens and Brooklyn that lack prenatal care.
Although the CDC reports a decline in U.S. maternal mortality rates, they are still significantly higher compared to other first-world countries. In New York, statistically, 1 in 18 babies is born to a mother who has received late or no prenatal care.
Convicted fraudster Lamor Whitehead, better known as the “Bling Bishop” of Brooklyn, was ordered to jail on Monday for violating the terms of his pre-sentencing bond.
Whitehead, whose nickname comes from his affinity for flashy jewelry, expensive suits, and luxury cars, was remanded to federal custody on May 20 by Judge Lorna G. Schofield of the Southern District of New York, a spokesperson for SDNY confirmed.
The spokesperson, Nicholas Biase, said Whitehead was jailed because the attempted extortion charge he was convicted of was “considered a crime of violence for [the] purposes of bail.”
This month, prosecutors sought to put the bombastic bishop behind bars for allegedly flashing sealed court documents to his followers in an April video posted on social media. Whitehead’s defense team had countered that he thought the documents were unsealed upon his conviction, the New York Post reported.
Biase confirmed that the judge declared Whitehead violated his bail by displaying the documents.
Whitehead is well known for his taste for flashy bling, expensive suits, and luxury cars.File Photo by Dean MosesWhitehead’s lawyer Dawn Florio told amNewYork Metro that the bishop plans to appeal the ruling and “continue to fight for the truth.”
“We are deeply saddened by Judge Lorna G. Schofield’s decision to remand Bishop Lamor Miller Whitehead. While we respect the court’s authority, we firmly believe in Bishop Whitehead’s innocence and are committed to pursuing justice on his behalf,” said Florio. “We have full faith in the legal process and are confident that justice will ultimately prevail.”
The flamboyant preacher was convicted in March on charges he swindled a parishioner at his Canarsie parish out of her $90,000 life savings, which he said he would use to help buy her a house but instead spent on luxury items at Louis Vuitton and Foot Locker. A jury also found him guilty of attempting to extort a Bronx businessman out of $500,000 by lying about his closeness to Mayor Eric Adams — with whom he nonetheless shared a close relationship — and lying to the FBI about possessing a second cell phone.
Whitehead could face up to 85 years behind bars when he is sentenced in July.
Once a candidate for Brooklyn borough president, Whitehead burst into the public eye when he attempted to negotiate the surrender of a man accused of murdering someone on the Q train in 2022, ultimately failing to do so. Later that summer, he was robbed of $1 million in jewelry during a livestreamed sermon at his Canarsie parish.
Two men were hit with federal robbery charges for the plunder. A third alleged co-conspirator was shot and killed during a standoff with law enforcement at a New Jersey motel. Whitehead was arrested on the unrelated federal charges a few months later.
Whitehead, the extravagant pastor of Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries, contended he is innocent — claiming that the feds targeted him to make him turn state’s witness against Mayor Adams.
This would not mark Whitehead’s first foray into incarceration, having previously done five years at Sing Sing for identity theft charges.
This story was updated at 7:30 p.m. on May 20, 2024 with a statement from Whitehead’s lawyer Dawn Florio.
New York City is in the middle of an economic boom, breaking record after record when it comes to creating jobs and opportunity. Just last week, we celebrated another record high for private-sector jobs in our city, with unemployment falling to 4.8 percent. There is also good news on the equity front, with Black unemployment at its lowest point in half a decade, having decreased by 26 percent since the start of 2022.
There is no question: our economy is strong. But we are committed to building on our success and expanding the scope of opportunity for all. That is why we are announcing our “Spring Jobs Sprint,” an all-out effort to connect New Yorkers with jobs.
We are not waiting around — we are bringing the jobs to the people.
Every month, we host hiring halls to bring both public- and private-sector job opportunities to neighborhoods across the five boroughs.
We have also recently launched “Run This Town,” a multi-media advertising campaign to engage diverse New Yorkers and help them apply for thousands of available city government jobs. The announcement follows the launch of “Jobs NYC,” a multi-pronged citywide effort to reduce barriers to economic opportunities and deliver workforce development services directly to communities that are experiencing high unemployment.
For our young people, especially young people of color, we are helping them discover their passion through our Pathways to an Inclusive Economy, Summer Rising, and Summer Youth Employment programs. And our Green Economy Action Plan is building an economy of the future with real pathways to family-sustaining careers.
Our goal? We want the “Spring Jobs Sprint” to lead to a “Summer of Opportunity,” with full employment and a renewed sense of optimism and energy in our city.
Over the coming weeks, we will be announcing new projects that will help create thousands of jobs, now and in the future — projects like
our recently announced transformation of the Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Red Hook. The largest city real estate transaction in recent history, this Red Hook deal will allow New York City to build a modernized maritime port on over 120 prime acres of Brooklyn coastline. This massive new opportunity zone has the potential to create thousands of new jobs, generate billions in economic impact, and help revitalize one of our most iconic maritime communities.
Like our recently-announced redevelopment at Willets Point in Queens, the Red Hook waterfront project will usher in a transformative new era for the world’s greatest city — and it all starts with jobs. Because a job is more than just a paycheck. Good jobs help us build a sense of meaning and give back to our communities. They are the foundation of strong families and vibrant neighborhoods.
New York City has always been a place you can make it, and this summer will highlight our strong economy and our ambitious job agenda. Our city didn’t recover the nearly 1 million jobs we lost during the pandemic by looking backwards — we did it by building an economy of the future.
This summer, let’s celebrate the rising tide that lifts all boats — and chart a new course for opportunity for all.
A Brooklyn cop killed in the line of duty a century ago was finally provided a headstone at his Green-Wood Cemetery plot.
The year was 1924. Prohibition was in full effect across the then-48 states, and mobsters like Al Capone ran bootlegging operations throughout America — illegally importing and selling alcohol to the masses through speakeasies.
During this snapshot of history, Detective Bernardino Grottano was serving as a Brooklyn cop in the NYPD. On May 19, 100 years ago, Grottano, who was affectionately known as Barney, was off-duty when he spotted a fleeing gunman.
The crook had just robbed the United Cigar Store located on Brooklyn’s Fulton Street when Grottano spotted 26-year-old William Rogers fleeing from another patrolman. Despite being off duty, Grottano joined in on the chase.
During the foot pursuit, both the cops and the fleeing suspect fired at one another; Grottano was struck in the chest and fell to the ground. He died on May 26 at a Brooklyn Hospital at the age of 42.
Detective Bernardino Grottano.Photo courtesy of DEA Although buried in a family plot, Grottano never had a gravestone identifying him. In order to pay respects to his ultimate sacrifice, the DEA paid for a new headstone to be placed and honored him more than a lifetime later during a ceremony.Photo by Dean Moses Although buried in a family plot, Grottano never had a gravestone identifying him. In order to pay respects to his ultimate sacrifice, the DEA paid for a new headstone to be placed and honored him more than a lifetime later during a ceremony.Photo by Dean MosesAccording to police records, Grottano was once a part of the Italian Squad which famously fought back against organized crime, such as the Black Hand Mafia. He left behind a wife and two children.
“It was much more difficult 100 years ago. We didn’t have vests, we didn’t have the cars — we didn’t have a lot of things that we have now,” Paul DiGiacomo, president of the Detective Endowment Association, told amNewYork Metro as he stood behind Grottano’s gravesite in Green-Wood Cemetery. “This individual was fighting an uphill battle when he got involved in this robbery attempt.”
On May 20, inside the historic graveyard, a warm breeze gently nipped at the grass and trees as the DEA and police officers looked to right a wrong: although buried in a family plot, Grottano never had a gravestone identifying him.
Paying respects to his ultimate sacrifice, the DEA paid for a new headstone to be placed and honored him more than a lifetime after his passing during a special ceremony.
“It was much more difficult 100 years ago, we didn’t have vests, we didn’t have the cars, we didn’t have a lot of things that we have now,” Paul DiGiacomo, president of the Detective Endowment Association told amNewYork MetroPhoto by Dean Moses On a sunny May 20 morning inside of the graveyard a warm breeze gently nipped at the grass and trees, the DEA and police officers looked to put the wrong things right.Photo by Dean Moses On a sunny May 20 morning inside of the graveyard a warm breeze gently nipped at the grass and trees, the DEA and police officers looked to put the wrong things right.Photo by Dean Moses“He did what New York City police detectives and ranking members of the New York City Police Department do every day, which is a step in to protect the larger communities and to protect the citizens of this great city,” Inspector Andrew Arias said.
The ceremony also brought Grottano’s family together — some unaware they were related to the slain cop. Retired Lt. Bill Markowski attended the event and discovered that his soon-to-be wife was related to Grottano through an ancestry website.
Furthermore, Grottano’s great-great nephews Dylan Grottano and Robert DeSena — both cops themselves — met for the first time.
“It’s amazing, I have a whole bunch of family that I didn’t even know about,” Dylan Grottano said. “I always wanted to be a police officer and it is an honor to have his last name.”
Retired Lieutenant Bill Markowski attended the event who discovered that his soon-to-be wife was related to Grottano through an ancestry website.Photo by Dean Moses
A woman in Brooklyn was shot and wounded while waiting at a bus stop on Sunday night, police reported.
The latest episode of gun violence in the borough, which occurred less than 24 hours after two men were shot and killed in separate incidents, broke out near the corner of Church and Utica Avenues in Flatbush at about 7:14 p.m. on May 19.
According to police sources, a 39-year-old woman was sitting at a bus stop waiting for the B35 when gunfire rang out.
Cops say the shots not only pulverized the bus shelter, leaving glass strewn across the sidewalk, but also wounded the commuter in the right leg.
EMS rushed her to Kings County Hospital, where she is expected to survive.
The first incident happened in Flatbush on Church Avenue and Utica Avenue at around 7:14 p.m. A 39-year-old woman was apparently sitting at a bus stop waiting for the B35 when gunfire rang out.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell The first incident happened in Flatbush on Church Avenue and Utica Avenue at around 7:14 p.m. A 39-year-old woman was apparently sitting at a bus stop waiting for the B35 when gunfire rang out.Photo by Lloyd MitchellWhile it is unclear who or what the gunman had been aiming at, police say they do not believe the victim was the intended target. The NYPD did not provide a description of the suspect.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn detectives continue to seek the suspects behind two deadly shootings that occurred in five hours’ time between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
A 30-year-old man was gunned down near the corner of Osborn Street and Pitkin Avenue in Brownsville at about 10:57 p.m. on May 18. The shooting occurred in the 73rd Precinct, which has seen its murder and shooting rates soar so far in 2024, according to the most recent CompStat report.
Hours later, a 60-year-old man was shot dead near the corner of Georgia and Wortman Avenue in East New York.
Anyone with information regarding any of these shootings can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Led by the Russian-speaking LGBTQ group RUSA LGBTQ+, hundreds of people celebrated Pride along the sleepy southern Brooklyn coast on May 19 at the eighth annual edition of Brighton Beach Pride.
Marchers donned “Brighton Beach Pride” hats and hoisted large Rainbow Flags and Transgender Flags as they marched from Coney Island to Brighton Beach on the Riegelmann Boardwalk before concluding with a spirited rally.
The event represented the latest annual display of Pride in the conservative-leaning neighborhoods of southern Brooklyn — including Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay, and Coney Island — where so many eastern European immigrants have called home for decades that the area is known as Little Odessa, named after the coastal city in Ukraine.
Beginning in 2017, RUSA LGBTQ+ — a network of Russian-speaking LGBTQ individuals and people from former parts of the Soviet Union — started hosting an annual Brighton Beach Pride event to empower LGBTQ immigrants in the area and bring queer visibility to the neighborhood.
The event has largely remained the same over the years — with the same start time, route, and rally — but the themes often depend on the state of affairs around the world. While Russian Flags were once seen at Brighton Beach Pride, those were replaced by Ukrainian Flags in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As usual, marchers strongly criticized the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin on a number of fronts, including anti-LGBTQ policies as well as the war in Ukraine. This year’s theme was “Our Love is not Extremism.“
Brighton Beach Pride shines a spotlight on LGBTQ immigrants, especially those from Russian-speaking countries.Matt Tracy“We chose this theme because last year, Russia declared behind closed doors their sham court decision that the LGBTQ movement is an extremist organization,” said Maxim Ibadov, a queer immigrant from Russia who led the march for a second straight year. “For us, everything that Putin is doing — from banning gender transition to labeling us as extremists to invading Ukraine — that is all fascism.”
Adam Eli, the founder of Voices4, a non-violent direct action activist group seeking queer liberation, delivered remarks at the rally in a show of support for LGBTQ immigrants. Eli, whose great-grandparents fled Russia due to anti-Jewish violence, also held up a photo of Evan Gershkovich, a Jewish Wall Street Journal reporter who has been held in Russia for more than a year, and paid tribute to the late Cecilia Gentili, a New York City-based trans activist and immigrant who died in February.
Adam Eli voices support for participants at Brighton Beach Pride.Matt Tracy“By standing here, I want to say that there are Americans, like myself, who truly care about immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers,” Eli said. “There are Americans who deeply, deeply care about queer refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers.”
Between speakers, the crowd enjoyed a performance by Rude Mechanical Orchestra, which is a radical protest band known for playing at demonstrations in the city. The band played music throughout the march and performed Woody Guthrie’s “All you Fascists Bound to Lose” during the rally.
The Rude Mechanical Orchestra performs during the rally on the boardwalk in Brighton Beach.Matt TracyAnn Northrop, an activist and journalist who co-hosts “Gay USA” and, like Eli, has attended Brighton Beach Pride in the past, also delivered remarks at the rally. Northrop said she bonded with RUSA LGBTQ+ several years ago when there was widespread international outrage over the horrific treatment of queer people in the Chechnya region of Russia.
“I have one major message for you today — and that is, what a beacon of hope you are for people everywhere,” Northrop told the crowd. “This seems like a very casual, easy stroll down the boardwalk, colorful — with great music — but this will be seen around the world and people who are living in terror and isolation will take home what they see here. If you watch news coverage, you see Rainbow Flags in all sorts of places you wouldn’t expect it: in refugee camps in Kenya, in the streets of Moldova, and bravely, all over Moscow. You are the model for that. You are the people giving them hope. It is crucial that you be out here and speak out, because you are making hope and progress possible all over the world.”
Ann Northrop delivers remarks during the rally.Matt TracyBrighton Beach Pride co-founder Yelena Goltsman, who was born in Kyiv and left Ukraine in her 20s — when her homeland was part of the Soviet Union — has been a mainstay at the march from the very beginning. Goltsman reflected on the trajectory of RUSA LGBTQ+ and Brighton Beach Pride since its inception.
“There are some subjects that are always subjects at Brighton Beach Pride,” Goltsman told Gay City News after the rally. “One of them is that we’re talking to people here who are maybe not very friendly to LGBTQ people, and by our constant presence every year, we want to instill in people around understanding that we are just like them — whether they want us or not, or whether they’d like us to go away. We’re never going to go away.”
Brighton Beach Pride co-founder Yelena Goltsman closes out the event.Matt TracyHowever, Goltsman said, “the world and politics give us more subjects,” including the war in Ukraine and attacks on transgender rights. Many of the signs, T-shirts, and flags in the crowd reflected many of the themes of the day. One sign stated that extremists “are in the Kremlin, but not among queer individuals,” while a different sign read the phrase “our love is not a crime.”
While RUSA LGBTQ+ has served as a resourceful organization for queer Russian speakers who are primarily based in New York City, it became a non-profit organization last year.
“We are able, because of that, to hold many more events, to help more people,” Goltsman said. “It has definitely made a very significant difference.”
Brooklyn detectives are looking for the suspect who shot and killed a man early on Sunday morning in the borough’s second deadly shooting in five hours.
Officers from the 75th Precinct found the victim, 60-year-old Anthony Haughton of Watkins Street in Brooklyn, fatally shot near the corner of Georgia and Wortman Avenues in East New York at about 4:29 a.m. on May 19.
Police said Haughton sustained a gunshot wound to his torso. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unknown and under investigation, law enforcement sources said.
EMS rushed the wounded man to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Long after sunrise Sunday morning, Crime Scene Unit members were seen canvassing the shooting scene, in the industrial area, looking for additional clues.
NYPD Crime Scene Unit members examine a deadly shooting scene in East New York, Brooklyn on May 19, 2024.Photo by Lloyd MitchellSo far, no arrests have been made in the case. Police did not provide a suspect description.
Hours earlier, police responded to a separate shooting in Brownsville late on Saturday night that left a man dead and another shot in the hand. The shooting occurred in the 73rd Precinct, where murder and shooting rates have increased dramatically so far in 2024.
But in the 75th Precinct, where the East New York shooting occurred, murders year-to-date (through May 12) decreased by 50% (from 8 last year to 4 this year) and shootings are also down 34.6%, according to the most recent CompStat report.
Anyone with information regarding either shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
More than a dozen Brooklyn residents lost their homes after a two-alarm fire ripped through their apartment building early on Sunday morning.
Fire Department sources said the blaze broke out at about 3:45 a.m. on May 19 inside 136 Sackman St. in Ocean Hill.
Members of Battalion 44 arrived on the scene to find heavy fire engulfing all floors of the three-story wood-framed residence. Residents scrambled to get out, taking whatever personal possessions they could in the precious seconds they had to escape danger.
“I only had the chance to grab as little as possible,” one resident said.
Heavy fire conditions left two apartments damaged on Sackman Street in Brooklyn.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Over a hundred firefighters responded to a two alarm fire at 136 Sackman Street in Brownsville, Brooklyn.Photo by Lloyd MitchellAbout 100 firefighters responded to the inferno. Using three hose lines, the firefighters knocked down the main body of the fire and bring it under control at about 4:45 a.m. Sunday.
One resident was treated for injuries not considered life-threatening.
The FDNY Marshals are now examining the fire’s cause.
Brooklyn detectives are seeking the suspect in a double shooting on Saturday night that left one man dead and another wounded.
Police said the gun violence erupted in the vicinity of 101 Osborn St., near Pitkin Avenue, in Brownsville at about 10:57 p.m. on May 18.
Officers from the 73rd Precinct responded to a 911 call at the location regarding the incident. According to the most recent CompStat report, the 73rd Precinct has seen a whopping 66.7% increase in shooting incidents year-to-date through May 12 (from 12 at this point in 2023 to 20 this year), and 11 homicides — more than triple the number recorded at this time last year (3).
Upon arrival at the shooting scene Saturday night, they found 30-year-old Lamont Russell, of Throop Avenue in Brooklyn, shot multiple times in the chest, and a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his hand.
The motive and circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unknown and under investigation, law enforcement sources said Sunday.
Brooklyn detectives are on the hunt for the shooter who killed a man and injured another in a Saturday night shooting.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Police at the scene of a shooting in Brownsville, Brooklyn on May 18, 2024.Photo by Lloyd MitchellEMS rushed both victims to Brookdale University Hospital, where Russell was pronounced dead. The 28-year-old man, meanwhile, was listed in stable condition.
Well into the wee hours of Sunday morning, police combed the area near the crime scene, seeking clues and evidence. Police did not provide a suspect’s description.
So far, no arrests have been made in the ongoing investigation, police said.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
He won’t let Bushwick students throw away their shot!
A free after-school theater program in the neighborhood will return thanks to a lofty $40,000 donation from Grammy award-winning actor Anthony Ramos and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
The pair announced their support for Opening Act — a nonprofit that offers in-depth acting education to New York City public schools — at a May 15 panel hosted by Action Lab at The Brooklyn School for Social Justice. Opening Act previously worked with the school but was forced to pause due to pandemic-related budget concerns, and the funding will go toward bringing the program back to the school’s Bushwick campus.
“The arts are and always have been an engine of social justice, and in our city, they should be an essential part of our students’ education,” Reynoso said. “All too often, however, our arts programs and aspiring artists are left without the funding, resources, and spaces they need – and that starts in our schools. I’m so grateful that Brooklyn could come together today to make it clear: the arts belong in our schools.”
Anthony Ramos and Borough President Antonio Reynoso brought back an after-school theater program with a $40,000 donation. Photo by Lauren TepferReynoso allocated $20,000 in discretionary funding from the 2025 Fiscal Year budget and Ramos matched that with a $20,000 donation from the Anthony Ramos Charitable Fund.
For Ramos, who is most commonly known for his roles in the Broadway musical Hamilton, the film adaptation of “In The Heights” and “Transformers: Rise of the Beast,” this announcement hit close to home, as he was raised in Bushwick.
The star has been an advocate for art programs since getting his own education at the New Utrecht High School in Bensonhurst. He told Brooklyn Paper art is more than a passion — it’s a tool that can change the trajectory of someone’s life.
“If you grow up in a neighborhood like what Bushwick was, the odds were stacked against us. It’s this climb to break barriers and eliminate patterns,” Ramos said. “I don’t think anything brings people together like music and sports. You can really impact people and their lives through the arts. There’s nothing more powerful.”
Ahead of the announcement, Ramos joined Sara Steinweiss, his mentor and former high school teacher, and Jolie Santiago, a youth organizer and senior at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice, to discuss how art plays a part in social justice and how programs like Opening Act further community and personal development.
“It’s that togetherness,” Ramos said of growing up in Bushwick. “Although it was tough, it helped me to be where I am now.”
Anthony Ramos posed with members from Opening Act, the organization that brings acting programs to public schools in New York City. Photo by Lauren TepferJorge Sandoval, principal of the Academy of Urban Planning and Engineering, spoke of the actor’s journey, calling it a “playbook for the youth to follow” as they grow their talents.
“We must continue to celebrate the arts in Bushwick and the passions and creativities of our students,” Sandoval said. “Thank you to today’s guests and partners for showing what it looks like to support the arts and bringing after-school theater programming back to our students.”
Reynoso honored the actor with a proclamation declaring May 15 as “Anthony Ramos Day” in recognition of the award-winning actor’s legacy of arts advocacy and excellence.
“I am grateful to be able to give back to the community that has given me so much and shaped who I am today. Brooklyn,” Ramos said.
May 15 is officially ‘Anthony Ramos Day’ in Brooklyn thanks to a proclamation made by Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Photo by Lauren TepferAccording to Jesus Gonzalez, co-founding advisor of The Action Lab, putting homegrown leaders in front of students encourages them to shine in their own right. With the help of Opening Act, he hopes students can feel inspired to pursue their dreams.
“Now [Ramos and Reynoso] are giving a new generation of young people in Bushwick an opportunity to shine, and those youth will, undoubtedly, inspire and amaze us,” he said.
Cops in Brooklyn are looking for the creep who groped a 9-year-old girl on the street as she walked to school earlier this week, sources familiar with the case said.
The NYPD released images Friday night of the sicko sought for the incident, which occurred at 7:45 a.m. on May 16 in front of 837 59th St. in Borough Park.
According to law enforcement sources, the suspect approached the girl as she walked in front of the location. The victim was alone at the time, law enforcement sources said.
Within seconds, police said, the creep molested the youngster, touching her genitalia over her clothing.
The 800 block of 59th Street in Borough Park, Brooklyn, where police say a 9-year-old girl was groped on May 16, 2024.Photo via Google MapsThe deviant then fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The girl was not physically injured, and the incident was later reported to the 66th Precinct.
Police described the perverted perpetrator as a male with a light complexion and an average build, standing between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 7 inches tall. He was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
The owner of a Nassau County construction company was convicted of criminally negligent homicide on Tuesday, nearly five years after a wall built by his company crumbled and killed a 5-year-old girl in Bushwick.
Nadeem Anwar, the 48-year-old owner of Long Island-based City Wide Construction and Renovations, Inc., committed “numerous violations of New York City Building Code” when he constructed the stone wall at 444 Harman St., according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. As he was not authorized to file for construction permits with the city’s Department of Buildings, Anwar had another contractor file on his behalf, investigators found — but only for the façade work.
444 Harman St. in July 2019, before the wall collapse. Photo courtesy of Google MapsAfter the wall collapsed in the summer of 2019, a DOB engineer found that it was not build to code — there were no steel bars in any of the pillars, and the wall was “held together mostly by its own weight and gravity” and was described as “imminently perilous to life.” Investigators also said Anwar had not had the wall inspected by an engineer or architect after it was done, as is required by law.
On Aug. 29, 2019, 5-year-old Alysson Pinto-Chaumana was visiting friends at 444 Harman St. with her mother and several other people. As they waited inside an enclosed patio beside the granite wall Anwar had constructed, part of the wall collapsed suddenly – crushing Pinto-Chaumana’s skill and ultimately killing her. Anwar was arrested and arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Court in the spring of 2022.
“The death of Alysson Pinto-Chaumana was completely preventable,” said DOB commissioner Jimmy Oddo, in a statement. “Simply put, if this contractor had obtained permits for the work to build this railing, and adhered to our city’s construction code regulations, this young girl would still be alive today.”
5-year-old Alysson Pinto-Chaumana was killed by the falling wall. Brooklyn Paper file photoOn May 14, Anwar was convicted of criminally negligent homicide, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and second-degree falsifying business records, per the DA’s office. He is set to be sentenced on Aug. 14, 2024, and could face up to four years in prison.
“This is a heartbreaking instance where a young child was needlessly and senselessly taken from her family because this defendant chose to ignore safety protocols by violating numerous provisions of New York City’s building code, building a heavy stone fence and failing to secure it,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “Hopefully, today’s verdict will send a message that dangerous and sloppy work by contractors will have serious consequences.”
Developers behind the proposed Coney Island casino unveiled their latest plans for the gaming facility this week, along with new project renderings.
New sketches for The Coney depict the gambling den amidst the backdrop of a 500-room hotel, a 2,500-seat concert venue, high-end restaurants, 90,000 square feet of meeting and event space and a public green space.
A coalition of partners, including Saratoga Casino Holdings, Global Gaming Solutions, Legends and Thor Equities, have been planning to bring a gaming facility to the People’s Playground since a new downstate license became available in 2022.
The proposed casino would be situated in between pre-existing Coney Island infrastructure. Rendering courtesy of Thor EquitiesThey’re currently in the process of trying to get that license but, before being approved, they must share their potential plans with the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. Developers also must get input from Coney Island residents, who have expressed mixed feelings on the $3B plan.
But Sam Gerrity, CEO of Saratoga Casino Holdings, said The Coney could be the economic driver that locals have been asking the city for.
“For two years we have been speaking with the residents of Coney Island and Southern Brooklyn about the need for a project that creates careers, supports local businesses, and centers entertainment around the idea of a playground that is truly accessible to the people,” Gerrity said in a statement. “We have heard time and time again that Coney Island needs a project that provides year-round economic support while also lifting up the infrastructure in one of the most densely traveled areas of the community.”
Developers also say the new facility will bring approximately 4,000 new jobs to the area, as previously reported by Brooklyn Paper.
“The Coney will be a world-class destination with activities for locals and tourists alike,” Dan Boren, board chairman for Global Gaming Solutions and secretary of commerce for The Chickasaw Nation, said. “We have worked closely with the community and local business owners to put together a proposal that is designed to create thousands of good paying jobs and lift the entire local economy, benefitting Coney Island and all of Brooklyn.”
New renderings offer a peek at what The Coney will look like from the Stillwell Avenue subway station and in between current Coney Island staples like Nathan’s on Surf Avenue.
The new renderings show what the Casino would look like from the Stillwell Avenue subway station for the first time. Rendering courtesy of Thor Equities“Situated in the middle of a preexisting entertainment district steps away from one of NYC’s most iconic historical landmarks, The Coney just makes sense,” Gerrity said. “Additionally, The Coney is a project that would be built on privately owned land. That means we are ready to put shovels in the ground on day one.”
A petition in favor of the project recently received 10,000 signatures, said the development group who did not immediately provide a link to or copy of the petition to Brooklyn Paper.
On the other hand, the proposal is still receiving negative feedback, with some residents expressing strong opposition to a casino in Coney Island. Earlier this year, local leaders held an anti-casino panel, arguing that the gaming facility would do more harm than good.
Representatives for The Coney responded by promising a dedicated on-site resource center to prevent potential gaming addiction and proper staff training to ensure a “welcoming, fun, and responsible environment for all of our visitors.”
Every year, graduation season reminds me how much older I’m getting. But I try not to make it all about me. I try to make it all about the graduates and how much older they are getting!
Nowadays, of course, there are graduation ceremonies for kindergartners and sixth graders, even pre-K. But for our purposes here, let’s stick to your graduate who is going off to college, starting a new job, or moving into a new place to call home.
We’ve compiled a list that ranges from the thoughtful to the practical, all sorts of gadgets and goodies to celebrate the class of 2024.
Project Watches – Wearable Works of ArtWatches inspired by paintings are a neat idea. Who doesn’t have time for art? These stunning watches are literally wearable art that is perfect for anyone who’s looking to up their watch game. Wherever I go, everyone (and I do mean everyone!) asks me where I got it. Can you say jelly!
Check out their new artist line of Apple watch bands that have already become best-sellers.
Project Watches – Wearable Works of ArtOn Sale Now at Project WatchesKeySmart SmartCard Rechargeable Wallet Tracking CardIn my household, I am the “misplacer.” The KeySmart Wallet Tracker Card is the size of about two credit cards, and works with the Apple Find My App: Just add your KeySmart Card to the Find My app on your Apple device. Play a sound on your KeySmart Card to find it nearby, or locate it with the Apple Find My Network. Note: Does not work with Android devices.
KeySmart SmartCard Rechargeable Wallet Tracking CardBuy Now at KeySmartBose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesIt’s so odd that very few of my son’s friends have stereo systems like we did growing up. Here’s why: The QuietComfort 45 Bose bluetooth headphones deliver sound and silence, using the TriPort acoustic architecture. Full charge battery life is 22 hours and Bluetooth range is 30 feet.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesBuy Now for Only $329ASUS Vivobook 16″ Laptop AMD Ryzen 7, 5800HS with 12GB MemoryWhenever I’m procrastinating I wonder how much of a difference having an ASUS Vivobook 16X would make. The AMD Ryzen 7 mobile processor and the 180-degree lay-flat hinge does make it easier to get things done. It’s one sleek & sexy laptop!
ASUS Vivobook 16″ Laptop AMD Ryzen 7 5800 with 12 GB Memory 512GBShop Laptop Deals at BestBuyLifelong Ergonomic Adjustable Height Laptop StandThis will save you from much neck pain. The top base of the UPRYZE rises up to 20 inches from the floor of the stand and the arm extends up to 13 inches. You can use it while sitting down or standing. Laptop stays cool so it won’t overheat.
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Buy Now at LifelongZ-MGKISS Extra Large Travel BackpackWhat grad won’t want to speed through airport security and keep items tidy? With three spacious compartments and 18+ pockets, including 2 pockets for water bottles, side pockets for small stuff, anti-theft pockets on the back, and an external USB port with built-in charging cable offers you a more convenient way to charge your phone. Sturdy handle too.
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Buy Now & Save at Z-MGKISSModern Innovations Bedside Shelf The shelf features a cable cord insert to charge your phone and/or laptop and the drink holder fancies it up by preventing spills, which are a too frequent occurrence in my household. The attachable design helps free up space.
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Buy Now at Modern InnovationsRocketbook Reusable Notebooks & PlannersThis is pretty cool: The Rocketbook Core notebook feels like a traditional spiral notebook, the Core is an endlessly reusable digital spiral notebook, connected to all of your favorite cloud services. When you write using any pen from the Pilot Frixion pen line, your writing sticks to Core pages like regular paper. The Core is erasable, reusable, and eco-friendly. It also has the ability to connect to cloud services for storage and organization.
Rocketbook Core Reusable Notebook$36.99 at RocketbooksEastPin Gooseneck Reading LampIf your grad is about to move in with a roommate, this rechargeable LED neck reading light is gonna be needed. With adjustable brightness and warmth settings, the wearable neck lamp can help them comfortably pore over textbooks late into the night and avoid looking at a laptop or phone.
EastPin Gooseneck Reading LightGet 5% off with promo code: PTO36VED
Buy Now at EastPinAdulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 535 Easy(ish) StepsThis fun & entertaining guide will help young people navigate the stormy sea of adulthood so that they may find safe harbor from not running out of toilet paper to what to check for in a new apartment to fixing a leaky faucet or just finding time on how to straighten your hair.
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps$14.03 at WalmartNAKTO e-Bike: The Fastest Growing E-Bike Company in the USDiscover folding ebike flexibility and style with the Folding electric bike offers the perfect blend of portability and power. Make your city life more convenient and easier.
Don’t feel like folding? It’s not laundry, but it’s not for everyone but hey, that’s no problem. Elevate your urban commute with our city & commuter eBike – stylish, efficient, and built for the city streets.
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Shop Now at NAKTODacri Home – The Alternative to Traditional FramesAmplify your walls in style and display your posters, pictures or maps with the Dacri Home premium magnetic poster hanger. They use high-density teak wood from Papua New Guinea, which apparently are heavy enough to keep the artwork straight.
Dacri Home Magnetic FramesShop Now at Dacri HomeComfy Breathable & Cooling SheetsThey’re softer than Egyptian cotton and organic cotton sheets, which is another way of saying they’re made of double brushed microfiber yarns. Great bang for the buck and you’ll sleep easier knowing you saved money by not buying very expensive sheets.
Comfy Breathable & Cooling SheetsSave 40% Off Twin XL | Was $49.99 | Now $29.99
Shop All Deals at CGK LinensCafe Du Chateau Stainless Steel French Press Coffee MakerThis glass French press coffee maker uses a 4-level filtration system, which enables a sediment-free pour over coffee, just like your favorite barista. Also a handy tea press for loose leaf tea.
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Buy Now at Cafe du ChateauNutriChef 12-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Cookware SetTell your grad this cookware set has a hard anodized exterior which makes the cookware resistant to high heat and watch for the blank stare. A 12-piece nonstick cookware set includes saucepan pot, dutch oven pot, cooking pot, large, medium, and small fry pan, soup ladle, pasta fork and spatula.
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Buy Now at NutriChefFOODLE Wheat Straw Dinnerware SetConquer life’s little accidents with our virtually unbreakable wheat straw dinnerware set – an essential savior for college dorm room messes. This durable, yet classy dinnerware is designed for the modern, busy bee. Dishwasher safe and microwave friendly. 4.7 Star Rated!
NutriChef 12-Piece Nonstick Cookware SetOnly $36.99 at FoodleInstant Pot Vortex 5 Quart Single Basket 4-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Clear Cook WindowWho doesn’t love their food fast and crispy? The Instant Pot Vortex new 5-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with Clear Cook Windows. It has an extra-large Clear Cook window that takes the guesswork out of air frying by allowing visibility to see your food cooking right in the basket. Couple that with the unique digital message bar that guides you step-by-step through the entire cooking progress. This is a must-have kitchen gadget for any young go-getter!
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Buy Now at WalmartDyce Games My friend’s son is sort of an introvert and these games helped him break the ice in his dorm suite. Because now they’re all great friends, every Friday is now a game night! Choose from popular games:
Dyce Games – Most Popular Selling Card Games* Bad People Game – Over 2.5 million units sold! * Hot Seat Game – Over 2 million units sold! * Pick Your Poison Game – Over 1.75 million sold!
Shop all Dyce GamesDR. J Professional ProjectorFull HD WIFI projector with 120-inch projector screen for indoor and outdoors. With its 5G WIFI and Bluetooth 5.1 capability, this projector is equipped with inputs like HDMI, VGA, USB, AV and AUX ports to iOS/Android smartphone, laptop, tablet, PCs, TV stick, Chromecast, DVD player, PS3/PS4, Micro SD card.
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The MTA is set to end promotional opportunities emblazoned on MetroCards, as the yellow transit payment method faces imminent retirement and replacement by OMNY.
The agency on Tuesday said it was offering advertisers just two more chances to capture the eyes of New Yorkers on their MetroCards for limited-edition promotions, which have previously celebrated 400 separate New York icons like David Bowie, Biggie Smalls, KISS, Law & Order: SVU, and most recently Ice Spice, who at 24 years of age is younger than the MetroCard itself.
Transit officials say they want the final promotions to be a celebration of the MetroCard, which itself is something of an icon, while also reminding riders that they can switch to OMNY, the contactless tap-to-pay system slated to replace it.
“Creating one of the final custom MetroCards is the perfect opportunity for a brand, artist, or cultural institution to cement its place in transit history,” said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. “While the MTA continues to shift to tap-and-go payments by using a bank card, smartphone, or wearable device, these last two cards will undoubtedly become instant collectibles.”
The MTA sold Biggie Smalls MetroCards on the occasion of the late rapper’s 50th birthday.Marc A. Hermann / MTA David Bowie MetroCards were sold in 2018 to coincide with an exhibit on his life at the Brooklyn Museum.Shinya Suzuki via FlickrThe advertising possibilities will certainly be diminished once the transition to OMNY is complete. Riders have the option of buying a dedicated OMNY card at retail establishments or at vending machines, which are being rolled out and are presently at 25 stations. But straphangers are encouraged to instead tap their debit card or their phone’s digital wallet to pay, eliminating the need to reload a card at a machine.
MTA spokesperson Kayla Shults said the agency presently has no plans for promotions emblazoned on OMNY cards.
Presently, the timeline for retiring the MetroCard is still to be determined, nearly four years after the MTA finished installing OMNY readers on all buses and subway turnstiles.
OMNY uptake has been relatively slow: just 55% of subway riders and 34% of bus riders are using tap-to-pay, the MTA said earlier this month. Usage has fallen along stark socioeconomic lines, with more riders using it in wealthier, gentrified neighborhoods.
Discount programs for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders have been slowly integrated into the new fare system, but adoption has been lower among users of those discounts.
MetroCards were first introduced into the system in 1993, but it took a full decade until tokens were finally retired for good in 2003.
Staff at Prospect Park Zoo is busy laying down the last coats of fresh paint and completing necessary repairs to exhibit buildings ahead of the zoo’s reopening on May 25, but the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) says the recovery work behind the scenes to prevent future flooding damage is “far from complete.”
The zoo was shuttered for eight months after it suffered severe damage to its facilities and infrastructure during Tropical Storm Ophelia last September, and close to $6.5 million has been spent to date to reopen.
During a recent tour of the zoo, Craig Piper, vice president and director of City Zoos for the Wildlife Conservation Society, explained to Brooklyn Paper that on Sept. 29, 2023, the 12-acre zoo was essentially underwater — some areas seeing six inches of flooding, others faced with several feet of water.
The basements and sub-basements were totally submerged in as much as 25 feet of water as storm sewers in the area reached full capacity, wiping out the zoo’s boilers and important networks, such as the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), electrical, and aquatic life support systems.
At the time of the flooding, the approximately 400 animals who call the Prospect Park Zoo home were unharmed as they were in their night houses, out of harm’s way. But once waters receded, zoo staff were in emergency response mode. With help from partnering city zoos, staff moved quickly to install emergency generators and fuel tanks around the park to ensure the safety and ongoing care of the animals.
None of the zoo’s animals were harmed during the flooding.Photos by Adam DalyWCS also had help from an emergency response crew of 25 people who worked alongside the 50-plus staff at the zoo — none of whom were laid off during the closure — to clear debris, clean, and disinfect. In some exhibitions, walls had to be ripped out and flooring replaced because of flood damage and potential mold growth.
More than half a year later, the zoo is back on the grid, and the primary electrical room has been relocated from a basement to ground level. It does, however, remain on a temporary heating system while a new location for boilers, previously in a basement, is found.
“It’s all connected by piping to our systems to distribute around the campus, and it will likely be in place for several years while we’re working on the long term restoration,” Piper said of the temporary boilers.
But none of the background issues should affect zoo-goers’ experiences when it reopens on May 25. Then, staff said, resident peacocks will be back on patrol, and the zoo’s fan-favorite sea lions will be eagerly awaiting some attention from the crowds.
There are also some new animals to watch out for, including a pair of southern Pudu, one of the world’s smallest species of deer, and a female Hamadryas baboon born during the closure on Oct. 18, 2023.
The risk remainsWith a reopening date in place, Piper told members of the press on Tuesday that the Prospect Park Zoo is still working with partners in the city, state, and federal government on a full restoration and resiliency plan. He hopes the groups will be able to take more solid steps to prevent future flooding, which he notes is the real big picture issue at present.
“The biggest issue is the mitigation effort. How do we prevent future flood events? And the fundamental problem is this area of Brooklyn doesn’t have storm capacity to handle these types of events,” said Piper, recalling on the day of the deluge that “water was streaming in here from Flatbush Avenue and was coming up through all the drains.”
Piper believes improved stormwater retention in the area is key to avoiding future flooding disasters, adding that Prospect Park’s lake could hold the solution.
“It’s where you take the water, collect it and hold it, and discharge it at a rate the storm sewers can handle, because we can’t just increase the size of every pipe in the city,” said Piper. “It’s a shallow lake, it could be used as stormwater detention. There’s a real interest in looking at that as an option, because the neighborhood’s to the south of the park flood, because it goes from here to the lake and then out.”
(L) Craig Piper, vice President and director of City Zoos shows off the new generator. (R) The zoo’s temporary boiler system which will be in place for a few years.Photos by Adam DalyFull restoration costs, not including mitigation measures, are estimated to be more than $20 million, according to the WCS. The group is relying on future FEMA recovery assistance funds to complete the long-term works after President Joe Biden issued a Federal Disaster Declaration for three New York counties, including Kings County, on Jan. 31 following a request from Governor Kathy Hochul.
“After a long recovery, Brooklynites will finally be reunited with their furry, scaly, and feathered friends at the Prospect Park Zoo,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said ahead of the zoo’s reopening. “Thank you to Governor Hochul for securing the funds from the federal government to begin restoring this treasured Brooklyn institution. The September flooding which forced the Prospect Park Zoo to close to the public upended life for so many Brooklynites, and we must do everything in our power to combat climate change and to protect sites like the Prospect Park Zoo from the devastating effects of severe weather events.”
In the meantime, Piper conceded that the zoo is still at risk but said should future floods occur, it is in a better position to handle them.
“We’re doing a lot of things to minimize that risk, but there’s a risk,” he said. “We’d be able to keep the power going, which would allow us to keep pumping water out, but the key is changing the pattern of where the water goes.”
Calling all creatives! Industry City’s highly anticipated Design Festival is happening this weekend.
The annual celebration returns to the sprawling Sunset Park campus on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, and will showcase the diverse talents of the hundreds of artists, makers and creatives who call Industry City home.
At the heart of the Industry City Design Festival is the Open Studios event, which will offer a rare glimpse into the usually private workspaces of over 70 creative tenants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and engage with designers, artists, and small business owners, fostering connections and sparking inspiration.
“We are thrilled to host another year of Open Studios at Industry City,” said Jim Somoza, managing director of Industry City. “The campus is a place to explore, discover and make connections, and we look forward to welcoming the public to the offices and workshops of over 70 of our creative tenants. We have no doubt that visitors of Open Studios will leave inspired.”
Visitors can also expect a diverse range of exhibitions and installations, including a solo exhibition by Sun Young Kang at Yi Gallery, a duo exhibition titled “Defender” at Court Street Collective, and the “Dreamscape, Beyond Limits” collection at Ishka Designs and Art Hedge.
Artist Caroline Kaufman is one of many creatives with space at Industry City who will be letting visitors into their studios during this weekend.Photo courtesy of Industry CityIn addition to studio visits, the festival will feature a dynamic lineup of programming, from panel discussions to hands-on workshops, pop-up shopping and dining experiences and more. Noteworthy events include “Gurls Talk x Groundswell: Celebration of Mental Health Awareness and Art” and the “Natural Dyeing with Local Plants + Food Waste” workshop.
There will also be a slew of family-friendly activities, such as the ICDF Kids Art and Design Pop Up, which will takeover courtyard 1 and 2 with kid-centric, hands-on workshops. In Good Company will be curating music in the band shell and serving drinks for adults and children.
Andrew Hunt, owner and operator of ATH Studios at Industry City.Photo courtesy of Industry CityThe Industry City Design Festival will also pay homage to the late Pavel Kraus, a Czech-born painter, sculptor, and installation artist whose studio will be open for visitors to commemorate his extraordinary contributions to the arts.
Guests can enter at Industry City’s Building 2, where they’ll receive maps and guidance from complex representatives.
For more information about the Industry City Design Festival and a full list of participating studios, visit industrycity.com/icdf.
The City Council is yet again swinging back at Mayor Eric Adams’ for his early childhood education cuts, calling on Hizzoner to restore funding and maintain investments for vital child-care services.
The council outlined key education priorities in its preliminary budget response released in April, but many remained completely or partially unfunded in the mayor’s FY25 executive budget, including most notably the restoration of $170 million for 3-K and pre-K seats.
However, the mayor did restore some funding — $500 million — in April for education programs including mental health care, career readiness and literacy programs.
The future of pre-K and 3-K, however, remains unclear.
Much of the ongoing contention about early childhood education between the mayor and council resulted after an independent budget analysis showed slashes in millions of dollars in funding for pre-K and 3-K since 2022 when Adams took office.
Council Member Rita Joseph (D-Brooklyn), chair of the council’s committee on education, highlighted the importance of supporting not only child care but other critical education programs, especially with federal financial aid now gone.
“With the loss of billions in federal funds, it is imperative the city invests in maintaining funding for early childhood education, preschool special education, community schools, school food programs, restorative justice initiatives, and beyond in the adopted budget,” she said.
Unanswered questions about 3-KThe City Council is demanding not only restorative funding, but also investments to ensure the quality and future of child care, especially 3-K programs.
During a press conference last month, Adams said 3-K would only be funded for a year with no baseline dollars. In response, the council is now calling for a commitment of $60 million to expand full-day and full-year seats to meet families’ needs, and $10 million in new funding for 3-K marketing and outreach.
But the mayor has already included $3.5 million of that funding in his executive budget. He also restored $5 million for pre-K and 3-K enrollment.
The council is also calling for $96 million to replace expiring federal stimulus funds for preschool special education, though $81 million has already been included in the mayor’s budget.
“New York City students are recovering from historic, pandemic-era learning loss that requires additional support through critical education programs,” City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens) said. “The council has consistently called for funding commitments to these vital initiatives that were at risk due to expiring federal stimulus funds. While the administration’s commitment of more than $500 million to replace some of the expiring federal funds was a step forward, there is more work to be done to restore tens of millions of dollars for education programs that students and families need.”
During his press conference last month, Mayor Adams explained why initial cuts were necessary.
“We hit a fiscal cliff. There were a series of programs and initiatives that were permanent in nature with temporary dollars…We looked at this fiscal crisis and we managed it in the appropriate way with our partners in the City Council,” he said.
Pastrami in a pierogi? Say less.
In anticipation of Veselka’s new location in Williamsburg (646 Lorimer St.), the restaurant is teaming up with Katz’s Delicatessen to create the “Pastrogi.” This creation takes Veselka’s classic Ukrainian dumpling and fills it with Katz’s legendary pastrami.
The pastrogi will be available exclusively at Veselka’s Williamsburg location, which is set to open on June 5, for one month only. A limited number will also be available on Veselka’s website for shipping nationwide.
Tom Birchard, owner of Veselka, echoed Dell’s excitement, stating, “At Veselka, we’re always looking for innovative ways to showcase our Ukrainian heritage while celebrating the diverse culinary landscape of NYC. Partnering with Katz’s allows us to do just that, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with both our customers and theirs.”
In addition to the pastrogi, the two establishments are teaming up to launch The New York Classics Package featuring Veselka. In this package, you’ll find one dozen of Veselka’s classic potato pierogi along with Katz’s hand-carved pastrami and all the classic fixings. The package is available for the next three weeks via Katz’s nationwide shipping program and includes free shipping.
The collaboration between Katz and Veselka marks a significant milestone as the two continue to pay homage to their culinary legacies in New York City.
“We are thrilled to partner with Veselka to give the gift of NYC’s classic pastrami and pierogi to foodies nationwide,” said Jake Dell, owner of Katz’s Deli. “We love having the capability to ship these exclusive and iconic tastes across the country, making it possible for everyone to experience and provide a bit of nostalgia to those who may have moved away from the city.”
For more information on Veselka, visit veselka.com. For more information on Katz’s Delicatessen, visit katzsdelicatessen.com.
Construction is underway on nearly 300 affordable and supportive units at Marcus Garvey Apartments — including dozens of units reserved for formerly-incarcerated and formerly-homeless Brooklynites.
Marcus Garvey Extension Phase 2, a $204 million, three-building project, is the second and final part of a push to bring more than 600 new units to the campus. All 287 of the new units will be considered affordable for Brooklynites earning between 40-70% of Area Median Income — or between $55,920-$97,860 for a family of three. At 40% AMI, “affordable” rent is considered $1,165 for a one-bedroom, and $1,398 for a two bedroom; while renters would pay $2,038 for a one-bedroom and $2,446 for a two-bedroom at 70% AMI.
A rendering of part of the expansion at the future site of the development. Photo courtesy of Services for the UnderServedAccording to city data, nearly 60% of households in Brownsville and Ocean Hill earn less than 50% AMI, and are considered “very low income.” Another 17.5% are considered “low income,” earning between 51-80% AMI. More than 96% of households in the area spend 30% or more of their income on rent, and only about 54% of rental units in the area are considered affordable to people earning between 31-80% AMI.
“I am committed to increasing the housing supply to ensure that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to find a safe, stable and affordable place to call home,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “The expansion of Marcus Garvey shows how our investments and partnerships can take a previously underutilized property and bring over 600 homes and important services to the Brownsville community.”
First constructed in the 1970s, the original Marcus Garvey Apartments, also known as Marcus Garvey Village, comprises of 625 federally-subsidized affordable apartments. In 2019, the state launched a two-phase plan to add new housing to the campus, and Marcus Garvey Extension Phase 1 — with 384 units plus community and retail space — opened in 2022.
The expansion is part of Hochul’s plan to create and preserve affordable housing. Photo courtesy of Darren McGee/Office of Governor Kathy HochulMarcus Garvey Extension Phase 2 will include 88 supportive units for formerly-incarcerated people, and 55 supportive apartments for formerly homeless New Yorkers and families at risk of homelessness under the city’s 15/15 program. The development will provide myriad support services for residents — The Osborne Association will run workforce development programs, family and relationship coaching, and independent skills training for formerly-incarcerated tenants, while Services for the Underserved will offer support for formerly-homeless and at-risk residents.
“The community I represent in Brownsville has among New York’s highest rates of people returning from state prison,” said Assembly Member Latrice Walker, in a statement. “These are people who need housing, job training and other services to help them successfully re-enter society. The development is not only part of the state’s response to the housing crisis, but it also represents the best of what can be achieved when lawmakers, developers and service providers work together.”
All three buildings will be all-electric, with no natural gas used whatsoever — a climate goal included in Hochul’s statewide housing plan. Geothermal systems will heat and cool the buildings. The Marcus Garvey Apartments were outfitted with a solar panels and a battery storage system in 2017 in an effort to increase resiliency and lower electric bills. The expansion will also include landscaped courtyards, a bike storage room, and a shared resident lounge.
A rendering of one of the new buildings at Marcus Garvey Apartments. Image courtesy of L+M Development PartnersHundreds of affordable units have come online in Brownsville over the past few years, with dozens more slated to open over the next few years.
“What we need to address NYC’s housing crisis is more truly affordable housing built for all members in the community, which the Marcus Garvey Apartments will help bring to Brownsville,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, in a statement. “Brownsville deserves the best housing that meets the needs of residents, from people returning from incarceration to families doing their best to make ends meet. Thank you to Governor Hochul and the many partners coming together to prioritize important projects like this that uplift whole communities.”
“New York’s Bravest” want to look more like New York.
The Fire Department announced a new campaign Tuesday aiming to diversify its rank-and-file with hundreds of new recruits from all walks of life in the Big Apple.
FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh announced the call to arms, dubbed “All Heroes Welcome,” at the department’s Downtown Brooklyn headquarters on May 14. Officials say they are urging qualified residents to transform themselves from everyday New Yorkers into the next generation of New York City firefighters.
“We are looking for young people from around the city to do something special with their lives, looking for a job that is more than a job, a career that is more than a career,” Commissioner Kavanagh told amNewYork Metro. “This really is a high stakes, critical thinking job.”
“We are looking for young people from around the city to do something special with their lives, looking for a job that is more than a job, a career that is more than a career,” Commissioner Kavanagh told amNewYork Metro. “This really is a high stakes, critical thinking job.”Photo by Dean MosesThe new recruitment effort is focused on providing opportunities to the Black and Brown communities of New York, between ages 17 and 29. Historically, the department has been made up of primarily white men — something which has led to court battles over alleged discrimination.
In 2002, the Vulcan Society, the fraternal organization of Black firefighters, brought a class-action lawsuit against the FDNY for what they cited as discriminatory hiring practices. The case led to a federal judgment against the city for violating state and city human rights laws, and a settlement in which the City of New York agreed to change the Fire Department’s recruitment goals.
FDNY officials said Tuesday that they are working to hire more men and women of color. To help get this message across about the FDNY’s opportunities, Black and Brown firefighters in attendance for the campaign launch touted the positives of the job — and the pride they feel as being recognized not only as local heroes, but also as representatives of their respective communities.
“I’m from Coney Island. There’s not really a lot of black firefighters, people stop me all the time to see I’m the first Black firefighter they know,” said Firefighter Tyrin Torres, who has two years on the job and works out of Ladder 123. “I was in front of the station house the other day and a lady pulled up and said: ‘I’ve never seen black firefighters before!’ It feels good.”
The department says it is not only looking to recruit those from ages 17-29, but also focusing on providing opportunities to members of the Black and Brown community. Historically the department has been made up of primarily white smoke eaters.Photo by Dean Moses “All Heroes Welcome.”FDNYShanah Laroche, a Black female, began her career as a member of EMS before transferring roles to becoming a firefighter. She said she was inspired when she saw another Black woman in the role, and hopes she is able to be a similar inspiration for another person.
“I had seen someone that looked like me in the fire department. So, the first time I did see one, I said: okay, this is something that I can do,” said Laroche, who works out of Engine 309 in Brooklyn and has also been on the job for two years. “The most rewarding thing is when little girls see a woman firefighter, they get very excited.”
Currently, 28% of firefighters are minorities, with 16.5% identifying as Hispanic, 10% Black, 2.5% as Asian, and less than one percent as Native American. Additionally, 1.6% of all firefighters are female, according to department statistics.Photo by Dean MosesCurrently, just 28% of firefighters are minorities, with 16.5% identifying as Hispanic, 10% Black, 2.5% as Asian, and less than one percent as Native American. Additionally, 1.6% of all firefighters are female, according to department statistics.
This new recruitment rollout will see subway advertisements and job fairs, all in an effort to spread the word.
Exams are set to open on June 24. Those interested can sign up at firefighter.joinfdny.com or email recruitment@fdny.nyc.gov for information on how to register for the firefighter’s exam.
After 40 years of chronic underfunding, the City is once again cutting the budget for Parks — a move that will have devastating impacts on communities across Brooklyn.
Brooklyn has the least amount of green space per resident. It is home to neighborhoods with some of the fewest number of parks and some of the worst health outcomes in the entire City. The current budget cut — $55 million and 900 staff — places our parks and open spaces at risk, with funding and staff for necessary services like basic maintenance and trash management greatly reduced or eliminated altogether.
That’s why we’re calling on the City to reverse these cuts and dedicate at least 1% of the City’s budget each year to providing our parks with the funding they not only need but deserve.
Our parks aren’t just essential spaces to connect with nature — they are critical living infrastructure, forums for democracy and opportunity, and places of healing and community building. They are free, accessible gathering places where people of all ages come together to improve their health, relieve stress, and build stronger relationships.
As the leaders of We Run Brownsville, a community-based nonprofit that works to improve health outcomes for Black and Brown women in our neighborhood, and Prospect Park Alliance, the nonprofit that sustains Brooklyn’s flagship park, we’ve seen firsthand the many important roles that safe, clean, green spaces play in the health and vibrancy of our communities.
Since 2020, our parks have seen an unprecedented increase in usership. As COVID drove New Yorkers outdoors, people found our parks as safe spaces for finding peace of mind, socializing with their neighbors, and exercising. Brooklynites are loving their parks more today than ever, and the increased wear and tear is visible in many of our spaces.
Brownsville has the highest concentration of public housing in the country and a visible lack of public green spaces. We Run Brownsville was founded on an ethos of community care, and we applied this lens to our local park, Betsy Head Park, which was in great need of restoration. After years of advocating with the City, our park was completely restored through a major capital investment. But with current park funding, all the work we and the City have done to make our park a vibrant community space is in jeopardy. Without funding to maintain our park, it will fall back into disrepair — a visual reminder of the City’s troubled history of disinvestment in communities with the highest need.
Prospect Park, which welcomes Brooklynites from every zip code in the borough and beyond, provides 585 acres of green space in the heart of Brooklyn. It is home to the borough’s last remaining forest and only lake, and for many Brooklynites is their main connection to nature. The Alliance has restored the park to a haven for our community, but we too rely on the City for basic maintenance, and we too have seen our restored facilities and landscapes fall into disrepair due to lack of resources and a significant increase in visitors. If parks are the great equalizer, then New Yorkers deserve better than this.
The incredible use and love of our parks have made the case clearly: Brooklynites want clean, safe and accessible parks in their communities. Join us in calling on the City to reverse these cuts, commit 1% to parks, and ensure all parks have the same quality of care today and for generations to come.
Sheila Barksdale-Gordon and Dionne Grayman are co-founders of We Run Brownsville and Morgan Monaco is president of Prospect Park Alliance
Clear the Coney Island boardwalk! The historic stretch will soon play host to the 42nd annual Mermaid Parade on Saturday, June 22, as costume-clad Brooklynites prepare to partake in the peninsula’s most popular summer celebration.
Coney Island USA, an art-centered non-profit and sponsor of the beachside event, is inviting mer-men and -women to participate in the parade and float procession that always brings smiles to the crowd.
The Mermaid Parade invites anyone to dress up in costume and strut their stuff down the boardwalk. Adam Rinn, artistic director of Coney Island USA, said the tradition, which started in 1983, is now considered a must-see event for both residents and tourists are alike.
Grab your fins and sew on your fish-nets for the 42nd annual Mermaid Parade on June 22. File photo by Erica Price“It’s such a glorious spectacle,” he told Brooklyn Paper. “Art is a big word. It’s a big field. There’s performance art, there’s music, there’s theatre. We really try to find people who will fit that role and do a great job of it.”
Each year, sponsors are tasked with choosing a king and queen to lead the procession. Rinn and his team aim to choose people who he says represent New York and its vibrant art scene.
This year’s mermaid monarch is Coney Island artist Joe Coleman and his wife, Whitney Ward. Coleman has made a name for himself as a performance artist but more commonly as a painter whose highly detailed work can sometimes take him years to complete. Ward has racked up a couple of awards at previous Mermaid Parades for her flagrant sea-creature regalia.
Fans will be lined up for blocks to get a peek at their costumes come June 22.
“They’re such a perfect couple to be leading the parade this year,” Rinn said.
The 2024 Mermaid Parade will step off at 1 p.m., rain or shine, starting on West 21st Street and Surf Avenue. Marchers will then make their way to West 10th Street, where mermaids and floaters will split. The crowd will continue down the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk until Steeplechase Plaza and Parachute Jump, the official ending of the march.
Afterward, participants and viewers can stick around for a post-parade ceremony on Coney Island Beach.
Mermaids say cheese and strike a pose during the annual fin-tastic march along Coney Island’s most popular avenues. File photo by Erica PriceRinn said people still have time to register to be a part of the sea fare festivities, with just a little over a month left before the big day. Coney Island USA is also still welcoming sponsors to help host the parade.
“It costs a lot of money to put on a parade. As a small not-for-profit, every single penny counts,” he said, adding that every sponsorship they get supports the organization’s long-standing presence in Coney Island. “It goes towards parade production, staff, and whatever we have left over goes towards the organization to maintain our 107-year-old landmark building and the programming we have within.”
For more information on the 42 annual Mermaid Parade, visit Coney Island USA’s website.
The MTA unveiled on Tuesday 17 newly installed overhead electric chargers at a Queens bus depot to power up 60 all-electric buses set to service routes in Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island by year’s end.
The “pantograph” chargers at the Grand Avenue Bus Depot in Maspeth automatically connect to the top of buses, charging overnight from zero to 100% in six hours, with a range of up to 95 miles on a full charge.
With 15 articulated electric buses already on the road since 2019, the move — approved back in 2021 — increases the MTA’s electric bus fleet fivefold — though they still represent a small sliver of the 5,800 buses transporting New Yorkers around the five boroughs.
The buses charge via a “pantograph” at the Grand Avenue depot that automatically connects to the top of the bus.Photo by Ben Brachfeld The pantograph connects directly to the bus from overhead.Photo by Ben BrachfeldThe agency plans to have its entire bus fleet electrified by 2040, meaning it will need to invest substantially in charging infrastructure over the next 16 years. Aside from the 17 at Grand Avenue Depot, another 46 pantographs are being installed at Herkimer Depot in East New York, Brooklyn and Charleston Depot on the south shore of Staten Island — while a curbside fast-charger will power up buses in an hour at the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza bus hub.
“We have been in the business since 1904 of being the greenest game in town of moving New Yorkers,” said Richard Davey, the head of MTA New York City Transit, in reference to the year of the subway’s founding. “Well, we’re gonna become even greener as a result of this investment.”
A console in the bus operator’s cabin shows the bus’s charge level.Photo by Ben BrachfeldThe chargers were funded with $70 million in federal money, including $20 million from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The MTA’s current capital plan includes $1.1 billion to purchase 500 electric buses, which are slated to go into service by 2027. As recently as this year, the MTA was still purchasing diesel buses but by 2029, all new bus deliveries are expected to be electric.
Besides the Grand Avenue chargers, the agency also has 16 overhead chargers at the Michael J. Quill Depot in Midtown Manhattan, which service articulated electric Select Buses on the M14 and M60 routes.
An all-electric bus at the Grand Avenue depot in Queens on May 14, 2024.Photo by Ben Brachfeld The MTA has installed 17 overhead electric chargers at the Grand Avenue depot and has plans for hundreds more.Photo by Ben BrachfeldThe first two buses from the order were on display at the Grand Avenue Depot on Tuesday, situated under the grid-connected, 566-kilowatt chargers installed through a partnership by the MTA, the New York Power Authority and Con Edison. Those buses are undergoing final testing before hitting the road.
The MTA expects the delivery of 470 more electric buses starting in 2027, with an accompanying $188 million investment in 200 more overhead chargers at Grand Avenue and four other depots.
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During Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, two nonprofits have launched a database to report and track incidents of hate and bias against the AAPI and Native Hawaiian communities in NYC.
The new database announced Tuesday, dubbed the AAPI Hate Tracker, collects information on incidents motivated by hate, bigotry, bias or discrimination against Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island (AANHPI) individuals or communities in the city. Anyone who feels they are a victim of this type of harassment or violence can submit an incident report to the tracker.
Those who were not directly involved but have witnessed these kinds of incidents in NYC can also file a report.
“The AAPI Hate Tracker is helping to more accurately assess the reality of AAPI hate in our community while also helping connect victims to support and resources for recovery,” a spokesperson for The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), an organization that helped launch the tracker, said. “Ultimately, we hope the insights generated from the data will help to drive policy recommendations that will help address the root causes of hate, bias, and violence.
A collaborative project created and funded by TAAF and Committee of 100, both organizations that support Chinese and other Asian American individuals and communities, the tracker is also funded by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Cindy Tsai, interim president of Committee of 100, described why a database like this is needed for the Asian American community.
“Committee of 100’s 2023 State of Chinese American survey showed that 55% of Chinese Americans worry about their safety related to hate crimes or harassment, 9% had been physically intimidated or assaulted and 46% felt they were treated with less respect than other people,” she said.
Citywide hate crimesThe NYPD Hate Crimes Dashboard is another resource available to the public that provides information about reported hate crimes in the city, but there are some key differences.
The AAPI Hate Tracker, however, is not a law enforcement agency, and submitting an incident to it does not constitute a police report.
Even so, the tracker accepts reports of both bias incidents and hate crimes, allowing organizers to capture greater data about incidents as they occur.
“Not all incidents rise to the level of hate crimes,” a spokesperson for TAAF said.
Additionally, many Asian Americans wind up never reporting these crimes at all, out of a mix of fears, Norman Chen, CEO of TAAF, explained.
“Our recently released NYC Safety Study uncovered that only 46% of the Asian American New Yorkers who experienced a hate incident in the past year reported it to anyone at all, with barriers including not wanting to bring attention to themselves, not knowing how to report and not feeling comfortable reporting to law enforcement,” Chen said.
Chen added that the tracker is easy-to-use and submissions can be filed anonymously. It can also help provide support and resources victims might need for recovery, including legal, mental health and social service needs, as well as language assistance.
1 in 5 Asian Americans in NYC have been assaultedOther alarming statistics from TAAF’s NYC Safety Study show that 1 in 5 Asian Americans in New York were physically assaulted over the previous 12 months.
Additionally, 83% of Asian American women note public safety as a major concern in NYC, and 1 in 2 Asian Americans here report personally experiencing either insults, harassment, threats or even physical attacks in the previous 12 months because of their race or ethnicity.
The AAPI Hate Tracker is helping to shed light on these statistics.
“As incidents of Asian hate continue to plague our community, it is our hope that this work will have long standing use in understanding the causes of Asian hate and bias and guide us in implementing evidence-based solutions,” Tsai said.
Police pulled a body from the East River near Bushwick Inlet Park on Monday morning, the day after an unidentified man disappeared into the water.
According to the NYPD, cops were first called to the scene at around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. Witnesses told officers that a man had leapt into the water and had not resurfaced. Emergency services units, police boats, helicopters and divers searched the area, but were unable to locate the man.
The search continued on the following morning, and officers recovered the body of an unidentified 20-30 year old man in the river near North 12th Street shortly after 10 a.m. on May 13. Paramedics pronounced the man dead on the scene. An investigation is ongoing as of Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Dozens of people have died after intentionally or unintentionally entering the East River along Brooklyn’s shoreline. In 2014, cops recovered the body of a local fashion designer from the river after a suspected suicide. The same year, a 21-year-old man went missing after he drunkenly dove into the river near the Williamsburg Bridge.
This is a breaking news story, check back for further updates
The politicians Brooklynites turn to for guidance and support just dished out some vital advice — where to grab some grub.
Civic leaders shared their go-to eateries and meals in the first annual “District Dining Guide.” The guide was published earlier this year by the New York Hospitality Alliance, a nonprofit that bills itself as the “leading voice for NYC’s restaurant and nightlife industry.” Since their founding in 2012, the group has worked to promote Big Apple bars, restaurants, nightclubs and more.
With the District Dining Guide, the group has worked to bridge the gap between government and local business — and, when it comes to deciding where to eat and what to order, local leaders have got Brooklyn covered.
Here are the eateries highlighted by elected officials in the inaugural guide:
Shalom Japan (310 Fourth Ave., Park Slope)Where is the Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso grabbing a meal? None other than Shalom Japan on Fourth Avenue. Reynoso said when he’s hungry, he’s heading out to order the Sake Kasu Challah and Matzoh Ball Ramen.
“Shalom Japan is one of Brooklyn’s shining culinary examples,” he said in a statement. “There’s nothing more Brooklyn, and delish, [than] a fusion of Jewish and Japanese cuisine.”
Fin Du Monde (38 Driggs Ave., Greenpoint) Council Member Lincoln Restler, who represents Greenpoint, Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill and Williamsburg, said he’ll order just about anything from his favorite spot, Fin Du Monde. From the salmon and chicken to the burgers and fries, Restler calls the menu “awesome.”
“This amazing nabe spot is just a husband and wife: Christian and Mona. They cook, clean, make cocktails — all of it. It’s as cozy as it is delicious,” Restler said.
Say cheers to some of the best eats in Brooklyn, according to the people who help run it. Elina Sazonova/PexelsSazon Perez (417 S. Fourth St., Williamsburg)If locals are looking to try a traditional Dominican breakfast, Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez of District 34 recommends the Tres Golpes from Sazon Perez. The authentic breakfast includes fried Dominican-style salami, fried cheese, and fried eggs served alongside mangú, mashed plantains.
“Amazing Dominican food and incredible community-based service,” she said. “A classic spot for Los Sures families, workers and anyone passing through.”
Sofreh (75 St. Marks Ave., Prospect Heights)Brooklyn is known for celebrating culture through arts and entertainment programs, but they represent diversity most deliciously through their plethora of tasty restaurants. Council Member Crystal Hudson said one of her favorite places to eat is a Prospect Heights spot with international roots.
“Serving traditional Iranian food with a modern twist, it provides comfort and cuisine in equal parts,” she said, noting the owner’s unique story. “As chair of the City Council’s Committee on the Aging, it’s also special to know Sofreh was opened by Nasim as her lifelong dream at 60+ years of age.”
She recommends getting the tahini and date salad, lamb shank with herb rice and saffron rice pudding.
Yafa Cafe (4415 Fourth Ave., Sunset Park)Up next is a Yemenis spot Council Member Alexa Avilés swears by.
“Yafa never disappoints,” said Avilés. “Its portions are perfect. Flavors and coffee are on point.”
The politicians said it’s too hard to pick just one of her favorite meals from the Sunset Park eatery so she suggested ordering the Sunset Sammy, a yummy twist on an egg and cheese sandwich, chicken and waffles, a chicken sandwich and of course the Yemeni coffee.
Shaxian Snacks (818 60th St., Sunset Park)Council Member Susan Zhuang of District 43 has a go-to treat that Brooklynites are sure to love whether they’re eating out or looking to order in. The Chinese restaurant serves all of the best: dumplings, noodles, soup, wontons and more.
“Shaxian Snacks is cheap and delicious. My go-to [is] the soup dumplings,” Zhuang said.
Bamboo Walk Caribbean Restaurant (1343 Utuca Ave., East Flatbush)Finding an authentic Caribbean dish is an easy feat in Brooklyn. If locals are looking for a taste of the Islands, Council Member Farah Louis recommends the fish and chips from this East Flatbush spot off of Utica Avenue.
“Black-owned East Flatbush gem featuring divine Caribbean cuisine, community ties and beautiful atmosphere for both casual dining and special outings,” Louis said in a statement.
Trini Jam (9501 Flatlands Ave., Canarsie)Another City Council representative, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, said Brooklyn can’t go wrong with dishes from delicious Trini Jam. She recommends starting with the firecracker shrimp appetizer before ordering the chicken roti.
“Trini Jam is a great spot with a terrific atmosphere, delicious food and best of all it’s owned and operated by a couple who live in the neighborhood,” Narcisse said.
Aleli (7804 3rd Ave., Bay Ridge)District 47 Council Member Justin Brannan is the only pol to suggest a local Mexican eatery. He recommends Aleli, no matter the occasion.
“Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or you wanna hang for a few hours with friends, Aleli is just a chill Mexican spot,” he said.
His go-to meal is an order of vegetarian nachos, paired with several mezcal margaritas.
Michael’s of Brooklyn (2929 Ave. R, Sheepshead Bay)
Council Member Inna Vernikov of District 48 says she’s a regular at a spot Sheepshead Bay residents are sure to love. Michael’s, a family-centered Italian eatery, serves up traditional Italian meals from warm and cold antipasti and pasta dishes, to all the entrees and desserts locals could dream of.
When asked to share her thoughts, Vernikov said Michael’s hits all the marks.
“Excellent food, traditional Italian, great service,” she said.
More eatsThe Hospitality Alliance hopes to release the District Dining Guide each year going forward, and to reach out to additional New York electeds. In the meantime, New Yorkers can browse the picks of pols across the five boroughs by checking out the guide, and residents can find their district and representative by looking up their address online.
State Senator Julia Salazar, representing parts of Ridgewood and neighboring areas of Brooklyn, presented a $1.735 million check to the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center on Friday, May 10, to help the hospital upgrade its maternity ward.
Salazar’s funding, allocated to the hospital through a capital grant, would help provide the medical center with modern facilities for new and expecting parents, hospital staffers explained.
President and CEO of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Ramon Rodriguez guided Salazar on a tour of the 12th-floor maternity ward. Rodriguez praised the senator for all her support and said the new upgrades provide a more integrated process for maternity care.
“Before, there were two floors that were part of this delivery process. Now there’ll be one room,” Rodriguez said, acknowledging the team of doctors and medical professionals who made it possible to run the maternity ward.
Dr. Ralph Ruggiero talks with Senator Julia Salazar on a tour of the maternity ward at Wyckoff Hospital.Photo by Anthony MedinaHospital leadership also spoke on some of the challenges faced before the upgrades were made, including parents having to share a bathroom with other patients and being kept a floor away from their babies after birth.
Patient Care Manager Dr. Christine Hooker, alongside fellow doctors Ralph Ruggiero and Dr. Daniel Faustin, talked about how the new upgrades are meant to reflect an at-home environment where parents can be close to their newborns and health care.
“Our goal is to make sure that the nurses can take care of mother and baby,” said Hooker, with additional focuses on providing advanced labor and delivery training to medical staff and improved postpartum care.
Although the project has yet to reach completion, the rooms will provide specialized bedding for mothers and additional floor space for visitors and guests. Another section of the room is dedicated to the newborn’s bassinet, directly across from the patient’s bed. The bathrooms, the highlight of the renovations, provide quick and easy accessibility for parents.
One of several rooms at the Wyckoff maternity ward given upgrades to help care for patients.Photo by Anthony MedinaSenator Salazar, having pledged $3.5 million for the renovation of the Women’s Pavilion at Brooklyn’s Woodhall Hospital in the past, has continued to advocate for more female care access in her district and reinforced the need to help bring more funds to Wyckoff.
“Of course, we care about Wyckoff because it’s here in our community, but also in the context of maternal health in New York State,” Salazar said. Recognizing that in New York as a state, beyond the incredible work that you all do at Wyckoff, we have a lot of work to do to close the gap when it comes to inequality and inequities in health care, including maternal health care.”
President and CEO of Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Ramon Rodriguez, Senator Julia Salazar, Dr. Christine Hooker and Dr. Ralph Ruggiero hold up the check worth $1.375 million for maternity ward upgrades.Photo courtesy Kevena Hammond/ Wychoff Heights Medical CenterHospital staffers say they look forward to fully utilizing the new rooms and having to prevent keeping parents and their babies apart on separate floors. The Wyckoff Doulas Save Lives Program is also expected to benefit from the upgrades, as Doulas provide childbirth and after-care services for women.
The springtime sun is bringing Kings County back to life, drawing Brooklynites out by the thousands to enjoy the borough’s lush parks and sandy beaches.
They’re accompanied — though they don’t always know it — by thousands of species of wildlife doing just the same thing. Spring is migration season, when roving species return home or pass through the city on their way to greener pastures, and for those who call New York City home, it’s also time to start raising little baby animals.
Spotting wildlife in the city — aside from rats and pigeons – can feel unlikely. But if you know where to look, and what to look for, unusual animals are all around.
A yellow warbler, one of dozens of migratory bird species who move through New York City each year. Photo courtesy of Jane Gamble/National Parks ServiceFor Chris Altieri, the founder of the NYC Plover Project, appreciating the city’s wildlife started during his daily trips to Prospect Park in the first months of the pandemic.
Altieri, who now helps to educate about and protect some of the city’s most fragile birds, hadn’t given much thought to Brooklyn’s avian visitors.
“It wasn’t until I went out there and I found this community of people who were just so excited about these little birds in particular called warblers,” he said. “These warblers are just like little rays of sunshine, and little candy-colored bursts that just appear in the trees.”
Those sweet-singing, brightly colored warblers stop over in Prospect Park every year on their journey from Central and South America to the northern U.S. They’re joined by tanagers, orioles, and many more birds who need a place to rest and recoup on their thousand-mile trips.
Warblers, like the Nothern Parula, are “candy-colored” songbirds common during spring migration. Photo courtesy of Neal Lewis/National Parks ServiceBird watching surged in popularity during the worst of the pandemic as New Yorkers took solace in the outdoors, watching as migratory birds — not bound by the lockdowns — flitted to and fro.
“As a New Yorker, I became very distant from the fact that we are in a series of ecosystems, and I really thank the pandemic for getting me out there, to open up my eyes and look up,” Altieri said. “Sometimes, birds, though, you have to look down. And that’s shorebirds.”
Piping Plovers ‘day trip’ to Plumb BeachNew York City has 14 miles of beaches — and as they fill up with humans during the summer months, they also fill up with birds.
Of particular import to Altiere is the Piping Plover, a seven-inch long, two-ounce shorebird. The tiny beach-dwellers are endangered in New York and threatened across the U.S. — there are only between 6,000 and 8,000 left in the world.
Endangered Piping Plovers nest in New York City by the hundreds. Photo courtesy of Tyler Kuliberda/National Parks ServiceAnd about 50 breeding pairs of them (100 birds total) spend their summers in New York City, raising their cotton-ball sized chicks in fairly tough conditions. They nest mostly in Queens, everywhere from Breezy Point to Fort Tilden.
But the plovers spend a fair amount of time Brooklyn — making “day trips” to Plumb Beach especially, Altieri said — and he expected to see some nests in Kings County as soon as this year.
That’s encouraging news for nature-lovers, but it’s worrying, too. The plovers nest right on the beach, and their nests and miniscule babies are particularly vulnerable. Plumb Beach has become sort of an unofficial dog beach, he said, and off-leash dogs pose a huge risk to Piping Plovers, as do large crowds of humans.
A beach closed for Piping Plovers on Long Island. Photo courtesy of Tyler Kuliberda/National Parks ServiceTo protect the plovers, officials have to temporarily close the portions of the beach where they choose to nest, often to the dismay of beachgoers.
Alteri said he hoped elected officials and everyday New Yorkers alike could learn to love their feathered neighbors, and understand why the beaches must be closed — rather than treating it as a nuisance.
“We just need to look at this through a different lens that’s more positive,” he said. “When people get out there and see these birds, and when they see the chicks, forget about it. It’s melted the most icy hearts, I’ve seen this happen. And they’re just so excited to see these little birds.”
A tiny Piping Plover chick. Photo courtesy of Tyler Kuliberda/National Parks ServicePiping plovers always have four eggs, he said. If one of four survives even a few days, it’s “a miracle,” he said. If they can survive a month, to the point where they can fly, then they’ll probably be able to begin their long migration back to Central America.
“You cannot have a packed open beach and Piping Plovers surviving at the same spot,” he said. “So we have to close down part of the beach, or sometimes an entire beach. It is temporary. It’s like a nanosecond in a human lifetime, but it’s a temporary closure that can actually be the difference of a chick surviving.”
Some birds expand the definition of ‘shore’Piping plovers are one of dozens of shorebirds who spend their summers in Brooklyn — but some favor a more unlikely setting than the picturesque beaches — the Newtown Creek.
The creek, a federal Superfund sight infamous for its deeply-polluted waters, is nonetheless the go-to spot for Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, and even rarer species like Yellow-Crowned Night Herons, said Willis Elkins, executive director of the Newtown Creek Alliance.
Balancing atop their long skinny legs, egrets and herons wade through the shallow waters of the creek, searching for crabs, fish, and other prey along the shore. They’re joined by diving birds — double-crested cormorants and kingfishers — who slice through the water on their hunts.
A Great Blue Heron, one of many wading birds who frequent the Newtown Creek. Photo courtesy of Keith Watson/National Parks ServiceThere’s not much wading space, either, Elkins said, and the fish and crabs who live in the Creek are perhaps not ideal foods for any creature. The state Department of Health recommends that humans eat fish caught in the East River only about once a month, and discourages children and pregnant people from eating any at all.
Of course, the egrets and herons can’t read those warnings.
“But regardless of those challenges, they’re here and they come back every summer,” Elkins said. “So it’s really cool to witness that and see them coming back.”
The much-needed Superfund cleanup of the Newtown Creek still hasn’t started, and isn’t expected to begin until 2032. A full federal scrub is what’s really necessary to restore the Creek and its habitats, Elkins said, but there are some shorter-term projects in the works — like the Newtown Creek Natural Resource Damage Assessment Plan, which is open for public comment until May 30.
It focuses on repairing the damage done to natural resources in the Creek, Elkins said, and is likely to include “large investments” to restoring habitats for fish, birds, mollusks, and more.
“We’re hopeful, again, that this will bring some resources to restore some of those essential ecological pieces that are missing from the creek,” he said.
An osprey makes a meal of a menhaden — one of the most important fish in the ocean. Photo courtesy of Tyler Kuliberda/National Parks ServiceBut in the meantime, there’s plenty to see – even though conditions are tough. In the tide pools along the Newtown Creek Nature Walk, where Brooklynites can get really close to the water, there are more small organisms — fish, eels, jellyfish. A group of school kids on a field trip recently spotted what they thought was a dog fish, a species of small shark.
One fish species was particularly exciting to Elkins – menhaden. The roughly foot-long silver fish aren’t particularly appealing to humans, but they are known as one of the most important fish in the sea. Menhaden are a crucial food source for larger fish, shorebirds and some birds of prey — and even whales and seals.
A little fish brought whales and seals back to BrooklynThe menhaden population is also booming in the New York Bight – a triangle-shaped slice of the Atlantic Ocean between southern New Jersey and the eastern tip of Long Island, including the waters around New York City.
Off the coast of southern Brooklyn, the menhaden have brought back whales, seals, and dolphins.
Gray seal pup sez what up? New York harbor is the cleanest it’s been in over 100 years. This knucklehead is living his best life. @TheWCS @NOAAFisheries pic.twitter.com/uNfSOIFBcB
— Justin Brannan (@JustinBrannan) April 22, 2024
Seals are usually wintertime visitors to New York – as the weather warms up, the seals who spent the colder months snoozing in the city and on Long Island are starting to head north — but some other large marine visitors are getting ready to spend summer break off the southern shores of Brooklyn and Queens.
“Dolphins should be in the bay starting now, when the menhaden come in, and the whales will start coming in now,” said Don Riepe, the former director of the local chapter of the American Littoral Society. “Thirty years ago, we didn’t see seals, we didn’t see dolphins, we didn’t see whales here. They passed through, but now they summer here, because the food resource is here.”
Whale-watching may sound like a vacation activity, but the American Princess whale watching expeditions leave from right here in Sheepshead Bay. Though it’s rare, dolphins have even ventured as far north as Greenpoint.
A humpback whale off the coast of Brooklyn. Photo courtesy of Don Riepe/American Littoral SocietyBut, like Altieri, Riepe is particularly excited about the birds. Migration for shorebirds tends to peak in late May, he said, depending on the weather — clouds and rain aren’t great flying conditions, so they often arrive in waves after a few slow and cloudy days.
“Early on, we’re looking forward to seeing the return of the oystercatchers — one of the first shorebirds to return,” he said. “The glossy ibis, a very iconic species. I’m looking forward to the return of the Great Egrets, because one of them, we’ve named it Edgar, comes and visits me everyday. He lands on my dock and he walks into my house.”
Jamaica Bay, sitting sandwiched between Brooklyn and Queens, is a hugely important estuary for marine life, Riepe said — fish, birds, and even creatures like horseshoe crabs find a safe home there.
Life can be hard for wildlife in New York City, but Riepe is encouraged by all of the city, state, and federal agencies working to protect the animals — and the environmental groups doing the same.
Edgar, the Great Egret who visits Riepe’s home. Photo courtesy of Don Riepe/American Littoral SocietyThe first step to wildlife protection is “to see them,” said Altieri.
“Realize that they are New Yorkers too,” he said. “The next step is to learn a little bit about them … the third step, is maybe [to] become empowered to speak up for them.”
Curious New Yorkers can use the NYC Parks Urban Wildlife Calendar to see which creatures will be popping up in New York City and when; and can learn more about each animal — and report sightings – on the Wildlife NYC website.
“Wildlife sightings tend to get more common as the weather warms and wildlife become more active,” said Richard Simon, director of the parks department’s Wildlife Unit. “Since many species give birth to their young in the spring, this season is a great time for catching a glimpse of baby birds and other young animals. Remember – if you cross paths with wildlife, respect them the same way you would any other New Yorkers, and give them plenty of space.”
Nearly 100 advocates for government-funded child care programs marched to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Manhattan office on Monday to shed light on the lack of funding for such services in NYC.
Child care providers, parents and supporters walked from Bryant Park to the governor’s Midtown office at 633 Third Avenue as part of the third-annual nationwide Day Without Child Care event. At this year’s march in NYC, themed Imagine a Day Without Child Care, participants marched in opposition to the governor’s rejection of $220 million in state funds for child care.
Shanita Bowen, chief operating officer of ECE on the Move, a NYC-based organization that advocates for early childhood educators and families, said it was important for her and others to participate in the march to “immediately” address the state’s omission of funding for the child care industry.
“When the New York state budget dropped, and we saw that there were no more new dollars put toward the workforce, we knew we couldn’t influence the budget at that point, but we had to respond,” Bowen said. “In the State of the State address, the governor promised for the second time — because she did it last year, too — that child care was a priority.”
When amNewYork Metro reached out to the governor’s office for comment, a spokesperson provided several initiatives the governor included in this year’s budget— including $1.8 billion in funding to continue a “historic $7 billion four-year plan” to expand access to child care and improve affordability for families.
The plan also included enhanced rates to “high quality” providers; providers serving homeless families; and providers that serve non-traditional work hours — though it is not yet known how much funding will support this initiative.
Bowen said she and her team at ECE on the Move needed to march today because costs are rising, and it is getting harder and harder for providers to run a business.
“The current market rate system is too low,” Bowen said. “We are being paid maximum in NYC $65 per day, per child. It might sound like a lot, but it’s not because we’re running businesses, we have to pay for things.”
To highlight the issue of rising costs, Bowen brought up the new minimum wage.
“The minimum wage just went up. An assistant is now $16 an hour,” she said. “We can’t afford it but we have to pay it. That means that we don’t get to have our pay. We can’t pay her all those hours, as all educators should get more, and survive.”
New Yorkers march to support child-care fundingUncertainty of NYC fundingThe march was organized just a month after Mayor Eric Adams restored millions in support for education, but left a lot of uncertainty about the status of funding for universal Pre-K and 3-K in the city — a topic that has been a point of contention this year between the mayor, elected officials and child care advocates.
“We don’t need anybody cutting anything for education, and definitely in our area early childhood education,” Bowen said.
She added that additional funding was never given to child care businesses that transitioned from independent providers to joining the Department of Education’s provider network.
Providers over the years made the leap to DOE thinking they would get more students and tap into the DOE’s wealth of resources. But that’s not always the case, according to Bowen.
“If you’re an independent provider and you’re trying to make your way — or trying to make your way — and then you join the DOE, which comes with a lot of curriculum and professional development — shouldn’t you be paid a little more than independent providers? That never happened.”
Organizing child-care marches nationwideCommunity Change Action, an organization that helps support low-income families, organized more than 80 marches nationwide Monday, including in part the one in Midtown, to address a variety of issues pertaining to child care funding across the country.
“Especially after the expiration of pandemic funding, the child care industry was propped up for about two years,” said Samantha Hart, senior communications manager at Community Change Action. “It had been floundering before, but COVID put a spotlight on the cracks in the system.”
Hart added that $1 billion has been granted federally but still falls short of what she said is needed to support child care nationwide.
“We asked for $16 billion, which, by our calculation, was the bare minimum of what would be needed to keep the industry afloat,” she said.
Dorien Warren, co-president of Community Action Change, said he has found a “renewed purpose in organizing for a better child-care system” as he navigates the issue as a parent.
“I’m a parent who relies on child care to be able to work and provide for my family,” he said. “Alongside my wife, I have organized the providers, parents, and children at my child’s care center to walk out and participate in a mini march around the building. As parents, we need to stand with early educators because our system is on the brink of collapse. Providers and families’ livelihoods are hanging in the balance. We need a fully-funded, 21st-century child care system that allows everyone to thrive.”
Viking Fest 2024, an annual celebration of Scandinavian culture and heritage, descended upon Owl’s Head Park on Saturday, May 11, drawing crowds of all ages eager to go back in time — if only for an afternoon.
The event has become a beloved tradition in Bay Ridge, and its roots date back to the early 20th century when the South Brooklyn neighborhood experienced an influx of Scandinavian immigrants. These immigrants, primarily from Norway and Sweden, brought with them their customs, traditions, and a deep connection to their Viking ancestry.
Attendees donned medieval helmets and shield replicas as they enjoyed a day filled with activities that transported them back in time to the era of the Norse warriors.
From scavenger hunts to traditional Nordic folk music performances, there was no shortage of entertainment at this year’s Viking Fest. Performers included Swedish Meatball aka Ellen Lindstrom on accordion, the Clann Eireann Pipe Band and a Middle Eastern dance performance by Arabella Espana.
This couple traveled from the Bronx to Bay Ridge to indulge in cultural food and fun.Photo by Arthur de GaetaAmong the highlights each year is the viking reenactment battle, where skilled performers bring to life the fierce combat tactics of years past. Spectators cheered as the warriors clashed swords and shields on Owl’s Head Park’s sprawling lawn.
Viking Fest wrapped up with medieval court proceedings and final games such as Ring Around a Viking and Clippity Hop Horse Drop.
“We’re happy to be here and we are grateful to not have any rain,” said Victoria Hofmo, founder of the Scandinavian East Coast Museum and organizer of the annual event. “Last year, we had rain, so it’s great to have a little redemption.”
Locals enjoy Viking Fest 2024.Photo by Arthur de GaetaFor many residents of Bay Ridge, Viking Fest holds a special significance, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Scandinavian immigrants who helped shape the fabric of the community.
But Viking Fest isn’t just for those of Scandinavian descent.
“We love it, we come every year and everybody is welcome,” said “Eclectic Ellen” Lindstromon. “This is the melting pot of New York City.”
Viking Fest also serves as the kickoff of Norwegian Day parade season in the neighborhood. Aside from a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, the Norwegian Immigration Association has held a 17th of May Parade yearly since 1952 on the Sunday closest to the name-sake date.
Families got in on the Viking Fest fun.Photo by Arthur de GaetaThis year’s 17th of May Parade will step off next Sunday, May 19 at 1:30 p.m. near Third Avenue and 83rd Street, ending near Leif Ericson Park.
Additional reporting by Arthur de Gaeta
The New York Liberty basketball team and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield joined forces on Friday to mark the fourth year of their partnership with a pep rally at Walter Weaver Elementary School.
The event served as both a kickoff of the 2024 WNBA season and a celebration of the collaboration between the team, the health insurance provider and the East Flatbush school community.
At the pep rally, attendees were treated to a star-studded roster of participants, including Skeery Jones from iHeart Radio’s Elvis Duran & the Morning Show, the beloved New York Liberty mascot Ellie and DJ Ty Michelle, who kept the energy high with spirited tunes.
DJ Ty Michelle poses for a photo during a pep rally hosted by the New York Liberty at Walter Weaver Elementary School in East Flatbush on Friday, May 10, 2024.Photo by Paul Frangipane From left: Victor Bell III of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Principal Ariana Butler-Bass and iHeart Radio personality Skeery Jones pose for a photo.Photo by Paul FrangipanePrincipal Ariana Butler-Bass of Walter Weaver Elementary School and Victor Bell III from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield were also on hand to underscore the importance of teamwork — both on the court and within the community.
This isn’t the first time the New York Liberty and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield have teamed up. The organizations have collaborated to establish a food pantry, distributing over 68,000 pounds of food and offering extensive nutrition education to the Walter Weaver school community.
“We’re really excited about it,” Bell III, director of NY sales and marketing at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, told Brooklyn Paper.
Victor Bell III, director of NY sales and marketing at Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield addresses the crowd.Photo by Paul Frangipane iHeart Radio personality Skeery Jones.Photo by Paul FrangipaneAnd as sponsors of the New York Liberty’s “Women’s Empowerment Platform,” they’ve showcased the work of women business and community leaders in the Big Apple, granting them exposure and VIP experiences during games through the “Shine Loud Sunday” program.
Bell III thanked everyone at the pep rally, and shared excitement about New York Liberty’s upcoming season.
“We definitely want to say to everyone here, thank you so much for all of your support of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, thank you for the relationships we have in the community, the WNBA, the New York Liberty, which we know we’re gonna take the championship this year,” he said.
Johnna Hayward, head of strategy and partnership marketing with the New York Liberty, agreed.
Johnna Hayward, head of strategy and partnership marketing with the New York Liberty.Photo by Paul Frangipane The New York Liberty and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield host a pep rally to celebrate their partnership and kick off the WNBA season, at Walter Weaver Elementary School in East Flatbush on Friday, May 10, 2024.Photo by Paul Frangipane“It’s gonna be a huge, exciting season for us, there’s so much excitement and anticipation around this WNBA season and all that’s going to come with it so I hope to see everyone at Barclays Center this summer,” Hayward said.
The New York Liberty kick off their 2024 WNBA season on Tuesday, May 14 against the Washington Mystics. They’ll then debut at the Barclays Center on Saturday, May 18, facing the Indiana Fever, marking an exciting moment for fans as they watch the team take to their new home court.
Additional reporting by Paul Frangipane
Police in Brooklyn have arrested a 14-year-old boy for allegedly shooting into a strip of stores in February.
Officers cuffed the kid, whose name is being withheld due to his age, on Tuesday, May 7, at approximately 3:50 p.m. within the confines of the 67th Precinct, saying he was responsible for the barrage of bullets that went through a busy commercial corridor located at Rutland Road and East 98th Street in Brownsville on Monday, Feb. 12, at approximately 5:35 p.m.
Immediately following the shooting, the perp fled on foot northbound along East 98th Street toward East New York Avenue to parts unknown before officers from the 67th Precinct arrived, police said.
According to the investigation, no injuries resulted from the incident.
At the time of the incident, police were searching for a male with a medium complexion, approximately 5 foot, 6 inches tall with a slim build, and were able to track down the teen last week — charging him with attempted murder, two counts of attempted assault, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment.
Police were not able to confirm a motive for the shooting or if the perp had an intended target, but said the investigation remains ongoing.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
As organizations across the five boroughs prep for bountiful Pride events in June, South Brooklyn community group GayRidge is spreading the word about — and raising funds for — GayRidge Pride 2024.
On June 2, the group will host its third-annual Pride event at scenic Owl’s Head Park in Bay Ridge, featuring accessible and family-friendly crafts and games, numerous live performances, a miniature pet parade and no cover charge.
Organizers bill the already-popular local event as “a celebration of queer culture in South Brooklyn and a commemoration of the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights,” according to the group. Formed in 2019, GayRidge also hosts a monthly coffee event at City League Coffee Roasters and a monthly book club at Lock Yard in Bay Ridge.
GayRidge co-directors McKenzie Keating, Jason Graubard and Liam Vogel told Brooklyn Paper that they’ve seen a lot of support and enthusiasm for the group’s community events in South Brooklyn over the past few years, including GayRidge Pride.
“I think most people don’t know how many queer people there are in Bay Ridge,” said Vogel. “I’m from Bensonhurst … and I was always under the impression that these South Brooklyn neighborhoods – Bensonhurst, Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge – didn’t have other queer people. And until I heard about GayRidge, I felt like I might be the only trans person in South Brooklyn.”
“It was a shock to me, just how many trans and queer people and families there are here, and I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that,” Vogel added.
Left to right: GayRidge Pride co-directors McKenzie Keating, Liam Vogel and Jason Graubard.Photo courtesy of GayRidgeJust the day before, Keating said, she heard people talking about a queer pool league at a local bar.
“There’s queer visibility in spaces that, ten years ago, we likely wouldn’t have seen,” Keating said.
This year’s live entertainment is being organized by the DIY music collective The Pigeon Pack, featuring a lineup including DJ Evangeline, JBLAZN, Julia Her, Zoe Briskey, The Canvas Collective, and more. Activities will include rock painting with Bay Ridge Rocks, face painting, field games, and a queer pet march (all leashed pets are welcome).
Funds raised via GoFundMe for GayRidge Pride 2024 will be managed by the local nonprofit Bay Ridge Cares. As of May 13, the group has raised over $1,600 toward a $5,000 goal.
With June approaching, GayRidge is also seeking additional volunteers to assist during the event. Those interested in volunteering or learning more about GayRidge’s work and events can visit gayridge.org.
There’s no need to travel out west this summer since the Professional Bull Riding League recently added the New York Mavericks, a team of Brooklyn-based bull riders, to their slate, with competitions kicking off at Barclays Center on Aug. 9.
Cowboys are turning the Downtown Brooklyn venue into an action-packed rodeo for the first time ever and fans are invited to enjoy their new take on bull riding. The sport, which is traditionally an individual-based competition, is coming to the area with a twist. Instead of it being one cowboy versus one bucking bull, 10 cowboys split between two teams will take turns riding to see which team can last the longest and score the highest.
Chris Pantani, general manager for the Mavericks, said this new concept will be much like watching a basketball game, where people will have a home team to root for and an easier way to understand the competition.
“The team concept makes things so much easier for people to follow and get excited about. Plus it gives you someone to root for. You may not know the specific riders or the bulls but you’ll know the New York Mavericks,” Pantani told Brooklyn Paper. “It’s taking a nontraditional Western fan and bringing them into our sport as a way to follow it and be excited about it.”
Put on your spurs and head out to the rodeo this summer.Photo courtesy of New York MavericksAlso unlike other sports, leaders plan to make the team of riders much more approachable than other athletes. This sport is more family-oriented where the audience is invited to get to know the cowboys outside of the matches.
“It’s not like professional teams where we’re kind of hidden away after the event,” Pantani said. “We’re outside signing autographs, talking to people, taking photos at a festival before the event. We’re going to be very rooted in the market itself.”
Rider, Leonardo Castro, attempts to ride a bull during a competition.Photo by Josh Homer/Bull Stock Media.A rodeo may not be the first thing people think of when they think of Brooklyn, but according to Pantani, there’s a lively Western fanbase in New York. The Mavericks’ launch comes after a surge in PBR ticket sales in the area. Unleash the Beast, a league event that’s taken place at Madison Square Garden for the last 17 years, has had three sold-out showings in the last five seasons, with more and more people coming out each year.
The riders will be repping the same colors and helmets this season.Photo courtesy of New York Mavericks“Everyone wants to be a cowboy. It’s chic to wear jeans again and to go to places at night time in a sport coat,” Pantani said. “We’ve seen people coming out to our event at MSG with cowboy hats. They used to bring them in a bag and put them on when they got there, but now it’s okay. It’s part of that Western culture, the persona people want to go back to.”
As the competition gets closer, Pantani hinted at PBR partnerships with local Brooklyn businesses, including entertainment, host hotels and borough-based brands.
The Mavericks have already started their season, riding in arenas across the nation. They’ll make their way to Brooklyn in August for a multi-weekend face-off. Tickets and schedule details can be found on the official PBR website.
“We’ll sell you a whole seat but you may just be at the edge of it,” Pantani said. “We’re ready for some great entertainment.”
Police say they are searching for a gunman who fired wildly into a Brooklyn street on Saturday night and wounded a bystander.
Members of the 83rd Precinct are now working to track down a reckless shooter who rattled off shots near the corner of Wyckoff Avenue and Menahan Street in Bushwick at about 8:25 p.m. on May 11.
While investigators say they are still working to determine who the suspect has been targeting, police say a 38-year-old woman was caught in the crossfire, taking a bullet to her leg.
“The woman was crossing the street when she was hit by the gunfire,” said eyewitness Elizbeth Trotman. “She was crying pretty hard. My prayers go out to her.”
EMS rushed the victim to Brookdale University Hospital, where she is expected to make a recovery.
Police say the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was rushed to Brookdale hospital where she is expected to make a recovery. Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe shooting left many in the area stunned.
“There were cops flying everywhere and that’s strange for this neighborhood,” local Randy Clark said.
“You hear about this stuff happening but to see it up close and personal is insane. I hope the cops catch the suspect as quickly as possible,” Vicki Bloomgarden added.
Law enforcement reported that the suspect, believed to be 27 years old and standing 5 foot 8 and last seen wearing a white t-shirt fled westbound on Menahan Street on foot.
Anyone with information regarding the deadly shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
The incident was part of a busy night for police in Brooklyn. Hours later, the NYPD found a man shot dead outside a home in Brownsville. Meanwhile, police in East Flatbush engaged with an armed suspect and killed him in a shooting that remains under investigation.
Police say they are searching for a gunman who fired wildly into a Brooklyn Street on Saturday night, hospitalizing a bystander.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Brooklyn detectives are looking for the suspect who shot a man to death outside a home early on Sunday morning.
According to police sources, officers from the 73rd Precinct rushed to 2274 Strauss St. in Brownsville at around 12:12 a.m. on May 12 after receiving a 911 call about a man gunned down in the street.
Upon arriving at the home, the officers found a 24-year-old man lying on the ground just outside of the two-story dwelling; he had been shot in the chest and right leg.
EMS rushed the victim to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds at 1:13 a.m. Sunday. Police have withheld his identity, pending family notification.
Police did not immediately have a description of the killer but say detectives are working to determine exactly what took place. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the deadly shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
An NYPD assistant chief accidentally turned a pepper spray gun on himself while working on the Manhattan Bridge Saturday during a chaotic pro-Palestine protest that led to at least 100 arrests, sources said.
According to sources with knowledge of the incident, Assistant Chief James McCarthy, who works out of Patrol Borough Manhattan South and is frequently observed policing protests, was part of the NYPD’s effort to break up a large group of demonstrators marching across the Manhattan Bridge on May 11.
McCarthy — along with a slew of cops — began jostling with protesters who had interlocked arms, resulting in the assistant chief fumbling for a small pepper spray. During the mayhem, sources said, he accidentally had the device pointed in the wrong direction and sprayed himself in the face.
Temporarily blinded, McCarthy was led away by officers with visibly swollen and reddened eyes while calling for an ambulance. He was treated on the scene by having his face repeatedly rinsed with water before being whisked to an ambulance.
Several other officers may have also had some of the substance come in contact with their eyes.
This came during an afternoon of a large-scale, pro-Palestine protest dubbed “day of action” that kicked-off at around 2 p.m. Saturday outside Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Hundreds joined the weekend demonstration that saw arrests begin just minutes into its gathering for infractions such as illegally using a sound amplification device.
However, things apparently escalated when protesters headed over the Manhattan Bridge and marched along the roadway in what police officials denounced as a dangerous move.
“Today, over 100 protestors intentionally blocked lanes of traffic on the Manhattan Bridge,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “More than an inconvenience, this is a public safety hazard.”
Police confronted the protesters from the Manhattan side to halt the effort; in doing so, cops briefly detained some photojournalists and arrested a slew of protesters.
Daughtry released aerial footage of the scene that showed cops prying apart protesters who had locked arms.
Cops shot and killed an armed man in Brooklyn during the early hours of Sunday as he attempted to evade capture, and may have accidentally injured a bystander in the process, authorities said.
According to NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, two police officers and a sergeant from the 67th Precinct were patrolling East Flatbush in a marked police vehicle at around 1:18 a.m. on May 12 when they came upon two men involved in a dispute on 52nd Street and Church Avenue.
Maddrey explained that one of the combatants, a 32-year-old man, allegedly pointed a firearm at the other man — prompting the officers on patrol to intervene.
The sergeant yelled “Gun!” as the responding cops called out for the 32-year-old man to drop the weapon. However, police say he did not heed the calls and attempted to flee.
“The officers exit the vehicle. They approached the men, as they approached, the male with the gun started to run eastbound on Church Avenue,” Chief Maddrey said.
According to NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, two police officers and a sergeant were apparently patrolling East Flatbush in a marked police vehicle at around 1:18 a.m. when the cops from the 67 Precinct apparently came upon two men involved in a dispute on 52nd Street and ChurchNYPD on XLaw enforcement sources said things came to a head near a deli at 5211 Church Ave., when the gunman began to run into the street from the sidewalk.
“One of the officers discharged their taser, the taser momentarily stunned the male. The male got back up and he still had the gun in his hand,” Chief Maddrey continued. “He runs back on the sidewalk and runs back towards 52nd Street. The officers give further commands for the male to drop the gun and they fire their weapons.”
Cops shot and killed an armed man in Brooklyn during the early hours of Sunday as he attempted to evade capture and may have accidentally injured a bystander in the process, authorities said.Photo by Lloyd MitchellPolice fired at least 15 rounds, according to reports, with at least one shot causing the man to collapse. The NYPD did not say how many times the man had been shot.
The responding officers reportedly attempted to perform CPR before EMS arrived; paramedics rushed the wounded man to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Ninety minutes after the deadly police shooting, authorities learned that another individual had walked into a nearby hospital with a graze wound. The NYPD did not provide details on where on the body the man had been hit. Authorities are now investigating as to whether he had been hit by one of the shots police fired.
The case has been presented to the NYPD Force Investigation Division, which examines all police shootings and other uses of force.
Cops shot and killed an armed man in Brooklyn during the early hours of Sunday as he attempted to evade capture and may have accidentally injured a bystander in the process, authorities said. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
A driver speeding away from cops during a police chase struck two women and killed one in Bushwick on Thursday night.
Police said the driver, who has not been identified, fled from a traffic stop near the intersection of Wilson Avenue and Eldert Street in a 2024 Mazda CX-5 at around 5 p.m. on May 9. They then blew through two stop signs on Knickerbocker Avenue, swerved to avoid another car and hit two pedestrians, a 44-year-old woman and a 71-year-old woman, as they crossed Eldert Street.
Both women, who were reportedly mother and daughter, were left unconscious in the road. Paramedics rushed the 71-year-old woman, later identified as Bushwick resident Juanita Vidal, to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. The younger victim, whose name has not been released, was brought to NYC Health+Hospitals/Elmhurst, where she was in critical but stable condition on May 10.
After striking the pedestrians, the driver smashed into a parked van — then leapt out of his vehicle and fled the scene. The investigation was ongoing as of May 10, and police have not yet arrested the driver.
Police chases in New York City have risen significantly under Mayor Eric Adams, news outlet THE CITY reported last year. Chases are supposed to be a last resort, and are supposed to be terminated “when the danger to the public outweighs the benefits of apprehending the perpetrator,” the outlet reported, but some officials said cops are no longer following those policies.
“We are heartbroken to hear that traffic violence killed a 71-year-old woman in Bushwick,” safe-streets advocacy group Transportation Alternatives said on X. “Driving any vehicle at high speeds puts everyone on the street at risk, and police chases are no exception. We need to ban police chases not just in policy but in practice.”
A Crown Heights barbershop is being accused of operating an illegal speakeasy bar after undercover cops gained entry to the venue, which was filled with female dancers earlier this year, according to recent court filings in Brooklyn Supreme Court.
The city started legal action to close Stylz & Cutz R Us at 223 Utica Ave. on May 6 after an undercover sting operation on Jan. 6, when officers reported the barbershop had a makeshift bar, sound system, and female dancers performing.
Prompted by multiple complaints from neighbors alleging the illegal sale of alcohol on the premises, two officers from the NYPD’s Vice Enforcement Division went to Stylz & Cutz R Us to investigate.
According to the officers, they sought entry by knocking on the barbershop’s front door, paid a $10 entrance fee each, and underwent a weapons pat-down by a doorman.
Once inside, the officers said they ordered a drink at the makeshift bar that contained assorted types of alcohol, while several other patrons were purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages. They estimated the premises had a capacity of up to twenty people.
During the operation, the officers said they purchased five drinks of “Hennessy” brand cognac, for $10 each.
Per the lawsuit, records from the New York State Liquor Authority indicated indicated that Stylz & Cutz R Us did not possess a license permitting the sale, consumption, or storage of alcoholic beverages at the time of the undercover operation.
The defendant named in the lawsuit is 223 Utica Avenue LLC, which purchased the property in 2011, according to the Office of City Register. Efforts made to contact the LLC and the tenants of Stylz & Cutz R Us by Brooklyn Paper were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Here’s the scoop!
Häagen-Dazs’ historic Brooklyn Heights location reopened on April 27 after renovations kept it shut for two months. The Montague Street ice cream shop — the brand’s first brick-and-mortar location — was redesigned with “modern romance” in mind, officials said, to commemorate the couple who founded the brand in the 1960s and their love of the city.
“I was very disappointed when I saw it had closed,” said Kate Hawkins, 63, who has lived in the area all her life. “I thought we were going to lose a lovely small piece of the neighborhood’s history. I was confused because every summer I see long waiting lines coming from here, and even in the winter, people come in and out all excited about their ice creams.”
At 120 Montague St., the burgundy awning is gone, replaced by a large Häagen-Dazs sign. Inside the store, there are two murals by Chase Design.
The first mural shows an abstraction of the founders holding each other, eating ice cream cones. The lovers are surrounded by the ingredients that made their ice cream famous — Madagascar vanilla flower, a strawberry and Colombian coffee.
The first of two new murals inside the renovated Häagen-Dazs.Brooklyn Paper Muralist Chase Design with the second mural.Brooklyn PaperThe second mural is of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, cocoa beans and an ice cream cone on the same size scale — all in bright colors.
“We wanted to make sure when you walk in, that you feel the history and you feel the story of where this shop started,” said Adam Hanson, president of Häagen-Dazs Shops.
Hanson said makeovers like Montague’s will trickle down to franchise stores everywhere.
In recent years, the brand has made changes to its packaging too. Currently, all non-plastic ice cream cups and lids are made from 100% compostable material. Their plastic cups are made from around 30% post-consumer recycled content and they plan to continue to work on more sustainable plastic alternatives in the near future. The spoons customers get at the shops with their ice cream cups will transition to compostable materials this year and the straws are made of compostable marine materials.
As part of the Brooklyn community, Häagen-Dazs has a long-time commitment with North Brooklyn Angels, a volunteer-powered non-profit that brings food to where it is needed through a mobile soup kitchen.
The globally known ice cream brand was founded in the Bronx around 1960 by Rose Mattus and her husband Reuben, two Polish-Jewish immigrant visionaries. They met in Poland, migrated to Brooklyn in 1921 and got married in 1936. Reuben started making ice cream when he was a kid, but after marrying Rose, who was avid at marketing their product, the business took off.
A beloved Häagen-Dazs ice cream sundae.Brooklyn PaperTo stand out from competitors, the pair used fresh cream with high butterfat, real egg yolks, and high-quality ingredients for each flavor, such as Belgian chocolate, vanilla bean and coffee beans. Flavor was such a top priority that it took them six years to perfect their strawberry ice cream before launching it. Later, as an homage to its native city, the brand would come up with their now-famous New York Strawberry Cheesecake Dazzler, made with real strawberries and graham crackers. But the main element that made them very popular from the beginning — the density of their ice cream — is the result of an accidental malfunction of the air pump that would have made it puffier, according to Reuben’s autobiography.
The name Häagen-Dazs is just a made-up word. They are not Danish, or any other language, and when asked what it meant, Reuben would say simply, “The finest ice cream that money can buy.”
Brooklynites line up at the reopened Häagen-Dazs in Brooklyn Heights.Brooklyn PaperTo jump-start their business, Reuben offered free ice cream samples to bodegas and grocery stores. Seeing how much love their products received, their daughter Doris opened the brand’s first brick-and-mortar shop in Brooklyn on Montague in 1976. By the 80s, the brand had become a nationwide franchise with sales of about $115 million annually.
In the last 48 years, the store has had four different looks.
“Walking out of here holding delicious ice cream, climbing out those little steps that feel so authentic to the architecture of the building and seeing those colors on the mural,” said Jenny Pfeiffer, 26, who attended the inauguration. “Just to find myself on a beautiful street, it’s amazing.”
Friday, May 10The Spring Makers Show: In need of a last-minute Mother’s Day gift, or just looking to pick up a treat for yourself? The Makers Show is returning to City Point with tons of signature gifts and crafts created by local artists and artisans. This year, the fair features a special guest — the Balloon Flower Shop, where you can purchase beautiful, oversized balloon bouquets of daisies, tulips, roses and more!
Free to attend. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Free to attend. City Point Mall, 445 Albee Square West between Fulton and Willoughby streets in Downtown Brooklyn.
Saturday, May 11Mother’s Day Storytime: Celebrate Mother’s Day with Esmé Shapiro and Daniel Kaufman as they read their wacky new book, “Roy is Not a Dog.” The book follows Weasel and his mysterious neighbor Roy, who Weasel is convinced is a dog. Unable to convince others, Weasel dons his detective cap to prove his point about Roy! This delightful picture book celebrates neighbors and neighborhoods, and delivers lessons about accepting others as they are.
Free, RSVP in advance. 11 a.m. Books Are Magic Montague, 122 Montague St. between Hicks and Henry streets in Brooklyn Heights.
Brooklyn Brew Fest: Need a beer? Sip on some of the best brews, ales and ciders at a craft brew festival. Come out to this event to taste a variety of fermented goods in various styles. If you’ve been looking for a chance to branch out and try new drinks, now’s your chance.
$46.25. 1- 4:30 p.m. Brooklyn Navy yard at 141 Flushing Ave. between Clermont Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue in Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Park Slope Open Stages: Park Slope’s favorite music festival is back! Join the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music for their annual spring music festival. All afternoon long the neighborhood’s stoops, schoolyards, and cafes will be filled with music. More than 150 artists will be in attendance, playing all genres and songs! The performances are sure to delight music lovers of all ages.
Free to attend, donations suggested. 3-7 p.m. Exact locations vary, check online for more information.
Frankie Fest: Frankie Fest is a new rock music festival celebrating queer artists in honor of Frankie Maddox Rex of the FMs, who passed away in 2022. To celebrate his life, the festival is jam-packed with amazing acts, including Pink Velvet Witch, The FMs, Frida Kill, and Miss Cherry Delight. It also serves as an album release party for the FMs new album, Pink + Black, and the band will put on their first performance in four years, and their first ever without Frankie. All proceeds will be donated to the Chosen Family Law Center, which supports queer and trans New Yorkers with free legal services.
$20. 4-10 p.m. Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave. between Stillwell Avenue and West 12th St. in Coney Island.
Sunday, May 12Toasting to Time at Green-Wood Cemetery: Explore history and culture during Toasting to Time, a tour through Green-Wood Cemetery with a side of cocktails. During this journey, you’ll get a glimpse of 1800’s drinking culture, politics, innovations and more. Start your day at the cemetery before heading over to Fort Hamilton Distillery.
$85. 3 p.m. Fort Hamilton Distillery 68 34th St. between 2nd and 3rd avenues in Sunset Park.
- In Manhattan
- In Queens
- In The Bronx
- In the Hamptons
May 1 is recognized by many as May Day or International Worker’s Day, but it is also National Law Day in the United States.
Established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958, Law Day celebrates the rule of law in a democracy, affirms the importance of America’s judicial system, and allows Americans to gain a deeper understanding of the legal system.
The Kings County Supreme Court celebrated Law Day with a slight delay on May 8 in the Central Jury Room of the New York State Supreme Court at 360 Adams St. in Downtown Brooklyn. The event was hosted by Administrative Judges Matthew J. D’Emic and Lawrence S. Knipel, who told Brooklyn Paper that the event was about learning how the judiciary works in a democratic context.
“I’ve ‘only’ been working in a court system for 45 years now, and [Law Day] means everything to me,” Knipel said.
The Hon. Lawrence Knipel and President-elect of the New York State Bar Association, Dominic Napoletano, attend the 2024 Law Day.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThis year’s Law Day theme, “Voices of Democracy,” recognizes that in democracies, “government is of the people, by the people, for the people.” The theme also addresses the threats democracy in the United States faces, particularly during a presidential election year when Americans, influenced by a barrage of far-right wing and far-left wing misinformation and propaganda, are more divided than ever.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez told Brooklyn Paper that Law Day recognizes the importance of the rules of law and to understand that the court system protected democracy and vice versa.
“Many people are concerned about the state of our democracy. When you have any event like today, and you see the diversity that’s in this bench, and you see that it represents all of us,” Gonzalez said. “I think it goes a long way in showing our constituents, our residents of this great city, that democracy is alive and well in our judiciary, and we should have confidence, and we have to continue to support the rule of law and justice.”
Brooklyn’s judiciary celebrates Law Day 2024. Brooklyn’s judiciary celebrates Law Day 2024.Photo by Gabriele HoltermannThe official part of the ceremony began with a procession of the court justices and judges entering the Central Jury Room, followed by the presentation of the colors by the ceremonial unit of the New York State Court Officers Association, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a rendition of the National Anthem, sung by Robert Sandusky III.
Speakers included the Chief Judge of the State of New York and the Court of Appeals, the Hon. Rowan D. Wilson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Of New York City, the Hon. Deborah Kaplan, Administrative Judge of the Criminal Courts of the City of New York, the Hon. Tamiko Amaker, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, President-elect of the New York State Bar Association, Dominic Napoletano, and retired Surrogate Court Judge, the Hon. Frank Seddio.
The Hon. Tamiko Amaker said Law Day honors “the bedrock principles upon which our democracy stands,” and emphasized that in a climate of division and discord, it was more crucial than ever to reaffirm a commitment to the ideals of democracy.
(L-R) The Hon. Nancy Sunshine, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and the Hon. Rowan Wilson attend the 2024 Law Day.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann (L-R) Jacob Gold, the Hon. Michael Pesce, and the Hon. Bernard Graham attend the 2024 Law Day.Photo by Gabriele Holtermann“We must strive to build bridges of understanding, to see common ground, and to champion the values that unite us as a nation,” Amaker said. “So let’s pledge to uphold the rights and freedoms of all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, or background, and let us work together to ensure the voices of democracy continue to echo loudly and rapidly across our land.”
Dominic Napoletano described National Law Day as a celebration of the “resounding chorus of democracy.”
“Democracy isn’t merely about casting votes,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that every voice is heard [and] every voice is respected and empowered.”
Napoletano pointed out that in many parts of the world, even in the United States, opposition was squashed and freedoms curtailed.
“Yet, even in the face of adversity, the indomitable spirit of democracy persists, a beacon of hope, lighting the path forward for a brighter and more inclusive future. In embracing the voices of democracy, we commit ourselves to the principles of equality, justice, and human dignity.”
The Hon. Genine Edwards, chairperson of the Association of Justices of Kings County, had the honor of introducing the event’s keynote speaker, the Hon. Ellen Spodek, president of the Citywide Association of Judges.
Spodek, whose accolades include the Brooklyn Bar Association’s Annual Recognition Award among her many accomplishments, shared that the National Constitution Center and the American Bar Association (ABA) joined forces in this year’s celebration of “Voices of Democracy.” The National Constitution Center and ABA will explore past and present elections through onsite and online special programs, including programs for students from middle school through law school throughout May.
The Hon. Lawrence Knipel and the Hon. Matthew D’Emic played the classic folk song ‘This Land is Your Land.’“I like to think of these two venerable organizations as a real-life example of companion planting,” she said, drawing comparisons to planting certain crops in proximity to one another, benefiting both.
“On this Law Day 2024, we only look at the missions of these two impressive organizations to understand that they blend like wild sunflowers in Congress. I doubt we can find a more symbiotic pairing,” Spodek added. “As attorneys and participants in the court system, we should be proud of the role that we play in ensuring that the voices of democracy continue to be heard.”
To the crowd’s delight, the event concluded with Administrative Judges D’Emic and Knipel breaking out their guitars and channeling their inner Woody Guthrie, playing the classic folk song “This Land is Your Land.”
Art education supporters gathered outside the Brooklyn Academy of Music on May 8 to call for $38 million in program funding, which would ensure each school has at least one certified arts teacher and creative programs.
At the height of National Teacher Appreciation Week, educators joined with Brooklyn leaders including the New York City Arts in Education Roundtable and Music Educators Association of New York City to express the importance of art education and to ask city lawmakers for the protection of public art classes, proper funding and job security.
According to advocates, public schools started to experience a teacher shortage between 2020 and 2023, losing 425 full-time certified arts teachers. Representatives with the NYC Arts in Education Roundtable said 307 New York City public schools are currently going without a creative program.
Brooklyn leaders are asking for better funding, job security and transparency between schools and the city.Photo courtesy of NYC Arts in Education Roundtable.“Dance, music, visual arts, media, literary arts, and theater all have the power to change students’ lives while opening new doors for them to succeed in and out of the classroom,” Kim Olsen, executive director of the NYC Arts in Education Roundtable, said in a statement. “But today, most public school students do not have sufficient access to the arts — and a dramatic decline in arts teachers is making it harder for schools to provide students with the holistic education they need.”
In an open letter to Mayor Eric Adams, leaders said to disinvest in the arts, is to disinvest in a holistic education experience. They said students who engage with an art program are more likely to thrive socially, emotionally and produce better academic results.
“The arts are essential, and our education system should reflect that,” Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said. “Art is a powerful tool that can be used to share information, advocate for what is right, grow a business, or express who we are and what we feel.”
In March, the roundtable partnered with actors, students and educators to create a campaign called It Starts with the Arts. The campaign compiles ways the city could support public schools, including boosting the per-student art allocation from $80.47 to $100, restoring summer programs, securing baseline funding for the Department of Cultural Affairs and increasing data transparency.
“It’s critical that our students grow up with access to these essential skills, and that’s impossible without a robust arts education system that includes teachers of the arts in every school,” Reynoso said.
Southern Brooklyn Council Member Inna Vernikov is being sued for defamation by Russian-language media mogul Gregory Davidzon.
Davidzon alleges in court papers filed May 1 that Vernikov — who represents District 48 — attempted to damage his reputation through the “intentional and/or highly reckless publication of actionable false and misleading statements” about his conduct and character.
The lawsuit does not lay out what the defaming comments allegedly made by Vernikov were, but Davidzon is seeking significant monetary damages.
Lawyers for Davidzon and representatives of Vernikov did not respond to repeated requests for comment from Brooklyn Paper.
Davidzon is often referred to as the king maker of Brooklyn’s “Little Russia” for his political influence over the largely Russian-speaking neighborhoods of Brighton Beach, Sheepshead Bay and Manhattan Beach. This is in thanks in part to his Russian-language newspapers and a radio station, Davidzon Radio, on which Mayor Eric Adams most recently appeared on Oct. 8, 2023.
Prior to last November’s election, Vernikov, a Republican, told the New York Post that Davidzon’s representatives allegedly tried to “extort” $30,000 out of her 2021 campaign in exchange for political ads and the station’s backing. A claim Davidzon’s reps disputed in the same article, calling the claims “false and defamatory.”
Vernikov went on to win the 2021 election and reelection in 2023 with more than 67% of the vote, outperforming Democrat Amber Adler and third-party candidate Igor Kazatsker just weeks after she was arrested for carrying a gun to a protest at Brooklyn College – the charges for which were later dropped.
A new local band is bringing a unique blend of rock and country vibes to Brooklyn’s music scene.
Van Vreeland is a soft rock/country band that formed right here in Brooklyn. The band is made up of Katie Vreeland on vocals, Spenser Naess on lead guitar, Cooper Naess on drums, and Shane Preece on bass.
“We’ve all been playing music in our own worlds for a very long time. During the pandemic, one of my friends introduced me to one of her friends and I was trying to put a band together. It was really hard to find people who are available drummers in Brooklyn,” said Vreeland. “My new friend said ‘My boyfriend’s brother is a drummer, they want to start a country band.’ So I met them eventually, maybe a few months later and we were talking about music and, myself, Cooper, his brother Spencer, we just got together and started jamming one day and the rest was sort of history.”
As you might have expected, the name “Van Vreeland” is derived from Vreeland’s last name. The band name comes from an old nickname that Vreeland had in high school.
Katie VreelandPhoto by Sam Blieden“My cross country and track coach, who was also an English teacher, would call me ‘Van Vreeland’ because it’s super Dutch,” said Vreeland. “I’ve also always been a fan of Van Zant, Van Morrison. I was kind of like, let me go with this.”
According to Vreeland, finding the band’s sound didn’t take too long, especially considering they wanted to have an alt-country sort of twang to the soft rock vibes. Vreeland told amNewYork Metro that some of the band’s influences include artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Tracy Chapman, and the band as a whole are huge fans of the Grateful Dead and Neil Young.
“There’s a fine balance that I personally as a musician and sort of the songwriter of the band, I’m trying to balance this line between that country pop songwriting with solid the hooks that something that you can sing along to or something that feels just like a good, good anthem,” said Vreeland. “So kind of striking this balance between these flavors that we are influenced by and what’s it’s turning into, i think it’s hard to place us amongst our peers.”
To really capture that alt-country sound, the band brings in a rotating pedal steel player as well as Austin Brose on percussion during live shows. However, for Vreeland, it’s super important to not be wedged into a particular music box.
Photo by Sam Blieden“I was actually so excited when I heard Beyonce was releasing a country album and when her first couple of singles came out because I use pop lightly, just very broad but like that pop flavor that has like a good groove to it and that has a little bit of the country flavor to it. I grew up singing along to country radio with my dad, so those flavors are ingrained in me,” said Vreeland. “But at the same time, my mom was putting on everything from The Beatles to The Beach Boys to everything in between. When I heard that she was coming out with that and I heard the music, I was like, yes, now I can point to something and if I had to pick a territory I can take that direction as an aside.”
Last summer, Van Vreeland released their new single “burgundy red,” now streaming on Spotify, and has their first full album in the works. Vreeland says that the response to burgundy red has been overwhelmingly positive from their fans and the public, despite being such a new band.
“I was so overwhelmed with that, being like such a new band and having what looks like a pretty small following. I was just amazed to see how much traction it got right off the bat, said Vreeland. “Someone even on Instagram tagged me in a cover they did of it within the same week and my heart grew five sizes because I was just so excited that I put something out there that people liked enough to listen to it more than once and to do a cover of it. That was really exciting and we definitely wanted to get more music going after that.”
Van Vreeland has a show coming up at Ridgewood’s Jones Bar on May 17. Vreeland says that those who come by a Van Vreeland show can expect good vibes and music you can really groove to.
“When we’re working on songs, I’m thinking about how this is gonna feel as like a live performance. I want to feel fun, so even our slower songs still have sort of like a groove that you can move to,” said Vreeland. “It’s pretty, it’s fun and easy. It’s fun and energetic, easy listening.”
Keep up with Van Vreeland by following them on Instagram @van.vreeland.
Van VreelandPhoto by Sam Blieden
Major capital reconstruction work on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway’s crumbling cantilever in Brooklyn Heights is now not expected to commence until 2028 at the earliest, Department of Transportation (DOT) officials conceded on Wednesday — two years after the last administration said the span could be unsafe for travel.
Under questioning from Councilmember Lincoln Restler, in whose district the crumbling cantilever sits, DOT executive deputy commissioner Paul Ochoa admitted that major reconstruction work will likely not commence for another five years, following the federal government’s rejection of city grant applications to redesign the maligned section of highway.
Without federal infrastructure funds, the money in the DOT five-year capital plan for the BQE stands at $174 million — not enough to pursue the administration’s full or partial reconstruction plans. The money will go towards minor, “spot” repair work in the interim to shore up the cantilever’s structural integrity, and environmental reviews.
“The funding is currently aligned with the construction timeline of the BQE. The current funding we have is enough for all the interim repairs and all the environmental work that is happening,” said Ochoa. “The current capital timeline of calendar ’28 start is what we are operating under.”
The 2028 start date for construction is a year later than the timeline DOT presented to the public before the feds declined to fund the project.
“It’s good to understand there’s nothing happening for at least five years of substance,” said Restler.
Ochoa did note that City Hall could “move the money up” if circumstances allow for an earlier start date.
The patchwork interim repairs will be important to keep the structure in operation. In 2020, an “expert” panel convened by then-Mayor Bill de Blasio warned the Robert Moses-era triple cantilever could be unsafe for travel as early as 2026.
Two years later, in 2022, the Adams administration presented a number of proposals to “reimagine” the city-owned cantilever, which would either partially or completely reconstruct the cantilever’s retaining wall and cover up the unsightly expressway with greenspace connecting the Brooklyn Heights promenade with Brooklyn Bridge Park. It also left open the question of keeping the highway at its present four-lane configuration or restoring it to six.
The plans, which would cost $5.5 billion, were not received well by local elected officials and neighborhood groups, some of whom sought a bolder plan to reimagine or even tear down the urban highway.
Then in January 2024, the Biden administration rejected $800 million in federal grant applications crucial to pay for redesigning and reconstructing the cantilever. The Federal Highway Administration at the time declined to state a reason for the rejection but said the grants were highly competitive.
The city did, however, win a $5.6 million grant under the “Reconnecting Communities” program, but that applies to the state-owned sections north and south of the city-owned cantilever. The program aims to invest in infrastructure creating community space in neighborhoods divided by urban highways in the 20th century.
In addition to spot repairs, the DOT hopes to prolong the BQE’s lifespan by enforcing weight limits against heavy trucks using the span. Last year, after a long delay, the agency finally started enforcing weight limits using motion sensors, a first for an American highway. Trucks weighing over 80,000 pounds are not supposed to use the BQE, but more than 10% of the trucks on the span are estimated to be overweight.
State sen. Zellnor Myrie launched an exploratory committee Wednesday to challenge Mayor Eric Adams in next year’s Democratic mayoral primary.
Myrie — who represents central Brooklyn neighborhoods including Crown Heights, Park Slope and Prospect Lefferts Gardens — is the second potential candidate to take on the city’s incumbent chief executive in 2025. Former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who has been fundraising since January, also launched an exploratory committee to run for mayor.
Myrie said he is running because New Yorkers “tired of the showmanship.” File photo by Ximena Del CerroIn a statement, the state senator said he is running because the New Yorkers he speaks to tell him they are “tired of the showmanship.”
“What people want to see are results. New Yorkers want to see their government working relentlessly to make this city affordable, safe, and livable — and that’s why I’m taking the first steps to explore a race for mayor in 2025,” he said.
Moreover, Myrie — an Afro-Latino native of central Brooklyn — said he is running to restore the “promise and opportunity” that has vanished from the city since his parents immigrated here from Costa Rica half a century ago.
“As a state Senator, attorney, and housing advocate, I’ve been fighting to make New York affordable and livable for working and middle-class families,” Myrie said. “We need to build a city where families can find good housing in a safe neighborhood, schools to care for and educate our kids, and leadership that is laser-focused on solving our city’s challenges.”
Myrie has served in the state Senate for six years, in the same seat once held by Adams, since he ousted its former occupant Jesse Hamilton in a 2018 Democratic primary. Hamilton — a close Adams ally — was among a group of centrist Albany Democrats who caucused with Republicans and were defeated by reformers such as Myrie that year.
In Albany’s upper chamber, Myrie has championed reforms in elections, criminal justice, housing and other areas — including efforts to implement early voting in the state and passing a law to seal criminal records after a certain period.
Myrie’s potential bid comes as Adams faces mounting controversies that could threaten his re-election campaign.
Adams is dealing with a number of issues that may threaten is future candidacy. File photo courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office The incumbent mayor is contenting with record-low poll numbers, a swirl of investigations into his campaign fundraising and the activities of close aides, a sexual assault lawsuit, and backlash over his handling of the city budget.
Adams has not been accused of wrongdoing and fiercely denies the sexual assault claim. Yet, Hizzoner still holds the inherent advantage of incumbency, along with a sizable campaign war chest and support from critical power players including key unions.
Adams’ campaign could not be reached for comment.
Other potential mayoral candidates who have not yet formally announced a bid for the city’s highest office include Queens state Senator Jessica Ramos, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
Two women were assaulted in Fort Greene in the span of just three days last month, according to the NYPD.
The first incident occurred at the Walt Whitman Houses public housing development on Carlton Avenue on April 22, when a 46-year-old woman was stabbed five times by a strange man wielding a pair of scissors.
A 46-year-old woman was stabbed at Walt Whitman Houses. Photo courtesy of Google MapsCops said the victim, who was not identified, was stabbed three times in the abdomen and once in the thigh and breast, and told police she was also punched in the face by the assailant. She was treated at Brooklyn Hospital for non life-threatening injuries.
A 55-year-old man was arrested at the housing complex the following morning in connection with the assault. According to police, the man told officers he assaulted the woman over a verbal dispute they had in which the woman “was being disrespectful.”
Three days later, a 71-year-old woman was punched in the face as she walked to work.
The victim, who remained anonymous, was at the corner of St. Felix Street and Lafayette Avenue at 9:30 a.m. when a stranger sucker-punched her in the face, police said. causing her to fall to the ground and further injure her face and right knee. Her injuries were treated at a local clinic.
Cops released a photo of the suspected assailant before cuffing him on May 8. Photo courtesy of NYPD/CrimeStoppersThe suspect fled the scene on foot on Lafayette Avenue, prompting a days-long search by police. On May 8, cops cuffed 48-year-old Bancroft Wright in connection to the attack, charging him with assault in the second-and-third degrees, reckless endangerment, and harassment.
Year-to-date, crime is down slightly in the 88th Precinct, where both incidents occurred, per the latest police data. A total of 256 major felonies have been reported in the precinct so far, down .39% from the same time last year. Assaults are down 3.3%, from 61 to 59.
The investigation continues into a wild Williamsburg carjacking attempt on Tuesday night that ended with gunshots and a collision that left a pedestrian injured.
According to police, the incident unfolded at around 7:30 p.m. on May 7 outside of 420 Kent Ave. when a gunman apparently attempted to rob the driver of a Lamborghini.
Police marked bullets on the scene. Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe driver apparently put the pedal to the metal in an attempt to zoom away, prompting the robber to fire off several shots.
“I heard the gunshots from my rooftop, I was showing my parents around who are visiting,” a nearby resident said. “I thought it was firecrackers.”
During the chaos, police said, the Lamborghini driver apparently lost control of the vehicle and swerved into a nearby pedestrian. The 20-year-old man was left injured and covered in blood, leading local residents and responding officers from the 90th Precinct to believe initially that he had been shot.
“I was getting ready to move my car, I heard the gunshots. I saw the man lying on the side of the car,” an eyewitness said.
Witnesses said they thought the pedestrian had been shot. Photo by Lloyd MitchellBut an investigation concluded that the victim had actually suffered numerous lacerations after being struck by the out-of-control Lamborghini. Paramedics rushed the victim to Bellevue Hospital, where he is expected to survive. The driver, meanwhile, is not expected to face any charges.
Police say they are still searching for the gunman who initiated the mayhem. No arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Crime is up year-to-date in the 90th Precinct, according to the latest NYPD data. The overall rate of major felonies has jumped 6.43% compared to last year, though grand larceny auto has decreased somewhat — 41 car thefts have been reported in the precinct year-to-date, compared to 44 during the same time period last year. Shooting incidents are also up slightly in the precinct.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork.
An endangered sei whale died in what may have been a ship strike at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook on Saturday.
The federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the 44-foot-whale was found dead on the front of the cruise ship MSC Meraviglia in the Port of Brooklyn on May 4.
It was not immediately clear how the whale died — it may have been killed when it was hit by the 1,036-foot-long ship, or may already have been injured or dead at the time of the strike.
The MSC Meraviglia, which reported the dead whale caught on its bow, docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Photo courtesy of MSC CruisesNOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, said spokesperson Andrea Gomez, and the whale was necropsied on May 7. Scientists collected evidence from the whale, which will help biologists determine if it was hit before or after it died.
An MSC Cruises spokesperson confirmed the whale was found on the bow of its ship as it approached the Port of New York, and said the company notified authorities immediately.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of any marine life,” the rep said. “We have comprehensive measures in place to help avoid collisions, such as training all our deck officers with the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) and we follow regulations designed to protect whales and other marine life. This includes altering itineraries in certain regions to avoid whales and we will continue to evaluate and update our procedures with our partners and the authorities.”
Sei whales, which can grow to be up to 60 feet long and have a lifespan of 50 to 70 years, used to be abundant in the U.S. and around the world, but up to 300,000 of them were killed by commercial whalers in the 19th and 20th centuries, according to NOAA.
Now considered endangered under the Endangered Species Act, scientists don’t know the exact number of sei whales living in U.S. waters — though an estimated 6,000 were reported to be living near the East Coast in the mid-2010s, according to NOAA.
While whaling is now largely prohibited, human activity still poses a huge threat to sei whales and other whale species — ship strikes and fishing nets often kill or injure whales.
A humpback whale, one of five whales living in the New York Bight. File photo courtesy of Julie Larsen Maher/WCSAt least 16 large whales have died along the East Coast so far this year, according to the Associated Press, and 82 died in 2023. According to a report by the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, 11 whales were killed by suspected or confirmed ship strikes in New York and New Jersey last year, but none were sei whales. In 2016, a sei whale beached itself and died near the Brooklyn Army Terminal. At that time, an Army Corps of Engineers spokesperson told Brooklyn Paper it was “unusual” to find sei whales beyond The Narrows, unless they were caught and dragged in my a ship.
Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, director of the Ocean Giants Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society, told Brooklyn Paper that little is known about sei whales in New York and New Jersey. But, he said, acoustic monitoring shows that the whales have a low-level presence in the area all year, with a peak in March through May.
During a three-year whale monitoring project by the state’s Department of Conservation, two groups of sei whales were spotted in the New York Bight in 2018 and 2019.
“While the investigation into the suspected cause of death for this sei whale is still on-going, the risks to large whales from ship-strikes remain a great concern in our region,” Rosenbaum said.
In an email, Gomez said NOAA encourages mariners traveling along the East Coast to slow down, stay alert, and report any injured or dead whales.
The MSC Meraviglia — the ship the whale was found caught on — docked in Red Hook for the first time last spring. It is the first cruise ship to launch from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal year-round.
Crime continued to fall across the five boroughs during April, the NYPD reported Monday.
The overall 4.9% decrease in major felonies around the five boroughs — nearly 500 fewer major crimes from the April 2023 total — also included a substantial 23% reduction in transit crime, according to the NYPD’s statistics.
Murders fell in April by 30.3%, the NYPD reported, with 23 slayings reported last month — 10 fewer than the total reported in April 2023. Another violent crime, felony assaults, also fell during the month by 1.9%, with 2,270 such incidents reported — down from 2,314 in April 2023.
Shootings also continued to plummet citywide, the NYPD reported, with 15.5% fewer incidents and 65 fewer people wounded in shootings last month as compared to April 2023. NYPD members also continue to get guns off the streets at a fierce clip; April 2024 saw more than 581 firearms seized by the department, for a total of 2,189 seized guns during the first four months of the year.
Decreases were reported in auto thefts (down 10.9%, with 1,134 cases against 1,273 incidents in April 2024); burglary (down 10.6%, 1,003 incidents) and grand larceny (down 6.9%, with 3,772 incidents).
However, on the flip side, hate crimes have continued to increase in April, driven in large part to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. There were apparently 64 hate crimes last month, compared to 46 last year. Exactly half of the 64 hate crimes were driven by antisemitic acts, police said.
Additionally, there was a vast increase in arrests – outside of protests – in April, with 227 for major crimes – a 5.4 percent climb compared to the same month last year.
So far this year, the NYPD has arrested 1,624 more people than in 2023, which the department credits toward “precision-policing,” focusing on illegal vending, prostitution, and unlawful motorized scooters and bikes.
“Managing crowds and ensuring protesters’ First Amendment rights is just one aspect of professional policing,” top cop Edward Caban said. “Whether it is a large-scale, pre-planned event or an impromptu demonstration centered at a New York City institution of higher learning, the men and women of the NYPD efficiently handle everything they face with dignity and dedication. And New Yorkers should also be proud that, in every neighborhood, their police officers continue to achieve extraordinary results in the areas of crime prevention and mitigation. They truly are the best at what they do, and they will never be deterred from their primary mission of public-safety.”
A Brooklyn man was arrested on Thursday and charged with aggravated sexual abuse and other crimes for attacking a 15-year-old girl at the Halsey Street subway station in Ridgewood nearly three months ago.
Christopher Santana, 31, of Bedford Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant, was taken into custody and booked at the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill in a forcible touching and robbery case that was being investigated by detectives out of the 104th Precinct in Ridgewood.
Santana is accused of approaching the girl as she waited for an L train on the northbound platform just after 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, and shoving her to the ground. He then allegedly picked her up and forcibly kissed her on the face while he groped her private parts over her clothing before forcibly taking her cell phone, police said, adding that Santana fled the station onto Wyckoff Avenue. The victim was not physically injured during the attack.
An NYPD spokeswoman could not provide further details on how Santana was collared in the 102nd Precinct, where he was booked on charges of aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, acting in a manner injurious to a child and robbery. His arraignment is pending, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.
Abolitionist Place park, a public park that commemorates Brooklyn’s abolitionist history, is finally open to the public after at least 20 years of planning, multiple controversies, several iterations, and many delays.
The 1.15-acre park at 225 Duffield Street opened today, officials told Brownstoner Monday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, giving Downtown Brooklyn locals a much needed green space in an area that has become heavily developed in recent years.
With the tulips already gone, and the allium yet to bloom, the expanse is indeed very green. This morning visitors strolled on the paths and sat on benches, though police shooed people and dogs away from the dog run, playground, and other areas, saying the park would open Wednesday.
The new Abolitionist Place Park on Monday.Photo by Susan De Vries A sign welcoming guests to the new green space.Photo by Susan De VriesIncluded in the park, bordered by Albee Square and Willoughby and Duffield streets, are a number of planted areas with a mix of native plants and colorful flowers, an interactive water feature that will be turned on in hot weather, a children’s playground, a central lawn, a paved area with boulders, seating including benches, and a small dog run. The landscape architect for the project is Hargreaves Jones, and the landscaper is Wetlands.
Initially slated to open with the city-owned park, a public art display honoring the area’s abolitionist past will be installed in coming years following a recent change of artist.
Jennifer Cass, SVP of capital programs at the city’s Economic Development Corporation, which has been behind the park’s construction, told Brownstoner it had “been a labor of love to see this turn into a green space for the community and really just open space where the community needs it.”
She said the agency had collaborated with the community throughout the design and construction process, and incorporated local feedback, including the need for a dog run. However, not everyone in the community was happy about its inclusion, and protesters in 2021 demanded more recognition of the area’s abolitionist past.
As well as the dedicated spot for dogs and the children’s playground, Cass said, there is a lot of flexible space included in the park to cater to different activities and users. The mild grade changes throughout are designed to create a rolling meadow-like effect, giving a sense of movement and elevating the planted areas, she said.
Planted areas surround the paved parts of the park.Photo by Susan De Vries A playground within the park.Photo by Susan De VriesMeanwhile, Regina Myer, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, which will operate the park, said she was thrilled opening day had arrived after many years of the construction fence ringing the site.
“We see this park serving everybody in the neighborhood, certainly children, certainly residents, certainly people who are staying at the hotels, office workers in the buildings, both at Brooklyn Commons, Willoughby Square. It’s really an exciting location for us to have this new open space,” Myer said.
As well as maintaining the park, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership will also manage public programming, starting next Thursday with a story hour, she said. “We’re really looking to build community from the ground up in terms of loving this park,” she said. “This is going to be a park that’s really well used, there’s no doubt in any of our minds.”
She said the park will follow the usual city rules, and will be closed from 1 a.m. through 6 a.m. Dogs and furniture will not be allowed on the lawns, and the park will be patrolled, she said.
The dog park.Photo by Susan De Vries Photo by Susan De VriesPreviously named Willoughby Square Park, the project dates back to at least 2004 when the city rezoned Downtown Brooklyn as part of its Downtown Brooklyn Plan. Using eminent domain, the city seized and demolished private houses associated with the 19th century abolitionist movement and Underground Railroad, as well as a group of tenement buildings at 402-406 Albee Square evicting dozens of families who had lived there in rent-regulated apartments for decades, to make way for new privately developed towers and the public park over a high-tech underground parking garage for more than 700 cars.
While skyscrapers quickly rose in the area, the parking garage project stalled multiple times and the park’s future looked murky until the city took over the site in 2019. Dropping the plans for the underground parking lot reduced the project budget from $80 million to $10 million.
In 2021, the park was renamed Abolitionist Place to commemorate the 19th century abolitionist movement in Brooklyn. The EDC pledged to fund a public art installation that honored the area’s history as part of the park’s construction. It was recently announced that Brooklyn-based multimedia artist Kenseth Armstead would take over from artist Kameelah Janan Rasheed after Rasheed and the city “mutually agreed” to part ways on the project, in the words of a rep for the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs.
Rasheed’s proposal for the public art installation was shrouded in controversy from the get-go, with community members accusing the EDC and Public Design Commission of lacking transparency in the artist selection and project approval, and of dismissing local input.
Photo by Susan De VriesArmstead, who was the runner up to Rasheed in the initial PDC selection process, presented conceptual visualizations of the art installations to Brooklyn’s Community Board 2 in April, whose members unanimously voted to recommend the project to the PDC. His presentation described his two planned installations, titled “True North – Every Negro Is a Star” and “Conductors.” Armstead characterized the works as symbols of freedom for Brooklyn that “work in concert.”
“True North, Every Negro Is a Star” will take the form of a 16-by-33-by-33-foot patina-etched and perforated steel dome, which gives the appearance of stars shining through the steel and guiding the viewer from below. In his presentation to board, Armstead said the goal is to connect the viewer to the “stark facts” of the trans-Atlantic slave trade “with a physical reminder, a point of light, for each of these lives.”
“Conductors” depicts figures in the African diaspora and beyond who helped the formerly enslaved people achieve freedom, including James Newton Gloucester, Willis A. Hodges, Mary Joseph Lyons, and Harriet and Thomas Truesdell. The installation, which was incorporated into the project based on community feedback, will take the shape of embossed, etched, and perforated steel panels with stars and profiles of the figures facing north. “These works allow viewers to engage the abolitionist, face to face, on a human scale,” Armstead said in the presentation.
The temporary park in 2019.Photo by Susan De VriesNonprofit group Friends of Abolitionist Place, which helped saved neighboring 227 Duffield Street from demolition and is organizing to have it turned into a museum called the Abolitionist Heritage Center to “celebrate Brooklyn’s unique role in American Civil Rights history,” has long advocated for the inclusion of a “Sisters of Freedom” monument to be included in the park.
“I am pleased to say I am really inspired and full of hope after attending a briefing of artist Kenseth Armstead’s proposal for Abolitionist Place park,” Friends of Abolitionist Place co-founder Shawné Lee, who is daughter of the former owner of 227 Duffield Street Joy Chatel, told Brownstoner over email Monday. “He is very transparent regarding his intention and research, and has kept Friends of Abolitionist Place informed and updated. He is very knowledgeable and has shared his studies with the community. Mr. Armstead has without hesitation taken the initiative to listen and obtain key facts and is respectful of the history regarding the Abolitionist movement in Downtown Brooklyn. I look forward to seeing his vision manifest.”
Armstead previously told Brownstoner he was working with local stakeholders, including Friends of Abolitionist Place, about how their visions could be wrapped into his proposal. As well as the community feedback process to take place through the community board, the project will also go before the Public Design Commission for conceptual review, which includes opportunity for public testimony that could influence his design. The public art project will likely take two to three years to complete.
In the meantime, visitors will be able to enjoy the natural beauty on display at the park, which was already being appreciated ahead of the opening on Monday afternoon, with one passerby noting to Brownstoner “the park is amazing.”
Joji Florence, who was walking past with their family, said they didn’t know it was slated to open so soon, and said it was great to have the open space in the densely built up area. “For environmental reasons, mental health, social, emotional reasons, [it’s important] to have these sorts of respites and places to enjoy each other and nature at the same time,” Florence said.
This story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site Brownstoner.
Police say they are investigating after a man was shot in the leg late Monday night outside of an apartment building in Brooklyn that has a long history of violence.
According to police sources, cops from the 73rd Precinct rushed to the Noble Drew Ali Plaza Housing Corporation located at 230 Lott Ave. in Brownsville at around 11:10 p.m. on May 6.
The arriving cops discovered a 37-year-old man lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the right leg.
“He was bleeding from the leg,” resident Natasha King said, explaining she saw the man lying near the building’s elevator. “The cops rushed him to the ambulance along with the paramedics.”
Police say they are investigating after a man was shot in the leg late Monday night outside of an apartment building in Brooklyn that has a long history of violence.Photo by Lloyd MitchellThe victim apparently told police that he was outside of the building “watching the game” when an unknown gunman began firing. It is unclear if he was the intended target.
The wounded man was whisked to Brookdale University Hospital, where he is expected to recover from his injuries.
“There were a bunch of shots fired. He was screaming loud for help,” another witness said.
The Noble Drew Ali Plaza has a history of violence dating back decades to the 1980s. A Washington Post profile in 1991 noted that the buildings had been riddled with bullets at the time, and residents suffered from the scourge of drug- and gang-related violence.
“He was bleeding from the leg,” Resident Natasha King said, explaining she saw the man lying near the building’s elevator. “The cops rushed him to the ambulance along with the paramedics.”Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
A luxury “resort-style” development is rising on the Williamsburg waterfront.
Williamsburg Wharf, a 3.75-acre development on Kent Avenue just north of Division Avenue, will include more than 800 residential units across five luxury high-rise towers, according to developer Naftali Group, and thousands of square feet of commercial and retail space. The Real Deal has previously reported the project will include both rental units and condominiums.
A ground-level look at one of the residential towers. Image courtesy of DBOXEach of the residential towers — designed by firms like Brandon Haw Architecture, Rockwell Group, and Ward + Gray — is slated to have its own separate entrance and private amenities, per the developer. According to New York YIMBY, the developer has previously announced that the Wharf will include a private cinema, outdoor pool, coworking space, and more — plus a shared lawn for residents.
“Williamsburg Wharf represents an extraordinary vision for the last developable site along Williamsburg’s East River shoreline,” said Miki Naftali, chairman and CEO of the Naftali Group, in a statement. “We are excited to introduce a new neighborhood and truly urban resort-style destination to future residents in this highly desirable neighborhood.”
The multi-million-dollar development will also include a public waterfront park, which will extend the walking and biking path that snakes along much of the Williamsburg waterfront, and a new pedestrian path connecting to Kent Avenue.
A rendering of the future waterfront park and pathway. Image courtesy of DBOXConstruction of the first phase of Williamsburg Wharf is expected to wrap up by the end of 2025, and sales will launch later this year. Pricing is not yet available, but a four-story condo at one of Naftali’s Manhattan buildings sold for nearly $68 million last year.
The project will join a number of existing and in-development luxury buildings on along the waterfront — just a short walk up Kent Avenue sits Two Trees’ Domino Sugar site, home of One South First, 325 Kent, and One Domino Square.
“At Naftali Group, we have shown our tremendous support for New York City over the past three decades and our latest venture is a testament to our unwavering commitment to long-term investments in New York City,” Naftali said. “This master-planned development – designed by some of the finest architects and designers in the world – demonstrates our continued confidence in the strength of New York City and our promise to always deliver the highest quality residences to the market.”
Since day one, our administration has had a clear mission: protect public safety, rebuild our economy, and make our city more livable for working-class New Yorkers. Every day, we are delivering on that vision. We have recovered all the private-sector jobs lost during the pandemic, one year ahead of schedule; overall crime is down across the city this year, and we are improving the quality of life for the 8.3 million New Yorkers who call this city home.
At the start of our administration, more than 10 percent of our Black brothers and sisters were unemployed and, as recently as last January, Black New Yorkers were four times more likely to be unemployed than white New Yorkers. But new economic data shows that we have cut the racial employment disparity in half and Black unemployment is now down to its lowest point in half a decade. We have narrowed this gap by delivering new opportunities to communities across the five boroughs that have been overlooked for far too long, leading to high unemployment. However, our work is not done.
That’s why we launched Jobs NYC, our campaign to bring hiring halls with both private- and public-sector job opportunities to communities experiencing high unemployment. Additionally, our Small Business Opportunity Fund has helped people of color open small businesses, and we have had two straight fiscal years of city and city-affiliated agencies awarding minority and women businesses over $6 billion in total awards.
For our young people, especially young people of color, we are helping them discover their passion through our Pathways to an Inclusive Economy, Summer Rising, and Summer Youth Employment programs. And our Green Economy Action Plan is building an economy of the future with real pathways to family-sustaining careers. This is what building an inclusive economy can and should look like.
Last week, we took another big step forward with the launch of our “Run This Town” advertising campaign that encourages New Yorkers to apply for city jobs because we want more New Yorkers to join Team New York and help us run this town!
The campaign is about connecting New Yorkers to good-paying city jobs and career opportunities — careers that support families, help pay bills, and build the future of our city.
New Yorkers interested in helping us run this city, or even applying for jobs in the private sector, can visit our new jobs portal at jobs.nyc.gov.
Additionally, thanks to commonsense reforms towards our minimal qualification requirements for certain entry level city jobs, including removing college degree requirements for numerous positions, it’s easier than ever to apply for a city job. We have thousands of open jobs in city government, from school safety agents to tech roles and more. Our benefits have also never been stronger either.
We transformed city government to be more family-friendly for thousands of employees by expanding both paid parental and family leave for non-union city workers — doubling paid parental leave for non-union employees, from six to 12 weeks, and providing up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for those caring for a seriously ill family member.
I entered public service because I saw that people were being left behind and wanted to make a difference. Now, I want to help recruit the next generation of leaders who will help us build a more equitable New York City.
Our administration understands that a job is more than what we do in the waking hours of our lives. A job is what enables us to achieve the American Dream. That is why we have made historic investments to connect New Yorkers with the career and training opportunities they need to earn good-paying jobs. We remain committed to making sure that all New Yorkers, particularly those in Black and Brown communities, share in the prosperity of our city.
Our administration is embarking on a new, exciting chapter in New York City’s history, and job seekers have an opportunity to write it with us. Together, we can make New York City the best city in the world to live — and work — in.
On Sunday, April 28, over 21,000 runners filled the streets during the Brooklyn Half Marathon, a 13.1 mile race through some of the borough’s most iconic locations.
And, on May 18, more than 25,000 people will fill the streets for the Brooklyn Half Marathon, a 13.1 mile race through some of the borough’s most iconic locations.
The difference? The April race, officially called the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon, is hosted by the Brooklyn-based running organization NYCRuns. The May event — the RBC Brooklyn Half — is hosted by the New York Road Runners, which is best known for the hosting the annual TCS New York City Marathon.
People running in the 2024 NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon. Photo courtesy of Jessie Alcheh/NYCRunsBoth events are commonly referred to as “the Brooklyn Half Marathon,” and the similar names have caused confusion among runners — at least according to Road Runners, which filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against NYCRuns in federal court in February.
In the suit, Road Runners accused NYCRuns of “misleading consumers” by using the name Brooklyn Half Marathon, which Road Runners trademarked in the 1980s. NYCRuns launched its Brooklyn Marathon in Prospect Park in 2011, according to the organization’s website, and the half marathon in 2018.
The full marathon was discontinued after the 2023 race — leaving only the NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon.
Per court filings, Road Runners alleged that NYCRuns named their race similarly to the Road Runners event “with the intent to confuse consumers and capitalize on the enormous goodwill” associated with Road Runners’ Brooklyn Half Marathon.
Runners pose with their medals after the 2023 RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon. File photo by Erica PriceSome runners have registered for the NYCRuns event thinking they were signing up for the Road Runners race, the lawsuit states, or have even signed up to volunteer for the wrong race.
That’s particularly problematic because volunteers at the Road Runners Brooklyn Half are guaranteed entry for the race the following year, and many runners participate in Road Runners’ 9+1 program, to earn entry for the TCS New York City Marathon.
In a February Reddit thread about the lawsuit, several runners shared that they or their loved ones had accidentally registered for the wrong race due to the near-identical names.
On April 26, the news site Gothamist mistakenly used a photo of the RBC Brooklyn Half finish line in a story about the NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon. Though the photo was quickly swapped out and a correction added, several readers commented on the mixup, noting “this is why [Road Runners] is suing NYCRuns.” Brooklyn Paper itself made a similar mistake in 2021, when it used a photo of the Road Runners event in a story about the RunNYC Brooklyn Half (that photo has since also been swapped out.)
Gothamist mistakenly used a photo of the NYRR Brooklyn Half finish line in a story about the NYCRuns event. Screenshot via XIn the suit, Road Runners asked the court to force NYCRuns to stop using the trademarked Brooklyn Half branding, and to instruct the U.S. Patent and Trademark office to deny NYC Runs’ 2021 application to trademark “Brooklyn Marathon & Half Marathon.”
“The real goal here, and the goal for our client, is to make sure that the confusion that we’re seeing stops,” said Kimberly M. Maynard, who is representing Road Runners in court. “Having people sign up for the wrong race, or volunteer for one race thinking that will get them credit to get a position at the next race. The expectation, and normally the way these things are resolved, is through a total name change.”
NYCRuns declined to comment on the lawsuit.
In its response to Road Runners’ filing, the organization denied the accusations of co-opting the Brooklyn Half name and of violating trademark law, specifically stating in court documents that it “denies the allegations … that it is infringing any trademarks owned by NYRR and that it needed authorization from NYRR to use the NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon or Brooklyn Marathon & Half Marathon marks.”
Runners at the finish line of the 2022 NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon. File photo by Jennifer PottheiserThe two organizations previously tried to come to an agreement out of court, the documents show, after Road Runners reached out to NYCRuns in February 2023. Those negotiations “haven’t been fruitful,” Maynard said, which prompted Road Runners to file suit.
In court documents, NYCRuns alleged Road Runners did not have sufficient claims to enforce their trademark or have NYCRuns’ trademark application denied, and said “NYRR’s Brooklyn Half Marks are weak and unenforceable with respect to the conduct of NYCRuns.”
Discovery is expected to be completed in September, per court documents, and the parties have until February 2025 to move to dismiss or settle the case. If no agreement is reached by then, it may head to trial.
Police in Brooklyn are searching for a hit-and-run driver who injured a mother and her child last month, authorities confirmed.
According to police sources, the 33-year-old mother was crossing East 16th Street and Quentin Road in Midwood with her 8-year-old son and daughter at around 4 p.m. on April 28 when the driver of a black sedan traveling southbound suddenly put the car in reverse.
Authorities said the driver ultimately struck the mother and daughter before speeding away toward Quentin Road.
EMS rushed the family to Maimonides Hospital where it was discovered the 8-year-old girl suffered a fractured arm while her mother complained of back pain. Her son was unharmed.
With the driver remains on the lam and refuses to come forward, the NYPD have released surveillance footage of the vehicle in hopes it will be recognized, leading to the arrest of the operator.
Anyone with information regarding the driver’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
The Badass Animal Rescue is bringing back Woofstock Badass Spring Fest this weekend in Park Slope!
Today, Saturday, May 4, from noon to 5 p.m., President Street (between 3rd Avenue & Nevins Street) will have a full doggie-friendly take-over. The street will be transformed into a hub for dog-loving fun, filled with food vendors, local artisans, activities, and entertainment. Look out for face painting stations, a doggy kissing booth, a magician for dogs, a dog agility course, and so much more.
Photo by Rich Fury/providedAll are welcome to the free event, celebrating Woofstock Badass Spring Fest’s ninth year running. Highlighting the amazing work of The Badass Animal Rescue, over 30 adoptable dogs will be at the event ready and eager to find their forever homes. You can meet these furry friends at the adoption event held from noon to 3 p.m. A raffle will also be held to support Badass’s ongoing rescue efforts and their lovable pups.
Cyrus and Dolly at Woofstock in 2023Photo by Rich Fury/providedBadass Animal Rescue is a foster-based rescue organization focused on the rehabilitation and adoption of dogs found in high-kill shelters. The organization is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, helping to rescue dogs in rural American South and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Since 2011, the animal rescue has worked tirelessly at their goal of finding loving families for over 3,600 dogs.
Cody at Woofstock 2023Photo by Rich Fury/providedKrista Almqvist, Executive Director at Badass Animal Rescue, shares she is thrilled to see Woofstock hit President Street again.
Bradley Cooper (not the real Maestro) at Woofstock 2023Photo by Rich Fury/provided“This event is all about bringing the community together for a day that celebrates every aspect of what makes Badass so special. Our largest free community event filled with fun, dogs and celebration. All are welcome so come join us!”
Badass with support from a local favorite Canal Bar will host a day of fun for dogs, dog lovers, or anyone excited to have a good time and support a good cause.
Anders at Woofstock 2023Photo by Rich Fury/provided Drawing the raffle at Woofstock in 2023.Photo by Rich Fury/provided
The City Council has called for an investigation into the use of the NYPD’s official social media accounts after some brass have used them to publicly criticize both elected officials and members of the press.
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens) made the formal request to the Department of Investigation’s Office of the Inspector General (IG) for the NYPD. The request came a day after Chief of Patrol John Chell posted on X (formerly Twitter) a since-deleted post publicly criticizing City Council Member Tiffany Cabán for her condemnation of the NYPD’s actions in breaking up pro-Palestine protests at Columbia University and City College earlier in the week.
Speaker Adams wants the IG to “urgently conduct an official investigation and review that produces a subsequent report on the NYPD’s policies, practices and operations related to its use of social media.” She believes that high-ranking NYPD officials have used the official accounts to target “public officials and members of the public in ways that can be construed as intimidating, dangerous and veering into political activity, in conflict with city laws and policies.”
“The recent deployment of official NYPD social media accounts to aggressively target public officials and civilians in our city, use dog whistles that can lead to threats and violence, and convey inaccurate information, is dangerous, unethical and unprofessional,” the speaker said in a May 3 statement. “New Yorkers rely on agency officials to provide essential information, and these latest activities diverge from the department’s core mission and responsibilities. This recent behavior undermines public confidence in the department at a time when public safety requires stronger trust, and sends a bad message to the rank-and-file officers of our city simply wanting to perform their basic duties.”
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.John McCarten/NYC Council Media UnitFor weeks now, Chell has used his X platform as a bully pulpit to berate elected officials and reporters who take a critical view of the NYPD’s actions. It began in March and April when Chell, Chief of Transit Michael Kemper and Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry used their official X accounts to criticize Daily News columnist Harry Siegel for a piece regarding subway crime.
Chell, Kemper and Daughtry accused Siegel of purposely publishing misinformation in an effort to slur the NYPD. After the Daily News corrected some factual errors in Siegel’s column, the NYPD posted on its official account a word of thanks to the Daily News, but also called Siegel “Deceitful.”
ScreenshotChell also used his X account on March 29 to criticize progressive advocate Olayemi Olurin, who challenged Mayor Eric Adams about allegedly “fearmongering” subway crime in an interview on radio’s The Breakfast Club. The chief of patrol went as far as to challenge Olurin to attend the funeral of slain Queens Police Officer Jonathan Diller the following day.
Since these incidents, Chell defended his actions with other members of the press. On April 2, he said it was essential for he and his colleagues to respond quickly to reports that they believe are inaccurate or defamatory against the NYPD.
“From my point of view, if you are going to go after our cops and say nonfactual things, if you are going to dismiss a cop’s death on a radio show, we are going to respond back,” Chief Chell said at an April 2 briefing. “We are going to start pushing back and I think the issue is people are not used to it.”
An hour after the City Council publicly announced the requested IG probe into NYPD social media activity, Chell again took to X and seemingly indicated he would continue his pugnacious social media approach — linking back to Daughtry, the NYPD’s official X account, and Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Tarik Sheppard.
“We @NYPDDaughtry @NYPDnews @NYPDDCPI had, and will continue to have, a strong weekly platform to tell our story,” Chell wrote on X. “A platform to highlight the daily work of the greatest police department in the world. This is now a two way street with our reach hitting millions!”
Chell has publicly insisted the posts on his X account are his own, as some speculated whether the NYPD had others involved in his and other official accounts. After Chell’s post targeting Cabán was deleted Thursday, he reposted his original response to the Council member and said “it was an accident” that it was erased the first time.
ScreenshotCabán — who was a cosigner of a NYC Progressive Caucus letter to Mayor Adams sent on Friday seeking an investigation into Chell’s social media activity, alleging it violates the Conflicts of Interest Law — wrote on X that it was time for Chell to face “consequences for his gross misconduct,” and referenced his past departmental history which included a fatal shooting.
“The deleted tweet is a reminder that Chell is used to just sweeping away his misdeeds, like when he fatally shot a man in the back, lied about it in court per the jury’s findings, and not only kept his job but got promoted. Enough,” she wrote.
Queens City Council Member Tiffany Caban speaks at a City Hall rally on July 13, 2023.Gerardo Romo / NYC Council Media Unit
How sweet it is!
A new art installation in the lobby of the Refinery at Domino pays tribute to the historic 11-acre Domino Sugar factory site and breathes new life into an old, iconic sign.
The repurposed sign welcomes guests into the lobby of the Refinery at Domino. Photo courtesy of Etienne Frossard/Two Trees ManagementTwo Trees Management, the Brooklyn-based real estate firm behind the site’s redevelopment, commissioned visual artist Virginia Overton to transform the famous yellow Domino Sugar sign into an 11-by-36-foot hanging sculpture. The piece now welcomes guests to the Refinery — the site’s sprawling office space.
Overton, known for re-contextualizing common materials, said working with old sign was a dream.
“The opportunity to work with salvaged material from the Refinery has been a boon,” she said in a statement. “Reusing existing materials as a way to extend the life of objects is integral to my practice. It was a privilege to be able to work with a piece of history from America’s industrial heyday and reimagine this historic artifact as a sculpture that honors the sign’s storied past while embracing its possibilities for the future.”
Pieces of the sign in Overton’s studio. Photo courtesy of Virgina Overton/Two Trees ManagementThe Domino Sugar Factory, once the world’s largest sugar manufacturer, reopened last September as a 15-story, 460,000-square-foot office building. It was originally constructed on the Williamsburg waterfront in the mid-19th century and became known for its enormous sign, visible from across the river, which was installed in 1969 and designed and manufactured by New York’s Artkraft Strauss Sign Corporation.
In 2014, the original sign was dismantled to make way for the building’s redevelopment. Today, the building features an LED replica of the original sign atop the structure — while its original display remains in the lobby, preserved but reimagined by Overton.
A snap of the original refinery and sign. Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Public Library/Two Trees Management“The Refinery at Domino and its bright Domino Sugar lettering is a New York City icon that has remained a symbol of Brooklyn’s waterfront and industrial heritage for over 150 years. It was incredibly important for us to ensure this lobby exhibition serves as an homage to its roots, and Virginia’s work does a beautiful job at honoring the life cycle of this artifact,” said Kate Gavriel, director of cultural affairs at Two Trees Management, in a statement. “We are honored to have worked with such an incredible artist whose artwork has brought our key values of reinvention and adaptive reuse to life.”
The Domino Sugar Factory closed in 2004, paving the way for one of the borough’s largest redevelopment plans.
The newly-reopened refinery feature a new LED replica of the original sign. Photo courtesy of Max Touhey/Two Trees ManagementProgress on the project includes the opening of Domino Park in 2018, which features design elements paying homage to the site’s industrial past, while the completion of the first residential towers — One South First and 325 Kent — in 2021 marked significant steps in the ongoing development.
When the Domino mega-project is complete, it will have almost 3,000 apartments, including a set number of affordable units, as well as 600,000 square feet of commercial office space and 200,000 square feet of retail. Just last month, luxury condominium sales began at One Domino Square, the site’s third high-rise residential building.
A Brooklyn-based vocational training initiative recently unveiled a set of custom benches constructed by formerly incarcerated Brooklynites in front of the Oculus at the World Trade Center.
The group of eight craftsmen created the handmade seats during Brooklyn Workforce Innovations’ Brooklyn Woods program, a 10-week training which taught them the basics of woodworking and introduced skills they could use in their future careers.
Scott Peltzer, director of Brooklyn Woods, founded the program 24 years ago as a way to help unemployed, low-income New Yorkers with skills training and development for a career in woodworking and fabrication.
He worked hands-on with each team member to produce a final project that they all were proud of.
“The opportunity to build these benches in that space really gave the participants an overwhelming sense of pride,” Peltzer said. “To be involved in this and to install them and to be able to take their families to the Oculus Plaza was enormously gratifying for them.”
The benches can be found in the pedestrian plaza right outside of the World Trade Center in Manhattan. Photo by Chris Facey Eric Pagan, who participated in the program, said he worked in carpentry before being incarcerated, but he never thought he’d be able to return to the workforce. Before finding Brooklyn Woods, he had been volunteering for various community services but this was the first time he saw a future in carpentry after being in jail.
“The exciting thing for me is, while I was incarcerated I was thinking to myself, what am I going to do when I get outside? I can’t do what I used to,” he said. “I found a little niche. That program wasn’t just a program. It opened me up to a lot of possibilities and opportunities that I could’ve never dreamed of.”
Pagan said the rest of the woodworkers were amazed at the decision to install the benches in a location where millions of people can use them. Not only did they get to create a great final product, but now their work could be shared with the rest of the community.
Eric Pagan, a Williamsburg and Sunset Park native, was grateful for the chance to use a skill he loved and hopes to teach others in the future. Photo by Chris Facey “Me and the other cohorts had no idea of the enormous work that was going to be involved or that it was going to be displayed,” he said.
Because of his past work, Pagan was able to take on a teaching, father-figure role to other participants. He now hopes to lead a program similar to Brooklyn Woods in the future.
“A lot of people out there who don’t fit into regular sorts of office-type jobs are looking to be able to work with their hands,” program director Peltzer told Brooklyn Paper. “Most of the people who come to our program are very interested in learning a skill and something that they can use for the rest of their lives.”
The benches were made through a partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. They can be found near 50 Church St., in the pedestrian plaza right outside of the World Trade Center in Manhattan.
A Brooklyn man was indicted by a Queens grand jury on charges of manslaughter, drunk driving and other crimes for a fatal collision in Astoria that killed his long-time girlfriend and mother of their young child in February.
Ray Perez, 27, of Caton Avenue in Flatbush, was arraigned Thursday in Queens Supreme Court on a 13-count indictment charging him with vehicular manslaughter for allegedly speeding through a stop sign in Astoria, colliding with another vehicle and slamming into two parked cars, and then driving nearly four miles away to a street in Maspeth before seeking help for his 29-year-old girlfriend Bridget Enriquez, who later succumbed to her injuries.
“A mother’s life was taken due to the alleged reckless actions of the defendant who is accused of getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking and then failing to immediately get help after his passenger was seriously injured,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
According to the charges, from approximately 9:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 to 1:16 a.m. the following morning, Perez and Hernandez were at NYC Gentleman’s Club at 26-50 Brooklyn Queens Expwy. in Woodside, where Perez downed multiple mixed drinks containing alcohol. Bouncers escorted Perez out of the premises at 1:16 a.m. and he became engaged in a dispute with bar staff. He grabbed a shovel and swung it at the bouncers before leaving with Enriquez in a red Nissan Altima.
Perez returned to the club at approximately 3:56 a.m. and started another altercation. Video surveillance showed Perez driving the wrong way on a one-way street and chasing after a group of men, which appeared to include the bouncers who removed him earlier. Perez was observed driving his Nissan Altima on 28th Avenue in Astoria by a police officer from the 114th Precinct who noticed he had a bent license plate and tried to pull him over. Perez sped off.
Perez then proceeded to blow through three stop signs at a high rate of speed in a residential area. His car was struck on the driver’s side by another vehicle, causing him to lose control and hit two parked cars. Perez continued driving and turned down 47th Street to flee the scene without reporting the incident.
At approximately 4:24 a.m., officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of 56th Drive and 61st Street in Maspeth and found a red Nissan Altima with heavy damage. Perez had knocked on the door of a resident at the location, which was about 3.9 miles from the Astoria intersection, to ask for help.
Police from the 104th Precinct in Ridgewood responded to the scene and observed Enriquez, whom Perez referred to as his wife, unconscious with blood on her face and the passenger seat. Enriquez was immediately transported by EMS to Elmhurst Hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short while later.
Perez was also observed by officers to have slurred speech, watery eyes, a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his breath and was swaying on his feet. He was transported to Elmhurst Hospital, where blood was drawn and subsequently recovered pursuant to a court-ordered warrant. Toxicology testing revealed that Perez’s blood alcohol content was 0.16%, which is above the legal threshold of .08%, and that he also had Alprazolam and THC in his system.
Perez admitted that he was driving the car and told police he drank two beers. A check of motor vehicle records indicated that Perez’s driver’s license was suspended.
“There is no excuse for ignoring the rules of the road,” Katz said. “Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol puts everyone at risk including, in this case, the defendant’s own girlfriend, who leaves a young child behind.”
Perez was also charged with unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, menacing, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and several other crimes. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis ordered Perez to return to court on June 20. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
A dilapidated garage in “The Hole,” a small neighborhood on the border of Brooklyn and Queens, went up in flames on Tuesday afternoon.
The blaze started shortly before 3:30 p.m. at 482 Emerald St., according to the Fire Department. Firefighters forced their way into the building and found a pair of large propane tanks aflame, sending clouds of thick smoke into the air.
The fire filled the air with thick smoke.Photo by Lloyd MitchellLocal resident Ricardo Machado said he heard “several violent explosions” before the fire began.
The FDNY’s Hazmat crew responded to the scene to safely cart out the spent tanks after the blaze was brought under control shortly before 5 p.m. The fire marshal is working to determine the cause of the blaze, and Department of Buildings records show that dozens of tanks of oxygen and acetylene — a flammable gas — were left behind.
Squatters were present at the scene, per the FDNY, though it was not clear if they were staying inside the garage or inside a home on the same lot.
A firefighter used a saw to cut through a metal gate during the fire. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell A Hazmat crew removed the propane tanks. Photo by Lloyd Mitchell“I went to go park my car for a nearby doctors appointment, all I saw was thick black smoke and orange flames,” said Brittany Santiago, who lives near the scene.
Per city records, DOB placed a Full Vacate order on the building last summer after a neighbor complained that the building was being worked on despite obvious signs of decay, including a cracked and leaning facade.
Inspectors found the exterior walls of the garage were cracked and broken, with a large hole and at least one missing window. As of October 2023, the building’s owner, John Elmore, had not moved to repair the structure, per city records, and owed a $6,250 fine. The building sits on the same lot as a small home, records show, and had previously been cited for illegal activities in a residential area after the DOB found dumpsters, a car, and construction materials being stored on the site. Brooklyn Paper was not able to contact Elmore.
Graffiti on a wall on the scene seemed to indicate squatters were present. Photo by Lloyd MitchellCourt documents show that a man had previously sued Elmore for squatter’s rights — claiming he had resided on the property since 2006 and had established “adverse possession” by moving and removing construction materials on the land, building a fence, and storing vehicles on the lot. The suit was dismissed in 2020.
Facing low enrollment and a dire financial situation, two Catholic elementary schools in Brooklyn will close permanently at the end of the current school year, the Diocese of Brooklyn announced on Thursday.
Salve Regina Catholic Academy in East New York and St. Catherine of Genoa-St. Therese of Lisieux school in Flatbush, which both serve students from pre-K to eighth grade, will shutter at the end of June. A third Catholic school, St. Matthias Catholic Academy in Queens, will also close.
Salve Regina Catholic Academy in East New York is one of the schools that will close this year.P hoto courtesy of Google Maps“The difficult decisions to close these schools were reached after a thorough review of the pattern of student enrollment and the financial condition of each academy,” said Deacon Kevin McCormack, superintendent of schools, in a statement.
Neither school was able to reach fundraising and enrollment goals set this spring, their boards of trustees wrote in a pair of letters posted online, despite “countless hours of work” from staff and volunteers.
Catholic school enrollment has been falling for 25 years, the trustees wrote, and the cost of running a Catholic school has been steadily rising — as has “debt to outside agencies.”
For the 2023-24 school year, tuition for St. Catherine-St. Therese started at $5,240 for Catholic students, and $6,020 for non-Catholic students. At Salve Regina, tuition for the 2021-22 school year — the most recent year for which information is available online — started at $4,250, plus roughly $350 for registration and other fees.
Only 122 students are registered to attend St. Catherine-St. Therese next fall. Photo courtesy of Google MapsEnrollment at Salve Regina has fallen by more than one-third over the past decade, according to the Board’s letter. The school had 565 students in 2014, and just 193 in the 2023-24 school year. Only 143 students have registered for next fall, well short of the school’s goal of 225.
St. Catherine-St. Therese, meanwhile, had 319 students in 2014 and 151 in 2023, with just 122 registered for next fall.
“The low number of registrants has remained despite all our efforts (parents, alumni, and volunteers alike) to increase enrollment,” the letters read. “We recognize and are grateful for the efforts so many have made to keep our school afloat.”
Students will be able to continue their education at other local Catholic schools, per the Diocese of Brooklyn. The diocese created a webpage to help students and parents find nearby schools and open houses. Any payments made for the 2024-25 school year are set to be refunded, and new registration fees will be waived, according to the website.
“These three schools, in the midst of this most difficult time, will focus on celebrating their students and preparing them for the next chapter of their education,” McCormack said.
Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools, (pictured) said the schools will focus on celebrating and preparing their students. File photo courtesy of Office of the Superintendent/Catholic School Support ServicesThe news came less than three months after the diocese announced the impending closure of the 169-year-old Visitation Academy in Bay Ridge. Only two nuns remain at the Visitation Monastery, and the Visitation Sisters of Brooklyn told families in February that they have decided to “leave our home here and end our ministry and sponsorship of Visitation Academy.”
Though enrollment at Catholic schools nationwide spiked in 2023 after years of decline, New York City catholic schools have been struggling for years. The Diocese of Brooklyn was forced to close six schools in Brooklyn and Queens in 2020, and the Archdiocese of New York closed 12 schools in the city in 2023 and made cuts at several more.
Cops arrested a 63-year-old bodega employee after he allegedly hospitalized a co-worker at a Boerum Hill store on April 27.
According to the 38-year-old victim, he was working the morning shift at the Nevins Street store when his co-worker entered at around 9 a.m. wielding a baseball bat.
“What are you going to do with the bat, are you going to hit me with it?” the victim said before he was struck in the leg. His co-worker then allegedly continued to punch him about the head, before leaving the store, according to a police report shared with Brooklyn Paper.
Emergency Medical Services transferred the victim to NYU Langone Health-Cobble Hill Emergency Department for treatment, while patrolling cops arrested the alleged assailant a couple of blocks from the bodega.
Reports of felony assault are up more than 22% year-to-date in Boerum Hill’s 84th Precinct, where the at-work attack occurred, according to Police Department data. As of April 28, when the most recent data is available, there were 102 reported incidents in the precinct so far this year — up from 83 reported during the same time last year.
A Borough Park man pleaded guilty to violating the state’s environmental conservation laws Thursday after he sold a cougar head and other prohibited wild animal parts to an undercover investigator.
As part of his plea deal handed down by Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Dale Fong-Frederick, 26-year-old Usher Weiss was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and to surrender the exotic animal parts in his possession, which included a full alligator taxidermy, a tiger skin, a cheetah skin and an elephant foot.
“We’re committed to stopping the illegal wildlife trade in our communities, and by prosecuting cases like this, we’re not just enforcing the law—we’re sending a strong message that protecting endangered species from harm is a priority,” Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said in a statement when announcing the sentencing on May 2.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation carried out an undercover sting operation on Nov. 2, 2023, sending one of its investigators to meet Weiss in the basement of a building on 49th Street in Borough Park.
During the initial meeting, the undercover investigator gave Weiss $900 in exchange for a cougar head mount. Weiss also offered the investigator a full cheetah head mount for $10,000, according to the DA’s office.
Weiss surrendered a full alligator taxidermy, a tiger skin, a cheetah skin, an elephant foot, a cheetah head mount, the skull of a big cat, the skin of a pinniped pup, and a bird mount.NYS Department of Environmental ConservationOn Dec. 5, Weiss again met with the undercover agent at a building on 53rd Street in Borough Park and handed him a cheetah head mount, the skull of a big cat, the skin of a pinniped pup, and a bird mount.
According to the investigator, Weiss was also in possession of other illegal animal parts that violated the Environmental Conservation Law. He told investigators that he had purchased the items on websites, including Craigslist and OfferUp. He surrendered the items to the DEC last month.
“Cracking down on the illegal wildlife trade in New York State helps save the lives of animals often targeted by brutal poachers,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement explores every tip, chases down all leads, and fully investigates claims regarding the international illegal wildlife trade and its facilitators in New York State to ensure lawbreakers are held accountable for their crimes and animals are protected.”
The overall rate of violent crimes in Brooklyn dropped during the month of April, per the latest NYPD crime statistics, though incidences of rape and grand larceny auto ticked up across the borough.
According to the most recently-available statistics, between April 1-28, the year-over-year rate of major felonies – murder, rape, burglary, felony assault, robbery, grand larceny, and grand larceny auto — dropped by 1.73% in the Brooklyn South patrol and 8.23% in Brooklyn North. A total of 2,285 major crimes were reported across the borough during that span, compared to 2,408 in 2023.
Police on the scene of an April 20 murder in East Flatbush. File photo by Lloyd MitchellSome stats stood in contrast to the overall decline in violent crime, though. Rapes increased by 66.7% in Brooklyn South, from 12 incidents in 2023 to 20 in 2024; and by 37.5% in Brooklyn North, from 16 to 22. The number of assaults also climbed 5.2% in Brooklyn South, but dropped by 8.2% in Brooklyn North.
Between April 1-28, the rate of homicides remained flat at five in Brooklyn North and dropped by 16.7% in Brooklyn South — but murder is up by 9.5% year-to-date in Brooklyn North, with 23 murders reported so far this year compared to 21 during the same period in 2021.
Despite Brooklyn South’s steadily-dropping homicide rate, Bay Ridgeites grew concerned after a 37-year-old man was stabbed to death outside a Third Avenue bar in the neighborhood’s first homicide of the year.
Two people, meanwhile, were shot and killed in East Flatbush’s 67th Precinct within just a week — 40-year-old Anthony Lancaster died after he was shot three times on the early morning of April 20, and an unidentified 24-year-old was killed in a hail of bullets on the night of April 27.
In Brooklyn North, a 45-year-old man died on April 18 after he walked into Brookdale University Hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim, Oliver Gamaliel, was reportedly shot outside an East New York convenience store, and was dropped off at the hospital by an unknown group of men. On April 23, an unidentified 26-year-old man was fatally shot outside of a Crown Heights apartment building.
A man was fatally stabbed outside Bay Ridge bar Catch 22 on April 7. File photo by Paul DeLucaDespite the uptick in homicides, both patrol districts reported a significant drop in shooting incidents, per NYPD data.
Grand larceny auto — a common problem in Brooklyn that appeared to be slowly coming under control earlier this year — rose by 3.4% in Brooklyn South, and the patrol has reported a 10.4% increase in GLA year-to-date, with 619 cars reported stolen. In Brooklyn North, the rate of GLA remained flat compared to last year, with 126 cars stolen between April 1-28.
Transit crimes, however, dropped by 10% in Brooklyn South and 42.3% in Brooklyn South.
Traffic-related deaths, however, increased by 200% in Brooklyn North, with three deaths reported compared to just one during the same period last year. While traffic deaths in Brooklyn South decreased by 20%, from five to four, they have risen by more than 14% year-to-date.
An 87-year-old woman, Joan Behan, was killed in Gravesend on April 10 when a car left in gear rolled backward and hit her in the sidewalk. Only seven days later, a truck driver fatally struck 10-year-old Yitty Wertzberger in a Williamsburg crosswalk.
Fire marshals are looking to figure out what sparked a devastating five-alarm blaze in Brooklyn on Wednesday that gutted a closed supermarket and several nearby residences.
Seven people, including six firefighters, suffered minor injuries in the raging inferno, which broke out at about 6:10 p.m. on May 1 inside of 1385 Bushwick Ave. in Bushwick.
Within three minutes of receiving 911 calls, members of Battalion 37 and Squad Company 252 arrived on the scene to find the supermarket fully engulfed, and flames spreading to four nearby residential buildings along Bushwick Avenue and Cooper Street, leaving some 30 residents displaced.
“Our hearts go out to those residents, and we have the Red Cross here to help them during these difficult times,” First Deputy Commissioner Joseph Pfeifer said at a press conference later Wednesday evening.
Over 200 hundred firefigters responded to a five alarm fire at 1385 Bushwick Ave. in Brooklyn on May 1, 2024. Firefighters worked through the night to knock down heavy fire in five Brooklyn buildings on May 1, 2024. A firefighter climbs into a window to conduct a search during a five alarm fire in Brooklyn on May 1, 2024.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell Over 200 hundred firefigters responded to a five alarm fire at 1385 Bushwick Ave. in Brooklyn on May 1, 2024.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
FDNY units are currently operating at the scene of a 5-alarm fire at 1385 Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. pic.twitter.com/oPEoMyRFZW
— FDNY (@FDNY) May 1, 2024
More than 250 firefighters would be called to the scene to battle the extraordinary blaze.
“We actually have the equivalent of a seven or eight-alarm fire here,” said Chief Tom Currao, citywide tour commander. “We were really trying to get ahead of this. It’s one of the challenges in wood-frame construction homes, especially in a lot of occupancies. The way they’re built, there are a lot of concealed spaces. It takes a lot of time to open them up and get the fire under control.”
In all, seven tower ladders and six exterior hose lines were used to knock down the main body of fire. The FDNY declared the blaze under control at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
A Brooklyn man was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly setting an Israeli flag on fire near Columbia University amid the two-week pro-Palestine protests, among other charges.
Law enforcement officials said that on Saturday, April 20, at approximately 9:55 p.m. a 22-year-old man was walking in the vicinity of Amsterdam Avenue and West 116th Street in Morningside Heights, displaying an Israeli flag. An unknown male individual then aggressively approached the victim, snatched the flag from him and then ran into a crowd of people, police said.
The victim then followed the suspect, who at this point was hard to find in the raucous mob. Meanwhile, another perp threw a rock at the victim while he was running, striking him in the face, police reported.
As the assault occurred, someone else in the melee got a hold of the victim’s flag and set it on fire, police said. The victim sustained minor injuries from the assault, but refused medical attention.
One of the perpetrators involved in the hate crime, 40-year-old James Carlson of 14th Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn, was arrested Wednesday at the scene of the crime near Columbia University, police said, and is being charged with arson, criminal mischief and criminal possession of stolen property.
Police were not able to confirm if Carlson was the suspect who set the victim’s flag ablaze, but all three suspects will likely be charged with arson, law enforcement sources said.
No other arrests have been made yet, and two other suspects remain at large. The incident is being investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
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Councilman Brad Lander and Transportation Alternatives’ Paul Steely White discuss how to make Brooklyn’s streets safe for pedestrians — especially children. Read More
Drivers behind the wheel of private garbage trucks are so overworked they can barely keep their eyes open near the ends of their shifts — which usually happen when kids are heading off to school, a union rep for truckers told Brooklyn Paper Radio’s hosts on another scintilating episode. Read More
The case for turning quaint Marine Park into an historic district was made on the latest episode of Brooklyn Paper Radio by real estate agent Jerry Minsky. Read More
This week’s episode of Brooklyn Paper Radio got so steamy, we produced two versions — uncut and censored — of the scintillating show. Read More
Speaking on Brooklyn Paper Radio, the beep said its time we crack down on drivers who kill or mame pedestrians or bicyclists. Read More
What does a swan sound like when it screams? Find out right now on the latest edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio, when host and … Read More
Pauline “Doll” Castagna joins Vince to talk about her plans for the largest development site in Southern Brooklyn! Read More
What was supposed to be a talk about the replacement of the BQE’s triple cantilever turned into a traffic infrastructure extravaganza on this week’s edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio! Read More
New Bay Ridge Councilman Justin Brannan takes on the nuns who sold the Dyker Heights Angel Guardian Home campus to the highest bidder! Read More
Author Michael Lisicky tells Vince how a movie made Macy’s more popular then “A&S’s.” Read More
The journalists joined Brooklyn Paper editor-in-chief Vince DiMiceli — and some callers — for a scintillating in-studio discussion on the changing face of local news. Read More
There aren’t any original ideas. But hasn’t that been said before? That was the consensus on the latest edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio when … Read More
Guests Curtis Sliwa and Assemblyman Bobby Carroll go at it over the vote to hold a state Constitutional Convention. Read More
Satirist (and Bay Ridge resident) Dan Hetteix and journalist and wannabe politician (and Bay Ridge resident) Ross Barkan join the all-Ridge episode. Read More
It’s the end of an era — and the beginning of a new one! This week’s episode of Brooklyn Paper Radio was the first … Read More
This week’s Brooklyn Paper Radio had big news — make that News. Co-host Gersh Kuntzman, who left his job as a Daily News columnist … Read More
On this week’s show, host Gersh Kuntzman said he will pull no punches when it comes to Nazis, plus a talk with filmmakers Cary Murnion and Jon Milott, whose new film, “Bushwick,” eerily centers on a white supremacist takeover of the hipster neighborhood. Read More
It was high times on Brooklyn Paper Radio! On the latest episode of America’s most beloved podcast about Brooklyn, Kelly Barbieri, the editor in … Read More
It’s high times on Brooklyn Paper Radio! Or is it? On today’s show, Kelly Barbieri, the editor in chief of The Fresh Toast, a … Read More
Who knew the owner of one of Brooklyn’s most celebrated restaurants had so many opinions on so many things? The Lennon and McCartney of Community Journalism, that’s who. Read More
Well, at least this is what we wished this week’s episode of Brooklyn Paper Radio was about. Read More
Look, the Cyclones stink. But it isn’t the manager’s fault. Read More
Citizens Union chief Dick Dadey tells Gersh and Vince that Councilman David Greenfield’s decision to step down and choose his successor was an “F-you” to voters. Read More
What’s wrong with the MTA, should drivers be allowed to park for free on city streets, and in what line of work can our … Read More
On the latest edition of BPL, a councilman attacks a silly, racist law, Kuntzman interviews Kuntzman, and a Brooklyn Cyclone talks baseball! Read More
In this clip from the latest episode of Brooklyn Paper Radio, Gersh Kuntzman interviews Gersh Kuntzman about a new book written by Gersh Kuntzman. Read More
On this week’s show, author Jerry Podair makes the case that Robert Moses — and not Walter O’Malley — is to blame for the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn. But host Vince DiMiceli says he’s dead wrong. Take a listen and find out how Judge Gersh Kuntzman rules! Read More
Cruicified Brooklyn lawyer John Kennedy O’Hara explains to Gersh and Vince why he is runing for civil court judge in the County of Kings. The answer? Sticking it to the man. Read More
The boys were joined by their former colleague, who had a lot to say about the future of the bike rental program. Read More
Teenage voteland? That’s what Assemblyman Robert Carroll (D–Park Slope) hopes to create with his proposal to lower the voting age for local and statewide … Read More
He doesn’t like Nik. In a barn-burning moment on Tuesday’s Brooklyn Paper Radio, Assemblyman Robert Carroll slammed his legislative colleague and Republican mayoral candidate … Read More
There’s always time to listen to Brooklyn Paper Radio, and you won’t want to miss our latest edition! Read More
Jake Plowden and Leland Radovanic of the Cannabis Cultural Association explain their plans to get black folks making money in the soon-to-be legal pot industry! Read More
Who says radio is dead? Our podcast got lovers of all things Brooklyn to reach into their wallets and help save Sunny’s! Read More
Help save Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook just by listening to Brooklyn Paper Radio! (Oh, and giving money). Read More
How will a closure of the jail affect Brooklyn — specifically it’s own beloved “House of D?” Listen to Brooklyn Paper Radio to find out! Read More
Former state Sen. Seymour Lachman tells Gersh and Vince just how corrupt Albany is — and how to fix it. Read More
In two action-packed segments of Brooklyn Paper Radio, a former Brooklyn Paper reporter says Obamacared saved her — and her husband’s — life. And now she faces thousands of dollars in medical bills if Donaly Trump’s new healthcare plan becomes law. That, plus historian and academic Joe Dorinson on Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, and a new baseball exhibit at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Read More
On today’s show, Brooklyn Rep. Nydia Velazquez condems her immigrant-hating colleague Rep. Steve King! Read More
In what can only be called a coup, the boys landed MacGillis and had a spirited discussion about all things Trump, and the importance of The Brooklyn Paper and the people who work there. Read More
In a bonus edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio, the boys sat down in-studio with Brooklyn comedian and musician Katie Goodman, whose new album “Halfway … Read More
A Park Slope lawmaker had a stirring and eloquent rebuke to Americans who support Donald Trump’s mass deportations of low-level or even non-criminal aliens … Read More
The author of “Here I Am” joined Vince and Gersh in studio for the latest and greatest episode of BPR! Read More
Rep. Jerry Nadler (D–Bay Ridge) spent most of Saturday at John F. Kennedy Airport fighting the President’s executive order barring refugees from entering the country, and a portion of Tuesday talking to us about it. Read More
In a surprise appearance on Brooklyn Paper Radio, the beep said he will send a letter reminding community board members that they can say the pledge before a meeting, but he won’t demand that they do. Read More
Former felon John O’Hara tells Vince and Gersh how The Brooklyn Paper helped clear his name 20 years after he was found guilty voter fraud. That, plus Life in a Blender’s Don Rauf discusses exactly “What Happened to Smith.” Read More
Cars are killing machines — we all know that! — but do driverless cars need to be? No, says the city’s leading transportation activist. … Read More
It’s the most pun-derful time of the year! Brooklyn Paper Radio marked its annual (and first-ever) pre-Christmas show by celebrating the nifty wordplay that … Read More
The just-announced mayoral candidate from Bay Ridge says our present mayor has to go — and he’s the one to replace him. That plus Lenore Skenazy, whose last name rhymes with “crazy,” and Daily News investigative reporter Greg B. Smith on today’s edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio! Read More
On this week’s edition, a revolving door of “experts” coach Gersh on how to love — and be loved. Read More
The telelvision star came on to promote his show at Brooklyn College this weekend, but he talked about so much more! Read More
Also on the show is Frederick Douglass evangelist Ted Hamm — who once edited the Brooklyn Rail! Read More
From “In the Papers” to on our radio show! NY1 legend Pat Kiernan joined Brooklyn Paper Radio this week to talk about the sorry … Read More
Learn everything you need to know about the new Alamo Drafthouse as Cristina Cacioppo, the programmer at the soon-to-open dinner-and-a-movie house in America’s Downtown, breaks down her favorite movies of all time — including “Babe: Pig in the City” and “Ishtar,” but nixes one of the most important Stephen King novella-turned-movies of our generation! Read More
Katie McKenna, author of the memoir “How to Get Run Over by a Truck,” joins Gersh and Vince to talk about, well, getting run over by an 18-wheeler. All the while, Adam Goodstein and Andrew Lurie of the Brooklyn Wine Company serve up some Brookyn-Island made vintages. Read More
Look, it’s Saturday morning, and that’s the perfect time to listen to Brookyn Paper Radio for the first time. Enjoy! Read More
This week on Brooklyn Paper Radio, the transit guru predicts the future of transportation — and it doesn’t look good. Or does it? (No). Read More
Do the owners of two of Brooklyn’s most renowned breweries drink Budweiser? Find out on this week’s Brooklyn Paper Radio! Read More
From friendly confines of MCU Park to a bookstore near you! Brooklyn Cyclones skipper Tom Gamboa — who recently announced his retirement after four … Read More
Find out what the out-going skipper, who never minces words, thinks about the former NFL quaterback’s chances of making the Cyclones — and the Mets! Read More
It was son vs. father on Brooklyn Paper Radio in this clip, in which Editor Vince DiMiceli’s progeny demanded The Brooklyn Paper go back to its old, unfunny logo, Read More
Listen today as Susan Fox from Park Slope Parents talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the first day of school! Read More
It’s up to you, and we’ll check the numbers to see if we should bring him back. Read More
Vacationing co-host Gersh Kuntzman again burst into the studio and implored listeners invest in his fledgling comedy. Read More
The self-proclaimed controversial head of the Arab American Association of New York told hosts Gersh Kuntzman and Vince DiMiceli that 2017 is going to be an exciting year. Read More
Here’s our interview with Linda Sarsour. Brooklyn Paper radio is recorded and podcast live every Thursday at 4:45 pm — for your convenience — … Read More
The legendary Brooklyn-born comedian and self-proclaimed “great dad” gave parenting advice to hosts Gersh Kuntzman and Vince DiMiceli — and promoted his show in Coney Island July 30 — on the latest edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio. Read More
The sideshow impresario told Brooklyn Paper Radio he would gladly abide if the the vanilla beer giant sponsored his annual carnival of weird, because it has gotten too big for arts group Coney Island USA to back. Read More
Brooklyn Cyclones’ manager Tom “The Gamboa Constrictor” Gamboa said new blood is going to energize his slumping team. That and much more on Brooklyn Paper Radio. Read More
Don’t have time to listen to the whole show? Here’s a clip of Gersh and Vince talking with Adam Duritz of Counting Crows. Enjoy! … Read More
Take a listen to our interview with Joshua Fischer! Read More
Here’s a hint: It’s not “Mr Jones.” Not according to lead singer Adam Durwitz, anyway. Read More
This week, the boys look into why it has taken so long for residents to demand the Metropolitan Transportation Authority correctly spell the word named of a famed Italian explorer. Read More
The host of NPR’s “Ask Me Another” joined Gersh Kuntzman and Vince DiMiceli on Brooklyn Paper Radio on Thursday. Read More
Councilman Steve Levin told Gersh and Vince on Brooklyn Paper Radio that Jay Street is in dire need of an overhaul that will make it more bikable for Brooklynites. And he also said he looks forward to Gersh’s new play, “Murder at the Food Coop.” Read More
The Park Slope councilman joined Gersh Kuntzman and Vince DiMiceli on Brooklyn Paper Radio to talk about his hatred of a new plan to speed up communtes for subway riders down south. Read More
The former congressman spoke about that and other things with Gersh and Vince on Brooklyn Paper Radio. Read More
Want to hear Brooklyn Paper Radio live? You need to tune in on Thursday at 4:45! Read More
Monday’s podcast to be delivered live from Atlas Steakhouse in Ditmas Park, and you’re invited! Read More
The traffic and transit specialist repeated his claim that the situation beneath the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a dire one. That plus Sarah Metz on this edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio! Read More
Gersh and Vince talk Brooklyn Folk Festival with Feral Foster, who also sings a few tunes. Ya gotta hear it to believe it! Read More
In this clip, the boys talk with former Brooklyn Paper reporter and columnist Mike McLaughlin, whose “Search” for a wife and a home has … Read More
Legendary musician Carlos Santana joined the Brooklyn Paper Radio team and taught hosts Gersh Kuntzman and Vince DiMiceli valuable life lessons. Read More
Councilman Brad Lander joined Gersh and Vince to talk about the mayor’s controversial plan to bring a trolley to the Brooklyn waterfront, a plan to construct apartments on the site of Park Slope’s beloved Fifth Avenue Key Food, and, of course, LSD. Read More
The Beep isn’t ready to be a rubber stamp for Mayor DeBlasio’s $2.5 BILLION streetcar. Read More
What kind or radio show has a “best of” broadcast after just two months on the air? Brooklyn Paper Radio, that’s who. Read More
Who doesn’t love streetcars? Gersh Kuntzman, that’s who. On Brooklyn Paper Radio this week, Kuntzman and cohort Vince DiMiceli took BQX planner Harris Schechtman … Read More
How bad was Alan Rickman? Worst actor of his generation, says the most-hated man in America, Gersh Kuntzman. That plus a chat with Brooklyn Paper Radio’s one-man God Squad, Rev. Daniel Meeter and Dick Zigun, the mayor of Coney Island, on this week’s edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio. Read More
Take a listen to another exciting, MLK-Day edition of Brooklyn Paper Radio now! Read More
Our Brooklyn Paper Radio team wants something out of Mel Brooks before it is too late! Read More
This week, Christopher Swain — the only man with enough guts to swim the Gowanus Canal and Newtown Creek — tells us what its like to be the only mammal to ever survive a dunk in both. Read More
Brooklyn Paper Radio returns from a brief vacation with the man who swam the Gowanus Canal and, for good measure, Newtown Creek! Read More
The documentary filmmaker sat down with our hosts for a rivieting conversation about all sorts of things, but mostly his new movie “Where to Invade Next.” Read More
On today’s show, Gersh and Vince are joined by the star director and former councilman, who also discussed, shorter days, Paul McCartney’s near-catch, and a whole load of other stuff! Listen and find out what went down. Read More
Sure, all the big networks talk with Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, but we’ve got the real star of the newest “Star Wars” movie — and all the rest of them! Read More
You heard it here first — or did you? Listeners to The Brooklyn Paper’s new “Brooklyn Paper Radio” webcast on Monday were first to … Read More
Finally! Your chance to listen to The Brooklyn Paper. Starting today, the Community News Group is proud to launch Brooklyn Paper Radio, staring The … Read More