Showing posts with label Clinton Hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clinton Hill. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Two-Alarm Fire Along Myrtle Avenue In Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
JULY 23, 2013

Contact: Aja Worthy-Davis (212) 788-7081

Two-Alarm Fire Along Myrtle Avenue In Clinton Hill, Brooklyn 
Manhole Exploded Due To A Basement Fire Along Commercial Strip

(New York, NY)— On July 23, 2013 around 11:30 a.m., a manhole near 463 Myrtle Avenue began smoking, and shortly after exploded. The explosion is believed to be due to a two-alarm fire in the basement of a nearby restaurant along Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The Fire Department arrived shortly, and evacuated seven surrounding buildings along Myrtle Avenue between Waverly and Washington Avenues. Two 3-story mixed commercial and residential buildings along the strip sustained minor damage from the explosion. Those nearby reported hearing the blast, and smelling a sulfur-like odor at the scene. An estimated thirty people were temporarily evacuated due to high carbon monoxide readings, however no injuries have been reported at this time.

“I thank the FDNY, the NYPD, and Con Edison for their quick response to the explosion, and I am deeply relieved that no one was seriously injured,” said Council Member Letitia James.

The Red Cross has offered assistance to those affected by the blast, and at this time streets have been closed along Myrtle Avenue from Clinton Street to Hall Street, Washington Avenue from Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue, and Waverly Avenue from Park Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. Additionally, the B54 bus has been temporarily re-routed.


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Monday, May 6, 2013

Friday, April 19, 2013

ATTENTION: Citi Bike Town Hall Meeting; 4/24; Benjamin Bannekar Academy


WHAT: a public town hall to review and discuss the Citi Bike (bike share) program.

WHEN: April 24, 2013
6:30PM- 8:30PM

WHERE: Benjamin Bannekar Academy
71-77 Clinton Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

Friday, December 7, 2012

Friends of Clinton Hill Library Book and Bake Sale!

Friends of Clinton Hill Library Book and Bake Sale!
Saturday, December 8th 10 AM—4 PM

• Raise funds for programs and materials at the Clinton Hill branch.
• FREE tattoos for kids!

To help staff the sale or to donate baked goods, please call 718-398- 8713 during library hours.

Clinton Hill Branch,  380 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
M/Tu/Th/Fri 10-6
Wed 1-8
Sat 10-5

ATTENTION: Putnam Court Affordable Housing Application

Putnam Court is an affordable housing development being built in Clinton Hill by Dunn Development (the developer of the Navy Green projects). There are 24 studio apartments with a rent of $613, for those making an annual income between $22,068 and $29,050. The application is available here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/114787981/Putnam-Court-Application-Final. An additional 34 apartments will house those in need of supportive housing. The application must be postmarked by January 15, 2013.

More information on the project is available here: http://www.dunndev.com/L3/putnam.html

Monday, August 27, 2012

Council Member Letitia James and District Attorney Charles Hynes Put Brooklyn "Johns" on Alert

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 24, 2012

Contact: Barbara Sherman (718) 260-9191

Council Member Letitia James and District Attorney Charles Hynes Put Brooklyn "Johns" on Alert

(Brooklyn, NY)-- Council Member Letitia James and Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes along with the 79th and 88th precincts are mobilizing the community to help stop prostitution in the 35th District and throughout Brooklyn.

“It takes a village to keep our community safe. Prostitution is not a victimless crime. We need more police patrolling our streets in collaboration with community churches and local organizations. All these resources are needed to reach out to those in need,” said Council Member James.

" 'Johns'-- you have been put on alert, all eyes will be on you! I want to commend Police Commissioner Ray Kelly on his efforts to have officers focus not on supply but on demand, by arresting the clients, or 'johns'," said Council Member Letitia James.

Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes said, “The members of my Sex Crimes Bureau will continue to work with the New York City Police Department and Community Leaders like Council Member James to rid their neighborhoods of prostitution. We are ready with a multi-pronged approach. We will prosecute anyone who profits to the fullest extent if the law. We offer alternatives to incarceration to victims that teach them other ways to support themselves. All 'johns' are offered the option to attend Project Respect - program that has proven very successful in reducing recidivism.”

When: Monday, August 27th at 9:00am
Where: Fulton and Classon Avenue, Brooklyn NY

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

ATTENTION: Lafayette Ave. "Greenstreets" Presentation; TODAY 7/17; 6PM; Emmanuel Baptist Church

On July 17, 2012, Council Member Letitia James will host a presentation on the LAFAYETTE AVENUE “GREENSTREETS” PROJECT: a joint project of NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and NYC Department of Transportation.

The Lafayette Avenue “GREENSTREETS” Project is a Three-Phase Project that will transform the cobblestone “malls” into a green, beautiful strip of planted beds and pathways. Construction on Phase 1 is scheduled to begin this month, and completion is planned for the Summer 2013.

Please join us and learn more about the recently-completed final plans for this community improvement:

WHEN: Tuesday, July 17, 2012
6:00PM

WHERE: Emmanuel Baptist Church
279 Lafayette Avenue
(corner of St. James Place Parlor Room)

For further information, please contact Alfred Chiodo from the Office of Council Member Letitia James at (718) 260-9191.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

BK Mourns Loss of Luigi Viaggio, Founder of Clinton Hill Pizzeria

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 31, 2012

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES SADDENED BY PASSING OF LUIGI VIAGGIO, FOUNDER OF LUIGI’S PIZZERIA IN CLINTON HILL

(Brooklyn, NY) The Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy communities mourn the loss of Luigi Viaggio, who together with brother Angelo, and Rosario Longo founded Luigi’s Pizzeria in 1983 located on DeKalb Avenue; the restaurant now has an additional shop on Grand Avenue.

He died on Wednesday, January 25 at the age of 62, and Luigi was the beloved husband of Mattia and the loving father of Maria Antonella Viaggio-Giovanni, Daniela Viaggio and Nicolo Luigi Viaggio. A Christian mass and burial was held at Our Lady of Hope Church on Monday, January 30 at 9:45am. The pizza shop was closed Monday, and a makeshift memorial can be found at the eatery on Dekalb Avenue near Washington Avenue.

“Luigi’s Pizzeria has always been known as the pizza shop around the corner that the community can depend on to provide high quality slices and pies to residents, students, local churches, as well as to me when in need of a snack after a long work-day. The restaurant will continue to provide delicious Italian food in honor of its founder, a big-hearted man remembered for making sure that locals were fed, regardless of the money in their pockets,” said Council Member James.

“A constituent who resides across the street shared that her now 21-year old daughter would have gone hungry on many days while growing up, if it had not been for this pizzeria, and she cried when expressing how good Luigi had been to her. Godspeed to this generous spirit, Luigi Viaggio, your presence is already missed.”

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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Cat TNR Workshop in Clinton Hill; 10/15; CH Library


Neighborhood Cats is hosting a free trap-neuter-release (TNR) workshop in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Participants will learn how to become TNR certified, get access to low-cost cat spays/neutering, be able to borrow free traps.

WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2011
1:15PM- 5:00PM

WHERE: Clinton Hill Library
380 Washington Avenue (at Lafayette Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11238

To register, please email lois@nycferalcat.org (subject line- Brooklyn TNR Workshop),
or call 212-662-5761.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

UPDATE: Regarding FG Chase Bank Robbery

A suspect is in custody following a recent robbery at the Myrtle Avenue branch of Chase Manhattan Bank. Fortunately, no one was hurt during this incident. According to the New York Times- Local blog,
"Devon Stevens, 34, was arrested...and charged with robbery, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, menacing and harassment." [NYT- Local]

Thursday, August 18, 2011

CM James Urges Witnesses To Come Forward With Info About Recent Burglaries in FG/CH

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
August 17, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER JAMES URGES ALL WITNESSES, OR ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT RECENT BURGLARIES IN THE FORT GREENE-CLINTON HILL AREA OF BROOKLYN TO COME FORWARD

(Brooklyn, NY) “It has come to light that an increase in burglaries has taken place in the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill area recently. I want to make the community aware of incidents that have occurred; business owners and residents should be alert and take precautions during these desperate times.

At 9:55 am this morning (on August 17) a black male described as 5’5”, possibly in his 40’s and wearing a black baseball cap displayed a firearm at CVS Pharmacy in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, left with approximately $100 from the cashier, then fled. Also, on Monday, August 15, at 9:48 am a black male, described as 6’0” and in his 30's, wearing a Baltimore Orioles cap and orange shirt handed a teller a note at the Chase bank branch located in Clinton Hill, and fled with approximately $1,000. Fortunately, no one was hurt during these incidents, but my office will help to provide any assistance needed.

I am requesting the 88th Precinct increase patrols on Myrtle Avenue, and I have spoken with these businesses about safety precautions. I ask if anyone has information that may lead to the arrest of these suspects to contact the NYPD. Tips can be left anonymously with the 88th Precinct police at (718) 636-6511.”

- Council Member Letitia James, 35 CD, Brooklyn

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Crimestoppers- http://a056-crimestoppers.nyc.gov/crimestoppers/public/index.cfm

Friday, July 15, 2011

FG's Wallabout District Designated Historic District By LPC

**For Immediate Release**
July 14, 2011

Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

WALLABOUT DESIGNATED A HISTORIC DISTRICT BY LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

Unanimous approval was given for the Wallabout Historic District on Tuesday by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The community is now protected from the threat of new out-of-context high rises and condos, similar to a building erected in this area four years ago in place of a small garage and house.

The Wallabout area is in Northwestern Brooklyn just south of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Most of the structures were erected in the mid-1800s, and retain original details that lend a cohesive quality to the streetscape.

The new Wallabout Historic District consists of approximately 55 buildings on Vanderbilt Avenue between Myrtle and Park Avenues in Brooklyn. Two local groups, the Historic Wallabout Association and the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project, have been working since 2003 to get landmark designation for the neighborhood. As an historic district, Wallabout buildings are protected from demolition and significant changes, as this area may contain the city’s largest collection of Civil War era wood-frame houses.

NYC Council Member Letitia James said: “I wish to thank Chair Tierney and Commissioners for the designation of the Wallabout Historic District - a section of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill north of Myrtle Avenue. Members of the Wallabout community, under the leadership of Gary Hattem and Blaise Backer, have been working many years for this day.

As you may know, this area consists primarily of wood-frame structures built before and during the Civil War, and is believed to be the City’s largest concentration of such buildings. This neighborhood has already suffered from the demolition of numerous historic buildings, as well as out-of-scale construction. The loss of more of our past, and the loss of this fabric of our historic neighborhoods will be prevented with this Historic Designation.

We are grateful that Landmark’s staff saw the historic value in this special neighborhood, of fairly modest homes built for working- and middle-class families, and that the integrity of this collection of structures will serve as an example for more Historic Districts of this nature.”

While the Wallabout LPC-Designated Historic District is confined to only Vanderbilt Avenue between Myrtle and Park Avenues, a larger NY State and National Register District, comprised of 233 buildings on 5 blocks between Myrtle and Park Avenues, was designated in March of this year, and will allow property owners within the district to tap into low interest loans, tax credits, and other financial incentives for preservation work on their buildings.

More information on the background of the Wallabout Historic District is below:

A variety of architectural styles are present in the Wallabout Historic District. In addition to Greek and Gothic Revival wood homes with original or early porches, cornices and other details, brick and stone row houses in Italianate and Neo-Grec styles along with masonry tenements line the streets between Myrtle and Park Avenues. A row of Neo-Grec brownstones erected in 1878 are amongst the earliest known residences built on speculation by the Pratt family.

Residential development of the area in the 1830’s, 40’s, and 50’s coincided with the rapid population increase in the city of Brooklyn. Being part of the flatlands along the East River, Wallabout was not looked upon with the prestige allotted to neighboring Fort Greene or Clinton Hill. It's an area north of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, near the Navy Yard, between Flushing and Park Avenues, and the BQE runs through it.

Since the flatlands along the river were not considered to be as prestigious for residential development as the uplands several blocks inland, much of the construction in Wallabout was of wood houses rather than the more expensive brick or stone dwellings that typify the adjacent Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods. Most of the buildings were single-family dwellings of modest scale, although several may have been inhabited by two or more households.

Wallabout takes its name from a group of Walloons who settled on a modest bay on Brooklyn’s East River waterfront in 1624, calling it Waal-bogt. The area remained rural throughout much of the 18th century. Residential development began in the early 19th century and accelerated with expansion of the Brooklyn Navy Yard along Wallabout Bay in the middle of the century.

While some of the houses have undergone alterations in subsequent years, the buildings within the Wallabout Historic District on the whole retain an exceptional level of integrity. This architecturally significant collection of early wood and masonry houses represents an important part of the history of the neighborhood and of Brooklyn in general.

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

ATTENTION: Society for Clinton Hill 2011 House Tour


The Society For Clinton Hill will soon be hosting their 2011 House Tour.

Details:
Queen of All Saints Church
300 Vanderbilt Avenue
Sunday May 1, 2011
12noon- 5PM
(Rain or Shine)

For both a tour and audio ticket - $25.00
Four tickets available/for $90.00)

Available at:
· Pillow Cafe
· Outpost Cafe/ Lounge
· Sister's Hardware
· Still-Hip Maternity
· Root Stock
· Urban Vintage
· Aguayo & Huebener Realty
· Polish Bar of Brooklyn
· Olivino Wine shop
· YU Interiors
· Greenlight Bookstore
· Brooklyn Flea
· Fort Greene Farmers Market

You can also buy tickets online here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/162663. Please contact clintonhillhousetour@yahoo.com for more information.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Local CSAs Have Low-Income Shares Available


For individuals interested in accessing fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables, consider joining a local CSA (community-supported agriculture).

A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support and investment to a farm, and the individuals share the benefits of its food production. CSAs usually consist of a system of weekly or bi-weekly direct pick-up of farm vegetables and fruit (may also include dairy products and meat) at a specific location, and a small time-commitment from each member seasonally. Food acquired through a CSA is generally much more affordable than store-bought food.

Both the Clinton Hill CSA and Fort Greene CSA have reduced-price shares available for low-income residents at this time. It is important that these shares go residents of the Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill area who may have limited access to fresh produce.

Fort Greene CSA
Low-cost shares are reserved for individuals making less than $25,000 a year, or families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at csa@fortgreenecsa.org.

Clinton Hill CSA
The low-cost shares are reserved for families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at information@clintonhillcsa.org or give them a call 718-907-0616.

Both websites have the application available.

Friday, September 24, 2010

ATTENTION: Society for Clinton Hill's Halloween Walk!

The Society for Clinton Hill will soon hold its 17th Annual "Halloween Walk!"

In order to take part in this event, be sure to arrive at the Pratt-Clinton Hill Community Garden (which can be found on the corner of DeKalb Avenue and Hall Street) at 5:00PM on Sunday, October 31st 2010.

Please me aware that all costumed trick-or-treaters up to age 12 are invited! The parade route will wind through the neighborhood, whereby maps of the most generous homes will be provided.

Parents are asked to accompany their child!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Public Theatre Workshop At Emmanuel Baptist Church; 8/7; 10AM; Clinton Hill

The Public Theatre and ACTS of Emmanuel Baptist Church are having their annual Shakespeare Workshop, on Saturday, August 7th, at 10:00AM at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Come and meet the actors, learn about Shakespeare and participate in workshops. A pot luck lunch will be served. All are welcome to join for free!

Emmanuel Baptist Church
279 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11238

For more information, call (718) 622-1107.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention

NYC Department of Education Tries to Close 19 Schools, Gets Sued, Fails

The Teachers Union and the NAACP filed a lawsuit on February 1st in an attempt to stop the DOE's 19 school closings (none of the proposed closings were in the 35th district). On March 26th, a Manhattan judge sided with parents, advocates, and leaders, by voiding the City's decision to close the schools, citing a failure to follow proper processes.

Progressive Caucus

What happens when a dozen progressive City Council members get together? This.

Free Trees In Clinton Hill
Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill and the FAB Alliance are giving away 200 free trees on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. Make your way to the Putnam Triangle in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn (Fulton St and Grand Ave) and leave with a tree to plant on your private property. Planting a tree contributes to neighborhood beautification, lowers air pollution, slows street traffic, and is a fun springtime activity for kids, school classes, church groups, families and friends. Any questions- contact tree@greenfgch.org.

Immigration Application Assistance

The Crown Heights Community Mediation Center is offering free immigration assistance to eligible individuals to complete the application forms. If you are eligible to apply for citizenship, you will be scheduled to meet with a trained volunteer to fill out the N-400/N-600 forms and receive information about the additional requirements to complete your application.
The dates are:
April 7- 9:30am- 12:30pm
April 29- 4pm- 8pm
May 15- 10am - 3pm

Thursday, March 25, 2010

ATTENTION: Possible Armed Serial Rapist in Central Brooklyn

**For Immediate Release**

March 25, 2010

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191

Armed Sexual Assaults Indicate Possible Serial Rapist in Central Brooklyn

(Brooklyn, NY) A man is wanted for two sexual assaults in Brooklyn, which happened near Franklin Avenue and Fulton Street. The sketch below of the rapist was released by police.

Tuesday’s armed attack of a 42-year-old, near Franklin Avenue and Fulton Street mirrors the sexual assault that occurred on March 16 when an armed man approached a 56-year-old women. He took both of his victims to isolated areas, raped them and struck them on the head with a firearm before fleeing on foot. This rapist attacked during the early morning hours, as well as in the late afternoon.

“In light of two recent sexual attacks that occurred in the ‘border district’ between the 79th and 88th Police Precincts, a possible gap in NYPD coverage is cause for concern. I call for an undercover detail in that area, and well as increased early morning patrols at transit facilities, including the Franklin shuttle, and C train. This attacker seems to be aware of the black hole in policing that exists on the edge of Clinton Hill and Bedford Stuyvesant,” said Council Member James.

Police described Tuesday’s attacker as 25 to 35; between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-11; 160 to 180 pounds; wearing a green jacket, dark pants, and white sneakers. The cases are under investigation by Brooklyn’s Special Victims Unit.

“In light of the recent sexual assaults and muggings that have occurred over the past few weeks on our streets, the CLEXY (Classon, Lexington, and Quincy Block Association) group is urging Police Commissioner Kelly to increase the police presence in the 88th Precinct. We are in desperate need of more foot patrol, particularly during the late night, early morning shift,” said Laura Benko, vice president of CLEXY.

Police ask that anyone with information about this incident call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website (it seems to be down as of 7:40PM today) or by texting to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Dine In Brooklyn Week- 3/15- 3/25!

Dine in Brooklyn 2010- March 15 to March 25

"Dine in Brooklyn" week starts on March 15, with over 175 restaurants offering three-course meals for $25. And if that isn't too good to believe some are offering two for the price of one.

Fort Greene eateries offering 3 courses for $25:
Aqualis Grill D (Mediterranean)
718-797-3494

Caffe eVino BLD (Italian)
718-855-6222
http://www.caffeevino.com/

Chez Lola D (French)
718-858-1484
http://www.bistrolola.com/

Chez Oskar D (French)
718-852-6250
http://www.chezoskar.com/

Dajeh Restaurant LD (Caribbean)
718-857-1616
http://www.dajeh.com/

Graziella's Italian Restaurant LD (Italian)
718-789-5663
http://www.graziellasmenu.com/

iCi D (French/American)
718-789-2778
http://www.icirestaurant.com/

Luz Restaurant BLD (Latin American)
718-246-4000
http://www.luzrestaurant.com/

Madiba Restaurant BLD (South African)
718-855-9190
http://www.madibarestaurant.com/

Mullanes Bar & Grill BLD (Irish/American)
718-797-7606
http://www.mullanesbrooklyn.com/

Olea Restaurant D (Mediterranean)
718-643-7003
http://www.oleabrooklyn.com/

Poppa's Place BD (International)
718-643-4216
http://www.poppasplacebrooklyn.com/

Scopello Ristorante Bar BD (Italian)
718-852-1100
http://www.scopello.net/

Sushi D D (Japanese)
718-838-0058
http://www.sushid.com/

Thomas Beisl D (Austrian/Viennese)
718-222-5800

2 for $25 at these Restaurants:
Los Pollitos III D (for 2) (Mexican)
718-636-6125
http://www.lospollitosiii.com/

RICE D (for 2) (Fusion)
718-858-2700
http://www.riceny.com/

The Smoke Joint LD (for 2) (Barbecue)
718-797-1011
http://www.thesmokejoint.com/

FGA has some more information: http://historicfortgreene.org/2010/03/dine-in-brooklyn-2010/
As does Visit Brooklyn: http://www.visitbrooklyn.org/

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

ATTENTION: 'Rolling Up The Gates' Touring Event Showcases 20 Local Vacant Lots

"Rolling Up the Gates" is a reception and touring event featuring a viewing of over 20 vacant storefronts!

Welcome Reception and Breakfast
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Bed-Stuy Restoration, Skylight Gallery, 3rd Floor
1368 Fulton Street
(between New York and Brooklyn Avenues)

10:30am Breakfast Reception
11-12pm info session
12-4pm self-guided tour

Maps and Property Info
Pick up the list of vacancies at two starting points:
Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Area- for info on vacancies between Flatbush and Bedford, pick up listings atPACC's Fulton Street Office:
896 FULTON STREET
(between Washington and Waverly Avenues)
CONTACT: DALE CHARLES 347-823-5700 EXT. 16

Bedford-Stuyvesant Area-for info on vacancies between Bedford and Troy, pick up listings at
Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza:

1368 FULTON STREET
(between New York and Brooklyn Avenues)
CONTACT: BERNADETTE MITCHELL 718-636-6989

Presented by Pratt Area Community Council, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration, in partnership with FAB Alliance BID, Bed-Stuy Gateway BID, NYC Business Solutions, and NYC Small Business Services.