What You See in Sunset Park: Everlasting Garden

Everlasting Garden on 40th, originally uploaded by bestviewinbrooklyn.

This building had several decorated areas in front of it. I particularly like the "Stop and Smell the Roses" sign, even though there aren't any there.

You can check out this photo as well as many other fantastic photos from around Sunset Park and its surroundings in the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool.

North Fork Bank Kept the Colors but Erased 5 Floors of Furniture

I suppose it's the best I could hope for. I just really liked the lettering of the New York Furniture building. (See below.) At least the excellent red will remain. The ATMs were being installed Monday, and lots of busy action was occurring inside.

Monday Links: Positive Stories about Sunset Park

Sunset Park's "Mother Teresa" is Honored - Rocco Basile

The Journey of a Mural at Charles O. Dewey - We Are Here: MS 136 Community Mural

New Blog from Friends of Sunset Park

And Why Not: Another Feature about Banh Mi that mentions Sunset Park (Three times!)

Under Minerva Goes Off the Grid

Check out Under Minerva's website for more details about the upcoming exhibition Off the Grid. The show features Brooklyn based artists, but I don't know which areas of Brooklyn are the focus. Sunset Park ought to be featured, naturally, but my guess is other, more northern areas are the highlights. ;)

Here are the basics from the site:

Opening on April 15th and closing May 24th, and curatred by Meghan Jewett, Associate Director of Tibor de Nagy Gallery, Under Minerva Gallery is pleased to present, OFF THE GRID, with selected photographs, paintings and mixed media collages by Joe Davis, Elise Toide and Michael Scott. The exhibition celebrates the diversity of our environment, and the artistic influences that are acquired from the city. These works draw inspiration from the community and the free exchange of thought that is constantly surrounding us. They find value in the gritty, the mundane, and the everyday sources that make up our experiences.

While it opens on Wednesday, Friday the 17th, from 7 PM to 9 PM, is the opening reception. So if you've had a rough week, check in there for some free champagne and art.

Under Minerva is at 656 5th Avenue, between 19th and 20th.

What You See in Sunset Park: Heads and Weenies

Since I've been on a bit of a food in its various forms kick lately, here's another installation. Both photos were added to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool on flickr by Venus in Furs. I think they suit each other quite nicely.

First, the raw form.

Then, the more processed version.

Both are on 5th Avenue in the low 50's.

OLPH in a Different Light

This photo of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was added to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool by Pro-Zak. Its haunting version of the cathedral is stunning.

Sustainable Development T-shirt, Easter Addition

Sustainable Development T-shirt, originally uploaded by veesvision.

Posted in the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool by veesvision. Considering that Sunset Park is awash in new condos, very timely.

Robert Guskind Memorial Video

I've held back from posting about Robert Guskind's memorial because I feel a tad silly offering up more responses (after an initial posting) since I never met the man, nor did I have anything resembling a personal friendship with him. However, attending the memorial a week ago was moving, and it was reassuring to hear that many others were as affected by his efforts and support in the world of neighborhood blogging as I.

Happily, for my relatively shy self, I arrived just as the memorial video was about to begin. It's an extraordinarily well-crafted montage of interviews, images, and video shot by Bob himself. It's worth a watch, and I hope it will help people to understand why so many have responded strongly to the loss of this particular journalist. This guy loved Brooklyn, Gowanus and Coney Island in particular. And just as many of us love pieces of Brooklyn that others may consider ugly, run-down, or past hope, so did he.

I'm providing the link (above) because - I'm embarrassed to admit - I just have never gotten the knack of embedding video. I know, it's simple, but it's simply beyond me.

The memorial service itself was a collection of amazingly heartfelt appreciation for the passion, work, and support from Robert Guskind; there was also a call for balance and a reality check. I won't go into the details; they are described more eloquently (and links to other sites are provided) than I could share on the Gowanus Lounge site. However, one of the effects of the memorial service that I think Bob would appreciate is that it brought out various bloggers who might not otherwise attend "blog events." It was great to meet the people behind so many creative, informative, hysterical, and thoughtful websites around Brooklyn. I had to leave too soon (which was tough considering the amount of amazing food offered and the people I wanted to meet and talk to), but I did get to chat briefly with the people behind Flatbush Gardener, New York Shitty, Pardon Me for Asking, and other websites that help Brooklyn become a better, closer, more able to laugh at and appreciate itself kind of place.

As I attempted to say (less than clearly due to my distaste for public speaking and my baby spitting up on my shoulder to distract me) at the memorial was that one of the things that Bob Guskind did was to support and encourage those of us who truly care about our neighborhoods but might not feel like we deserve to have any kind of public voice. He got excited about things that seemed like no big deal, and he always asked for more. As a teacher, I know how important a pat on the back (cyberpat or otherwise) can be.* Encouragement means someone keeps trying to get it right - even if he never reaches perfection. It's certainly necessary when the majority of responses in our world are negative.
* A pat on the back is considered a no-no, as is any touching between teacher and student, by the way. Ridiculous, but necessary in very, very few cases.

My hope is that vigilance in our neighborhoods will not decline because Gowanus Lounge is without its publisher and leader. My hope is that those who love Brooklyn (and wherever they happen to live) will keep their eyes and ears peeled, will attend CB meetings and Community Council meetings, will ask questions, will call 311, will appreciate and laugh at the beautiful and funny things and call out the negative things. In that way, the things that Guskind worked for will continue to have champions.

That's all.

What You See in Sunset Park: Reminders That You Are Divine

I love this. I'm not sure I take it the same way it's meant by the driver, but I love it nonetheless.

Black Raspberry Fence Condos* are Now Available (Medical/Professional Space, too!)

The condos that grace 4602 6th Avenue are ready for purchase. They are the Sunset Towers** Condominiums, and they have a website! In fact, it's the same website (and same interior photos) as the condos at 548 46th Street. Well, almost the same website, but the interior photos are identical. Check it out for yourself.

Both sets of condos are available for viewing Monday through Friday, pretty much all day. Who wants to go with me?

* Black Raspberry because of this.
**Why the plural? Is there an unseen tower?

What You See in Sunset Park: Good Friday Procession

At around 10 AM the procession was waiting at 4th Avenue and 53rd Street. Four police cars, two of those little traffic cars, and several more officers on foot were there to help the procession to cross. The crowd took up most of the 4th to 5th block of 53rd Street.
By shortly after 11 AM, they had made it over to the park. Taking 44th Street up the side of the park, the exchange of the cross was made (a teenage looking young man carried it up this steep block), and prayers were said at every block.
Here, the crowds were waved over to the sidewalk by their priest. Very thoughtful to traffic, I think. I was surprised at the lack of followers who joined in the singing. Last year it seemed a lot more passionate.

What You See in Sunset Park: Alligator Hands

It's obscene, really. And it certainly isn't something you expect to see on the sidewalk. At least I don't expect to see it, but I did. They look strangely human, but that's the vegetarian in me talking, I'm sure. For $3.99 a pound you can take a claw from an alligator home with you.

Friends of Sunset Park, Our Rec Center, and Young Dancers in Repertory present Celebrating Diversity through Dance

Set this date aside for a good time: April 18th, 2009.

From Noon to 4 PM the Recreation Center will be awash in cultural celebration through dance. Check out the website for the event here. So far, the roster includes dancers from the following cultures: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Polish, Irish, Greek, Lebanese, and East Indian. I'm sure some of the Asian dancers will sign on soon. It would be great if the Norwegian Folkdance Society made an appearance.

Friends of Sunset Park, The Sunset Park Recreation Center, and Young Dancers in Repertory are bringing us this free event.

The day will include tabling by various area organizations, and the website has information on how to obtain a FREE area for tabling (informational, not sales!). The Girl and Boy Scouts, HealthPlus, and OBT are already showing up.

Then and Now: Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

It's been a long while since I posted up some Then and Now photos. This isn't quite Sunset Park, but it's close, and the photos are both pretty darn cool.


Vicariously_Me uploaded the above photo to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool, and it gives me the perfect excuse to share the photograph seen below. According to Tony, who sent this photo to me many months ago, the shot was taken around 1963, while the Verrazano was under construction. He says, "the cables had just been completed and the roadway support wasn't put in yet. The opening of the bridge in 1964 caused the closing of the ferry line" on the 69th Street Pier.

Sunset CSA to Offer Fruit and Egg Shares

In addition to a working website for the Sunset Park CSA, there's more exciting news for those who wish to partake of non-pesticide, humanely grown and cared for, and fresh food: Optional Fruit and Egg Shares are also available!

As per an email from one of the core members, a person must purchase a vegetable share in order to purchase the optional fruit and egg shares. The optional fruit and egg shares can be purchased separately (fruit or egg...). The website has the FAQ and the Membership Agreement as PDF downloads. You can also download the request form for the fruit or egg shares. The fruit is from a conventional farm, but the chickens are true free range - meaning they actually get to run around; they're not just offered a hole in the wall to leave if they so choose. See below for an excerpt about the optional shares.

The Sunset Park CSA is pleased to announce the addition of Fruit and Egg shares for the summer of 2009. These optional shares are only available if you have purchased or are purchasing a Weekly or an Every Other Week vegetable share. The egg and fruit shares will
be available for pick up at the same time as the vegetable shares, Wednesday evenings from
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Maria's Friends Come Out of the Cybershadows

So one of my little email updates comes to me in the form of Yelp reviews in Sunset Park. Occasionally a place like Ba Xuyen or Tacos Matamoros or Pacificana will receive more than one review on the same day, but it's rare. Imagine my shock to see that Maria's Bistro Mexicano received four 5 out of 5 reviews and one 4 out of 5 review on the same day. Yes folks, April 6th was a busy day for Yelp regarding Maria's. You know I had to check out these reviews.

Sure enough, all of the aforementioned reviews except for one were by people who had (as of Tuesday) only written one review: Maria's Bistro Mexicano. This is always suspect, at least to me. Whether the review is good or bad, it's never truly trustworthy when it's the only review a person has written.

My unscientifically arrived at guess would be that someone who is a friend or associate of Maria's Bistro Mexicano saw a review by Marcus V. that resulted in one star ; Marcus arrived at that score never having been to the restaurant. He was actually only opining on an inspection in February that resulted in 47 violation points. (The March inspection lowered that to 16 points.) That's not a valid review. But then, neither are reviews that are merely written to counter a negative review.

I'd like to think that Maria's has improved of late; I've made no secret of my disappointment with it. However, I've also had some delicious and sociable brunches and dinners there. Has anyone been to Maria's lately? Will their happy hours and outdoor garden draw in more clientele?

Bread Burning on 9th Avenue

We came across this bread burning (a pre-Passover ritual) on 9th Avenue and 45th Street. At first we smelled some plastic burning, but then when we saw what was going on we figured it was just the accelerant used to start the fire. As we watched, however, we noticed several people putting bread wrapped in plastic on the burning pile. Hmmmm. The smell dissipated after a moment, so hopefully those standing close-by weren't too affected.

A very helpful gentleman (who was surprised I knew what matzoh was) explained the ritual as Chametz, the time to clean the house of all leavened bread items. Burning ensures the bread items are truly gone. This Crown Heights website has a very useful explanation as well. A member of Cheveirem was on hand to oversee the safety of this burn, but I don't know, it didn't look too controlled to me. I prefer the burns that are within a container or oven. That said, it seemed to go off without a hitch, and those watching were satisfied that their leavened items were gone for Passover.

I think I'll cook up some matzoh brie.

More Street Pain from ConEd and National Grid

So after yesterday's post I received two separate emails that basically said, "Dude, that's nothing. Check out my block!" And so, I did. It's true that ConEd has another site of seemingly deserted roadway destruction, but that comes at the bottom of the page. National Grid (using Keyspan equipment as well) has also created an egregious example of hazardous public works.

As you can see in the above photo, the roadwork on 41st Street between 5th and 7th Avenues was meant to begin 2/20/09 and end 3/20/09. It's still torn up, and there are pipes and other items from Keyspan strewn about. No one was working at this site.
The ditches are quite deep; in some areas they are more than a foot deep. No flimsy, detachable yellow grates for these ditches. Just flimsy gates and cones, sometimes half-buried.
Check out this poor cone (donated by ConEd) languishing in this ditch. It's stuck in the mud.
For much of the span, there is nothing more than a cone and pink streamers shielding foot and car traffic from a deep ditch. Thanks National Grid!

And back to ConEd on 6th Avenue at 47th Street. The ditches aren't as deep, but the work is just as old. Plastic gates block the shallow cuts into the roadway.

And less secure gates attempt to sacrifice themselves for out own good. They've thrown themselves onto the rubble to keep others from following suit.

Maybe these companies need to learn the maxim: Don't start what you can't finish.

Heart of Brooklyn Shuttle Comes to Bay Ridge and Sunset Park this Saturday

The Heart of Brooklyn shuttle, which goes to the Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Prospect Park Zoo, and other locations of interest will be stopping to pick up (and later drop off) eager Brooklynites in Bay Ridge and Sunset Park this Saturday.

Take advantage of the direct transportation to visit Brooklyn's fantastic places to see. Instead of taking two or three trains, two buses, or a combination thereof, just hop on this shuttle and ride along. The Sunset stop 4th Avenue and 51st Street. It's the last stop before the Central Library, so you may want to hedge your bets and get on at 4th Avenue and Bay Ridge Avenue (69th Street).

This shuttle will be available to our corner of Brooklyn the second Saturday of the next few months.

See the schedule and stops here.

Sonidos Latinos con Nombres

Sonido Latino, originally uploaded by galvarez51.

This much photographed mural outside Sonido Latino Movies and Music on 47th Street at 5th Avenue has remained relatively tag free. This photo of it, added to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool by galvarez51, has each image named for you. Very cool.

ConEd Causes 46th Street Heartache

This is not the sort of color we want to see lining the springtime streets of Sunset Park. About a week ago, I passed by this area of 46th Street, but I was on the opposite side of the street, so I didn't see the dates posted on the signs. It wasn't until I saw this on Brooklynian that the full scope of inconvenience and unattractive barricading became clear. So, I decided to take a closer look.

Taking up a full quarter of the left side of the block, and straddling a fire hydrant (you can just make it out on the center-left of the above photo), these plastic, yellow, floating grates and the rickety plastic and wood triangle things (what are they called?) have been part of this 46th Street block for over a month. Some of the signs on the barricades say that the work started and ended on February 24th, 2009. Others had an early March ending date.

The Brooklynian poster asserts that there has been "no perceptible activity there for weeks" and that calls to ConEd have been frustrating because ConEd claims that no problems show up on that block. I guess the computers need to be updated with reality.

The trenches along the left-hand side of the road are pretty deep, and the plastic grates are not attached to the road with anything other than gravity. Perhaps several calls to 311 would help this situation; apparently ConEd doesn't want to collect property with its name on it.

Panoramic of Sunset Park's View

This photo is such a tease. Make sure to click on the photo to see it larger. This was added to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool by John Niedermeyer. An even better option is to stop by the BViB photo pool and click on the view it larger link of this photo.

Enjoy.

Over 40 Females - Get Your Mammogram for Free (or close to it)

I love the freebies, and here's one that's good for you, too.

The American Italian Cancer Foundation and Assemblyman Felix Ortiz are coordinating a Mammogram event to offer no-cost or low-cost mammograms to women who fulfill these criteria: She hasn't had a mammogram in the past year; she is at least 40 years old. I fit into one of these categories, but I'm not saying which.

The event will be held at PS 24 (427 38th Street), and it is on May 16th, 2009. Appointments are necessary. Call 1-718-492-6334.

If you have a loved one who fits into these categories, encourage her to call (or call for her and surprise her for Mother's Day! Fun day out!)

What You See in Sunset Park: 8th Avenue Goods

mintyfreshflavor added this to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool. It's a great photo of some of the items we see while traipsing up and down 8th Avenue. I just wish it came with translation. Can anyone help out?

If you want to share your photographs of Sunset Park, join the BViB photo pool and add them!

Pajama Drive

The Sunset Park Recreation Center is taking part in a Pajama Drive. Their goal is a measly 37 pajamas...girls' pajamas. The age range is simple: childhood. If you're wondering what size to buy, think on this: donations for infant and very young children tend to be greater in number. Buy a nice new set of PJs for a ten year old, or even a teenager. I'll bet it won't be duplicated. They should be new and unused. Yes, that means TAGS STILL ATTACHED!

Drop off pajamas at the Recreation Center (7th Avenue and 41st Street) - take a right when you enter the rotunda. For more details, call the Recreation Center (718 965 6533) and check out The Pajama Program's site.

Where to buy affordable but still pretty darn cool pajamas?

Happy Days (48th and 5th) has a lot of different styles. Children's Place (44th and 13th; 86th btween 4th and 5th; Atlantic Terminal) is having a sale. Century 21 has great pajamas. CostCo sometimes has Carter's for less than other places.

Are You an Artist Who Knows How to Make Funny?

I have little artistic talent (although I draw a friendly looking brontosaurus), and I have no sense of humor. I will not be submitting any art to Under Minerva's show Making Funny. Some of you, however, may want to consider submitting. It says all mediums will be considered, so go for it. Detailed submission notes are on the website.

from the email:

Making Funny curated by John Olsen explores the concept of humor in contemporary art. All mediums. Submissions postmarked by April 20th. Exhibited May 27th-July 3rd. Up to 5 images/$15.

Sign-Up for Summer Youth Baseball and Summer Camp

As of yesterday (Monday), the applications haven't been going out yet. However, with only 30 spots for these programs, check in and do it often. According to one of the Rec Center employees, in order to maintain fairness and organization, there will be strict record kept of who picks up applications and who turns them in. I may have misunderstood, but here's what I got: The first 30 applications picked up will be given preference, and following applications will be held for spots. This makes sense because it allows those who need more time (to join the Rec Center, to find proper identification) will still be able to get into the programs.

Here's the basic information for both the Baseball Camp and the Summer Camp:

Parents of the children participating need to be members of the Rec Center ($25 for six months). I believe that assistance can be obtained, but I don't have that information yet.

Children need to be between 6 years old and 13 years old.* Bring a birth certificate (or a clear copy).

* One poster cites the groups as 5-8 and 9-12 for baseball.

Children must be up-to-date with their immunizations.

The programs are both free, and lunch is provided.

Please contact the Sunset Park Recreation Center for more information: 718 965 6533. Morris Nelson is the contact for the Summer Baseball League.

Weekday Computer Use Classes at the Rec Center

Geared towards Seniors (age, not school year), the Sunset Park Recreation Center will offer beginning PC instruction in Spanish and English.

Do you know someone who might benefit from learning how to email photos, use MS Word, scour the internet for information, or even shop on-line?

The class will begin on Tuesday, April 14th. It meets every Tuesday from 10 AM to 11:30 AM.

Participants must be members (it's only $10 per year for those 55 and older), and registration is required. Call the Recreation Center for more information: 718 965 6533

Sunset Park Sunshine

Sunset Park Fence, originally uploaded by mnwpng.

With the lack of sunshine promised for the week, we'll need to find it in other ways. Here's a ray or two from mnwpng, who added this to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool.

Another Food Tour of Sunset Park - Pambazos Included!

Thanks to Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn for cluing me into this latest tour of tacos and more in Sunset Park. Check out NYC Food Guy for great photos and tips about mainly 5th Avenue eats.

What You See in Sunset Park: Vintage Bus

How cool is this bus? We were walking past the Jackie Gleason bus depot on Wednesday when this beauty rolled by. It took a right down 39th Street, and I would have loved to catch it for a ride. Vanessa caught the up-close shot for me.

Under Minerva's Artists Discuss Passing By

Under Minerva, a gallery and art space and yoga/meditation studio in Greenwood Heights, is having an artist talk this Wednesday at 7 PM. All indications are that this is a free event.

from Under Minerva's email:

Join Artistic Director Tony Orrico and Curator Vanessa Juriga for a discussion with artists Eric Graham and Chris Hagerty about their work presented in the current exhibition, Passing By. Eric and Chris will be speaking briefly about their process and their pieces, followed by any question/answers.

Under Minerva Gallery and Event Space
656 5th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11215
(Between 19th and 20th Streets)

www.underminerva.com
718.788.0170

What You See in Sunset Park: Wicked Cool Easter Bonnet

St. Agatha's had their Easter Bonnet parade on Thursday. They had fantastic weather, and the bonnets were flamboyant and creative, to say the least. The bonnet featured above was captured by Vanessa at veesvision.

Food Porn from Laurentino's

I showed you the dollar or so chocolate covered strawberries the other day. Now you can check out the mini pies they have (blueberry and cherry - blueberry is pictured) and the biscotti. 5th Avenue between 20th and 21st. See you there. Thanks to veesvision for these fantastic shots of the treats.

Brooklyn Prospect Charter School Will Be in Sunset Park High School Building

Daniel Kikuji Rubenstein, the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Prospect Charter School, informed those on the mailing list that the NYC DOE has proposed placing BPCS within the new building on 4th and 35th. Is it a done deal? After a quick phone call, I can tell you that it is definite (other than some administrative hoops).

I wonder if the location will change some people's minds about applying. My understanding was that the hope for the original location was either in downtown Brooklyn (proximity to BAM and other educational/arts organizations) or somewhere decidedly more Park Slope. I, for one, hope the organizers aren't too disappointed. There's plenty of culture to soak up in Sunset Park, and there is definitely a need for the 88 sixth grade seats if others decide they don't want to make the trip.

Reminder for Sunset Park (and all District 15) parents of current 5th graders, the deadline for applications is SUNDAY. See below for more information.

from the email:

We are pleased to inform you that the NYC Department of Education has proposed placing Brooklyn Prospect Charter School within the newly constructed Sunset Park High School building. We are thrilled to potentially locate the school within the Sunset Park neighborhood and to have the opportunity to allow Brooklyn Prospect to begin serving 6^th grade students within this new facility.

The Sunset Park High School Facility is a newly constructed building located at 35^th Street and 4^th Avenue in Sunset Park , Brooklyn . Sunset Park High School will have approximately 400 students in its first year in a building with a capacity of 1600. Brooklyn Prospect Charter School will have fewer than 100 sixth grade students in its first year.

We are grateful to Principal Corinne Vinal, Council Member Sara Gonzalez, the Center for Family Life Co-director, Julie Stein-Brockway, Community Board 7 and the Sunset Park High School Task Force who have worked tremendously hard in the creation of Sunset Park High School. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure a seamless collaboration and strong foundation for both schools.

Please keep in mind the following important information:

• April 5^th 2009 is the last day to sign up for Brooklyn Prospect Charter School ’s lottery . Please go to our website http://www.brooklynprospect.org/Students to register. Families without internet access and/or Spanish speaking families may leave a message at (718)-289-3174. Note this is an extension of the deadline.

• Entering Brooklyn Prospect’s lottery does not affect the NYC Department of Education’s middle school admissions. Brooklyn Prospect Charter School is an additional free public school option; but the student/family must enroll in the lottery by April 5^th to have Brooklyn Prospect as an option.

Sunset Shooting Connected to Indictments of Drug Ring

A recent shooting in Sunset Park, on 51st between 4th and 5th, led to the indictments of local drug dealers. According to yesterday's New York Times City Room article, six people are charged with attemped murder, and there are 88 counts related to drug dealing. See the article for the details.

Sunset Sky on a Bias

Sky cut on a Bias, originally uploaded by Vicariously_Me.

On a dull and rainy day, you need some color and a touch of blue sky. Here you go.

Thanks to Vicariously_Me for adding this to the Best View in Brooklyn Photo Pool on flickr!

Sunset Park House is Most Expensive in New Brownstoner Feature

Yesterday, Brownstoner's new Under A Million feature topped it off with a Sunset Park house that sold for $763,000. Compared to the $730,000 condo in Fort Greene with half the footage, it's a pretty good deal.

Reminder: DEP Public Hearing About the South Pier Improvement Project

On Monday, April 6th (this Monday!), starting at 6 PM, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will hold an Informal Open House (6 PM - 7 PM) and a Public Hearing (7 PM - 9 PM) to inform residents of the area surrounding the Gowanus Generating Station at 29th Street and 2nd Avenue about upcoming changes in emissions.

The hearing will be held in the PS 24 auditorium at 427 38th Street in Brooklyn. On-line, you can peruse the report at the US PowerGen website or at the DEC site. In person, you can check it out at the Sunset Park and Red Hook libraries, the Community Board 7 offices, and the NYSDEC offices in Long Island City.

from the email:

The Astoria Generating Company is reaching out to stakeholders in the Sunset Park community to inform them about its proposed South Pier Improvement Project, which will increase the supply of electricity while decreasing emissions from its facilities in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The Astoria Generating Company, L.P, a USPowerGen Company, proposes to enhance the Gowanus Generating Station with the addition of approximately 100megawatts (MW) of new cleaner state-of-the-art electric generation while reducing the actual net emissions from the existing facility.

A public hearing has been scheduled by the DEC on Monday April 6th, 2009 from 7pm – 9pm with a one hour Open House prior to the hearing. The public hearing will take place at the PS 24 Auditorium located on 427 38th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

Additional information on the proposed project is available on the South Pier Improvement Project website at www.USPowerGen.com or call the hotline 1-888-398-USPG (8774).

Sunset Park in Chowhound via Brownstoner

A comment yesterday indicated that this blog has been very useful to some people when it comes to finding/choosing eating establishments. While I'll admit that I have some skill in finding and posting links to other people's opinions, my own palate is relatively limited due to my habit of neglecting to eat anything with a face.

So, in an effort to further assist my neighbors, and inspired by both the commenter (thanks for the compliment Nick D.) and Wednesday's blurb from Brownstoner (go down to the Red Hook Vendor bit) that was from a link to a Chowhound thread about the new Casa Vieja on 5th and 60th, I'd like to direct those who are interested to another Chowhound thread that has been my guide several times. This thread started in August of 2008, and it's been added to by several better-informed-than-I diners in Sunset Park. Bookmark it, seriously. Highlights from this thread include Peter Cherches' posts and a mention of the juice and tamale stand outside on 5th Avenue and 40th Street. But really, the entire thread is chock full of helpful tips about where to go and what to try around the neighborhood. It's heavy on suggestions in the 40's and lower 50's, but I'm sure it can be added to.

The new Casa Vieja (an oxymoron, I know) was also featured in the Village Voice's Fork in the Road.

Links of Concern and Amusement

Concern: The protests over the paring down and/or chopping of the B37 and other bus lines. This article in The Brooklyn Eagle explains why the B37 is vital to so many.

Amusement: From the NYT real estate listings comes a condo of 550 square feet on 39th Street for $349, 000. But not to worry, you can customize the kitchen to your taste, and you pay no tax for 7 years! It makes the $200 common charge seem practically reasonable. Except for the bus and construction fumes wafting in your window.

FYI: For $355k you can get a 1 bed/1 bath and 645 square feet on the park, or for $329k you can get 925 square feet close to the park in a 2 bed/1 bath space.

What You See in Sunset Park: Lucha Libre Masks

Lucha Libre Wrestler Masks, originally uploaded by veesvision.

Quite a variety of looks. Veesvision added this to the Best View in Brooklyn photo pool. These masks come from around 60th Street.

Yoga, Beer, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Walking on the other side of the street is truly informative.

After attending the Spanish story-time and sing-a-long at El Pequeno Artista, my neighbor and I crossed 5th Avenue to walk down to Eagle Provisions and check out the plants. Before we got there, however, we dawdled in front of a gallery gone yoga studio called Under Minerva (presumably because if its proximity to Green-Wood Cemetery's Minerva). As we turned to go, a young woman (Sorry, I don't remember her name. Blame it on sleep deprivation.) jumped out of a car and asked if we were interested in yoga classes. After letting us know that there is a "bring a friend and you both just pay $5" deal, she told us there were classes almost every day of the week.

According to the postcard she gave me, Under Minerva is an Art Gallery and Event Space. We were admiring the chandelier in the window and the style of the logo on the storefront while we dawdled, so I'm sure the rest is worth an actual stop. They have an Artist's Den (which makes me think of a nook that's carpeted from floor to ceiling) with 24 hour access and a Wifi lounge (weren't we just wondering about that?). It also hosts meditation, yoga, children's classes - there's even a book club.

The website isn't the easiest to navigate or most informative I've seen, but I'm sure a phone call would help. I have an email in asking for prices and more information; stay tuned.

Continuing on 5th Avenue, we went to Eagle Provisions where the plants looked good, but the beer got bought. Happily, I didn't go nuts in the chocolate section of Eagle because I was about to discover my new favorite Green-Wood Heights Happy Place.

Laurentino's Pasticceria Caffe (with an accent over the e) has been open since October, but since that's also when I had a baby, I guess I've been a little out of it. I had passed this place by a few times, but never crossed the street to check it out. What attracted me this time were the chairs and tables in the window. Then we got a whiff of the baking inside. Oh. My. Goodness. Take a look at the chocolate covered strawberries.
I didn't buy one. I can't believe I didn't, but I didn't. They were only $1 each, but I resisted. I did, however, buy their pignoli. (I know, so much more naughty.) Having lived on the outskirts of Bensonhurst for several years, I was skeptical about whether or not these cookies would be worthy of being called pignoli. Let's just say I'll be purchasing some for when I need a treat for visiting miei amici. Next time I want to try one of the cheesecakes. My neighbor bought one of the blueberry mini-pies. She wanted to take photos, so hopefully she'll let me post those up when she's done.

The women who waited on us were incredibly friendly and helpful, and they encouraged us to check out all the pastries. They weren't annoyed by our many questions and paltry purchases. There are several cozy tables for sitting while you snack and have a cappuccino. There aren't yet any high chairs, but there is enough room to stash a stroller in the corner.

In the summer months they make their own gelato and ices. Oh yeah.

Check out Laurentino's on 5th Avenue between 20th and 21st. They do "cakes for all occasions" and they are looking forward to serving you treats and coffee.

Culver Garden Group Meets this Weekend

The Culver Garden organizers are meeting up at 10 AM on Sunday the 5th. If you're interested in getting involved, show up to the Long Sing Bakery on 9th Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets.

What they are especially looking for are people who can talk to and connect with community groups, local schools, local politicians, and other area organizations.

If you haven't yet felt spring in the air, attending this meeting might help you get there. They expect to be at the bakery for at least an hour.

You can join the group by going to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CulverGarden.

Happy National Poetry Month

Besides Poets.org, you can also check out Poems Out Loud for audio and visual stimuli.  

Don't forget to offer up your take on Sunset Park!  We've gotten a few, actually four, so far.  Check out the comments section of the previous link.

"Riders" at 36th Street

RIDERS Mosaic, 36th Street Subway Station, Brooklyn, New York City, originally uploaded by jag9889.

Thanks to jag9889 for adding this to the photo pool!

A Music Man Spotted at Sunset Library

photos courtesy of Rachel, Sunset Park event attender extraordinaire

Sadly, I only found out about this event after the fact. Last Thursday, the Sunset Park library hosted a kiddie concert with Louie Miranda. From what I heard (thanks, Rachel!), "he had the kids eating out of his hands by the end." There were songs, instruments to play, and everyone's favorite activity: the parachute. Louie Miranda (formerly of Sunset Park, now living in another area of Brooklyn) has some videos on YouTube. Here's one that teaches you a musical mnemonic, or you can listen to a lullaby in Spanish. They are both great for kids and those who love them.

It takes a special kind of person (in a really good way) to entertain kids without being creepy. He's able to do that. And he can sing without using goofy voices! Bonus! Check out the link to his website above for more songs and information about booking him for events and parties.