Facilities Hearing About Brooklyn Prospect Charter School's Two Year Stay in Sunset Park High School

What's the issue with allowing the Brooklyn Prospect Charter School to hang out in the new Sunset Park High School building for a few years? Doesn't it make sense for a mostly empty building to be used in a closer version of its normal capacity instead of standing lonely? In as succinct an explanation as I'm able, here's what I think about the concerns I've heard floated around.

First, why would the building be mostly empty? The usual process of beginning a totally new school is to start with one (sometimes two) grades and build it up from there. It's the reverse process for phasing out a school. So the first year, the SPHS will have 9th Graders, the second year it will have 9th and 10th, and so on. That means that the new building on 4th Avenue will be at least half empty for the first two years. Seems wasteful in a time of overcrowding and energy consciousness.

Second, sounds like giving another school the space for a couple of years makes sense. What's the issue? In a perfect world of unbroken agreements and well-planned facilities and programs, there wouldn't be an issue. This is not a perfect world. It's probably not even the best of all possible worlds. And, in a community that had to fight for 30 years to get its own high school, suspicions are high when a brand new charter school gets plopped into the building that represents the hopes and hard work of the neighborhood. Sure, you (meaning the Department of Education and the City) say it's only for two years...but times are uncertain right now. What happens if 18 months go by and it doesn't look like there's another viable space? How would that affect the high school and its growth? Once the charter school is in the space, it will be a lot harder to remove it when the time comes. Other communities have these concerns as well.

Any other issues? Off the top of my head (and unsubstantiated by official information), there is also the issue of a facility being used by two entirely separate entities. The ages of the students differ, the philosophies governing the schools differ, and the enthusiasm for the location of the new Sunset Park High School is probably much different from the feelings the Brooklyn Prospect Charter School has for where it will spend (at least) two years.

Anyway, the hearing during which many of these concerns will be aired is coming up. Parents and concerned community members in District 15 will have a chance to speak up with their questions, worries, and support.

Notice of Facilities Hearing
Date: Tuesday May 12, 2009
Time: Speaker Registration: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Presentation & Comments: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: I.S. 136 Charles O. Dewey 4004 4th Avenue

Event : Public Hearing - Proposed facilities hearing regarding Brooklyn Prospect Charter School

Details: The New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) has proposed that beginning in September 2009 Brooklyn Prospect Charter School , a new charter school, be temporarily incubated in the Sunset Park High School building for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 school years. Brooklyn Prospect Charter School will start with grade 6 in September 2009 and add a grade each year to eventually seeks to serve grades 6-12 by 2015, only grades 6 & 7 are proposed to be located in the Sunset Park High School, grade 6 in September 2009 & grades 6 & 7 in September 2010. At the end of the 2010-11 school year Brooklyn Prospect would move out of the Sunset Park High School building.

Brooklyn Prospect Charter School is authorized by the State University of New York (SUNY). SUNY & the NYCDOE will facilitate the hearing and solicit public comment.

About Brooklyn Prospect Charter School :
The mission of Brooklyn Prospect Charter School is to provide a rigorous academic environment in which all students achieve excellence. Brooklyn Prospect Charter School will ensure that its students gain the critical skills and knowledge to enter and excel in college and the competitive world beyond Speaker comment is welcomed, speakers must register. Written comments will also be collected on the day of the hearing and can be submitted via email to: charterschools@schools.nyc.gov.

Pursuant to Education Law 2857(1), the authorizer of a charter school shall hold a public hearing to solicit comment from the community in connection with any proposal for the siting of a charter school in a public school building.

Office of Charter Schools +1 212 374 5419 CharterSchools@schools.nyc.gov

The Best Hazy View in Brooklyn

Sunset Park, originally uploaded by Stephen Joseph E..

I like the effect in this photograph because it's what I see through allergy-affected eyeballs. We're getting a touch of sunshine today; go check out the view!

Re-Zoning Straight from the Source

Re-Zoning is change. And inasmuch as we clamor for some and revolt against other, it's almost always colored by emotion. For those who have questions about what is proposed, check out this NYC Department of Planning set of pages. And don't forget about the public comment period! Whether you're Pro-Con-Pondering Still, have a say.

Thanks to both SPAN and the Friends of Sunset Park for sending the links my way.

Lebanese and Palestinian Dance Tomorrow Night

Tomorrow night begins a month-long series of dance workshops from around the world at the Sunset Park Recreation Center. These are free and open to the public. Each workshop begins at 6:15 PM. The first installment is Lebanese and Palestinian Debke. See the poster above or the Friends of Sunset Park website for more information.

What You See in Sunset Park: School Fair

Carnival, originally uploaded by kustomkitten.

This was a little over a week ago at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The neon and ironwork contrast nicely. Sponge Bob needs to be kept behind a gate, I say. Is anyone else as unnerved by him as I am?

Sunset Park is NOT a Place to Visit in 2009

Is it wrong of me to be happy that Sunset Park did not end up on another list? I get teased, occasionally - okay, often - for being a big, dorky, and a touch too earnest cheerleader for Sunset Park. However, it was actually a relief that Sunset didn't show up on the "Visit 9 in 2009" list.

Here is the list of where you should be going to "experience a wealth of international tastes, sights and sounds." Get going before the fares are raised!

Open House at El Pequeno Artista

If you haven't taken a look at El Pequeno Artista for classes, here's a chance to get a crash course. They are running a summer program, and a new Montessori Preschool in Spanish will be starting up in the fall. The open house for both programs is at 5:30 PM on May 14th. See below for RSVP information.

from the email:

Saludos!

El Pequeno Artista will have an open house for parents interested in our Summer Program, and/or the Montessori Preschool in Spanish starting this fall. Come and hear an overview of the programs, meet the director and head teachers, and ask questions, etc. You will also have a chance to register then, if you haven't yet.

Please RSVP to elpequenoartista@gmail.com by May 8th.


WHEN:
Thursday, May 14 ~ 5:30 to 7pm

WHERE:
El Pequeno Artista
249 20th St. @ 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215

A Few Shares Still Available in the Sunset CSA

I just found out today that you can juice greens. I've had a juicer sitting around for years, unused, while I struggle to use up huge quantities of kale and spinach and other fun leafy things. Now I know that I don't have to worry about wasting greens with a CSA share. I can juice 'em! You know the Mimomex squash blossoms and zucchini wouldn't go to waste, and their famous peppers are inspiring. But I've heard stories from other people who have been members of long-time CSAs, and those stories are scary. Opening the refrigerator and being stared down by bunches of kale and swiss chard is intimidating, but stuffing them into a juicer is satisfying. Bring 'em on, I say.

Thankfully, there are a few shares (full and half) still open in the Sunset Park CSA. Payment in full is due at the end of May (okay, June 1st), but of course it's encouraged before since the deposit date passed at the end of April. Check out the Sunset Park CSA website for downloadable FAQs and membership information. You can also see previous posts about it here.

Quick info:
The Mimomex produce is naturally grown, and it's pesticide free.
The pick-up is on Wednesday evenings at St. Michael's.
Fruit and egg shares are available for an extra cost.
Low-income shares are available.
Each share volunteers a couple of hours; you get to meet your neighbors!
Come on, you'll like it. Everybody else is doing it.

Speak Out for Sunset Park

Help with the outreach prior to the public hearings regarding the rezoning in Sunset Park. See below for the organizer's contact information.

from the SPAN email:

WE WILL SPEAK OUT FOR SUNSET PARK!

Important dates have been announced by Community Board 7 concerning Dept. of City Planning's proposed rezoning plan of Sunset Park. This is the first step in the process to approve a rezoning plan that will displace current residents and small businesses in Sunset Park.

We will be there to speak out on our concerns about this plan. Please join us on these dates and on Saturday, May 9th to do outreach in the neighborhood. (If you want to distribute literature on May 9th with us please email directly to Rosita_11215@yahoo.com for the time and location)

What we want: Dept of City Planning recently undertook a rezoning in Bay Ridge that better protects the community and even downzones certain areas. Our priority is a comprehensive plan that encompasses the entire community so we can find solutions to preserve and create housing affordable to the long-time working residents of Sunset Park. We want equal protection for our neighborhood.


Sat, May 9th, (afternoon)
Join us to do outreach in the neighborhood
(Contact Rosita_11215@yahoo.com for details)

COME TO THE PUBLIC HEARINGS

Wed May 13th, 6:30 PM
PS 169 Auditorium
7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets

Saturday, May 16th 1:00 PM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (Auditorium)
6th Ave bet 59th an 60th Streets

Proposed Community Board Vote on Rezoning
Wed, May 20th, 6:30 PM
Old Court House, entrance on 43rd St. and 4th Avenue

What You See in Sunset Park: Coquis, Cards, and Stones

Botanica Window, originally uploaded by wagongrrl.

More Reasons to Stay Away from Raccoons (and feces)

Following last Thursday's sighting of a raccoon near P.S. 24, this Daily News article seems timely. It's also a little alarmist, so I checked out what the CDC had to say here. Even though contracting the parasite is devastating, it doesn't seem to be very common (although the CDC site says that many infections are likely misdiagnosed). Since, according to the article, fewer than 30 cases are reported in the entire United States of America, it hardly seems like a widespread concern; however, two cases turned up in Brooklyn (only one was apparently contracted in Brooklyn). According to the CDC site linked above, here's what they look like: "Feces usually are dark and tubular, have a pungent odor (usually worse than dog or cat feces), and often contain undigested seeds or other food items." Mmmmm. Pungent.

Advice to avoid contraction of Raccoon Roundworm includes avoiding ingestion of raccoon feces. Now, some of you may say, "Well done. Simple enough." But think of all the times you touch your shoes, put down a bag on the sidewalk or in the park, close a stroller and touch the wheels, and so on. Believe me, fecal matter other than your own is a part of your life! So, just as the best deterrent to (insert appropriate name here) flu is to wash your hands, the same goes here. And wash your hands before rubbing your eye, wiping your kid's nose, or eating a red bean bun from Blue Sky bakery.* Real soap is the best as well. Is singing Happy Birthday all the way through the amount of time you're supposed to wash hands? Or is that for brushing teeth?

*I know it's unrealistic to avoid doing most of what we do after washing hands, and many of us pretend that those wipes from CostCo will kill germs. But washing hands is good practice anyway, so we may as well do it as often as possible.

Basically, it's likely not something to worry about; it's something to be aware of. Watch yourself, watch your kids, and watch out for pungent feces of all kinds.

Hara Kazuo to Appear at Light Industry

Light Industry will host Hara Kazuo for a screening of Extreme Private Eros, followed by an author appearance and book-signing.

May 9th, 2009
7:30 PM
Light Industry

220 36th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenue), 5th Floor
$7 at the door

Born in 1945, Hara Kazuo was influenced as a young man by the protest movements that took place throughout Japan and the world in the late 1960s and 70s. He founded Shisso Productions in 1971 with his wife, producer, and primary collaborator Sachiko Kobayashi. He has published five documentary films thus far, including the award-winning The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On, widely recognized as most important and influential documentary ever made in Japan, Goodbye CP, A Dedicated Life, Extreme Private Eros: Love Song 1974, and Watashi no Mishima.

from the press release:

Hara Kazuo's innovations have transformed documentary filmmaking. Now, Kaya Press is pleased to announce its release of Camera Obtrusa: The Action Documentaries of Hara Kazuo. In support of the release, Mr. Hara will be touring the US in April and May, appearing in New York, Princeton, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Throughout the four decades of his career, Hara Kazuo has stalked the bizarre and disturbing margins of Japanese society, certain that central truths are to be found in fringe phenomena. His "action documentary" method pursues the shocking effect of the action film, following the gesture and staying in the moment. Hara's explosive technique has contributed directly to the current ascendance of the documentary film; his best-known disciple is Michael Moore, who lists Hara as one of his favorite directors.

In CAMERA OBTRUSA: HARA KAZUO'S ACTION DOCUMENTARIES Kaya Press offers the first English-language book on Hara's life and method by the master himself. Digging into the practical elements of his craft, the author describes each of his groundbreaking films in detail; he puts his work into context with a funny and heartbreaking visit to his own strange upbringing.

Kaya Press will launch CAMERA OBTRUSA in May with a five city author tour featuring screenings of the films The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On and Extreme Private Eros: Love Song 1974. Director Hara Kazuo and his life and filmmaking partner, producer Kobayashi Sachiko, will appear at all events with a translator, and will sign books afterwards.

What You See in Sunset Park: St. Michael's

Flag Pole Circle, originally uploaded by veesvision.

The St. Michael's dome (?) is the most recognizable part of Sunset Park. And it looks familiar even in black and white.

Raccoon Sighting by P.S. 24

A local parent spotted a "slow and lethargic" raccoon near P.S. 24 on Thursday afternoon. She wasn't sure who to call, and the short answer is to call 311 if you see any animal behaving strangely.

A much more comprehensive answer was presented by another local parent who used to work at a wildlife center:

311 (Animal Control) is probably the best resource in the City for issues like this, but they're unlikely to be able to do anything if the raccoon isn't contained (in a box or a cage trap) or injured. Even slow moving raccoons will probably leave the area before they arrive.

Believe it or not, raccoons are actually more populous in cities and suburbs than in the "wilds," because they thrive on our leftovers and trash. The Humane Society of the United States has lots of good information on its website about raccoons: Link. Another good resource is the MSPCA: link.

Your experience is a good reminder that we should all teach our kids to stay away from wildlife and take care to secure our trash. (And maybe rethink leaving cat food outside overnight.)

The Fifth Food Group: Sponch

Sponch is an..., originally uploaded by staceyjoy.

If you click on the photo uploaded by staceyjoy, you'll see the economy size in the comments. How are these? Anyone out there addicted? Are they squishy or solid? Is it coconut on top or just sugar? And the real question, is there a chocolate variety?

Free Drum and Dance Workshops at Rec Center

There's not a lot that's more energizing than good drumming and dancing. The Rec Center wants you to get drumming and dancing for free. Thursdays at 6 PM during May you can do just that thanks to the Brooklyn Arts Council and the Sunset Park Recreation Center.

May 7th will be Palestinian/Levantine Debka
May 14th is Korean Drumming and Dancing
May 21st is Afro-Dominican and Afro Puerto Rican night (will we see Bombayo again?)
May 28th is a Drum Jam.

Call 718 965 6533 for more information about these events.

What You See in Sunset Park: Fair Warning

L1012695 You are under Civilian Camera, originally uploaded by Susan NYC.

As deterrents, cameras work when misbehaving folks care about getting caught. Of course, the camera needs to be functioning and pointed in the correct direction.

I like that the sign is straightforward and clear.

Cinderblocks and the Promise of Orange Bricks

This building (at 713-715 43rd Street) is going to grow up to be a five floor, ten unit building. A year ago, the two one-family houses that stood here were torn down. The thing is, there isn't anything posted about building something. There's only something posted about a sidewalk barrier. The application is in, but it seems nothing has come of that yet. (As always, I could be reading these things incorrectly.) The lack of necessary paperwork hasn't stopped the preparations for quintupling the amount of residents, however! The above photo was take at the beginning of April, 2009. The photo below was taken on the last day of April, 2009.
True, it's not a whole lot of work that's getting done, but the brickwork has begun! If anyone has the time, could you chime in about whether or not this building is being built with proper go-ahead? The 713/715 addresses have two different sets of "job filings." The primary structural system also is claimed as wood. Is there any wood going on here?

A New Sunset Blog from Friends of Sunset Park

Started just recently, the FoSP blog is full of great neighborhood information. Considering that Maria Roca and FoSP have been one of the driving forces behind loads of great activities for adults and children in the area, the blog will be THE place to stay updated with dates and details about what's going on.

Check it out here!

Green-Wood Awakening - Puppets Included

This sounds like a fantastic and entertaining event for people of all ages. Check out the information posted by lostingreenwoodheights on Brooklynian.

GREEN-WOOD AWAKENING
A Springtime Celebration!

Saturday, May 16 & Sunday May 17, 2009
TWO PERFORMANCES EACH DAY: 11:00AM & 3:00PM

Imagine the whimsy of 20-foot-tall puppets guiding you through Green-Wood. Even if you’ve visited before, you’ve never seen Green-Wood like this! “Green-Wood Awakening” is a spring celebration that is part historic tour and part interactive theater. Featuring live music and the eye-popping artistry of The Puppeteer’s Cooperative, this special event will draw you into the magic, beauty and fascinating stories and legends of Green-Wood. This event is great for grown-ups and also a terrific family day outing!

SPECIAL EVENT & TOUR @ GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY:
Tickets are $10. To purchase advance tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ or call the 24/7 Hotline at 1.800.838.3006

SPECIAL OFFER: $25 family package that admits two adults and up to five children under 16.

Meet inside the main entrance at 25th Street at 5th Avenue.

Please call 718.768.7300 or e-mail info@greenwoodcemetery.org for more information.

A National Historic Landmark–Est. 1838–Our main entrance is located at 500 25th Street (on 5th Avenue) in Brooklyn. Via subway, take the R to the 25th Street station. For more info, call 718.768.7300 or visit us on-line at http://www.greenwoodcemetery.org/

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Not a Historic Fund member? Your support helps us to preserve the past to serve the future. Enroll today and enjoy membership benefits and discounts on all walking/trolley tours, books and more. Enroll by calling 718.768.7300, visit http://www.greenwoodcemetery.org/ or e-mail info@greenwoodcemetery.org