Kicked to the Curb

Somehow the facial expression is appropriate to the fate of this print. Like the subject is saying, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." Or something like that.

Saturday Events in Sunset Park: Green Market, Coop's Stoop Sale, SPAN meeting

Don't forget that the Sunset Park Green Market's first day is this Saturday! It opens at 8 AM and continues until 5 PM (or until the vendors run out of goods). It's on 4th Avenue between 59th and 60th Street. Last year's opening day was small, but there were wonderful squash flowers, cilantro, and a nice selection of greens. Stop by!

One of the 44th Street Coop buildings is having a big stoop sale on Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM. It's at the top of the hill on 44th and 6th Avenue (570 44th Street). Some of the goods up for sale will be air conditioners, baby stuff, housewares, books, clothing, and the obligatory knick-knacks. Come check it out before hitting up 8th Avenue or 5th Avenue for some grub.

As previously posted, SPAN is hosting a presentation about the new power plant. It begins at 11 AM, and it's at Trinity Lutheran Church on 4th Avenue and 45th Street.

Calling All Sunset Park Arts & Crafters

Posted on the Brooklynian site, a local crafter wants to bring it home instead of always hauling up to Park Slope.


If you are interested in crafting of any kind (knitting, quilting, crochet, etc.), I run a free group for local crafters. We get together a few times a month to do what it is we do and help each other learn.

We have members from all over Brooklyn, but we live in SP and would like to get more neighbors involved. The name of the group is Brooklyn Krafthaus and our site is:

http://craftswap.meetup.com/66/

Sunset Park Alliance of Neighbors to Host Power Plant Presentation

Instead of the usual Sunset Park Alliance of Neighbors meeting, SPAN will be hosting a presentation about the new power plant that will be built followed by a discussion about neighborhood reactions/concerns.

Is Our Health At Risk?

Learn about the new power plant being built in our neighborhood

Saturday, July 12th
11am
Trinity Lutheran Church
4th Avenue between 45th and 46th Street

organized by SPAN (The Sunset Park Alliance of Neighbors)
For more info: (718) 853-0949


¿Esta en peligro nuestra salud?

Lo invitamos a un foro sobre la construcción de una nueva planta de
energia en Sunset Park

Sabado 12 de julio 2008
11 a.m.
en la iglesia luterana
Entre la 46 y 45 en la 4ª avenida

Asuspeciado por SPAN (la alianza de vecinos de Sunset Park)
Llame al (718) 853-0949

More Photos of the Magic Show

Thanks to Vanessa Velez of www.veesvision.com, here are some more complete and vivid photos of yesterday's Music, Magic, and Mayhem show. Enjoy!

9th Avenue D Station Won't Be Going to Rehab

AM NewYork has a story this morning about the MTA's cuts and how they will affect subway stations. According to the article, the MTA claims that the delayed repairs won't affect public safety. However, they will contribute to already depressed-looking stations. Three Brooklyn stations are spotlighted; one of them is the 9th Avenue D Station on 39th Street.

from the article:

9th Avenue on the D line:

Garbage is strewn on the tracks, the overhead pipes are repaired with duct tape, paint is peeling off the ceiling, graffiti is everywhere, a wobbly wooden banister is held together with duct tape, water is dripping from the ceiling, pillars are rusting and the cement platform is full of cracks.

"It's terrible. It looks horrible," said Sharon Rhamoolie, 33, of Sunset Park. "There's always stuff breaking and peeling everywhere. The appearance is really bad. When it rains forget about it. It's everywhere. There's always pigeons all around. They live here."

Sadly, this station has long been neglected. From the description above, it certainly sounds like
there are some public safety issues. A wobbly banister and cracked platform being the most obvious. I mean, who knows what's lurking in the dripping ceiling water. Can't be worse than Canal Street, I suppose. But then, with a name like Canal Street, you expect it.

Taco Highlight on 5th Avenue

Lost Taco has a lovely entry about Tacos Xochimilco on 5th Avenue and 45th Street. The blog entry is also very complimentary to Sunset Park.

from the blog:

Sunset Park is charming. The park itself goes uphill to the East, and to the West you can see down the side streets all the way to river. It had just rained, or was just about to rain, so it was clear and bright and muggy.

He even makes mugginess sound "charming." Impressive. He is even more pleased with the food at Tacos Xochimilco:

With bravery and trepidation, I picked up the Carne Asada and bit in. The flavor was surprisingly good and the meat was actually juicy(!). Was that juicy beef and char I just tasted? I think it was. I took another bite. Each little meaty morsel actually had flavor and the protein was balanced perfectly with the generous cilantro, onion, and salsa mix. They even served their tacos on the tiny 3 inch tortillas that I like. (Although you have to ask for pequeno.)

It's almost enough to make a vegetarian try one of these tacos. Almost.

The more recent entry on the blog is for Tacos Matamoros, located almost directly across from Xochimilco. Matamoros used to be on the opposite side and down a block, but they moved to this more spacious location. They are still almost always full. It gets more attention than Xochimilco, so I'll leave you to discover the description for yourself.

Musical, Magical Mayhem is a Hit in Sunset Park

Lots going on in the Park today. Despite a threat of rain, and a few actual rain drops, the first Wednesday of Fun in the Park was a huge success. Dikki Ellis entertained a large crowd of children and adults with juggling and magic for an hour. No small feat.


Even at the end of the hour, kids were still rapt and excited by his antics. Thanks to the City Parks Foundation, Friends of Sunset Park, and the City of NY Parks and Recreation for sponsoring the event.
After the show was over, some kids took advantage of the Play Mobile parked over by the flag pole. Hula hoops, sitting scooters, arts and crafts, board games, blocks, rings, and more were on hand to entertain those who stopped by.

One young lady let me take a photo of her completed masterpiece. It turned out quite well, I think.

Maria's Has a Banner Day

I know, I know. Corny title to the post. It looks like Maria's wants some more sidewalk visibility. They were putting up a new banner/flag today just before opening for lunch. Maybe it will bring in more people for the lunch specials.

They've gotten mixed reviews on Yelp, but I've always been happy with the brunch. And even if everything else was horrid, the guacamole would still get my vote.

Have You Been to Fabio's Yet this Summer?

Get on over there! It's on 49th and 4th. The slushie machine was broken when I stopped in on Tuesday, but they had plenty of the new Cappuccino and the old favorite Morir de Sonado. (Helado de Coco is always available!) Even the smallest size (for $1.50) is plenty to cool you off and change your mood for the better.

If storefronts aren't your style, just walk down 5th Avenue for some freshly shaved ice with your choice of flavors. The carts are out in force...on Tuesday there was one on every corner. The closer to the park the longer the lines, so try out 48th or 47th for a quick fix.

Babywearing Comes to Sunset Park

Sorry for the late information:

I don't know if this is a first for the Brooklyn Babywearing Meeting, but hopefully it won't be the last time it's here. Thanks for the information, Amy!

This month's Brooklyn Babywearing Meeting will be held on July 9 from 2-4 in SUNSET PARK in the grass in front of the flagpole memorial. It's next to the basketball courts on the 41st street side of the park overlooking the Manhattan skyline and the Liberty.

Sunset Park can be reached by the R train to the 45th street stop or the N or D trains at the 36th street stop, and by the B63 bus on 5th ave. As always if it rains, we'll be meeting at the Brooklyn Yoga Center (474 Smith St). The meeting is free and open to all interested in babywearing.

If you can't make it, but you want more information on babywearing, check this out: Slings in the City.

Wednesday in Sunset Park - Music, Magic, and Mayhem

On Wednesday, the 9th of July, and beginning at 10:30 AM sharp, the first in a five-week series of events for kids opens with Music, Magic, and Mayhem - also known as "a smorgasbord of oddball antics, riotous slapstick and one darn good time had by all - all served up with a generous side order of original off beat music." The shows are near the game tables/playground area, and event-goers are advised to bring a blanket or chair to sit on and some water (or other appropriate refreshment) to drink.

To see what this Wednesday's show is all about, check out the Dikki Ellis website.

The free events are brought to us by the City Parks Foundation in cooperation with: Friends of Sunset Park and City of New York -Parks and Recreation.

Determined Parents Brave Monster Line for Swim Lessons

This is the line for the Swim Classes at the Sunset Park Pool. It wouldn't be all that bad, except it's the line at 10:45 AM - almost two hours AFTER registration started. When I walked by again, at just after Noon, the line had been shifted (without incident) to allow for pool goers to get in. It was still an impressive line, but it seemed to be moving along. One parent told me he's actually been in line almost three hours. There will be a waiting list for those who don't make it into the classes at first. Mornings in the pool will be worth it, I'm sure!

Course II and Course III have registration days on July 24th and August 13th, respectively.

English as a Second Language Classes at the Sunset Park Recreation Center

Tuesday, July 8th, is the first day for ESL classes at the Rec Center. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM classes will be offered for FREE. Space is limited, so call 718 965 6533 to register.

Sunday Morning in the Park

One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to take a morning walk in Sunset Park. By the time I get there, events are already in full swing. The basketball courts are full, the sitting area overlooking the East River is busy with taped music, live singing, fan dancing, waltzing, and sword dancing. The playground has children swinging and adults stretching and exercising.


The bench promenade hosts relaxation of various forms including newspaper readers, pigeon feeders, loving couples, and yes, the overnight sleepers.






The central field, usually used for soccer, has off-leash dogs frolicking with their owners (and the occasional dog moocher).





The 7th Avenue side of the park is busy as well, but in a different way. Staff readies the Rec Center area for pool time. Community Service "recruits" slowly follow-the-leader to their assignments. Picnic tables are already being held in reserve with tablecloths and bags of food for parties later on. And those of us doing the loops around the park smile and nod as we pass each other for the second (or third) time.


The 5th Avenue side of the park is home to some newish flowering plants; while the roses came and went quickly, the hardier plants are still around. Both intentional and wild flowering plants decorate the slope of the park. I'm waiting for the taller flowers to bloom, but today had a couple of photo opportunities.

Proposal Presentation for Sunset Park Academy

On July 8th, the District 15 Community Education Council will be hearing presentations for new charter schools in the district. One of the proposed charter schools is for the Sunset Park area (although all CSD 15 students can apply to any CSD 15 charter schools).

The meeting is at 131 Livingston Street, room 610; it will take place on July 8th at 7 PM.
(6 PM begins the working session for Council members. Residents are welcome to sit-in.)

For additional information:
CEC15@schools.nyc.gov
Phone: 718 935-4267 Fax: 718 935-4356

Here is some information about the proposed Sunset Park Academy:

Proposed Charter School: Sunset Park Academy - a New York City Charter School Preferred Community: CSD 15 - Brooklyn
Authorizer: NYCDOE
Full Grades (year 1 grades): K-8 (K-2)
Full Enrollment (year 1 enrollment): 612 (180)
Institutional/Management Partner: Imagine Schools Inc
Lead Applicant: Joyce Mattera
Lead Applicant Contact Info: joycemattera@childrenofthecity.com
Proposed Launch Date: 2009-10 School Year
Summary of Educational Program: The mission of the Sunset Park Academy is to create a unique learning experience in which parents, students, teachers and other school staff interface to educate pupils to high academic standards, giving them relevant knowledge for the present, hope for the future, and the impetus to become responsible citizens and the leaders of tomorrow. We will partner with the national charter school operating company of Imagine Schools, using their curriculum, which is aligned with the 11 subject areas and 28 learning standards of New York State to achieve this mission.

Our education program will:
*Address Student Lack of Academic Ability, allowing students to make choices related to learning (writing topics and real-world projects) to help them see they can influence their academic success.
*Provide Supporting Behaviors that Lead to Success in School by demonstrating to students that success is based on practice and hard work that attains high academic standards.
*Build Support Systems Related to Education where school staff, mentors, families and community members will partner to build a culture where it is ok to learn and succeed. *Establish a culture where building student character is stressed, infusing shared values such as honesty, justice, integrity, hope, and respect into learning.
*Support strong Family/Community involvement by forging deep connections with our families, school, and service providers, maintaining regular communication, making home visits and welcoming them into the school.
*Define and Structure Success, by establishing clear classroom management and learning processes so students understand what is expected of them and become more independent academically and organizationally.
*Create an economically sustainable school that can continue to educate children over the long run.

Luxury Rental (available for sale as well) Surrounded by Homey Details

I believe in telling the whole story. At least as I see it. On the surface, well, on paper, the condos on 46th between 5th and 6th (what are they called? Nondos?) that are also up for rent sound great! "Sunny duplex with access to yard" and "laundry and storage available in the building" and the landlord is even willing to put in any type of flooring the tenants want. Wow! Three bedrooms, two full baths, new appliances...all for just $3400. I'm not making it up. Check it out on Craigslist and in the NYT.

I thought I'd help out prospective buyers/renters with some additional photos of the neighboring buildings and the view from the front of the building. So, what do you get for $3400 per month in rent or for $529k.

Here's the neighboring building. Notice the welcoming sign in the window.































And here is the view across the street from your half a million dollar condo (or $3400 rental).

Light Industry Presents Jim Morrison Inspired Poetry

So it's not truly, or solely, inspired by Jim Morrison, but I'll take any excuse to post this image.

On July 8th, Marisa Olson (a truly multi-faceted artist) will put her teenage angst on display during Tuesday's 8 PM presentation. Her book of poetry, Poems I Wrote While Listening to The Doors, 1992-1994 (before I found the internet) was written during her high school years. As the description of the evening says, Olson believes we can learn much more from "public humiliation and the aesthetics of success" than from success. Probably quite true. Thankfully, she will be publicly humiliating herself and not the audience - quite generous of her. Guest poets and performers will be reading and performing excerpts of her book, and Olson will perform as well. Sounds like an interesting evening.

As always, it's $6 at the door. For a full description and a list of artists who will perform excerpts, go to Light Industry's website and go to the calendar.

Post Article Highlights Sunset Park Van Thief Turned Informant

That's what we like to see. He wanted to steal a seemingly abandoned van, but instead, he reported "strange substances" found inside the van. Today's Post has the details.

The van was "found" on 2nd Avenue and 53rd Street, and the helpful thief drove it to a more desolate area behind CostCo (uhhhh, not desolate during CostCo's open hours!) to, presumably, protect the residents of 53rd Street and Lutheran.

Security Company in Sunset Park Employs Fireworks and Cocaine Hoarders

Someone at the Brooklyn Eagle was in a hurry to get this article on-line; it has a some major errors/typos. (Isn't today - Friday - the 4th?) Maybe they''ll be fixed soon. Despite that, it makes for interesting reading, and it reiterates the favorite sentiment of police officers around this time: Boo on Illegal Fireworks! (And at all times: Boo on Illegal Narcotics!)

Basically, these guys live in, and store their wares in, Bay Ridge, but they work for a security company in Sunset Park (and perhaps sell their wares here, too?). Considering their shirts, it's probably the creatively named Maximum Security Systems on 54th Street. They sound like the kind of guys you do not want installing and monitoring your security system.

The estimate was that the fireworks had a street value of $3,000; they don't mention how much 12 grams of cocaine is going for these days. Perhaps the assumption is that it was for personal use. Will that lower the charges?