Episode 144
Original Cablecast: December 25, 2006
- Greenpoint Oil Spill: One of the biggest stories of the year surrounded the Greenpoint oil spill. For decades residents have lived with the knowledge that a 17 million gallon oil spill could be seeping under their homes and compromising their health. With a big lawsuit against the oil companies, local elected officials on their side and environmental activist Erin Brockovich cheering them on. Greenpoints residents sent the message this that they’re ready to force oil giants to clean up and pay up. Sherry Karabin reports.
- Atlantic Yards: From the front page of the New York times to cover stories in the Village Voice, Brooklyn’s Atlantic Yards project continued to make waves throughout the city this year. Reporter Elsie Mujica was there for the third and final public hearing on the project.
- Politics: It was a big year in Brooklyn politics with feisty democratic primary and many candidates defined by their pro/against Atlantic yards sentiments. Here’s rundown of election results and commentary from political reporter Erik Enquist.
- Immigration: Another key issue in the campaign season was the nationwide debate over strict immigrations laws, and the human face of this debate in Brooklyn was nowhere more apparent than in the streets of Sunset Park, when businesses shut and people joined hands to observe “national day without immigrants.” Nicole O’Dell was there as Sunset Park’s Latin community made their voice heard in the debate over immigration.
- Fulton Mall: As gentrification sweeps through Brooklyn groups like the Pratt Institute for community development have dedicated themselves to encouraging responsible development and preventing displacement. They turned their attention this year to the historic Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn.
- Domino Sugar Factory: When the city council approved a new residential vision for this waterfront last year, decisions were left unmade about industrial areas to the south. One such site--the domino sugar factory--has become a point of contention for activists, developers and the dealmakers in between. Max Dickstein reports from Williamsburg.
- Culture Bits & Brooklyn Designs: In 2006 Brooklyn continued to prove itself as a cultural and gastronomic hotbed. And of course the culmination of everything hip takes the shape annual at the Brooklyn designs show. Fred Brown was there.
Episode 143
Original Cablecast: December 11, 2006
- Rundown: Coney Island’s Astroland has been sold. The vintage amusement park, home to the cyclone and the wonder wheel was purchased by Thor Equities. Thor’s owner Joe Sitt has now spent a reported 100 million dollars purchasing land throughout Coney Island. He plans to turn it into a year-round Vegas-like destination.
On the other side of the borough a lawsuit brought forth by opponents of the Brooklyn Bridge park has been dismissed. Opponents charged that including profit making hotels, shops and condos in a public park was against the law. Justice Lawrence Kipel ruled that it was indeed legal because the land on the Brooklyn waterfront was not previously park land.
Christmas time is coming; signaled by Brooklyn’s very own Christmas tree lighting ceremony at prospect park. Mayor Michael Bloomberg led to countdown to the grand light display in grand army plaza.
- Ports: The port industry has defined the red hook waterfront for many years, but if the New York City Economic Development Corporation gets its way, Brooklyn's only container port could soon be a thing of the past. The EDC wants to acquire the piers on which American stevedoring now sits. It's all part of a larger EDC proposal for piers 7 through 12, but the EDC is meeting with some heavy resistance from community. Sherry Karabin has this story.
- East New York Food Co-op: Long known as New York’s worst neighborhoods, East New York is seeing signs of life from new affordable housing developments this year-- to the arrival of the borough’s second food co-op. It’s a good news for a neighborhood plagued with high rates of heart disease and diabetes. And as max Dickstein discovered, there are high hopes that access to nutritious food can help heal this community.
- Lowes Kings Theater: For many Brooklynites the current building boom has meant saying goodbye to beloved old buildings and making room for shiny new ones…but that may not be the case for the old Loews Kings Theater that opened in Flatbush in 1929, the New York City Development Corporation recently opened the space to conduct tours seeking developers interested in restoring the theater to it’s former glory.
- Sports Shorts: Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- BMA Exhibit: Seven years ago, Australian artist Ron Mueck, received acclaim for his work “dead dad”, commemorating his father, the work was one of many showcased in the 1999 sensation exhibition hosted at Brookyln Museum of art, an exhibit that yielded a storm of controversy. Well he’s back with a solo show this time. Nicole O’dell gives us a look at the work that begs the question-- is it real or fantasy?
- Empire Roller Rink: Skating anyone? Roller skating that is. With ice-skating rinks throughout the boroughs packed with winter sports enthusiasts. Reporter Fred Brown avoided the crowds in Crown Heights, where he landed upon a rare "old-school" roller skating rink that's been rockin- the-house in that historic community for 30 years.
Episode 142
Original Cablecast: November 27, 2006
- Rundown: In Atlantic Yards news, the final environmental impact statement has been approved by the empire state development corporation, a step forward for the project. The final plan is 8 project. The final plan is 8 percent smaller than the one unveiled by forest city Ratner companies in 2004. The most dramatic modification is the inclusion of a school, that is expected to be city funded.
The historic Loews Kings theater is on the market. The New York City Economic Development Corporation is hosting tours through the decrepit space looking for developers willing to rehabilitate the once majestic theater. Restoration is estimated at 30 million dollars and developers would be required to preserve much of the detail still present amongst dust and water damage.
First Fairway, now Whole Foods, Borough President Marty Markowitz helped break ground on the building of a new whole foods store in Gowanus the 68,000 foot store is scheduled to open in spring of 2008 and create 300 construction jobs and 500 permanent jobs.
- Broken Angel: It’s been a fixture in Clinton Hill for more than 25 years, but now the "broken angel" building is in danger of being demolished. This after the city's department of buildings deemed the unusual fixture unsafe, forcing the man who designed it and his wife to vacate. The couple's son is now on a mission to help save his parents home through a unique fundraising effort of his own. Sherry Karabin has the story.
- Furnish a Future: Homelessness continues to burden many of Brooklyn’s legislative leaders, making affordable housing one of the most powerful chess pieces in Brooklyn’s game of development. For the lucky few who have successfully moved from shelter to permanent residence, the next question is how to obtain the items to make their house into a home. One of Bushwick’s best kept secrets has been answering that question for many Brooklyn families for the last 16 years. Nicole O’Dell has more.
- Habitat For Humanity: Habitat For Humanity has been a force in creating affordable housing in Brooklyn for years and their latest multifamily project will be in Bedford-Stuyvesant. And while the nonprofit group's work in Brooklyn is nothing new, reporter Max Dickstein discovered that the method of construction is.
- Sports Shorts: Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- Brooklyn Review Profile: In our Brooklyn Review profile, we meet up with exercise guru Kiki Ananyi who offers daily workouts at McCarren Park in Williamsburg. He shares his philosophy on health, fitness, and the differences between life here in Brooklyn and his home country of Ghana.
- BAM Next Wave: Now in its 24 year, the bam next wave festival continues to showcase the foremost in creators of performance from around the world. We caught up with one group in rehearsal for their upcoming presentation of the multimedia work, still life with commentator.
- BAC Gala: :The Brooklyn Marriott was "alive with art" this month. When it hosted the 40th anniversary benefit gala of the Brooklyn art's council, also known as BAC. And when reporter Fred Brown arrived, the ballroom was booming with cocktails and creativity, not to mention 200 movers and shakers in Brooklyn's thriving arts scene.
Episode 141
Original Cablecast: November 13, 2006
- Rundown: In Atlantic Yards news, several residents in footprint of the project have filed a lawsuit against developer Bruce Ratner, city and state officials. The legal complaint reads:"this is a case about a conscious effort to circumvent community input and the lawful processes of open government; about the misuse of government's power to take property by eminent domain; and, ultimately, about a betrayal of public trust in service of the interests of a private developer."
The plaintiff’s homes and businesses are slated to be demolished to make room for a sports arena and 16 towers for housing and office space.
And in political news, the election has come and gone. In Brooklyn all eyes were on the race for congress in the 13th district. Incumbant republican congressman Vito Fosella faced off against democratic his democratic challenger Steve Harris. The race was peppered by Fosella campaign literature including a photo of Osama Bin Laden and claiming that Harrison opposes the war on terrorism. Harrison won an endorsement by the NY Times but in the end was beat out by Fosella.
- Michael Sandy: Twenty years ago, several white teens killed a young African American man, chasing him into oncoming traffic on the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn. The community screamed in outrage, careers were made and the New York’s hate crime act of 2000 was born. But the recent death of another young African American gay man- in an eerily similar scene- has seen a different treatment inside the criminal justice system and out in the community. Reporter Nicole O’Dell looks at why.
- Jewish Poverty: Brooklyn is home to some 380,000 Jewish people and among those nearly 30% struggle to get by. It’s a problem outlined in a recent study showing Brooklyn’s orthodox Jews as the poorest in the city. Next Max Dickstein visits the neighborhood Borough Park to look at community efforts to alleviate Jewish poverty.
- Mayor of Vinegar Hill: In our Brooklyn Review profile we meet one of Brooklyn’s many unofficial mayors, regular residents who become so invested in their individual communities. Monique Denoncin landed in vinegar hill- a 4-5 block square area just east of the Manhattan Bridge in the late 80’s. She tells us the story of her neighborhood in a changing Brooklyn.
- BAM Next Wave: Now in it’s 24 year, the Bam Next Wave Festival continues to showcase the foremost in creators of performance from around the world. We caught up with one group in rehearsal for their upcoming presentation of the multimedia work, still life with commentator.
- Grandma Pageant: You've heard of the Miss America pageant, but what about a contest devoted to judging the unique qualities and talents of grandmothers and great grandmothers? What kind of competitions would that entail and who would enter such an event? As it turns out, not only does it exist, but it's been going on for several years now right here in Brooklyn. Sherry Karabin takes us to the 2006 your heiress grandma beauty pageant in Brighton Beach.
- Micro Museum: The Micro Museum, located on smith street in Boerum Hill, celebrates its 20th birthday this year. The tiny store-front space near the corner of pacific and smith, has secured its roots as a quirky artistic fixture in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. Reporter Fred Brown was around town at the museum one Saturday in October. Just in time to check out the spooky haunted maze exhibit, during Halloween weekend.
Episode 140
Original Cablecast: October 23, 2006
- Rundown: Congress is stepping in to push for a more aggressive plan to clean up the Greenpoint oil spill. Last month, state environmental officials and Exxon mobil reported that they had found elevated levels of a carcinogen, benzene, and an explosive chemical, methane, in vapors near the site of the spill. Congressman Anthony Weiner, Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez and senator Chuck Shumer are demanding an deeper analysis of what could be endangering the homes and health of Greenpoint residents
And from a massive jellyfish to a big blue whale, flashy sea creatures pervaved news designs for the New York Aquarium in Coney Island. 25 teams submitted proposals and the finalists are Smith Miller and Hawkinson, West 8 with Weisz and Yoes architecture and WRT architecture firm. The winning concept will be chosen this fall.
- Domestic Violence: Each year there are approximately two million domestic violence incidents in the u-s alone and of that number, more than one thousand people will die. Brooklyn is no exception, with thousands of incidents reported each year. While there are more services available to victims, raising awareness is still key. Recently a vigil was held in park slope to do just that, while making sure those residents who died as a result of domestic violence are not forgotten. Sherry Karabin has the story.
- Population: Stroll the streets of Brooklyn and it’s clear the face of the boroough is changing, and so too is that of some of its residents. As reporter Nicole O’Dell discovered, the census bureau has confirmed what many have been observing for years. Brooklyn’s white population is growing. Next she looks at the implications of this population shift.
- Automotive School: We used to call them vocational schools, and New York had about 65 of them. Now they're called career and technical schools, and they've dwindled to about 20 in number. But one school is strongly resisting the trend, showing that trade-focused education can still be important and effective. Max Dickstein visits the automotive high school in Greenpoint.
- Sports Shorts: Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- Iraq Dates: In our Brooklyn Review profile we meet artist Michael Rakowitz, whose latest installation takes the form of an Iraqi/Jewish import export company on Atlantic Avenue. It’s part of the "who cares" initiative by the non profit arts organization creative time commissioning artists to create works that inspire social action.
- DUMBO Arts: There may be no better place to find the intersection of art and real estate than in DUMBO where artists studios have prime waterfront spots. Reporter Fred Brown went down underneath the bridge, for the 10th Annual DUMBO Arts Festival, which jumped off at the DUMBO Arts Center on Washington Street and the theme of this year's festival, was all about location.
Episode 139
Original Cablecast: October 9, 2006
- Rundown: In Atlantic Yards news, just days before the end of the public comment period, the city planning commission has recommended that the developer reduce the size of the project. They’re calling for an 8% reduction-eliminating 600 apartments, but leaving the tallest tower, known as miss Brooklyn, alone. The developer, Forest City Ratner has stated that he is on board with the reduction plan.
The city has announced the renovation and development of buildings for local commercial uses in East Williamsburg. It’s part of an initiative to ensure that businesses displaced by the rezoning of the Greenpoint/Williamsburg waterfornt, receive help finding new, convenient and affordable locations.
And the 468 acre Greenwood Cemetery is officially a national historic landmark. Established in 1838, the cemetery is home to nearly 600, 000 graves. The U.S. Department of the Interior praised Greenwood for its picturesque character and gothic revival architecture.
- Greenpoint Oil Spill Follow-Up: For years Greenpoint residents have been living with the reality of a large oil spill in their community, causing many to speculate on the safety of their homes and lives. Last year the community came together to join in on a lawsuit against Exxon mobile and several other oil companies that have operated in the area. Now the State Department of Environmental conservation is stepping in asking residents to open their homes for official testing for cancer causing substances, Sherry Karabin has more.
- Artist Access: The statistics are often staggering, nearly 40% of New Yorkers live without health insurance, and by the time many reach the hospital for care, it’s too late to treat a preventable health issue. Well, one Brooklyn hospital has come up with unique idea, a barter system that allows artists to exchange patient services for health care credits. I visited Woodhull Medical Center in Bushwick section of Brooklyn.
- Domino Landmarking: When the city council approved a new residential vision for the north Brooklyn waterfront last year, decisions were left unmade about industrial areas to the south. One such site, the Domino sugar factory, is becoming a point of contention for activists, developers and the dealmakers in between. Max Dickstein reports from Williamsburg.
- Sports Shorts: Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- Jimmy Prince: Brooklyn is filled with characters and we’re always on the watch for someone with a story to tell. Next we meet Jimmy Prince, a true Coney Island old timer who has run major prime meats on Mermaid Avenue for 57 years.
- Brooklyn Eats: It just doesn’t stop. Brooklyn’s dining scene keeps booming. Good news for the Annual Brooklyn Eats...food, wine and beer fest put on by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Reporter Fred Brown was there.
Episode 138
Original Cablecast: September 25, 2006
- Rundown: In downtown Brooklyn the public gets their final chance to weigh in on the Atlantic Yards project.
The anti graffiti campaign hits Bay Ridge.
In Bensonhurst residents fight to keep a waste transfer station out of their neighborhood.
And Brooklyn’s first ever book festival kicks off at borough hall.
- Political Primary: Democratic primary 2006 has come and gone, here’s your rundown of election results and commentary from political reporter Erik Enquist
- Atlantic Yards Hearing: Opponents of Bruce Ratners Atlantic Yards development were outraged when the 2nd public hearing on the project was scheduled on September 12th, primary election day, and indeed it drew a small crowd. A far cry from the first hearing where people were lined up on jay street to make their voices heard. The public was granted a third and final chance to weigh in on the mega development that could radically transform downtown Brooklyn. Our reporter Elsie Mujica was there at public hearing number 3.
- Waste Transfer Station: The never ending issue of what to do with all our trash. Well the latest plan involves re-opening four marine waste transfer stations in Brooklyn, including one in Bensonhurst. The community is not pleased and as Sherry Karabin explains, many residents say the transfer station would put their lives and the environment at risk, they're gearing up for what could be a long fight.
- Anti-Graffiti Campaign: As the MTA continues to try and clean up years of grafitti on the subway system, city officials like Borough President Marty Markowitz are taking the anti grafitti campaign to the streets, the latest target is Bay Ridge, but with a borough teeming with artists and a grafitti exhibit running at the Brooklyn museum of art the question is raised once again...grafitti, art or vandalism.
- Sports Shorts: Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- Iraqi Veteran: In our Brooklyn Review profile we meet Brooklynite Herold Noel, an Iraq war vet who was homeless for almost a year after returning from Iraq. Now, he is back on his feet and speaking out about veterans rights.
- Brooklyn Book Festival: From Walt Whitman to Jonathan Lethem, Brooklyn writers and their legacies were celebrated recently at the first annual Brooklyn Book Festival. Reporter Fred Brown was downtown mingling with the hundreds of the borough's smart, hip and diverse literary enthusiasts.
Episode 137
Original Cablecast: September 11, 2006
Episode 136
Original Cablecast: August 28, 2006
- Rundown: We celebrate the great outdoors with a special show dedicated to all Brooklyn has to offer.
From beach volleyball in Coney Island, sailing in Sheepshead Bay, parks, performances, outdoor flea markets and more.
- Volleyball: This August marked the first pro beach volleyball tournament in Coney Island ever, sports reporters Marci Villanueva and Michael Bellamy were there.
- Dog Park: We go inland to the 585 acre urban oasis otherwise known as Prospect Park. From picnics to pedal boating, the activities are endless, but it’s our canine friends who are really in for a treat with one of the best dog runs in New York City. Reporter Sherry Karabin heads to a monthly gathering in the park that caters to dogs and their owners alike.
- Sailing: Reporter Elsie Mujica sets sail at the Mirimar Yacht Club in Sheepshead Bay.
- Playgrounds: As of late Brooklyn has definitely earned the reputation of being more kid friendly than Manhattan, but we consulted the experts - the kids themselves to rate local neighborhood playgrounds. Check it out.
- Agora Dance: You may recall last summer when the abandonded McCarren pool in Greenpoint came alive for a dance performance called agora. Well it kicked off a revival of the pool space which has served as an outdoor concert venue all summer long. If you missed it last year, agora, the original dance performance will be back this fall, here’s a taste of what’s in store.
- Habana Outpost: When the owners of oh so hip Café Habana in Nolita opened their sister spot in Fort Greene they jumped on the Brooklyn advantage of open space and not only made the restaurant solar powered but added an outdoor flea market to the mix. Our reporter Fred Brown was around town to check it out.
Episode 135
Original Cablecast: August 14, 2006
Episode 134
Original Cablecast: July 24, 2006
- Brooklyn Review Special: Coney Island Parachute Jump Lighting.
Episode 133
Original Cablecast: July 10, 2006
Episode 132
Original Cablecast: June 26, 2006
- Rundown: An Alibi has surfaced in the case against a homeless Polish man indicted in the Greenpoint terminal market fire. An upstate contractor now claims that the accused Leszek Kuczera was working for him on the day the fire was started and police say he confessed to starting the fire. Kuszera claims the police must have been confused and has plead not guilty to arson.
In the 11th Congressional Race Al Sharpton has stepped in to appeal the three black candidates to unite around one candidate in order to reduce chances of a split vote and ensure that a black candidate secures a seat this is this majority black district. City councilman David Yassky is the only white candidate in a race that includes Chris Owens, City Councilwoman Yvette Clark and Senator Carl Andrews.
And Borough President Marty Markowiz is reported to be recovering after spending the weekend at Maimonides Medical Center. The Borough President received a stent operation to treat blocked arteries.
- Sunset Park Sex Shop: It has survived many legal battles and a lot of bad publicity, but now Sunset Park's infamous strip club, Sweet Cherry, is no more. As a result of a plea agreement with Brooklyn district attorney's office, the strip club's owner has agreed to close it for good. But as Sherry Karabin tells us, the battle to rid Sunset Park of such establishments is far from over.
- Housing Displacement: : The gentrification spreading across Brooklyn is providing major gains to its economy. But not without a huge loss to some of the borough's most loyal long-term residents. Nicole O’Dell takes a look at how housing displacement is creating casualties as developers build a bigger Brooklyn.
- Nursing Shortage: In health news…Brooklyn health professionals gathered at borough hall to address Brooklyn’s nursing shortage.
- Sports Shorts: Here is Nicole Odell with the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- Celebrate Brooklyn: Brooklyn’s annual summer concert series is on and we were there for the opening night with Maceo Parker.
- World Cup: It’s true, Brooklynites are crazy over the world cup and several local bars and restaurants are positioning themselves as front row seats to the big games. Marcie Villanueva gets a French take on Poland v.s Germany.
- Celebrity Path: What do Barbara Streisand, Walt Whitman and Rosie Perez all have in common? They are a few noted celebrities who have historic roots literally etched in stone at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. On a recent stroll through the 55 acre garden, reporter Fred Brown found a pathway that leads directly to Brooklyn's brightest stars.
Episode 131
Original Cablecast: June 20, 2006
- Rundown: A homeless man has been arrested for starting the 10 alarm fire that burned the Greenpoint terminal market to the ground. Police believe he may not have acted alone and continue the search for a second suspect...additionally the owners of the building are being charged with 434 counts of failure to maintain the waterfront property.
The Red Hook houses one of the city’s largest housing projects were the site of a massive drug bust. District attorney Charles Hynes has indicted 43 people involved in drug sales the tune of 50 million dollars a year.
Brooklyn bridge park plans are closer to becoming a reality with the transfer of 5 piers on the Brooklyn waterfront. The port authority will be giving up control of piers one, two, three and part of pier five to the Brooklyn bridge park development corporation.
- Prospect Park Crime: It started with the New York Post and then a flood of other media reporting that there has been a crime spree in Prospect Park. Police say that in fact crime rates in the park-8 robberies over 2 months are no different than last year. Nicole O’Dell looks at safety in Brooklyn’s beloved park.
- Hurricane: : It has been less than a year since hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, leaving a path of death and destruction behind. While many of us may believe we are prepared for such an emergency, some recent studies show that neither residents or government are as ready as they should be. As Sherry Karabin tells us, some area officials are issuing a wakeup call to Brooklyn residents, reminding them that the borough is susceptible to disasters.
- Iraq War Veteran: In our Brooklyn Review profile we meet Brooklynite Herold Noel, an Iraq war vet who was homeless for almost a year after returning from Iraq. Now, he is back on his feet and speaking out about veterans rights.
- Sports Shorts: Here is Nicole Odell with the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- Brooklyn College MFA: Who could forget the notorious sensation art show at the Brooklyn Museum...the elephant dung covered Virgin Mary and then Mayor Giuliani threatening to withdraw city funding for the museum, well some people feel it’s happening all over again with the city stepping in and shutting down a Brooklyn College MFA student art exhibit due to unappropriate content and here’s the story from the beginning.
- Mocada Museum: : From a brownstone in Bed-Sty to the burgeoning cultural district in downtown Fort Greene. Mocada Museum celebrated it's new location at the James E. Davis arts building last month, with a steller ribbon-cutting gala. Reporter Fred Brown went around town to visit the museum on a lazy sunday afternoon, for a private tour with the visionary founder behind the scenes--Brooklyn's own museum diva.lori combo.
Episode 130
Original Cablecast: May 27, 2006
- Rundown: Forest City Ratner companies could be forced to reduce the size of the Atlantic Yards by law…Assemblyman Jim Brennan has introduced a bill that would cap the size of the project.
Mayor Bloomberg has announced a six month pilot plan to reduce cars in Prospect Park …Vehicles are no longer permitted to use West Drive which runs along Prospect Park West.
And Plan C for censored, the controversial Brooklyn College Art Show has reopened in Dumbo…the exhibit was removed from the Brooklyn War Memorial when it was deemed not appropriate for families by the Parks Department.
- Greenpoint Terminal Market Fire: It was the biggest fire in the city in more than a decade, aside from 9-11, now officials are busy trying to get to the bottom of what caused the blaze that engulfed and destroyed Brooklyn’s Greenpoint Terminal Market. Next Sherry Karabin takes a look at what's being done and how the loss of the historic market is affecting the community.
- Fairway Market: It’s finally here, the long awaited Fairway Market has opened in Red Hook. The opening marks just the latest in the ongoing development of this former maritime community. Elsie Mujica was there on opening day.
- Predatory Lending: Next we look at the issue of predatory lending. This industry of putting people in debt with mortgages they can’t afford continues to be a problem in Brooklyn’s African American neighborhoods. Next, Nicole Odell looks at ways potential homeowners can protect themselves against abusive scams.
- Sports Shorts: Here’s Nicole Odell with the latest in Brooklyn sports…
- Tribeca Film Festival: Rarely do we cross the bridge to Manhattan for a story but when we found out that Brooklyn was being featured at the Tribeca Film Festival we made an exception.
- Seltzer Man: Next in a Brooklyn Review profile we meet we meet Walter Beckerman one of Brooklyn’s last seltzer delivery men.
- Brooklyn Designs Show: It only takes a glance at the April cover of New York magazine to see that Brooklyn is being widely recognized as a design hotbed. But for Brooklynites, that fact is nothing new… now celebrating its 4th year, the annual Brooklyn Designs Show continues to expand opportunities to showcase the works of Brooklyn’s most talented design artists. Fred Brown was around town at Brooklyn Designs 2006.
Episode 129
Original Cablecast: May 13, 2006
- Rundown: A massive ten alarm fire tore through a Greenpoint warehouse burning the historic Greenpoint Terminal Market to the ground. Arson is suspected as the cause of the fire and an investigation is ongoing.
Two of Brooklyn’s toughest to reach neighborhoods will soon have water taxi service…Red Hook and Williamsburg will join Dumbo and sunset park as stops on the New York Water Taxi service line.
And Sunset Park will be getting a new High School. The community has been advocating for 30 years to bring a high school to Sunset Park. Construction is set to begin in July.
- Immigration: If you walked through Sunset Park on May 1st you’d have seen businesses shut and people in the streets in observance of the “National Day Without Immigrants.” Nicole Odell was there as Sunset Park’s Latin community made their voice heard in the debate over immigration.
- Satmar: The Grand Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum, who led the worldwide Satmar Sect of Hasidic Jews has died, leaving behind two sons. Which one will fill the Grand Rabbi’s shoes?…the Williamsburg Satmar community is divided…Heather Tenzer has this story.
- Fulton Street Mall: Our next story takes us to the Fulton Street Mall where we look at the past, the present and the future of this shopping district in Downtown Brooklyn.
- Sports Shorts: Here’s Nicole Odell with the latest in Brooklyn sports…
- Brooklyn Arts Council 40th International Film and Video Festival: Brooklyn filmmakers joined together at the Brooklyn Museum for the Brooklyn Arts Council 40th International Film and Video Festival.
- Cherry Blossom Festival: And another festival which never fails to draw a crowd is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Sakura Matsuri gives spectators an understanding of the Japanese tradition of Cherry Blossom viewing. This year marks its 25th anniversary and Sherry Karabin takes a look at its enduring popularity.
Episode 128
Original Cablecast: April 22, 2006
- Rundown: The arrival of the worlds largest cruise ship marks the official opening of the red hook cruise ship terminal. The Queen Mary 2 docked at the 56 million dollar facility at Pier 12 in Red Hook.
And in Brooklyn politics two congressional races are making headlines…with City Councilman Bill Deblasio announcing that he will not run in District 13. Deblasio had considered running to unseat Republican Congressman Vito Fosella. Instead, he will support Stephen Harris the remaining Democratic candidate in the race.
In the 10th congressional district, Assemblyman Roger Green announced his bid to unseat incumbent Congressman Ed Towns. Also running are City Councilman Charles Barron and activist Kevin Powell.
- Hospital Closing Task Force: It’s been dubbed a healthcare crisis with the closing of 36 New York hospitals in the past decade. Here in Brooklyn we’ve lost three hospitals including Caledonian, Jewish and most recently St. Mary’s in Crown Heights. Gov Pataki has formed a state commission to deal with the issue, but members of city council are taking it a step further...
- Medicare Part D: And in more health news, many Medicare recipients are still struggling with whether to sign up for the new Part D Program which would cover their prescription costs. Until now, only Medicaid covered the cost. But the privatization of the Part D Health plans, doled out to numerous companies, with various requirements- has made the process complex and difficult for many senior citizens dependent on coverage....Nicole Odell has this story.
- East New York: East New York is on the rise. Once infamous for drugs and crime, the community is experiencing a building boom of sorts...not the kind that's driving residents out, but rather one that's keeping residents around by building affordable housing for the community. Sherry Karabin has this story.
- Sports Shorts: Here’s Nicole Odell with the latest in Brooklyn sports…
- Rays Lounge: When the legendary Pips Comedy Club in Bay Ridge shut it’s doors last summer, some felt it was the end of the era…but not Pips employee Ray Garvey….Next Elsie Mujica takes us to Ray’s Lounge, a new comedy club where the show goes on…
- Dog Treats: From designer doggie clothes, to visits to dog spas it’s safe to say that New York dogs tend to be utterly pampered…and well dressed dog should only dine on gourmet goodies right? Fred Brown was around town scoping out local shops catering to man's four-legged friend...with tasty culinary treats to eat...for dogs and humans alike…
Episode 127
Original Cablecast: April 8, 2006
- Rundown: The Atlantic Yards project is given a trim. In response to complaints that the project is too big for the community, Forest City Ratner officials have agreed to reduce the size of the project by 5.2 %.
Clarence Norman was found not guilty in the third case of four indictments against the former leader of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. Norman was twice convicted last fall of campaign violations and larceny and faces two to six years in prison.
And if it’s not transit strike, it’s a trash strike. Workers for a waste management inc a private trash company headquartered in Greenpoint have walked the job. The strike does not affect residential trash, but commercial customers including Yankee Stadium and several hotels.
- Immigration Rally: In recent weeks, immigrant groups across the country marched against tough immigration legislation being debated in congress. Here in Brooklyn thousands took to the streets to fight for immigrant rights. Elsie Mujica was there.
- Salsa Sabor: An interteresting statistic, nearly 40 percent of Brooklyn’s population is foreign born. Health disparities continue to be a national issue penetrating communities in Brooklyn and beyond, recent studies show that income, race and ethnicity all play a part in the health of our Brooklyn neighborhoods. But as Nicole O’Dell discovered, in the cypress hills community, Hispanic residents are finding creative ways to close the gap.
- Base School: With three separate campuses, unique field studies projects and other hands-on learning opportunities, students are giving the Brooklyn Academy of Science and the environment high school or “base” high marks. As Sherry Karabin tells us, the borough's new small high school is giving students a preview of what it's really like to work in the scientific field.
- Sports Shorts: Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
- Brooklyn Philharmonic: Join us in the studio with Michael Christie, the new music director of the Brooklyn Philharmonic.
- Dine in Brooklyn: According to Borough President Marty Markowitz, if Manhattan can have a restaurant week well then so can Brooklyn. Now in it’s third year dine in Brooklyn is going strong with the addition of 12 new Brooklyn dining spots this year. Fred brown was around town getting a taste of what dine in Brooklyn 2006 has to offer.
Episode 126
Original Cablecast: March 25, 2006
- Rundown: Who knew the beloved Brooklyn Bridge was home to a vault of Cold War survival materials? Workers inspecting the bridge found among other things water, medicine and 375,000 crackers. The supplies are believed to have been stored there since the late 1950’s
Want to know whether there will be an 18 story high rise beside your brownstone in the future…well a new zoning handbook released by the Department of City Planning will tell you among other things, just how high your neighborhood could grow. The 140 page edition is available at nyc.gov/planning
And get ready Coney Island lovers, Astroland opens April 9th. The first 100 visitors get a free ride on the cyclone….
- Prospect Heights Fires: Our first story takes us to Prospect Heights where a series of suspicious early morning fires have residents in the neighborhood concerned about their safety. Reductions in the number FDNY available, to extinguish and investigate fires, has caused further alarm. As Nicole Odell discovered community leaders are joining the effort to put an end to the fires, fatalities and the fear that is hurting their neighborhood.
- Anti War Rally: On March 20th, in communities across the nation, peace activists protested the third anniversary of the us invasion of Iraq…and it was no different here in Brooklyn. Next Elsie Mujica takes a vigil in Bay Ridge where anti war activists stood in defiance and remembrance…
- Businesses Displaced: In previous Brooklyn Review stories we’ve talked to residents being displaced as a result of the building boom in Williamsburg and Greenpoint. But as you're about to find out, the recent rezoning of close to 200 blocks in those communities is also pushing out manufacturing and industrial companies. As Sherry Karabin tells us, the city has promised them money to help re-locate, but some business owners questions whether it will arrive in time to save their companies. .
- Sports Shorts: Here’s Nicole Odell with the latest in Brooklyn sports…
- Sunset Park Art : Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Red Hook…all places known for the influx of artists who’ve moved in and changed the face, not to mention real estate value of their neighborhoods …Well there’s a new neighborhood on the scene, enter sunset park…
- Dog Treats: If there's one thing New Yorkers love as much as fashion - it's their dogs. And pampering them with plush surroundings has become somewhat of an obsession in this town. Here in Brooklyn, reporter Fred Brown went snooping around and found a few local shops catering to man's four-legged friend...with tasty culinary treats to eat...for dogs and humans alike…
Episode 125
Original Cablecast: March 11, 2006
- Rundown: Brooklyn’s House of Detention could be back …a growing inmate population in New York City may force the Department of Corrections to reopen the jail on Atlantic Avenue. The House of Detention closed in 2003 and community groups have fought to keep it closed and transform it into housing.
It was good news for business owners in Williamsburg and Greenpoint…Mayor Bloomberg announced that he will divvy up 4 million dollars to help relocate businesses displaced by luxury condos being built along the waterfront.
And an Applebees in Bed Stuy is serving up more than just an affordable meal…Applebees is part of a larger initiative to develop the whole plaza and bring jobs to the community. This marks the first time in over 30 years that Bed Stuy has had it’s own family style restaurant.
- NAACP: Louisiana mayoral elections will be held this April despite displacement of many of its residents by Hurricane Katrina…leaving many Black communities across the nation feeling again disenfranchised and vulnerable. But here in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn branch of the NAACP is back, with a legacy of winning battles for justice in the electoral process for African Americans. As Nicole Odell reports, some believe the Brooklyn branch showed up just in time.
- Colon Cancer: March is colorectal cancer awareness month and Brooklyn’s Maimonides Medical Center is joining the fight against the nation’s second most common cause of cancer deaths.
- Real Estate: All eyes are on Brooklyn’s soaring real estate prices…the real estate board of New York made Brooklyn the focus of a recent sales report as did the Cornell University real estate council…Next our reporter Elsie Mujica takes a hard look at what it costs to buy in Brooklyn.
- Long Island University: If athletics are your thing as a prospective college student you might want to take a look at Long Island University’s brand new digs…next BCAT Sports talk host Micheal Bellamy takes us inside their state of the art wellness and recreation center.
- Folk Feet: From Caribbean stilt walkers to Nepalese Sherpa Dancers, Brooklyn’s many immigrant communities took the stage at Brooklyn’s Whitman College for the Brooklyn Arts Council Annual Folk Feet Celebration… Sherry Karabin was there.
- Flow Magazine : A new fashion, culture and lifestyle magazine called Flow recently held its launch event in at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel. And while promoting the best in Brooklyn beauty and fashion was the events main attraction, Reporter Fred Brown went shopping around...and discovered a unique purpose behind all of the promotion…
Episode 124
Original Cablecast: February 25, 2006
- Rundown: Buildings will begin to fall in the footprint of the Atlantic Yards arena project. A Supreme Court judge ruled against opponents of the project who charged that the Empire State Development Corporation wrongfully approved the demolition of six buildings on the site. Demolition could begin as soon as next week.
Long live the G train.…An arbiter has ruled for a second time against the NY City Transit Authority’s plan to remove conductors on the G train routes. Critics said the planned cutback endangered passengers and violated the union contract.
And in Brooklyn politics City Councilman Charles Barron has announced that he will challenge Congressman Ed Towns in this year’s Democratic Primary. Towns has held the 10th Congressional District seat for 24 years.
- Illegal Building: Imagine being ordered out of your home…given just five minutes to get your things…all because the contractor working next door accidentally damaged your building. It’s a scenario that’s all too familiar to many living in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. But as Sherry Karabin tells us, residents are mobilizing and calling on city officials to put a stop to construction accidents.
- Mark Lanes: The potential loss of beloved Bay Ridge bowling alley has Bay Ridge residents fighting to keep it alive. The retail giant Century 21 announced plans recently to bulldoze Mark Lanes to make room for extra parking, but as reporter Elsie Mujica tells us… the community is not going down without a fight.
- Lutheran Medical Center: Looks like Brooklyn boasts one of the top health care centers in New York State. In a study recently released, Lutheran Medical Center in Sunset Park had some of the lowest instances of death and complications. Reporter Nicole Odell looks at why?
- Tourism Pass: Brooklyn will join the ranks of cities like New Orleans, Honolulu and Philadelphia as a city or rather borough with its own discount tourism pass.
- Oldies In Love: And before there was the tourism pass, there was Marty Markowitz’s annual Valentines Day celebration….It was three years ago that Marty first gathered lovers at the Brooklyn Marriott to renew their vows and celebrate their love…but there’s a catch…to get on the invite list you have to have been married over 50 years…
- Rasputin: Our next story takes us to a restaurant in Sheepshead Bay where fabulous Russian delicacies line the tables, vodka pours freely and the glitz and glamour of the cabaret comes to Brooklyn. Reporter Fred Brown was around at Rasputin getting a little Russian flavor, Brooklyn style.
Episode 123
Original Cablecast: February 11, 2006
- No School in Sunset Park: Our first story takes us to the neighborhood of Sunset Park which remains one of the two districts in New York City with no public High School facility; an even more amazing fact, considering one was promised to them more than thirty years ago. And as Reporter Nicole Odell tells us, this community’s fight for education is showing today's youth that civil action plus unity might equal change.
- Bushwick Asthma: Asthma is a problem in many urban communities in New York City. But recent figures from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene indicate that communities like Williamsburg and Bushwick are carrying their unfair share of the health burden. In Bushwick, activists, healthcare providers, and officials have joined forces to get to the root of the problem. As Sherry Karabin tells us, they're finding that in many cases, a large part of the answer can be found right at home.
- Archery: And there were bows and arrows flying at the battle of the boroughs youth archery tournament in Bedford Stuyvesant. It’s a program initiated by the former coach of the Columbia University archery team to bring the sport into city schools…Elsie Mujica has this story.
- Filmmaker: As part of their Black History Month celebrations the Brooklyn Academy of Music is presenting the best of the African Diaspora Film Festival. This 13 year old film festival places the spot light on innovative films both fiction and documentary created by filmmakers of African decent. Joining me in studio today is Michelle Stephenson, whose documentary faces of change is showing in the festival.
- Brooklyn Fashion: It's February and that means fashion week in New York City. But here in Brooklyn, the fashion industry is booming with trend-setters in springing up in many neighborhoods. Up next, reporter Fred Brown brings us his fashion year in review...
Episode 122
Original Cablecast: January 28, 2006
- Rundown: Brooklyn Bridge Park is a go! State officials approved the controversial 85 acre park plan that will stretch from Atlantic Avenue to the Manhattan Bridge. The plans call for three residential towers and a hotel in the park to generate revenue to cover the estimated $15.2 million annual maintenance.
And the fight to stop the Atlantic yards project has gone to the courts. Develop Don’t Destroy, the group opposing the Atlantic Yards project filed a lawsuit against the Empire State Development Corporation charging that it wrongfully approved the demolition of six buildings on the site of the proposed Atlantic Yards Development.
- State of the Borough Address: And it’s time for the annual State of the Borough Address…we were there as Borough President Marty Markowitz was inaugurated for a second term and shared his vision for Brooklyn in 2006.
- Food Safety: Ever question the safety and cleanliness of the food your favorite restaurant’s serving up, well one click on a new website launched by the New York Department of Health will provide you with the answer. Next Elsie Mujica looks at how Brooklyn restaurants measured up.
- Sports: Brooklyn’s history of producing top basketballplayers- some worthy of the NBA- has made it a point of interest for coaches, scouts and sneaker companies in search of the best players in the country. But for some close to the on goings of the recruiting process, this fame is costing some of Brooklyn’s youth, a fortune. Nicole Odell has this story.
- Make a Wish: Turning 16 is an important time in any young woman's life, but for one Brooklyn teenager the celebration was especially important. You see, she’s been coping with a serious illness for several years and has dreamed of having a sweet sixteen party. Next, the make a wish foundation of makes her dreams come true.
- BAMart: From Miles Davis and Lena Horne to break dancers and beatboxers reporter Fred Brown takes us to a new photography exhibit that looks at black music through the ages.
Episode 121
Original Cablecast: January 14, 2006
- Strike: The end of 2005 saw the whole city shut down due to a strike by the transit workers union and while public transportation is up and running as we begin 2006, the strike was a reminder that the labor movement is alive and well in New York City. And in a state that boasts the highest concentration of organized workers in the country, the decision to shut the city down, has forever changed the perception of the power of unionizing labor. Nicole Odell has this story.
- Greenpoint vs Exxon: For years, many residents in Greenpoint have lived with the knowledge that there was oil under their homes, but now some experts say this oil could be creating dangerous fumes that may pose a direct threat to their lives. Last year, more than two dozen residents joined together to file a lawsuit against some of those believed to be responsible for the problem. As Sherry Karabin tells us, the suit seeks to force several large oil giants and at least one other party to cleanup and pay up.
- Mural: Can art enhance education or boost self esteem in students…these are the kind of questions explored in the Rotunda Gallery in Residence Program that pairs individual artists with local public schools. Elsie Mujica visited PS 369 in Boerum Hill.
- Culture Rundown: Robert Redford was in town recently to announce a collaboration between the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Sundance Institute. Starting this may, the BAM Rose Cinemas will be showing winning films from this year’s Sundance Film Festival. And the Brooklyn Public Library has announced plans for a huge fundraising initiative to build a visual and performing arts library as part of the BAM Cultural District in Downtown Brooklyn. The library, designed by architect Enrique Norten is estimated to cost between seventy five to eighty five thousand dollars.
- Brooklyn Ballet: And as the Brooklyn cultural scene continues to expand, it seems only fitting that Brooklyn have its own ballet company…that was the thought dancer/choreographer Lynn Parkerson had when she founded the Brooklyn ballet. I caught up with company in rehearsal for a performance at the Brooklyn Museum of Art…
- Fulton: As tinsel town returns to the daily grind, marking the end of the holiday season, retailers along Brooklyn’s Fulton Street are gearing up for a prosperous new year. Our reporter Fred Brown was around town to see what local Fulton area merchants have in store…
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