• Coney Island:  If 2006 was all about Atlantic Yards it seemed 2007 was all about Coney Island…
• Subprime Lending:  While the Brooklyn the condo craze did continue this year, the rate of foreclosures also doubled. It was thought to be the result predatory lending schemes, leaving homeowners with mortgages they simply can’t afford.
• Turnado:  On august 8th, flooding paralyzed the subway system, downed power lines and displaced hundreds of residents in bay ridge and Sunset Park. Ingrid Rojas visited those neighborhoods to check in on the recovery effort.
• Khahil Gibran School:  The city’s first Arabic language school prompted a slew of reactions this year from concerns over its location and curriculum content, questions about a principal with extremist ideas, to praise for its recognition of Brooklyn’s growing Arab community. Named after the Christian Lebanese poet Khahil Gibran all eyes were on this small school in Brooklyn as the academic year began.
• Next we have news about hotel booms in Brooklyn, Red Hook vendors and 40th Anniversary of West Indian Parade.
• Floating Pool:  On July 4th, Brooklyn’s waterfront celebrated with the opening of an Olympic size pool moored to a barge in Brooklyn Heights.

Episode 166
Original Cablecast: December 10, 2007

• Headlines:  After a long battle with the city, a house believed to be part of the Underground Railroad, will be saved. The house is one of seven on Duffield Street that were slated to be demolished to make room for Downtown Brooklyn development. The owner, Joy Chatel, runs a museum in the building to educate children about the abolitionist movement. The fate of the other six Duffield Street houses has yet to be determined.

  And in education news the city will move ahead and appoint a new permanent principal to the Khalil Gibran International Academy in Boreum Hill. This after a judge ruled against the founding principal’s argument that she was forced to resign when media reports accused of her of having extremist ideas. Khalil Gibran is the city's first Arabic language and culture school.

• Coney Island:  Just as people were lamenting the last summer of the Coney Island amusement park, the city's swoops in and unveils a proposal that promises to both preserve the area's most historic attractions and promote development. It’s getting high marks from amusement park enthusiasts. But not everyone is as excited. Developer Thor Equities still owns a large portion of the amusement district and has a different vision for the property. And as sherry Karabin found out, the city's version is far from a done deal.
• Navy Yard Expansion:  Our next story takes us around the waterfront from Coney Island to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which is becoming more and more important as borough loses manufacturing space to new residential developments. On the contrary, the Brooklyn Navy Yards is not only staying put, but expanding its capacity. As Andrew Kimball, CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yards Development Corporation, explained to members of community board 1, this industrial park will be adding 1.7 million sq feet over the next 3 years, making the yards one of the city’s major industrial real estate sites. But of course, it’s never all smooth sailing. As the expansion will mean the loss of the historical admiral row’s buildings.
• Achievement First:  The mayor plans to close six public schools that scored badly on report cards designed to measure their progress. So what about alternatives to traditionally struggling city schools? This story looks at a network of charter schools designed to close the achievement gap between inner city kids and the often more educationally privileged suburban kids. Chie Davis visited “Achievement First Elementary” in Bushwick.
• Buy In Brooklyn:  It’s here the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Depending on when you’re catching the show, you probably have less than a couple of weeks to get your gifts...yikes. To give you an idea of the madness, the national retail federation projects Americans will spend more that 474 billion dollars on holiday shopping this year. Here in Brooklyn, Park Slope specifically, retailers have come up with a plan to make sure that those holiday dollars stay close to home. Brian Vines has the story.
• Dyker Lights:  We continue the holiday cheer in the community of Dyker Heights, where neighbors complete for the best Christmas displays. We’re told it’s a very friendly competition, but one gotten so much attention, PBS once produced documentary about it called “Dyker Lights.” We sent Fred Brown out to check in on this neighborhood tradition.

Episode 165
Original Cablecast: November 26, 2007

• Headlines:  This is mayor’s Bloomberg’s vision for Coney Island and it looks a little less like Las Vegas than this one released last year by developer Joe Sitt. The city’s long awaited zoning plan for Coney Island preserves an eleven block stretch as amusement parkland. The plan could create a standoff with Joe Sitt who has purchased much of the land in hopes of building condos and hotels within the amusement district.

  That pigeon you’re feeding is making New York City filthy. According to city councilman Simcha Felder of Borough Park, who’s pushing a bill that could ban the feeding of pigeons. He claims pigeon poop is a threat to public health.

  And the former principal of the city’s first Arabic language school is suing the department of education. Debbie Almontaser says her first amendment rights were violated when she was forced to resign from Khalil Gibran international academy in Boreum Hill.

• Hip Hop Profanity:  In the last year, a lot of attention has been drawn the use of racial slurs. First there was white comedian Michael Richards use of the word “n-word” at a comedy club which set in motion fines and 3 month ban for any comedian who uses it in their act, then there was radio host Don Imus who was fired for using derogatory and sexist language to describe the Rutgers University female basketball team and now one Brooklyn official wants hip hop artist Nas’ and his distributor to suffer financial consequences for the decision to use the “n-word” as the title of his new album. Next Nicole O’dell looks at how this national debate is manifesting itself here in Brooklyn.
• Staff Infection:  Panic spread through the school system when a Canarsie Middle School student died from an antibiotic resistant Staph infection. To help ease fears of a Staph outbreak, healthcare professionals and elected officials have begun an initiative to raise awareness about the bacteria. They’re teaching kids and their parents how to prevent Staph as Sherry Karabin found out. It starts with simply washing your hands.
• Joe Chan:  If you haven’t already noticed, Downtown Brooklyn is undergoing a massive transformation; bringing shiny new high rises and luxury condos. What’s behind it is a coordinated effort keep New York City’s third largest business district competitive. Next we profile the person steering this effort. Meet Joe Chan, president of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, a man with a bold vision and a long term plan to revitalize the area.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Teens and Money:  Managing your money is a lifelong challenge for most of us, but the out of the box organization is nabbing teens early and equipping with them with the tools they’ll need when the credit card companies come knocking. Tati Amare caught up with the kids at the end of their financial bootcamp.
• Cakeman:  In our next story one man’s love of red velvet cake becomes his business and well, his identity. They call him the cakeman raven and he’s grown a product from a tiny storefront bakery into a national franchise. So what’s the story behind this infamous red velvet cake? Fred Brown finds out.

Episode 164
Original Cablecast: November 12, 2007

• Headlines:  Fast forward to 2012 as Downtown Brooklyn is transformed into a commercial and cultural center comprised of 9.5 billion dollars in development projects. This video released by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership shows the Frank Gehry-designed Atlantic yards project - which will bring an NBA arena and 16 new skyscrapers to prospect heights –plus more than 50 other projects running along or near Flatbush Avenue. The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership is anticipating 35,000 new residents to the area by 2012.

  In political news, the Borough President race is heating up with Councilman Bill Deblasio announcing that he’ll run in 2009. Deblasio is the second candidate to officially enter the race. Councilman Charles Barron declared his candidacy in May. As for what will become of term limited Borough President Marty Markowitz, that’s still to be determined.

  City Councilman Mathieu Eugene is official. On a quiet election day Nov 6th the Haitian born democrat was re-elected to 40th district council seat with 90 percent of the vote. Eugene has already gone through two special elections, after questions were raised about his residency status.

• Smith & 9th Street Rehab:  The poor Smith and Ninth street subway station seen as so bad by some Carroll Gardens residents that they’ll walk out of their way to another stop. Well, the New York City Transit Authority has big plans for a one year overhaul of the station. Plans that may cause even bigger headaches for commuters in Red Hook and Gowanus. Next Brian Vines looks at how the community plans to keep on track, until their station comes back.
• Gowanus:  For years, the polluted waters of the Gowanus Canal have quietly flowed through a one and a half mile stretch in south Brooklyn. But now, sandwiched between gentrifying neighborhoods like Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, the Gowanus area is ripe for development, if only it was clean. Recently the New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection revealed its plans for the canal recovery, a clean up effort that could take up to ten years, but can development wait? Ingrid Rojas explores.
• Parents in Prisons:  Our next story looks at the issue of incarcerated parents. You can imagine how a family is torn apart; how a child is left feeling alone, ashamed and confused. Well one Brooklyn organization is making it their mission to keep these family ties alive, to teach incarcerated fathers how to parent from prison. Tati Amare has this story.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Marathon:  Every year the New York City Marathon starts in Staten Island and the winds its way through Brooklyn before hitting the other boroughs and finishing in central park. This year we set up camp on Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene, that’s about mile 8 or 9. Next Chie Davis shows us how Brooklyn celebrates, when the marathon comes to town.
• Fashion Week:  From runners to the runway, Manhattan’s got fashion week and now Brooklyn’s got fashion weekend. For the third year in a row this styling event has helped bring attention to Brooklyn’s expanding fashion scene. This time the tobacco warehouse in DUMBO takes on a circus couture theme. Fred brown checks it out.

Episode 163
Original Cablecast: October 22, 2007

• Headlines:  In Atlantic Yards news, opponents of the project are concerned the area surrounding the arena will be at risk for a terrorist attack. The group, Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn, is drawing parallels between terror concerns at the new prudential arena in Newark. They’re calling for public hearings on the issue.

  The former principal of the city’s first Arabic school says she’ll sue the Department of Ed to be reinstated at the Khalil Gibran international academy. Debbie Almontaser says she was forced to resign after media reports suggested she was an extremist.

  After a multi-million dollar renovation, the Brooklyn Public Library is re-opening as a cultural destination. Beyond the renovation of the main entrance, a brand new auditorium and performance space has been added at the main branch in grand army plaza.

• Subprime Lending:  Home foreclosures are devastating neighborhoods across the country. In Brooklyn the rate of foreclosures has doubled in the last year. It’s often the result of predatory lending schemes that leave homeowners with a mortgage they simply can’t afford. In our first story Nicole Odell explores what’s behind the foreclosure crisis.
• Hotel Boom:  When the Marriot Hotel was built in 1998, it was the first new Brooklyn hotel in 68 years. Well things have picked up since then, with hotels and bed and breakfasts popping up all over the place. Last year saw the arrival of the Holiday Inn Gowanus and this year will see a new boutique hotel on 4th avenue. Next Brian Vines looks at what’s driving the boom and what it means for brooklynites.
• Major of Vinegar Hill:  In our Brooklyn Review profile we meet one of Brooklyn’s many unofficial mayors - regular residents who become extraordinarily 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.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Mural:  Murals are a normal part of the urban landscape in Brooklyn. You’ve no doubt passed the same one countless times, but do you know the story behind it? In our next segment Tati Amare introduces us to one local group using murals as a tool for social awareness.
• Bed-Stuy Alive:  With its beautiful brownstones and now thriving business community, Bedford Stuyvesant is losing its reputation as old do or die Bed Stuy. Next Fred Brown checks out Bed-Stuy Alive, an event celebrating this historic community with a hip new identity.

Episode 162
Original Cablecast: October 8, 2007

• Anti Semitic Graffiti:  Swastikas spray painted on a Yeshiva school bus in Williamsburg and then days later found on two Brooklyn Heights synagogues. In the face of this rash of Anti-Semitic graffiti, the NYPD is stepping up its forces and as Tati Amare discovers, the community is stepping in and uniting against hate crimes.
• Domino Landmarking:  Long live Brooklyn’s Domino Sugar Factory. The historic building in Williamsburg is newly landmarked and saved from the wrecking ball. Now developers are moving in to create a mega site complete with million dollar luxury condos, affordable housing and public space. Sound too good to be true? Ingrid Rojas explores.
• Trees vs Trash in East NY:  If a tree falls in Brooklyn does it make a noise? At the boulevard houses in East New York the sound of falling trees is turning tenants of all ages into community activists. The city wants to install trash compactors in what residents call their backyard, but as Brian Vines discovers, this community is picking trees over trash.
• BAM Next Wave:  This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s next wave festival, and joining us in the studio are Joe Melillo, Executive Producer at BAM and Daniel Bernard Roumain, a composer and violinist who is part of this year’s lineup.
• Care Bears on Fire:  Brooklyn’s Indie rock scene has made a name for itself in recent years but a new rock movement is also gaining momentum. A movement of kid rock bands popping up mainly in Park Slope. Fred Brown meets up with the pre-teen trio “Care Bears on Fire” at the rockin’ release party for their latest CD.

Episode 161
Original Cablecast: September 24, 2007

• Rundown:  Brooklyn is poised to have its first ever African American surrogate court judge. Diana Johnson, a Supreme Court justice, defeated rival Shandya Simpson in the democratic primary. A surrogate court judge deals primarily with wills and estates.

  In Coney Island news developer Thor Equities will renew the leases of several longtime vendors on the Coney boardwalk. This after businesses were planning to close for good and make room for Thor’s Coney Island redevelopment. Vendors include local favorites like ruby’s bar and grill and the Lola Star Boutique.

  And a group of elected officials want the former principal of the new Arab language school in Boreum Hill reinstated. Debbie Almontaser resigned as principal, after reports accused of her of having extremist ideas. The Khalil Gibran International Academy is the city’s the first Arab language and culture school.

• Greenpoint Oil Spill:  Brooklyn’s Greenpoint oil spill might be twice as big as residents originally thought. This after a report from the environmental protection agency, showing it could take more than 30 years to clean up the environmental mess that has plagued its neighbors since the 70’s. But as Nicole O’dell discovered the results of this long awaited study are leaving many in the community with more questions than answers.
• FEMA Relief:  On August 8th Brooklynites were awakened by a massive storm. Flooding paralyzed the subway system, downed power lines and displaced hundreds of residents. A day later the national weather service confirmed tornado status. Residents of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park were the hardest hit and they’ve been working ever since to rebuild. Now, a month later the Federal Government is stepping in.
• Duffield Street:  The city’s moving forward with plans to use eminent domain to take and demolish a handful of homes on Duffield Street and homes advocates say played an important part in the underground railroad. A city-commissioned study couldn’t confirm the buildings' role in the anti slavery movement and now officials want the area for Downtown Brooklyn development. Advocates say the homes are a key piece of the borough's black history. As Sherry Karabin tells us, they're taking their battle to the courts
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Book Fest:  Once a year Borough Hall transforms into a book lovers dream with a day of readings, book sellers, publishers and panel discussions involving some of Brooklyn’s most beloved authors. This homegrown celebration is gaining momentum and the respect of literary giants.
• Red Hook Opera:  Red Hook has a rich maritime history, but now it’s making its debut as a cultural maritime center. Fred Brown takes us down to an old oil tanker, serving as the set for a Puccini opera where maritime workers and performers share the stage.

Episode 160
Original Cablecast: September 10, 2007

• Rundown:  Residents of the Starrett City housing complex could lose their rent stabilized apartments. This after owners announced they may leave the Mitchell Lama low rent program. Starrett City is the largest subsidized housing complex in America.

  Could there be one more year for Astroland? The Coney Island amusement park was slated to close down for good on September 9th but supporters are calling on developer Thor equities to grant a one year reprieve. Thor bought Astroland for 30 million dollars last year.

  Clarence Norman former head of the Brooklyn Democratic Party has been sentenced to one to three years for extortion. Norman is already serving time for election fraud and grand larceny. All three sentences combined could put him away for up to 9 years.

• Khahil Gibran School:  Since it was first announced in February, the city’s first Arabic language school has prompted a slew of reactions, from concerns over its location and curriculum content to praise for its recognition of Brooklyn’s growing Arab community. Named after the Christian Lebanese poet Khahil Gibran all eyes are on this small school in Brooklyn as the academic year begins.
• Columbia Street Development:  It was billed as becoming Brooklyn's next restaurant row, but some business owners say the Columbia Street waterfront district isn't living up to the promise. As Sherry Karabin explains, they're blaming a long-term street construction project for throwing a monkey wrench into the street’s potential and their profits.
• Hakeem Jefferies:  Newly elected assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries arrived on the political scene in 2000 when he almost defeated 22 year incumbent roger green in the 57th district. He ran again in 2002 and was defeated once more but the third time was the charm and Jeffries was elected in 2006. Now in the seat of power he’s taking a new approach to office hours, they’re taking place at a subway near you.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Willie Mae Rock Camp:  Girls today are taught they can do anything they set their minds to and playing music is no exception. So move over boys. At the Willie Mae Rock Camp, they’re proving that girls “rock”.
• West Indian Day Parade:  Now in it’s the 40th year the West Indian Day Parade continues to pack Eastern Parkway. It’s a true celebration of diversity and Carribean culture, and it wouldn’t be Labor Day in Brooklyn without it.

Episode 159
Original Cablecast: August 27, 2007

Immigrant Special

This week we bring you stories from some of brooklyn fastest growing immigrant communities

• A young mexican woman navigates the education system.
• Trinidadians keep a money saving tradition alive.
• Ukrainian survivors of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster receive medical attention.
• Chinese elders create their own community.
• And Jamaican street dancers show us what they’ve got.

Episode 158
Original Cablecast: July 23, 2007

• Congestion Pricing:  Seems everyone is talking about the congestion pricing. With legislators looking for new ways to curb traffic congestion and improve air quality, a campaign is in full swing. Ask outer-borough residents to pay a fee when they enter Manhattan’s central business district during peak hours. It’s a debate that’s dividing Brooklynites...
• Project Chernobyl:  It’s a tragedy you don't hear much about these days, but many victims from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 are only now beginning to realize its harmful health effects. And with our large Russian community, many potential victims are living right here in Brooklyn. In our next story Sherry Karabin tells us about a unique initiative that’s been created to track the health of survivors, it's called Project Chernobyl.
• Iraq Impact:  With the total count of us casualties in the Iraq War rising just above 3600, here in Brooklyn, we buried our 20th soldier lost in combat this month. And while the fight continues overseas, here at home we may be apt to lose sight of the fact that we are a country at war. In our next story Ingrid Rojas looks at how our daily lives are really impacted by the war.
• House of Detention:  We turn now to a very local debate over the future of the Brooklyn house of detention. The jail which has sat empty on Atlantic Avenue for years may now be reopened. Danielle foster was there as the community went face to face on the issue with the department of corrections.
• Bastille Day:  French culture descended on Smith Street for the 6th Annual Bastille Day celebration. If you think you’ve come to know what to expect from a typical Brooklyn street festival…think again….
• Floating Pool:  On July 4th Brooklyn’s waterfront had a celebration of its own. Despite the slightly chilly weather, hundreds came out to take a dip in the floating pool lady, an Olympic size pool moored to a barge on the Brooklyn Heights waterfront. Fred Brown was around town to check it out.

Episode 157
Original Cablecast: July 9, 2007

• Coney Development:  Welcome to this special episode of Brooklyn Review where we look back at our coverage of Brooklyn’s playground by the sea. We’ll start our show with the most recent report on Coney Island redevelopment, condos or cotton candy? That’s the reality facing many longtime Coney Island residents. Developer Thor Equities wants the city to rezone parts of the historic amusement district to allow for condominiums. It brought forth the preservation v.s. development debate to the steps of city hall in true Coney style.
• Parachute Jump:  It was a milestone in the revitalization of Coney Island. In July of 2006 the historic parachute jump was lit for the first time in 30 years. We broadcasted live from the Coney Island boardwalk. Here are the highlights.
• Coney Island Hall of Fame:  Along with the revitalization of Coney Island, comes remembering those who helped shape its identity. In June of 2005 the Coney Island Hall of Fame was opened, honoring the inventor of the hot dog, the man who built the first roller coaster and more.
• Jimmy Prince:  We meet a true Coney Island old timer Jimmy Prince—whose run major prime meats on Mermaid Avenue for 57 years.
• Rundown of the events happen in Coney Island this summer.
• Coney Island Museum:  For all you ever needed to know about the history of Coney Island, climb the stairs of 1208 Surf Avenue to the Coney Island museum. From antiques and relics to walking tours and a lecture series you’ll find it all for the modest admission price of 99 cents.
• Mermaid Parade:  For 23 years costumed creatures have been converging for the annual Mermaid Parade. It never fails to deliver the essence of Coney Island, not to mention lots of skin. Here’s a look back at the 2005 Coney Island mermaid parade.

Episode 156
Original Cablecast: June 25, 2007

• Rundown:  Big news for Coney Island. Developer Joe Sitt of Thor Equities announced he’s scaling back his plan to put hundreds of luxury condos and rental apartments near the amusement district. Instead, the new proposal calls for more rides and hotels. Still, opponents remain skeptical and the project is at a standstill until the city releases its zoning plans this summer.

  In more Coney Island news, Astroland will be given a one year reprieve and stay open through the 2008 season. The deal is good news for those lamenting the "last summer of Coney Island."

  And the national trust for historic preservation has declared the Brooklyn waterfront among the 11 most endangered historic places. The declaration is intended to warn city government to preserve, not erase buildings extending from the Sunset Park army terminal to the burned out Geenpoint terminal market.

• The Two Sides of Williamsburg:  It’s a tale of two cities or rather communities happening in Williamsburg. A story about the haves and have nots, the latter being pushed out as the area becomes trendier and more expensive. And while it’s certainly true that rents have been rising in parts of Williamsburg, some say it was the city's re-zoning of the waterfront that sealed the deal by allowing developers to build luxury housing and further drive up real estate prices. As Sherry Karabin tells us, many tenants living in rent stabilized apartments are now battling landlords, with financial incentives to get them out.
• Spring Creek Compost:  Open spaces are always at a premium in this city and residents of new lots continue to fight for the only plot of parkland near their home. When the Department of Sanitation began operating a compost on site without a permit, local activists called it abusive behavior by city government. They want the facility shut down and their park turned back into the spacious play area children once enjoyed. Nicole Odell has more.
• Red Hook Vendors:  Every summer for the past 30 years a typical Latin American food market has set up shop in Red Hook Park. However, new regulations from the Parks Department may force out the Red Hook vendors. Next in our Brooklyn Review profile we meet Cesar Fuentes, the leader, of the fight to keep this Brooklyn tradition alive.
• Childhood Obesity:  Our next story takes us to the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, where childhood obesity rates are some of the highest in the city. Brookdale Hospital is tackling the issue through a program they call "live right, live light." Tati Amare has more.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Galapagos:  Over the years the Galapagos art space has become synonymous with Williamsburg. Some might even say it started the Williamsburg art scene. So, it took the community by surprise when it was announced that Galapagos was moving to DUMBO. Reporter Chie Davis spoke to founder Robert Elms about the growing a business in Williamsburg, the move and the future of Galapagos.
• Gay Parade:  Now in its 11th year Brooklyn’s gay pride celebration continues to grow. Our Fred Brown was around town to catch highlights from this year’s parade and celebration near Prospect Park.

Episode 155
Original Cablecast: June 11, 2007

• Rundown:  : After 4 trials and 3 convictions the former head of the Brooklyn Democratic Party has been sentenced to two to six years in prison. Among Clarence Norman's convictions include extortion, soliciting illegal campaign contributions

  In our last show we told you to story of the communities fight to get part of Gates Avenue named after the radical black activist Sonny Carson. Well the last word was had in the city council chambers this month when the proposed street naming was defeated 25-15.

  And the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has announced it's Building Brooklyn Awards have been announced. Winning building include the new museum of African Contemporary Diasporan Art, the Bed-Stuy YMCA and Fairway Market in Red Hook.

• 4th Avenue Development:  What images come to mind when you think about Park Slope? 7th Ave strollers? 6th Ave brownstones? 5th Ave restaurants and boutiques? Well, you can add 4th Ave luxury condos to the picture. Yep, you heard it right, thanks to rezoning laws passed in 2003, the 4th Ave corridor stretching from Warren Street all the way through 24th street is getting a face lift with developers hoping to turn this former “dead-zone” into Brooklyn’s own Park Avenue in the next eight years. Ingrid Rojas has more.
• Malcolm X Grassroots:  From Amado Diallo to Sean Bell, issues of police brutality have been making headlines for years now. One local group of activists-the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement has made it their mission to monitor police activity. They regularly patrol the streets of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights armed with video cameras and information on first amendment rights. Next we meet the people behind patrols and learn about a civil rights lawsuit they're filing against the city of New York.
• Empire Park:  As Williamsburg quickly fills up with high rises and luxury condos, the community is gladly welcoming a new waterfront state park. Long home to remnants of a once bustling rail cargo station, this much-needed open space is a gem in a rapidly changing neighborhood. Next, Tati Amare tells us the story of how despite rezoning and gentrification a community group and a local politician managed to secure this piece of the Brooklyn waterfront.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Circus Sunday:  You've heard of Ringling Brothers, Cirque du Soleil, but what about Circus Sundays? It’s a community tradition in Red Hook that takes place on floating barge in June. Next Sherry Karabin takes us to the waterfront museum and showboat barge for a preview of sundays to come.
• Brooklyn International Film Festival:  10 days, 150 films, 4 brooklyn theaters. The Brooklyn International Film Festival lives on. Fred Brown hit the opening party at Steiner Studios where stars of the show were Brooklyn’s home-grown filmmakers.

Episode 154
Original Cablecast: May 28, 2007

• Rundown:  Downtown Brooklyn’s Fulton Mall is slated for a facelift. The mayor announced that the city will invest 15 million dollars in an overhaul to include new bus shelters, benches, lighting and trees. Joe Chan, the president of the city’s Downtown Brooklyn Partnership is comparing the future facelift to herald square in Manhattan. Construction is expected to be completed by 2009.

  Looks like there will be a reprieve for the American stevedores working on the Red Hook Waterfront. Their container port operation has been under attack for years as the city explores turning the piers into mixed use entertainment centers. These plans have been delayed and the stevedores will stay until the city council approves a complete rezoning.

  And bad news for Williamsburg residents tired of the L train squeeze. The MTA released a report saying that additional subway cars will not be up and running before 2010. The l line has added riders at a faster pace than the subway system as a whole with Bedford Ave stop being the busiest.

• Street Co-naming Center:  Ever wonder how a street gets its name? You're about to get some insight into the process. Right now the city council is considering and rejecting some 51 proposed street co-names. Bed-Stuy residents are pushing to have black activist Sonny Carson grace a portion of Gates Avenue. But sonny is proving to be a controversial figure. Brian Vines has the story.
• Firehouses:  They’ve provided a sense of security and safety in their respective communities for years – but in 2003 Mayor Bloomberg closed six firehouses in the city, four of them in Brooklyn. Since then, residents and advocates have been fighting to get these potentially life-saving companies reopened. But as Sherry Karabin reports while there have been small victories along the way. The future of the shuttered firehouses is a far cry from what residents wanted.
• Bloggers:  The Brooklyn blogeratti had a date this past May 10th at the Second Annual Blogfest, a gathering of members of Brooklyn's burgeoning blogging scene. Next in our Brooklyn Review profile we meet the woman behind the event, Louise Crawford, as known as Smartmom and only the blog knows Brooklyn.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Sonya Arts:  While most of us think of Williamsburg as the heart of Brooklyn’s art scene; there are new creative pockets taking shape all the time. Take the area south of the Navy Yard for instance, artists from surrounding neighborhoods like Clinton Hill, Fort Greene and Wallabout have banded together to form the Sonya arts collective. Chie Davis has more.
• Prospect Park Zoo:  This next piece is a treat for the animal lovers out there. Join Fred Brown as he explores the 13 acre Prospect Park Zoo.

Episode 153
Original Cablecast: May 14, 2007

• Rundown:  Charles Barron for borough president? The notoriously outspoken councilman from East New York has announced that he will run in 2009. Barron ran for congress in 2006 but was defeated by incumbent Ed Towns. If elected Barron would be the first black borough president for Brooklyn.

  And plans for an Arabic school in Park Slope have been dropped. The school which would have been placed in the same building that houses PS 282 was protested heavily by the parents. The department of Ed. announced that Khalil Gibran School will occupy the Brooklyn high school of the arts in Boreum Hill.

• Mathieu Eugene:  Mathieu Eugene is Brooklyn’s first Haitian born city councilman, but only after the city spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on an additional election. It was a decision by city leaders left in a quandary, when questions arose about Eugene’s residency. And while some voters are ready to move on to discussing the benefits of their new leader others are still debating about what this confusion might have cost them. Nicole Odell has the story.
• Green Power:  Lately it’s all about going green. Mayor Bloomberg used earth day to launch his plan to create what he calls "the first environmentally sustainable 21st century city.” But long before the mayor's address some Brooklynites, began doing their part to help the environment, by signing up for the pollution-free electricity known as green power. Sherry Karabin has more.
• Mexican Immigrant:  In our Brooklyn Review profile we meet Alicia Reyes, a member of Sunset Park’s fast growing Mexican population. She shares her story of making a new life in Brooklyn.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Vox Pop:  "Vox Pop" Latin for voice of the people. It's a fitting name for this Ditmas Park coffeehouse, bookstore and community-empowering center. From young family gatherings, literary events, open mikes to live music. It’s more than just coffee. Marci Villanueva has more.
• Chelsea Garden Center:  Who could have predicted; Manhattan based businesses moving to Brooklyn? Red hook seems to be the spot with Fairway coming last year and the Chelsea Garden Center arriving this spring. Fred brown was of course around town to check it out.

Episode 152
Original Cablecast: April 23, 2007

• Rundown:  In what some see as a victory for justice, former Democratic Party leader Clarence Norman was sentenced to a total of three to nine years behind bars. His many convictions are soliciting illegal contributions and larceny.

  The Starrett City saga continues. After being rejected a first time developer clipper equities resubmitted a second bid to purchase the countries largest subsidized housing project. The housing commissioner rejected the second bid, and securing the middle income rents for Starrett residents for now.

  A baby whale was found swimming in the Gowanus canal. The 12 foot whale survived just 2 days before biologists say it appeared to have hit up against rocks, beached itself and died. The actual cause of death is still being determined.

• Development Diversity:  For small contractors, getting a foot in the door of big construction projects in Brooklyn is difficult. But the Downtown Brooklyn Advisory and Oversight Committee has spent the last 20 years trying to change that by facilitating unions between qualified small firms and big developers. And with the economic boom happening right now, they’ve got their work cut out for them. Next Nicole O’Dell looks at how Brooklyn will maintain diversity in its future development projects.
• Save Empire:  When Brooklynites talk about skating they're usually talking about the Empire Roller Rink in Crown Heights. From its beginnings as a stable for nearby Ebbets Field the 30,000 square foot rink has served as a defacto community center, night club, and movie sound stage. But a proposed warehouse site may signal the last skate for New York City's only operational roller rink.
• CB 3 Bed-Stuy:  CB 3 in Bed-Stuy where residents are trying to manage a rapidly changing neighborhood. Chie Davis takes a closer look.
• Park Slope Food Co-op:  The Park Slope Food Co-op has become a Brooklyn institution. Both revered and at the same seen as peculiar by some. Next Tati Amare gives us a look at the inner workings of the borough’s largest food co-op.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• Filmmaker:  And of course the Tribeca film festival is right around the corner. Next in our Brooklyn Review Profile we meet Jerry Lamothe, one of seven Brooklynites whose films will premiere at Tribeca. In the film aptly titled "Blackout", he brings us back to the neighborhood of East Flatbush during the blackout of 2003.
• Karaoke:  Is karaoke the new hipster obsession? Well of course karaoke nights are popping up at bars across the borough. But we were told one the hottest nights happens in the heart of Williamsburg. Our Fred Brown was on the town to find out for himself.

Episode 151
Original Cablecast: April 9, 2007

• Rundown:  Forest City Ratner has been slapped with a second lawsuit and this time opponents are claiming that the 4 billion dollar Atlantic Yards project did not undergo an adequate environmental review. A previous lawsuit addressed issues with using eminent domain to benefit a private developer.

  The Brooklyn house of detention may not only be reopening but expanding as well. Despite years of community protests, the department of corrections has announced plans to expand the long shuttered jail to twice its current capacity. The expansion could take 5 years, but the doc says it could reopen the jail within 48 hours if needed.

  And residents of Duffield Street in Downtown Brooklyn have long claimed that their houses were part of the underground railroad. A new city report is now claiming that the Duffield houses have no connection with the slave network. A public hearing will be held this month.

• Coney Island:  Condos or cotton candy? As development extends its reach across the borough, that’s the reality facing many longtime Coney Island residents. Developer Thor Equities wants the city to rezone parts of the historic amusement district to allow for condominiums. It’s bringing forth the preservation v.s. development debate and this time to the steps of city hall in true Coney style. Sherry Karabin has more.
• CB 7 Sunset Park:  We’re on a mission here at Brooklyn review to really look at the issues facing each neighborhood, so in every show we’ll visit one community board district. This time it’s CB 7 in Sunset Park where a certain highrise has been the center controversy. Next Marci Villanueva tells the story of 420 42nd street.
• School Nutrition:  It’s being called the food justice movement and it’s based around the idea that access to healthy food is a human right. You can see it manifest in urban agriculture programs like added value in Red Hook or farmers markets in troubled neighborhoods like East New York. We found a group of healthy food soldiers being grown in a Bushwick classroom.
• Culture Bits:  Check out our picks for cultural events in the coming weeks.
• C Is For Cupid:  The experience of cancer is universal and one that can change a person in a profound way. Next we meet two park residents using this shared experience to help people create a love connection.
• Life Support:  HBO films recently turned its lens on Brooklyn. The neighborhood of Brownsville is the central location for a film about one family and their fights against aids. Fred Brown found the real life characters who served as the basis for life support.

Episode 150
Original Cablecast: March 26, 2007

• Rundown:  The fight to save victory hospital from closing continues. Neighboring hospitals like Maimonides have stepped in to support victory in its efforts to maintain ancillary services and now victory’s board reports that SUNY Downstate and Staten Island University could be other potential partners.

  There goes another church to make room for condos, and this time in Bay Ridge. Despite efforts by preservationists, the 108 year old United Methodist Church will be sold to a private developer for 12 million dollars.

  A brawl broke out between two Brooklyn high school basketball teams at championship game at Madison Square Gardens. The fight between rival teams Lincoln and boys and girls resulted in gunfire and twenty one arrests.

• CB16:  CB 16 spans the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. While Brownsville has a history of violent crime, reports show conditions have been steadily improving over the years, but still, many in the community feel that not enough is being done to keep them safe. Sherry Karabin meets one woman fighting to keep herself and a building full of senior citizens from becoming crime victims.
• Myrtle Avenue:  Back in the day Brooklyn’s Myrtle Ave was otherwise known murder ave. But now, much of the avenue cuts through some hot real estate in neighborhoods like Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and as Max Dickstein discovered, the revitalization of Myrtle Ave is well under way.
• DOE Fund:  Between 3 and 5,000 people return to Brooklyn from upstate prisons each year and many of those will end up back in jail. But one program, the DOE fund is helping empower former inmates to break cycles of incarceration. Next Nicole O’Dell looks at the difficulties that many face reentering society and how the DOE fund is helping ease that transition.
• Bomb Museum:  Next in our Brooklyn Review Profile we meet a man taking neighborhood preservation to a new level. Scott Witter has started his own museum in Fort Greene and it’s called Bomb - Brooklyn’s other museum of Brooklyn.
• Folk Feet:  Every year the Brooklyn Arts Council combs the borough looking for the best in traditional dance Thee search culminates with the folk feet celebration presented at Brooklyn College’s Walt Whitman theater. Next, some scenes from this year’s show.
• Brooklyn Fashion:  A snowstorm this year transported Brooklyn Fashion Weekend from tents in DUNBO to the marble rotunda of Borough Hall. Fred Brown was there as they pulled the show off...Brooklyn style.

Episode 149
Original Cablecast: March 12, 2007

• Rundown:  Looks like there will be another special election for in 40th city council district. Less than a week after becoming first ever Hatian born councilmember, Mathieu Eeugene’s residency came into question-election law requires the candidate live in the district when elected and Eugene could not prove this to be the case. An additional special election will cost 400,000.

  A victory for the residents of Starrett City, the countries largest government subsidized housing complex. The federal housing secretary has blocked the 1.3 billion dollar sale to a private developer, protecting the low and middle income rents and preserving affordable housing for Brooklyn.

  And the boroughs oldest roller rink will shut its doors this spring. Seems we had one of the last skates at empire roller rink when we were there for a story before Christmas. The owner cites loss in revenue and rising liability insurance as reasons for closing the 60 year old establishment.

• Tax Time:  We take a look at what tax time means for low income families in Brooklyn. There are two new tax credits this year designed to help low-and-middle income individuals and families and there's also good news for those who are looking for a preparer, but think they can't afford one. Sherry Karabin found that many community organizations and the AAPR have set up volunteer income tax assistance sites around the borough where Brooklynites can have their taxes done for free.
• Immigration:  Our next story looks at the latest issue facing immigrants. In the last several months, hundreds of thousands of undocument immigrants have had their New York State Drivers License suspended. It was a DMV policy sanctioned by the former administration in what was described as an attempt to boost homeland security. Nicole O’dell looks at the collective effort to change this policy.
• Park Slope Parking:  How often have you heard a Brooklynite boast about how civilized Brooklyn is compared to Manhattan. There are trees on our streets, you can actually own a car without having to spend hundreds of dollars putting it in a lot. Well a new study put out by group transportation alternatives dispels those claims; at least in park slope which they say has the worst parking problems in New York City. Next Max Dickstein tests it out.
• Dine In Brooklyn:  It’s almost time for Dine Out Brooklyn. Now in its 4th year, the event gives you the chance to buy a three course meal at one of 200 Brooklyn restaurants for $21.12—the 21.12 is a borough president Marty Markowitz’s shout out to zip codes starting with 112. Here are some scenes from the kick off event.
• Mocada:  The black Madonna has long been the subject of research and mystery among scholars of religion and culture and now she adorns the walls of a downtown Brooklyn art museum. Next Fred Brown visits the opening-night party...for a new exhibit...in her honor.

Episode 148
Original Cablecast: February 26, 2007

• Rundown:  Brooklyn’s Mathieu Eugene has become the city council’s first ever Haitian born member. Dr. Eugene beat 10 other candidates in a special election held to fill the council seat vacated by Yvette Clarke when she was elected to congress. Councilman Eugene will represent the 40th council district which includes the neighborhoods of Flatbush and Crown Heights.

  The fight to save Starrett City, the country’s largest government subsidized housing complex, continues. Starrett City was sold for 1.3 billion dollars earlier this month but the new state attorney General Andrew Cuomo is investigating the buyer’s past in hopes of getting the sale rejected and protecting middle income rents for the tenants of Starrett City.

  And Prospect Park will have a 37 million dollar skating center by 2010. The facility, to be called lakeside center will replace Wollman Rink which was built in the 1960’s.

• Pfizer:  It’s been a fixture in the community for more than 50 years, but soon Pfizer's Flushing Avenue manufacturing facility will be a distant memory. This after the company announced plans to phase out the plant over the next two years. As employees grapple with the loss of their jobs, others fear it's just another sign that the borough's historic manufacturing roots are dying. Sherry Karabin has this story.
• Politicians in Central Brooklyn:  As Brooklyn continues to evolve, as do its leaders. Scandal has tainted confidence in those from the more traditional political machinery and voters are choosing a new breed of politician. Nicole O’Dell takes a glimpse into what this trend might mean for the future of Brooklyn.
• CB 14 Schools:  We’re on a mission here at Brooklyn Review to really look at the issues facing each neighborhood in Brooklyn, so over the course of the next year we’ll hit one community board district in every show. This time it’s CB 14- which spans Flatbush and Midwood, and as Max Dickstein discovered, education is the hot button issue.
• Sports Shorts:  Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
• Inge Hardison:  Next we meet a lovely lady with a story fitting for black history month. Inge Hardison has spent much of her career devoted to a series of sculptures entitled negro giants in history. We caught up with the artist as she reflected on black history, heroes and turning 93.
• All Around Spending:  : It's tax time again, and money is on our minds. Never fun right? Reporter Fred Brown found a father-and-son team, looking to make financial planning fun - through a board-game built-literally-all around spending.

Episode 147
Original Cablecast: February 12, 2007

• Rundown:  Residents of Starrett City, the country’s largest subsidized housing project gained a powerful new ally in Governor elect Eliot Spitzer. Starrett City went on the market before Christmas and tenants fear new owners will opt out the state’s Mitchell Lama program that protects middle class rents. State officials say the Governor wants to work to ensure that Starrett City remains an economically and racially mixed housing complex.

  When Forest City Ratner announced that it was entering into a naming deal for the nets arena with Barclay’s bank, opponents of the project criticized the choice, pointing to a history that links Barclays to the slave trade. Barclays has bitten back asking the Brooklyn Papers to retract it’s story and calling the allegations untrue and misleading.

  And the story touched the hearts of many - two days before this 94 year old long time Carrol Gardens resident was to be evicted, the community stepped and found him a new home. The Fifth Avenue Committee a non profit focused on solving issues of displacement due to gentrification placed him in an apartment on Warren Street in Boreum Hill.

• State of the Borough:  Trailing this year’s procession of inaugural platforms by newly elected officials, the 2007 state of the borough address was a chance for incumbent Borough President Marty Markowitz to deliver his version of praise, promises and projections. Among new developments like the Atlantic Yards project and the Red Hook cruise chip terminal, he pointed to a new governorship, old allies and fresh faces of Brooklyn leaders as signs that Brooklyn’s future is bright. Nicole O’Dell was there.
• Firehouse:  In 2003 Mayor Bloomberg closed four firehouses in Brooklyn and the fight for their future has been ongoing. In a new development the city wants auction off 2 of the firehouses - in prime real estate neighborhoods - to private bidders. The effort has confounded both elected officials community advocates. Next Max Dickstein looks into what’s causing the uproar.
• City Council:  When Yvette Clarke vacated her 40th district city council seat to take on her new duties as a Washington D.C. congress member, a long list of contenders lined up to take her place. Much like the battle for the congressional seat Clarke now holds, the February 20th special election made headlines, with some familiar and not so familiar faces fighting to get their voices heard. Next Sherry Karabin takes a look at the race, introducing us to some of the contenders, including Clarke's pick to fill her seat.
• Sports Shorts:  Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
• Hibiscus:  Next Tati Amare takes us to hibiscus day spa in Bedford Stuyvesant where they’re taking services beyond just luxury body treatments - they’re attempting to treat the overall health of the community .
• Harbor Defense Museum:  Built in the early 1800’s, Ft. Hamilton on Bay Ridge stands as one of the nation’s historic military landmarks, predating what we currently know as the US Coastguard. Reporter Fred Brown paid a visit to the base, where he found a treasure-house of military history, and a few retired veterans who get together once a month at an old battleground they now call home.

Episode 146
Original Cablecast: January 22, 2007

• Rundown:  Before Christmas we brought you the story of Arthur Wood and his fight to save the broken Angel building in Clinton Hill from being demolished. His efforts paid off...sort of...wood has signed a deal with developer Shaun Anderson and he’ll work with him to redesign and develop broken angel into condominiums.

  The community is bracing for changes after the department of education announced that it will close three Brooklyn high schools. Samuel J. Tilden, South Shore and Lafayette high have been isolated as low performing schools. The student body will be absorbed by several new small schools, yet to be determined.

  And it’s official Brooklyn made the hotlist, named as one of the Lonely Planet travel guide’s hottest places to visit in 2007. Must sees include the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, the Brooklyn Bridge and Williamsburg night life.

• State of the State:  Kicking off the New Year in Albany it was the state of the state address as usual, but with a brand new governor elect - Eliot Spitzer. He emphasized government reform, education reform and revitalizing the economy for what he called an inclusive New York. Next, reporter Nicole O’dell talks to local elected officials about what the governor’s plans mean for Brooklyn.
• Hospital Closures:  In 2005 former Governor George Pataki created a state hospital restructuring panel - otherwise known as the Berger Commission. Last fall they released a report recommending that 9 hospitals shut their doors - Victory Hospital in Bay Ridge was among them. Next, reporter Chie Davis takes us inside the community’s fight to keep their hospital alive.
• Starrett City:  It was built over 30 years ago to give low and middle income renters apartments and a community they could call their own. Now the former Starrett Cty, which is known as spring creek towers, is up for sale. Although no one knows who the buyer will be, the sale has cast a doubt of uncertainty over the future of the complex, causing some tenants to wonder if they'll soon be outpriced out of their homes. Sherry Karabin reports.
• Sports Shorts:  Reporter Nicole O'Dell offers the latest in Brooklyn sports.
• Post Office:  Just when you thought going to the post office was a dreaded experience, we discovered a postal business with a unique approach. It’s called F.B. Enterprises and it has lived on Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights for the past 15 years. Next in our Brooklyn Review Profile we meet the neighborhood postman himself, who delivers mail to his community customers, and much more.
• Kensington Stables:  Imagine you're walking down any urban street in Brooklyn, turn the corner and there’s a heard of horses, right in the hood! Well reporter Fred Brown was around town in the neighborhood of Kensington, where he discovered a 19th century horse stable, its owner and volunteers all determined to keep this piece of Brooklyn's historic past. Alive and kicking.

Episode 145
Original Cablecast: January 8, 2007

Brooklyn Review Profiles - People of the Year

• Yvette Clark:  There will be a special election to fill Yvette Clark’s city council seat on February 20th.
• Michael Rakowitz:  Next 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.
• Herold Noel:  Next we meet another man all too familiar with the costs of the Iraq war. Herold Noel is a war vet who was homeless for almost a year after returning from Iraq. Now, he’s back on his feet and speaking out about veterans rights.
• Monique Denoncin:  Next in our Brooklyn Review profile we meet one of Brooklyn’s many unofficial mayors - regular residents who become extraordinarily 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.
• Seltzer:  The great thing about this borough is that even as it changes and develops, you can always find a piece of the past. Take Walter Backerman for instance, Walter is one of the Brooklyn’s last seltzer delivery men; keeping an old tradition alive in a new Brooklyn.
• Kiki Ananyi:  Next 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.
• Jimmy Prince:  On the other side of Brooklyn a butcher shop has lived on Mermaid Avenue for over 60 years---the man behind the counter has helped make major prime meat market a favorite for those seeking an superb cut of meat with a warm smile. Meet jimmy prince.