ADDITIONAL F TRAINS WILL RUN ON WEEKDAYS

More F trains will run weekdays during off-peak hours, starting in November, to "accommodate changes in ridership and demand" before and after rush hour.

The additions will be

• one additional northbound F train on weekdays between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.,
• two additional southbound F trains on weekdays between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.,
• one additional southbound F train on weekdays between approximately 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and
• two additional southbound F trains on weekdays between approximately 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Read more, including information about additions on the A, D, and E lines, here in New York City Patch.

PARKING REGULATIONS SUSPENDED ON MEMORIAL DAY

Alternate side of the street parking regulations and parking meter regulations will be suspended on Monday, May 28th, for Memorial Day.

Parking meter regulations are only suspended on these major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

SCREENING OF "IN OUR BACKYARD: SEX TRAFFICKING IN BROOKLYN"

      In Our Backyard: A Documentary on Sex Trafficking in Brooklyn
                      Sunday, June 3rd, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In Our Backyard: A Documentary on Sex Trafficking in Brooklyn, will be shown in Windsor Terrace.

"In Our Backyard is an investigative look into the widely unknown and unspoken world of sex trafficking in Brooklyn, documenting the emotional stories of three recent survivors while also presenting the work of determined aid organizations, law enforcement agencies and politicians. The film aims to raise awareness and fight this serious epidemic."

A Q&A and discussion will follow with a survivor-advocate; filmmaker and native Brooklynite Danielle Rose; and Mother Adrian Dannhauser, Chair of the Episcopal Diocese of New York's Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

This event is open to the public. It is not suitable for children.

Holy Apostles Church will host the screening on Sunday, June 3rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations of $5-$10 are welcome to defray expenses.

Register on Eventbrite here.

Location
Holy Apostles Episcopal Church
612 Greenwood Avenue
between Prospect Avenue and E. 7th Street
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
 

AGENDA FOR TUESDAY'S COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING

Community Board 12 Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 22nd, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community Board 12 (representing Kensington, Borough Park, and Midwood) will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, May 22nd, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The board's monthly meetings are open to the public.

If you have any concerns, questions, solutions, needs, or problems that you'd like the community board to address, arrive at the meeting before 7:00 p.m. and sign up to speak during the public comment period at the beginning of the meeting (agenda item 2). You'll have three minutes to present your topic.

Some issues you may be concerned about are

•     pedestrian safety,
•     traffic congestion,
•     housing,
•     land use and zoning,
•     construction sites,
•     outdoor lighting,
•     potholes,
•     sanitation,
•     libraries,
•     crime,
•     police presence,
•     graffiti,
•     social services,
•     rodents,
•     trash collection,
•     public litter baskets, and
•     street and sidewalk conditions.

Agenda for the May 22nd meeting:

1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Public Session
3. Chairman's Remarks - Yidel Perlstein
4. District Manager's Remarks - Barry Spitzer
5. Adoption of April Minutes
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Attendance
9. Adjourn

General meetings of Community Board 12 are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from September through June, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..

Every neighborhood in New York City is represented by an all-volunteer community board, which serves as the neighborhood's liaison to city agencies. Board members are appointed by the neighborhood's city councilperson and the borough president.

Community Board 12's committees are

•         Planning, Zoning Variances and City Map
•         Education, Library, Cultural Affairs
•         Sanitation & Environmental Protection
•         Fire, Safety & Police
•         Health & Social Services
•         Housing & Buildings
•         Legislation
•         Parks, Capital Projects & Site Selection
•         Transportation & Franchises
•         Youth & Community Development

Meeting location
Amico Senior Center
5901 13th Avenue, 3rd Floor
corner of 59th Street
Borough Park, Brooklyn

Enter the building on 59th Street. 

SHELTER RESIDENTS' CURRENT NEEDS

The babies, children, and adults currently living in Kensington's family shelter would appreciate donations of several types of items. The two neighborhood residents who keep in touch with the shelter's director sent this request for donations today.

---------------------------------------------------

Hello neighbors,

Now that the season has changed, we checked with The Kensington family shelter on current needs. We are listing them here.

We ask that you donate ONLY these items as the shelter has limited storage space and will not be able to keep anything that is not on the list. In the case of used items, please donate items that are in very good condition (no stains, no tears).

All items can be dropped off at the shelter, 385 McDonald Ave., attention Uniquia Parker, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, through May 31.

• Diapers size 3, 4, 5, 6 and pull-ups in all sizes
• Baby wipes
• Unstained or new burp cloths
• NEW underwear sizes 2T to 6x for boys and girls
• New or lightly used spring and summer clothing for boys and girls ages 2T-5
• New and lightly used spring and summer clothing for men and women
• Net or plastic stroller covers

In addition, families continue to transition out of the shelter to permanent housing. The city provides some basic furnishings but we have created two online wish lists for those who would like to purchase something for housewarming packages for each departing family.

Feel free to purchase off either list and have item(s) shipped directly to the shelter. Or you can buy a new item locally (does not have to be the brand on the list) and drop off. Please tell the security desk it goes to Uniquia and label it HOUSEWARMING. And please drop us a line if you buy local so we can remove an equivalent item from the online wish list.

Here are the links (which you can share freely):
Amazon   
Target   

Thank you in advance for your generosity toward these neighbors. We will be working with the shelter to plan future events and volunteer opportunities and will keep everyone updated.

Happy spring to everyone!

Catherine and Tracy

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENSION NEXT MONDAY

Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended on Monday, May 21st, for Shavuot.

All other regulations, including parking meter regulations, will be in effect. Those are only suspended on these major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

REPORT CRIMES TO THE 66TH PRECINCT AT THIS WEEK'S MEETING

66th Precinct Community Council Monthly Meeting
Thursday, May 17th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Report crimes and other policing matters in Kensington, Borough Park, and Midwood at this week's 66th Precinct Community Council meeting. 

The 66th Precinct's commanding officer, Captain David Wall, will update residents on recent crimes in those neighborhoods, but the input of people who live within the boundaries of the precinct is essential. 

Matters to bring to Captain Wall's attention include

• men exposing themselves to women in public,
• men following women in the street,
• adults who aren't accompanied by a child entering playgrounds where that is forbidden,
• responsiveness by the precinct to phone calls reporting crimes,
• pedestrian safety when crossing Church Avenue at Ocean Parkway and the Prospect Expressway and other intersections,
• bicyclists on e-bikes and manual bikes riding on sidewalks,
• the need for traffic control during this Saturday's half-marathon on Ocean Parkway, and
• package theft.

At the meeting, the public can also learn about the various programs available to the community through the precinct.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 17th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It's free, and it's open to the public.

Boundaries of the 66th Precinct:

The purpose of the 66th Precinct Community Council is to provide the critical interface between citizens and police through regular monthly meetings. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month, from September through June. The Community Council does not meet in July or August.

Meeting location
Community Board 12 Office
5910 13th Avenue
between 59th and 60th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn
(map)

To get to the meeting, take the B16 bus to 13th Avenue at 56th Street and walk three blocks along 13th Avenue to 59th Street. To return home, take the B16 on 14th Avenue (schedule).

-------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Contact information for the 66th Precinct:
phone: (718) 851-5611
5822 16th Avenue
between 58th and 59th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn
e-mail: 66precinctcc @ gmail.com
website: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/precincts/66th-precinct.page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYPD66Pct or @66precinctcc

SUMNER'S LUNCHEONETTE DAYTIME AND EVENING SCHEDULE

The hours of operation for Sumner's Luncheonette, the "old school Southern luncheonette with that Pennsylvania Dutch twist," are

• Monday through Friday:
• open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm.
• coffee and pastries from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday:
• brunch from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:
• open bar and casual dining area, serving a limited Butterfunk Kitchen menu from 5:30 p.m. until around 9:30 p.m.

Owners Eugenie Woo and Chef Chris Scott are looking forward to bringing back many of the community activities they hosted when they opened Brooklyn Commune, including classes, block parties, friendly food competitions, supper clubs, etc.

Location 
Sumner's Luncheonette
601 Greenwood Avenue, corner of Prospect Avenue, Windsor Terrace
(718) 686-1044
https://www.facebook.com/SumnersLuncheonette
@SumnersLuncheonette

CONCERT OF JEWISH MUSIC: A NEW SONG IN THE NEW WORLD: JEWISH MUSIC BY AMERICAN COMPOSERS

A New Song in the New World: Jewish Music by American Composers

Sunday, June 3rd, 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

A New Song in the New World: Jewish Music by American Composers, a concert of choral music, features Shir Chadash: The Brooklyn Jewish Community Chorus (a four-part chorus) and special guests HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir and soloist Cantor Rachel Brook, the Cantorial Fellow at Park Avenue Synagogue.

The music of Aaron Copland, Steve Cohen, Nick Page, David Burger, and others will be presented.

Scott Stein, Artistic Director of Shir Chadash, will host the program.

Ticket prices are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults, $5 in advance and $10 at the door for children under age 13.

The concert, presented in partnership with Church Avenue Sessions, will take place on Sunday, June 3rd, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Location
Flatbush Jewish Center
327 E. 5th Street
corner of Church Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn, New York
phone: (718) 871-5200
fax: (718) 871-5204
office @ flatbushjewishcenter.org
http://www.flatbushjewishcenter.org
https://www.facebook.com/FlatbushJewishCenter  

OCEAN PARKWAY AND OTHER STREETS WILL BE CLOSED DURING NEXT WEEKEND'S HALF MARATHON

                               Popular Brooklyn Half Marathon
                      Saturday, May 19th, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

New York Road Runners Popular Brooklyn Half marathon entrants will run from the Brooklyn Museum to the Coney Island boardwalk on Saturday, May 19th. The race will lat for three hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The 13.1-mile half marathon will start near the Brooklyn Museum. Runners will run past the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and around Grand Army Plaza and then enter Prospect Park.

After running a loop around Prospect Park, they'll exit at the southwest corner (Park Circle/Machate Circle) and run onto Ocean Parkway toward Coney Island, where they'll finish on the boardwalk.

General entry to the Popular Brooklyn Half is sold out, but people can still get a spot in the race by signing up to run with NYRR's Team for Kids. 

This is the largest half marathon in the United States; about 30,000 people have registered to run. Last year, the race was called the Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon.
 
Parking won't be permitted during certain hours and streets will be closed: 

• Ocean Avenue southbound, from Flatbush Avenue to Parkside Avenue
• No parking: Friday, May 18th, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 19th, at 11:00 a.m.
• Street closure: Saturday, May 19th, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Parkside Avenue westbound, from Ocean Avenue to Park Circle
• No parking: Friday, May 18th, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 19th, at 11:00 a.m.
• Street closure: Saturday, May 19th, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Ocean Parkway, from Park Circle to Surf Avenue
• No parking: Friday, May 18th, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 19th, at noon
• Rolling street closure: Saturday, May 19th, from 6:00 a.m. through noon

NO F TRAIN FROM CHURCH TO STILLWELL THIS WEEKEND

F trains will not run in either direction between Church Avenue and Stillwell Avenue on weekends from Friday, May 11th, at 9:45 p.m. until Monday, May 14th, at 5:00 a.m.

Free shuttle buses will provide alternate service. Transfer between F trains and buses at Church Avenue.

F service will operate as usual between 179th Street and Church Avenue.

Shuttle buses operating between Church Avenue and Stillwell Avenue will stop at Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue N, Avenue P, Kings Highway, Avenue U, Avenue X, Neptune Avenue, and W. 8th Street.

For direct service between Coney Island and Manhattan/Downtown Brooklyn, take the D, N, or Q instead. Transfer between D, N, and Q trains and buses at Stillwell Avenue. Transfer between Q trains and buses at West 8th Street.

The service suspension will accommodate structural improvements and signal interlocking modernization.

AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 7 MEETING, INCLUDING A VOTE ON THE 57 CATON PLACE HIGH-RISE REQUEST

Public Meeting of Community Board 7

Wednesday, May 16th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A vote on allowing two high-rise residential buildings and a retail business to be built at 57 Caton Place is on the agenda for the next public meeting of Community Board 7.

The public is invited to comment on this and any other issue during the Public Comment period (item 7 on the agenda below).

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16th, at 6:30 p.m., in the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue, in Sunset Park. The entrance to the building is on 43rd Street.

The anonymous developer who purchased the small warehouse at 57 Caton Place (right next to Kensington Stables) wants city agencies to rezone the land so that the two high-rises and retail business can be built.

Two towers, each ten stories tall and containing 107 residential units, plus 13,000 square feet of commercial retail space on the ground floor, plus a parking garage for 74 vehicles would be constructed. 

For comparison's sake, Foodtown at 382 McDonald Avenue and Walgreens at 114 Beverley Road are each 12,000 square feet. 

The possible side effects include 

• an increase in class size in the nearby schools,
• more passengers waiting on the narrow platforms at the Fort Hamilton Parkway subway station,
• additional car traffic (residents and shoppers),
• large, heavy trucks making deliveries to the retail space,
• reduction in street safety,
• traffic noise,
• air pollution from vehicles,
• further competition for existing parking spaces, and
• extra strain on the sewer system. 

The proposed agenda for the board meeting:

1. The Pledge of Allegiance
2. Opening of the meeting
3. Adoption of the agenda
4. Adoption of the minutes of the March 21, 2018 (rescheduled & held on April 18) board meeting
5. Adoption of the minutes of the April 18, 2018 board meeting
6. Adoption of the minutes of the public hearing on May 9, 2018
7. Public Comment
8. Committee Reports:
    A. Executive Committee
       1. Laying out Chairperson’s agenda for the remainder of the year
       2. Upcoming projects/events
    B. Land Use/Landmarks Committee
       1. Application #C170213 ZMK – 57 Caton Place – Seeking a zoning change from C8-2 and C2-4 (commercial) to R7A (residential)
    C. Ability and Access Committee
       1. Presentation from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
    D. Membership and Attendance Committee
       1. Discussion on the attendance of Ray Acevedo
9. Elected Officials and Representatives
10. District Manager’s Report
11. Chairperson’s Report
12. OId Business
13. New Business
14. Public Comment
15. Adjournment

ADULT MALE EXPOSES HIMSELF TO FEMALE CHILD ON THE F TRAIN

Sketch courtesy of the NYPD

A man exposed his genitals to a twelve-year-old girl on the F train near the Ditmas Avenue station on the morning of February 7th.

Description: scar on his right cheek, in his thirties, about 5'10", wearing a gray hoodie.

Articles about the crime are on the websites of Windsor Terrace Patch and WABC Eyewitness News.
 

CAN'T GET TO THE PUBLIC HEARING ABOUT THE PROPOSED HIGH-RISES ON CATON PLACE?

Can't get to the public hearing about more high-rises on Caton Place?

If you can't get to Community Board 7's public hearing about rezoning 57 Caton Place so that a developer can add more high-rises, and if you have comments about rezoning and high-rises that you want heard, you can submit your comments by e-mail to Community Board 7. The board will accept written comments until it votes on May 16th at its regular monthly meeting.

However, it's possible that the Land Use Committee will vote on rezoning prior to the board meeting, and it would then submit its recommendation to the board. So, it's best to submit your comments as soon as possible.

E-mail your comments to Community Board 7 at bk07 @ cb.nyc.gov, and write "Attention: Land Use Committee" in the subject line.

The blog post about the public hearing is here.

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENDED ON THURSDAY

Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended on Thursday, May 10th, for Solemnity of the Ascension.

All other regulations, including parking meter regulations, will be in effect. Those are only suspended on these major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

FAKE BOMB ON PROSPECT PARK WEST

The NYPD Emergency Service Unit and Bomb Squad investigated a suspicious package in Windsor Terrace this morning at Prospect Park West and 16th Street. They determined that it was a fake bomb.

The package had been placed in the wooden planter in front of Connecticut Muffin at 206 Prospect Park West.

The New York Post writes that "the device, which was quickly deemed safe, was encased in what appeared to be cardboard packaging and wrapped in silver duct tape. A cooking thermometer and red wiring were protruding from the top."

IMPACT OF THE RESIDENTIAL TOWERS PROPOSED FOR CATON PLACE

Public Hearing about Rezoning 57 Caton Place
Wednesday, May 9th, 6:30 p.m.

An anonymous developer purchased the small warehouse at 57 Caton Place (right next to Kensington Stables) and wants city agencies to rezone the land. The result would be the imposition of more high-rises and retail shopping on the little side street between E. 8th Street and Coney Island Avenue.

Two towers, each ten stories tall and containing 107 residential units, plus 13,000 square feet of commercial retail space on the ground floor, plus a parking garage for 74 vehicles would be constructed. 

For comparison's sake, Foodtown at 382 McDonald Avenue and Walgreens at 114 Beverley Road are each 12,000 square feet. 

Area residents are invited to a public hearing on the developer's rezoning application on Wednesday, May 9th, at 6:30 p.m. Inform Community Board 7 about what you believe the impact will be if these buildings are constructed, hundreds of people move in, and an unpredictable number of people start shopping there.

Possible unintended consequences of added residences and the introduction of a large retail space would be 

• an increase in class size in the nearby schools, 
• more passengers waiting on the narrow platforms at the Fort Hamilton Parkway subway station,
• additional car traffic (residents and shoppers),
• large, heavy trucks making deliveries to the retail space,
• reduction in street safety,
• traffic noise,
• air pollution from vehicles,
• further competition for existing parking spaces, and
• extra strain on the sewer system.

Immediately after the public hearing, the community board's Land Use/Landmarks Committee will meet to discuss the application. Committee meetings are open to the public. 

The public hearing and the committee meeting will take place in the P.S. 130 Upper School auditorium, 713 Caton Avenue, between E. 7th and E. 8th streets, in Windsor Terrace.
 

KORNER PIZZA CLOSED ON TUESDAYS

Radical news: Korner Pizza is closed on Tuesdays! I asked if this change is just for the summer, but they said that it's permanent.

Korner Pizza, opened in 1966, is located at 226 Church Avenue, on the corner of E. 3rd Street, in Kensington, Brooklyn.

SUMNER'S LUNCHEONETTE OPENS TOMORROW, MAY 5TH

Sumner's Luncheonette will open tomorrow (Saturday, May 5th) at 9:00 a.m.

It will be an "old school Southern luncheonette with that Pennsylvania Dutch twist." The owners are husband-and-wife team Chef Chris Scott and Eugenie Woo, who own and operate Butterfunk Kitchen and, until their recent decision to close it, Brooklyn Commune.

Sumner's will be open for lunch and brunch with a menu that includes breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches, plates, and drinks.

Read more about Sumner's at Closing of Brooklyn Commune and New Diner Opening Soon.

Location
Sumner's Luncheonette
601 Greenwood Avenue, corner of Prospect Avenue, Windsor Terrace
(718) 686-1044
https://www.facebook.com/SumnersLuncheonette
@SumnersLuncheonette

GREENMARKET REOPENS ON SUNDAYS AT BARTEL-PRITCHARD SQUARE

Bartel-Pritchard Square Greenmarket's Sunday hours will resume on May 6th. The greenmarket is a place to buy fresh, locally-grown produce, eggs, fish, and baked goods.

Stop by the Market Information tent each week to see free cooking demonstrations and to pick up free recipes and literature. Raffles and family-friendly activities will also be featured.

Hours: Bartel-Pritchard Square Greenmarket will be open on Sundays from May 6th through December 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It's also open year-round on Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Cash, SNAP/EBT, Debit/Credit, WIC, Senior FMNP coupons, and Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks are accepted at this greenmarket. SNAP/EBT users: Health Bucks can be used year-round. For every $5 you spend, get a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional fruits and vegetables.

Bartel-Pritchard Square Greenmarket is located on Prospect Park West at 15th Street in Windsor Terrace, on the border of Park Slope. 

Participating farmers:

• American Seafood: wild-caught fish and shellfish from Suffolk County, NY
• Baker's Bounty: breads and pastries from Union County, NJ
• Grape Hollow Farm: vegetables, chicken, lamb, and honey from Holmes, NY (starting later in May)
• Nolasco’s Farm: vegetables, Mexican specialty produce and herbs from Warren County, NJ; New Farmer Development Project participant
• Water Wheel Farm: grass-fed Angus beef, lamb, pork, eggs, and sausages from Delaware County, NY
• Williams Fruit Farm: orchard fruit and greenhouse plants from Ulster County, NY