Friday, March 30, 2018

GEULAH TRIO AND ZISL SLEPOVITCH TRIO AT CHURCH AVENUE MUSIC SESSION


Church Avenue Sessions: a Monthly Music Series in Kensington
Thursday, April 26th, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Geulah Trio and Zisl Slepovitch Trio will perform at Church Avenue Sessions, a monthly music series at the Flatbush Jewish Center.


Geulah Trio is a "guitar groove trio that "takes inspiration from Jewish music, rock, jazz, and beyond." Geulah Trio features Jon Madof on guitar, Yoshie Fruchter on bass, and Marlon Sobol on drums/percussion.

Zisl Slepovitch Trio: Three Corners will feature Zisl Slepovitch on reeds and vocals, Nadav Lev on guitar, and Dmitry Ishenko on bass. They will play improvised music born of various old musics, stretching from European early music to Eastern European and Middle Eastern traditions. Slepovitch’s original compositions will also be performed.

The concert will be on Thursday, April 26th, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Wine, beer, soda, and water will be available to purchase. Free snacks will be served.

The price of admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child under 16. 

Location
Flatbush Jewish Center
327 East 5th Street

at the corner of Church Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn

phone: (718) 871-5200
fax: (718) 871-5204
office @ flatbushjewishcenter.org
http://www.flatbushjewishcenter.org
https://www.facebook.com/FlatbushJewishCenter

 

Thursday, March 29, 2018

"FELDER TRACKER" BLOG PROMOTES TRANSPARENCY


The "Felder Tracker" blog, run by New York Senate District 17 for Progress, tracks the political positions, statements, and legislative actions of State Senator Simcha Felder. The results of his constituents' communications with his office about his positions on bills in the State Senate are also posted there.

Although he is a registered member of the Democratic Party, Senator Felder has caucused with the Republicans since being elected in 2012 and mostly votes the same way that they do. It's been possible for his vote to determine whether or not a Democrat-backed bill gets passed.

In the 2016 general election, Senator Felder ran on three party lines: Democratic, Republican, and Conservative. Last year, the Brooklyn Conservative Party gave him its best rating for being more conservative than every Republican in our State Senate.


Constituents who have asked Senator Felder to comment on an issue or who have requested information from his office are invited to share their questions and his or his staff's responses on Felder Tracker. Send an e-mail to nysd17forprogress @ gmail.com.

District 17 includes Midwood, Flatbush, Borough Park, Kensington, Sunset Park, Madison, and Bensonhurst.

MUSICAL GOODIES AT THE ADIRONDACK


Adirondack Beat
Saturday, March 31st, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

DJ Kyle Brown will spin rhythm & blues, soul, girl groups, oldies, instrumentals, and more on 45 rpm vinyl at The Adirondack on Saturday, March 31st, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

$1 off draft beers, $4 off well drinks. Admission is free. 

The neighborhood bar focuses on New York State craft beer, featuring beer on tap, bottled, and in cans, cocktails, and snacks.

Subway directions to The Adirondack: Take the F or G to the Fort Hamilton Parkway station. Exit at the Reeve Place-Prospect Avenue end of the station (the back of the Coney Island-bound train or the front of the Queens-bound train).


Adirondack Beat takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

Event location

The Adirondack
1241 Prospect Avenue
between Greenwood Avenue and Reeve Place
Windsor Terrace
(718) 871-0100
theadirondackbar @ gmail.com
http://www.theadirondackbar.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/The_Adirondack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theadirondack/

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

COMMUNITY MEETING ON GETTING SAFELY ACROSS OCEAN PARKWAY AT CHURCH AVENUE


Community Meeting on Public Safety at the 
Church Avenue/Ocean Parkway/Prospect Parkway Intersection
Monday, April 9th, 7:30 p.m.

Life is cheap where Church Avenue, the Prospect Expressway, and Ocean Parkway intersect. A truck driver killed pedestrian Faustino Garcia this year, another truck driver killed pedestrian Ngozi Agbim in 2013, and non-fatal collisions regularly occur, sometimes causing injuries.

The Motor Vehicle Collision Report for February 2018 records six collisions at "Church Avenue and Ocean Parkway" (page 96) and four at "Church Avenue and Prospect Expressway" (page 97). That's ten collisions in just one month.

The intersection has two masters. Decisions about the Prospect Expressway, a state highway, are made by the New York State Department of Transportation. On the other hand, Ocean Parkway and Church Avenue are city roads regulated by the New York City Department of Transportation. So when changes and improvements are needed, the two agencies are required to collaborate for the common good.


Together, they've re-studied the intersection, and at a public meeting with neighborhood residents and anyone else who uses that intersection, they'll tell us what their findings are. And we'll tell them about the perils of crossing the road, as we've experienced them.

The 66th Precinct will also be represented there.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 9th, at 7:30 p.m. Councilmember Brad Lander and Assemblymember Bobby Carroll will host it.

The wheels of government are notorious for turning slowly. But the wheels of trucks and cars can turn fast and can be deadly. It's past time for the injuries and deaths of our families, friends, and neighbors to end.

Location
P.S. 130 Upper School
713 Caton Avenue
between E. 7th and E. 8th streets
on the Kensington - Windsor Terrace border


Saturday, March 24, 2018

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENSIONS NEXT WEEK


Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended from Thursday, March 29th, through Sunday, April 1st, for Holy Thursday (March 29th), Good Friday (March 30th), and the first and second days of Passover (March 31st and April 1st).

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


Friday, March 23, 2018

A SURVEY OF YOUR EXPERIENCES AND YOUR IDEAS FOR IMPROVING THE PROSPECT EXPRESSWAY

A survey asking about your experiences with the Prospect Expressway and your ideas for improving it has been posted by the NYU Capstone Team and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President. The survey is for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

The NYU Capstone Team is comprised of four urban planning students in the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

The request from the NYU Capstone Team:
The NYU Capstone Team would greatly appreciate your participation in a brief survey on the Prospect Expressway Corridor.

The purpose of the survey is to gain direct feedback from those living near the Prospect Expressway. Your responses will help us to evaluate the conditions of the neighborhood and frame our recommendations.

The survey has 16 questions and will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

This survey is for informational purposes only. Your personal information will not be shared publicly and no individual responses will be reported. Please click here to participate.

This survey will be open until Sunday, March 25th.

We encourage you to share the survey link with neighbors who might want to participate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at PXForward @ gmail.com.

Thank you for your time,

Caroline Peri
Brent Ginsberg
Sebastian Coss
Eftihia Thomopoulos

The NYU Capstone Team & The Office of the Brooklyn Borough President

Thursday, March 22, 2018

NO ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING TOMORROW


Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended on Friday, March 23rd, as snow removal continues.

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

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

SHUTTLE BUSES WILL TRAVEL BETWEEN CHURCH AND STILLWELL THIS WEEKEND


From Friday, March 23rd, at 9:45 p.m., until Monday, March 26th, at 5:00 a.m., F trains will follow their usual route between 179th Street and Church Avenue (and vice-versa).

But, to accommodate structural improvements, F trains won't be stopping at any stations between Church and Stillwell avenues (and vice-versa). Instead, free shuttle buses will provide alternate service, operating between Church and Stillwell avenues.

Transfer between F trains and shuttle buses at Church Avenue. The shuttle buses will stop at Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue N, Avenue P, Kings Highway, Avenue U, Avenue X, Neptune Avenue, and West 8th Street. 

For direct service between Coney Island and Manhattan/Downtown Brooklyn, take the D, N, or Q train instead. 

  • Transfer between D, N, and Q trains and the buses at Stillwell Avenue. 
  • Transfer between Q trains and the buses at West 8th Street.

SUMMER CAMP FAIR (FREE)


Summer Camp Fair
Sunday, March 25th, noon to 3:00 p.m.

Speak with counselors from at least twenty summer camps in Brooklyn. These camps offer children a wide variety of themes and programs. They include

  • Aviator Sports and Events Center,
  • Marks JCH,
  • Prospect Gymnastics,
  • Barking Cat Studio Arts & Crafts for Everyone,
  • Brooklyn Robot Foundry,
  • Brooklyn Game Lab,
  • Brooklyn AYSO,
  • Home Run Baseball Camp,
  • ALDEN MOVES Dance Theater,
  • Cynthia King Dance Studio,
  • Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance,
  • BAX | Brooklyn Arts Exchange,
  • LIU Children's Academy,
  • UrbanGlass,
  • JCC Brooklyn Windsor Terrace,
  • Skudin Surf,
  • Textile Arts Center,
  • Sprout Westchester, a Young Judaea Day Camp,
  • Trail Blazers Camps, and
  • Prospect Park YMCA.

When you register here to attend the fair, you'll have a chance to win

The fair is free, and it is open to the public. The P.S. 130 PTA and Bklyner are hosting the fair.

Location
P.S. 130 Upper School
713 Caton Avenue
between E. 7th and E. 8th streets
Windsor Terrace - Kensington, Brooklyn

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

POSTPONED: COMMUNITY BOARD 7 BOARD MEETING


UPDATE: The March meeting and the April meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 18th, at 6:30 p.m., at the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue in Sunset Park; the entrance is on 43rd Street.

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

UPDATE: Due to the prediction of lots of snow, Community Board 7 has postponed its March 21st board meeting. A new date for the board meeting will be announced.

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

Community Board 7 Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 21st, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The regular monthly meeting of Community Board 7, representing Windsor Terrace and Sunset Park, will be held on Wednesday, March 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The meeting will be held in the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue in Sunset Park; the entrance is on 43rd Street. 

All community board meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to comment twice during every meeting of Community Board 7 (agenda items 5 and 12).

Proposed agenda:

1.  The Pledge of Allegiance
2.  Opening of the meeting
3.  Adoption of the agenda
4.  Adoption of the Minutes of the Board Meeting of February 21, 2018
5.  Public Comment
6.  Committee Reports:
   A)  Transportation Committee (No Vote Required) Tabled in February 
      1)  20th Street Truck Route Study: Final preferred alternative
      2)  Automated public toilet located at Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street
   B)  Ability and Access Committee
      1)  Introduce this new committee and committee members
      2)  Discuss purpose of committee and strategies for community outreach and engagement
      3)  Identify current issues and needs relating to accessibility in our district
   C)  Land Use/Landmarks Committee
      1)  Department of City Planning presentation on zoning resolution concerning hotel use in manufacturing districts
   D)  Youth Committee (No Vote Required)
      1)  Summer Youth Employment Program presentation by Center For Family Life
      2)  Presentation by Citizens Committee for Children regarding neighborhood youth statistics
7.  Elected Officials Representatives
8.  District Manager’s Report
9.  Chairperson’s Report
10.  Old Business
11.  New Business
12.  Public Comment
13.  Adjournment


NO ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO GET A WHOLE BUNCH OF SNOW




Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended on Wednesday, March 21st, and Thursday, March 22nd, for snow removal. The total snow accumulation is predicted to be 12 to 16 inches.
 
All other regulations, including parking meter regulations, will be in effect. Those are only suspended on major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.


Track the progress of Sanitation Department spreader/plow vehicles and confirm the snow designation of city streets (i.e., Critical, Sector, Haulster, or non-DSNY) here.

AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING, MARCH 2018


Community Board 12 Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 20th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community Board 12 (Kensington, Borough Park, Midwood) will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 20th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The board's monthly meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to comment during the Public Session (agenda item 2).

Agenda:
  1. Pledge of Allegiance
  2. Public Session
  3. Chairman's Remarks --Yidel Perlstein
  4. District Manager's Remarks -- Barry Spitzer
  5. Adoption of February Minutes
  6. Old Business
  7. New Business
  8. Attendance
  9. Adjourn
Location
Amico Senior Center
5901 13th Avenue, 3rd Floor
corner of 59th Street
Borough Park, Brooklyn

Enter on 59th Street. 


Thursday, March 15, 2018

LIVE JAZZ ON CHURCH AVE. WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS


Triple Paste Project plays 1920s and 1930s jazz standards and originals at Church Bar on Tuesdays from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A $5 donation is suggested.

Church Bar's drink and food menu is posted on its Facebook page.

Location
Church Bar
416 Church Avenue
between E. 4th and E. 5th streets
Kensington, Brooklyn
phone (718) 435-2574 
https://www.facebook.com/churchbarbk 
@churchbarbk 
http://www.churchbarbrooklyn.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

LOCATION CHANGE FOR MEETING WITH BEAT COPS FOR WINDSOR TERRACE, GREENWOOD HEIGHTS, AND SOUTH SLOPE

"Build a Block" Meeting with
72nd Precinct Sector A Neighborhood Coordination Officers
Thursday, March 29th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Detective Daniel McGrath and Police Officer Francis Ghanney, the Neighborhood Coordination Officers who patrol Sector A of the 72nd Precinct (Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope), will meet with residents and business owners in those three neighborhoods at a "Build the Block" meeting.

Join the officers on Thursday, March 29th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as they update the community about public safety issues in the neighborhood, answer your questions, and listen to your concerns, complaints, and suggestions.

Possible issues of concern are
  • assaults and robberies on the street,
  • home burglaries,
  • packages stolen from porches and lobbies, and
  • street safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

RSVP here.

Contact information for the officers:
  • Police Officer Danny McGrath: (917) 853-2601, daniel.mcgrath @ nypd.org 
  • Police Officer Francis Ghanney: (929) 343-7645, francis.ghanney @ nypd.org

Meeting location
P.S. 10

511 7th Avenue
between Prospect Avenue and 17th Street
Park Slope, Brooklyn 


AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 7 MONTHLY MEETING


UPDATE: Due to the expected inclement weather, Community Board 7 has postponed its March 21st board meeting. A new date for the board meeting will be announced.

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

Community Board 7 Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, March 21st, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The regular monthly meeting of Community Board 7, representing Windsor Terrace and Sunset Park, will be held on Wednesday, March 21st, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

The meeting will be held in the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue in Sunset Park; the entrance is on 43rd Street. 

All community board meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to comment twice during every meeting of Community Board 7 (agenda items 5 and 12).

Proposed agenda:

1.  The Pledge of Allegiance
2.  Opening of the meeting
3.  Adoption of the agenda
4.  Adoption of the Minutes of the Board Meeting of February 21, 2018
5.  Public Comment
6.  Committee Reports:
   A)  Transportation Committee (No Vote Required) Tabled in February 
      1)  20th Street Truck Route Study: Final preferred alternative
      2)  Automated public toilet located at Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street
   B)  Ability and Access Committee
      1)  Introduce this new committee and committee members
      2)  Discuss purpose of committee and strategies for community outreach and engagement
      3)  Identify current issues and needs relating to accessibility in our district
   C)  Land Use/Landmarks Committee
      1)  Department of City Planning presentation on zoning resolution concerning hotel use in manufacturing districts
   D)  Youth Committee (No Vote Required)
      1)  Summer Youth Employment Program presentation by Center For Family Life
      2)  Presentation by Citizens Committee for Children regarding neighborhood youth statistics
7.  Elected Officials Representatives
8.  District Manager’s Report
9.  Chairperson’s Report
10.  Old Business
11.  New Business
12.  Public Comment
13.  Adjournment


Tuesday, March 13, 2018

66TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MARCH MEETING

Captain David A. Wall
66th Precinct Community Council Monthly Meeting
Thursday, March 15th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Meet the 66th Precinct's commanding officer, Captain David Wall, at the 66th Precinct Community Council meeting on Thursday, March 15th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Captain Wall will update residents of Kensington, Borough Park, and Midwood on recent crimes in those neighborhoods. He will also provide information about what the police are doing to deter crime and arrest criminals.

This is an opportunity to bring crime-related issues to Captain Wall's attention, including quality-of-life issues, such as traffic safety. The meeting is free and open to the public.

In addition, you can find out about various programs that are available through the precinct.

Click here to see a map of the 66th Precinct.
 
The Community Council provides 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 
(map)
B16 bus to 13th Avenue at 56th Street; return on 14th Avenue (schedule)

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

Contact information for the 66th Precinct:
phone: (718) 851-5611 
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
5822 16th Avenue
between 58th and 59th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn

Monday, March 12, 2018

TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN WORKSHOP


Trap-Neuter-Return Feral Cats Workshop
Saturday, April 7th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Expert instructors from Neighborhood Cats will teach best practices for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and colony management of feral and stray cats. They'll also provide participants in this TNR workshop with information on New York City resources.

The interactive format is designed to give people confidence about leading their own TNR project. Attendees will become TNR-certified, which makes them eligible for free and low cost services like spay/neuter, trap rentals, and expert assistance. Over 7,000 New York City area caretakers have been trained to date.

The suggested (but not required) donation of $15 would be appreciated to help offset the cost of printed material for the workshop.

The workshop begins on time, so arrive ten to fifteen minutes prior to the start time--Saturday, April 7th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


Advance registration is required. Register here.

Location
Kensington Library
4207 18th Avenue
between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
Kensington, Brooklyn
(718) 436-0545 

Friday, March 9, 2018

BEAT COPS WILL MEET WITH WINDSOR TERRACE, GREENWOOD HEIGHTS, AND SOUTH SLOPE RESIDENTS

UPDATE: The meeting location has changed. It will be held in Park Slope at P.S. 10, 511 7th Avenue, between 17th Street and Prospect Avenue.

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

"Build a Block" Meeting with
72nd Precinct Sector A Neighborhood Coordination Officers
Thursday, March 29th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Detective Daniel McGrath and Police Officer Francis Ghanney, the Neighborhood Coordination Officers who patrol Sector A of the 72nd Precinct (Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope), will meet with residents and business owners in those three neighborhoods at a "Build the Block" meeting.

Join the officers on Thursday, March 29th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as they update the community about public safety issues in the neighborhood, answer your questions, and listen to your concerns, complaints, and suggestions.

Possible issues of concern are
  • assaults and robberies on the street,
  • home burglaries,
  • packages stolen from porches and lobbies, and
  • street safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

RSVP here.

Contact information for the officers:
  • Police Officer Danny McGrath: (917) 853-2601, daniel.mcgrath @ nypd.org 
  • Police Officer Francis Ghanney: (929) 343-7645, francis.ghanney @ nypd.org

Thursday, March 8, 2018

THE STABLE HAS BEEN SAVED; IT WILL STAY IN BUSINESS


Crain's New York Business reports that Brooklyn industrialist John Quadrozzi Jr. purchased Kensington Stables at an auction in December. He is going to "preserve the stables and keep current management in place for a minimum of five years."

Quadrozzi's plans include "refurbishing the barn, making the stable a more active operation, partnering with community groups and gaining the city’s help in improving the bridle path in the park."

He will also seek a zoning variance to build seven or eight floors of residential units on top of the stable.


Kensington Stables was declared bankrupt in February 2017 after one hundred years of operation. Since 1993, it has been owned and operated by the Blankinship family.

The deed states that Edna Blankinship grants the land and building to Prospect Park Stable, LLC (John Quadrozzi Jr.) for the full sale price of $1,000,000. "Full Sale Price is the total amount paid for the property including personal property. This payment may be in the form of cash, other property or goods, or the assumption of mortgages or other obligations."

Kensington Stables
55 Caton Place, at E. 8th Street
phone: (718) 972-4588
e-mail: info [at] kensingtonstables.com
website http://www.kensingtonstables.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KensingtonStables
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bklynpony?lang=en

 

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE THIS SATURDAY IN WINDSOR TERRACE



UPDATE: Girl Scout Daisy Troop 2267 will also sell cookies outside of Walgreens at 589 Prospect Avenue on Sunday, March 18th, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
--------------------------

Girl Scouts will sell cookies in our neighborhood once in March and once in April.

Girl Scout Daisy Trooop 2267 will be selling Do-si-dos, Samoas, Savannah Smiles, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and Trefoils for $4 per box and Girl Scout S'mores and Toffee-tastic (gluten-free) for $5 per box. Descriptions of the cookies are here.

They'll sell the cookies this Saturday, March 10th, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or until they're sold out, on the sidewalk outside of Walgreens, 589 Prospect Avenue, between 10th and 11th avenues. The sale had previously been scheduled to take place outside of the Windsor Terrace Library. 

Cookies will also be sold on Sunday, April 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at International Baptist Church, 312 Coney Island Avenue, between Caton Place and Ocean Parkway.

The net revenue raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program goes to Girl Scouts of Greater New York (the local Girl Scout Council) and the neighborhood troop.

MAN WANTED FOR BEATING A MAN IN THE F TRAIN STATION AT MCDONALD AND DITMAS


"Enraged Subway Panhandler Beats Man Who Had No Cash To Give: NYPD"

"Police are looking for the panhandler who beat a man, fracturing his elbow and ribs, because the straphanger had no money to give him."


An article about Sunday's brutal attack, written by Kathleen Culliton, Patch Staff, is published here.