Monday, June 24, 2024

COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING ONLINE AND IN PERSON. LAST MEETING UNTIL SEPTEMBER.

Community Board 12 Public Meeting
Tuesday, June 25th
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
 
All meetings of Community Board 12 and all of its committee meetings are open to the public.
 
Community Boards are the liaison between the public and the city's agencies. 
 
Community Board 12 encompasses Borough Park, most of Kensington, and parts of Sunset Park and Midwood.

From Community Board 12:
Dear Residents,     

Our June board meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 25, at 7:00. 

The in-person location is at Amico Senior Center, 5901 13th Avenue, 3rd Floor (entrance on 59th Street).

For those that wish to attend on Zoom, please use the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86040079931

To speak at the public hearing, either in person or on Zoom, please click on the following link and fill out the form: https://forms.gle/8izAHJDN4KsStNtg7

If you are calling in by phone please dial the following number and then enter the Webinar ID:

Phone Number: 646-558-8656
Webinar ID: 860 4007 9931

Please be advised that members of the public cannot comment on items that were already addressed at a public hearing.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our last meeting before the summer break! 

Thanks,
The Community Board 12 Team

 

Agenda
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. ROLL CALL
3. ADOPTION OF APRIL & MAY MINUTES
4. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS – YIDEL PERLSTEIN
5. PRESENTATION, Q&A SESSION, AND BOARD VOTE ON THE ‘CITY OF YES FOR HOUSING OPPORTUNITY’ TEXT AMENDMENT PROPOSAL – DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING
6. ZONING & VARIANCE COMMITTEE REPORT – DAVID SHLOMOVICH
• Brooklyn Yards
7. PUBLIC HEARING
8. DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT – BARRY SPITZER
9. REPORTS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS, REPRESENTATIVES & AGENCIES
10. OLD BUSINESS
 
Community Board 12
phone: (718) 851-0800
fax: (718) 851-4140
bk12@cb.nyc.gov
Chairperson: Yidel Perlstein
District Manager: Barry Spitzer
 

Sunday, June 23, 2024

GREENMARKET IS OPEN ON WEDNESDAYS AND SUNDAYS AT BARTEL-PRITCHARD SQUARE


The Bartel-Pritchard Square Greenmarket, located at Prospect Park West at 15th Street, is open on Wednesdays year-round from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Sundays from May 12th through December 22nd, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

The forms of payment that are accepted are cash, SNAP/EBT, debit/credit, Healthfirst OTC Plus insurance members (select plans), WIC & Senior FMNP coupons, FreshConnect coupons, and Greenmarket Bucks.
 
Spend $2 in SNAP/EBT/P-EBT, get bonus $2 Health Buck, up to $10 per day.
 
Textiles are accepted at the greenmarket on Sundays. From GrowNYC:
Bring all of your unwanted, gently used clothing to be collected by our partners at @‌wearablecollections. We accept all used, freshly laundered clothing as well as shoes, sneakers, accessories, hats, belts and handbags. We also accept household linens such as sheets, curtains and towels.
 
We do not accept carpeting, rugs, bath mats, comforters, pillows, large luggage, fabric or scraps of any kind, including pre-recycled insulation materials.
 
What happens to materials donated?
Clothing & Textiles are accepted by Wearable Collections staff and taken to a facility where they are sorted into different grades, with an effort to recover as much usable clothing as possible for distribution to second-hand markets. Material that is not suitable for reuse will go to recycling markets to be used as wiping rags or shredded for low grade fiber products such as insulation.
 

What Wearable Collections Accepts:

Accepted: Clean and dry clothing, paired shoes, linens, handbags, belts, and other reusable textiles.
Not accepted: fabric rolls or scraps of any size, rugs, carpeting, pillows, comforters, or luggage.

Why can’t I recycle scraps?

Due to a shift in market conditions, Wearable Collections is unable to accept large volumes of scraps for processing. Your quality donations ensure the sustainability of the textile recycling program, which recovers the portion of non-reusable material for secondary uses.

 

Saturday, June 22, 2024

THIS WEEKEND: KENSINGTON CULTURE AT AVENUE C PLAZA: THE FOURTH WEEKEND'S SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND THE WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES AND PRACTICES (FREE, OUTDOORS)

 



Celebrate Kensington Culture at Avenue C Plaza.

Participate in free special activities and performances on weekends as well as weekday activities and practices.
 
Tuesdays kick off the weekly series. This weekend's activities include Bookbinding with Casa Cultural (Saturday) and Mask Making with The Singing Winds (Sunday).
 
Location
Avenue C Plaza
at the intersection of Avenue C and McDonald Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
 
 

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

CELEBRATE KENSINGTON! CULTURE + COMMUNITY + CARE

 
Celebrate Kensington!
Culture + Community + Care
Sunday, June 30th
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
Join a celebration of Kensington's food, music, and textiles and the close-knit network of people who make them happen.
 
"Celebrate Kensington! Culture + Community + Carewill take place on Sunday, June 30th, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Avenue C Plaza.
 
 
The day's events: 
 
Celebrate the culmination of a year-long community research project about Kensington’s culture and cultural networks with a free full-color printed booklet (while supplies last) and poster display.
 
For all ages. Open to all.
 
Location
Avenue C Plaza
at the intersection of Avenue C and McDonald Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
 

LIVE MUSIC ON PEOPLE'S PORCHES THIS WEEKEND

From Operation Gig!

 

Dan Loomis' Mycelium Trío
Fri Jun 21 6:00-8:00 PM
303 Westminster Rd, Brooklyn

Hailed as “The best trio you never believed could exist,” Dan Loomis' Mycelium delivers songs from the American heartwood inside a groovy, infectious, heart-breakingly nostalgic neighborhood potluck of soul. Come spiritually hungry and leave full.

 

Lila Bloom
Sat Jun 22 4:00-6:00 PM
536 E 18th St, Brooklyn

With a wide range of musical influences from Ella Fitzgerald to Bjork, and Radiohead to Jeff Buckley, Lila explores grief, awe, and surrender through her relationship to nature, her body, and conversations with a higher self. 

Lila Bloom plays the role of the bard sharing a range of songs from tender lullabies to rage filled war cries dedicated to the wary hearts of those who dare to interrupt generational cycles, refuse complacent living, and reclaim their lives.

 

Jefferson Hamer
Sun Jun 23 4:00-6:00 PM
330 Westminster Rd Brooklyn

With voice and guitar as rocking and plaintive as Neil Young, Jefferson Hamer is one of the treasures of the NYC music scene. He's played and recorded with the likes of Anais Mitchell, Sarah Jarosz, Session Americana and many more. We're thrilled to welcome Jefferson and his band back for a third time to OG.

 

------------------------------------
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This gives them a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, a suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. You can donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 
Purchase an Operation Gig t-shirt here, and the proceeds will go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.
 

Saturday, June 15, 2024

MAKE MUSIC FOR THE SUMMER SOLSTICE (FREE)


Make Music New York
Friday, June 21st
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
The Kensington Stewards, the Artmageddon Collective, and Make Music New York will host a Summer Solstice celebration on Friday, June 21st, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

This free community program is held at Kensington Plaza on the first day of summer.

From Make Music New York: 
Make Music New York is New York City’s only music festival for the people and by the people!

We are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission celebrates the musician in all of us, connects New Yorkers to their communities and with each other, brings bold new artistic creations to life, unites diverse communities in a spirit of celebration and energizes the shared social spaces that make NYC a cultural capital.

Schedule

5:00 p.m.: Make Music Make Instruments: Workshop and Crafts for kids
6:00 p.m.: Bucket Drumming Workshop, with Andrew Drury
7:00 p.m.: Sing for Hope pianist Álvaro Torres, hosted by Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
8:00 p.m.: jam session with the Artmageddon band
 
If you have a musical instrument, bring it with you and join in.

Lemonade and cookies will be served.

This annual program is a part of Make Music New York’s "Plaza by Plaza"series, sponsored by the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT).

Location
Kensington Plaza
114 Beverley Road
between McDonald Avenue and E. 2nd Street
Kensington, Brooklyn
 

Friday, June 14, 2024

THIS WEEKEND: KENSINGTON CULTURE AT AVENUE C PLAZA: THE THIRD WEEKEND'S SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND THE WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES AND PRACTICES (FREE, OUTDOORS)


Kensington Culture comes to Avenue C Plaza during the month of June. You're invited to participate in the free special activities and performances on weekends as well as the weekday activities and practices. 
 
Join ArtBuilt Mobile Studio and its partners Tuesdays through Sundays for free programming, arts and crafts workshops, performances, games, and more.
 
This weekend:
  • Saturday, June 15th, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Print Away, with Cynthia Fortozo of Casa Cultural.
  • Sunday, June 16th, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Family Portraits, free photo portrait by professional photographers Jordan and Anna Rathkopf.
 
Location
Avenue C Plaza
at the intersection of Avenue C and McDonald Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
 
 

TRUCKS, TRUCKS EVERYWHERE: PRESENTATION ON THE TRUCK ROUTE NETWORK REDESIGN AT COMMUNITY BOARD 7 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING

Community Board 7
Transportation Committee
Monday, June 17th
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
 
The Community Board 7 Transportation Committee will meet on Monday, June 17th, at 6:30 p.m. The agenda items are

1. Presentation from MTA on the 36th Street ADA elevator project

2. Presentation from Councilmember Alexa Aviles' Office on Local Law 171
 
About Local Law 171, from NYC DOT Projects & Initiatives
Local Law 171 (2023) requires DOT to redesign the Truck Route Network with a focus on enhancing safety, increasing visibility, and reducing traffic congestion while taking into consideration of existing freight travel patterns, major truck traffic generators, and industry trends.
 
As part of the Local Law, DOT is in the process of gathering data and public feedback. Information gathered will be published in a report released in the Fall of 2024.
   
After publishing the report with incorporated public feedback and recommendations, to advance the proposed truck route changes, DOT will initial the City Administrative Procedure Act (CAPA) project. 
The public is invited to provide feedback by using an interactive map to identify issues and concerns with the current truck route network that we share the streets with.
 
Feedback from the public will help DOT figure out how and where to improve the movement of the trucks on our streets. Comment on the Truck Route Network Redesign Feedback Portal.

The original deadline for providing feedback was June 30th, but it's been extended to July 31st.
 
Attend the Community Board 7 Transportation Committee meeting either in person or on Zoom. To attend on Zoom, register at https://bit.ly/3KzeMdG.
 
Or watch the meeting on Community Board 7's YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3uQlAtq.
 
Location
Community Board 7 Office
4201 4th Avenue (enter on 43rd Street

PROSPECT PARK LAKE: HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS WERE REPORTED THIS WEEK

Photo: Prospect Park Lake
Date of Observation  6/10/2024 11:19 AM
HAB Status  Confirmed
Reported by  NYC Parks
Extent  Widespread or Lakewide
County  Kings County (Brooklyn)
 

See the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) 2024 online New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) interactive map to see reports of HABs. Click OK to view the map.

Harmful Algal Blooms grow in Prospect Park Lake and other bodies of fresh water every year. DEC is asking the public and trained algal bloom samplers to electronically send reports of HABs with photos via a simple, mobile phone-friendly form

Once the reports are evaluated by DEC and DOH, they're posted on the NYHABS page to provide easy access to inform the public about HABs locations in New York.

Most algae blooms are harmless. However, exposure to toxins and other substances from certain HABs can make humans and other mammals, birds, and fish sick.

Avoid contact with all floating mats, scum, and discolored water.

Adults, children, dogs, and other animals should not go into the lake or near the shoreline

Anyone who has been in contact with a HAB should rinse thoroughly with soap and water--or with clean water alone, if that's all that's available at the moment.

Anyone who might have been exposed to a bloom and is experiencing any symptoms should get medical help immediately and should also contact the New York City Department of Health (DOH).

HABs have been monitored closely across New York State since 2012. In 2023, DEC’s Division of Water published an analysis of HABs titled “Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).”

HABs present several management challenges, and that study and other research help advance the understanding of HABs to inform sound, scientifically driven, decision-making to protect public health and the environment.

When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to:

  • Know It – HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint to blue-green or white coloration.
  • Avoid It – People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
  • Report It –The public should report a suspected HAB through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC’s website. Report health concerns related to HABs to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.
 
For more information about HABs, visit DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) webpage. You can download the HABs brochure and program guide, which includes information and links to resources regarding bloom prevention, management, and control.
 

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

LIVE MUSIC ON PORCHES THIS WEEKEND

Update: The Saturday, June 15th, location has been changed to 1203 Albemarle Road. 
---------------------------------

From Operation Gig!
Miwa Gemini
Friday Jun 14 6:00-8:00 PM
498 Rugby Rd

OG is psyched to welcome Miwa Gemini back to the porch!

"Not many folks inspire comparisons to Patsy Cline and Bjork, but then there aren't many folks like Miwa Gemini. She spins rootsy pop and rock into her own stew of attitude and aggression. Even the mellow pieces have serious bite." -DoPDX

 

Samoa Wilson, Eli Smith, Jackson Lynch and Ernie Vega
Saturday Jun 15 4:00-6:00 PM
246 Westminster Rd 

A supergroup composed of Samoa Wilson and Ernie Vega of the Four O'clock Flowers and Eli Smith and Jackson Lynch of the Down Hill Strugglers, all honorary members of the illustrious Brotherhood of the Jug Band Blues, present a collection of tunes from the 1920's & 30's.
 

Mireia Clua
Sunday Jun 16 4:00-6:00 PM
131 Buckingham Rd 

Mireia Clua is a classically trained violinist from Spain who uses looping to bring forth amazing layered improvisations on her original compositions.

 

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

Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.

The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This gives them a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music. 

Although the performances are free, a suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. You can donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.

Purchase an Operation Gig t-shirt here, and the proceeds will go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.

 

DOG CALENDAR PHOTO SHOOT

 
FIDO in Prospect Park Dog Calendar
Photo Shoot
Monday, June 17th, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 22nd, 9:00 a.m. to noon

From the FIDO website:

The Fido Calendar is a tribute to the large and diverse Fido community. Fido members can, for a minimal fee, have their dog’s picture in a calendar, and enjoy the memories of other dogs and events in the Park.

How to get your dog’s picture in the calendar:

  • Become a Fido member [suggested minimum donation: $10 per year]

  • Have your dog’s picture taken at a Coffee Bark or picture-taking event

  • Cost: $10 small; $20 medium; $40 large

  • Get a free calendar for every picture placed in the calendar

Alternately, pay online and send a photo, stating the date for the picture, size of the picture, name of your dog, and your contact information. Send information to fidobrooklyn@gmail.com. 
FIDO (FIDO in Prospect Park) is a (501)(c)(3) non-profit since 2004.

Location
Kensington Dog Run
397A Coney Island Avenue
between Kermit Place and Caton Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
(map) 
 

AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 7'S JUNE PUBLIC MEETING (WINDSOR TERRACE, GREENWOOD HEIGHTS, SOUTH SLOPE, AND SUNSET PARK)

 
Community Board 7 Public Meeting 
Wednesday, June 12th
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community Board 7's next monthly public meeting will be held both in person at the board office and virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, June 12th, from 6:30 p.m. to about 8:00 p.m.

Community Board 7 is the liaison between New York City government agencies and the residents, business owners, and employees of Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, South Slope, and Sunset Park.

Attendees will have two opportunities to address the board (items 6 and 14 on the agenda below). Share you concerns, questions, needs, problems, suggestions, or solutions with CB 7's board members.

To join the meeting on Zoom from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android device, or landline, register at https://bit.ly/3XhL6cy.

Right after you register for the meeting on Zoom, you'll receive an e-mail confirming your registration. It will also give you instructions on joining the meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android phone, or landline/wired phone. 

 

The meeting can also be viewed on CB 7's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAZ1cECSeZI8iNyQDKuX5Q.


From the Board's website: 
The Board's boundaries are the waterfront on the west, the Long Island Railroad cut to the South (approximately 65th Street); Our boundary extends north on 8th Avenue from 62nd Street to Greenwood Cemetery. We include all of the cemetery and the land between it and Prospect Park to Caton Avenue on the east. Our northern border is on 15th Street from Park Circle to Hamilton Avenue and continues on Hamilton Avenue to the Gowanus Canal.
Every neighborhood in New York City is represented by an all-volunteer community board that serves as the liaison between neighborhood residents and city agencies. Board members are appointed by the borough president.
 
Members of the public are welcome to serve on a committee without being a board member. Descriptions of CB 7's committees are posted at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/brooklyncb7/committees/committees.page. Contact the Community Board 7 office to learn more. 
 
Proposed agenda: 
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Opening of the meeting
4. Adoption of the agenda
5. Adoption of the minutes of the May 15, 2024 board meeting
6. Public Comment (3 minutes to speak on topics covered in the agenda)
7. Elected Officials and Representatives
8. Committee Reports – 
    A) Nominating Committee (Vote required) – 
        1. Elections
    B) Economic Development & Small Businesses Committee (Vote required) –
        1. Presentation from NYC EDC on Pier 6, 
        2. Presentation on the NYPD Harbor Charlie Waterfront Bulkhead Reconstruction
    C) Public Safety Committee (Vote required) – 
        1. Presentation and discussion on the change in the method of operation for Pyramid 369 aka Love 69 located at 42223 2nd Avenue from a bar to a go-go dancing club, 
        2. Presentation from the Office of Nightlife (Small Business Services), 3. Discussion on nightlife concerns within the community
    D) Joint Committee Meeting with Land Use/Landmarks and Housing Committee (Vote required) – 
        1. Continuing discussion with the Department of City Planning on the City of Yes Housing text amendments
    E) Transportation Committee (Vote required) – 
        1. Joint meeting with CB10’s Traffic & Transportation Committee for a presentation from NYS DOT on the rehabilitation of the Owl’s Head viaduct over 61st Street, 
        2. Discussion on issues at 60th Street & 3rd Avenue intersection, 
        3. Committee discussion on the Dining Out Program
9.Roll Call
10.Chairperson’s Report
11.District Manager’s Report
12. Old Business
13. New Business
14. Public Comment (3 minutes to speak on any topic)
15. Adjournment
 
Location
Community Board 7
4201 4th Avenue (entrance on 43rd Street)
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
phone: (718) 854-0003
fax: (718) 436-1142
bk07 @ cb.nyc.gov
 

Monday, June 10, 2024

COMMUNITY POTLUCK OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (FREE)

 
 
Community Potluck
Saturday, June15th
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Bring a dish or drink to share at the community potluck at Newkirk Community Garden on Saturday, June 15th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 
The event is open to the public. RSVP by using the QR code or by sending an e-mail to newkirkcommunitygarden@gmail.com.
 
Newkirk Community Garden is "a gathering place for neighbors & friends to experience nature and grow in environmental stewardship."
 
Location
Newkirk Community Garden
736 E. 8th Street, at Newkirk Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
phone: (347) 903-7297 
 

Saturday, June 8, 2024

PRIDE MONTH EVENTS AT THE KENSINGTON LIBRARY

 
Pride Month Events
at the Kensington Library
 
Button making for PRIDE month
Tuesday, June 11th
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
"Celebrate LGBTQIA+ PRIDE Month at Kensington Library! We will be designing and making buttons. All are welcome!"
 
 
Kids Create: PRIDE Rainbows
 Thursday, June 13th
2:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

"Get crafty and celebrate PRIDE month by making a vibrant rainbow. Children 3+ are welcome with a caregiver."

Movie Night at the Library
Tuesday, June 25th
5:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
 
"Join us for an evening of film at Kensington Library! We will be watching And Then We Danced and coloring!
All are welcome!"
 
In Georgian with English subtitles.

"And Then We Danced is one of the most intimate, devastating and euphoric love stories ever told on screen. But in Georgia, it’s also the most controversial film to ever hit theaters." https://www.gq.com/story/how-and-then-we-danced-became-2020s-most-controversial-movie
 
Location
Kensington Library
4207 18th Avenue
between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
Kensington, Brooklyn
(718) 436-0545
https://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/kensington