Top 5 Stories on Brownstoner This Week: Planning for New Food Halls and Streetcars

Behold the Vast DeKalb Market Hall, Turning Downtown Brooklyn Into a Foodie Destination
“I think Brooklyn deserves all this,” said DeKalb Market Hall managing partner Anna Castellani as she guided Brownstoner on a hard-hat tour of the subterranean cafeteria. Beneath the mixed-use behemoth of Downtown Brooklyn’s second City Point tower, a sprawling food market is quickly taking shape. What is it Brooklyn deserves? Great food.

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It’s No Teleporter, But the Mayor-Supported Streetcar Is Going to Be a Game Changer
Bummed the L train might not run for a year? Cursing the G train’s spotty service? The Mayor finally has some good transit news — he’s backing the Brooklyn Queens Connector, a high-profile proposal for a 16-mile waterfront streetcar line running from Sunset Park to Astoria. If built, it will be a transportation breakthrough for Brooklyn. But hold onto your Metrocards, the trek to streetcar utopia won’t happen overnight.

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The Inspiring Story of Weeksville, One of America’s First Free Black Communities
In the 19th century, the town of Weeksville served as a remarkable place Brooklyn’s African-American population, some of whom were recently freed from slavery, could finally live in peace and with acceptance. It survives today in bits and pieces, some of which now comprise a historic center in present-day Crown Heights and has a remarkable past.

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Soon, All the Russ & Daughters Smoked Fish You Want Without Leaving Brooklyn
The iconic Lower East Side eatery Russ & Daughters has announced it will be expanding to Brooklyn as the anchor of the Brooklyn Navy Yard‘s new public food court. The 102-year-old family-operated Manhattan establishment, which started shop in 1914 and is known for its “appetizing” offerings — Jewish classics like smoked fish and cream cheese — will not only be opening a cafe-style eatery across the river, but will also relocate its production operations to the Navy Yard from its current Bushwick location.

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Designer’s Wildly Tiled, Eclectically Styled Dream Pad Surprises in Brooklyn Heights
After more than 40 move-in-ready apartments failed to entice event designer David Stark and his husband — the performer and artist Migguel Anggelo — the pair finally settled on a 1,500-square-foot Brooklyn Heights apartment, according to a recent feature in New York Magazine. The corner unit had great light and great views. But unlike its new owners, the home was bland and boring.

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