Why does everything have to devolve into a discussion of race? Racism is real but it has absolutely nothing to do with the real issue of location. Nobody cares about your parents and Brighton Beach. It's not relevant or meaningful for this discussion. The Whitestone Brooklyn comment is obviously out of line and moves the debate in the wrong direction. The comment saying the flea market put the neighborhood on the map tells me you haven't been here very long or you are not aware of the history of the area.

Regardless, that's not the topic we're discussing. Is the current location ideal for this type of venture given the area's zoning and immediate proximity to residences and churches? I think not. There are probably better locations.

Can commenters stay on topic without delving into their own personal history or racial commentary?

Posted by: Carlton Banks at July 26, 2008 12:28 PM in response to Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea + Urban Arts Festival

And for some reason I don't see the comments as anti-Semitic. They were incorrect and a little ignorant but not anti-Semitic (in my opinion). She's not saying she hates Jews. Her argument doesn't hold any weight given the fact freedom of religion (or a lack thereof) is one of the founding principals of this country, but she's not demeaning the Jewish faith.

Posted by: Carlton Banks at July 26, 2008 11:51 AM in response to Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea + Urban Arts Festival

Whatever comments the woman made about synagogues are irrelevant. We all agree the issue is definitely not having an event on the Christian sabbath. What are we going to stop selling alcohol on Sundays as well?

Debating those comments is a waste of time and takes away from the real issue at hand. Is the current location ideal for this event? I'm not against the flea market I just don't think it should be located in a R6B residential community. Zoning laws are created for a reason. Whether it's 20,000, 10,000 or 5,000 the flea market is a commercial enterprise that is not well suited to its current location. It doesn't need to be shut down, it needs to be moved to a location where it can thrive. The event will continue to grow and will eventually need to move anyway. The space will not be large enough.

Posted by: Carlton Banks at July 26, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea + Urban Arts Festival

The area is zoned R6B for a reason. It's residential and historical. A large commercial venture such as the flea market is just out of place there. It's just not the right location. I'm all for local small businesses thriving but given the success of the market and the number of visitors, the space they are using is just not large enough. The immediate vicinity is not well suited for all the foot traffic and it's consequences (noise, traffic, parking problems, trash, etc). Thousands of people basically standing in front of your house or place of worship all day is definitely going to disrupt your usually tranquil Sunday. I live very close and I can tell this is a quiet area (again it's zoned residential and landmarked so there's not a lot of commercial traffic).

Insecurity? Intolerance? People keep bringing up silly comments that those opposing the flea market are fighting against gentrification or minimizing their claims as silly because many come from church parishioners. It's not about gentrification or fighting change. The simple fact is that little plot of land surrounded by residences and churches is not a good location for 10,000 people to congregate on a Sunday.

The ball fields in Red Hook or the promenade on the water along Columbia Street or the Brooklyn Navy Yard are more commercial areas in need of the foot traffic and would be better locations for the flea market. Unless the organizers want to decrease the scale of the event a new space will be necessary anyway. The area is just not big enough to handle all the people.

Posted by: Carlton Banks at July 25, 2008 5:50 PM in response to Closing Bell: Brooklyn Flea + Urban Arts Festival