Metal Worker Needed

My suspicion is thus: repeatedly here and other places I've seen people post that the big problem with Red Hook is that there's no public transportation, even though there is public transportation. I'm sue whatever trolley might be installed would replicate, at least in part, the current B61 bus route. But to many people's minds, no subway = no transit. A trolley would more than anything probably be a means to broach that mental gap. I think part of that gap is also fueled by class issues. I think a lot of people are put off by riding the bus. Trolleys to many will feel more upscale. (Don't flame me re this. It's not how I feel, it's my guess on how others may feel.) Then there's traffic issues. THe B61 is frequently delayed--one of the reasons I'm sure that they're (finally thank god) cutting the route in two. The assumption re trolleys I'm sure is that they're not subject to the same vagaries of traffic. Of course, I have no idea if that's true in reality.

So, improve (at least in terms of perception) the transportation, and that suddenly makes the neighborhood more appealing to some. Further gentrification ensues. And up goes the tax base for the city.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at September 1, 2009 5:22 PM in response to Red Hook's Streetcar Plan Garners Support

It's interesting to me that the same people who criticize Red Hook residents for worrying about truck traffic and its attendant issues (air pollution, building damage) cry foul if a condo development in their neighborhood is too tall. There's a lot going on behind the residents concerns here but as usual the commenters on this thread discuss the issues in the most reductive and uninformed matter. If a concrete plant were to be sited in their neighborhood *without and environmental impact study*--which is what's happening here--I can imagine the clamor it would create. And as for IKEA, the thing that gets overlooked constantly when commenters want to slam the residents for their protests about the development was the historic, still working, civil war era graving dock (so we're talking something of cultural, historic, and economic merit) was filled in to make a parking lot. A parking lot that beyond the initial opening is *never* even close to filled to capacity. That in fact is at best half full on the weekends. But IKEA and the city said f-you to the neighborhood. And then a week after the IKEA opened the city released a study that said we're short on drydocks and that it would cost a billion dollars to build a new one . . . And you wonder why the residents are cautious and vociferous about new development here. Because we're not in the brownstone belt we're just supposed to suck it up and take whatever is throw at us. Well next to the South Bronx, Red Hook has some of the worst air pollution and highest asthma rates in the city and I think that gives the residents a right to be concerned about how any new industry will effect that.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at August 11, 2009 12:44 PM in response to US Concrete, Red Hook's New Resident

Welcome to the neighborhood! You'll fit perfectly on our block amid Metal & Thread and Tiburon, which all sell artisinal wares. Now you'll have to tell me what you did with the stairs going up to the second floor! Are the tenants trapped up there? I'm fascinated . . .

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at August 11, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Red Lipstick Opening in Red Hook

I'm not sure why it came as a surprise to you that 1/3 of the units were being offered at market share since that's always been the case with this development. They're mixed income and have been since you first reported on them. 1/3 are reserved for low income, 1/3 for middle income, and 1/3 are market rate. And living around the corner from them, I for one am pleased. They may not be architecturally significant but they're not bad to look at and they afford the possibility for someone to become a homeowner who might not have the shot. And as a homeowner,myself, I do believe in pride of ownership.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at July 17, 2009 12:11 PM in response to Market-Rate Units Available at Red Hook Co-Op Project

The coffee is the best I've had in a long time. Particularly the ice coffee, which is kick-ass strong and not the brown water you get at most places. And the muffelata is amazing.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at July 10, 2009 11:57 AM in response to Fort Defiance Gets Liquid

Joe Sitt is not to be taken at face value. I was at the CB6 meeting where he played his humbl Brooklyn boy act and told the Red Hook community he had their best interests at heart and swore he wouldn't tear down the Revere Sugar factory but instead how he wanted to repurpose it as something creatively interesting like a theater. And then he just went ahead and tore it down with no further thought to the matter so he can site another hideous, pointless mall there. Or worse a Sam's Club.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at June 30, 2009 12:40 PM in response to Crain's: Joe Sitt Feels Misunderstood

Thanks all.

PHfamily: Is there a superstructure/frame the pavers are being laid into? Are you worried about all that weight going straight on to the roof?

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at May 13, 2009 4:25 PM in response to Metal Worker Needed

It would be nice to see some action of some kind at this site. But still, as a resident, I agree: not really dangerous compared to other pending issues. Me thinks Bstoner is offbase with his complaints on this one. Especially since life as he knows it and reports it doesn't really take him to this neck of the woods.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at May 11, 2009 2:05 PM in response to Time For 160 Imlay to Clean Up Its Act

I for one am thrilled about the volleyball courts. There are very few public courts in the city and they're in decentralized locations. When they threw together the sand courts while the floating pool was anchored in Brooklyn we used it all the time and it was great.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at March 18, 2009 10:21 AM in response to Wednesday Links

Wrong pier, btw.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at November 10, 2008 11:44 AM in response to "Real World" Cast and Crew Not Ruining the Nabe

I don't think that plot with the fencing has anything to do with ASI. It's in front of what was a long disused parking lot that's currently being dug up to supposedly create a small park. Bstoner/Lisa perhaps you can get BGI to clarify this instead of relying on readers two cents? Would be helpful if there were more actual reportage sometimes . . .

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at October 20, 2008 6:12 PM in response to The Brooklyn Greenway Has Arrived

I think traffic rules really need to be enforced for both motorists and cyclists. It doesn't matter if they raise the speeding ticket costs if no one ever issues any tickets to begin with. I live on Van Brunt Street and the posted speed limit is 25 mph. Tell that to the cars headed to Fairway or IKEA, the delivery trucks, tractor trailors, carting companies, and even the city buses, which all go flying by at closer to 40 to 50 mph. I would love to see the police set up a speed trap on one of these roads. If the speed limit were actually enforced that might solve the problem.

Likewise, I cycle and I get frustrated by other cyclists who disregard the rules of the road (including within the bike lanes, where I often run into people cycling against traffic). They should be ticketed as well. Why have laws if we don't enforce them?

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at October 20, 2008 4:15 PM in response to Park Slope Wants to Go Both Ways (Traffic-wise)

This stretch is being referred to as an interum greenway, by BGI, as it's not finished. Where the fencing is is supposedly being converted into a park and there's a new strip of trees running all along the other side (you'll have to use your imagination to envision how it will all look when those trees mature).

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at October 20, 2008 12:46 PM in response to The Brooklyn Greenway Has Arrived

I though Jarndyce's response was pretty reasonable. I was totally put off by that photo.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at October 16, 2008 12:10 PM in response to Closing Bell: Mmmmmmm, Pig Roast

TownhouseLady,

Sometimes the return is not simply monetary. We're pursuing a green roof on our home in Red Hook, and partly this is to help with insulation issues as it should keep the top floor, which is open plan with a pitched ceiling and no crawl space, cooler in summer and warmer in winter. But partly we are doing it to help with storm water run off issues and air quality in the neighborhood. These last two are more good for the community in general (of which we are of course a part) than our pockets.

Lastly the two quotes we've gotten were no where near as expensive as this project, though we're pursuing something much simpler.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at October 16, 2008 12:05 PM in response to Exteriors: Green Roof in Bloom

I agree with Stuymom, I think it's kind of crass and insensitive. And as I pointed out many times when I lived in Park Slope, particularly after a murder in Prospect Park a few years back, we still live in the city and crime happens everywhere. Even in leafy green neighborhoods.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at October 15, 2008 3:54 PM in response to Human Remains on Fort Greene Park

Sorry, let me clarify: the point is that the people who run the tug operation are worried they will be forced out if the waterfront is given over to luxury housing. They provide a necessary service and Erie Basin is one of the few protected inlets where the tugs can dock. (And yes Denton, I'm sure there's a tug operation stationed there. I live in the neighborhood and I've been to the CB6 meetings with these guys, plus if you spend any time along the waterfront there you can see them at work). The point is it's an important maritime service and they're worried that they will get pushed out because of the disturbance the residents might view them as. The Fairway units are rental. The owner is Greg O'Connell and since he is generally supportive of keeping the working character of Red Hook even as it gets developed, I don't think it's the same issue as someone trying to sell high end condos. Also teh Fairway building is on the harbor/buttermilk channel and not within Erie Basin.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at September 26, 2008 5:40 PM in response to Not Just BJs for Red Hook, But a Whole Mall

There is active marine industry on the waterfront here. One criticism of Sitt's plan from Red Hook residents and the maritime industries here is that is to try to put residential here simply won't work because this is where the tugs that work up and down the NY waterfront are docked. They work 24 Hours a day and often have to utilize searchlights and foghorns in inclement weather. Something that will not mix with luxury condos. Develop the property; put in retail (though, please can't it not be cookie cutter big box?); put in restaurants, and recreation. But not residential.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at September 26, 2008 12:35 PM in response to Not Just BJs for Red Hook, But a Whole Mall

They do have live music at the Prospect Park bandshell, but that's besides the point since Park Slope is a world away from Williamsburg, literally and figuratively.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at September 25, 2008 5:17 PM in response to Closing Bell: Petitioning for Music

LOL. I'm sure this has everyting to do with the Cruise terminal across the street. But seriously, as a Red Hook resident I can tell you Seabring is one of the blocks with a serious odor problem due to the carting companies. But considering Canal Carting's lease was bought out by the city when they built the Cruise Terminal, maybe that will happen here. And this isn't that far from the Brooklyn Motor Inn, which clearly sees enough business to stay open, though of what variety I'm not sure.

And, Lisa, I assume you mean Van Brunt down by the Fairway when you say 'lower' Van Brunt, but the numbers actually go up as you head in that direction.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at September 23, 2008 11:23 AM in response to A New Hotel for Red Hook?

I've been admiring the work they've done on the Red Hook Houses. Anyone know when that development will be finished. The Coffey Street site looks done, but noone appears to be living there. And Wolcott feels like work hasn't happenned there in some time.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at September 22, 2008 1:44 PM in response to Interiors: Affordable and Attractive

There are definitely better uses for a waterfront space than a box store. I've said it before, I think Sitt should partner with Brooklyn Brewery, who really need a space that can function as both plant and retail. There's enough room on the old Revere site that they could have the brewery and they could have a bar and partner with a restaurant. Sitt loves to play up that he's a Brooklyn boy and that he hast he borough's best interest in mind, but then why bring us this generic strip mall vision? And why not work with local businesses?

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at August 28, 2008 11:15 AM in response to More Big Box Shops for Red Hook

No Dave, actually despite your dislike of their so-called totalitarian ways, they simply rely on the members to be honest.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at August 20, 2008 1:43 PM in response to Fort Greene Co-Op Chooses Toiling

I've been a member of the coop for 6 years, and remained so even after I moved from Park Slope to Red Hook. I shop at both the coop and Fairway regularly and I can tell you that the produce at Fairway and prices do not even compare. The coop has the best produce I've seen in the city next to the Union Square Farmer's market and the prices are way cheaper. Also the cross-section of people who are coop members is pretty incredible and they come from all over Brooklyn and some even come in from upstate or Long Island. It's not a bunch of lawyers and bankers as people here seem to be assuming. Not that we don't have those as well, but you'll also see Hasidic families, rastas, old school Park Slope liberals, hipster kids, people on foodstamps (what's their time worth Benson?), gays, lesbians.

I'm also always astounded at how angry everyone gets about having to work. If you don't like it don't join, it's as simple as that. But why be so pissed about it or offended by its existance? It's a coop after all and was founded on the idea of being member run and operated. It's not a for profit venture. THat's the whole point so the aruements above about taking advantage of selling to the non-working public don't really apply. And work slots include everything from cashiering, to composting, to publishing the newsletter, to working on the environmental committee. That said it's not perfect. And there are some odd/difficult members, but no more so that the people I have to deal with walking down 7th Avenue. But I don't begrudge having to work. 2hrs and 45 minutes a month is easy enough and I look forward to it because I'm supporting something that I feel very connected to ideologically. Perhaps that's where it skews things for people? They don't get that there's a philosophy driving it and it's not capitalism.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at August 20, 2008 11:34 AM in response to Fort Greene Co-Op Chooses Toiling

There's more to the opposition than just McGettrick and it's unfair to summarize it as such. There were a lot of people, myself included, who were angry at the callous way IKEA destroyed a working, needed piece of history for a parking lot, when they actually could have coexisted (and I was at the community board meetings where real life examples were shown of working waterfront next to retail/commercial space). The graving dock had business lined up for years into the future. THey were a good neighbor to my knowledge, a needed municipal asset, and a direct link to Red Hook's past-much of which has been lost to the wrecking ball over the years.

And while as a resident I'm grateful that the traffic hasn't been as bad as feared, that was not the only component of the argument against IKEA.

And, yes, the promenade they built is the lovliest parking lot I've ever seen.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at August 11, 2008 4:51 PM in response to Everybody Loves IKEA

They should set up shop where the Revere sugar refinery was in Red Hook. They should reach out to Joe Sitt, who's just letting that land sit fallow and catch IKEA's parking overflow right now. And that would be so much better for the neighborhood than the rumored Sam's Club or another generic big box. The space is big enough for them to brew and have a beer garden, it could be right on the water and would be between Fairway and IKEA and up the way from the ballfields. They'd have to build, though. As all but one building is demolished. But it's also an opportunity for some interesting modern architecture since we don't have landmarks to deal with. Maybe they could partner with a restaurant. It could be amazing. SBID might even pitch in. And then the IKEA park Esplanade could be continued throught that property and hook up with the one behind Fairway. That would be sweet.

Posted by: Combustiblegirl2 at August 6, 2008 11:58 AM in response to Where Should the Brooklyn Brewery Set Up Shop?