Archives for May 2009

Photo: Guy Eppel
“The annual Fourth of July fireworks show on the East River and over the internationally-recognized Brooklyn Bridge is one of our City’s greatest spectacles. Moving the show to New Jersey would negatively impact thousands of tourists and residents who come to Manhattan and Brooklyn to enjoy the show, and the countless local business that stand to benefit from the event. I urge Macy’s to split the show so that Brooklyn residents are not robbed of this important tradition and influx of economic activity during this moment of economic uncertainty.” Council Member David Yassky

Yesterday while cruising from Greenpoint into Williamsburg I discovered that I was in a bike lane. How did this happen? This wasn’t here forty-eight hours ago? When? Why? Needless to say, I was ecstatic, so ecstatic that I pulled out my iPhone while riding and snapped this pic, hence the blurriness. The new bike lane on Driggs, which begins at Leonard Ave and heads South towards the Williamsburg Bridge, is just one of three new bike lanes, which will create an additional 4.6 miles of bike lanes in North Brooklyn. The other lanes will be located on Grand St and Borinquen Place.

Hayes Lord, acting Bicycle Program coordinator for DOT, recently noted that “These improvements will provide greater Williamsburg Bridge access for communities in North and East Williamsburg.” The plan will transform Borinquen Place from a four lane road to a three lane road with a bike lane in between Grand and Keap. While bikers and pedestrians seem pleased with the new developments, business owners are worried about a lack of parking, an ever prevalent issue in North Brooklyn when dealing with bike lanes. Regardless of worries, the new bike lanes will ensure a safer, greener way of transporation for many people in the neighborhood, while also making the Williamsburg Brige much more accessible.

READ MORE

Photo: Hatnim Lee
 

NYC Taper captured two of Mogwai’s three sold out performances at Music Hall of Williamsburg and has made them available for free download. [NYC Taper]

 

READ MORE

Photo: Sarah J. Blige

When I first read that this years Fourth of July fireworks show would be in the Hudson River, rather than the East River, its home for the last eight years, I rubbed my eyes and hoped I was dreaming. Unfortunately, I wasn’t and the Associated Press, Brooklyn Paper, Brooklyn Vegan and countless other NY news sources felt the need to remind me. I can honestly say that, while this may not seem like a huge deal, it is a massive blow to the North Brooklyn community, as there truly isn’t a better vantage point to view the Macy’s Firework’s display than the Brooklyn waterfront. Not only is it a phenomenal spectacle which residents look forward to, but it also brings visitors to Williamsburg and Greenpoint, many who support local restaurants and bars while waiting for the show to start.

Greenpoint resident Colin Tarpey said “It’s a shame the fireworks display won’t be visible from the Brooklyn waterfront, as it brings a lot of first time visitors to our lovely neighborhood, people who may not have discovered it any other way.” Tarpey also noted that the event “is a real treat for Greenpoint residents who are used to seeing the sky lit up with the blue phosphorescent glow of the New Town Creek Water Treatment Center.”

READ MORE

Photo: C. Daily Crafton

 

READ MORE