(Photo by Carolyn Weiss)

Something doesn’t seem right around the Empire Fulton Ferry State Park. In November 2010, according to a The Albany Government Law Review paper, the proposed placement of Jane’s Carousel in the Empire Fulton Ferry Park contradicts the purposes of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. And yesterday, a new paper, by the same author, Mr. Stengel, says that the Tobacco Warehouse in the same park was excluded from the LWCF seven years after the grant was awarded in 2001 based on false information.

According to the paper:

In 2001, National Parks Service (“NPS”) approved a LWCF grant in the amount of $275,525 for the Cove Area Improvement in Empire Fulton Ferry Park (EFFP).[7] Unexplored in my previous post is the original boundary map for the LWCF grant, which incorporated all of EFFP including the Empire Stores and Tobacco Warehouse.[8] The map detailed the area covered by the grant, which, like all LWCF projects, included an assurance in perpetuity that the land and real property contained within will not be converted.[9] However, on November 5, 2008, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (“OPRHP”) wrote to NPS to request that the park’s boundary map be amended.[10] The OPRHP letter stated: “These former warehouse buildings [the Empire Stores and Tobacco Warehouse] are not suitable for nor used by the public for outdoor recreational opportunities in the park.”[11]

NPS replied to OPRHP about one month later, acknowledging that the Empire Stores and Tobacco Warehouse were in the original project boundary map, but allowed the amendment excluding the structures.[12] Furthermore, NPS concluded that “the LWCF Program does not provide financial assistance for existing or proposed indoor recreation facilities and these former warehouses are not suitable for recreational use by the public, the pre-existing warehouses should have been excluded.”[13] NPS also acknowledged that grant maps are final, except for “conversion or significant error.”[14]

If we read this correctly, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) requested the park boundary be amended in 2008 (PDF of letter of request) knowing that events were held at the Tobacco Warehouse (such as the widely publicized Macbeth in June 2008 by NY Times and by us). By amending the boundary, it allows for the property contained within the park to be altered. It is a fact that the Tobacco Warehouse hosted public outdoor recreation events. It is a fact that State Parks claimed that Tobacco Warehouse did not host outdoor public events. The question is, what motives did OPRHP have to amend the LWCF grant boundaries?

Mr. Stengel’s conclusion, while not stating who or what the motives were, is there’s something odd going on:

There exists, dare I say, a veritable warehouse full of evidence that the roofless, four-walled brick structure was host to public outdoor recreation during the time the LWCF grant was awarded in 2001 until the map amendment in late 2008. The reason OPRHP would claim otherwise, whether intentionally or by mistake for failure to investigate, is a mystery. Potential violations of criminal law depend on what agents or employees of OPRHP knew at the time of the Tobacco Warehouse map amendment request was made to NPS.

(Photo by eurythman)

Previously:
{Does the Carousel in Empire Fulton Ferry State Park Contradict State Law?, 04Nov2010}
{City Envisions Full-Fledged Re-use for Tobacco Warehouse, 31Aug2010, Brooklyn Eagle}
{Tobacco Warehouse, 17Apr2009}

Various Events at Tobacco Warehouse:
{Burger Bash, 13Oct2009}
{Vendy Awards at Tobacco Warehouse, 17Oct2008}
{ISSUE Project Room’s Music at the Bridge Event at Tobacco Warehouse, 29Jul2008}
{Music At The Bridge at Tobacco Warehouse, 21Jul2008}
{Macbeth, 17Jun2008}
{Brooklyn Pigfest 2008 at Tobacco Warehouse, 30May2008}
{American Cancer Society Event at Tobacco Warehouse, 24Apr2008}
{Events: “82 Decibels” at Tobacco Warehouse, 16Sept2006}

The snow came last night but not as much as declared. Approximately 3 inches fell but the 1,700 snow plows in NYC were out making sure all roads were clear. If you’re flying today, there are delays, but for the most part, there are no major transit delays (Check NYT updates). Check MTA.info for any transit delays and be careful as many streets under the snow are icy. NYC schools are open today.

If more snow falls, check out A Child Grows has THE list of the best places to sled in Brooklyn and NYC. Included is Clumber Corner on the corner of Washington and Prospect Streets in Dumbo (City of New York Parks & Recreation calls this area Brooklyn Heights, but it’s somewhat in between Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights).

(Photo by Andy Bernheimer)

Not so great news for Two Trees Management developer Jed Walentas, but The Brooklyn Paper reports that an email leak “that he was pleased that the folks from “the projects” didn’t show up and make a “total racial mess” by opposing his controversial Dock Street project at a 2009 public hearing.” This article demonstrates that racial politics was a strategy they employed in order to win.

According to a Two Trees spokesperson, the email, to Brooklyn Bridge Park President Regina Myer, was misinterpreted and “describe how Markowitz and James had rightly decided to focus on the size and scale issues related to the development itself, not the ever-contentious subject of whether a new public middle school would attract minority students from outside DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights”.

However, Dock Street Dumbo opposition would note that they did turn out what were people from public housing at the prior hearing for the Community Board on December 17, 2008. According to the email from Jed Walentas, they made a decision not to do the same at the borough president’s meeting: “[Fort Greene Councilwoman] Tish [James] and Marty [Markowitz] agreed to not turn out dozens from the projects and make it a total racial mess.” This shows the collusion between developers and the city as we previously posted about.

NY City Council approved the rezoning of the Dock Street Dumbo development project in June 2009. Work was scheduled to begin in 2010, but has not begun as The Dumbo Neighborhood Foundation is in the process of suing Two Trees to kill the project.

(The email via Brooklyn Paper)

{Prior Dock Street Posts}

Accuweather issues winter storm warning from 7pm this evening until 6pm Wednesday, Jan 12. According to the warning, accumulations of 8-14 inches of snow (with locally higher amounts possible) and wind gusts of 20-25mph.

[UPDATE 3:48p: Via NewYorkology, MTA Chairman Jay Walder said in a news conference, “If you don’t need to travel tomorrow morning, please don’t. We expect to run service in the morning but there will be changes and no one should leave home without tuning in to the news media or tuning into MTA.info." NY1 says that vulnerable lines include the N, F, B and Q lines in Brooklyn. A decision about closing of public schools will be made at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Parents should call 311 with any questions.]

While on the topic, a PSA message sent from the Office of Emergency Management (OEM):

OEM promoted the 3 steps to prepare for emergency situations during National Preparedness Month this past September, and they’re continuing their education during the winter with their Resolve to Be Ready campaign. Forty percent of New Yorkers said they do not feel prepared for an emergency. As you know, it can get quite cold in New York during the winter and the weather can cause plenty of problems, as it already has. It’s essential for all New Yorkers to be prepared for any emergency that could arise. On OEM’s Facebook page you can find more information and even take the first step in making a plan by selecting and sharing your own meeting place using the Get Ready NYC: My Meeting Place Facebook application.

Submit photos on OEM’s Facebook page on how you’re preparing for emergencies in the New Year. Accuweather’s winter storm warning also states: “IF YOU MUST TRAVEL…KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT…FOOD… AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY”.

(Photo by Barry Yanowitz)

On Tuesday, January 11, 2011, the untitled Bobby Bare Jr. documentary filmmakers collaborate with Superfine to present: an evening showcasing independent music & independent film.

Nashville rocker Bobby Bare Jr. makes his Dumbo debut and will be joined by special guests Carey Kotsionis & Bonnie Whitmore. enjoy free Tito’s handmade vodka & PBR as they take over the stage at Superfine bar & restaurant!

doors open at 8pm
purchase advance tickets– $10 ($12 at the door)

*price includes free drink tickets

Superfine
126 Front St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
(at Pearl St)

The following are selected links from this past week on blogs and websites with discussion about Dumbo (and its neighboring areas):

• Jane’s Carousel Foundation In, 07Jan11, Brownstoner
• What Neighborhoods Are New Developments In?, 07Jan11, BK Eagle
• 25 Washington St Affordable Units, 07Jan11, BK Eagle
• New Recording Studio Open in VH, 07Jan11, vinegarhillsound.com
• Floating Pool for Brooklyn Bridge Park?, 04Jan11, Brownstoner
• Revs Streetart in Dumbo, 07Jan11, Brask Art
• Startup Community Needs “Hires And Wires”, 06Jan11, BusinessInsider
• Daniel Kitson at St. Ann’s Warehouse, 06Jan11, NYT
• Brooklyn Bridge Park applies for Pool Permit, 04Jan11, NYDN
• NY’s most interesting street art 2010, 04Jan11, allfromweb
• Such a Thing as “New Brooklyn Cuisine”?, 22Dec2010, LMag
• In Defense of Brooklyn Food, 04Jan11, VV
• Doubter II at Kunsthalle Galapagos, 06Jan11, SBKPost
• Etsy Photo Feature on NYT, 20Dec2010, NYT
• The Year in Brooklyn Crime, 028Dec2010, BK Eagle
• U.K. comic Kitson to fill DUMBO with mirth, 27Dec2010, BK Paper
• Blizzard Pics in Dumbo, 26Dec2010, lulogicblog
• BK Tourism Numbers Up for 2010, 06Jan11, Brownstoner
• Sunday In The Park With Pastries, 20Dec2010, NYC
• Brooklyn Roasting Company Located in former Arbuckle’s Coffee, 24Dec2010, BK Roasting

We received word from the Dept of Sanitation that they will resume pick up recyclables in Dumbo Saturday. Pick up has been postponed since the snow storm hit on December 26, and garbage has been piling up since then.

1) DUMBO Parents Organization presents Parents and Kids Night Out

When: January 7, 2011, 5-7:30pm
Where: DUMBO Gymnastics (68 Jay Street, Suite 509)
Drop your kids off at DUMBO Gymnastics and get a very affordable night out on the town. DUMBO Gymnastics is offering a special night for DPO families.

ENTERTAINMENT
Sing-along with Audra Rox
Open gym with DUMBO Gymnastics
Fencing demo with Brooklyn Bridge Fencing
Arts & Crafts with Abundant Learning
Pizza Dinner
Free Drink at Rebar for parents who plan to stay local

COST
$20 per child (that’s less than $10 an hour and includes dinner)

2) Bhava Fridays at Abhaya Yoga

Bhava is the sanskrit word for feeling, emotion, mood or a devotional state of mind. Every Friday night at Abhaya will offer live music that will be sure to set a sweet mood and vibe for the weekend. We have DJ’s, drummer, kirtan singers, and more coming to extend their special talents while students cultivate self surrender and bliss.

When: Friday, Jan 7, 2011, 6:30-8pm
Where: Abhaya Yoga 10 Jay St. Suite 600, Brooklyn, NY 11201

3) GUMBO FRIDAY (Gay. DUMBO. Party.)

GumboNYC.com. [GUMBO is every FIRST and THIRD FRIDAY in 2011!]

PRESENTED by Ben Harvey and Casey Fitzpatrick IN-CAHOOTS with Ashton Blount, Michael Green & Nicholas Ruiz

+ DJ Keo Nozari
+ Free 42Below Vodka bar (10-11pm)
+ dirtysugarphotography.com live photos
+ Michael DuBois’s Solo Circus (solocircus.com)
+ Performance by The Evil Hate Monkey (trixielittle.com)
+ Free haircuts from the GUMBO stylist
+ Door freebies
+ Floating pods for groups of 10+ [email: reserve@gumbonyc.com]

4) Embodying the Goddess with Deborah Bagg at Abhaya

Join Sheri and Deborah in the sacred circle of a woman’s yoga practice. Come share your bodies, hearts and minds as we take you through a three-hour practice focusing on the divine form that is feminine yoga. Practice the art of being a woman, fully embraced in your body. We will explore the art of self-acceptance, seeing ourselves as inherently beautiful, receptive and powerful. Begin the new year embracing your own feminine form. As we dive into the richness of Shakti Yoga, you will emerge empowered and ready to meet 2011 with strength and ease. Through asana, ritual and meditation, we will explore our individual feminine power and grace.
More info

When: Saturday, Jan 8, 2011, 2-5pm
Where: Abhaya Yoga 10 Jay St. Suite 600, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Tonight, on January 6, the waterfront neighborhood of DUMBO will welcome art lovers and fun seekers to First Thursday, a monthly gallery walk where gallery spaces celebrate the vivacious New York art scene that has become a cultural hallmark for this Brooklyn neighborhood. Exhibitions, interactive installations, artist talks, a panel discussion, and opening receptions at local galleries comprise this month’s First Thursday on Thursday, January 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Check gallery websites for updates.
A.I.R. Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 228
Amos Eno Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 202
Brooklyn Arts Council, 111 Front St., Suite 218
Caption Gallery, 55 Washington St., Suite 802
Central Booking, 111 Front St., Suite 214
Collective Consciousness NYC, 10 Jay St.
DUMBO Arts Center, 30 Washington St.
Farmani Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 212
Giacobetti Paul Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 220
Henry Gregg Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 226
Klompching Gallery, 111 Front St.
Kris Graves Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 224
Melville House, 145 Plymouth St.
Mighty Tanaka Gallery, 68 Jay St., Suite 416
One Arm Red, 10 Jay St.
Powerhouse Books & Powerhouse Arena, 37 Main St.
Pratt Institute Photo Seniors, 20 Jay St.
Rabbithole Studio, 33 Washington St.
Randall Scott Gallery, 111 Front St., Suite 204
Smack Mellon, 93 Plymouth St. @ Washington Street
Spring, 126a Front St.
Umbrage Gallery, 111 Front St.
VII Photo, 28 Jay St.

The 25 Washington Street building conversion looks like it’s making good progress. The externals of the two story addition are in place and the window frames are being installed on most floors. They have also announced that applications are now being accepted for 21 affordable rental apartments in the building. This building is being converted from a commercial building to 105 residential housing rentals with financing provided through the 80/20 Housing Program of New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The state offers tax-exempt financing to multifamily rental developments in which at least 20% of the units are set aside for low-income residents-so-called “80/20″ projects. (More info on 80/20 Housing Program).

Dumbo is still one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Brooklyn with the highest median household income in Brooklyn, so this a welcome opportunity for those who cannot otherwise afford to live in Dumbo. (FWIW, as someone pointed out to us, it is the same apartment as the Humphrey’s loft in the TV show Gossip Girls.) As of today, there’s nothing under $2,600 per month rentals in Dumbo (according to StreetEasy), so a 2 bedroom for $819 or $641 is well below the market value. What do you need to do to qualify for one of the 21 low rent apartments? According to the Homes and Community Renewal document we received, the below are the minimum and maximums for each apartment type.

Set aside for households with incomes at or below 50% of area median income:

Set aside for households with incomes at or below 40% of area median income:

*Subject to occupancy criteria
**Gas & Electric not included
**Rents subject to change
***Income requirements subject to change

To request an application, mail a postcard indicating your name and full address to:
Washington Street Apartments, 45 Washington Street, Box 257, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Requests must be postmarked by February 5, 2011. Completed applications must be returned by regular mail only to a different address that will be listed on the application, and must be postmarked by February 19, 2011. Applications not sent via regular mail will not be accepted. Applications postmarked after February 19, 2011 will be logged in after all other applications.

Applications will be selected by lottery.

Priority will be given to applicants who live or work in New York City and who do not live in 80/20 developments in appropriate-size units. No broker’s or application fee should be paid to anyone regarding these applications. Since there are only 21 available units, only the first 8,000 requests for an application will be honored.

Application Notice (71kb PDF file)

Previously:
{25 Washington Rentals to Open in March 2011, 23Jul2010}
{25 Washington St Progress, 14Jul2010}