If you haven’t subscribed to Brooklyn Magazine and you’re a fan of Brooklyn, I recommend it for the articles. In the latest issue (Winter 2011), there’s an article about Brian Leth, Vinegar Hill House’s executive chef since 2009. We love the fresh ingredients in the dishes there, so it makes sense that writer Aleksa Brown follows him one day from the farmer’s market to the restaurant to watch him create one of his signature dishes, day boat hake. Vinegar Hill House is one of our favorite things around Dumbo. Dinners are well known, but they have an excellent brunch on the weekends too.

Brooklyn Magazine also has a “Neighborhood Power Rankings” piece. There are more than 20 neighborhoods in Brooklyn, but they also mean this to be a fun tongue-in-cheek way to show what’s going on in certain neighborhoods. Their disclaimer: “A 100 percent true and scientific analysis based on various and sundry criteria.”

They said this about Dumbo in this issue: “The repaving of Washington Street with new Belgian blocks is finally, finally finishing up, but now Phase II begins: more street work on Front Street near York, and the demapping of Anchorage Place to enlarge the Pearl Street Triangle.”

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Ok, go subscribe at Brooklyn Magazine.

According to a Wall Street Journal article, “Chumbo” is the newest ‘remote’ and ‘cool’ neighborhood. Notwithstanding that the area is already called Two Bridges, Chumbo is the “Dumbo of Chinatown”, near the base of the Manhattan Bridge on the Manhattan side. Of course it’s not real (and probably a tongue and cheek article), but it’s sad/funny to see how people are using name of Dumbo to convey another creative, gritty, and cool area. Of course the name Dumbo was meant to be a hideous name (as told by the artists who coined the neighborhood name) to keep gentrifiers from moving in.

From the WSJ article:
“Some now call the neighborhood Chumbo, combining the names of Chinatown and its high-brow Brooklyn neighbor across the Manhattan Bridge, Dumbo.”

“The rent is cheap—about $2,900 a month for the average three-bedroom, said Sofia Song, a senior researcher at StreetEasy.com, compared to almost $7,000 a month for a comparable unit in Dumbo. And the area is reclaiming some of the edgy cool that Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Bushwick have stolen from Manhattan over the past two decades.”

{Cool Arrives in a Slice of Chinatown, 01Dec2011, WSJ}
{Behold New York’s Coolest Neighborhood: ‘Chumbo’, 01Dec2011, the Atlantic}

One of the employees of PetWeb Express on 61 Pearl Street in Dumbo found a beagle wandering around the neighborhood on the morning of August 9th near Adams/Pearl Streets with no collar or tags. He’s been asking around, but unable to find the owner; though she could have been abandoned. He took her to the vet for a check up and shots. He found out she is 2 years old. If you are the owner or if you know who the owner is, please contact David at the PetWeb Express pet store on Pearl Street. His number is 718-643-3046. Please find the owner or have the dog adopted. A photo is shown above.

A few months back, I was looking to create a DumboNYC logo. Naturally, I asked around the neighborhood given the many creative directors and designers in Dumbo. There’s a lot of talent in the area. So I got in touch with Jason Carreiro, who has lived in Dumbo for over a dozen years and runs his own design studio. He designed the new logo banner inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge, which borders the east side of Dumbo. The logo is simple, bold, and timeless, like the two bridges that cross over Dumbo. For those interested in learning more about Jason’s design studio, Loop Design, here’s a short description:

Loop Design is an independent, Brooklyn-based design studio run by Designerd and Art Director, Jason Carreiro. Loop Design collaborates with clients (big and small) in developing brand identities, websites and advertising solutions. Prior to starting Loop Design, Jason was the Design Director at the New York office of Delirium Corp. He has over fifteen years of professional experience, designing projects for the likes of Walt Disney, Planet Hollywood, The Rockwell Group, The Boston Bruins, Condé Nast and Ann Taylor.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Jason’s work, go to loopdesigngroup.com. Thanks Jason!

Brownstoner and Brooklyn Heights Blog have ‘open threads’, and since some of you asked for one here, we’ll have one each week starting today. Let’s talk about anything, but please keep it as polite as possible.

True, Brooklyn is the place to be right now, but who would want a necklace with our neighborhood name? That’s probably why Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store doesn’t have one for “Dumbo”. That was the point behind the naming of Dumbo which was just the “right kind of Dadaist anti-marketing positioning to protect our turf from commercialism and developers.” [Ed: well at least at that time.]

From: Curbed NY: Do You Love Brownstone Brooklyn? Put it on A Necklace!

A few items for today:
1)



Half Off Southern Fare and Drinks at Water Street

We posted about the new Southern menu at Water Street Restaurant a few weeks ago. If you still have not tried it yet, Groupon is offering a special deal (today only) for $8 for $16 toward “Southern lunch fare and drinks” (or $15 for $30 toward dinner).

2)

Wall Sreet Journal Article: Dumbo: Not Bad for Being Under an Overpass

Many of you have sent this link in, so I’ll post it here. WSJ.com posted a national article about Dumbo. We all know Dumbo has been highlighted a lot in National publications. One of the reasons for the DumboNYC.com site was because no one knew what Dumbo was. Now many people know what it is. However, we noticed that WSJ doesn’t have the Dumbo boundaries correct. The map of Dumbo is incorrect. Per the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission report, Dumbo includes Bridge Street to the West, Main Stret to the East, parts of York Street to the South and the waterfront to the North.

3) 84 Precinct Council Meeting

There is a Community Council Meeting tonight at 7pm at 55 Washington Street, Suite 512. Call community affairs (718-875-6850) for further information. The 84th Precinct covers these residential areas: Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Boerum Hill, Vinegar Hill and the Farragut Residences. Someone may want to bring up the incident with the stranger from yesterday.

Can’t say we’re familiar with dating sites, but this is an interesting mash-up of neighborhoods and keywords on dating sites. Manhattan-based artist and programmer R. Luke DuBois quantitatively analyzed the most commonly used words in dating profiles based on geography (ZIP code). According to an article on WNYC, “New York City’s most frequently used online dating word, for example, is ‘Now’—confirming just about every Type A stereotype of our town’s inhabitants. (In Chicago, incidentally, it’s ‘Always’. And in L.A., ‘Acting.’) For big cities, DuBois was able to break the data down further, narrowing down the most frequently used online dating words to individual zip codes. (He analyzed more than 410,000 profiles for New York City alone.)”

DuBois says “the whole DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights area is pretty funny, too. You get works like ‘dick’ and ‘graphic’ and ‘artisanal,’ as well as ‘postmodernism’ and ‘cheese.’” The Dumbo area map includes common words like: graphic, cool, glamour, dick, artisanal, subway, cheese, hilarious. Not sure what that says about the dating profiles of people in the area, but one glance on Craigslist for Dumbo listings leads one to believe there are many “men looking for men”.

R. Luke DuBois’ exhibit, A More Perfect Union, will be at Bitforms Gallery in Chelsea through Feb. 19. Map courtesy of R. Luke DuBois and Bitforms Gallery

(WNYC.org via onlinedatingpost)

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)

In 2010, the US economy continued to struggle, an oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico spilling an estimated 4.9 millions of barrels of oil, Obama’s healthcare bill was signed, China ascended as the world’s second largest economy, we saw the rise of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Groupon, and Foursquare, and a little tablet computer called the iPad was launched to market by Apple. Some bright spots, and some not so bright areas of the world affected everyone, including those of Dumbo residents and businesses. Based on data provided by the NYC and the lack of inventory, Dumbo’s real estate held its own. While the US unemployment rate stayed around 10%, early stage companies and ‘digital’ businesses in Dumbo were hiring, growing, being acquired, and even becoming too big to stay. Nimble companies based in Dumbo saw opportunities in social media and app development for the iPhones, iPads, and Android markets. Digital Dumbo, the local networking event for social media, digital, and tech firms saw a huge rise in attendees, participants, and companies looking to hire.

As in the past years, Dumbo continued it’s change. That word seems to be the constant in the neighborhood in the past few years. Dumbo had a year of being a construction zone to make its infrastructure more modern, while keeping the old world charm of Belgian block streets. Parks were closed for renovation while new ones opened up. And finally the retail opening and closings seem to happen every month or so. Let’s take a look back at 2010 and see how Dumbo has changed for better or for worse.

1. New Retailers Opened in Dumbo in 2010
   Dewey’s Candy, Stewart/Stand (relocation), Taylor Fitness, ñ Restaurant, Choice Kitchens, Priviledged, DUMBO Muffin, the Cafe (opened, closed, and reopened as Archway Cafe), MotoDumbo, Abhaya Yoga, P.S. Bookshop and Brooklyn Bridge Gardens, O’Crepes, DUMBO Gymnastics, NOS Men, Shibui, Barber on Pearl, Rapid Realty, and The Best Chocolate Cake
2. …But not as many retailers closed shop this year.
   Compared to prior years, Loopy Mango and Mikey’s Hook-Up were the two retailers that moved out. Many of the retailers have told us that if they survived Dumbo in the past two years, they are ready to take on 2011 and beyond. Is the worst of the poor economy past us?
3. Dumbo as Construction Zone
   Both Water Street (from Adams to Old Fulton Streets) and Washington Street (from York to Plymouth Streets) were dug up to install water and sewer mains so the area has updated infrastructure. Construction is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2011. Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge are also being worked on.
4. Construction Includes the Parks
   Empire Fulton Ferry State Park closed to improve drainage, add park furnishings, lighting, and of course house Jane’s Carousel (which is still generating controversy for its placement). Another concern by some include the removal of the trees. The scheduled reopening is spring 2011. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 and 6 opened with much fanfare this past Spring.
5. Dumbo’s Techs: NY Digital District, Digital Dumbo, Silicon Beach, Whatever
   Whatever name is given, what unites this historic Dumbo is the creative community (artists of all types- painters, sculptors, and the digital type), the dynamic entrepreneurs who navigate their business worlds with will power and hard work, and the new residents. Dumbo’s online presence in social media, websites, and services blossomed and ‘the media’ declared the neighborhood’s companies as the ones to watch. (NY Digital District, Digital Dumbo, Silicon Beach)
6. Dumbo’s Real Estate Defied Larger Market Trend
   A 70 Washington Penthouse sold in 4 weeks for $3,850,000. A 30 Main St apartment was listed for almost $5.4 million. A $25 Million Dumbo apartment is in negotiation. Is this 2006? According to realtors, clients are on the sidelines waiting for listings to come to market. If it’s not the Wall Streeters whose bonus this year increased over 2010, more inquiries are coming from where else? Asia, or specifically China.
7. Gentrification Is in Full Swing in Dumbo
   NY Magazine declared that Dumbo is one of the ‘most livable neighborhoods’ with David Walentas as the “benevolent dictator with a vision for the whole neighborhood.” If that doesn’t say gentrification, we don’t know what is. The MTA even declared it so by putting Dumbo on the map and showing how the 2009 subway ridership in Dumbo area stations went up. There was even a foot tapping song about it called Yuppie Exodus From Dumbo (by Jed Davis). Other ‘signs’ in 2010 were the installation of Dumbo’s First stoplight, a new Two Trees marketing sign on 45 Main Street building and Downtown Brooklyn Wayfinding Sign Installations. And finally a national AP story describes Dumbo as ‘trendy’, ‘offbeat’, and ‘a secret neighborhood’, which means that if you haven’t heard of Dumbo by now, it’s too late to ‘discover’ the neighborhood.
8. Even with Gentrification, Keep an Eye Out for Crime
   Of course car break ins occurred again and again. And if you think just because there are lots of rich residents in Dumbo, you’re immune to muggings. It happened in broad daylight, and again, and again. There was even a bank robbery this year, though the robber was arrested thanks to a vigilant doorman.
9. But We All Still Love Dumbo’s Festivals (Big and Small)
   As is every summer, there are festivals in Dumbo (BKLYN Designs, New York Photo Festival, Bent Festival). There was a fun Night Market, hosted by the celebrity chef David Chang, a 2010 World Science Festival, RE/Mixed Media Festival 2010, the 6th Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, and of course the largest one, the Dumbo Arts Festival 2010.
10. Food Truck Craze Hits Dumbo
    One of the biggest complaints I hear from friends and neighbors is that it’s missing some good food options (especially Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Italian). 2010 brought us the food trucks for the lunch crowd in Dumbo: Halal truck, wafels & dinges, Rickshaw Dumpling Truck, Munch Truck, and Schnitzel and Things. (Though we haven’t seen Schnitzel Fridays, Cravings Truck, or Treats Truck in a while. Come back!) Someone even spotted a free range chicken, but turned out it was not for lunch or dinner.

Of course there were many more changes and events in Dumbo. There will be much more to come in 2010. Please comment below on other items of significance in Dumbo in 2010 I may have missed.

{Dumbo Top Ten in 2008}
{Dumbo Top Ten in 2007}
{Dumbo Top Ten in 2006}