Hometown Headlines

A seal basks in the Sun a Brooklyn Bridge Park. Via patch

Happy Valentines Day, Dumbo! Were you getting cozy in Romantic environs of Brooklyn Bridge this weekend? Well, we’re betting some people did since our very own River Cafe was named one of the most romantic restaurants in the country by Open Table.

But, diners were not the only ones basking in the glory of Brooklyn Bridge Park. In fact, an intrepid seal spent hours catching some rays on Pier Two!

That’s not the only time Pier Two was in the news recently. On Monday, Brooklyn Bridge Park put out a call for proposals for contracting at the site. A spokesperson for the park explained that the 3.4 acre addition to Brooklyn Bridge Park will feature a large lawn and water garden. (more…)

BQE, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Real Estate, Dumbo, fashion week, real estate, River Cafe, Seals, St. Ann's and the Holy Trinity Church

02/01/18 11:06pm

All Along the Watchtower, A Tree Grows in Gowanus, and Dumbo Gets Some TLC — Hometown Headlines (2/1)

Controversial Condos in Brooklyn Bridge Park via Patch

Hey Dumbo, welcome back to our bi-weekly local news feature, Hometown Headlines! This time around, there’s lots in the press about Real Estate development in our lovely borough. To start, Two Trees, the development firm that has reshaped DUMBO and Williamsburg is now setting its sites on Gowanus, buying up sites along the Gowanus Canal, for over $100 million.

And DUMBO itself is getting a little TLC. Mount Sinai has opened a State of the Art Urgent Care center at 110 York Street.

Meanwhile, The former Watchtower Building will be transformed into a high-end office space and retail complex. (more…)

BQE, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Gowanus Canal, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Mt. Sinai Urgent Care, mta, Two Trees, Watchtower

01/18/18 9:32am

Making History…but not Pizza — Hometown Headlines (1/18)

311, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Social Club, Brooklyn Real Estate, Filming in Brooklyn, Grace Church Brooklyn Heights. Grimaldi's Pizza, Hugh Jackman, NYPD, Public Housing, Rebecca Ferguson, The Greatest Showman

No Slices. Just mice. Via The New York Post

Welcome back to Hometown Headlines, our bi-weekly local news feature. On January 7th, Grace Church Brooklyn Heights (254 Hicks Street) announced that Rev. Dr. Allen F. Robinson will be its 15th rector — and first African American rector in the parish’s 170-year history. Reverend Robinson will take his post on March 19.

There are also changes afoot at another historic Brooklyn spot — Grimaldi’s Pizza in Dumbo (1 Front Street). The Pizzeria has been shut down by the health department due to violations including mouse droppings. Grimaldi’s is working with the department to fix the infractions and get back up and running.

If you can’t eat at Grimaldi’s at least you can drink at a prime new spot in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The swanky new Brooklyn Heights Social Club inside the 1 Hotel (60 Furman Street) features floor to ceiling windows showcasing iconic views of our glorious bridge and the Manhattan skyline. But with an $18 Gin and Tonic the view won’t come cheap.

But, if the drinks are pricey, Brooklyn made up for it in lower rents in 2017. Buyers and Renters were paying about 4% less across the borough at the end of the year. (more…)

01/04/18 1:16pm

Cold, Crime and Construction — Hometown Headlines (1/4)

Selfie Central, Via the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Hey Dumbo, hope you’re keeping warm in this frigid weather! If you’re off from work or school today, we hope you’ll curl up with some Hometown Headlines, our bi-weekly local news roundup.

To begin with, if you’re inside today, you’re not the only one. Even “Selfie-Central,” that prime pic-snapping stretch of Washington Street near Water Street that so perfectly frames the Manhattan Bridge, is deserted due to today’s wild blizzard and freezing temperatures.

And it’s not just the snow that’s obstructing the view. The community group Save the View lost its appeal against Brooklyn Bridge Park and the developer Troll Brothers. The original lawsuit, concerns the construction of 1Hotel, which blocks the view of a part of the Brooklyn Bridge that is not legally protected.

But not all construction in the neighborhood meets opposition. Some is welcome, such as repairs on the stretch of the BQE under the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. But, a rift in priorities at the Department of Transportation has pitted the BQE against the planned BQX.

(more…)

BQE, BQX, Brooklyn Heights, crime, Dumbo, Mulchfest, NYCParks, Save the View, Selfies, Snow

12/22/17 3:06pm

A Playground, A Queen and a Missed Connection — Hometown Headlines (12/22)