The Word on Columbia Street

Possible Changes to our District and Ports

2012-01-27T12:50:00.000-05:00

The Columbia Waterfront Neighborhood Association has shared two pieces of news about our neighborhood's future.

There are concerns about a proposal to split up the Columbia Waterfront District on the State Assembly map, giving us two different Assemblymembers and splitting our votes. Read here for the whole story:
http://cowna.blogspot.com/2012/01/redistricting-blues.html

You may have heard that American Stevedoring is no longer the operator at the container port. Council member Brad Lander has organized a meeting to update the neighborhood on these developments and, hopefully, help us understand what the future may hold.

Date: 9 February 2012
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Postgraduate Center, 177 Columbia Street

Learn more on the COWNA blog:
http://cowna.blogspot.com/2012/01/brad-lander-to-present-overview-of-port.html

Improvements to the B61

2012-01-24T11:34:00.001-05:00

Good news for the B61!

Monday, the MTA board voted to add buses to Brooklyn’s B61 route during the evening rush hour. The move, part of a package of changes to bus schedules citywide, will mean that buses on the route will come more frequently and follows a study on the bus line released by Brooklyn elected officials and community groups in December.

Read the rest of the news here:
http://bradlander.com/news/updates/following-study-mta-adds-buses-to-brooklyn-s-b61-bus-route

Big thanks to our City Councilmember Brad Lander and all the volunteers who collected data on our overpopulated bus route.

A New Garden on Columbia Street?

2012-01-20T12:01:00.000-05:00

Brownstoner reports on a proposal to transform the vacant lot on Columbia and Sackett, next to MikNic.

http://www.brownstoner.com/blog/2012/01/columbia-street-residents-looks-to-transform-lot/?stream=true

Lingerie, clothing & sparkly things

2012-01-19T17:40:00.008-05:00

I never thought I'd find beautiful, sexy lingerie nearby until I walked into Winkworth.

The store is magic and Susie, Sonya and Carla are the ladies that make it happen. I spoke to Susie, one of the owners of the shop about things you'd talk to a woman who sells lingerie and makes made to measure clothing.

The first question asked was "What do you think all women should have?" The answer? "A bicycle, really good underwear and a dog that you love." A woman with brains and a sense of humor who also has x-ray vision when it comes to sizing bras? She is amazing.

I asked Susie what she thinks is sexy, "Someone who is confident enough to be super silly, Sofia Vergara is off the charts." What about if you don't look like Sofia Vergara? "Everybody's got at least one thing that is fabulous, the trick is knowing where that is and how to accentuate it." Susie's favorite piece in the store right now? "The feather belts which are beautiful, silly, goofy and flirty." Don't get me wrong, there's seriously beautiful lingerie here that I haven't seen in other places. I own a bunch of pieces and they have all held up beautifully.

These ladies are pros and they make you feel comfortable enough to prance around the store in your skivvies. They're also extremely honest, if something's not working they'll tell you immediately and find something else to try on. Not all bras and panties are equal, so come with a little time to try on a few things. The stuff is so gorgeous you'll want to anyway.

Besides bras and panties, Winkworth's got half slips, cut to cup size slips, camisoles, baby dolls, nightgowns, sweaters, stockings, garters, nighties and robes, not to mention hats, bags and other lovely necessities. Ask about made to measure clothing, they're wicked with a needle and thread.

Men are more than welcome in the store, bring them along for a fun afternoon. This is where I shop, you don't find service like this often and you leave feeling sexy and gorgeous. How much fun is that?

Winkworth is located at 119 Columbia Street, between Kane and Degraw, they're closed on Mondays.

Meeting for the Planned Columbia Street Park

2012-01-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

Nearly a year ago the Regional Plan Association and Brooklyn Greenway Initiative held a visioning meeting to collect suggestions from the community for a new park on Columbia Street between Kane and Degraw. Tomorrow night Brooklyn Greenway Initiative has scheduled a report-back meeting for the planned park. Preliminary renderings will be presented and the community will be invited to comment. Visit the BGI website regarding the meeting here and RSVP.

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Time: 6:30p - 8:30p
Location: Union Street Star Theater, 101 Union Street

Thanks to the Columbia Waterfront Neighborhood Association blog for the news!

MikNic Lounge Trivia Night Tomorrow

2011-12-20T13:14:00.000-05:00

Test your trivia knowledge and challenge your neighbors at our local watering hole MikNic Lounge!

MikNic Lounge
@ 200 Columbia Street
Wednesday, December 21
8:30pm

Santa Claus is Coming to Columbia Street

2011-12-14T21:48:00.000-05:00

Santa will be paying a visit to our very own MikNic Lounge at 200 Columbia Street (at Sackett St). Santa will take photos with neighborhood kids this Saturday December 17th from 1-4pm.

By the way, I'm heading out of town for the holidays so you won't see another post from me for a while.

Happy holidays to you all!

Holiday Gifts Pop-up Shop on Columbia Street

2011-12-10T13:24:00.000-05:00

Our neighbors are hosting an arts/crafts holiday gift pop-up shop starting today!

Five Questions for Brooklyn Collective

2011-12-04T17:33:00.000-05:00

This post will be the first in a series of Columbia Waterfront local business profiles in which we ask five probing questions. Here is an interview with Brooklyn Collective co-founder Tessa Phillips. Brooklyn Collective, on Columbia Street between Union and Sackett, is a beautifully curated shop of art, jewelry, clothing and home goods, all made locally. I scored my favorite black blouse there last year, and every time I visit I see something new. More than just a shop, all the members share the rent and keep 100% percent of their profits. Here's what Tessa had to say about Brooklyn Collective and our fabulous neighborhood.

1. How did Brooklyn Collective come to be in the Columbia Waterfront District?
Rachel & I both live in the neighborhood. We met when I began selling my clothes to her other shop, Union Max in 2000. We became friends, often discussing how we loathe selling to boutiques as they tend to edit out all the good stuff! After several brainstorming sessions we came up with the Brooklyn Collective as an outlet for our work and other artists and designers in the same boat. We both love the neighborhood and really only considered Columbia Street for it's convenience (for us) knowing that the neighborhood was evolving and that we really liked the other small businesses around us.

2. What's one thing locals might not know about Brooklyn Collective?

We have grown considerably in our seven years of business, beginning with just ten artists to the current 35+ we currently house... and we plan to expand the work studio space considerably in the next couple of years offering the public a school of sorts for all types of design and art.

3. What is your favorite spot in the Columbia Waterfront?

Jalopy Theater! It's such a treasure & a very affordable place to hear incredible music!

4. What's your favorite meal in the Columbia Waterfront?

Anything & everything at Mazzat. The food is so fresh and delicious and good for you! Not to mention it is run by wonderful people.

5. Anything to add?
We feel fortunate to part of such a great community...and plan to be around a long time!

Brooklyn Collective is hosting a holiday party this Friday December 9 from 6-9pm with loads of new work plus live music, and wine. They make some nice-looking movies of their events, too! Here's a movie of Brooklyn Collective's seven year anniversary party:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzI9DbNjqNE&feature=player_embedded.

Make a visit to Brooklyn Collective for your holiday gift shopping, and you'll probably find a few gifts for yourself, too.

Join Plovgh at Dekalb Market this Saturday

2011-11-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

For those of you already missing our Urban Meadow CSA or interested in fresh, healthy food, read on:

Plovgh, an online community where farms sell their harvest directly to individuals, will host an open house on Saturday, November 26, 12-3, at Dekalb Market. Plovgh is a marketplace where members place orders from farms for pick-up in their neighborhood, and Dekalb Market is the newest pickup point in the Plovgh network.

The event is being held in conjunction with Small Business Saturday. Stop by to sign up for the Downtown Brooklyn farm pickup, get information about starting a Plovgh pickup point in your neighborhood, and meet some of the farms and other communities that are part of Plovgh.

You can find Plovgh right next to Dekalb Farm at the Willoughby Street entrance to the market.
Go to www.plovgh.com to sign up or come visit Dekalb Market to learn more. For more information, contact elizabeth@plovgh.com.

Anyone interested in starting a pickup point in our neighborhood? :)

Shop the Neighborhood for Small Business Saturday

2011-11-25T20:37:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting the small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and neighborly. You'll get expert and helpful service that you won't get in the big box stores, and you'll be keeping your money in the local economy. Neighbor-lujah!

Here is just a sampling of great shops from the District:

Drop in to Union Max to browse their eclectic mix of random bling, kitsch, postcards and more. 110 Union at Columbia.

At Brooklyn General shop fabric, yarn, notions and dry goods. Everything in the shop is 20% off tomorrow. 128 Union Street between Hicks and Columbia.

Old Brooklyn Wine and Liquor Company is a friendly place to stock up on wine and spirits for your parties and gift-giving. 145 Union between Hicks and Columbia.

At Bopkat Vintage find mid-century vintage clothing and accessories for reasonable prices. It's also a great place to find vintage Christmas ornaments and decorations this time of year. 117 Union between Columbia & Hicks.

Brooklyn Collective showcases jewelry, clothing, gifts, and home goods from an everchanging list of Brooklyn artisans. They're open Thursday to Sunday 1-8. 212 Columbia between Union and Sackett.

Don't forget these great shops further up Columbia Street:

Freebird Books is a cozy shop with an eclectic mix of books with a new emphasis on New York history and culture. 123 Columbia.

Winkworth's collection of lingerie will turn you into the adorable sex kitten you always knew you could be. Open 12-7 tomorrow. The owners encourage appointments for serious try-on sessions. 119 Columbia.

What are your favorite local shops?

Annual New York Harbor Lighted Boat Parade Saturday Night

2011-11-22T18:01:00.000-05:00

This Saturday evening, boats of all shapes and sizes will be parading in the harbor and East River for the 3rd Annual New York Harbor Lighted Boat Parade. The parade starts near Battery park at 7pm, makes its way along the Brooklyn side to the Manhattan Bridge before turning back. It looks like the best views might be from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and Pier 1 in DUMBO. Does anyone know how good the view is from Pier 6 at Atlantic Avenue?

You can register to particpate with your boat, view from shore, or buy a ticket to ride a boat in the parade.(For you boaters, North Cove Marina is offering free dockage that day for boats in the parade up to LOA 180'. Contact mike <at> thenorthcove <dot> com.)

Clayworks on Columbia Holiday Ceramic Show

2011-11-20T19:26:00.000-05:00

Over 20 local neighborhood ceramic artists are participating in the Clayworks on Columbia Holiday Ceramic Show which is part of the Citywide NY Clayfest studio tour. They are having a reception Dec 3 and 10, 1pm-5pm. Featuring handmade ceramic gifts, functional pottery, sculpture, jewelry and home decor. Enjoy hot cider, wine, cheese, sweets, and conversation.

Clayworks on Columbia

195 Columbia Street (Sacket and Degraw), Brooklyn

www.clayworksoncolumbia.org

RSVP on Facebook

Participating artists: Ruth Arberman, Olivia Barry, Jill Bell, Freddy Borges, Douglas Brooks, Elizabeth Casuccio, Demetria Chappo, Peggy Clarke, Adrienne Hecker, Karen Holt, Leslie Huang, Laura Kastin, Bonnie Levine, Lisa Lincoln, Sabina Magnus, Susan Meltzer, Deb McDermott, Tanya Olszewski and more.

Red Hook, The Local Way

2011-11-18T22:50:00.000-05:00

Red Hook photographer Tom Rupolo let me know about this new video travel guide series, The Local Way to which he contributed photos. The Red Hook video is a great introduction to neighborhood spots like The Good Fork, Fort Defiance, Brooklyn Collective and Alma. Interesting to us because at each spot they do a short interview with one of the owners.

http://nycthelocalway.com/

P.S. 29 Eat Pie & Shop festival December 4

2011-11-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

Hey neighbors! I was away for a while to get hitched, but I'm back with some news about a chance to shop for gifts from local artisans and eat PIE! Sounds like heaven to me.

Saturday, December 4

11:00am - 4:00pm

PS 29

425 Henry Street (between Baltic and Kane)

Check out details about the pie competition with celebrity judges, kids activities and toy drive at http://www.eatpieandshop.org/.

The 9th Annual Columbia Waterfront District Halloween Party and Parade!

2011-10-25T12:20:00.000-04:00

Carroll Gardens Patch

Hey kids, meet in your costumes this Sunday, October 30 at the Urban Meadow for some Halloween fun.

From the site: "There'll be treats and Urban Meadow t-shirts for sale, a costume parade led by the Underground Horns band and a fire engine from a local FDNY ladder company, hula hooping in the Meadow and more!"

Sunday 10/30 10:00 am - 12:00 noon
Urban Meadow
President St & Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY
FREE

This event is brought to you by volunteers for the Urban Meadow. Contact stephanie_cherry@gmail.com if you can help decorate/bake/volunteer in the morning.

For the grownups: Halloween Spooktacular on Saturday night

2011-10-24T11:12:00.000-04:00

Looking for some Halloween fun in the neighborhood? Miknic Lounge is throwing a Halloween bash at on Saturday. It's one of their excellent Space // Out parties with a costume contest and cash prize. They'll be spinning house, disco, new wave and Halloween favorites!

Check out the flyer here:

http://ladycreme.blogspot.com/p/upcoming-events.html

And here are the details:

Space // Out: Halloween Spooktacular!
Miknic Lounge
200 Columbia Street (between Degraw & Sackett)

Saturday, October 29

8pm

FREE

Dance in Unusual Places (Including Red Hook)

2011-10-21T12:08:00.000-04:00

Dancers perform on the grounds of Red Hook's Visitation Church. (Brooklyn Based)

Great writeup on site-specific dance performances in NYC on Brooklyn Based today: http://brooklynbased.net/email/2011/10/dancing-on-unconventional-stages/

"Shannon Hummel, artistic director of Cora Dance says that when she created Prey, the music–Richard Einhorn’s Voices of Light–called for an extreme environment."

Red Hook is getting an encore performance of Prey at the historic Visitation Church October 27 and 28. Admission by donation online.

New Hip Hop Dance Class for Boys at Cobble Hill Ballet Studio

2011-10-18T15:49:00.000-04:00

Calling all boys...
BOYS HIP HOP WITH MASON
AGE 8yrs & up

Starts this coming Friday - Oct 21st- Nov 18th
6.45-7.30pm
5 classes $75
At Cobble Hill Ballet Studio- 193 Columbia St (Sackett / Degraw)
No need to pre register, just come on by. Cash or cheque accepted
Call 347 889 7354 for more info

Designed for the young dancer to learn the fundamentals of hip-hop dance through basic choreography (beginners welcome)

The class will develop the accurate skills of a hip-hop performer with the lines strength & technique of a jazz dancer.

Class includes various stretches, warm-ups, isolations, gliding, popping, funk turns. The basic of breaking & some of the latest street-dance moves to improve dancer's freestyle in an energetic fun progressive atmosphere.

Van Brunt Night Detour Next Week and Construction Update

2011-10-14T12:38:00.000-04:00

Next week a block of Van Brunt will be closed at night for construction. Maybe this means things are moving along on the delayed street work? It's all in this update from our local Community Board District Manager Craig Hammerman. Fingers crossed they will really get things back to normal by next summer, so traffic and safety issues on Columbia Street can finally be addressed.

Greetings!

The Department of Design and Construction (DDC) has advised us of an upcoming Night Work Operation that will involve a Night Street Closure of Van Brunt Street from Union Street to President Street (Southbound traffic).

Southbound trucks on Columbia Street will be detoured onto Congress Street, then Hicks Street.

This street closure/detour will be in affect on or about Wednesday, October 19, 2011 through Wednesday, October 26, 2011, from 9:00pm to 5:00am.

NOTE: Van Brunt Street will be open to all traffic during the day and non-construction hours.

Click here for more information, or use the following link:
http://brooklyncb6.org/announcements/#1

As for the balance of the Reconstruction of Columbia Street (HWK700A) Capital project, DDC reports that they are anticipating the completion of work on the Sewer Chamber at President and Van Brunt Streets by the end of October.

Other remaining work includes: the Completion of the Sewer along Van Brunt Street (between Degraw Street and Hamilton Avenue), which should be completed by the end of December 2011.

The Completion of the Water Main along Van Brunt Street (between Degraw Street and Hamilton Avenue), which should be completed by the end of February 2012.

The Completion of Curb, Sidewalk, and Roadway surface of Van Brunt Street (between Degraw Street and Hamilton Avenue), which should be completed by the end of April 2012.

The Re-opening of Van Brunt Street, which involves the removal of the detour at Van Brunt Street/Hamilton Avenue/Summit Street and the restoration of two-way traffic along Van Brunt Street, which should occur by the end of April 2012.

Lastly, the Completion of work on Summit Street (between Columbia and Van Brunt Street), which should occur by the end of June 2012.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available to us. Please bear in mind that work schedules are susceptible to slippage due to weather, field conditions, and other variables.

Best,

Craig

Craig R. Hammerman
District ManagerBrooklyn Community Board 6

Fall Festival at the International School of Brooklyn this Saturday

2011-10-11T20:38:00.000-04:00

This Fall Festival sounds like a lot of fun...

Join us for a Fall Festival at

International School of Brooklyn

477 Court Street, corner of Nelson Street

Saturday, October 15

11 to 2 pm

Rain date is Sunday, October 16

Featuring:

Delicious food sold by the Cubana Cafe

Homemade baking by ISB parents

Several arts and crafts stations for the kids- design your own Fall felt crown, create a wooden bracelet, apple printing Fall mural, decorate Fall sugar cookies and paint a pumpkin station hosted by Barking Cat Studio

Sports & Games

Mid autumn Chinese lantern making with Lango Brooklyn

11.30 -12 pm Spanish Puppet Show with P is for Puppets

12 - 12.30 PM, Live Concert with the multicultural kids music sensation the Bilingual Birdies

1 - 2 pm, Live Bluegrass with the Wild Blue Strawberries

For more information go to www.isbrooklyn.org or call 718. 369.3023.

Book Fair at P.S. 29

2011-10-10T18:48:00.000-04:00

PS 29 on Henry Street (between Baltic and Kane) is holding a book fair. Support the school by purchasing books for the classrooms, home, and holiday gifts. For more information about PS 29 and this event visit www.ps29brooklyn.org

Monday, 10/17 through Friday 10/21,

8:30am-6:00pm

Sunday, 10/23 10:00am-4:00pm

Monday, 10/24 and Tuesday 10/25

8:30am-6:00pm

Wednesday, 10/26 8:30am-3:00pm

Blind Wine Tasting in Red Hook

2011-10-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

Friday nights Botta di Vino hosts blind wine tasting from 8:30-10. Cost is the purchase of one bottle. With live guitar, snacks, and games for a chance to win a free bottle.

Tonight, Friday October 7, 8:30-10 p.m.

botta di vino
357 Van Brunt Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
347.689.3664
www.bottadivino.net

Fall Recycling Day: Electronics, Textiles and more! October 23

2011-10-06T09:00:00.006-04:00

Wil Blanche, flickr

Inspired to do some Fall Cleaning? Here's a local and convenient place to get your old electronics, clothes, and documents recycled.

Did you know that electronics recycling in NYC is now required by law? Old computers, monitors, and other electronics must be recycled at a dedicated eWaste recycling facility.

At this event there will also be free shredding and you can learn about composting. Check the links for details.

Sun October 23, 10:00AM - 4:00 PM

Fall Recycling Day: Electronics, Textiles and more!

PS 29 Schoolyard - Baltic St. between Henry St. and Clinton St.

Public School 29 at 425 Henry Street in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn will be hosting its fall recycling day. All items collected during the day will be recycled according to the highest environmental standards.

• Old computers and electronics will be collected by Lower East Side Ecology Center, in conjunction with Cobble Hill Association. See www.lesecologycenter.org to review the list of accepted items from households.

• Computer hard drive shredding provided by eRecycleNY, PS 29 parent owned EPA compliant electronics recycling company serving the NYC area. See www.eRecycleNY.com for more information.

• Clothing rummage sale, proceeds go to PS 29 PTA. Wearable Collections will be picking up remaining clothes, as well as stained & ripped clothing, textiles & stuffed animals. www.wearablecollections.com

• Confidential Documents shredded on-site (& then recycled) for a small fee. by Time Shred Services

• Composting Workshop led by The NYC Compost Project in Brooklyn. Backyard composters will also be for sale.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/compost/compostproj.shtml

For more information, please contact us at PS29RECYCLES@gmail.com.

New Bike Shop Open in the Columbia Waterfront

2011-10-05T11:03:00.000-04:00

There's a nice writeup on our new bike shop, Dog Day Cyclery on Patch.com:

Dog Day Cyclery Fills a Void
http://carrollgardens.patch.com/articles/dog-day-cyclery-fills-a-void

"The small store has so far has been working mostly in repairs, with sales of accessories like bike lights, streamers and seats going steady. Nesbit hopes to soon sell bikes, too, and is open to discussing with customers what else they'd like to see on the shelves."

Dog Day Cyclery just opened on Van Brunt between Union and President and the owners sound like nice folks. Welcome to the neighborhood, Damien and Bill!