Open Thread: Who Should Make the BHB Ten 2012?

By on December 17, 2012 9:50 pm in Brooklyn Heights

Each year, we look to you the BHB Reader to help us create a list of the top 10 most influential and interesting people in Brooklyn Heights. While we focus on residents of our neighborhood, folks who have had a strong influence on the area may also be considered. So, who would you like to see on this year’s BHB Ten?

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  • MonroeOrange

    Not a person but certainly a great heights institution, Mr Video III! And they got a shout out on Jimmy Kimmel

    http://tinyurl.com/cm6ptdo

  • http://selfabsorbedboomer.blogspot.com Claude Scales

    MTA Chair, Heights resident, and possible future mayor Joe Lhota.

    Craig Whitney, Heights resident, retired NY Times editor, and author of the timely Living With Guns–A Liberal’s Case for the Second Amendment.

  • Cattatui

    I hereby nominate the ghost of BeeBop. He ate the food at Great Wall. And now he is a ghost.

  • GHB

    Gerry!

  • Knight

    I join Claude in nominating Joe Lhota, but I cringe at the idea of Lhota for Mayor in 2013 … only because the MTA needs to keep a competent Chairperson for more than a few months. Let’s be honest: it’s not too often we get that gift!

  • Gerry

    @ GHB – I am humbled by this nomination and will do my best to continue effortsall of to enhance humanity, mankind, etc.

    Thank you so much for this honor!

  • Jorale-man

    I’d nominate Nate Silver, whose data-driven approach to polling analysis was an important part of understanding the outcome of this year’s presidential election. His 538 blog is also a consistently compelling read – continuing a tradition of writers and thinkers who have lived in the Heights in the past.

  • http://Socioqueen Heather

    I agree with MonroeOrange, Mr Video or Heights of Video as it is now named, is an institution to our nabe. It’s owner, Rafael Perez, grew up in the heights and in his early 30s took over the store for all of us to still be able to hold videos and DVDs in our hands – read the boxes – and see one another in person and ask how we are doing. Imagine that in this day and age. Definitely our Video Store! Who can say that anymore? We are fortunate to have this institution and Raf Perez in our community keeping us all entertained for 25 years.

  • Dad in the Heights

    Surely Nate Silver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FiveThirtyEight#Recognition_and_awards). I’d also love to give a shout out to Sammy who runs the pet store on Montague Street. His cheery spirit and gentle soul makes my life in the Heights a little better week in week out.

  • Concord Village Resident

    Definitely agree: Sammy at Pet’s Emporium, Mr. Video III and I’d like to add David Yassky.

  • Gerry

    Judy Willig,Executive Director of Heights and Hill has been a tremendous asset to our community for decades.

  • Ghost’s Ghost’s Cat

    Yes, Nate Silver. And maybe also Ron Chernow – his Washington book was last year, but damn he’s great.

  • http://www.flashlightworthybooks.com Flashlight Worthy

    I’ll throw in votes for Nate Silver and Sammy from the pet store on Montague Street. He was invaluable in tending to our ailing dog last Soring.

    I’d also mention Regina Myer of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corp and Nancy Webster and Nancy Bowe of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy — all 3 have worked tirelessly to do everything from opening new soccer fields to bring us free movies to run educational programs for thousands of NYC school children. (Disclosure — I’m on the board of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.)

    Also, Rachel and Sala, the owners of Iris Cafe (now with dinner service), Iris Takeaway (a great addition) and soon a new bar on the Heights side of Atlantic.

  • Jo Ann

    SAMMY!

  • GHB

    I vote for Sahmi. He was very generous when it came to getting supplies out to help canine and feline victims of Sandy

  • Jorale-man

    @Claude you may be right about the mayor part. The NY Times is reporting that he just stepped down from the MTA in order to announce a run for mayor later this week. We shall see…

  • Jorale-man

    PS – I’m referring to Joe Lhota.

  • http://Socioqueen Heather

    Judy Willig of Heights and Hills is truly a thankless wonder as well, agreed. Raf Perez of Mr Video III also have my votes.

  • Wiley E.

    How about a ten least influential cast? I’d put the ghost of Bee Bop and Yes-sky at the top of the list. Closely followed by the 10-cents or a quarter guy on Court Street.

  • Naomi

    I also nominate Sammy at Pet Emporium. His friendliness and ever presence on Montague always brighten my day.

  • Moni

    Hope Lhota says with the MTA. I’d be leery of any mayoral candidate recommended by Giuliani. If he’d had his way, Bernie Kerig would be in charge of keeping the homeland safe, heaven forfend.

  • http://selfabsorbedboomer.blogspot.com Claude Scales

    Two more last minute nominations: Jane McGroarty, architect and former BHA president, who was the driving force in overcoming bureaucratic inertia and getting improved pedestrian crossing signals and safeguards for the approach to Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park, as well as being a volunteer on many community projects; and Charlie Sahadi, whose expanded store has boosted the revitalization of Atlantic avenue, and who has been a great asset to the Heights for many years.

  • Knight

    I would also nominate recently deceased Dr. Frank Macchiarola — Chancellor and past-President of Saint Francis College on Remsen Street. Under Dr. Macchiarola’s leadership between 1996 and 2008, the college grew considerably in both its student body and its reputation, helping to make Brooklyn Heights an academic destination amongst its many other reasons for coming here.

  • Dibs

    How about the guy with the controversial hot dog cart?

  • bklyn20

    Sahmi, Sahmi, Sahmi!

    Can that count as 3 votes?

  • Gerry

    @ GHB – Again I am humbled by this honor…….and I will do my best to continue to contribite to all of humanity man-kind at large making the world a better place for ALL – even Mr. Crusty.

  • BHMommy

    I think Sami would be so touched and honored to be chosen. He is such a kind, wonderful man.

    Other nicest people in the neighborhood are Trevor, the doorman at 60 Remsen Street and Zach from Hollar and Squall.

  • Marmac

    I have to meet this Sahmi!

    How about Donald Rattner, founder and owner of Module R on Atlantic? The best new business in the nabe in my opinion.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/08/garden/module-r-opens-in-brooklyn.html?_r=0

    Also, love or hate her and her show, you can’t deny the influence and hype of Lena Dunham.

  • Still Here

    I second the nominations of Regina Myer, Nancy Webster, Nancy Bowe, and Jane McGroarty.

  • lori

    Henrik Krogius, retiring editor of the Brooklyn Heights Press, author of the book detailing the history of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

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