Open Thread Wednesday

50 years ago this summer, Brooklyn Heights residents were fighting a mysterious bill floating around Albany to redevelop Atlantic Avenue.

nytimes.com/1970/04/05/archives/atlantic-avenue-renewal-stirs-dispute-in-brooklyn-state-senate-bill.html

Its main purpose, the sponsors say, is to attract mortgage investments for deteriorating housing in the area.

However, residents, in the landmark areas at the western end of the avenue fear that the plan is a mask for building a cross-Brooklyn expressway through their homes.

As originally drafted, the bill would have created a 29‐member authority having exclusive control over demolition, construction, rehabilitation and transportation access in a five‐mile swath across Brooklyn from New York Harbor to the Interboro Parkway.

Joining the fight were residents of the new Cobble Hill Historic district established just that year. The brownstoners’ objections quickly scuttled the bill

https://www.nytimes.com/1970/04/09/archives/atlantic-ave-bill-is-dead-for-now.html

The bill provoked neighborhood groups to support a new zoning plan for Atlantic Ave just four years later

The preservation district would extend from Court Street to Fourth Avenue and would impose controls on the height and bulk of any new building erected along the avenue. It would also require that any exterior remodeling be in keeping with the present scale and proportion of building facades, most of which are three or four stories high. Store signs, for example, would be regulated as to size, color and location.

nytimes.com/1974/06/16/archives/atlantic-ave-zoning-plan-backed-at-public-hearing.html

After I paid some bills today, I was walking on Middagh and Pineapple Streets, and suddenly noticed a whole bunch of dragonflies, mostly perched on the points on fences, but a large one flying around on Pineapple.

I’m a big fan of dragonflies, and am wondering: are there bodies of water nearby that I don’t know about (in backyards, say) or what?

Here’s a photo I took of one at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden:
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/ae67ed9f4365aa77380839142c29a2d84941a850f805bee847b2d019fcee14d5.jpg

Noticed lots of dragonflies down in BBP over the last week or so.

Bar Tabac has had its liquor License revoked for coronavirus violations.

https://abc7ny.com/6343884/

“On July 24th, investigators with the state’s multi-agency task force observed seven employees without facial coverings, including the premises’ manager, a bartender, the host, and four members of the kitchen staff. The licensee was well aware of the requirements, with prior violations of the Governor’s Executive Orders in June. On Thursday, employees said they were unaware the State Liquor Authority was about to shut them down.“

Heads up. I was at Pier 6 water lab with my son and our friends yesterday and literally 90% of the people were not wearing masks in a space where social distancing is virtually impossible. We all know little kids can be asymptomatic vectors and they play on top of each other at the water lab. It was disappointing to say the least. Also, the Pier 2 uplands was far less crowded but most people weren’t wearing masks there either. Lots of little ones under 3. There’s also ZERO shade. I’ve written to the Park leadership asking why there isn’t a stronger policy, clear signage or oversight. BPP needs to do better, especially because families come from all over Brooklyn to beat the heat. I’ll let you know what I hear back.

I cheer them on; they eat mosquitoes and are beautiful to behold.

I generally liked Bar Tabac, good food and drinks. However, I found one of the managers to be quite abrasive with an “I don’t care” attitude. That don’t fly in Covid times.

It is quite possible that the wetlands constructed in BBP are the source of the increased number of dragonflies in the Heights. Hooray for wetlands!

“Odonata are considered to be good indicators of environmental health and water quality because all the species within this order are dependent on water for the development of their pre-adult stages”

Dragonflies as indicators of aquatic ecosystem health

Ferdinand C. de MoorI

Posted 6 hours and no admonishment from BHMike? He’s slipping!

I just read that five minutes ago. It doesn’t say should not wear a mask-just that it may become difficult to breathe. Most people can breathe just fine with a wet cloth mask. The paper ones lose their electrostatic charge but that’s not the case with cloth. There’s also plastic face shields which aren’t in fashion but would do the trick. It’s just frustrating because we all locked down as best we could for months and in my mind there is no way people aren’t going to get sick. I don’t see how kids can go back to school either if no one distances or wears a mask. Regardless of individuals’ actions, the Park should be doing a better job of monitoring activities. And based on my response from Steve Levin’s office BBP should be doing A LOT MORE than they are currently doing. Levin’s office has received several complaints in addition to mine.

Jorale-man, it is disconcerting to hear you say that. We both know it is an incredible park and we are fortunate to live close enough to enjoy. Maybe you can just go earlier in the morning and pass on weekends.

I was by there several days ago when workers were leaving for the night. The guy in charge told me they will really, truly, honestly be open in a few months.

I’ll believe it when I see it.

Montague Street from Clinton to Pierrepont Place will be closed on weekends to become a “Dining Street.”

The article on Eater NY states, “The … schedule for outdoor dining runs from 5 – 11 p.m. on Fridays, and from noon – 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.”

Full article is here:

https://tinyurl.com/yy7ltju5

Um, That’s a bit dark, Andrew…

Gothamist reports that Montague from Clinton to the Promenade will now be designated for outdoor dining.
https://gothamist.com/food/nyc-announces-15-more-open-restaurant-locations-outdoor-dining

Too bad Teresa’s couldn’t survive long enough to enjoy the benefits, such as they are.