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Open Thread Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Open Thread Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The Open Thread Wednesday might be a little late, but assuredly, the BHB community will make up for lost time.  Comment away! (Photo: Chuck Taylor.)

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BLS graduates sue BLS

In a brief news item reported Sunday, February 5, 2012, WNYC radio discussed litigation brought against four law schools in New York State, one of which is Brooklyn Law School.  In dispute is whether the four law schools exaggerated the salaries and employment statistics of their graduates, which enticed people to attend these institutions.  Does this make an important Brooklyn Heights neighborhood institution look bad?

Another factor which makes this case noteworthy is that some of the plaintiffs are represented by attorney Jesse Strauss, former candidate for the Male District Leader of the 52nd Assembly District.  Further intriguing is that Mr. Strauss is also a graduate of Brooklyn Law School. Continue Reading →

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NYTimes looks at Appellate Division on Monroe Place

Recently, the NYTimes offered a superficial and frustrating article entitled: “A Judgeship With Prestige, and, Oh, What a Grand Room“.  The article fails to include any significant historical or architectural information about this building.  On the bright side, at least the St. Ann’s “smoking lounge” didn’t get included in the photo.  Continue Reading →

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October 28 Fireworks Reminder

This evening at 7:45 PM there will be a brief 15 min. fireworks display in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.

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House Redistricting May Hit Heights

Brooklyn Heights Congressional Map

In an online news publication called “Capital“, a description of the current redistricting fiasco was provided.  Interestingly, the question of Brooklyn Heights Congressional representation was put to Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries.  Assemblyman Jeffries is a rising political entity who has all but declared his intention to run against Rep. Edolphus Towns.

Historically, Brooklyn Heights has been within one congressional district.  Following the 2000 census, lines were redrawn and Brooklyn Heights was divided between congressional seats.  Does this amount to a dilution of our voice in Washington, or, does this give us additional clout? Continue Reading →

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Accessible Pedestrian Signals coming to Brooklyn

As reported in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, accessible pedestrian signals will be installed at a number of major intersections throughout Brooklyn to make the streets easier and safer for seniors and people with visual impairments.  Notably, many of these devices will be in the downtown Brooklyn area.  Perhaps of most relevance to the BHB community, there will be an accessible pedestrian signal installed at the corner of Court Street and Montague Street. Continue Reading →

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Steve Levin Promotes Extension of Millionaires Tax

Steve Levin Promotes Extension of Millionaires Tax

With the recent announcement of more than 6000 teaching slots being cut through layoffs and attrition, NBC nightly news spoke with Steve Levin about his proposal to extend the millionaires tax.  Given that both of these possible outcomes will affect Brooklyn Heights, which you think is better for the neighborhood?  Teacher layoffs or a millionaires tax extension?

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Marty Urges Brooklyn Built Taxi

On May 1, BP Marty Markowitz was joined by representatives from Karsan USA, elected officials and disability and transportation advocates for a press conference at Borough Hall to call for the selection of Karsan as the manufacturer of New York City’s “Taxi of Tomorrow.”   Continue Reading →

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Promenade Protection Progress

Following last Wednesday’s collision on the Promenade, a number of BHB readers were concerned about the potential hazard of the gaping hole between the bent vertical bars.  Recognizing that it would be terrible if a child fell through, BHB poster Linda called 311, which resulted in some tape being applied.  Continue Reading →

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Lost Dog: BooBoo

Reportedly, this item about a lost dog has had a sad ending. Continue Reading →

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One Pierrepont Mentioned First

In this weekend’s real estate section of the NYTimes, the ” ‘It’ Buildings of the Other Boroughs ” were considered and a noted Brooklyn Heights address was mentioned first. Continue Reading →

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Waterfront Development Part of City Vision

Although the NYTimes article entitled, New York’s Next Frontier: The Waterfront doesn’t mention Brooklyn Heights or Brooklyn Bridge Park, clearly the issues raised are relevant to our neighborhood.  Whether it is housing, transportation, education, economic development, or environmental sustainability, there is a lot at stake just a few feet away from where we live!

Not to fear, the Bloomberg Administration is putting their final touches on the Vision 2020 plan which will outline development efforts along the waterfront in NYC.  Interestingly, on the Vision 2020 website there is an interactive map with a link to information concerning waterfront development in Brooklyn Bridge Park, but it doesn’t work.  Hmmm…

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BBP promotes E-Waste Recycling Event

While it might not be spring cleaning time yet, Brooklyn Heights residents have a chance to get rid of some clutter and help the environment.

Brooklyn Bridge Park, in association with the Lower East Side Ecology Center, will hold its first electronic waste recycling event on Saturday, October 2nd from 10am – 4pm. The event is rain or shine and will take place on Pier 1, at Furman Street between Old Fulton & Doughty Streets. Residents and small businesses (under 50 employees) are invited to bring their unwanted electronics, and the following items will be accepted:  working and non-working computers (laptops, desktops, servers), monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, cables, TV’s, audio-visual electronic devices, and cell phones. Continue Reading →

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NYTimes Digs into Tunnel Issue

(edited by Qfwfq) The N.Y. Times catches on to the BQE tunnel idea, speaks with  vocal local yokel and Judi Francis‘ beau Roy Sloane:

A fourth tunnel idea that would skip Brooklyn Heights entirely has been put forward by a local graphic designer, Roy Sloane. He would bore an almost three-mile tube straight under the heart of Brooklyn, from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, below the streets of Fort Greene, Boerum Hill and Park Slope, to emerge at a spot near the southern end of Red Hook. Mr. Sloane presented the idea to state transportation officials at one of the brainstorming sessions they have scheduled every month for residents.

“Why not think big?” Mr. Sloane said. “Engineers tell me that the most elegant solution to any problem is a straight line.”

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Breaking News: Otis Found!

I am pleased to report that the formerly lost Otis, has been found!  As only a cat can do, Otis decided to go into a part of the carriage house that no one ever enters.  Other than being a little skinny, Otis is perfectly okay and is very happy to be back with his parents.

Thank you everyone in the BHB community for keeping a keen eye.  Now if we can just find some cooler weather, things would be great!

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