Despite City Council approval February 1 of the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District, which designated 21 buildings along Court Street as a new landmark district, the debate continues in an Op-Ed He Said/He Said piece in the Brooklyn Courier. Commentary is offered from supporter Philip Magnuson, chair of the Brooklyn Heights Assn. Landmark Preservation Committee; and opponent Steven Spinola, president of the Real Estate Board of New York.

Read both pieces in their entirety here, with edited highlights below…

Philip Magnuson
The Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District, with the splendid Greek Revival Borough Hall and North Plaza at its focus, is figuratively and functionally the urban center of Brooklyn, located at the civic, business, education and transportation hub of the borough. It is the interface of the vibrant neighborhoods of Metrotech, Fulton/Downtown, Court Street and Brooklyn Heights. They all share the new district as a historic core and a distinctly Brooklyn’s “Town Square.”

This historic district is on its way to cohesion and vitality. Also, like so many inner city districts now returning to robustness, it is rich with a varied, significant and potentially endangered architectural context. The assemblage of important, large-scale, early 20th century skyscrapers along Court Street, each with its own exuberant historical style, embrace a richness and scale befitting the official and commercial heart of Brooklyn. The skyscrapers play a significant role in defining the singular quality of this area.

The designation of the Court Street skyscrapers is a timely step in recollecting, acknowledging and preserving Brooklyn’s urban richness. We believe the Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District will safeguard and support the present and future renaissance of this unique neighborhood.

Steven Spinola
The creation of a Downtown Brooklyn Skyscraper Historic District is unwarranted and would add burdensome costs for local property owners and retail tenants. The Real Estate Board of New York believes there is no need to create a special historic district in this area of Downtown. In fact, the report of the Landmarks Preservation Commission notes that several of these buildings have no distinctive architectural style worth protecting and have undergone numerous renovations over the decades.

More troubling, creating a special historic district would impose millions of dollars of additional costs on existing property owners and retail tenants. Once an area is landmarked, significant added costs (are) attached to property improvements; one must acquire additional city approvals and it takes longer to secure such approvals, and all improvements are subject to review.

Many require further review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which often requires plans to be redone and certain materials to be used, which adds time and cost to any renovation. These delays often result in massive losses for retailers and landlords because space sits empty while awaiting commission approval.

The commercial office market on Court Street is already suffering with a 17% vacancy rate. The landmark designation will impose an additional tax on such space, making it more difficult to rent and provide less incentive to upgrade. This proposal will harm rather than help the properties in this district.

The beautifully historic but long-suffering Romanesque revival Offerman Building along Fulton Street Mall is at last getting the facelift it so deserves. As H&M continues its new-construction two-story glass modernist build-out next door, TJ Maxx will open a downtown Brooklyn store at 505 Fulton Street, according to signage that appeared within the last week.

Imagine Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani having presence on Fulton Street (albeit last season). This long-promised renaissance may well take hold, after all, as developer United American Land has its eye on fully developing the block at Fulton and Bridge Street, after demolishing the Offerman annex to build H&M.

Meanwhile, downtown Brooklyn’s City Point up the block continues to take shape, first comprising a four-story 50,000 sf retail building on Albee Square across from the landmarked Dime Savings Bank building. In all, that project intends to encompass 1.5 million square feet of retail and residential.

The Offerman Building’s upper floors are rumored to be going residential, so it appears a full reno is forthcoming. The handsome structure was built in 1890 by Henry Offerman, at the time one of the tallest buildings in Brooklyn. It is best known as the location of Martin’s department store, which ushered other major retailers to the area, including A.I. Namm & Son Department Store and Abraham & Straus (today, Macy’s).

Read a full history of the building on The Smoking Nun blog here.

Morton’s The Steakhouse at 339 Adams Street (next to the Brooklyn Marriott) has shuttered, due to “shifting demographics.” The national steakhouse chain was purchased by hospitality company Landry’s Feb. 1; hours later, the company closed down the high-end eatery and stripped off its signage.

The Real Deal reports that Landry’s is also closing the Morton’s in West Palm Beach, for similar reasons. Perhaps also explaining the Brooklyn eatery’s demise, Landry’s VP of marketing Kris Guthrie said, “Over time, demographics shift, and so do the areas in which businesses thrive. It’s because of this that we must close the Morton’s location in Palm Beach.”

Landry’s also owns steakhouse chain McCormick & Schmick’s. Perhaps they were intimidated by the new Shake Shack that opened steps away on Fulton Street?

Thanks to “Nancy,” who tipped BHB in last Wednesday’s Open Thread.

(Photo: The Real Deal)

Stepping outside the borders of Brooklyn Heights in search of a wickedly delicious heap of Sliders & fries—and most important, free soda refills—has led me more than once to the dirty, decadent, painfully slow-moving White Castle at 29 Willoughby Street (between Pearl and Jay streets just off Fulton Mall). Well, no more: Sadly, the joint has shuttered.

Within a block, construction continues on the oddball Willoughby urban park, to the left of the new Shake Shack, which may explain why the Castle has been dethroned. And yet the check-cashing biz remains next door. Oh, sigh.

The piece goes on, “No one has claim to freeze New York’s ever-changing silhouette” and claims that the buildings’ “demolition and replacement would, frankly, be quite beautifying. Here is a landmark case of abusing the landmarking process.”

Key endorsements for the landmark designation—which runs along Court Street, from Montague four blocks south to Livingston—were voiced by the council’s Subcommittee on Planning, along with Councilman Stephen Levin, who represents the area.

In a joint statement with Councilman Brad Lander, who heads the subcommittee, Levin said, “After close consideration, we believe this new historic district will strengthen the character of Downtown Brooklyn, allowing for new development and growth like the new retail space planned for the Municipal Building [next to Borough Hall] while preserving the graceful, historic, early-generation skyscrapers that make it Brooklyn’s civic center.”

Lander and Levin added that they intend to ask the city to ease rules for storefronts and work with Livingston Street residents “without imposing hardships on co-operators.”

The district was first proposed to the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2010 by the Brooklyn Heights Assn. and other preservation groups and since, has fostered snarky opposition from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Law School, Court-Livingston-Schermerhorn Business Improvement District and similar groups.

Once again, REBNY president Steven Spinola tore the initiative to pieces in a New York Post article today: “Not only is this an inappropriate use of landmark designation, but it will end up costing the city much-needed tax revenue and jobs. This is another case of the city landmarking away its economic future.” As well, in a direct mail campaign blanketing the neighborhood, REBNY claimed, “In these economic times, when every dollar counts, landmarking threatens to send Court Street back to the ‘bad old days’ of empty storefronts and dirty streets.”

City officials refute that the designation only sets guidelines overseen by Landmarks to ensure that construction blends with the neighborhood.

The Real Estate Board of New York is amping its drive to derail the still-tentative landmarking of 21 buildings in downtown Brooklyn, by sending out a mailing to thousands of area residents urging them to bend City Council’s ear against the newly proposed historic district. In addition, on Friday, REBNY sent a letter to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn urging the Council to rethink the decision.

All landmarked districts require final approval from the City Council and mayor within 120 days. The Council vote is slated for Feb. 1, with two hearings scheduled next week.

Preservationists had claimed victory last September when the Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously approved the “Borough Hall Skyscraper Historic District,” a cluster of highrises built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries along Court Street and the corners of Joralemon, Remsen and Montague Streets around the already landmarked Borough Hall. Commission Chairman Robert B. Tierney noted then that “the buildings had a central role in Brooklyn’s development and illustrate an important chapter of New York City’s history.”

But a number of property owners, local landlords and developers were vehemently opposed, claiming it would drive up costs and impede retail redevelopment. Mike Slattery, SVP of the Real Estate Board of New York, sneered in September that the buildings “have little architectural and historic significance and distinction.”

In an article published in Crain’s Business New York January 18, Steve Spinola, president of REBNY, further belittled the district: “The city continues to landmark away its economic future. We want the people in the area to know landmarking will cause a lack of investment in buildings.”

Detractors argue that the designation puts a financial burden on landlords, who have to obtain additional permits and pay extra fees for any changes or upgrades on their properties. REBNY surveyed owners of roughly 750,000 square feet of space within the proposed historic district, and predicted property owners and retail tenants will incur $4.7 million in additional costs over the next several years as a result of landmark regulations and rules, according to the letter obtained by Crain’s.

“Some owners were prepared to make an investment in their buildings, but now they have a noose around their neck because it will cost them more money,” added Spinola.

Brooklyn Heights Assn. president Judy Stanton has stated that the landmark designation “is necessary to protect those buildings from being torn down—it does not prevent redevelopment. It has been a longstanding regret we did not get a district sooner.”

A report by Nancy Packes, a consultant to city developers, says, “Brooklyn has in the early planning stages as many as 14,000 new residential units, compared with Manhattan, where just 5,000 new units are in the planning phase.”

The article focuses on downtown Brooklyn and the Williamsburg waterfront, but mentions 30 Henry Street, “a low-rise project in Brooklyn Heights with full-floor units designed to emulate townhouses.”

The Packes study also insinuates that because a high percentage of Brooklyn residents are “tech or creative workers” (34%), they are more likely to “gravitate toward simple, tasteful new construction at lower price points and away from modern towers loaded with amenities.”

Citi Habitats broker Anthony Dellecave noted in the story, “That charming brownstone feel is what people like about Brooklyn. From a developer’s perspective, I’d stay away from the modern luxury high-rise and focus on old-world charm and prewar character.”

Adds Packes, “The idea of luxury may finally be finished, at least to these emerging neighborhoods.”

Last night, DOE answered the calls of the community and formally proposed the expansion of P.S. 8 to include a middle school.

For months, I’ve worked with parents, P.S. 8 faculty, DOE, Assemblymember Millman and Councilmember Levin to make this proposal a reality.

Providing our community with a high quality middle school is critical to continuing the success of P.S. 8. I urge quick approval of this proposal to get the middle school up and running by next school year and ensure that our kids get the the quality education they deserve.

I make no bones about my love of Shake Shack—yes, the lines are long, but I will happily endure for their burgers. I even missed the first pitch thrown at Citi Field because I was waiting for a Shake Shack Burger. And I’d do it again. Especially because what have the Mets done for me lately?

Having said that, I completely forgot about Opening Day of Downtown Brooklyn’s Shake Shack until I saw Councilman Stephen Levin’s pics of the Burger Summit on his Facebook page. I was out of my apartment faster than you can say, “But what about the blotter, Heather?”

My friend Colleen (aka @grrlgenius) came with me. Pics after the jump.

Here’s the Burger Summit I was telling you about. (Photo courtesy Stephen Levin.)

This action shot is of Colleen opting for a healthier alternative to a burger—custard. At least, I think it’s a custard. It’s called a Concrete, and this one is named “Borough Precedent” after guess who? (I’ll give you one guess.) It has fruit in it so that’s healthy. Also granola. Because what says Marty Markowitz more than fruit and nuts? (oops, I just gave away the answer.)

I went for the classic Shack Burger—burger, lettuce, ShackSauce, and good ol’ American cheese. But hold the tomatoes because I hate those things. Also had fries and a yummy Black & White shake. I highly recommend pairing fries with a shake.

But aside from the great food (and quick wait—you get one of those vibrating things that alert you when your order is ready. Like in Olive Garden! Without the guilt of going to Olive Garden!) the service was terrific. I feel like the dining experience in New York leaves a lot to be desired, and one tends to expect even less at a fast food joint. But the employees were friendly, and after Colleen and I were finished, one offered to take our tray and asked how we liked everything. And seemed like she actually cared!

Who knows if the glory will last but for one brief shining moment, here in Downtown Brooklyn, there was … well, not Camelot. More like Fun Land. Which is even better.

Good-bye, Fun Land! Until tomorrow!

Some more pics:

People find love at Shake Shack.

I, however, love that stainless steel.

The interior is almost unrecognizable from the way it was as Tony’s Pizza.

And here’s your change. So long!

[They posted the menu outside, but there was too much glare, so I've posted the menu from their site. Shake Shack Menu]

Shake Shack [409 Fulton Street] has arrived and not a moment too soon for this writer. Before locating on Fulton and Adams, I had to trek to Battery Park City to get my Double Burger with French Fries (100% free of artificial trans-fats and made from Yukon Gold potatoes, 25% less fat than average fries) and chocolate Hand-Spun shake eaten with a spoon. Yes, these shakes are thick enough to be eaten with a spoon and every spoonful is delectable. Shake Shake doesn’t come cheap though. A burger, fries and shake will cost close to $20 but it is worth every penny.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Mayor Mike Bloomberg and others were on hand for today’s opening. Video after the jump.

Check out Shake Shack calorie counts here [PDF] (via @MaryHartleyRD)

Shake Shake will soon be followed by Panera Bread (coffee shop/café) in March, Sugar and Plumm (restaurant ice cream parlor), and American BBQ and Beer Company in Fall 2012.

All these new restaurants will be in close proximity on Adams Street on the western entrance to the Fulton Mall. These restaurants have two things in common, 1) they all represent quality and 2) they all are guaranteed to add to your calorie count with burgers, quality breads, desserts, beer and BBQ.

In conclusion, though not formally in the confines Brooklyn Heights, they are all close enough for all to enjoy.

Added note, considering your potential caloric intake after visiting these scrumptious eateries, the additional walk may prove advantageous.

Enjoy, I know I will.

And while we’re very excited to see Shake Shake and the others come to Downtown Brooklyn, we’ve lost Seasons in the North Heights this week.

BHB reader “Anna” writes:

Looks like the Shake Shack on Fulton Mall opening is imminent. Just walked by a little while ago — the “art project wall” is down and the menu is up. Peaked through a tear in the brown paper covering the glass windows and it looks all shiny and 95% read to go – plus quite a few people scurrying around looking very busy. Per an article in the NY Post, they are slated to open on Tuesday, but there is no announcement on the Shake Shack site.

That NY Post piece by Rich Calder bangs the drum about Downtown Brooklyn becoming a foodie heaven. Now before you scoff, gufaw or chuckle behold this passage:

NY Post: Also on deck is The Marrow, a new German/Italian restaurant by chef Harold Dieterle of “Top Chef” fame, slated to open in March at 231 Duffield Street, in a new hotel aptly called Hotel 718.

Check out the full list of eateries coming to Downtown Brooklyn (DoBro anyone?) here.

In Brooklyn, the intersections to get these devices will be:
• The Adams Street Pedestrian Crossing, mid-block between Fulton and Johnson streets.
• Nevins and Fulton streets at Flatbush Avenue, the eastern end of the busy Fulton Mall.
• Adams Street/Boerum Place and Livingston Streets, another very wide intersection.
• Adams Street and Atlantic Avenue.
• Bedford Avenue between Avenue I and Campus Road, near Brooklyn College.
• Court and Montague streets, a high-volume intersection near the courthouse complex.
• Adams and Fulton Streets, the western end of the Fulton Mall.

Clustered along Court Street and the corners of Joralemon, Remsen and Montague Streets around the already landmarked Borough Hall, the majority of Romanesque Revival and Beaux-Arts buildings were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Still, a number of property owners and developers raised sand over the designation, claiming it would drive up costs and impede retail redevelopment. Mike Slattery, SVP of the Real Estate Board of New York, actually said with a straight face that the highrises “have little architectural and historic significance and distinction.”

The landmarks designation has been in the works for five years, after nearby St. Francis College demolished its elegant 19th-century McGarry Library. “It has been a longstanding regret we did not get a district sooner,” said Brooklyn Heights Assn. president Judy Stanton. “(This) is necessary to protect those buildings from being torn down—it does not prevent redevelopment.”

Commission Chairman Robert B. Tierney noted in the press that “The cluster of tall office buildings that form the district had a central role in Brooklyn’s development and illustrate an important chapter of New York City’s history. These skyscrapers of their day gave Brooklyn not only a commercial heart, but also a new skyline.”

The newly designated buildings include the Franklin Building at 186 Remsen Street, completed in 1887; the 13-story Temple Bar Building at 44 Court Street; a 22-story limestone, granite and brick Colonial Revival style building at 32 Court Street; the 35-story Montague-Court Building; as well as three buildings of at least 30 stories along Court Street, once the borough’s definitive skyscraper row.

In addition, the 32-story coop at 75 Livingston Street is now landmarked, whose board was among those claiming its costs would skyrocket. Considering that the building boasts maintenance in the $3,000s, perhaps they accomplished that before Landmarks came calling.

The City Planning Commission and the City Council must grant final approval within the next 120 days.

Michael Lewis

Police say that this man, 22-year-old Michael Lewis, approached a 5-year-old girl on DeKalb Ave. near Flatbush Ave. Extension yesterday around 5:00 p.m., reaching under her skirt and biting her ear.  Lewis, of no known fixed address, then fled the scene, according to the NYPD report. He is described as being 5’10″, 165 pounds, and with distinctive tattoos on his face and neck.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS. People can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES), then entering TIP577.

Though Engine 205 is in danger of closing, Ladder 118 will remain at the Middagh St. location. If you’re not sure what that means, read the comments section here for an explanation courtesy of our own weegee.

Video of the rally after the jump.

Population explosion—especially in DUMBO— and the danger a lack of manpower would pose to both residents and firefighters were just a couple of concerns cited by those who spoke, including State Sen. Daniel Squadron, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, City Councilman Steve Levin, Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio and Borough President Marty Markowitz.

In the video you’ll hear Edward Bowles and John Kelly of the Uniformed Firefighters Association, Jane McGroarty of the Brooklyn Heights Association, and Steve Buscemi, former firefighter from Engine 55.

Though there were concerns that a 1 p.m. start would mean poor attendance, residents of all ages—including young protesters from P.S. 8, who showed up with posters and chutzpah—joined firefighters from across the city who rallied for the cause. At the end of the clip, a self-described “camera-shy” Buscemi told me he was going to a rally for Engine 220 this evening in Park Slope.

While the potential factory will not be in Brooklyn Heights, we thought that folks might have some thoughts on which if any of the new cars should be selected.

Karsan is pledging to locate a manufacturing facility at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park, potentially bringing hundreds of new jobs to Brooklyn. A prototype of Karsan’s entry in the “Taxi of Tomorrow” competition—the V1—was also be on display in Borough Hall/Columbus Park Plaza.

Police Officer Alain Schaberger. NYPD Photo.

Police Officer Alain Schaberger, 42, assigned to the 84th Precinct, lost his life early this morning after being pushed over the railing of a stairwell by a suspect at 45 St. Marks Pl.  Police say that Schaberger responded to a 911 call at 334 Bergen St. at 4:22 this morning in which a woman reported her boyfriend, George Villanueva, had threatened to kill her before he fled to his residence on St. Marks Pl.  Officers responded to Villanueva’s residence, where they led him down the front stoop to have the victim identify him.  Villanueva began struggling with the officers, and Schaberger was pushed over the railing.

“Officer Schaberger fell approximately nine feet, striking his head on cement and landing feet up.  He had a gash on the left side of his head, his neck was broken,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.  He was taken to Lutheran Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Daily News reports Schaberger was a well-respected member of the department, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Commissioner Kelly said that Villanueva was the subject of 12 prior domestic complaints, and has 28 prior arrests for robbery and burglary.  His last stint in state prison ended in 2005.

UPDATE:  George Villanueva has been charged with Murder 1: Police Officer, Aggravated Murder of a Police Officer, Criminal Contempt of Court 1, and Assault 3.

The Brooklyn Paper Rotary Club — the service-oriented, weekly meeting groups that pepper the prairie and warm the heartland — just started a chapter for Brooklyn Heights, and the group’s president, Vivian Hardison, is betting that Rotary’s small-town traditions still have a place, even in a cutting-edge, self-obsessed borough.

Are we too cutting-edge and self-obsessed for the volunteer spirit of a Rotary Club? Don’t ask me, I’m off to get a mani-pedi. The group meets at the Marriott Thursdays at 12:15; for more information call 917-804-0797.

No, I’m not referring to those controversial blue lights on Montague Street trees. I’m talking Chanukah menorahs and Christmas trees. Tonight is the first night of Chanukah, and the big menorah (see photo for a Manhattan version) is up in Columbus Park, near Montague and Court streets. Candle lightings will take place from tonight at sundown through December 8. Tomorrow, December 2, Borough President Marty Markowitz will be there at 5:30 p.m. for the festivities. There’s also a menorah at the Montague Street entrance to the Promenade.

The date for the Promenade Christmas tree lighting and caroling has yet to be announced; we expect to have it soon and will update this post. The big holiday tree at Borough Hall will be lit at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7. The following evening, Wednesday, December 8, from 6:00 to 7:00 there will be a tree lighting in the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO; more details are on DumboNYC.
Photo: NYC Parks Department

Flickr photo by laughing squid

The New York Observer confirms today that the uber-trendy Shake Shack will be coming to the Fulton Mall.  Tabloid reports last week claimed it was a done deal, but Shack’s flack issued a non-denial denial.  Now that it’s reality, does this mean the rise of tony shops for the strip and the death of tube sock merchants?  Only time will tell.

Brooklyn Beep Markowitz and Shack owner Danny Meyer held a press conference to announce the deal this afternoon.  Photo and press release after the jump.

Photo by Kathryn Kirk In photo (left to right): Rob Walsh, commissioner, New York City Department of Small Business Services; Danny Meyer, CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group; David Swinghamer, CEO, Shake Shack; BP Markowitz; Randy Garutti, COO, Shake Shack; Joe Chan, president, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

Press Release: On Tuesday, November 9, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined restaurateur Danny Meyer, New York City Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and Downtown Brooklyn Partnership President Joe Chan to announce that Shake Shake is coming to Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn. Also representing Shake Shack were CEO David Swinghamer and COO Randy Garutti (full press release below).

“Bravo to Shake Shack for finally hitting the big time in Brooklyn, further solidifying our status as one of America’s premier culinary destinations,” said BP Markowitz. “After years of pitching Danny Meyer, I am thrilled he is bringing his legendary burgers, flat-top dogs and frozen custard to Downtown Brooklyn, right in the heart of our new 24/7 live-work city center and its diverse retail, new hotels and expanding arts and cultural corridor. Soon, you will be able to walk the “beefed up” Fulton Mall and get a ShackBurger, do some shopping and finish off with a cheesecake from Junior’s—plus everything in between.”

But alas, an e-mail from their spokesperson Theresa Mullen was decidedly ambiguous:

We feel extremely fortunate for the great interest in Shake Shack. As you may be aware, we have openly expressed our intention to bring Shake Shack to compelling sites in great neighborhoods. As such, rumors often circulate about potential openings. We have decided not to comment on any of these rumors until we have something concrete to share. At this time we are focusing our efforts on the operations of our existing Shacks, as well as three new Shacks slated to open in 2011: Washington, DC, Battery Park City and Westport, CT.

What do you think? Should Shake Shack make the trip over the bridge to Brooklyn?

Notification issued on 10/29/2010 at 12:55 PM. Due to law enforcement activity, 4 Metro Tech has been evacuated. Flatbush Avenue Extension between Tillary Street and Willoughby Street is closed. Expect traffic congestion in the area.

Update: The evacuation appears to have been because of a suspicious package delivered to the Chase Bank branch at Four Metro Tech. The package has been checked and cleared. Flatbush Avenue Extension has been reopened.

This just in from BHB tipster “CB”:

According to the Mgr, the “Z-7 Caffe” opened today in the old frozen yogurt space.  Emphasis seems to be on pastries and baked goods, but the menu covers a full line of breakfast entrees,as well as soups, sandwiches and some Greek items. Sort of a diner, but without the seating (only a few tables).

The Brooklyn Paper: Community Board 2 on Monday shot down a proposal to build a pooch pen somewhere in the booming residential neighborhood — in part because the area already has a few open spaces, but also because all those new Downtown residents need to wait their turn.

“Boerum Hill has been waiting for a dog run for more than 20 years?” said Parks Committee member Mary Goodman. “Why do we have to cater to all the new people and their dogs coming in?”

Update: Read Matthew Parker’s and Mary Goodman’s comments on this post for a different perspective on CB2′s position and on Ms. Goodman’s remarks at yesterday’s meeting.

The New York Post: The Metro Tech Business Improvement District is pushing for a dog run in Downtown Brooklyn, saying a massive influx of thousands of new residents to a neighborhood historically dominated by office towers has created a new dilemma — the arrival of plenty of pooches who need to be walked.
“This is obviously a quality of life issue we’ve never had to deal with before,” said Michael Weiss, the BID’s executive director. “We’re finding that people are looking for places to walk their dogs because some buildings have restrictions.”

Two sites under consideration are a portion of McLaughlin Park, at Jay and Tillary streets, and a triangular city-owned parcel at Flatbush and Myrtle avenues. The meeting is at Brooklyn Hospital, 121 DeKalb Avenue, Dining rooms A & B, starting at 6:00 pm.

Comedian Sarah Silverman made an appearance at soggy Brooklyn Book Festival, and true to form showed off a bit of bathroom humor:

RT @cvbryant: @SarahKSilverman just walked out of the men’s bathroom at #bkbf… Oh Sarah!

More celeb photos and twitter updates after the jump.

Venus Williams joined the fun:

And the peanut gallery tweeted:

RT @hilaryallred: The Brooklyn Book Fair was amazing, aside from the rain. So happy to have met @LizzieWurtzel and @askanyone, two of my favorite authors. :)

@mattlanger The Brooklyn Book Fair is in rain delay in the bottom of the fourth chapter. Please enjoy these highlights from the 1997 MLA.

@PeteAJ A soggy, downbeat Brooklyn Book Festival…actually looks like a fair # still turned out.

@hula_doll Brooklyn Book Fair was a wash. Couldn’t see books. Just saw umbrellas.