What does EWVIDCO stand for?

Yes, it stands for the East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corporation, and it's very important. How important? None of the candidates for the 33rd and 34th District city council races showed up to their 2009 annual trade show and luncheon at Steiner Studios yesterday morning. What they missed was an opportunity to schmooze up North Brooklyn's local business leaders like MetroEnergy's Paul Pullo, Filco Carting's John Okun, Waste Management's Rachel Amar, Boars Head's Bob Mattia, and Martin Greenfield, owner of Greenfield Clothiers, easily the best dressed person in the room.

Martin the Tailor from Ed David on Vimeo.

But enough about candidates. Onto the business leaders! Many local manufacturers and corporate representatives were in good spirits, despite the recession, but that may have been the extra oxygen that EWVIDCO was pumping into the room. I had a sudden urge to play the slots with these guys.

Paul Pullo, above, is excited not only about B-100 Biofuels which could see additional tax credits in the coming years but also because he's back at Steiner Studios for the first time since his son Paul's wedding, which was also held on the third floor of Stage 6. How is married life different than fiance-life?
"It hasn't really changed that much," said Paul the IIIrd. "We're used to each other."

Ever wonder what the inside of a fake leg smells like? It's disgusting.

Many Brooklyn vendors brought their best "patent pending" samples to the trade show, including glass countertops made of recycled Heinecken bottles, medical supplies, fancy CISCO Systems business phones, biodiesel bottles and Italian pastries (not the same company). ADT, the home security company, showed off a state of the art business alarm system, complete with four monitors and about eight split screens, though at least two-thirds of them were tuned into old episodes of 30 Rock. Also, there was ADT lip balm. This is what security tastes like.

Seth Rogen, left, and Paul Rudd, right, stopped by to hawk raw materials from David Rosen Bakery Supplies

At the luncheon, Borough President Marty Markowitz honored the board members and presented a plaque. He's still going on about getting a tailor-made suit from Martin Greenfield. Get in line, Marty. By the way, Mr. Greenfield, I'm a 38 regular and I'm thinking gray, two-button, slim lapels, just like Don Draper.

"Size 44 Short Mr. Greenfield! I can come in and get measured anytime you want!"

BREAKING NEWS:Fire on Manhattan Avenue

It's around 1:45 AM on Tuesday, and the fire trucks just started to clear. For the past hour, fire trucks and police cars crammed into the corner of Manhattan Avenue and Bedford Avenue, outside of Dunkin Donuts, extending their ladders and extinguishing a fire that appeared to be on the top floor of 649 Manhattan Avenue. According to fire fighters on site, nobody was harmed, and the immediate cause of the fire is unknown at this point. Stay tuned for a full set of photos in the (real) morning.

Our own Starbucks Explosion

Less than 24 hours after a small bomb struck an Upper East Side Starbucks, a Starbucks in our own neighborhood was rocked by another explosion--a blown manhole, out on Manhattan Ave.

In neither incident was anyone hurt. A Greenpoint eyewitness reported a scene not of disaster but of general confusion as laid-back coffee-shop bums transitioned to attempting discover what had been the source of a shrieking blast. With little details as of yet (the paper's reporters were at the 33rd District Council Candidate Debate) all I can say is--what is it about Starbucks?
Or, is it just that they're on every single corner?

(PS--write to aquinlan [AT] greenpointnews.com if you've got more info on the blast.)

Delivering the Gazette: A Photo Essay

Lopez endorses Yassky

From the office of David Yassky...

"I am honored to have the support of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Democratic organizations," said Council Member Yassky. "While dynamic and progressive leaders continue to join our campaign, I remain focused on fighting to deliver results and an accountable City government for taxpayers. I look forward to working with these organizations throughout this campaign and as Comptroller to create jobs and rebuild our economy for all those New Yorkers who have been forgotten and left behind."

"As Comptroller, David Yassky will hold government accountable, help rebuild the City's economy, and protect and expand the City's affordable housing stock," said Assemblyman Vito Lopez, Chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. "New Yorkers deserve a Comptroller that will fight for taxpayers to ensure their dollars are being spent wisely. David's record and vision for the Office prove that he will be that Comptroller."

What does this mean for the 33rd City Council race, upcoming petitioning, the Broadway Triangle plan, the Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning, and a whole bunch of policy initiatives affecting the neighborhood? What's David's move now? Will he endorse Steve Levin now? Evan Thies? Somebody else? No one?

According to Yassky spokesperson Danny Kanner:
"These are great candidates running for the seat and the voters for the 33rd will make the right decision."

Breaking News: I. S. 318 Shuts Down

I. S. 318 shuts down to monitor the unusually large number of flu cases. Get more details at greenpointnews.com.

Pick Yourself Up with Coffee Stout

Beer for breakfast? If that’s too early for you, than you should certainly try Brooklyn Brewery’s new Coffee Stout for brunch. The beer is brewed with coffee from Stumptown Coffee roasters. Stumptown, which originates in Portland, Oregon recently opened up shop in RedHook, and it is their Guatemalan Full City roast bean that give the beer it’s wonderful coffee aroma and taste. The overall experience is much like drinking a more richly flavored and carbonated Guinness with the aroma and taste of coffee, and even some notes of chocolate. According to the Brooklyn Brewery website, the history of roasting coffee and malts for dark stouts is closely linked. Until the 1700s, when coffee-roasting technology was first introduced, malts were roasted over open fires giving dark beers a smoky flavor. With the use of these new roasting techniques, brewers were able to create malts that left a clean roasted flavor. Clearly the two beverages were meant to come together as one. And when they do, they are double the trouble with twice the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee, and nearly the twice the alcohol content of a regular beer. I think the folks at the brewery say it best when they say this beer “Is a stimulus package we can all believe in.” --Austin K.

Gerry Esposito Video

Brooklyn Community Board One District Manager and local good guy Gerry Esposito Jr. (as in, "Gerry? Good guy. Good guy.") has a brand new campaign video for his city council candidacy in the 34th District. Incumbent Councilwoman Diana Reyna and Democratic District Leader Maritza Davila are the other declared candidates.

Gerry has enlisted the help of Morgan Pehme, local filmmaker and blogger who was last working for a candidate for Queens Borough President to challenge Helen Marshall, before the candidate lost interest in the race and dropped out. Now Morgan is working to get Gerry elected to City Council. Privately, local electeds are grumbling about Gerry's candidacy and urging him to drop out. So far, it doesn't look like he's going to listen. Also, he has raised $80,000 and has spent barely anything. Did we mention that thirty years ago he looked like Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider?


"Man, everybody got chicken, that's what happened. Hey, we can't even get into like, a second-rate hotel, I mean, a second-rate motel, you dig? They think we're gonna cut their throat or somethin'. They're scared, man."

Greenpoint Gazette staffers are loving this video today. Our three favorite moments: 1. The fact that it looks like Gerry has been superimposed into every scene. 2. Guido spouting at the end. 3. "Last year I voted for President Obama to change the nation, this year I'm voting for Gerry Esposito to change City Hall."

The passing of Teresa Polonski

We received this notice from Assemblyman Lentol's office today. Our deepest condolences to Teri's family and friends.

May 4, 2009

To: Friends and Colleagues
From: Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol
Re: The passing of Teresa Polonski

I am deeply saddened to inform you that my long-time friend and employee Teresa Polonski passed away Saturday, May 2nd after a long illness. Teri was my longest tenured staffer who worked for my father in the State Senate before joining my staff in 1973.

Following are details I thought you would be interested to know on Terri’s funeral:

Viewing Hours:
Tuesday: 7:00 TO 9:00 P.M.
Wed: 2:00 TO 5:00 P.M. AND 7:00 TO 9:00 P.M.

Evergreen Funeral Home
131 Nassau Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-383-8600

Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, May 7th
9:30 A.M.
Mt. Carmel Church
16 Havemeyer StBrooklyn, NY 11211(718) 384-6234

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office at 718-383-7474.

We're not worried...

However worried the neighborhood might truly be about swine flu, last night at The Richardson on Graham Ave., a group of snarky revelers entered the bar wearing face masks on which they had painted mustaches. It was a way of poking fun at a potential pandemic everyone's treating like, uh, well--a potential pandemic.





(This photo is of a dude in Mexico, not Graham Ave. It was too dark in the bar for a good mug shot on my bad cameraphone. Apologies.) --AQ

Greenpoint in Song

Just listening to NPR, a song lyric caught my ear:

"All in the after hours of some Greenpoint bar,
I told you I can't listen, baby..."

That's from Okkervil River's "Plus Ones." Songsmith Will Sheff plays around here off and on... Below, he plays it at SoundFix:


Does anyone else have a favorite Greenpoint song?

Bonkers Greenpoint

As a reporter biking round the nabe, a cameraphone in my hip-pocket, I've captured a lot of random stuff that just doesn't fit into neat, clean news stories. As today is a slow-news Thursday, I thought I'd unload all this random awesomeness here. Enjoy! I hope to make this a regular GG feature.





A piano,
abandoned
across from
the BQE.




A marching
band on
River Street
headed to
the Grand
Street
Ferry Pier
on Tuesday's
beautiful
weather.






A tiny
coffin at
Alligator
Greenpoint














A highway
safety
poster on
Graham &
Metropolitan
appears to
have crahsed
within
the frame.



--Adriane (more of my public photo albums are up here,
including photos of our Albany trip.)

Back in the archives

For some more history about the Kent Avenue bike lanes and the Greenway in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, check out this post from 11211. It's one of the most comprehensive takes on this issue.

-Aaron

Swine Flu in Bushwick

If you live in Bushwick, be very careful: It looks like there have been some reported outbreaks in the nabe. Wash your hands and stay safe!

Parking to be restored on Kent Avenue!

THIS JUST IN:

According to Government Officials, DOT is currently working with local electeds and community members to come up with a plan for the oh-so-controversial Kent Avenue bike lanes that suits motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses alike. Apparently, the two-way bike lane will stay put, while parking will, in fact, be restored. More details to come. The GOs say the plan isn't finalized yet. We should expect this to go public in the next couple of weeks so stay tuned.

Swine Flu Quarantined at Brooklyn Kitchen

Photo by Juliet Linderman
"The key to defeating swine flu zombies is by removing the head or destroying the brain."

From dissecting pigs with butcher blogger Tom Mylan (he butchers like an editor), to sorting out a hit and run homicide, to enjoying the Weezer-like sounds of the Blue Album Group (http://thebluealbumgroup.com) in a concert raising money for NAG's North Brooklyn Story Project, it's just another day in Greenpoint. As NAG's Lacey Tauber said, 'They sound better than actual Weezer" before grooving along to 'Only in Dreams'. Everyone got nostalgic for high school and I've slowly begun to realize that the planning for my 10-year high school reunion is probably going to end up on my desk in the next couple of weeks. Thanks a lot E.O. Smith class of 1999.

The big developing story today is what's going on with the Kent Avenue bike lanes. Businesses are opposed to it but Congresswoman Velazquez is pushing it. We're trying to find out what's going on and dispel a lot of rumors about whether a lane will be stripped to provide for adequate parking for local businesses or if some other agreement has been worked out. Will post as soon as it is confirmed.

Steve Levin is feeling under the weather today. Don't worry, he definitely does not have swine flu. We checked. But please, somebody get him some chicken soup stat! Hey Tom Mylan, know any good chicken soup recipes?

Sweet Dreams are Made of Thies

"Wait a minute. Guys, did we forget to call David Yassky?"

City Council candidate Evan Thies threw another fundraiser with Recession All-Star Norm Brodsky, his lovely wife Elaine, and about thirty local residents, Monday night, at CitiStorage (Kent and North 11th Street), which featured spectacular views of the Manhattan Skyline at dusk. The romantic mood kicked up a full notch as a DEP sludge tank slowly ambled by the Manhattan side of the East River.

I've known about this fundraiser for a while, but I still wanted to go to see Thies refine his evolving stump speech and see who else showed up. It was the usual crowd of community leaders like MetroEnergy's Paul Pullo, right, (who spontaneously combusted at the fundraiser), attorney and interfaith leader Adam Perlmutter, the irrepressible Community Board 1 member and historic preservationist Ward Dennis (follow him on twitter!), documentary filmmaker and CB1 member Dewey Thompson, and rock star mom Jane Pool. Jane had the only breaking news of the night. It involves Conan O'Brien. We can't talk about it. Jane also got in a fistfight with Henry Rollins of, yes, Black Flag, something like twenty years ago. Go ahead, ask him about it. He'll show you the scar.













Thies has been holding interviews with Working Families Party members and hopes to receive their endorsement in the coming weeks. He is also looking towards the support of other political clubs in Greenpoint and Williamsburg such as the Seneca Club, Smolenski Democratic Club, and New Kings Democrats, now that CBID endorsed Jo Anne Simon and IND will likely follow suit. Of course, the most important thing is adding more volunteers to the campaign and Thies is moving to do that as well. Most political observers believe it's critical for Thies to gain some momentum in the spring, before Mad Men calls him back for a new season. If you thought season two was intense, wait until season three!

Arrest Eyewitness Account

Dupont Street resident Rubin Yeppez heard the crash and ran out to make sure his mother, who was at a nearby laundromat, was ok. He saw one of the suspects get arrested. 

"I heard the crash and came outside a half a minute later. I saw the cops grabbing a guy and handcuffing him against the car. Everyone from the neighborhood was outside." 

Manhattan Avenue Police Chase Eyewitness Account

Michal Tylutki who works at a store on Manhattan Avenue and Calyer Street saw the white van flying down Manhattan Avenue followed by the silver undercover police car at what looked like 100 miles per hour. 

"My first reaction was that they guy was just speeding the undercover police was about a block behind him. His siren was pretty low so I didn't hear it until it got closer to my location they were about a block behind the van.  As soon as I realized what was happening I was in shock. It was around 1:30 and the streets were busy with mothers walking around with their kids you had elderly people. It was pretty busy for a monday afternoon. It was shocking to see that going down I felt like a lot of innocent people were put at risk because of this chase and unfortunatly it worst has happened a innocent person has died because of this. Right after they went by I seen a van for the 90th right behind pretty soon there were more cop cars converting on Manhattan Avenue soon after three emergency service units went by. The store is pretty far from where this ended so I didn't hear the impact. I heard from a few people that the white van did hit the woman and kept going until it hit the jeep and stopped. But that's only what I heard from a few diffrent people. I also heard that the van was stolen and that's the reason for the chase. But again that's what I heard from people and I don't know that for a fact. Later that afternoon two NYPD detectives came by the store asking if we had cameras outside or that point at the street. I guess they went to all businesses looking for a recording of this."

Murder, Followed by a Three-Car Pile-Up

A car thief fleeing undercover police officers, in a van stolen minutes earlier from Jackson Street, hit Huron Street resident Violetta Krzyzaka, 37, on Manhattan Avenue between India and Huron Street at 2:13 this afternoon. Efforts were made to revive her, but according to a report from the 90th precinct, a liutenant pronounced the woman dead at the scene. A few moments later, the suspect ran his white Dodge Caravan Minivan into a parked Jeep, pushing it on top of a green minivan, resulting in a three-car pile-up on Manhattan Avenue at Dupont Street. He was then arrested and taken to the hospital with a broken toe. According to an eyewitness, the owner of the Jeep parked it about 5 minutes before the accident occured.




A police officer sections off the crime scene






The victim's mangled glasses at the crime scene

Police gather around the car in which the undercover policeman pursued the criminals

Three-car pileup on Manhattan Avenue and Dupont

A local resident sent the Gazette an email saying that there was a shootout on Nassau Avenue earlier today.

I am still looking into it, as DCPI does not have the full details of the incident. If anyone has any information regarding any of these incidences please email me at khrisn@gmail.com

Khristina Narizhnaya