It took local preservationists over a year to figure out that if they were serious about getting their message out, they needed to take it online; which they eventually succeeded in doing – after a failed attempt at a Committee to Save the Green Church blog – with the preservationist oriented newsletter called Bay Ridge Journal.

A blog in the loosest sense – it’s author, Kip, does not allow comments (moderated or otherwise), she does however pepper her blog with all the ingredients one would think make a good ‘New York preservationist.’ Unfortunately, stories about Jane Jacobs, food co-ops, and chicken-little ill-contextualized analysis on falling real estate prices does not a good preservationist make. One could argue, however, in the final analysis they characterize the very reason why this group has failed in their stated mission to save the beloved Bay Ridge Green Church.

Rather than taking a highly organized, reasoned, and single-issue approach as to why the Church should remain, and, more importantly, development slowed – they grab at the emotional, sentimental, and now the dishonest.

In her latest missive, Kip implies that in the course of the Church’s interior dismantling (for which “demolition” permits are not required) the community is being put at risk for asbestos poisoning, and apparently Gentile agrees – at least according to Kip. Not that we’d ever know, because communication among preservationists and Mr. Gentile are always shrouded in secrecy for whatever reason.

Interestingly enough, Bay Ridge Journal’s latest claims are made despite the fact Kip, herself, posted her own photographic evidence of duct work eminating from the church, which exists for the sole purposes of air monitoring and professional asbestos removal – which she now claims is not happening!

Meanwhile, according to the Brooklyn Eagle, Gentile says: “We’re okay with things so far, although the windows removal worries us.”

For a group whose made transparency the crux of their appeal to community leaders, the congregation and public-at-large – they seem to have trouble finding their own way in much of the same regard.

A posture which seems to be aided, in no small part, by the false hope peddled by Council Gentile, with talk of ‘secret meetings’ between his office and angel investors/buyers – only fueling a few remaining militant preservationists, and toying with an anxious congregation whose been put through the proverbial ringer.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Eagle reports the continuing of interior demolition of the Green Church, with the harvesting and removal of stained glass, and interior pieces – in what appears to be the final stages of its imminent demolition.

(photo courtesy: Bay Ridge Journal)

In what may very well be the final word on the two Bay Ridge “cigar-chompin’,” “Suparbad” cops who allegedly pulled doughnuts in a 79th street park on Shore Rd – Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said there was no evidence of horse-play.

In a follow up to yesterday’s bizarre tale – this morning’s Daily News quotes the city’s top cop, Ray Kelly, as saying: ‘they did leave marks but there was no making of circles or anything like that.’

According to Kelly, the car was parked on the grass and skidded when the cops drove out of the park.

The cops were questioned by their commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez – probably after getting his ass chewed out by Kelly – who was satisfied with the cops’ explanation.

But what about January Hagan? Our 31 yr old mother of two, whose only crime was speaking truth to power – is she full of shit?! Hung out to dry and left to the mercy of the Daily News Commentariat!?

We don’t know who to believe!

Doughnuts, crop circles, bigfoot… we can’t stand it!

In case you’ve wondered what the Village Voice (the once paragon of avant-garde arts journalism, and old- timey print ads for low-rent transvestite prostitutes) has been up to since the heady days of Norman Mailer – well, they’re blowing the lid off Bay Ridge catering, that’s what!

In a scathing investigative report – only disguised as a lazy hit ‘n’ run job on the State Senator from Bay Ridge – the Voice combs through pages and pages of public finance records to uncover secret shady accounting practices behind Senator Marty Golden’s ownership interests in local “chicken or fish” caterer, the ‘Bay Ridge Manor.’

Most shockingly, that despite selling it to a family member years ago, he still retains an ownership interest in the real estate!

Oh, and get this, he runs unopposed in our district as well! Apparently because we’re the only district to ever gerrymander anyone – ever!

Some of the Voice’s gotcha moments include:

Since Golden won election to the senate in 2002, he has spent $205,000 of his campaign cash to host shindigs of one type or another at his former haunt, the records show. Much of the spending has come in a binge over the last 19 months—a period when there hasn’t been even a whisper of an electoral challenge to the three-term senator. Despite that, since January 2007, Golden has spent more than $115,000 at his former catering hall for some 30 separate events…. By any stretch, that’s a lot of stuffed shells and chicken parm.

What makes it even more noteworthy is that every time Golden’s campaign writes a check to the company, it goes into very friendly hands… Golden didn’t have to hunt for a buyer: His brother bought it. Also, according to Golden’s disclosure report with the state Legislative Ethics Commission, his wife Colleen serves as the catering hall’s business administrator. And the Bay Ridge Manor’s landlord? That would be Golden himself, who lists full ownership of the three-story red-brick building with the green-colored awnings on his filings.

So is this campaign catering splurge a convenient way of pumping money into a family-owned business?

According to the Voice, Golden’s chief of staff, John Quaglione, is quoted as saying: “Bay Ridge Manor? That’s the topic?”

Seriously!

(Photo courtesy: Village Voice)

Three Bay Ridge subway stations will not be included in a $52 million project that would put a fresh coat of paint on the city’s subway stairways, platforms and mezzanines – according to this week’s Brooklyn Paper.

The world class outhouse that is the 86th street station, and its equally effervescent counterparts at Bay Ridge Avenue, and 95th street were excluded from the rehab program – with only 77th street qualifying for the paint job.

Without commenting specifically as to why the Bay Ridge Avenue, 86th, and 95th street stops were excluded – MTA spokeswoman Deidre Parker said the MTA did not consider stops that suffered from ‘larger problems,’ such as leeks leaks, as suitable for the program.

“It depends on when they were last painted, or if they were rehabbed recently… If they need other extensive work, they’re not going to paint over existing problems.”

Councilman Vincent Gentile was decidedly disappointed that the MTA was focusing on aesthetics, and not more serious problems at the ‘rancid’ 86th street station.

While Gentile’s new communication’s director, Dena Libner, wasted no time telling the Brooklyn Paper what she really thought of the MTA’s rehab plan, saying:

“We won’t refuse a little paint on the walls to make it look nicer, but it kind of feels like the community is getting the brush off… The R train is basically a joke. It’s unreliable, it runs as a shuttle at night — there are other issues more important than peeling paint.”

(photo courtesy: Brooklyn Paper)

According to today’s Daily News, Bay Ridge’s 68th precinct has apparently managed to outdo even themselves when it comes to their reputation as the neighborhood’s ‘do-nothing,’ ‘country club’ command [and folks, that's just what other cops in the city say about 'em].

January Hagan, a Bay Ridge mother of two, was reportedly ‘shocked’ when two ‘cigar-chomping officers tore through a baseball field at Shore Road Park in Bay Ridge, spinning the car wildly in circles and almost hitting a pair of kids on tricycles,’ all while on a Sunday evening stroll with her husband and two kids shortly after 6pm.

Hagan reports that her husband approached the two officers, who apparently ‘blew him off’ and sped away – but not before he could get their plate number.

Now, with all due respect to the cops in the 68 house who actually spent most of their careers in hard precincts, busting their ass doing narco, and verticals in the projects, what is going on over there – training for 2012 !? Baseball’s not even making it the London games, guys!

An NYPD spokesperson refused to comment on the alleged Shenanigans; however, Councilman Gentile was outraged by the claim and vowed to investigate.

(photo courtesy: Daily News)

Personally, we don’t think the accuser’s case holds water!

more from Gothamist: Bay Ridge Cops ‘superbad,’minus the McLovin

In today’s Daily News, January Hogan, a Bay Ridge Mother of two charges local cops in the 68 with joyriding on a 79th street ball field.

Photos include Mrs. Hogan standing at the scene of the alleged shenanigans, and another of a what’s said to be “evidence of car tire tracks” in a patch of dirt.

Except they don’t look anything like tire marks!

So what explains the dirt tracks in deep right field, coach!?

Crop Circles?

Bigfoot!?

We’re conflicted, people!

Torn between the satisfaction that comes from making lame jokes about fat cops who eat doughnuts, and the truth!

Screw it, who cares!

Thank you for giving us cops AND doughnuts in the same sentence, Daily News!

from News 9 Perth: Cop canned for doing donuts on film!

(photo courtesy: Showaltzer of the Daily News)

The Democratic congressional primary battle in the 13 district has just became a lot more unforgiving for Bay Ridge attorney Steve Harrsion, with last week’s New York Times endorsement of Staten Island city councilman, Mike McMahon.

The Times’ endorsement is the latest in a series of powerful support to come from influential figures, such as New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton; Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; and several influential Unions, such as: The United Federation of Teachers, The Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, the Civil Service Employees Association and the Communications Workers of America, the Public Employees Federation and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Harrison, however, remains undeterred by his opponent’s endorsements, which he says is consistent with his place as a ‘machine’ candidate – whereas Harrison has staled his bid on what he calls a ‘true grassroots’ injitiative, and a campaign of ideas.

A devoute progressive, Harrison is the only democrat to come within 7 points of then Republican darling Vito Fossella in a 2006 race.

McMahon, a term-limited Staten Island democratic councilman, has been a favorite among the party machine, for his percieved ability to win influential piece sof the North Shore – essential for a Democrat win.

Harrison distinguished himself from his opponent by his votes against a waste transfer station in gravesend Brooklyn, against congestion pricing, and property tax increases – while McMahon only recently came out against the Gravesend Waste Transfer Station, votred for an 18.5 prpoerty tax increase, in addition to voting for congestion pricing.

McMahon became the Democratic Party’s nominee in late May when the Staten Island Democratic Party, and the Brooklyn Democratic Party’s Chairman, Vito J. Lopez, both came out in support of the Staten Island Councilman.

(photos courtesy: Staten Island Advance)

According to today’s Brooklyn Paper, 8701 Shore Rd. has, without notification to their shareholders or the community-at-large, leased their building’s air rights to Verizon communications for the purpose of installing cellphone antennas.

The most recent decision by 8701′s co-op board is just the latest amid a string of local buildings who’ve opted for the extra income derived from allowing cellular carriers to install the controversial equipment atop their roofs – despite the loud protestations of a Bay Ridge community fearful of the unknown long term affects from radiation emitted from the equipment.

Suffice it to say building residents, who, in this case also happen to be owner/shareholders, are not happy; and in typical fascist co-op board style, the officers of 8701′s co-op board ‘don’t gotta tell nobody, nutt’in!’

Meaning, 8701 Shore’s board refused to comment, according to BP.

Ironically, the most recent fight was over equipment installed atop 8701 Ridge Boulevard, where Parents at P.S. 185 fought with building management and the cellular provider to reposition equipment that was pointing into adjacent classrooms only 30 ft. away.

Parents and advocates at that demanded nothing shirt of full removal of the equipment, which, to date, has been almost impossible once equipment has begun being placed on a rooftop. Instead they had to settle for repositioning of the antennas to point away from classrooms.

A year prior to that, residents of 81st street blasted building owner Gus Sideratos of building 301 for installing his antenna equipment, again, without warning – under what residents said were egregiously unsafe conditions.

To date, the only successful opposition to the antenna installation came, in an election year back in ’06, when State Senator Marty Golden backed Republican City Council candidate Pat Russo, and both staged strong public opposition to a proposed Sprint/Nextel tower accross from St. Anselm’s parochial school on 82nd street and 4th avenue.

Ever since the 8701 Ridge/ P.S. 185 imbroglio, Community Officials such as Councilman Gentile, State Senator Marty Golden, Community Board 10, as well as parents and advocates, have explored their legislative options on curbing if not, at the very least, make prior notification of their installation mandatory.

So far the only legislative push by Senator Golden to put restrictions on installation, by drafting a law mandating 500 feet between schools and equipment – was rejected by Albany.

(Photo courtesy: Brooklyn Paper, Photo 8701 Ridge: BayRidgeRover via Gothamist)

Via our friends at Green Brooklyn, we’re pleased to mention that jazz vocalist Sonia Montez will be performing live tonight, Wednesday, August 20th, 7pm at the Narrows Botanical Garden.
Brought to you by Narrows Botanical Garden and the Sunset Ridge Waterfront Alliance.

Bring a blanket or chair, and an old DVD to send our troops — some recommended titles right off the top of our heads would include: Rambo First Blood, Rocky IV, The Birdcage, Like Water for Chocolate, Lost inTtranslation — and enjoy the show.

Local blogger, playwright, composer and big time Hollywood movie actor Mark Brown’s much anticipated musical sensation, China the Whole Enchilada, is wrapping up previews in Orlando and making its way back home to NYC – and the word is out! Per the Ministry of Propaganda’s China the Whole Enchilada newsletter, Mark Brown’s attempt at cramming 4,000 years of Chinese history into an hour and a half of musical delight, is being hailed (for the most part) as a rousing success! Backstage magazine calls it “a laugh riot,” and Time Out New York says Mark Brown has made 4,000 years of Chinese history ‘surprisingly easy to stomach!’ Reese Thompson of ‘offoffoff.com‘ doesn’t mince words, when he says: “‘China: the Whole Enchilada’ is in serious competition for being the worst thing I’ve ever seen on a New York stage.” “Too stupid to be an atrocity!” WOW… go get ‘em, Mark! Seriously tho, forget about that nimrod from offoffoff.com [wtf is that anyway, Shakespeare for assholes?] and go see what AM_New York’s theater critic calls: “An irreverent slapstick race through 4000 years of Chinese history in 90 minutes. Three guys speed from Chairman Mao to infected fowl, the greatest wall to the largest mall, Genghis Khan to Fu Manchu-han.” Catch the last two shows at the New York Fringe festival, the 22nd (noon) and 24th(5pm) – at Pace University’s Schimmel Center.