Support Hurricane Recovery Efforts at Chio' on November 12th

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative will generously donate the proceeds from their fall benefit to the newly formed Brooklyn Recovery Fund which is a Hurricane Sandy relief fund jointly administered by the Brooklyn Community Foundation, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President.

Please join them on Monday, November 12th, 6:00-9:00pm, at the new Chio' Restaurant in the Columbia Waterfront District, at the corner of Columbia and Kane.  More information about the event here.

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative Book Launch

The public is invited to Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) Gallery on Saturday, October 6, 2012 to celebrate the book launch of IMAGES OF RED HOOK, featuring the urban landscape photography of Thomas Rupolo.

IMAGES OF RED HOOK is a visual representation of this unique part of Brooklyn but is much more than simply a gallery of photos.  Containing over 120 color images of industrial sites (some long-gone), urban mosaics, close-ups, panoramas, a sunset or two, and cranes, lots of cranes – this book provides an in-depth view of this fascinating and vibrant place.

Through the eyes of Thomas Rupolo and the voices of both new and old members of this community, IMAGES OF RED HOOK explores the past, present and future of this neighborhood.

Book Launch:

IMAGES OF RED HOOK

Saturday, October 6, 5PM-9PM

BGI Gallery, 153 Columbia Street, Brooklyn

RSVP to art@brooklyngreenway.org

30% of proceeds from the sale of IMAGES OF RED HOOK will be donated by the artist to support BGI’s work.

Media Sponsor: Brownstoner.com/ Food and Beverage Sponsors: Brooklyn Brewery, Fairway-Red Hook, Waterfront Wines & Spirits/ Additional Support: The O’Connell Organization

Participatory Budgeting Returns

Last year's participatory budgeting process in the 39th Council District was a big success.  Brad Lander is repeating the process again this year enabling district residents to determine how $1 million of public funds is spent.  Neighborhood assemblies will be held this month and next to introduce the process, solicit ideas and organize working groups.



The first assembly begins 6:30pm, Monday, September 24, at the Carroll Gardens Library, 396 Clinton Street at Union.  More information about Participatory Budgeting available here from Brad Lander's website.  RSVP is requested.

For residents of the Columbia Waterfront, this is an opportunity to promote long desired improvements to the BQE 'ditch' such as pedestrian enhancements like sidewalk extensions and planting along Hicks Street.  Please participate and help make our neighborhood even more terrific than it already is!

Shop & Dine Columbia Waterfront Art Contest

Columbia Street Clock - source: Lost City Blog

 The Columbia Waterfront District Coalition invites you to create your artistic interpretation of the distinctive images of the neighborhood: 1) the missing Historic Columbia Street Clock; 2) Gantries; and 3) Maritime images. The purpose of the art contest is to help create a unique identity and promote the Columbia Waterfront District’s commercial corridor and the neighborhood.

Port Gantry Cranes - source: PortSide NewYork

The winning artwork will be used as design for the Street Banners that will installed along the commercial corridor. Winning entries will also be used on t-shirts, stickers, posters, coffee mugs, hats, and other promotional materials to both publicize the Columbia Waterfront District and raise funds for the neighborhood’s signage and banners that will be installed along the Columbia Waterfront District’s Commercial Corridor. The neighborhood’s commercial corridor extends from Atlantic Avenue to Hamilton Avenue along Columbia Street and from Van Brunt Street to Hicks Street along Union Street.

Complete details and rules of the contest can be downloaded here.

PortSide NewYork Returns to the Mary Whalen

After a brief stay on Columbia Street in temporary offices, PortSide NewYork moved back aboard the tanker Mary Whalen while the organization continues its search for a permanent home for the ship.  Keep updated on their progess by checking their website and support one of Brooklyn's most unique cultural resources.

Carroll Gardens Association Fall Festival

Carroll Gardens Association, Inc. will be holding the 4th Annual Columbia Waterfront Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The annual Street Fair runs from the DeGraw Street to Union Street along Columbia Street and from Columbia Street to Hicks Street along Union Street. This year’s Street Fair is anticipated to be well attended by thousands of visitors and community residents enjoying a day of food, fun for all ages, shopping, live entertainment, games and rides. This year’s event is sponsored by Apple Bank, Ascot Properties, Jabus Building Corporation, and Downstate Long Island Hospital.

For more information click here.

Help Reduce Speeding on Congress Street

The new buildings at the north end of our community are home to new families who like to use Van Voorhees park.  But getting there can be dangerous when contending with the vehicles racing up Congress in an attempt to sidestep BQE congestion.

A local resident is soliciting signatures on a petition to the DOT to address this matter. Sign up at https://www.change.org/petitions/nyc-dept-of-transportation-slow-the-traffic-speed-on-congress-street-between-columbia-hicks. 

More exciting: Channel 12 News will be at the corner of Hicks and Congress tomorrow, Thursday August 2 at 8:30a.  Come out and show your support.