New Year, New Laws for Electronic Waste

If you unwrapped new TVs and iPhones this holiday season, be careful before just discarding your old ones in the trash. Effective January 1st, 2015 it will be illegal to dispose of electronics in with household trash. This is not meant to be a burden, but rather a simple way to avoid toxic materials from entering our waste streams. This change is actually the handiwork of our area's former City Councilman and current Mayor Bill de Blasio. He worked on this issue way back in 2008 and helped get the Lower East Side Ecology Center to do more recycling events in our area as a way to increase education on the topic before enacting policy changes.

If you cannot make it to one of the LESEC's many e-waste events this month, take advantage of their drop off center nearby in the Gowanus area. Laziness is no excuse for adding more pollutants and toxins to the trash.

For more on the sanitation change, check out WNYC.

Citibike Expansion to Cobble Hill

In late October, the NYC Department of Transportation announced the expansion of its bike sharing system. Citibike is slated to come to Cobble Hill in the 2nd phase of the expansion, approximately 2017. Though DOT has already come to our local community to seek input for locations of potential bike share stations, it has now launched an online map that allows more New Yorkers to weigh in and give feedback. If you haven't done so already, please visit the web portal and provide your own thoughts.

http://nycbikeshare.herokuapp.com/

Cobble Hill Holiday Tree Recycling

With the holiday season upon us, there will soon be many Christmas trees to discard. Don't toss them out with the trash, bring them over to Cobble Hill Park for the Tree Fund's annual recycling event in cooperation with the Brooklyn Parks and Recreation Department.

Saturday, January 3

Cobble Hill Park  9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Press conference for the Local Input in Community Healthcare (LICH) Act

This just in from our local electeds...

SIMON, SQUADRON, STRINGER ANNOUNCE BILL FOR GREATER COMMUNITY VOICE AND THOROUGH HEALTH CARE ASSESSMENT IN PROPOSED HOSPITAL CLOSURES

  

Would Require Improved State Process in Wake of LICH Closure

Simon-Squadron Bill Based on Longstanding Stringer Proposal

BROOKLYN – Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16, at 11 a.m. elected officials, patients, community members, and healthcare workers will announce the Local Input in Community Healthcare (LICH) Act.

WHO: Comptroller Scott Stringer; State Senator Daniel Squadron; Assemblymember-elect Jo Anne Simon; Public Advocate Letitia James; Borough President Eric Adams; representatives from SEIU 1199 and NYSNA; Jim Walden; community members.

WHAT: Announce the Local Input in Community Healthcare (LICH) Act

WHERE: LICH Playground (Henry Street between Amity & Pacific Streets)

WHEN: Tuesday, December 16, 2014, 11 a.m.

New Tree to Honor an Old Friend

The Cobble Hill Association is happy to announce 4 new tree plantings in the neighborhood. Courtesy of the Cobble Hill Tree Fund, new Silver Linden trees have been placed in restored tree pits on both Warren Street and Congress Street. The Warren Street additions are near the corner of Court Street while the Congress Street addition is beside the Cobble Hill Health Center's newly landscaped perimeter.

We appreciate seeing all the new trees that keep our streets beautiful and our air clean, but we are most especially grateful to see the Silver Linden on Congress Street between Henry and Hicks. The Association made a request to plant this tree here in honor of our dearly departed friend, former Cobble Hill Association president Murray Adams. He offered tireless service to better the community and was especially focused on improving health care in Cobble Hill. With that in mind, we wanted to situate this new tree near the Cobble Hill Health Center, a source of remedy and rehab for so many lives in the neighborhood.

Town Hall on Government Reform

This week, State Senator Squadron is hosting a town hall focused on ways to make our state government work better. His email blast suggested "There are a whole lot of ways that improving the system — whether reigning in unlimited campaign contributions, closing gaps in ethics laws, or making it easier to vote — can improve people's lives."

You can RSVP here or by calling his office at 212-298-5565.

Thursday, December 11th at 6:30pm
Forchelli Conference Center (22nd Floor)
Brooklyn Law School
205 State Street (between Boerum Pl and Court St)
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Sunday: Eat Pie & Shop at PS 29

Eat Pie and Shop at Brooklyn’s PS 29 

Sunday, December 7th 11a-4p
425 Henry Street, between Baltic and Kane

www.eatpieandshop.org

• Pie Social: Taste delicious homemade and premium pies for $5 a slice or 5 for $20. Both sweet and salty options, so come for lunch and desert. 
• Celebrity-judged pie contest:  At 2pm, Gail Simmons, judge of “Top Chef,” Melissa Clark, food columnist for the New York Times, Kelsey Nixon, Host of Kelsey’s Essentials, Paulette Goto, host of The Cooking Channel'sf Unique Sweets and other kitchen pros will name the best pie of the pie contest. Taste the winning pie. 

• Artisan Holiday Gift Fair: Take care of your holiday shopping while the kids do crafts. More than 30 of Brooklyn’s best artisans are selling their wares, including jewelry, clothing and beautiful paper products as well as books and classic toys from fork + pencil.
• Children's Crafts and Activities: Face painting, crafts and a Kids Choice pie contest of kid baked pies. Your kids will have a blast!

• Professional Portrait Studio: You can get a beautiful portrait of your child/children taken during the event. $30 for one high-resolution image which you can print, email, gift to grandparents, etc. 
• Toys for Tots:  U.S. Marines will be on hand to pick up all donations of holiday gifts. 

All proceeds go to PS 29 programs. For more information, contact ps29eatpieandshop@gmail.com or visit www.eatpieandshop.org.

Cobble Hill Association speaks for the Trees

"Yes, I am the Lorax who speaks for the trees, which you seem to be chopping as fast as you please."   Dr. Seuss

The Lorax does not live in Cobble Hill, but fortunately many green minded residents do.  Every Tuesday morning from Spring through Fall you will find volunteers out in Cobble Hill Park out in force to complement the tremendous efforts of NYC Parks Department. The extra bit of TLC ensures the flowers always look their brightest, the leaves look their healthiest, and children's playground area is always swept. Unfortunately, there is some work that park volunteers cannot do like overhead tree pruning.

When done well and routinely, this work goes unnoticed. When too much time has lapsed.... dangerous conditions can result, such as last week when a large limb on a callery pear tree by the children's area snap. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the Parks Department took swift, necessary action removing it tree entirely.

The Cobble Hill Association thanks the Parks Department and its staff for stewarding the park with our residents. To ensure those efforts go even farther, the Association will soon launch a fundraising drive to provide an extra level of maintenance that will keep Cobble Hill park a safe oasis for many decades to come.

Stay tuned on details for that drive. In the meantime, when you see Parks employees or local volunteers weeding and pruning... say thanks!

In opposition to proposal, CHA prevails

At the intersection of Henry Street and Atlantic Avenue sits a simple gas station. Its use is atypical of the Atlantic Avenue retail corridor and its design is atypical of the Cobble Hill historic district. Fortunately, the 100' by 55' foot lot is being redeveloped to include ground floor businesses and residential units above. That is good news for the Cobble Hill Association. However, the proposal rendered in the image above stands as a bulky anomaly which would be out of context with the neighborhood.

This week, the Cobble Hill Association testified against the current design by BKSK architects in a hearing at the Landmarks Preservation Council. Joining our opposition were several residents of Cobble Hill as well as representatives from Society for the Architecture of the City and the Historic Districts Council. We made clear that many distinct features of the building were unbecoming to the character of the neighborhood including the proposed marquee entrance on Henry Street, the Shoji-style floor-to-ceiling fenestration, the transparent corner aesthetic, and most especially the excessively large mechanical bulkheads that would soar well above the 50 foot height limit and be visible from the interior of the historic district.

As noted in the press here and here, the LPC sided with the Cobble Hill Association. Though it did not outright deny the application as we requested, it did ask the developers to come back with amended plans that would fit the contextual 19th century architecture better than its current renderings which instead evoke a 20th century industrial design. Additionally, LPC eliminated elevator access to the roof thereby reducing the bulkheads by a full ten feet.

Book some time to visit the local library

photo by Pardon Me For Asking

Please stop by the Carroll Gardens Library this Thursday night for an Open House from 6:30 to 7:30 pm to see what improvements the Carroll Gardens Friends Group has made in our local branch. They'll be thanking Councilman Brad Lander for supportive grants that have helped the branch install WiFi, and a participatory budgeting item that brought more computers to the main floor. They'll also be taking feedback so feel free to share your views on what you would like to see happen in the library.

Bridging the Gowanus - Community Planning Report

The Gowanus area sits just a few blocks away from Cobble Hill and so many residents have been closely following the community planning process this past year called "Bridging Gowanus." It sought to identify goals, discuss viewpoints, and build consensus around a framework for the infrastructure and land use regulations needed in the Gowanus Canal area.  Hundreds of local residents have been involved and all their collective input has informed the creation of a draft community planning framework, which will be presented on Monday November 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at PS 32 (Hoyt and Union Streets). 

Following the presentation, those in person can provide their feedback. The presentation will also be posted on the web, with comments being directed towards info@bridginggowanus.org through the end of the year.

Tribute to D.I. Cassidy

This just in from our local Community Board, regarding the passing of Deputy Inspector Joseph Cassidy who had helped keep Cobble Hill safe as head of our local precinct beginning in 2004. Read this link for an interview with him from when he first took command of the 76th.

We regret to inform you of the passing of Deputy Inspector Joseph T. Cassidy, former Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct.

Deputy Inspector Cassidy is being waked on Friday, November 14th from 2-4pm and7-9pm at the Clavin Funeral Home, 7722 4th Avenue, Brooklyn.

A funeral mass will be held at 9:30am on Saturday, November 15th at St. Ephrem R.C. Church, 929 Bay Ridge Parkway, Brooklyn.

The benefit of benches

Whether you're waiting to meet a friend or need to take a break when walking with packages, street seating is an often overlooked element that helps make a neighborhood more livable. Many people already benefit from the benches by the Bergen Street subway station at Smith Street, but a recent walk through Cobble Hill found our own small neighborhood offers ample room to sit too.

Beyond the oasis that is Cobble Hill Park, we noticed the adjacent restaurants La Vara and Ted & Honey both offer a place to pause.


On Court Street, several businesses have done the same including Rag & Bone, Cafe Pedlar, The Cobble Creperie, and the whimsically designed spot in front of Darna Falafel. Next time you're passing by and need catch your breath, make a call, or take a glance at the area be sure to use one of these benches and thank the owners for adding a small, but significant, element to Cobble Hill's charm.

Message from the 76th precinct

Last night the 76th precinct held one of its monthly Community Council meetings open to the public. Attending these is the best way to stay informed on community events and issues and relay any concerns of yours to Captain Lenz and his officers. If you cannot attend in person, be sure to sign up for the community affairs electronic newsletters at this hyperlink.

Today, that NYPD email blast gave out important information regarding Mayor De Blasio's Vision Zero program and the new 25 mph speed limit that is going into effect citywide starting this Friday.

From NYPD
Beginning November 7, 2014, the default Speed Limit in New York City will be changed from 30 MPH, to 25 MPH.  This means that anywhere within the confines of New York City where the speed limit is not posted, the default speed limit will be 25 MPH.  Otherwise, if there is a Speed Limit sign posted, obey the speed that is designated on that sign.

Halloween Parade this Friday @ 4pm

Though we no longer have our regular artist tradition of Halloween impaling on Kane Street, the neighborhood still is home to one of the city's largest kids parades for this costumed celebration. Come join the crowds in Cobble Hill Park as the Jah Pan Steel Drum Band leads the way through the neighborhood for all out little ghouls and ghosts.

Also know, the success of the parade is always based on volunteer help. If you're available to help decorate at noon or clean up at 8:30pm, please email Cobblehillassociation@gmail.com

2014 Fall General Meeting Recap

Jonathan Matz of Move NY present a plan to improve NYC infrastructue

Many thanks to the local residents who came out last night to share their questions and concerns at our 2014 Fall General Meeting. We were joined by Jonathan Matz of the Move NY campaign who provided detailed information about Gridlock Sam's new tolling/ road and transit investment plan. In addition, we provided updates on the latest developments regarding the LICH closure and the plan for housing towers in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

We provided quick recaps of recent events - like this weekend's e-waste event with PS29 which diverted over 5,000 pounds of electronics from contaminating our waste stream - as well as mentioned upcoming items like this Friday's Children's Halloween Parade.  State Senator Daniel Squadron joined us, as did Democratic nominee for the 52nd district Jo Anne Simon and Councilman Brad Lander's director of constituent services Hannah Holland who spoke about the ongoing session of Participatory Budgeting.

Finally, we had an open Q and A with the community about other issues to tackle including landmarks matters, never-ending construction in our neighborhood whose activity must be checked against valid permits for current projects, necessary improvements to intersections such as Congress and Columbia, and more. Stay tuned to the CHA for updates on our progress in each of these areas.

Court-Smith BID info meeting 11/2 @ 2pm

Court Street is not just the border of Cobble Hill, it is also one of our central commercial districts. Over the past few months, merchants along that stretch have partnered with retailers one block over on Smith Street to discuss the possibility of creating a combined Court-Smith Business Improvement District. This potential BID would raise funds for additional street cleaning services, beautification elements, and more. If you'd like to get involved, ask questions, or simply learn more... check out one of their upcoming info sessions nearby.

Sunday, November 2nd @ 2PM

THE INVISIBLE DOG

51 BERGEN STREET

_________________

Wednesday, November 5th @ 7PM

MARCO POLO RESTAURANT

345 COURT STREET

Meeting Tonight - Fall General Meeting

Electronic Waste Recycling - Sunday, 10.26 @ PS29

Got a new smart phone? Upgraded your TV? Don't throw away the outdated models of your electronics... recycle them! This Sunday, the Lower East Side Ecology Center is again teaming up with our local elementary school PS29 for an e-waste collection day. Can't make the drop off, but have e-waste to discard? Fortunately, the LESEC also has their warehouse just a few blocks away in the Gowanus area at the intersection of President & Nevins. Check this website for drop off hours.

What: Electronics recycling
When: Sunday, October 26th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Schoolyard at P.S. 29, 425 Henry Street, entrance on Baltic between Henry and Clinton

All of the following will be accepted in either working or non-working condition:
-Computers and monitors
-Printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers
-Network devices (routers, hubs, modems, etc.)
-Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, etc.)
-PC components (hard drives, cd-roms, circuit boards, power supplies, etc.)
-Television sets, VHS and DVD players
-Radios and stereos
-Phones of all sorts, answering machines, pagers
-PDAs and games
-Batteries

UPDATE: Goodbye Shell, Hello Retail?

While the small Cobble Hill Historic district is blanketed with residential brownstones, its perimeter is lined with commercial properties. Thursday, October 23rd, Community Board 6's landmarks committee will hear from developers looking to add to the neighborhoods retail edges. 
One site is the current Shell station at 112 Atlantic Avenue (intersection w/ Henry Street), where a 50 foot residential unit with ground floor retail is being proposed across the nearly 100 foot wide lot. The other is a 50 foot by 55 foot site, currently home to a small parking lot at 178 Court Street (intersection w/ Congress Street). This is being developed by Lonicera Partners who are already at work developing other nearby projects such as 183 Amity and 267 Pacific in Boerum Hill.

*****Please note. As of today... the 178 Court Street proposal has been laid over until next meeting on 12/3.

If interested in proposed additions to the Cobble Hill, consider attending the 6pm meeting on Baltic Street. Full details below.

Presentation and review of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new 4-story residential building with commercial storefront at 112 Atlantic Avenue (southeast corner Atlantic Ave/Henry Street), Cobble Hill Historic District.

Presentation and review of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new 2-story (30-feet tall) commercial building to be erected at 178 Court Street (northwest corner Court/Congress Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District.

Cobble Hill Community Meeting Room
250 Baltic Street  (between Court/Clinton Streets)
@ 6:00 PM

Reminder: Next Monday, CHA general meeting

Next Monday, we welcome the community to get neighborhood updates, learn about the Move-NY plan, and raise any issues or concerns to the Cobble Hill Association's executive board at our Fall general Meeting.

7pm at the Cobble Hill Health Center, 380 Henry Street.

Walking Tour postponed & other updates

Unfortunately, today's scheduled Cobble Hill Walking Tour with Francis Morrone has been postponed. Stay tuned for a rescheduled date to be announced in the coming weeks. Until then, save the dates for these great events around the bend.

Sunday 10/26

P.S. 29 and Cobble Hill community will be hosting an e-waste collection event run by LESEC. October 26th, 10am-4pm, PS 29, Baltic Street (between Henry/Clinton Streets)

More info here.

Monday 10/27

The Cobble Hill Association invites the community to its Fall General Meeting. Please see full details and flyer here. 

October 27th, 7pm-8:30pm, Cobble Hill Health Center, 380 Henry Street 

Friday 10/31

Cobble Hill's annual Children's Halloween Parade. More details here. 

October 31st, 4pm. at Cobble Hill Park. Come in costume!

CHA Fall General Meeting 10.27.14

Cobble Hill Health Center

While much of the health news in Cobble Hill has been focused on the Long Island College Hospital saga, we must not forget there is another important institution within our borders - The Cobble Hill Health Center. With over 350 beds and state of the art facilities, it is regarded as Brooklyn’s most innovative and progressive nursing and rehabilitation center. They admit hundreds each year recovering from strokes, cardiac events, fractures or amputation, knee and hip replacement, etc all with the prime objective of restoring the patient to full health through Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies, Pain management, Dialysis, wound care, and other vital services.

Tony Lewis, the Health Center's President & CEO, took over in 2012 and has been an active part of the community. With a deep commitment to health care and a masters in Health Policy and Management, Mr. Lewis has been well aware that the success of his own rehab facility is dependent upon a nearby hospital capable of doing emergency work that the Health Center cannot and so he stood with local advocates throughout the protests of LICH's closure. He has also opened up the Health Center's rooms to several Cobble Hill Association meetings (including the upcoming Fall 2014 general meeting).

For those who do not benefit from the Cobble Hill Health Center's care inside the building, take note of the newly completed landscaping on the outside. Where gray slabs of concrete once sat, beautifully trimmed bushes and colorful plants now line the Henry and Congress street perimeter along the landmarked Romanesque revival building. This adds life to the building's edge and enhances the streetscape for all residents as well as the many visitors who use Congress street as an entrance to Brooklyn Bridge park.

 

Save the Date - 10.27 - Cobble Hill Association Fall General Meeting

Two weeks from today, the Cobble Hill Association will hold its fall general meeting. In addition to brief updates on the area's most pressing issues like Long Island College Hospital & Pier 6 developments at Brooklyn Bridge Park, we'll host a presentation by Jonathan Matz, Campaign Coordinator and Analyst for Move NY, a transportation reform group run by former NYC Department of Transportation commissioner, Sam Schwartz. In addition, officers of the Cobble Hill Association will host an open question session to get full feedback from the community.

What: Cobble Hill Association Fall General Meeting
When: Monday, October 27th @ 7pm
Where: Cobble Hill Health Center, 380 Henry Street

Cobble Hill History Walking Tour - 10/19

Mark your calendars. One of NYC's most accomplished historians Francis Morrone will offer a walking tour of the Cobble Hill historic district on Sunday, October 19th. The walking tour is limited to 30 participants, so please RSVP early.

Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $20 per person ($10 for Cobble Hill Association members)
RSVP: CobbleHillAssociation@gmail.com

Details: Join Francis Morrone, director of the CHA Cobble Hill History Project, on a walking tour of Cobble Hill history and architecture, ranging from Jennie Jerome to the impact of the BQE to Cobble Hill's unparalleled collection of ornamental ironwork--and much, much more. The roughly two-hour walk begins at Court and Congress streets in front of St. Paul's Church. The tour will also be a chance to learn more about the History Project and opportunities to volunteer and share information.

Halloween is almost here

One of our neighborhood's most beloved events, the Cobble Hill Halloween Parade is right around the bend. Get your costumes ready and save the date and time to join us!

Also know, its success is always based on volunteer help. If you're available to help decorate at noon or clean up at 8:30pm, please email Cobblehillassociation@gmail.com

Participatory Budgeting is Back

Local Councilman Brad Lander is kicking off his 4th year of Participatory Budgeting and wants your input. Throughout October, he and his staff will hold a series of assembly workshops to gather ideas, present proposals, and eventually vote on projects seeking $1.5 million of your tax dollars.

Hicks Safety Fix

The Cobble Hill Association has been working in tandem with the NYC Department of Transportation to blanket our neighborhood with small, but significant street enhancements over the last few years. These additions improve pedestrian quality of life and make our area safer for all road users. Recently, State Senator Daniel Squadron announced another small step forward  along the lines - a leading pedestrian interval (LPI) at Hicks and Atlantic. This change will give pedestrians an extra few seconds to cross before turning cars get the green light and will reduce potentially dangerous conflicts between those on two feet and those behind the wheel.

See Senator Squadron's press release link below for further details.
http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/squadron-announces-safety-measures-two-busy-intersections

Atlantic Avenue BID updates

One of several spots from the AA BID's "Park(ing) Day" celebration

Tens of thousands came to our area this past weekend for the 40th annual Atlantic Antic. As always, it was a tremendous success in which local shops and Brooklyn businesses and institutions came out to welcome New Yorkers to a car-free boulevard from Hicks Street to Flatbush Avenue.

On the heels of that celebration, the Atlantic Avenue Business District has provided us with some updates of their many recent activities, including new banners which were unveiled during the Antic itself.

1) New banners designed by artist Josh Gosfield have been installed... and featured in the New York Daily News. http://nydn.us/1rqJMhW . 

2) 2nd Halloween Pub Crawl was announced via a 'Thriller' group dance at the Antic. (See some amateur video of it here http://youtu.be/fmTZchEF6OQ) To purchase wristbands for the event visit http://atlanticavebid.ticketleap.com/hauntlantic/ (of course only after first coming to the family friendly Halloween Parade at Cobble Hill Park that day)

3) Multiple businesses partnered with the Atlantic Avenue BID and Transportation Alternatives to temporarily redesign parking spaces on the Avenue into new uses. Check out pics from the event here. http://www.atlanticavebid.org/atlantic-avenues-first-parking-day-a-great-success/

4) Long-awaited tree guards have finally been installed between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Based on the board's decision to invest in the streetscape, they were ordered in the Spring and installed in the past week. Here is a picture: http://instagram.com/p/tVILdyRXtj/?modal=true . 

5) A new shopping guide will be distributed to stores on the avenue in the coming week. Be sure to check out local merchants and grab a copy!

Warner Bros. Filming in Cobble Hill

The location scouts with Warners Brothers pictures have let us know that the final days of their recent shooting stint in our neighborhood will occur 9/26, 9/29, & 9/30.

It will temporarily affect parking on the following streets in Cobble Hill...

Cheever Place bet. Kane & DeGraw Streets, Both Sides

Hicks Street bet. Sackett & Kane Streets, East Side

Henry Street bet. DeGraw & Kane Streets, West Side 1 spot

It will also affect some parking just outside the Cobble Hill district as well, including... 

Sackett Street bet. Hicks & Henry, North Side

Hick Street bet. Woodhull St & Hamilton Ave, East Side

Rapelye Street bet. Hicks & Henry Sts, Both Sides

Woodhull Street bet. Hicks & Henry Sts, South Side

The Sun Will Come Out... on Friday 9/19

You know the story and can sing every line, so come join Cobble Hill's local elementary schoolPS29, for a FREE outdoor movie experience as PS 29 and the Cobble Hill Association present ANNIE - Friday September 19th 7:30pm @ the PS 29 COURTYARD

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and settle into the classic movie.

Total running time: 127 minutes. Movie starts at dusk with a candy concession stand whose proceeds all go to the PS29 PTA.

This event is sponsored by the Cobble Hill Association, with popcorn and beverages courtesy of Moxie Spot and American Beverage Center.

Volunteer at Cobble Hill Park, Tuesdays @ 7 am

Pic by InsertSnappyNameHere

Cobble Hill Park is our neighborhood gem, but sparkles even brighter with volunteers's weekly elbow grease. Join us for some morning park-keeping!

What: Cobble Hill Park volunteers needed
When: every Tuesday morning @ 7:00 am (rescheduled when it rains)
Where: Meet at the Clinton Street entrance to the park
Please RSVP to cobblehillassociation@gmail.com if you'd like to join. 

Cobble Hill on the Big Screen

Cobble Hill has a visual charm that's made it prime setting for many studios to film major motion pictures and tv series. With a recent string of film production crews dominating our local streets this summer to shoot The Intern and The Affair, perhaps it's time to remember some other times our neighborhood played a role in movie magic.

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey shared a scene walking through Cobble Hill park in the comedy Baby Mama (although it was set as Boston). Julia Roberts ate dinner at 172 Pacific Street in her world food adventure Eat, Pray, Love. And perhaps the most "winning" movie moment was when it literally rained money down upon the park.

Check out the this video from NY Lotto spot showcasing Cobble Hill's crown jewel.
http://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/53867

76th Precinct's Community Council Meeting - 9/9

Several residents in the community brought up traffic safety concerns after a serious collision in our neighborhood. At the intersection of Court Street and Atlantic Avenue, a livery cab jumped the curb and injured a young woman in front of Rite-Aid. As it was on the north side of the street, the 84th precinct is responsible for handling the investigation. However, residents should know street safety is very much a concern of our own local 76th precinct, run by Captain Lenz.

Recently, the CHA met with Captain Lenz to specifically discuss the mayor's Vision Zero initiative. We were pleased to know street safety is very much an NYPD priority in our district and the numbers are proving effective.  When we met, we compared the numbers to last year and were pleased to see collisions in the 76th were down overall (1034 last year vs 1014 this year). For the week, serious injuries were down too (31 last year vs 27 this year). These are small, but significant improvements and NYPD keeps a close eye on such data so that trends can be seen, and new tactics can be formed, in name of keeping our streets safe for all road users.

This Tuesday, September 9th, the precinct's community council meetings will resume after a brief summer hiatus. All residents are encouraged to attend and let the officers know of any issues in the neighborhood. It is also a great way to get more information about many crime prevention programs offered by NYPD from burglary to VIN etching to identify theft and more.   

Volunteer at Cobble Hill Park, Tuesdays @ 7 am

Cobble Hill Park is our neighborhood gem, but sparkles even brighter with volunteers's weekly elbow grease. Join us for some morning park-keeping!

What: Cobble Hill Park volunteers needed
When: every Tuesday morning @ 7:00 am (rescheduled when it rains)
Where: Meet at the Clinton Street entrance to the park
Please RSVP to cobblehillassociation@gmail.com if you'd like to join. 

Movie Filming on Cheever next week

Warner Brothers has given the Association advance noticed that they have secured permits to film 'The Intern' in Cobble Hill next week. They will be filming on Cheever Place on Sept 2 & 3, and then 2 more days later in September.  Below please find a resident letter that will also be distributing in area's parking footprint.  

Please note that they will have a large portion of their trucks / campers parked several blocks away from set, in an effort to minimize taking solely residential parking.

LICH Update - Article 78 petition filed regarding Othmer Endowment Fund

Below please find a press release issued yesterday regarding LICH, which the CHA is sharing for informational purposes to the community.

Brooklyn Resident Files Suit to Compel NYS Attorney General to Produce Records under Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

Attorney General's Office Denied FOIL Request for Charities Bureau Records Relating to Invasion of Hospital Endowment

Brooklyn, NY - August 27, 2014 - Brooklyn resident and former Long Island College Hospital (LICH) patient Barbara Gartner filed an Article 78 petition today in NYS Supreme Court to compel the release of records relating to the NYS Attorney General Charities Bureau's approvals of invasions of the hospital’s $140 million Othmer Endowment Fund. The records were withheld by the Attorney General's Office in a blanket denial of her February FOIL request. According to her attorney, David A. Kaplan, oral arguments in the case will be heard on September 26.

Additionally, groups including Patients for LICH, Concerned Physicians of LICH, and the Cobble Hill Association issued statements (attached) supporting Ms. Gartner's request and the public's right to the information.

In June, the NYS Department of State Committee on Open Government issued an Advisory Opinion (attached) calling the Attorney General's denial of the FOIL request “improper” and stated that “the denial appears to be inconsistent with the language and intent of the Freedom of Information Law and its judicial construction.”

It is the role of the Attorney General's Charities Bureau to represent the public, the ultimate charitable beneficiaries, in decisions relating to modifications of endowment restrictions.

The Othmer Endowment Fund was bequeathed to LICH in the late 1990s by Dr. Donald and Mildred Othmer, Brooklyn Heights residents who wanted to help ensure the future of their beloved community hospital. The funds, totaling approximately $140 million, were in a permanently restricted endowment, with the principal to be held in perpetuity and the income used for the benefit of LICH. But in a series of cy pres proceedings, hospital administrators obtained permission to invade the funds.

Most recently, in 2011, the Charities Bureau and the court approved the borrowing of the entire principal balance of the Othmer Fund to enable SUNY Downstate Medical Center’s no-cash acquisition of LICH, with SUNY assuming liability for repayment of the $140 million to the endowment. SUNY has now closed all but a small walk-in emergency department at LICH and has contracted to sell the LICH property to a real estate developer, who plans to tear down the hospital and build condominium towers.

Ms. Gartner's FOIL request, originally made in June of 2013, asked for records of communications between the Attorney General's Charities Bureau and the NYS Supreme Court, the Long Island College Hospital, Continuum Health Partners, and SUNY regarding its authorization of the 2006 and 2011 borrowings from the Othmer Funds. Challenging the Attorney General's refusal to make these documents available to community members impacted by the decisions, she cites the language of the Freedom of Information Law, that “the people's right to review the documents . . . leading to determinations is basic to our society.”

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52nd Assembly District Debate, Wednesday 9/3 @ 7pm

Assemblywoman Joan Millman is retiring from her seat at the helm of the 52nd district. Three candidates are vying for her seat in the upcoming September 9th primary. Considering attending the local debate put on by BRIC, with full details below. If you cannot attend in-person, check out the debate on Brooklyn’s Time Warner Cable 756, Verizon FiOS 46, Cablevision 70, or stream it online at BRICartsmedia.org/bkindiemedia

52ND ASSEMBLY DISTRICT: SIMON VS. SIKORA VS. BIVIANO,
LIVE FROM BRIC HOUSE, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 AT 7PM

Brooklyn’s Community Media Network Adds A Third In Its Series of Brooklyn Political Debates

BRIC is pleased to announce that its Brooklyn Independent Media television initiative will broadcast a debate between Jo Anne Simon, Pete Sikora and Doug Biviano, candidates for the 52nd Assembly District. On Wednesday, September 3, at 7pm, BRIC will host the debate in the BRIC House Ballroom, the 240-seat performance space inside BRIC Arts | Media House (BRIC House), the organization’s new, 40,000-square-foot facility in Downtown Brooklyn.

The candidates are campaigning to represent the district spanning Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, DUMBO and part of Park Slope. Moderated by Erik Engquist, assistant managing editor of Crain’s NY Business, the debate will cover issues including affordable housing, education, healthcare, job creation and more.

52nd Assembly District: Simon vs. Sikora vs. Biviano is the third debate Brooklyn Independent Media is broadcasting this primary season. On Tuesday, August 19, the network hosted Erik Dilan and Kimberly Council, candidates for the 54th Assembly District. On Tuesday, August 12, the network hosted Rubain Dorancy and Jesse Hamilton, candidates for the 20th Senatorial District.

WHAT: 52nd Assembly District: Simon vs. Sikora vs. Biviano, a live debate broadcast on Brooklyn Independent Media
WHO: BRIC and Brooklyn Independent Media
Jo Anne Simon, candidate for the 52nd Assembly District
Pete Sikora, candidate for the 52nd Assembly District
Doug Biviano, candidate for the 52nd Assembly District
Erik Engquist, Crain’s NY Business, moderator
WHEN: Wednesday, September 3, 7 – 8pm.
WHERE: BRIC House, 647 Fulton Street, Downtown Brooklyn

Volunteer at Cobble Hill Park, Tuesdays @ 7 am

Image courtesy of NYC Parks Department

Cobble Hill Park is our neighborhood gem, but sparkles even brighter with volunteers's weekly elbow grease. Join us for some morning park-keeping!

What: Cobble Hill Park volunteers needed
When: every Tuesday morning @ 7:00 am (rescheduled when it rains)
Where: Meet at the Clinton Street entrance to the park
Please RSVP to cobblehillassociation@gmail.com if you'd like to join.