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UPDATE ON BIKESHARE -

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Bikeshare is scheduled to start on May 27 for people who have bought annual memberships. It will start June 2 for those who purchase shorter passes. In the coming two weeks, you will see the bikes installed in the stations. You can find out more about Bike Share here.

DOT has stated that it will post employees on busy Manhattan streets and the bridges to help enforce traffic regulations. The BHA will ask DOT to work with NYPD for a public education and rule enforcement effort in Brooklyn Heights to coincide with the opening of Bikeshare. In the last year, DOT has made a significant effort with commercial bicycling (which includes restaurant delivery) to first educate and then enforce bike safety rules.

We will enlist your help as we work with DOT to resolve any significant problems that arise in Brooklyn Heights once the program is in operation. Please send us documentation of any problems you observe in Brooklyn Heights. If possible, take a picture, and include the time and location. The BHA has set up a special e-mail address (bhabikeshare@gmail.com) to receive e-mail feedback. We believe that Bikeshare will be successful only if it works for our community. Remember also that any problems should be reported to 311, which the City will use to monitor the City-wide program.

As a reminder to all bikers, please don’t forget bike rules, which increase safety for all:
- Always yield to pedestrians
- Stay on the street, never ride on the sidewalks; only kids 12 and under with wheels less than 26” in diameter are allowed to ride on sidewalks
- Ride in the direction of the traffic and follow all rules to which cars are subject
- Wear a helmet (required for children under 14, smart for everyone)
- Each Bikeshare bike has front and rear lights and a bell in accordance with the law; it's also a good idea for bikers to have reflective clothing as well. You can find a good code for cyclists here.

BRIC'S THURSDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTIES ARE COMING TO PIER ONE IN BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK.

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

BRIC Arts | Media | Bklyn and Brooklyn Bridge Park have announced the return of Celebrate Brooklyn Dance Parties on Pier One in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The concerts take place on May 9, 16, and 23, 2013. The concerts will feature Big Sam's Funky Nature, the Pedrito Martinez Group, and Zapp, respectively.

We have been assured that these concerts have a sound curfew of 10 PM. Please let us know if it's not observed.

Click here for more detail about performers and concerts.

BHA SLOW ZONES SURVEY: 90% IN FAVOR

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The BHA conducted a survey during the last two weeks of April 2013, eliciting community feedback about applying for Slow Zone designation for Brooklyn Heights.

NYC DOT believes that Slow Zones improve pedestrian safety and reduce traffic cutting through neighborhoods.

If Brooklyn Heights becomes a Slow Zone it will mean:

- Speed limits of 20 mph (as opposed to 30 mph now standard throughout New York City);
- Signs at neighborhood entries indicating slower speed limit and Slow Zone status (taking one or two parking spaces at each entry point); and
- Speeds humps and 20mph pavement markings installed throughout the neighborhood. (Speed bumps can be noisy if cars or trucks go over them too fast.)

Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, (Smith Street to Third Avenue, Atlantic Avenue to Union Street) is now a Slow Zone. You can get more information about Slow Zones from NYC DOT's website here.

In all 685 people completed the survey. Of those, 625, or 91%, were in favor of a Slow Zone application, and 60, or 9% were opposed.

Of the 685 people who completed the survey, 559 reported that they live in Brooklyn Heights. Of those, 503 or 91%, were in favor, and 52, or 9% were opposed.

Fifty respondents reported living in one of the neighborhoods that surround Brooklyn Heights (Cobble Hill, DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn or Fulton Ferry). Of those, 45 or 92% were in favor and 4, or 8%, were opposed. An additional 55 respondents live in other Brooklyn neighborhoods; all of them were in favor.

Of the 685 people who completed the survey, 333 reported that they are BHA members. Of those, 296, or 89%, were in favor, and 37, or 11% were opposed.

Many commenters expressed concerns about cars and truck speeding through Brooklyn Heights. Several commenters, both those opposing and in favor of applying for Slow Zone designation, observed that more enforcement is needed. Some respondents raised concerns about speed bumps and associated noise, and the loss of parking spaces.

We thank everyone who responded. We will continue to probe the concerns of people who oppose applying, and make sure we fully understand the effect of implementation on our neighborhood. Please be assured that we are taking all comments very seriously, and do reach out to us with your thoughts if you did not respond to the survey.

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION LANDMARK HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR, SATURDAY, MAY 11TH

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Brooklyn Heights Association will hold its annual, self-guided Landmark House & Garden Tour, showing five privately owned historic townhouses in Brooklyn Heights on Saturday, May 11th from 1-5 PM.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
This go-at-your-own-pace, self-guided tour, for the benefit of the BHA allows visitors a rare opportunity to experience the architectural grandeur and contrasting styles found inside the finest homes of Brooklyn Heights, New York City's first historic district.

The tour takes place, rain or shine. General Admission tickets are $40 per person. BHA members who reserve in advance will receive a $10 discount. The cost of tickets is tax-deductible.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Click below if you wish to purchase tickets, using Paypal. If you prefer to place your ticket order over the phone, you may telephone the BHA office (718-858-9193), between the hours of 9 am-5 pm with your credit card information, and we will take your ticket order. Reservations must be received by the end of the day on May 7.

Note: Your tickets will not be mailed. All paid reservations are held at the door on May 11th, starting at 12:30, at 129 Pierrepont Street. (This is the lobby of St. Ann's School, on the corner of Clinton Street.)

On the day of the tour only, we'll have some tickets for sale at 129 Pierrepont Street, starting at 12:30. Your ticket is actually a Guidebook containing a map of the neighborhood with a brief description of each house on the tour.

Included in the price of the ticket is a delightful sampling of homemade cookies, served with lemonade in the arcade of the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims on Orange Street. A harpist will perform during the tea hours from 3-5 PM. Docent-led tours of the historic church sanctuary are given at 3:30 and 4:30 PM.

Except for infants in front packs, children under 13 will not be allowed to go into the houses. Also, taking photographs and cell phone use inside the houses is prohibited.

The houses will close promptly at 5 PM, and you’ll need to allow at least 2 1/2 hours to get through all of them, so be sure to allow enough time.

WE THANK OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE BHA HOUSE TOUR:

Lead Sponsors: Brown Harris Stevens, Douglas Elliman, Stribling & Associates

Principal Sponsor: Corcoran

We also thank our merchant donors whose in kind donations help to make our house tour all the more successful. Special thanks go to: Heights Chateau, Michael's Wines and Spirits, Key Food and James Weir Florist for their in kind donations.

SUBWAY INFORMATION: Borough Hall is the closed subway stop to 129 Pierrepont Street, for the 2,3,4,5 and R trains. Parking is extremely difficult, curbside space is scarce. Public garages are located at 180 Montague Street, 225 Atlantic Avenue, 75 Henry Street.

HOMES ON THE 2013 TOUR

Here's a preview of some of the stunning rooms awaiting you on this year's tour. All photographs are by Judith Angel.

Built in 1845, when the waterfront was alive with commerce, this picturesque three-storied Greek Revival row house sits on Brooklyn Heights’ only remaining cobble-stoned street. It has been completely renovated to house a young family of 4. Visitors will enjoy the natural livability of this house, freshness and simplicity of décor with its original wide plank pine floors and artwork by local artists.

On a very quiet, garden-lined street in Brooklyn Heights lies this unusual house, unlike any we’ve seen in Brooklyn Heights. Built in 1886, the style is Romanesque Revival, with a red brick façade, reddish brown terra-cotta and grey sandstone details. The interior décor is contemporary.

Unique to the Brooklyn Heights Historic District is a group of cottages, known as “Cottage Row” and built in the late 1840’s with clapboard siding and inviting front porches. We’re delighted to be showing one of them. Inside the intimately scaled rooms of this 3-story home, visitors will enjoy Arts and Crafts furnishings, Viennese Augarten porcelain, great finds from Atlantic Avenue antique shops and examples of Asian art collected during owners’ travels.

On a street that was once a crooked path which, in the first years of the 19th century, ran from the banks of the East River to the large Philip Livingston Estate, we’ll be visiting a house built in 1847. Inside, you'll be treated to an interesting art collection and inventive interior design.

This 25 foot wide, Greek Revival townhouse was built in 1849 and probably altered in the late nineteenth century. Its interior features Victorian era screenwork, pier mirrors, colonnettes and marble fireplace mantels with classical details.The kitchen and bathrooms have been beautifully remodeled.

Weather permitting, the rear yard gardens and balconies at all of these homes will be open for viewing.

BHA BOARD ELECTS ALEXANDRA BOWIE AS NEW BOARD PRESIDENT

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The BHA is pleased to announce that Alexandra Bowie has been elected as its new president, succeeding Jane McGroarty, who served with distinction during her three-year term.

A long-time resident of Brooklyn Heights, Alexandra has been a member of the BHA board since 2004, serving in a variety of capacities, most recently as first vice president, and contributing to our most critical initiatives, including the Second Hundred Years Committee. “The focus of this group,” said Judy Stanton, BHA executive director, “was to plan the way forward to best serve our neighborhood and community in the face of continuing change in the years ahead. Alexandra was key in this process, with a clear point of view on how to extend our legacy of service into the future and become an even more integral part of the community.”

On the subject of living in Brooklyn Heights, Alexandra has this to say: “We live in a beautiful neighborhood, with gorgeous tree-lined blocks, the Promenade, open space and sky. But it’s the people that make Brooklyn Heights such a great neighborhood. I like running into my neighbors on the street. I get a lot of things done just by talking to all the people I see when I am out running errands. I like knowing that there are eyes on my kids as they go back and forth. And the streets are so pleasant because of the low scale of the buildings and the trees that keep us cool. A lot of that is due to the BHA — the good relationships with the police, the tree planting and care, and of course the historic district itself.”

Alexandra believes in the power of communications not only to inform members of the community on issues of importance, but also to engage us all in a richer, respectful dialogue that makes Brooklyn Heights an even better place to live. As Board president, Alexandra plans to enhance the BHA’s communications with members and the community at large, focusing strongly on our social media presence. (She reminds all that you can now follow the BHA on Twitter at @thebha01.)

“Clearly, more people need to know what the BHA does and can do for Brooklyn Heights,” Bowie says. “There may be differences of opinion, and that’s as it should be, but we make this a better place if we approach all the issues we face with facts and a full understanding of what’s at stake.” She pointed to the BHA’s recent advocacy around the proposed closure of Long Island College Hospital as a great example of how the association regularly steps up to protect the interests of the community and harness its voice in the public sphere.

More about Alexandra Bowie:
Alexandra has lived in Brooklyn Heights since 1988 with her husband Daniel Richman, a professor at Columbia Law School, and their two children, Matt, a recent graduate of Indiana University, and Becca, a sophomore at Grinnell College.

Professionally, she has been a freelance consultant to not-for-profit agencies and a freelance writer since 1998, specializing in planning and analysis, project management, and report and grant writing. She was an early advocate of the development and use of outcome measurements in child welfare, and was a co-founder of the New York City Outcomes Group, in which foster care agencies collaborated in the development of data analysis methods. She has worked for the Jewish Child Care Association, Graham-Windham Services to Families and Children, and the City of New York.

Alexandra also is the book reviewer for the Brooklyn Bugle, blogs professionally at asbowie.blogspot.com, and is a member of the board of Brooklyn Community Housing and Services. She is a graduate of Boston University School of Law and Bryn Mawr College.

For more on Alexandra’s view of the world, follow her on Twitter at @abowie917 or visit her professional website: http://asbowie.net/.

LICH NEWS UPDATE: TEMPORARY STAY OF PLAN TO CLOSE LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Today, Justice Johnny L. Baynes of NYS Supreme Court ruled that SUNY and the other Respondents are "enjoined from proceeding with the plan to close LICH until such time as they comply with the mandates of the Open Meetings Law and all other applicable statutory provisions."

Contending that the open meeting law was violated, plaintiffs sought to delay the closing of LICH until the Commissioner of Health and Governor Cuomo make a decision about whether the hospital should be closed.

In the meantime, NYS Senators Squadron and Montgomery and Assemblywoman Joan Millman have written to the Governor, requesting that the Empire State Development Corp conduct a study to assess the economic impact of closing LICH.

Read about our letter to Governor Cuomo here.

LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL - AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE BHA

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In January a report by NYS Comptroller DiNapoli revealed that SUNY Downstate was in desperate financial condition. Within two weeks the SUNY Board voted to close Long Island College Hospital (LICH).

The Brooklyn Heights Association believes that SUNY has acted in haste, and we have sent the attached letter to Governor Cuomo and Dr. Nirav Shah (Commissioner, NYS Department of Health), urging them to take an in-depth look at the entire situation before closing a hospital that is critical to the increasing population of downtown Brooklyn.

LICH doctors, the New York State Nurses Association and Local 1199 filed and received a temporary injunction in State Supreme Court against the closing.

On March 8, NYS Supreme Court Justice Johnny Lee Baynes extended the temporary restraining order indefinitely to prevent SUNY from proceeding with its plans to close LICH. Judge Baynes has not set a date for rendering his decision but stated that he needed more time to review the evidence and would rule expeditiously on the matter.

Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health have to approve any hospital closing.

Please read our letter -- it is long but contains facts and research to support our conclusions.

If you agree, we ask you to send a letter Gov. Cuomo and Dr. Shah, whose contact information is below:

Honorable Andrew Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224 Tel. (518) 474-8390, Email: Greg.Smiley@exec.ny.gov

Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, MD
New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower
Empire State Plaza
Albany NY 12237
(518) 474-2011, Email: nrs02@health.state.ny.us

UPDATE: On March 14, Justice Johnny L. Baynes of NYS Supreme Court ruled that SUNY and the other Respondents are "enjoined from proceeding with the plan to close LICH until such time as they comply with the mandates of the Open Meetings Law and all other applicable statutory provisions."

Contending that the open meeting law was violated, plaintiffs sought to delay the closing of LICH until the Commissioner of Health and Governor Cuomo make a decision about whether the hospital should be closed.

BHA POSITION ON THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BRANCH LIBRARY

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Like other cultural institutions, the Brooklyn Public Library has faced cuts in its City-provided funding in recent years.

The Brooklyn Heights branch library building is situated on an under-built City-owned plot outside of the Brooklyn Heights Historic District. The BPL sees demolition of the existing branch and redevelopment of the land as a way to provide money for the library system and a new, state-of-the-art branch for Brooklyn Heights.

The BPL states that the City has agreed that proceeds from the sale will go to the BPL, and that the BPL will use at least some of the funds to design and outfit a new branch. The BPL has also stated that it is committed to providing interim service in a leased location (not a bookmobile) to Brooklyn Heights in the event that the sale and development move ahead.

The Brooklyn Heights Association board has voted that, at this time, the BHA will not oppose redevelopment plans for the Brooklyn Heights Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library providing that: 1) there is continuity of library service in Brooklyn Heights throughout the development period; 2) the replacement Brooklyn Heights Branch Library is of adequate size; and 3) the proceeds from the transaction go to the Brooklyn Public Library.

All on the BHA Board agree that the library is an important part of our community and that the BHA should be part of the planning process. Through our membership in the Community Advisory Group, and by working in tandem with the Friends of the Brooklyn Heights Branch, we expect to be strong advocates for a new library that meets the needs of our community.

LANDMARK NEWS: The fate of 70 Henry Street (home of the Brooklyn Heights Cinema) rests with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission which recently held a public hearing on the owner's plan to demolish the existing building in order to replace it with a new five-story residential building.

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The future of 70 Henry Street, which houses the Brooklyn Heights Cinema, is now in the hands of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (“LPC”). The owner of the building has applied to the LPC for a Certificate of Appropriateness, which, if granted, would permit demolition of the existing structure in order to build a new, 5 story residential building. Both the permission to demolish as well as approval of the new building’s design are at issue.

Although it has been altered and painted over the years, 70 Henry, built in 1896, retains its original massing, scale, overall proportions and, most importantly, its original pressed brick facades. What is striking about the building even in its current state is its scale. As humble as it may now appear to the average passer-by, 70 Henry stands as a reminder of the early commercial structures found in Brooklyn Heights at the turn of the century. It is an integral part of the neighborhood’s history and contributes to the special character of the Brooklyn Heights Historic District.

What does this say about the Brooklyn Heights Cinema? Since the LPC has no jurisdiction over the building’s uses, that question will be decided by the building owner and NYC Department of Buildings. We cannot be sure of its fate, but what we do know is that 70 Henry Street’s owner says his new building plans include the theater which he would relocate at the basement level of the new building, if the LPC grants the demolition permit. If the LPC denies the demolition application, the building owner says he still wishes to keep the Brooklyn Heights Cinema as his tenant. We think it goes without saying that the Brooklyn Heights Cinema is itself a treasured, small-screen hold-out in today’s world of multiplexes. We certainly hope that it will remain in place – showing independent films - for many more decades to come.

On November 27, the LPC held a public hearing on the application. The BHA was there to testify, standing strongly in opposition to the demolition of the existing building and urging is restoration. If restored and stripped of its white paint, it would be one of the handsomest and oldest commercial buildings in the Historic District. We were joined by Councilmember Steve Levin who also advocated for preservation of the existing building.

The LPC has taken no action yet, so no decision has been made on the demolition question. Following the public testimony and related discussion among the LPC Commissioners, the LPC Chairman closed the public hearing record, sending the applicant back to the drawing board to revise his design.

Click here to read the BHA’s two formal statements presented at the LPC Public Hearing. Included in this posting is our testimony favoring the preservation and restoration of the 70 Henry Street, as well as our critique of the proposed new building design. Also posted here is Otis Pearsall’s statement urging the LPC to preserve 70 Henry Street.

We invite BHA members’ comments. Please share your thoughts via email to info@thebha.org or telephone us at (718)858-9193.

ELECTED OFFICIALS & RESIDENTS ORGANIZE RALLY TO AVERT CRISIS AT LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL AND SUNY DOWNSTATE MEDICAL CENTER.

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Long Island Hospital is in danger of closing. Our local elected officials have issued strong statements in support of LICH, urging residents to attend tomorrow's rally to support the hospital.

The rally to save SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Long Island College Hospital (LICH) and its affiliates will take place on Friday, January 25th at 11 AM. The rally is being held in the little park across from the LICH entrance at 339 Hicks Street.

Join U.S.Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Borough President Marty Markowitz, State Senator Daniel Squadron, State Assemblywoman Joan Millman, City Council Members Steve Levin and Brad Lander, who are doing everything possible to avert the loss of health care which would result from the threatened closings of these hospitals.

In a press release issued last week, State Comptroller DiNapoli announced that SUNY Downstate Medical Center and its affiliates (which include LICH) face insolvency later this year, if immediate actions are not taken. His release describes SUNY Downstate's fiscal condition as "dire and it needs all hands on deck if it is going to survive", but we do not yet know how this will translate at either of the affected hospitals.

The communities that depend on LICH need the hospital, and we can only hope that a solution will be found to save the most vital medical services.

We will update this page, as more information specific to LICH becomes available..

www.thebha.org/userfiles/TEST.pdf

BHA CALLS ON MEMBERS TO JOIN EFFORT TO BRING EAST RIVER FERRY SERVICE TO PIER 6.

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The BHA is helping to circulate the online petition started by State Senator Daniel Squadron in a community based effort to have Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park included as an East River Ferry stop, when the ferry service becomes a permanent year-round service.

As you may know, the existing East River ferry service includes a stop at Pier 1, but it does not stop at Pier 6 (Atlantic Avenue). This service has been operating for 1 1/2 years as a pilot program, with ridership levels surpassing everyone's expectations. Now, the NYC Economic Development Corporation plans to extend the service, making it a permanent year-round transit option. This is a good idea!

The BHA supports the City's goal to strengthen and promote the ferry service as an alternative, sustainable and reliable means of transportation for the city, and we certainly favor bringing people to the waterfront and providing better access to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

But the proposal on the table does not include a stop at Pier 6. We think it should, and we hope you will agree. Please act now by signing the online petition here. The petition will be sent to the NYC EDC with a letter co-signed by all of our elected officials, Community Board 2, the BHA and our neighboring civic groups. To view the letter and petition, click here.

Thank you!