Feb 132012
 

A short trench has been dug into 76th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues in order for the city to perform ‘emergency sewer reconstruction.’

We’ve reached out to the NYC Department of Design and Construction to determine how long the project is expected to take. We haven’t heard back by our publishing deadline, but we’ll update this story if and when they respond.

Feb 132012
 

This past Saturday, Little Kitchen (9300 5th Avenue) held a Grand Opening event. The restaurant – which has been open “unofficially” for a few weeks – is next door to Kelly’s Tavern, and is co-owened by Corrine Betsch and Kelly’s owner John Nolan.

Your author sampled everything in the photograph below the jump, and the split pea soup as well, and can report that it is very good. Another attendee tells me that the burger is also very good – Skinflints good. I can’t personally attest to this, but I’ll certainly be going back to find out. Signature dish fish & chips and a variety of sandwiches are also on the menu. Continue reading »

Feb 132012
 

I’m in a bit of a fire house mood this week, as you’ll see later on. But why wouldn’t I, they do make for compelling photography targets. With their big, red doors, two- or three-story brick facades, and the Stars & Stripes on full display – to say nothing of the people inside, ready to run into that which the rest of us would do well to run away from – they’re one of the quintessential ties that bind a community together.

If you would like a photo considered for inclusion in our Seen In Photos series, please e-mail info@bayridgeodyssey.com.

Feb 132012
 

There are a couple of issues with the switchover to BayRidgeOdyssey.com that I am aware of. [UPDATE - February 13] Both of these issues have now been resolved. Updates are below, in bold.

  • The top of the page looks horrible in old web browsers. You’ll have to forgive for that one. Ever since my company upgraded from IE6 (after 90% of the rest of the world did) (no, literally, Microsoft has a website that tracks that sort of thing), I haven’t had access to an old web browser to test on. This is now fixed. If anyone experiences any issues, please let us know.
  • While you shouldn’t have any problem leaving new comments, you will find that none of your old comments from BK Southie are appearing on the site. Yet. I’ll be working on that, but at the moment, since you can leave new comments, fixing the old ones isn’t a priority for me. This is now fixed. All of your old comments should now show up. For those of you logging in through Disqus, please note that you may not see the comment in your account history/activity.

Originally published February 7.

Feb 102012
 

A Brooklyn-raised acquaintance who move moved to Pittsburgh once marveled at  the views of downtown’s skyscraper office buildings from the bluffs of the nearby Hill District – a “city at eye level” is what he called it. I’m often reminded of that by the views down the side streets off Third Avenue, particularly down 84th Street facing Fort Hamilton High School.

If you would like a photo considered for inclusion in our Seen In Photos series, please e-mail info@bayridgeodyssey.com.

Feb 092012
 

Tonight (February 9), the Dimensions On Stage acting school will be putting on a Valentine’s-themed cabaret. The Bensonhurst Bean reported last week that the acting school is billing the day as “the day we hate to love and love to hate,” and that the production will include performances from local business owners.

“We’re doing the love/anti-love thing,” Daniel Gershburg, who is an attorney as well as part time promoter for acting school Dimensions On Stage (7601 3rd Ave), told Bensonhurst Bean.

I’ve never had conflicted feelings about Valentine’s Day. Rather, I’ve come full circle instead. I hated it when I was single, then really enjoyed it when I was in a relationship. Later on, I grew to hate the unwinnable contradictions that always seemed to be attached to it, and now that I myself am unattached, I’m back to enjoying it. Undoubtedly, the cycle will repeat soon.

The Cabaret starts at 8pm at the Dimensions On Stage space at 7601 Third Avenue. (Hey, afterward could be the perfect time to stop by the newly-opened Harp?) Continue reading »

Feb 082012
 

A plan to create a pedestrian-plaza atmosphere during summer Fridays on Third Avenue won key approval from a sub-committee on Community Board 10 last night.

Summer Stroll On Third is a plan organized by the Merchants of Third Avenue to close the boulevard across an eight-block stretch (81st through 89th Streets) on four Friday evenings starting July 20. Organizers expect to bring acoustic music (no rock bands!), dance and art, multi-cultural cuisine and more to the street during the Summer Stroll, and restaurants will have the opportunity to set up seating to the curb.

The organizers are working with the DOT to provide alternatives for the 100 metered parking spots that will be unavailable during Summer Stroll. All side streets through the eight-block stretch will be fully open to traffic.

The plan, which enjoys support from Councilman Vincent Gentile and State Senator Marty Golden, was approved last night by the Traffic and Transportation committee. The program will be a go if the application is approved by the full board at their next meeting on February 27.

Feb 082012
 

Councilman Gentile and Borough President Markowitz want the city to bring ferry service back to the 69th Street pier.

There are a few important stories that came out in the past week that I want to be sure to put a spotlight on:

  • The Brooklyn Daily reported last week that the Danish Athletic Club, a 120-year-old social club serving the Scandanavian community, is facing the prospect of closing its doors in the next year or two, citing a decades-long demographic shift. (Read more: Brooklyn Daily)
  • A federal judge is postponing by several months a ruling on a motion to dismiss sexual abuse charges against Poly Prep Country Day School brought up under anti-racketeering laws. He has, however, given indications that the motion to dismiss will be denied. (Read more: NY Daily News)
  • Councilman Gentile and Borough President Markowitz support the return of Manhattan-bound ferry service to the 69th Street pier. (Bensonhurst Bean)

 

Feb 072012
 

Not sure which slot my credit card is supposed to go in, but it will do. Photo: Etsy.com

Good news: In April, two-hour parking meters will replace the one-hour variety on Third and Fifth Avenues in Bay Ridge, according to reports from the Bensonhurst Bean and the Brooklyn Daily. State Senator Marty Golden’s office released a press release, stating “Two hour parking meters for Bay Ridge’s 3rd and 5th Avenue is a tremendous victory for all residents and business owners, as well as those who shop and dine here. For years, those who have parked at meters and dined on 3rd and 5th Avenues, many times had to step out during their meal to feed their meters.”

The Brooklyn Daily report, which credited Rocco’s Pizzeria owner Joseph Loccisano with organizing the petition submitted to the City, states that the new meters will be installed from 72nd Street to 90th Street on Fifth Avenue and from 88th Street to 95th Street on Third Avenue.

The bad news is, it will cost twice as much to park for those two hours as it used to cost for one.