Fresh Fruit on Atlantic Ave!

A few days ago, a reader sent me this intriguing email: as bizarre as it is, i just noticed that a fresh fruit and vegetable market is opening on atlantic avenue right around grand (towards classon on the prospect heights/crown heights side of the street). it's the produce equivalent of frank white -- meaning, they're putting a lot of work into the space and it's going to be really nice, but it will probably ultimately suffer from its atlantic ave location (zero foot traffic).

i can't understand why they wouldn't choose fulton for this very necessary place, i guess the rents are a lot cheaper on atlantic.

Readers, this is why I love you. Because I would probably never, ever be walking around in that particular area and this is a very exciting tip!

It was not easy to find. I walked down a very desolate section of Atlantic, populated only by auto repair and restaurant equipment retailers, all completely shuttered on a Sunday afternoon. But then, I saw it: two gorgeous wooden planters with green fern spilling over at a storefront on the south side of the street.

The beauty of the fruit (both standard and exotic), as well as the interior renovation was shockingly gorgeous. Where on earth did this place come from?!

The owner (whose name escapes me, since I didn't write it down), said he expects to be fully operational within the next few days. He is also open to suggestions on what people would like to see him carry!

People, check it out, NOW.

Atlantic Tropics Atlantic Ave. nr. Grand

Cops Read Blogs!!

Many thanks to reader Philip for emailing me a camera phone picture of the cop cars in front of the 88th precinct on DeKalb Avenue at Classon.  After I posted about their cars blocking the street's new bike lane, they've switched to regular old parallel parking (you know, like the rest of us have to!).

Thanks also to Gothamist and Streetsblog (and I'm sure many others) for picking up this story.

Let's hope this is a permanent gesture.  It's days like today that I'm really psyched to be a community blogger.  (BTW, where did they put the other cars?)

New Restaurant on Fulton

Boca Soul, on Fulton between Clinton and Vanderbilt, didn't last very long. The food was tasty, but it just didn't take. There appears to be something new opening in that space:

Thanks to reader Brian for tipping me off. I might not have noticed otherwise, as the awning is the same color.

The website, shockingly, doesn't work. But I'll definitely check it out.

Props to the other businesses who've been holding their own on Fulton, despite the never-ending construction (Olivino, 'Cure, Fish and Crustaceans, Autour du Monde, etc).

Bike Lanes in the 'Hood

Since I've been biking a lot lately, I've come to realize how wonderful bike lanes actually are.  I'm pleased to say that we now have a bike lane on both Myrtle AND DeKalb!  However, I have noticed that the DeKalb bike lane seems to be contributing to the bottle necking that happens around Classon Ave, causing a backup. It's not actually the bike lane that's causing this.

The cause is the police parking.  Cop cars cut off an entire lane just west of Classon on DeKalb, and now that practice has become even more dangerous.  Look at these pics sent to me by a reader:

This intersection has already become a traffic nightmare, and now cyclists have to divert out into traffic that's already dangerous.  Surely there must be a better way to arrange this.  With a huge increase in neighborhood traffic (especially on Sundays with the Flea), this isn't cool.

Speaking of bike lanes, WE NEED ONE ON LAFAYETTE AVENUE!!!  ASAP!!!

Lovely Mural at NYC Pets

A few weeks ago, the storefront of NYC Pets (Myrtle at Washington) was transformed into a lovely painted parkscape complete with frolicking dogs. The reader who originally spotted it and emailed me said it looked like a Pratt student had been involved in the project.

I love the way the trees look painted over the windows!

Hall Street Storage Goes Green

A blog called Did You Ever Notice has recently posted some photos of what appears to be a brand new mural on Hall Street between Park and Flushing:

Just a day or so after receiving this tip, the answer found its way into my inbox. The mural, newly painted on the side of Hall Street Storage, announces the company's new green renovations and services!

Here's their press release (it's long, but it has a lot of good info and history!):

Brooklyn’s Hall Street Storage is Designated the Country’s First Green Storage Space

The only storage facility in the country to qualify for the Green-e logo*-- the leading symbol for renewable energy excellence--opens self-storage rooms for every New Yorker

NY, NY (May 8, 2008)—Today Hall Street Storage offers New Yorkers the opportunity to store green for the first time. By introducing several ground-breaking green initiatives and opening self-storage rooms in its 1918 warehouse space, the company gives everyday New Yorkers the only green alternative for storage in the city, or the nation. The company is systemically green, with sustainable actions throughout—from renewable energy sources for 100% of its electricity use to biodegradable packing peanuts made of cornstarch.

Hall Street Storage has joined Brooklyn’s burgeoning green business movement with a number of forthright green actions. Its purchase of renewable energy (including wind and solar power) for 100% of its annual electricity needs qualifies it to use the Green-e logo, the leading symbol for renewable energy excellence because of its strict environmental and consumer protection standards. “By investing in clean, renewable energy, Hall Street Storage has given their customers the opportunity to support a company that raises awareness and inspires action by taking significant steps to reduce the negative impacts of a fossil-fuel energy generation,” says Aleka Seville, manager of Green-e Marketplace.

Within the company, green efficiencies and a remodel have resulted in the addition of 80,000 square feet of floor space. This newly available space has allowed the company to add self-storage units for individuals and small businesses. Many materials taken out during the remodel are being repurposed rather than trashed. Just one example is the antique wood taken from the company’s 1918 building, which is sought-after today by furniture makers and carpenters for laying floors, and will be used by area craftspeople.

Hall Street Storage has made an art out of finding every possible reuse for discarded materials, making its on-site center for packing supplies full of green materials such as repurposed shipping cartons and bags of paper from the office’s paper shredder to be used as an alternative to bubble wrap. Even the beams removed during the remodel of the building have become wood shavings to be used for packing. Also available are options like biodegradable packing peanuts made of cornstarch. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of recycled packing materials will be donated to the newly formed Wallabout/Clinton Hill Green Awareness Foundation, an organization founded by Hall Street Storage devoted to fostering sustainable lifestyle practices within the Downtown Brooklyn community.

Everyday actions that make an environmental difference within the company include initiatives like using eco-friendly cleaning products. These are echoed in an employee awareness program to elevate knowledge and use of green practices in employees’ own lives, which include the option of buying such items as natural cleaning products and low-energy light bulbs at cost.

Hall Street Storage even wants to encourage its customers to be green at home. New self-storage customers will receive an eco-tote bag filled with environmental helpers like a CFL bulb, a natural house cleaner, and a book with tips on how to be green. And if being green isn’t incentive enough, the company is offering a free year’s rent on self-storage to a winner drawn from those who register on the company’s web site. Soon the rest of the Northeast will have a chance to store green as well, as Hall Street aims to open fifteen green self-storage sites over the next five years.

"Our commitment to having the lowest impact on the environment is more than one of policy; it's become our primary passion," says Jeffrey E. Sitt, President of Hall Street Storage. He hopes the company’s commitment to the green business movement will inspire other area businesses. “It’s like dropping a pebble into a pond,” he says. “One little ripple will always reverberate into wider circles.”

About Hall Street Storage

Hall Street Storage has been serving the Tri-State area since 1931. It is a multi-building warehouse complex encompassing almost an entire city block in the Wallabout/Clinton Hill area of downtown Brooklyn, located opposite Steiner Studios and the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and about a mile from DUMBO. The facility encompasses everything from individual rooms to entire floors. With the recent addition of self-storage units, individuals and small businesses will now have access to a range of services like professional packing, shipping, mailbox rentals, and third-party licensed and insured local and long-distance moving.

12 Hall Street, Brooklyn, NY 718-855-3636 www.hallstreetstorage.com

For more on Green-e and Hall Street Storage, see “Corporate Responsibility News."

The original 1918 Hall Street Storage building at Brooklyn’s Wallabout Market; this picture circa 1927:

Il Torchio No More

Many of you have emailed me in the last two days after trying to make a reservation at Il Torchio, only to be told the ownership had changed. This seems like a bizarre turn of events.  Il Torchio, which opened less than a year, definitely had its growing pains.  Many of you left comments about the price points, service and quality in the first month or so, but they really seemed to get their game together.  In recent months, many people have emailed me and commented on how good the food and atmosphere were.  And that makes this changeover all the more curious.

MARP, in response to my email asking what was up, said that they only knew that Il Torchio's owners decided they no longer wanted to own both the building and the restaurant.  (And as for Los Pollitos, they brought on a business partner, hence the name and menu change.)

Anyone one dined under the new ownership yet?

URGENT: CH KITTY NEEDS HOME!

A friend of mine who has recently moved to London desperately needs to find a home for her adorable cat ASAP. Here are the details: Boris -- fantastic, smart, loveable Boris -- lived in Clinton Hill from 1999 until this month, when his mom (Clintoncentric) moved to London because her husband took a job there. It was too hard to bring Boris with them, not knowing where they would live, or whether their new apt would allow cats, so she found him a new home and mom in Williamsburg.

The problem is, Boris has warmed up to his new mom, but she's realized she doesn't have the time to take of him, and wants to get rid of him by this coming Wednesday, June 3.

Boris is a fantastic cat for the right owner -- i.e., one who has the time to love him. He's also famous (as you can see from the video in this link http://mycatboris.blogspot.com/). So if you are interested in adopting him, or know someone who would be, email boristhefamouscat@gmail.com asap. Thanks!

Press Conference Recap

In case you didn't read through the comments on yesterday's post regarding the crime-related press conference, reader C-hill attended and posted a thorough recap: Well I just got home from the press conference and although I want to remain hopeful, immediate help in the form of increased police presence will not be happening soon.In addition to Leticia James, a board member from The Clinton Hill Society, Deputy Borough president of Bklyn and 2 88th pct officers were present .Also in attendance was the landlord of the corner building were the last shooting occured along with a handful of residents. The immediate solution is the design of a website to track crimes in the community.Leticia James urged residents to report these crimes via website so they can be tracked because according to the 88th pct, there is nothing wrong in the community. There data doesnt support an increase in violent crimes that warrants additional officers but even if it did, there are no officers to assign. None were assigned to the 88th from the last class and with officers retiring, well you get the point.They are understaffed. Ms James also stated that she urged design and construction to expedite matters in completing the road construction so that traffic will return to normal but after speaking to one of the workers, I was advised that the end is not till Sept the earliest.Bleek news all around.Assaults, drive by shootings, and homicides have occured in the last 4 months.Since help isnt coming, stay alert and do your best to be the eyes and ears of the community. Look for the website and report incidents without fear of retribution.Things have got to improve.Let’s hope that the Mayor responds to Ms James call for assistance. She did note that since the protests in Crown Heights, additional officers were provided. Maybe that is what we as a community have to do as well.

I admire Ms. James' ideas for developing our own solutions, but who is going to run this website and how will we get the word out to everyone in the neighborhood? (To my dismay, I realize that not everyone reads CHB!) If an elderly woman gets mugged, is she going to log her crime onto a website? Probably not.

UPDATE: Woahhhh, just saw this on Brownstoner!!!  Interesting, isn't it, how the cops get fired up only when one of their own has been shot at?

Nostalgic Essay

A reader who grew up in the 'nabe emailed me this rambling and lovely essay about growing up in Clinton Hill: (posted verbatim)Sure there's a group of us from those days that wax nostalgia which is so odd, because we still think we're kind of hip and young. I guess it's all relative. There are so many stories to tell, I guess I could start at 10 years old and work my way up to when everyone started moving away when I was about 18 ish.

Our playground was initially the Clinton Hill Apartments which many of us lived in. The courtyards (with the Guards booth from outer space being our focal point) some of those guards back then were really quite funny and they would literally chase us through these tunnels beneath the buildings --- which to a kid seemed like a coal mine. I n any case, my best friend back then was Arthur Maturo, who's mother was the producer of the "To Tell the Truth" television show. Her name was Mimi O"Brian and they were the only ones in the Clinton Hill apts that had a maid!

We were really like the kids in Stand By Me....Clinton Hill style. My Aunt Milly was a politician in the area back then too she and her family the Marchiano's, lived on Adelphi. There were actually a lot of Italians in that neighborhood. While most landed in Bensonhurst, a crew must have got lost and landed in Ft. Green and Clinton Hill. My grandparents were Italian immigrants and lived on Classon Ave. The Pratt students at the time used to use her (my Aunt's) billboards as art pieces and probably dart boards. I could never get a grip on why that was. I think she may have been pretty tacky and arts students thought she was a joke. (that's all another story).

My friend Laura Yaccarino whom I still know, would be my oldest friend (were both 50), and grew up on Clinton Avenue between Dekalb and Lafayette in a brownstone. Her father was Joe from Joe's Place restaurant on Waverly (very hip hangout back then) and her mother Nancy may still live there. Nancy and Joe were like my adopted parents back then. I just loved hanging out with them as they had this kind of gay sensibility. I'm a gay man and back when I was 16 she would always get references I would make to lines in All About Eve or things like that. Their late son John was a good friend as well. They would toss these really fabulous Christmas parties with all these artsy types, and "the kids" were allowed to join the party. The older people there (they were probably only 30ish), seemed really fascinated by our little androgynous group of hippy kids. They would usually gravitate over and ask us strange questions like, I dunno, um "What do you think of the new Mahavishnu Orchestra LP?" (insert blank stare)..

More to come....

I will get to the coven of witches that worked at the Woodward School and the Warlock who sold drugs from the Good Humor Truck in a later email. Then there's Spike Lee. Who is probably my age now. and The Ft Green Waltons (a family of beautiful blonde men that lived on Cumberland).

Another Teen Crime

From a reader: I was walking towards Myrtle on Clinton (between Dekalb and Willoughby) this afternoon around 3 when someone tried to take my purse. I held on to it as I turned around and it was a group of 6 to 10 kids. I tried fighting back but then they knocked me down to the ground and started kicking me. Fortunately, a gentleman crossed the street and scared them off. He helped me up and waited until I told him I was ok before he left. But then a girl, who said saw the whole thing, told me that the same kids did the same thing to a guy walking a dog on Clinton Ave. last night. She recommended I write you thinking maybe with enough complaints, something could get done.

I did call the cops, and they did come by and told me they would be looking for them. These kids were just out of school with nothing to do and, without a cop in sight, decided maybe they could get a quick buck. I've been in this neighborhood for the last 8 years and been mugged and beaten now 4 times. I understand the cops have better things to do, but these kids were not older than 16 (thankfully, otherwise I don't think I would have fared as well), and if given the opportunity, may grow up to commit the same, if not worse crimes to someone else.

Again, more crime committed by what seems to be a restless group of teens. How can we get the cops to patrol during after-school hours?  And as for the part about cops "having better things to do," I disagree.  I'd say making our streets safe DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS is a pretty main responsibility.

Easter Shooting on Lexington

This just in from a reader: I just witnessed a shooting on my corner about an hour ago, Lexington and Classon. Young black man in black jacket and sock hat fired 4 rounds at another black male who was running East up Lexington (towards Bed-Stuy). Silver revolver, probably a .357 or .45. Got into a white late-model Toyota Corolla or something similar, driven by another black male in a sock hat.

I called the police and told them what I saw. There were 15 cops on the corner in under 10 minutes.

Jeez!!! At least the cops came in a timely manner. And props to this witness, who was able to provide a good description to the cops.

Another crazy crime post coming tomorrow...

Donations?

This has come up before, but wanted to give it another shot. Occasionally readers and local merchants will email me for suggestions on where to donate used clothing and furniture in the neighborhood.  The standard answers are the Salvation Army on Downing (I think?) near Broken Angel, and Goodwill on Fulton (near Franklin).

However, many people would prefer to donate to a local organization specific to the community.  A few years ago, I placed a few calls to no avail.

So!  Does anyone know of any locally-based organizations looking for clothing and/or furniture donations?  Preferably an organization that would pick the stuff up?  Maybe they offer some volunteer opps as well?

Discuss.

Are Spitzer's "High-End Friends" Clinton Hill-ers?

A CH resident is reporting that a news van has been camped out next door to his building on St. James Place asking about someone named Tameka Lewis. His diligent research led him to this article, which states that this woman was involved in setting up "client appointments" for "Client No. 9."

Read the full account here.

Missing an Engagement Ring?

In my inbox this weekend: FOUND: engagement ring on corner of S Portland and Hanson Pl, Saturday around 8am. If you believe this may be yours, please email with description, size, etc and hopefully it is yours! I do not want to attach a picture as I don't want scammers trying to score a free ring - I just want the ring to be returned to its rightful owner. I can imagine how distraught he/she is out there, searching for this lost ring. Better yet, if you have a picture to match that would be great!

Please call Susan at (201) 803-0893 if you think it is yours and I will gladly return asap. I am in the area.

thanks!

Fulton Ave Food Survey

(Sorry for my delay this morning!) One of CHB's readers is looking into opening a food shop on Fulton, and she'd love to know what you all think.  If you have a few minutes, please answer her survey.

This is an opportunity to express your opinions and share thoughts and ideas for the Fulton area to an entrepreneur who's willing to listen.  Please help her out!

Hidden Treasure: Sushi Okdol?

I've heard some really great things about Sushi Okdol on Myrtle Avenue, but only tried takeout once and found it...meh. Just received this reader note: wanted to suggest that you check out sushi okdol

we go there at least once a week with our kids- and it's almost always empty. the sushi is fine- but things like bib bim bop and soon du bu jigae are very good and very authentic. they are great with the kids- always bring them soup and rice immediately - and tofu- and sushi- etc

we actually had our 5 year old's birthday party there last year- and probably will again this year.

it's the place above the deli on myrtle- across from the associated.

You may haven't even noticed this place, being that it's on the second floor of the building (497 Myrtle at Hall). I don't have children (yet), but it's nice to hear there's a place for cool parents to dine on ethnic foods that the kids can enjoy, too.

Any other reviews?

Gluten-Free Suggestions Wanted

Received this email from a reader, who coincidentally went to the same high school as I did (small world!): I have a quick question to ask - I've been trying to read the blog for any suggestions on gluten-free food/ideas in the FG/CH area. I've been diagnosed with Celiacs for over four years now, and it's been really tough to find gluten-free products in the area. I know of the organic food store on Myrtle (Karrots), and the Met on Fulton is hit or miss (but they seem to have the GF beer), and the Associated on Myrtle carries a small selection. Any chance you could make a request/post about it in an upcoming blog entry?

Ideas? I'd also suggest:

• Green Planet (Fulton at Washington)
• Fresh Garden (Fulton and Lafayette)
• Provisions (Fulton at S. Portland)

(More info on these places here.)

The Met Scrambles for Some Cred

After all these comments on the Met on Fulton, I'm sure glad that it's not the closest grocery store to me! Looks like the opening of Green Planet (and maybe some of the remarks here on the interwebs) have the Met trying to make themselves look better. This just in from reader Rachel:

I found this really interesting: Met Foods now has a painted sign on their window claiming “Largest fresh organic products in the area.” I went in to see if there were, in fact, any fresh organic products and was hard-pressed to find any (just the usual half-rotten produce they usually carry). It’s clearly a reaction to the threat of all the discerning customers shopping at Green Planet, but why lie? I find it very fitting that the bunny painted next to the sign looks more like a giant rat…

Heh. It actually does kinda look like a rat!

Green Planet: OPEN!

Received this early sneak peak last week: Just sending an email about the new store Green Planet on Fulton St. I walked by there today and they were loading in stocks of vitamins & supplements. I peeked in and there does not really look like space for fresh produce or any other fresh goods. Seems to be all packaged stuff, vitamins, drink mixes, cold remedies, etc. I for one am a big consumer of vitamins so I vow to patronize this place. HOWEVER, I am disappointed there will be no fresh veggies! *keeps fingers crossed*

A reader g-chatted me last night with this info:

just wanted to let you know that green planet is open (not fully stocked yet) but it looks great in there!

I hear they also have bulk granola!! I'll stop by after work to snap some pics.