Express F Train Service...but not in Carroll Gardens

Well, mixed news for all those in Carroll Gardens who are concerned about the F train service in Carroll Gardens. Although the MTA is currently studying the feasibility of reimplementing express service along the Culver Line, the main beneficiaries would be those in Southern Brooklyn (NOT South Brooklyn) who have extensive commuting times. According to Courier Life:

"“F express is good for some neighborhoods and not others,” according to Andrew Inglesby, assistant director of MTA Government and Community Relations. “It’s really good for the southern portion [of the borough], but for Carroll Gardens, you have to look at which stations will be express stations.” The express would stop at Jay Street, Seventh Avenue and Church Avenue, where the infrastructure will allow its reinstatement. It would bypass Bergen Street, Carroll Street, Smith/9th Street, 15th Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway."

Mr. Inglesby has a good point. Commuting to the city from Carroll Gardens is a breeze, especially when compared to the commute times from farther afield in the borough. Although at times crowded (which an express train will help with), one of the characteristics that makes our area so desirable is the short travel times to Manhattan.

Ratner Raises Some Serious Cash - 500 Large!

Downtown developer Bruce Ratner, whose projects have and will continue to reshape the face of downtown Brooklyn, raised over $500 million two days ago for his controversial Atlantic Yards project. From the New York Times:

The $1 billion basketball arena at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues is the centerpiece for the 22-acre Atlantic Yards development, which is to include more than 6,000 apartments.
“There was a strong appetite for the bonds,” said Jay Abrams, a bond analyst at FMS Bonds. “The market was comfortable with the ratings the deal received and the security that was pledged.”

Whatever your stance on the Atlantic Yards Development, this is a pretty resounding vote of confidence from financial investors for the future of the development.

Murder on 4th Street

Sad news for the safety of all in Carroll Gardeners.  In what police are terming a home invasion, a 29-year old 4th Street resident was found dead from a gunshot. From the Daily News:

A young rock musician was found dead in his apartment on a quiet Brooklyn street - with a bullet in his heart, cops said Friday. No one has been arrested in the killing of drummer Troy Young, 29, and the motive for the shooting was a mystery. His body was discovered after a friend went to the 76th Precinct to report him missing. Cops said he was shot in the shoulder and the bullet went through his heart.


Just another reminder to be vigilant in these times.

A Familiar Tune from a New Politician

It never ceases to amaze how constituents think that a new politician will change things. In the latest example, New York City Councilman-elect Brad Lander (who I voted for, in the interests of full disclosure) came out with a classic non-statement in the egregious case of the Hannah Senesh's land grab. For more on the background of the case, check out Katia Kelly's Pardon Me For Asking. Here is what Brad had to say, courtesy of the Brooklyn Eagle:

"“The change being proposed is a significant one, which would involve an amendment to the city’s Administrative Code to remove the courtyard requirement on this lot, the disposition of the lot from the DOT to Hannah Senesh, and other land use actions,” said Lander in a statement, adding that he is against any process that would not include community hearings and a vote by Community Board 6."

Brad, the issue is very simple. The additional time you're taking to make up your mind will only allow you more time to get further and further from the wishes of your constituents, and more time to be lobbied by an organization that brings only problems to this neighborhood.

Of course, the most egregious part of it all seems to be that the lot is currently used as a parking lot, and no one has said boo about it.