2003 NYC Used Eminent Domain in Brooklyn
Today’s blog post was told to me by one of my family members.
“We walked into a meeting of suits sipping orange juice from goblets and feasting on cream cheese covered bagels like they never ate a Brooklyn bagel before. They didn’t notice my partner and I, even though we were the homeowners in jeans who were ready to demand some answers. You see the city had someone tape papers to the doors of our property to let us know that our property would be taken by eminent domain because it was needed for a public project. The paper didn’t come in an envelope or by certified mail – it was just a flyer because they considered this a done deal.”
What?! This had to be a joke. Could the government force a property owner to turn over their property for a park in 2003?
We saw a huge three dimensional map of the area at the side of the room. When we walked over to it, we saw a skyscraper was in place of our building. The use of Eminent Domain was suppose to be for the public good and here’s a skyscraper sitting on top of my land. My partner moved toward the podium and spoke. His words crashed their party and their smiles vanished from their faces. Some realized that they were speaking to a man who was very attached to his property. Some sympathized because we were notified about eminent domain through flyers left in our business door. Most had no clue that he relentless.
Other home owners on our block lost their property to eminent domain. One of the men in charge of the Downtown program at Markowitz’s office told us we “were lucky” that the city was buying us out. There is nothing lucky about someone forcing you to sell your property for less than half of it’s worth. That day we realized we wouldn’t take any more calls from that man because he was so worked over by the city, he was no longer a man. We won’t mention his name here as he is probably retired by now, but we can tell you that he had no idea what property in Brooklyn was worth – after all, he lived in Staten Island because he was priced out of Brooklyn! We always knew what property in Brooklyn was worth because we love Brooklyn. We realized there wasn’t unlimited land here so eventually the property we purchased would be worth a lot more.
The city offered my neighbors quite a bit less than what other home owners were able to sell for. We don’t want to quote the wrong numbers, but you can look up the sale prices on Acris. It was a land grab and to be honest, a miserable time for all involved. Who wants to fight nameless characters in the city whose job depends on you losing your property? Why should home owners be forced to sell because some politician wanted to have their pocket padded? There were way too many politicians who were adding in their two cents and supporting the plan.
We asked politicians all over for their help. Leticia James stuck with us and our neighbors. I remember during one rally that the weather was so bad and she just stood under an umbrella and rallied the crowd. She was always present and we felt bad that we weren’t able to vote for her as our voting addresses were in different parts of the city. When she ran for Public Advocate, we drove people to the voting booth because James deserved the job she wanted and Brooklyn couldn’t ask for a better leader. Will Mark Treyger be an advocate for the Coney Island land owners or will he allow Bloomberg politics to continue in this city?
The use of eminent domain in NYC happened in 2003 because of some corrupt individuals. Remember that model that was at the first meeting? That never appeared at another meeting and no one could find it when we asked for it. It had to cost several thousand to construct, but it quickly disappeared after that initial unveiling. It’s 2015 and Mayor DeBlasio is trying to trying to continue Bloomberg politics and sell out Coney Island land owners. What about “One City – One New York?” These land owners in Coney Island invested when the land was worthless and the city defaulted in cleaning up the area. They paid their taxes all these years and they need tobe heard. Let the owners sell their land to the developers at fair prices IF THEY WANT TO. If not, build around them – it’s their land and they have the right to own it.
Topics: Brooklyn | No Comments »
October 17, 2015What if Crime in Bay Ridge is Hidden from the Public?
Over the past two months, I’ve heard of several crimes that were reported to the 68th Precinct, yet there was no dissemination of information from the 68th Precinct, Marty Golden, Vincent Gentile, Nicole Malliotakis or the local newspapers. Even the 68th Precinct Community Council hasn’t posted anything on their Facebook page.
The public isn’t told anything about these incidents, but could it be possible that they aren’t reporting them to the city. Could the NYPD 68th Precinct not be reporting these incidents so they could keep their numbers low? How would that benefit them? Does this affect promotions or bonuses? Is there a group in NYC that investigates to see if precincts are providing accurate information?
Over the Summer, Bay Ridge residents complained about the problems of drug dealers on their block THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS. They even complained on a two year old newspaper article. How does local politicians: Golden, Gentile and Malliotakis let this continue for years?
In September there were two cases of arson that I know about…..another one I was told about but I can’t confirm it. There’s no mention of the arson incidents anywhere but on Facebook.
Another recent incident involved a robbery from a child near Owls Head Park. It was reported to the NYPD – again no information from the precinct, politicians or newspapers. Thankfully some parents are spreading the information through text.
In the Summer, I came out of Walgreens on 95th Street/3rd Avenue to see good residents trying to help a woman whose husband was not acting appropriate towards his child. I didn’t see the incident, but there were more than 20 people gathered upset, angry and trying to get help. Residents kept calling the police on their cell phones, but no one came. I waited with them for an hour and the 68th Precinct didn’t come up. The man walked just walked away.
In August, I found another precinct thanking the 68th Precinct for loaning them officers. How can Captain Festino loan out officers and then say the 68th Precinct is short staffed (yes I was told this by his staff this Summer).
This month, the 68th Precinct had the walls of the precinct painted pink. Pictures of the precinct appear in the papers, but no information about crime or a warning on what to be on the lookout for in our community. Can the NYPD legally alter a public building? No resident would be allowed to alter a public building, so why would the NYPD? You have to get a permit to play tennis around here so I’m sure there has to be some kind of paperwork for painting a government building.
Last weekend, the 68th Precinct had their wall painted pink. How is that allowed? This weekend it appears the 68th Precinct is asking people to write on the precinct building. I’m not sure they are definitely writing on their building so I wrote to them on their twitter account. They didn’t answer – they never do. I was told by a Lieutenant there that their twitter account is run by an older NYPD officer so that’s why he doesn’t respond. If their goal is to raise awareness about breast cancer, why are they staying at their precinct and doing this, rather than going to one of the high schools and involving students? .Update – they put hot pink oaktag up and less than 20 people signed it. They didn’t involve the community as other precincts have.
Whoever is running the contest at the NYPD did a poor job in setting up the contest. The 68th Precinct doesn’t seem to understand the goal here is to raise awareness – see what this precinct did. Obviously the prize must be something big. Shouldn’t the prize be provided to the department that raised people’s awareness and didn’t just do something for a picture?
Imagine the NYPD made an app which allowed people to write complaints like mine and it was actually looked at by someone who could do something about it. Some people say just call 311. But calling 311 doesn’t work for law enforcement action in our area. If you call 311 with a complaint for the police, they close the call without coming out. They know no one is checking to see if 311 calls have been answered so they can close them fast.
I am crashing the hashtag #NYPDBlueGoesPink because something isn’t right here and there has to be a few good officers who can help me out (at least one, right). I have tried contacting the Captain and he pushed my call off to his officer (who was polite, but didn’t have any information or answers). If you happen to see this post and know where I can some help, let me know in the comments section (comments don’t publish)
Topics: Bay Ridge | No Comments »
October 17, 2015Half Way to St. Patty’s Day Fundraiser Salty Dog 10/18/15
Topics: Bay Ridge | No Comments »
October 16, 2015Sunset Park Theater Program for 11-18 year olds
If you are between the ages of 11 and 18, this looks fun and starts this weekend!
Other Acting and Theater Programs for Children in Bay Ridge
Topics: Brooklyn | No Comments »
October 14, 2015No Need to Wonder Why Your Taxes are High Bay Ridge
Senator Golden was in the paper for spending money at the florist
“His Brooklyn GOP colleague Marty Golden placed three orders at The Enchanted Florist for $725, $455 and $555 over the same January-July period.”
From here
Thanks to a blog reader for sending me the link.
Topics: Bay Ridge | No Comments »
October 13, 2015Alpine Movie Deal
$14 for two tickets, 2 sodas and 2 small popcorn – must be used by February 2016.
Topics: Bay Ridge | No Comments »
October 12, 2015Arson in Bay Ridge but our Politicians, NYPD and Local Papers are Silent
At the end of September, at least two vehicles were set on fire. One of a moped and the other was a SUV (seen below).
I saw the moped the next morning (in the 90’s) – it was a bad fire and the owner was shocked. I didn’t take a pic because I didn’t have my phone with me.
I didn’t write anything about it because I thought the NYPD was investigating and our local papers would carry the story. No papers carried the store that week or the following week. .
Then a picture of a burnt SUV in Bay Ridge was sent to me. Again no coverage by any politician speaking out against it and no message from the 68th Precinct. I guess the 68th Precinct is too busy going pink to be concerned with arson. The local papers carry nonsense stories but won’t tell us what the 68th Precinct is doing about someone committing arson in our neighborhood.
Topics: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn | No Comments »
October 12, 2015Halloween Costumes in Bay Ridge
There are so many places where you can find costumes in Bay Ridge. Three people left me comments asking Where can I rent or buy a Halloween costume in Bay Ridge? So here you go:
Kaleidoscope – kids costumes 8722 – 3rd Avenue 718-491-2051
We’re Having a Party – 8414 – 5th Avenue – sells and rents costumes both kids and adults costumes. I’ve rented from here before and Mark (the owner) is amazing!
Heart to Heart – 9006 3rd Avenue 718-680-6586
Walgreens 95th and 3rd Avenue
Rite Aid 93rd and 3rd Avenue
Costco has costumes
Target – Target has a buy one get one free deal – you can do this online as well.
If you are looking for free or cheap costumes – trade with another parent or resident in Bay Ridge!
Topics: Bay Ridge | No Comments »
October 12, 2015Missing Melody Palma 14 years old – Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Melody Palma, 14, was last seen by her family Sept. 11 walking to school. The family says there is no record of her actually making it to school that day. The family filed a report with police, but say authorities have no leads in the case.”
Please call the 72nd Precinct or 911 if you see this girl or know anything about her.
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
October 12, 2015Halloween Events in Brooklyn 2015
Saturday and Sundays All Month – Green Meadow Farms is outside of Aviator Sports Center 3159 Flatbush Ave. between Shore Parkway and Aviation Road (pumpkin patch, animals, pony rides) – great for taking pictures (see here) 11 am – 4 pm (during the week they do school visits only)
All Month – Luna Park Halloween Harvest – Coney Island
All Month – October 3 – November 1st – Boo at the Bronx Zoo
See houses decorated for Halloween in Brooklyn here
October 17 – Harvest Festival 3pm – 6pm Kaiser Park is in Coney Island on Neptune Ave.
October 18th – The Lock Yard (I love the Lockyard) 9221 5th Avenue in Bay Ridge, will having a Kids Pumpkin Carving Contest. See here for more information
October 18th – Adventurers Park Halloween Parade and Contest (Formerly Nellie Bly) 1 and 3 pm 1824 Shore Parkway Brooklyn
October 24th – Little Gym Halloween Party for kids 4-12 Drop your kids off from 5 pm – 8pm for three hours of fun, gymnastics-based activities, Lego, SPOOKtacular crafts and a pizza dinner while you enjoy three hours of relaxation! Children may come dressed in Halloween costumes. Call us at 718-259-6878 by 10/18/15 to reserve your spot!
October 24th – Coney Island Children’s Parade and Costume Contest – for children 15 and under – 1904 Surf Avenue Brooklyn – FREE entertainment, giveaways and, of course, trick-or-treating! Registraton begins at 10am with the costume contest taking place at 12pm. To register: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5HfPvZhj8eJY1NEekpJV2U4VDg/view?usp=sharing First 1,500 registered participants receive a 2 hour Luna Park unlimited ride wristband and a goodie bag.
October 24th – Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Parade & Party. Parade is at 2:30. Party 3:30 – 5:30 $10 tickets online
October 24th – Prospect Park Halloween Walk and Fair for children 7-12 FREE
October 24th – 10:30 -1:00 pm – Harvest Festival at Brooklyn Bridge Park
October 24th – Marine Park Fall Festival Avenue U between East 36th and East 38th Street. Halloween costume contest 1-5 year olds and 6-10 year olds.
October 30th – Haunted Obstacle Course in Williamsburg for babies and younger children $7.00 each
October 30th – Bay Ridge CrossFit Halloween Party for adults at YellowHook Grille – 8:30 – 11:30 $50 (includes food and drinks)
October 31st – Haunted Halloween Walk and Fairytale Forest in Owl’s Head Park 2 pm to 9 pm. Colonial Road and 68th Street – this is very crowded.
October 31st – Adult Halloween Party at Kelly’s Tavern 9 PM. 9259-4th Avenue
October 31st (not in Brooklyn, but spooky event for adults) The Kreicher Mansion Halloween Thriller (this house had EVP sessions on a Haunted show on television) 4500 Arthur Kill Road Staten Island NY 10309 Tickets are $40 and go on sale Oct. 15th
October 31st – NYC – The Village Halloween Parade
November 1st – Tinkergarten at Owls Head Park 4:45 pm – 6:00 pm – FREE, but need to register – Turn the darkness of “Fall Back” into a magical chance to light up the night with kids’ very own hand-made lanterns. Teach them to welcome the changes in seasons and develop a whole range of skills that matter. 68th Street and Colonial Road.
Topics: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn | No Comments »
October 12, 2015Pig Guy is on Groupon
The new barbecue restaurant, Pig Guy on 3rd Avenue is now on Groupon. Pay $25 – get $50. I haven’t been a Groupon fan for awhile. but I know a lot of you love Groupon deals.
Topics: Bay Ridge | No Comments »
October 12, 2015Rubber Duckie in Oyster Bay, Long Island – October 17th
The 61 foot rubber duckie will be at the Oyster Festival in Oyster Bay, NY on October 17th and 18th
Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »
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