Getting Out and About

It’s a beautiful day so why not get out and about in Kensington, Brooklyn?  Get rid of some of your tension and head out for a beautiful hike around some local neighborhoods.

There are a variety of local companies offering guided hiking trails including Gray Fox Guiding, Salt Marsh Trails, and Dead Horse Bay.  Book these and enjoy an opportunity to bike, hike and even do some yoga.  Check out Marine Park with the family.  Kids can see all different types of birds, crabs and tons of wildlife; parents can go hiking and grandparents can just relax in the sun at this waterfront park.

For a really challenging hike there is the outstanding Williamsburg Bridge Pedestrian Path.  Allegedly designed with inspiration from the Eiffel Tower, the bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and one of the last ones that was built to be used by horse and carriage.

Brooklyn Bridge Park: Possible Construction

Constructing a new space in Brooklyn Bridge Park – at the Fulton Ferry Landing Pier – is back on the agenda.  Last year the project – under the auspices of Starling Architecture – was presented to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) but not accepted due to fears that it would block downtown Manhattan as well as the surrounding waterfront.

“My question is, what is different now?” asked Moshe Victor Keinig, a retired architect who spends a lot of time in New York. “Much as this new construction would give, I’m concerned about what it would take away.  Once you start diminishing the importance of historic landmarks such as these by accepting this kind of construction, you bring the entire stature of New York into question,” Keinig argued.

There has however, been one significant difference since the original proposal was put on the table back in April 2019. If approved, the structure will be able to preserve the current pier sightlines by using slimmer supports and eradicate the 11-foot-tall hydraulic window walls and roof system.

“I guess if Starling Architecture is able to commit to these changes then we won’t have the problem of the obstruction.  I also like the idea of the new white, yellow and green color scheme and the retractable fabric awning and central bar,”  Moshe Victor Keinig conceded.  “It is so  important for all cities to be able to maintain their historic presence and much of this is architecture,” he added.

A Fresh Start

Many people make new year’s resolutions at the beginning of each calendar year.  That can often feature healthy choices. Here we see how various local community organizations combined their efforts “to get a jumpstart” by offering families healthy food options.

Brooklyn’s Bash: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ

If you haven’t already gotten your tickets for the upcoming local Beer, Bourbon & BBQ festival, stop everything now and do so!  Happening this Saturday at the Brooklyn EXPO Center, located at 72 Noble Street, this year is set to be Bigger and Better than ever!

Now celebrating an entire decade of festivities, the 10^th annual festival has a lot on its plate this year.  Every guest (VIP or general) will receive a souvenir glass and bag but for the VIP ticket you will also get access to the Beast Cage and Shrine of Swine whereby you can enjoy whole hogs in each session.  As well, you will be able to sample 15+ Southern Style BBQ dishes in an unlimited amount until 2pm! Smoked meats include those that are less likely to be seen on your typical BBQ menu like: alligator, bison, lamb and longhorn rounds! A real meat lover’s treat.

In addition, there will be Brewmasters and Pit Masters’ seminars (at the Tasting Theater) and an opportunity to rock out to all the DJs. For all you brave foodies, make sure you take part in the Bacon Eating Contest as well. All in all, it’s a great way to spend an evening

Gearing Up for New Year’s!

New Year’s Eve (and day!) is approaching so here we take a brief look at what is happening in and around our locality.

Getting the party started early is a joint venture between EBK Events and JRG Entertainment happening tomorrow night! Get your glad rags and dancing shoes on for The End of a Decade Masquerade Ball. With VIP guest appearances including Eric Adams (Brooklyn Borough President) and Yvette Clark (US Representative), Caribbean-infused complimentary appetizers and more, this event is not to be missed!

If you don’t want to spoil their foray into New Year’s, they can wait til 31st December and celebrate at the Le Crocodile, Wythe Hotel with a New Year’s Eve Dinner. Watch the ball drop and then check out the Lemon’s after-party where Boy Michi will be hosting a disco-inspired fete!

If you want to take a trip down memory lane or at least go back to how things were a century ago, there is the aptly themed Roaring 20s Party. Take a cab over to Bushwick and get your place at the Brooklyn Cider House before 10pm when the party starts. With a DJ and ball drop Times Square screening this dress up party will have you boogeying the night away til 2am! Cost $100.

And if you are up for doing anything the next day, why not bring in 2020 with the ever popular Coney Island Polar Bear Club swim? Come on down to Stillwell Avenue’s Boardwalk at 1pm donning warm clothes and old boots. Suggested donation of at least $25 for the benefit of the Coney Island community (and New York Aquarium). It really is a must-see (at least one time in your life) for locals and all swimmers will be given free admission to the New York Aquarium too.

Christmas: A Brighter Brooklyn

A bunch of local police officers have taken on a beautiful Christmas tradition over the last few years. Thanks to them, almost 100 kids will have their holiday season brightened with some wonderful Christmas gifts like other – more privileged – kids take for granted each year.

For those who happened to be at the Spring Creek (Gateway Drive)’s Target earlier this month, they would likely have bumped into some NYPD officers chaperoning kids from underprivileged families enjoying a much deserved shopping spree. One local 9 year old reported how he got a Mario Hot Wheel an other exciting gadgets. As Officer Sherry Levan-Lewis said:

“It’s an amazing, amazing experience as this is my first time and I’m so excited. Some children may not get the opportunity to go into a toy store. I love this and I’m sure the children are ecstatic about it and their hearts are beating really fast, as mine is.”

With $150 per kid, it really will be a brighter Brooklyn Christmas!

Kent Towers

With an abundance of light, green space and community amenities, the towers on Kent Avenue, Brooklyn are becoming a fabulous architectural landscape site. Architectural firm ODA is the brains behind this development taking a step away from classic New York residential towers.

In this Williamsburg project designs, most units come out as corner apartments. This is a fascinating way to please everyone since usually the four corner apartments are the most expensive due to their popularity. So ODA solves that issue.

“ODA is relatively new in the architectural playing field,” said Olivia McCormick who has long dabbled in architecture and interior design, mainly for her family and friends. “And that’s what makes its success and recognition so impressive. It’s designs are somewhat off the beaten track but they are gaining popularity at incredible speed.”

Corner apartments in this particular venue are even more welcome given the location – right alongside the waterfront. As such every unit is subject to incredible views that almost seep into their apartments.

“When I first saw the design and then thereafter the actual tower,” reminisces retired architect Moshe Victor Keinig, I was blown away. ODA really knows what they are doing. I would love to one day purchase a unit at the towers,” he added.

Who could blame him? With views of the east river, Williamsburg bridge and areas of Downtown Manhattan these really will be prime locations. The towers take up four addresses from 416-420 Kent Avenue. The first one on 416 is now finished and each one will have more than 20 stories with over 850 units. Affordable housing will comprise 20 percent of this (those will be the only ones not in the corner status).