http://brooklynian.com/forum/tags/politics en-US Wed, 22 May 2013 22:47:37 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://brooklynian.com/forum/search.php http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/save-the-coney-island-boardwalk#post-767519 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:02:03 +0000 hmalsman 767519@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>As a follow-up...<br /> I just took a quick look at Solomons' "natural - to - artificial turf " statement. It reads:</p> <p>"In his ruling, he said the changes were similar to replacing an athletic field with artificial turf, which is not subject to environmental review." </p> <p>•"Some artificial turf requires infill such as silicon sand and/or granulated rubber. Some granulated rubber is made from recycled car tires and may carry heavy metals which can leach into the water table. Alternative sources of infill may provide a safer solution.<br /> •There is some evidence that periodic disinfection of artificial turf is required as pathogens are not broken down by natural processes in the same manner as natural grass. Despite this, a 2006 study suggests certain microbial life is less active in artificial turf<br /> •Artificial turf tends to retain heat from the sun and can be much hotter than natural grass with prolonged exposure to the sun."</p> <p>Source: Wikipedia </p> <p>Sounds like it should require an environmental review! </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/save-the-coney-island-boardwalk#post-767508 Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:16:16 +0000 hmalsman 767508@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>I attended the hearing on the 25th...it was a fiasco! Judge Solomon, as expected came down in favor of Parks &amp; Rec.<br /> I have been waiting for the Plaintiffs'attorneys to file an appeal.<br /> That it has yet to filed is a puzzle! Given, what I believe to<br /> be the key point in his ruling...is so outrageously 'slanted'<br /> in favor of the city, I think an appeal is highly winnable.</p> <p>To wit:</p> <p>"Solomon ruled late last week that the project does not need such a review, comparing it to changing an athletic field to artificial turf."</p> <p>While, in large part...he based his ruling on this claim:</p> <p>Petitioners’ Contentions<br /> The petitioners contend that respondent’s plans to replace the Riegelmann Boardwalk are subject to environmental review pursuant to the Environmental Quality Review Act (Environmental Conservation Law §8-0101, et seq. - “SEQRA”) together with Title 6 of the New York Code, Rules and Regulations (6 N.Y.C.R.R. §617, et seq.); and the New York City Environmental Quality Review (Executive Order 91 and Title 62 of the Rules of the City of New York 62 R.C.N.Y. §5-01, et seq. - collectively “CEQR”).<br /> Further, the petitioners are concerned that the Riegelmann Boardwalk project is one part of a long range plan to replace the entire boardwalk (approximately one million square feet) with recycled plastic lumber and concrete. This alleged long range plan is of great concern to the petitioners for two reasons. First, the Riegelmann Boardwalk and Coney Island Beach are enduring symbols of New York City and the famous Coney Island. Second, petitioners contend that respondent failed to take into consideration the environmental impact on this coastal area.<br /> Therefore, respondent arbitrarily and capriciously decided to first, classify the Riegelmann Boardwalk project as one not subject to environmental review, and second, not conduct a review of the aesthetic impact of recycled plastic lumber and concrete.<br /> Respondents’ Contentions<br /> The respondent argues that an environmental review was not necessary since the Riegelmann Boardwalk Project only involves maintenance or repair involving no substantial changes to an existing structure or facility and/or the replacement, rehabilitation or reconstruction of a structure or facility on the same site. As such, the project comes within the several exemptions from environmental review.<br /> Respondents also argue that an injunction should not be issued since petitioners cannot meet the necessary criteria. First, they cannot establish a likelihood on the merits since the petition is barred by the applicable statute of limitations. Second, there is an absence of imminent or irreparable harm. Third, equity dictates if the project is delayed, Parks will need to relinquish the grant money in the amount of $7,400,000.00 for the rehabilitation of the deteriorating boardwalk. Moreover, the petitioners’ alleged atheistic harm is outweighed by the environmental impact of deforestation."</p> <p>It's all about the money! </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/battles-raging-at-cunys-medgar-evers-college-anyone-involved#post-767320 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:19:42 +0000 whynot_31 767320@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>April 24, 2013:</p> <p>The fight for control, who gets to define the mission of the college, and "how" it should be run continues: </p> <p><blockquote>For Immediate Release<br /> Contact:<br /> Evangeline Byars: 917.932.6756<br /> Jamel Nicholas: 718.451.6828<br /> Tomorrow, Medgar Evers College students and community walkout to demand an interim president after forcing former President to resign for mishandling college.</p> <p>At noon on April 24th the students of Medgar Evers College will hold a walkout to demand an interim president, months after President William Pollard resigned due to lack of campus support over his mishandling of campus funds and leaving the college at the threat of losing it’s accreditation. The Students are also angered over the move by the resigning Chancellor Matthew Goldstein to undo the Governance Plan of Medgar Evers College.</p> <p>Students are angry that the decision to find a new president is being prolonged and the June deadline is being dragged out so that the chancellor can continue to undo the years of progress that has been attained at Medgar Evers College. The proposed Interim Governance Plan aims to decrease the number of student representatives from 23 to 4. Under the proposed interim governance plan, which is unprecedented, CUNY wants to reduce student representation by 87.5%. “The students are outraged by this move on behalf of the Chancellor, as the chancellor has announced plans to step down at the same time this is all happening, holding himself unaccountable to the decisions that he is making ,that will have long lasting effects on the college community.” said Evangeline Byars, lead student organizer at Concerned Students of Medgar Evers College. Chancellor Goldstein is set to step down as of July 2013. The students of Medgar Evers College, are resisting the actions from the office of the chancellor to try to destroy the governance plan of the civil rights institution.</p> <p>“This is a blatant attack on the Spirit and legacy of the late great Medgar Wiley Evers and As we approach the 50th anniversary of his death, it’s even more important now to continue the struggle for education that is not only accessible, but provides an education that is representative of the students backgrounds” said Biola Jeje, New York Students Rising.</p> <p>Medgar Evers College was founded with the help of local community leaders and elected officials of Central Brooklyn. The students of Medgar Evers College see this as an attack by the Chancellor on the only predominantly black institution within the City University of New York.</p> <p>The students of Medgar Evers College, believe that is clear institutional racism and that the chancellor is trying to undo the results of the 1969 City College Occupation that forced CUNY to integrate.</p> <p>In that very spirit, student are set to walk out at noon in front of 1650 Bedford Avenue at Crown Street.<br /> </blockquote> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/brooklyn-bike-patrol-now-covers-27-subway-stations#post-765963 Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:03:56 +0000 whynot_31 765963@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>Front page of today's (3/21/2012) Daily News:</p> <p><img src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s480x480/398797_516600238391696_1657800705_n.jpg"> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/save-ps316-please-e-mail-local-politicians-and-doe-officials#post-765836 Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:40:46 +0000 Ridonkulous 765836@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>Two years later, would be curious to hear feedback about PS 316 from parents. How are things there these days? I understand there's a new principal. </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/battles-raging-at-cunys-medgar-evers-college-anyone-involved#post-764087 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 17:49:36 +0000 whynot_31 764087@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>The president has announced he will resign:</p> <p> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/01/nyregion/medgar-evers-college-president-resigns.html?_r=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/01/nyregion/medgar-evers-college-president-resigns.html?_r=0</a> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/battles-raging-at-cunys-medgar-evers-college-anyone-involved#post-763043 Sat, 12 Jan 2013 19:42:03 +0000 whynot_31 763043@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>MEC seems to have done really poorly on their last BA/BS level accreditation survey. </p> <p>Needless to say, long time opponents of the leadership hope that the president will be be replaced soon...</p> <p><a href="http://ourtimepress.com/2013/01/11/how-much-longer-will-president-pollard-lead-medgar-evers-college/" rel="nofollow">http://ourtimepress.com/2013/01/11/how-much-longer-will-president-pollard-lead-medgar-evers-college/</a> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/greenwood-park#post-760393 Sat, 13 Oct 2012 22:23:19 +0000 FAS 760393@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>Are there people in the community who are unhappy about the noise and doing anything about it? I'd be interested to get involved! </p> <p>I live nearby and I really dislike having to listen to their music all the time, although the bar/people seem fine. </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/greenwood-park#post-759869 Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:56:29 +0000 lemur11215 759869@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>We stopped by Saturday night and apparently this place has a no baseball hats policy. Naturally, we left.</p> <p>I think this is absurd for an outdoor bar, but that also just tells me everything I need to know about the crowd there. I went once when they first opened, and I doubt I will go back now. </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/brooklyn-bike-patrol-now-covers-27-subway-stations#post-759566 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:03:16 +0000 whynot_31 759566@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p><a href="http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120913/prospect-heights/brooklyns-guardians-of-night-celebrate-year-of-safe-streets" rel="nofollow">http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120913/prospect-heights/brooklyns-guardians-of-night-celebrate-year-of-safe-streets</a> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/greenwood-park#post-756476 Wed, 04 Jul 2012 00:32:04 +0000 torgana 756476@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>Parents: Please. Please control your children, so that I will not have to. Tonight I had several children racing around me. That is completely developmentally appropriate behavior. However it is behavior that belongs on a playground or in the gigantic, beautiful, nearby public park. It certainly does NOT belong at a beer garden. Parents: You are grown-ups. So act like it! Tell your children NO when necessary. I promise they will not hate you for it. They will appreciate it later. Have some boundaries. It takes a village, of course, but I spent my entire time at Greenwood Park parenting your children since you refused to do so. That is not okay. </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/greenwood-park#post-756218 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 20:33:48 +0000 lostingreenwoodhts 756218@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>And they're open as of tonight... </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/bike-accident-in-prospect-park-on-saturday/page/3#post-754402 Sat, 12 May 2012 05:07:32 +0000 ringrunner 754402@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p><a href="http://www.prospectpark.org/about/community-news-updates-post/update-road-sharing-taskforce">http://www.prospectpark.org/about/community-news-updates-post/update-road-sharing-taskforce</a></p> <p>Update on the Road Sharing Taskforce<br /> Posted: 5/03/2012<br /> The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) have reviewed and finalized the plans recommended by the Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce that were presented to the public at the February 28, 2012 public meeting. Based on that process, two additions were made to improve pedestrian safety. The complete list of recommendations appears below.</p> <p>Here’s what you need to know:</p> <p>DOT will begin implementing the Phase 1 Actions on May 11 and will continue to monitor and make any adjustments necessary. We will keep you updated.</p> <p>DOT will start by removing existing stripes and icons and begin striping (repainting) the lanes with the new designations and icons. This includes high visibility crosswalks.</p> <p>Due to the recent milling and repaving, DOT has already restriped with new lane markings and symbols on the Park Drive between the Park Circle and Parkside/Ocean Avenue entrances. This was done in accordance with the new roadway configuration. On that ½ mile section of Park Drive only, the new configurations are in effect.</p> <p>DOT will restripe the rest of the Park Drive in early May. The work is expected to be completed later that month. At that time, the new lane configurations for the rest of the Park Drive will go into effect.</p> <p>DOT has placed Variable (Electronic) Message Boards at Grand Army Plaza, Park Circle and Ocean/Parkside Avenue to indicate road work in progress.</p> <p>New signs will be placed around the Park to indicate proper lane usage. New Rule Cards will be distributed by volunteers around the Park.</p> <p>After the new rules are in effect, NYPD and PEP will continue enforcement of the Park Drive rules.</p> <p>In the fall of 2012, the Road Sharing Taskforce will reconvene to review Phase I Actions and consider Phase II Actions.<br /> Phase 1 Actions</p> <p>Crossing</p> <p>Encourage pedestrians to cross at crosswalks and on “green”<br /> High Visibility Crosswalks<br /> Signage<br /> Educational Outreach<br /> Foster stop on “red“ for everyone<br /> Educational Outreach<br /> Ongoing Enforcement<br /> (New) The crosswalk at Wellhouse Drive and West Drive (near the Vanderbilt Playground) will be widened from 12 feet to 25 feet.<br /> (New) There will be two new crosswalks added to the Park Drive at Grand Army Plaza.<br /> Predictability</p> <p>Assign one permanent use to each lane<br /> Extend green phase of traffic lights during traffic hours to maintain Level of Service<br /> Emphasize one-way use for bicycles<br /> Reinforce with outreach, pavement markings, signage, and ongoing enforcement</p> <p>For complete details click Road Sharing Taskforce Highlights.</p> <p>Park Drive – Closed to Traffic </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/bike-accident-in-prospect-park-on-saturday/page/3#post-754381 Fri, 11 May 2012 14:39:11 +0000 whynot_31 754381@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>progress:</p> <p><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s320x320/536458_10150808303382887_166279802886_9688400_1092557352_n.jpg"> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/speed-bump-on-23rd-st-between-6th-7th-ave#post-754195 Fri, 04 May 2012 12:32:51 +0000 lostingreenwoodhts 754195@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>Yep, and we have no idea when they are planning on doing it. </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/brooklyn-bike-patrol-now-covers-27-subway-stations#post-754156 Thu, 03 May 2012 13:23:24 +0000 whynot_31 754156@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>Update:<br /> Make that 38 stations.</p> <p>Our own Jay Ruiz received more press today. </p> <p><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/brooklyn-bike-patrol-spreads-borough-offering-safe-walks-home-subway-article-1.1071489" rel="nofollow">http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/brooklyn/brooklyn-bike-patrol-spreads-borough-offering-safe-walks-home-subway-article-1.1071489</a> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/park-slope-food-coop-1#post-752965 Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:06:46 +0000 whynot_31 752965@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>This writer thinks it was a beautiful display of democracy, which should be encouraged:</p> <p><a href="http://www.amysohn.com/?p=166" rel="nofollow">http://www.amysohn.com/?p=166</a> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/park-slope-food-coop-1#post-752924 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:44:39 +0000 whynot_31 752924@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>I suspect that those who were <strong>in favor of the boycott on Israeli products </strong>are hugely disappointed. </p> <p>Do they assume they are morally superior to their opponents? Do they assume that people who buy Israeli products are ok with the slaughter of non-combatant Palestinians?</p> <p>Similarly, I suspect that some of those who were <strong>opposed</strong> to boycotting on Israeli products assume their opposition is anti-Semitic.</p> <p>Making such assumptions makes one look silly. </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/park-slope-food-coop-1#post-752916 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:52:18 +0000 tateinbk 752916@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>Did you catch the bit The Daily Show did on it last night? The pro-boycott side got mocked, unsurprisingly. I wonder how the very earnest representative didn't see it coming before being interviewed. I had a good chuckle certainly.</p> <p><a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-march-27-2012/co-occupation?xrs=share_copy" rel="nofollow">http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-march-27-2012/co-occupation?xrs=share_copy</a> </p> http://brooklynian.com/forum/coney-island-brighton-beach-sheepshead-bay/park-slope-food-coop-1#post-752913 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:33:11 +0000 whynot_31 752913@http://brooklynian.com/forum/ <p>BTW, last night they voted to continue to carry Israeli products.</p> <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/nyregion/park-slope-food-co-op-to-decide-on-boycott-vote.html?_r=1&amp;ref=nyregion" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/28/nyregion/park-slope-food-co-op-to-decide-on-boycott-vote.html?_r=1&amp;ref=nyregion</a> </p>