Brooklynian

So I double-parked outside my house yesterday to go pick up my daughter. When I got outside, a police office asked for my ID and told me to wait in my car, then after a few minutes walked up to my car with a summons for disorderly conduct, which covers obstructing vehicular traffic. So, instead of a $100 ticket, I have to go to criminal court and appear before a judge. And, if I want to plead not guilty, I have to go at least twice - once to plead, once for a trial.

By way of explanation, he told me that people had been complaining about double-parking on underhill. Odd, since I can't think of a resident who would complain about double-parking on their own street. I also don't see why there is such a big effort to ease traffic on underhill, which is only a few blocks long and should be used primarily by residents.

On another topic: anyone been to criminal court? The lawyer I talked to said I could go on another day, since I can't take the day on the front of the summons off from work. Is there a day of the week that is less crowded?

Although people dislike crime, they love to discuss it. Up until now, the public has had to rely on RNN, or MNN (which feed the Gothamist Crime Map), or Spotcrime.

Each service has its own quirks.

Now, NYC gov is in the act, and has launched its own website and promises provide reliable crime and incident info after the fact.

Without further a due: http://maps.nyc.gov/crime/

Note, this site is unlikely to replace the other sites, because it won't provide news as it breaks. So RNN won't get competition.

Dec 7

Longtime readers may recall that this place was once to become a bar run by the Indian Restaurant next door, but that never came to fruition.

Now, the space has presumably changed hands and is to become a Mexican Restaurant with Hookah pipes.

Vincente's
676 Franklin Avenue

Note: My understanding is that when one allows Hookah smoking, one can not also serve alcohol. So, it should be interesting to see how this place does in light of all of the other Mexican places in western Crown Heights. Vincente's will make six (6!):

1. Chavella's

2. Gueros

3. The soon-to-open burrito place across from Bob and Betty's (formerly Jam Rock)

4. The soon-to-open location of Yummy Taco on Washington (blick!)

5. Los Muertos on Washington

6. Vincente's

Welcome to Crown Heights, Adam Fleming and Julia Sommer

photo: Dave Sanders, NYT

Congrats on your home purchase, as well as your future renovations and child.

Sincerely, Whynot_31

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/realestate/in-crown-heights-a-victory-over-sharp-elbows.html?_r=0

Can someone please tell the captain of the ship how to get to Skull Island. He's been blaring his ship's horn for an hour now.

If asked who you are, say you are Karl from Finance.

Let me know how it goes. Enjoy the shrimp cocktail.

Hey guys

Im wondering if there are any spots in the CH area to buy a real tree for a reasonable prices?

I know there are trees sold in front of the keyfood on flatbush but would like somewhere a bit closer.

Any recommendations for part time daycare? Thinking about enrolling our 17 month old in some kind of afternoon daycare preferably in the neighborhood.

Just read that Bill Bratton has been named the new police chief. I'm sure he'll do the great job that's expected of him since it's his third time around in New York.

Okay, so I've all but decided to cut cable, but cannot decide which of these three to go with. I've got a Mohu leaf, which I'll set up once I've bought a converter box. I have an Apple Macbook Air. I don't feel a strong urge to have it "connected" to my TV, although I recognize there are obvious advantages to that. From what I've read online and gathered from more savvy (read: younger) coworkers, I should go with Apple TV or Roku.

Here are my specs: I don't watch tons of TV/cable shows. I'm a news junkie. I like interesting documentaries, usually on PBS. I am a Mad Men fan. I would like to get into House of Cards. I would like to have good access to sports, mostly major events. I do like movies, not so much blockbusters, though I wouldn't mind streaming random stuff (though probably not that often) off the internet. Thoughts or advice?

Does anyone know about a reasonably priced electrician? Thanks!

Preferably in Brooklyn or below midtown in Manhattan.

I noticed that there was construction going on around in the old WAMU bank (across from Bergen Bagels on Fulton)/next to old Sister's Hardware. Although the windows are covered in paper, I peeked in this evening and noticed supermarket shelving, and large refrigerators. Was kind of surprised that a food market like place was going to be at this spot. Does anyone know more?

Around 4 pm on Sunday, Dec. 1st there was a shooting at the corner of Pacific and Nostrand Ave. Then last night (Monday, 12/2), around 6:15pm, six shots rang out on Pacific near Nostrand (I live on Dean, and heard them from Pacific)...VERY loud. On Sunday, I did not hear them, but there was a huge police presence at the corner deli there, cops driving up Nostrand the wrong way...didn't seem that anyone was hit. This is exactly where the NYPD placed their "tower of fun" this summer, after two shootings nearby. It seems this area is in need of an increased police presence. Anyone have any more info? Thanks,

Question, generally is it acceptable for construction to take place on holidays and Sundays? I live right by the billiards factory being converted to lofts on St Marks and they did pretty loud construction on Thanksgiving day and this past Sunday. The construction this past Sunday was super loud around noon and unbearable so I had to leave my apt.

I looked at nyc.gov and they mention special permits to work off hours. Is there a way for me to look up these permits? I am just wondering what a reasonable expectation is for Brooklyn residential construction.

specifically directy @ Mr. Whynot:

you know the rumor you posted that a sizeable entity was interested in the corner shops, provided the bodega was willing to vacate?

just walked by last nite-- they've moved to president street.

and speculation in 3,2,......

Please join me in celebrating Brooklyn teen and talented photographer, Nahshon Outten, in his first solo show, taking place on Sat. 12/7 at Nimba from 6-9.

The show will feature his cinematic portraits of daily life for the often overlooked and underestimated youth of Brooklyn, New York. Reminiscent of Jamel Shabazz's street photography documenting urban life in the late 20th century, Nahshon offers a fresh perspective on today's youth culture.

Complementary wine will be provided. Dough donuts and additional pastries available for purchase as well.

This is a great opportunity to support local business, authentic art, and our city's talented youth all at once!

Attn readers who frequent Kingston-

This restaurant has apparently applied for a food permit change.

It is presently a coffee shop. However, an entity named J and H Restaurant may soon take over the space.

http://www.nychealthratings.com/nycrestapp/restaurantlanding/3/Crown%20Heights/37225/J+And+H+Restaurant

I should've been on this sooner, I know. I'm working from home 1-7, but thought why not grab Thanksgiving brunch or early afternoon meal. Anyone know of any decent or interesting (but not necessarily expensive) restaurants open tomorrow that would fill the bill?

My daughter doesnt have cello class for another 10 days (her teacher normally tunes her cello) and her cello is absolutely out of tune. Almost every time I try to tune it I break a string! I need someone who knows how to tune a cello to help out so that she can continue to practice over the holiday break. I can travel anywhere in Brooklyn on Thurs 27 Nov or Friday 28 Nov. Please call or text 347 673 3212 thanks