Church Row on Lafayette?

(That’s row as in “restaurant row”.) Has anyone realized just how many churches there are on Lafayette Avenue over a distance of about 10 blocks? We counted 6 - from S Oxford up to Grand. Is our neighborhood really that religious?

Spring in Fort Greene?

It’s not officially Spring for another 5 days, but it seems like everyone got the memo to go outside today. FG Park was teeming with soccer players, Frisbee throwers and book readers lounging on the benches. Not to mention the neighborhood’s packed handball courts. Don’t get too used it, though: there’s rain forecast for tomorrow.

Message to a Bike Thief

Originally uploaded by Dramatic

Whoever posted this note near Applebees on Dekalb Ave on what was left of their bike is either philosophical or just really sarcastic. Read for yourself:

You stole my bike, but left the front wheel. Obviously I have no use for it now (or the lock for that matter). To return the bike for a reward) or to simply receive the keys to the lock (and therefore get access to the wheel - which is new - it was recently replaced) please email: ucheapbikestealingypsybeggar
@gmail.com

A 6 Million Dollar Brooklyn View

golden tower

Originally uploaded by dlemieux

Brooklyn looks nice an’ all, but would you pay 6 million dollars just to be able to see it from your bedroom? The Brooklyn Papers reports the going rate for the most expensive apartment in the borough’s tallest building - and it’s not even at the top. The paper describes the Williamsburg Savings Bank as one of a few “Manhattan-style” luxury buildings in the area and we’re assuming they’re referring to the Manhattan-style prices.

Laughter Draws Violence

A man was punished for laughing at a street fight on Fort Greene Pl last week when one of the fighters struck him in the head with a “long metal object.” The Brooklyn Papers police blotter has the story of the 26-year-old man who ended up in hospital following his misplaced chuckles. It seems even violent fighters have their insecurities.

Pictures of Brooklyn

Urban Outfitters is trying to pick the images that define Brooklyn. The retail chain is running an ad campaign about its new location on Atlantic Avenue, but some people find the images they picked a little perplexing. Are a cartoon of Dumbo the Clown, a truck with graffiti on it or the L train logo the essence of our borough? The store isn’t doing well with its Brooklyn cred so far - the Beastie Boys album cover they picked depicts a Lower East Side scene, and Gothamist points out the L train doesn’t go near the new location. I wonder what images people who actually live in Brooklyn would pick.

Theater Group Employs Dekalb Ave Funeral Home

A Canadian theater group is using the The Robert F. Cranford funeral home in Fort Greene for a site-specific performance. In what the Village Voice calls a “pleasantly odd experience,” the show also involves a trip to Fort Greene Park by rickshaw. Only 12 people can attend at a time and the group advises people to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. It runs until Saturday.

Moving From Fort Greene By Bike

A Fort Greene resident, who moved to Crown Heights because her rent was too high, decided to save money on the moving expenses by using bikes. Streetfilms shows what happens when you use two wheels instead of four. It’s all when and good if you have friends with rickshaws.

Let’s Hear It For The G

Exciting subway news: Councilwoman Letitia James is pushing for the MTA to look into the possibility of making a tunnel connection from the Fulton Street G to the Atlantic Avenue stop (meanwhile, the tunnel connecting the G to the C at Lafayette “should be completed within the next few years,” according to an MTA spokesperson). The MTA says it will respond to James’ request within the next two weeks, but you can show your support for the idea by signing a petition here.

Green Carts To Save The Day?

The poor state of Fort Greene’s grocery situation got some kind of official recognition last week when the City Council approved the Green Cart Bill, which will let 350 vendor carts selling fruit and vegetables set up shop in Fort Greene, Bed-Sty, Crown Heights and East New York. Greengrocers and bodegas weren’t exactly thrilled, reports the News, but as one Crown Heights resident pointed out, “The food groups around here are fried chicken, Big Macs and chocolate shakes.” Will this mean more bananas on your block?

(“350 produce sellers OK’d for Brooklyn”, NY Daily News)