Wednesday, March 24, 2010

SOUTH BROOKLYN COALITION HONORED BY CBID FOR WORK ON GOWANUS CANAL

The Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, the CBID, will be holding their annual gala on Sunday, April 11, 2010.

At this years's dinner dance, the CBID will once again be honoring a variety of community members, leaders and activists. Some of them are your neighbors.

The South Brooklyn Coalition, an uber-group made up of several local grass roots organizations is one of the evenings honorees.

This coalition includes members of FROGG, CORD, CGNA, COBBLE HILL ASSOCIATION, PARK SLOPE NEIGHBORS, GOWANUS4LIFE, and many more.

Below please find the link to the invitation to the dinner dance http://cbidems.org

Although the CBID is a club, their annual gala is for all who wish to attend.

Everyone is welcome to the dinner dance. There are no other obligations attached. If you would like to learn more about the event or attend the function, all of the instructions are included when you go to the link.

Please Join the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats
for Our 41rst Anniversary Dinner

Honoring:
New York City Comptroller: John Liu
Beverly Corbin of FUREE and United Neighbors of Brooklyn
Walter Kane, Activist and Labor Lawyer
Cheryl Krauss: Former CBID Executive Committee
South Brooklyn Coalition

and the Tenth Annual Tarnished Fork Award!

Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Grand Prospect Hall
263 Prospect Avenue
(between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Brooklyn, NY 11215

5:30 PM - 10:00 PM Cocktails and Dinner

The venue will provide a fantastic buffet and an open bar in their amazing Victorian setting. This is your opportunity to see this historic restoration if you have never been there or a chance to revisit it. Dance to the sounds of Moondance Music and

Tickets are $100 a piece and the cost for a table of ten is a discounted $800. Please send in your ticket and ad money as soon as possible. All information is at the CBID website at http://cbidems.org


Saturday, March 13, 2010

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A VIGIL THIS MONDAY NIGHT

Dear Neighbors:

Cord wishes to remind you to take this opportunity to stand up and be counted as one who
abhors violence and intolerance.

As you may know, a member of our community was brutally attacked in Carroll Gardens last Tuesday by a group of men shouting anti-gay epithets.

We hope you can join some of us at a vigil this Monday night, March 15, at 8:30 PM on Luquer Street and Hamilton Avenue and support efforts to make our community safe for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation.

CORD

PROPERTY OWNER ABANDONS PLAN TO BUILD ON CG COURTYARD/KUDOS TO NEW EMERGING GROUP











|
Hello from CORD!

The proposal to expand on the courtyard located on the corner of Smith Street and First Place has been completely withdrawn by Hannah Senesh,the property owner.

The following statement, issued by Assemblywoman Joan Millman was sent to us by her Chief of Staff, Paul Nelson late this afternoon:

Please see below:


"I applaud the school for understanding the community’s concerns and deciding not to proceed with their proposed expansion. Their plan would have set a dangerous precedent. The courtyards are an integral part of Carroll Garden’s charm and character and must be protected. I remain committed to identifying a potential solution which will meet the needs of both the community and the school."

We think it is important to point out how the neighborhood so strongly united behind this issue.It is that kind of unity, sense of purpose and cooperation that makes things happen.

We thank our local elected officials for their help but also wish to credit the work of a particular group of neighbors....

As a result of the hard work of several community members many of whom belong to different local groups, including CORD, over 500 signatures were collected protesting any plan that would reverse the laws that protect our signature courtyards and allow a structure to be built on them.

These dedicated neighbors, some braving the coldest days this winter to stand on street corners to talk to the community, explain the situation and ask for support, represent community activism at its finest.

They took the time to attend meetings, write and speak to our local elected officials regarding the courtyards and the importance of their protection.

We also recognize that it was this particular group who initially reached out to the property owner via the "Dear Neighbor" letter that so many of you supported and sent on to the property owner as well.

This emerging, dynamic new group is known as,
"Developing Stronger Brooklyn Communities Block By Block",
or, just "Block by Block", for short.


These energetic, committed community activists are neighbors. They are the faces you see in the local stores, on the subway going to and from work, walking their dogs or playing in the park with their children. You probably recognize some of them because some of them have been active in the community for some time. Others are newer faces, but they all share a love of their neighborhood and a passionate desire to protect it.

CORD is delighted and proud to be affiliated with the Block by Block organization.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

CARROLL GARDENS THANKS SENATOR SQUADRON FOR THE COURTYARDS!

We are so pleased that State Senator Daniel Squadron, a resident of carroll gardens, understands and agrees that the signature courtyards of Carroll Gardens and the Old Brooklyn Law which prohibits building upon them must be maintained


Here is his statement from a few days ago:

"Thank you for meeting with me last month about Hannah Senesh's proposed expansion. What a great, active community we have. As I told you then, I always appreciate your perspective on neighborhood concerns. And as I also said, I consider Hannah Senesh to be a valued member of the Carroll Gardens community.

I want to let you know that, after careful consideration, I do not believe that Hannah Senesh should be permitted to expand by building in its front courtyard.

The protections for Carroll Gardens' front courtyards, passed through the New York City Council nearly 160 years ago, and held to ever since, should not be modified now; making an exception to the protections would set too dangerous a precedent.

I am committed to working with Hannah Senesh and the community to shape a plan that meets the needs of the school and is more appropriate for the unique character of Carroll Gardens."

State Senator Daniel Squadron
http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/daniel-l-squadron



REMINDER TO THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT YET SENT THE "DEAR NEIGHBOR" LETTER TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS AT 342 SMITH STREET ON THE COURTYARDS ISSUE:

PLEASE SEE OUR BLOG AT
http://carrollgardenspetition.blogspot.com/2010/02/dear-neighbor.html
AND DO SO!

Thank you.
CORD

Thursday, March 4, 2010

GOWANUS CANAL IMAGES: "OPEN YOUR EYES GIRL!"

Photograph c. Triada Samaras 2010




This just in! An image, taken recently at the bottom of Second Street in Carroll Gardens, that captures the essence of the Gowanus Canal pollution problem!

CORD

CORD THANKS THE BRAVE ELECTEDS WHO SUPPORTED THE SUPERFUND DESIGNATION!

Hello from CORD!

Wedensday we singled out State Senator Montgomery for her quick support of the Gowanus Canal designation.

Today we would like to thank the following elected officials who courageously and firmly spoke out in favor of the Superfund Designation for our canal.

These elected officials put the welfare and the safety of our community ahead of politics, and ahead of other extranneous matters that were wrongfully clouding the issue. Their statements were a welcome change from the "business as usual" kind of politics we have sometimes found in NYC.

Their support means a lot to us who live and breathe and see the Gowanus Canal on a daily basis and we look forward to working with them on a continued basis in the near future.

State Senator Daniel Squadron

Congressmanwoman Nydia Velazquez

Assemblywoman Joan Millman

City Councilman Brad lander (then Candidate, now Councilman)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

WHAT WOULD BOB SAY???

Hello from CORD!

The post below was sent to CORD from Phil DePaolo, our neighbor and fellow community activist in Williamsburg Brooklyn. Phil reminded us that one year ago, we lost a dear friend and incredibly passionate Brooklyn community activist, Bob Guskind, author of the Gowanus Lounge Blog and writer for Curbed, among other things. There is not a day that goes by that we at CORD do not think of Bob. He was a stalwart supporter of CORD from our earliest days as community activists protesting the Oliver House luxury condo development in Carroll Gardens. Today "Oliver House" is in construction, and looming larger than life, even though merely partially constructed vertically in the air. "Oliver House" is on the way to dominating our front gardens streetscape forever, on the corner of Smith Street and First Place, a low-rise, brownstone block, and a noticeably narrow street.

We often say that we have no idea where CORD would be today had it not been for the compassionate, listening ear and and superior journalism instantly provided for us by Bob Guskind. Rest in Peace our friend. We miss you each and every day! CORD

http://carrollgardenspetition.blogspot.com/2009/03/in-memory-of-robert-guskind.html

FROM PHIL DEPAOLO:

Today is one year since the passing of Bob Guskind. I miss him so much and I wonder what Bob would be saying about all the developments since his passing. I know he would be thrilled and very proud of the residents of Gowanus who won a Superfund designation yesterday over the objections of the Mayor. This was very important to Bob. I know he would also be very happy that the Newtown Creek has also received Superfund designation.

- Hide quoted text -

Bob would not be happy about what has happened at Coney Island or Atlantic Yards. The loss of historic structures, the loss of amusement space and the overwhelming density and limited scope of the Coney plan were issues we often spoke about.

The recent ruling by Judge Gerges regarding Atlantic Yards would have angered Bob. He was a strong supporter of protecting residents from Eminent Domain abuse. He also saw through the fake “Affordable Housing” and the impact of the proposed density on the existing community.

He would be all over the new Domino proposal in Williamsburg. Bob was a strong advocate for the preservation and protection of the Domino site. The proposed density and lack of true affordability would have him up in arms!

Bob would be proud of some of our bloggers who have done a great service to our communities discussing important issues that for the most part are ignored by mainstream media. But he hated hack bloggers who simply cut and paste information or were just lazy. I remember one of Bob’s first post explaining why he started Gowanus Lounge. “Up front: While I am a realist about what cities need in order to survive and thrive, I am not a fan of what is happening in our communities, and particularly of the looming Manhattanization of Brooklyn and of the ongoing Theme Parkization of Manhattan. The blog side of Gowanus Lounge will be joined, some months down the road, by a literary magazine intended to feature the work, especially, of Brooklyn-based writers, and stories that feature a strong sense of place. I don't take myself as seriously as all this might make it sound.

I can’t believe it has been a year since Bob passed away. But going forward I have wonderful memories of a great friend. I hope you can take a second to remember him. You can still see his writing and thoughts at

www.bobguskind.com and http://gowanuslounge.blogspot.com/

Phil

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Thank you Senator Montgomery!

CORD received a press release from State Senator Velmanette Montgomery regarding the Superfund of the Gowanus Canal news this afternoon.
We include it below as well as our statement to the Senator. CORD

Dear Senator Montgomery,

We Thank You too because...
You were the first elected official to formally request that the EPA proceed with the designation of the Gowanus Canal
You were the first to openly speak of the benefits designation would offer to public health, environment and to our future generations
We have always known that we can count on you to do what is best for our community and to put people first
We know that we can continue to count on you as the clean up proceeds and the Gowanus Canal and the surrounding area begins its long journey back
Thank you so much.

CORD
PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
March 2, 2010

Press Contact: Jim Vogel 718-689-4384, jvogel@senate.state.ny.us

Senator Velmanette Montgomery on EPA Superfunding the Gowanus Canal:
THANK YOU!

I congratulate the people of Brooklyn on today’s announcement by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that the Gowanus Canal will be listed on the National Priorities Registry.

I was proud to stand with the local Gowanus residents who overwhelmingly said “Superfund Me!” And today we know our voices were heard. We know that this is the beginning of a lengthy process, but we are confident that with the oversight of the EPA, and their extensive experience and success in dealing with highly polluted areas like the Gowanus Canal that this complicated job will be done thoroughly, professionally, and to recognized international standards. I am confident that New York City and Brooklyn will gain enormously as we reclaim the long-ignored Lavender Lake and transform it into a vibrant, healthy, natural resource to the benefit of us all.

Thank you, everyone who contributed their personal knowledge and contributed to today’s decision. And thank you to the EPA for hewing to the science. All of us look forward to working with you on this long overdue reclamation.

__________________________________________

BACKGROUND:

The Gowanus Canal runs for 1.8 miles from Gowanus Bay into central Brooklyn. For over 100 years it served as an industrial waterway and was lined with industries that scarred the waterway with a legacy of pollution, including heavy metals and pesticides. After decades of consideration, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2009 asked the United States Environmental Protection Agency to consider listing the Canal on the National Priorities Register (Superfund).

Senator Montgomery was the first elected official to formally and enthusiastically urge the EPA, for the future health and prosperity of the Gowanus region, to Superfund the Gowanus.

Official EPA Region 2 press release regarding Gowanus Canal's Inclusion on National Superfund List!

Official EPA Region 2 press release regarding Gowanus Canal's Inclusion on National Superfund List. Read On:


EPA Adds Brooklyn’s Gowanus Canal to the
National Superfund List of Hazardous Waste Sites;
Agency will Pursue Polluters to

Pay for Comprehensive Cleanup

Contact: Beth Totman (212) 637-3662, totman.elizabeth@epa.gov

(New York, NY – Mar. 2, 2010) –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced that it has officially placed the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, NY on its Superfund National Priorities List of the country’s most hazardous waste sites. Since EPA proposed the listing in April 2009, Agency officials have met with government and elected officials, business representatives, representatives of civic organizations, and community members, and reviewed more than 1,300 comments received on its proposal to list the site. The Agency has determined
that adding the site to the Superfund list is the best way to clean up the heavily contaminated canal.

“After conducting our own evaluations and consulting extensively with the many people who have expressed interest in the future of the Gowanus Canal and the surrounding area, we have determined that a Superfund designation is the best path to a cleanup of this heavily contaminated and long neglected urban waterway,” said Judith Enck, Regional Administrator.
“We plan to continue our work with the same spirit of inclusion and involvement that has already been demonstrated, and thank everyone for their focus on this pollution problem.”

The canal was built in the 19th century to allow industrial access into Gowanus Bay. After its completion in the 1860s, the canal became a busy industrial waterway, home to heavy industries, including manufactured gas plants, coal yards, concrete-mixing facilities, tanneries, chemical plants, and oil refineries. It also received untreated industrial wastes, raw sewage and runoff.

Although most of the industrial activity along the canal has stopped, high contaminant levels remain in the waterway’s sediment. The contamination affects the 1.8 mile length of the 100-foot wide canal. Environmental sampling has revealed that the sediment in the Gowanus Canal is contaminated with a variety of pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), metals and volatile organic contaminants.
The adjacent waterfront is primarily commercial and industrial, and includes concrete plants, warehouses, and parking lots, with proposed residential housing. The canal is also surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The waterway is still used for commercial as well as recreational purposes, and a public fishing area just downstream of the canal in Gowanus Bay is fished on a regular basis by local residents.

In January 2010, EPA completed a study of variations in depth for the entire length of the canal.
During that same period, the Agency began sampling to characterize the contamination in the deep sediment of the canal. This sampling continues, and the Agency will soon begin sampling the surface of the sediment, the water in the canal and the air along the banks to provide information needed to complete an ecological and human health risk assessment. EPA has also identified locations where wells can be installed to monitor water under the ground near the canal. These wells will be used to locate the sources and any influence of contaminated ground water on the Gowanus Canal. The Agency plans to install the wells in early summer 2010.

Since April, the Agency has held over 50 meetings and telephone consultations with a broad range of people regarding the Superfund listing. The Agency will continue to work closely with all interested parties as it advances its work to turn the notoriously contaminated canal into a useable resource for all.

EPA has also held several meetings with the utility, National Grid, and New York City, both parties identified as potentially responsible for a portion of the site contamination, to discuss their participation in the ground water investigation. The Agency is continuing its efforts to identify additional potentially responsible parties.

As part of its commitment to keeping the public informed, EPA will hold its third general public meeting to discuss next steps with community residents and stakeholders on Thursday, March 4th from 7 pm to 9 pm in the auditorium of P.S. 58, located at 330 Smith Street in Brooklyn.
To date, there have been 1,620 sites included on the Superfund list. Of these sites, 341 sites have been deleted, resulting in 1,279 sites remaining on the list. There are a total of 1,340 final and proposed sites around the country.


Found at:

http://pardonmeforasking.blogspot.com/2010/03/official-epa-goawanus-canal-superfund.html

Monday, March 1, 2010

EPA is hosting a public information meeting about the Gowanus Canal

EPA is hosting a public information
meeting about the Gowanus Canal

What: EPA meeting
Where: PS 58 located at 330 Smith Street
When: 7 PM

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites you to attend a
public information meeting to discuss upcoming activities at the Gowanus
Canal.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
in the auditorium of
P.S. 58 located at
330 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY

This meeting will include a brief presentation followed by a question and
answer period.

For more information about the meeting or other site related issues you can
contact:

Natalie Loney
Community Involvement Coordinator
loney.natalie@epa.gov
(212) 637-3639 or 1-800-346-5009
Christos Tsiamis
Remedial Project Manager
tsiamis.christos@epa.gov
(212) 637-4257

CORD HISTORY:

With the "Protect Our Homes" petition, CORD was formed in May, 2007. This petition arose as an overwhelmingly negative response to the coming of the over-sized 360 Smith Street Development at the corner of Smith Street and Second Place (Aka Oliver House; aka 131 Second Place). This petition, which had well over three thousand signatures, led to a new zoning text amendment in summer of 2008.

To: Our Elected Officials, Community Leaders, The MTA:
(MAY, 2007)

We the undersigned Carroll Gardens homeowners and residents, are appalled by the "as of right" ruling which allows owners and developers to erect buildings in our neighborhood with no regard to the impact they will present to our quality of life and the value of our homes........

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?crlgrdns