Voice of Gowanus Challenges DEC, National Grid in Legal Petition
Lina Khan’s new job, Red Hook Pool finally opens and where to eat this weekend.
Good morning! My husband and I watched The Odyssey at Cobble Hill Cinemas last weekend. The soundtrack is so effective, it almost blew out the speakers.
The storm and ensuing “poo-nami” that coincided with opening weekend was biblical. Just before the sky opened up, I published TV Summer, a photo series by Ben Whitmore capturing this summer’s watch party energy.
The World Cup has brought about a boon for local businesses. Open Table reservation data shows the number of seated diners in New York City increased by 12 percent in July and 15 percent in June year over year. Moreover, a New York Hospitality Alliance survey found that 63 percent of businesses saw increased sales, driven mostly by watch parties and upgraded TV and audiovisual equipment.
What’s next in the queue now that the World Cup has wrapped?
The Roundup
Voice of Gowanus has filed a legal petition against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, National Grid and the owners of 459 Smith Street, a.k.a. Parcel III of the Citizens former Manufactured Gas Plant. “The petition challenges the government’s approval of a remedial work plan that is not capable of effectively addressing the persistent contamination on and off-site of Parcel III, a site that according to DEC’s own findings poses a significant threat to public health and the environment,” a press release says.
Mayor Mamdani appointed Lina Khan to lead the Economic Development Corporation. The antitrust activist was previously chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission. Her new appointment has implications for the Brooklyn Marine Terminal, whose redevelopment is overseen by the EDC.
Brooklyn Defender Services workers, who provide free legal representation and advocacy to low-income New Yorkers, picketed on Monday. They want higher wages and better working conditions, including work-from-home benefits.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, a non-profit, is looking for volunteers of all ages for its free public kayaking program on Pier 2. Volunteers get access to kayak training sessions and guided kayak trips for free.
Diversions
Confidant is under consideration for a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand.
Red Hook Focacceria is bringing focaccia ingredients back to basics. The bakery opened at 421 Van Brunt Street earlier this month.
Philly jawn Love & Honey Fried Chicken is coming to Barclays Center.
The real estate market in Carroll Garden continues to heat up. PropertyShark reports that the median sale price in the neighborhood doubled year-over-year to $2.68 million in Q2.
Lucali is serving Armand de Brignac through the end of the month.
Goings On
Brooklyn Bridge Park is hosting Pokémon Day Out, a weekend-long 30th anniversary celebration, at Pier 6 starting today. Speaking of, I am looking to offload Pokémon cards, if anyone is interested.
Voices of the Waterfront is organizing a treasure hunt and clean up of Red Hook Park and Pier tomorrow, July 25. The event page says to “don your maritime costume” — i.e. pirates, mermaids, barnacles, etc. — “then compete to collect the most, weirdest and wildest trash hauls along our working waterfront.”
A silent disco ballet is running in Dumbo until end of month.
Brooklyn Crab is holding a Jaws trivia night on Friday, July 31.
Public Records is throwing a block party brunch with Stretch Armstrong on Saturday, August 15.
One Last Thing
Cobble Hill Gossip Line’s latest dead drop is bursting with nostalgia. I won’t spoil it for you — I’ll just say it made me miss my Game Boy.