The following are selected links from this past week on blogs and websites with discussion about Dumbo (and its neighboring areas):

• Birds (and other art) at Almondine, 15Mar10, JenFerguson
• BKBridge Park’s Pier 1 To Open to Public, 18Mar10, BK Eagle
• Flushing Ave get two-way Bike Lane, 17Mar10, BK Paper
• BK Bridge Park to open on Monday!, 19Mar10, BK Paper
• Three Publishing Firms Move to DUMBO, 18Mar10, BK Eagle
• 84th Precinct Asks Residents To Be Alert, 17Mar10, BK Eagle
• 20 Hot NYC Startups , 15Mar10, Brownstoner
• Tourists Have Reemerged in Dumbo, 19Mar10, Jaunted
• 1st Part Of BKBridge Park Project Set To Open, 19Mar10, NY1
• Alcohol Will be Served at BKBridge Park, 16Mar10, BK Paperr
• powerHouse Joins Forces With Random House, 16Mar10, BK Eagle
• BKBridge Park Will Allow Outdoor Boozing, 16Mar10, Gothamist

Crooklyn by Moruf from Adam Saewitz on Vimeo.

Some Friday video fun from 100bestrapsongs.com/moruf-crooklyn-video

The powerHouse Arena is pleased to invite you to a kids’ reading and book signing for two brand-new picture books by Brooklyn-based authors and illustrators:

Can You Dig It? by Robert Weinstock
Flying Lessons by Gilbert Ford

Sunday, March 21, 2010, 4–5PM
powerHouse Arena · 37 Main Street (corner of Water & Main St) · DUMBO, Brooklyn

The Community Board 2 committee approved Toll Brothers’ building design for the vacant land on 205 Water Street on Wednesday night. The Brooklyn Paper reports that the CB2 committee felt the design “fit the DUMBO context, committee members also said they appreciated that the developers did not shoot for the full 12 stories that the current zoning allows. Instead, the housing will remain at seven stories, except for one luxury condo unit that will extend to nine stories on one side.”

The project will contain 67 market-rate units and 86 parking spaces in an underground garage. The current zoning in the landmark district of DUMBO doesn’t require 20-percent of the units to be below-market-rate housing at each residential complex — but the landmark zoning of 2007 requires that the project be voted on by the Landmarks Commission. After the project reaches the full community board, it heads to the commission for an April 6 vote.

“We loved the gritty nature of this industrial area, and that was our inspiration,” said Navid Maqami of GreenbergFarrow, the project’s architects. “The rust colors, steel and concrete — these are what you find in DUMBO.” In a Crain’s article, David Von Spreckelsen, a senior vice president at Toll says “Besides Brooklyn Heights, this is the only desirable place in Brooklyn where we would want to do a project now,” He mentioned how little inventory there is in Dumbo and that “recent resales of existing condos in the neighborhood have been between $800 and $1,200 per square foot.”

Toll bought the vacant lot at 205 Water St. for $100 per square foot in December.

{CB2: This project takes no ‘Toll’ on DUMBO, 18Mar2010, Brooklyn Paper}
{205 Water Street Plans Revealed at Community Board, 18Mar2010, Brownstoner}

Previously:
{Toll Brothers to Build Condos at 205 Water St, 07Jan2010}
{Demolition at 205 Water Street, 24Jan2007}
{In the Press: Demolishing 205 Water Street, 27Jan2007}
{Stop Work Order Violation Issued at 205 Water Street, 14Feb2007}

DUMBO Neighborhood Foundation (DNF) launched their website last week. The DNF, a not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization incorporated in New York State. It was created in 2007 by long-time local residents to forge and coordinate the opposition to the Dock Street Dumbo Project. Their mission, according to the website, is “to organize and become the true stewards of the Bridge and protectors of the unique and historic neighborhood that lies below the Brooklyn Bridge called DUMBO.” The controversial mixed use development is a proposed 17 story building that includes affordable housing, a 45,000 sq ft middle school space, and approximately 400 underground parking spaces. The City Council approved the rezoning of the development project filed by Two Trees Management Company in June 2009.

The DNF has reported that they have raised nearly $40,000 to date. Read more on their website: dnf-dumbo.org

St. Ann’s Warehouse is offering a “Dumbo Night” promotion for their current show A Life in Three Acts. They are offering discounted tickets to the Dumbo community (residents and those working in the area) and the Rice Bar in our lobby is offering half-price beer and wine, with the hope that you will come early (starting at 7pm), have a drink and something to eat from the Rice Bar, and meet and socialize, then see a great show for just $20. Great deal for residents and the after-work crowd!

Deal details: A Life in Three Acts “Dumbo Night”:
St. Ann’s Warehouse would like to invite our neighbors to a special DUMBO Night on Thursday March 18 starting at 7PM. Join us after work to unwind, socialize and have a drink and something to eat from the Rice Bar, then see a our acclaimed production of A Life in Three Acts for just $20 (reg. $30)! Use promo code DUMBO or just click the Buy Tickets link.

Rice Bar in our lobby will be offering half-price wine and beer as well as an eclectic selection of appetizers. So bring your friends and work-mates and enjoy a great night of theater in your neighborhood. More information about the show and how to buy your specially priced $20 tickets is below.
stannswarehouse.org/current_season.php?show_id=49

—

“Truly memorable… rich and compassionate” – The Scotsman

“A living legend… an inspired occasion…lump-in-the-throat moving” – The Guardian

“Hilarious and touching… a priceless repository of mischief and mimicry, honesty, wisdom and defiance” – The Times

—

Despite the recommendation against a cabaret license at One Front Street by the Community Board 2 committee, the Department of Consumer Affairs has granted the license today. Several residents objected to the license at the CB2 meeting on November 4, 2009 stating that the noise would be too loud for the neighborhood. However, owner, Marcelo Pevida, stated that his dance club will not be like other clubs and will help the community. One Front will officially open its 3rd floor ballroom as part of a Saturday Dinner & Dancing series starting on April 17. What do you think? Press release from One Front:

They Can Dance If They Want To (in DUMBO)

No. 1 Front Street, the stately tri-level restaurant-lounge at the corner of Front and Old Fulton streets, has received a coveted “cabaret license” from the Department of Consumer Affairs — a requisite for (legal) dancing.

“It’s official – There Will Be Dancing in DUMBO,” said spokesman Ron Alan. “To our knowledge we have the only cabaret license in the neighborhood.”

Alan said further: “We are pleased our application to the DCA was compelling. In five years under the management of owner Marcelo Pevida, this venue has had a clean record. No violations from NYPD, NYFD, the SLA, or other regulatory agencies. We are grateful for written endorsements from our neighbors, such as Grimaldi’s Pizza, and many residential neighbors and business associations.”

No. 1 Front will christen its cabaret license in April when it officially opens its 3rd Floor Ballroom, as part of a Saturday Dinner & Dancing Series. ($50 for 2 people.)

“Think swing, Latin, the Charleston, The Hustle,” explains Alan. “It fits with the building’s character.” No. 1 Front is a landmarked building, built in 1869 as Brooklyn’s first safety deposit bank.

# # #

One Front Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(at Old Fulton Street in Fulton Ferry Landing)
(718) 625-4488

Previously:
{Application for Cabaret License at One Front, 03Nov2009}
{CB2: No Dancing at One Front Street, 05Nov2009}

From the Brooklyn Bridge Park Dog Run Volunteers:

Great News! The Brooklyn Bridge Park Dog Run Gate that was broken is now operational! Huge thank you to the volunteers of the dog run. And an extra big thank you to one of the Volunteers for his efforts and generosity. Enjoy.

If you have questions / comments / suggestions for the dog run or want to be on the email list or make a donation, give us a woof!

If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to the dog park operations, please email bbpdogrun@nyc.rr.com. Thanks.

I live at 204 Front St. and wanted to notify you of a break in on, Sunday March 7. Around 5:30 pm, I opened the door to the main entrance to my apartment and a man who didn’t not live in our 3 floor walk-up hurried out past me. I watched him walk down the sidewalk and jiggle the handle of the next apartment door. After confirming with the other tenants that he wasn’t a guest, I notified the police. After a foot pursuit, he was arrested. This man had broken into my apt, was carrying break-in tools, then ran into the Farragut Housing. Once inside, he ran to the 12th floor, then knocked over two old ladies in order to hide in their apartment. He was arrested on a B and E, criminal trespass and carrying burglary tools. He is a black male, approximately 30-40, and about 5′10″. He has full facial hair and a very large gap between his front teeth. He slouches his shoulders forward when he walks. When I had to identify him, the officer recognized his face and knew his name. So he obviously has done this before and will do it again. I’d like this community to keep their eyes open and be aware of their surroundings.

We did not see this in the latest police blotter, but wanted to alert neighbors to watch out for eachother. To report any break-ins or suspicious activity, call the 84th Precinct at 718-875-6811.

Today, Sunday at 4:20pm, there was a Manhattan bound car on fire on the Brooklyn Bridge, reports Peter Hyman on his blog. Traffic was stopped for a while and looked like some cars were tired of waiting and attempted to turn back to get off the bridge. Did anyone happen to see it?

(Images from pdhyman.com. Thanks Peter for the tip!)

The following are selected links from this past week on blogs and websites with discussion about Dumbo (and its neighboring areas):

• 25 Washington Conversion Under Way, 12Mar10, Brownstoner
• 3 New Art Galleries Take Space in DUMBO, 12Mar10, Brooklyn Eagle
• Dumbo Apt Keeps Feline Friends in Mind, 12Mar10, Curbed
• Demolition & Construction; BKBridge Park, 06Mar10, Brooklyn Trolley
• Little Bear in DUMBO, 08Mar10, McBrooklyn
• For Singer Collins, ‘Over The Rainbow’ Is Brooklyn, 08Mar10, Brooklyn Eagle
• Condos Could Be Cut From City-Run Brooklyn Bridge Park, 11Mar10, Gothamist
• Brooklyn Arts Council Honors Jane Walentas, 23Mar10, Black Tie
• Art gallery Central Booking Signs Lease, 09Mar10, NY Observer
• Spotlight on Vinegar Hill, 08Mar10, Brownstoner
• Dumbo based Freelancers Union, 10Mar10, In These Times
• Beyoncé Opens Cosmetology School In Dumbo, 09Mar10, Vain
• Dewey’s Named Best Sweets Shop, 08Mar10, NYMag
• City takes over Brooklyn Bridge Park, 10Mar10, Brooklyn Paper
• PowerHouse publising is going to Random House, 10Mar10, Stylester
• BBPark to open Until 1am, 11Mar10, NYDN
• Brooklyn Bridge Park Governance, 12Mar10, Brooklyn Eagle
• Pic: Bank Robbery in Dumbo, 12Mar10, Brooklyn Ink
• Investors in NYC, 13Mar10, Business Times

We’re into this listing for 100 Jay Street, Apt 6E, not only for it’s custom website, but looks like the owner has put in a lot of custom work. There’s even a video that shows some custom installations for the cats. Here are the stats:

• $679,000
• 1 bedroom, 1 bath
• 800 square feet (Floorplan)
• $527/mo cc, $14/mo taxes
• Pretty much custom everything. (Details on the site)

Check out the site at dumbodesignerdwelling.com.

HGTV, the home and garden television network, will be filming in Dumbo Brooklyn on Friday, 3/12 from 5am to 11pm on Washington street, Front Street, Water Street. Remember to move your parked cars by 5pm tonight.

The NYC Department of Design + Construction sent us the following March/April 2010 update on the reconstruction of Water Street between Adams Street to Old Fulton Street and Washington Street from York Street to Plymouth Street. Per the newsletter (PDF download 746kb):

Work In Progress: March – April, 2010

• Excavation and installation of 36″ trunk main from Doughty Street and Furman Street across Old Fulton Street and into Water Street proceeding in an eastward direction.
• Installation of new 12″ distribution water main on Water Street between Main Street and Washington Street.

Removal of:

• Cobble stones within the project limits. (Note: These stones are being safely stored for re-installment in the future.)

Looking Ahead For 2010:

• Continue installation of the 18″ combined sewer along Water Street to Main Street
• Continue excavation and installation of the 36″ trunk water main from Doughty Street and Furman Street to Water Street and Main Street.

There are many slated improvements to help preserve the character of the neighborhood

• Resetting the old trolley tracks on Water Street at Adam Street
• Installation of new granite curbs
• Installation of new pigmented sidewalks
• Installation of some new street lights
• Restoration of cobble stone roadways
• Planting of 25 new trees within project limits

Community Construction Liaison (CCL): The DDC has assigned Paul Kidder of HAKS as the Community Construction Liaison. Please contact Mr. Kidder for all project
related inquiries/concerns or to be added to the e-mail distribution list at:
Phone: (718) 643-2536
E-mail: waterstreetccl@gmail.com
Field Office Address: 10 Jay Street, Suite 714 Brooklyn NY 11201

Previously:
{Water/Washington St Reconstruction Project Update, 03Dec2009}
{Belgian Block Reconstruction to Begin, 04May2009}

Choice Market is now open until 11pm every night. Also, the cheese & charcuterie and wine & beer are now available. Free delivery from 9am-10pm.

Choice Market
108 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Tel: 718.797.1695
Fax: 718.797.1914
Courtenay@choicemarkets.com

(PDF of menu here (632kb))

Previously:
More photos on the Flickr site here.
{Choice Market (Dumbo) Open for Business, 18Feb2010}
{Choice to Open this Week, 09Feb2010}
{Choice Market Opening Soon?, 15Jan2010}
{April Dumbo Food Tidbits, 01Apr2009}
{Choice Market to Occupy J Condo Location, 22Jul2008}