A Transportation Alternative

Did you know that there is a commuter van that serves the old B71 bus route on Union Street? Meet Osmond, whose van company was approved by the Taxi and Limousine Commission to serve our area and the old B71 route. He's been taking me to work every day since December, shaving 30 minutes or more off an unpleasant commute on two buses. I tell him he's my hero, but he truly is a champion for our neighborhood.

When the MTA eliminated the B71 bus last summer it was a big loss for our isolated community. To get across town through Park Slope by bus we now have to take the B61 either downtown and change buses, or meander through Red Hook to get to the north Slope. Commuter van companies were offered the route to give riders an alternative.

Because the ridership is still low, they don't make regular stops unless you call them first to arrange it. Call the number posted at the bus stop, 718-676-0504, or you can call Osmond directly on his cell: 347-526-9504. Rides are $2 cash. Weekdays he has been picking up riders at Union and Columbia St at 7:55 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. As demand increases they will introduce a second van. He has a few other regular riders during the day, but the van needs more business to making serving our neighborhood worthwhile. In fact, Osmond has fought to keep working here because he likes this area and believes demand will grow.

If you work in Gowanus, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, or Crown Heights, or want a direct ride to the 4th and Union train, the Food Coop, Central Library, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum or Botanic Garden, give Osmond a call.

The Gowanus Canal turns 100 years old!

Please come help

Proteus Gowanus and Urban Divers

celebrate the

Gowanus Canal Flushing Tunnel Centennial!

Parade and Celebration

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

6:00-8:00

Meet on Butler Street between Bond and Nevins

On June 21, 1911, all of South Brooklyn came out to celebrate the opening of the Gowanus Canal Flushing Tunnel. The tunnel’s pump would draw fresh water from Buttermilk Channel into the stagnant and odorous Gowanus Canal. One hundred years ago, the neighborhood marked the long-awaited opening with bunting and streamers, speeches and parades. A 9-year old girl, crowned Miss Gowanus, floated down the canal on a barge, tossing white lilies into the now purified waters of the canal.

Parade route: The sidewalk parade will begin on Butler Street, behind the old Pumping Station. We will walk down Bond to the Union Street Bridge, where we will meet up with a second parade on water—and cheer on Miss Gowanus! The celebration will end with refreshments at Proteus Gowanus, at Union and Nevins.

Summertime and the Reading is Easy!

Hey, neighbors! I'm Andrea and I've just joined the blogging team for The Word on Columbia Street. I've lived in the neighborhood almost six years and every year I fall more in love with our little section of Brooklyn. For my first post here's some news from our local public library, the Carroll Gardens branch of the Brooklyn Public Library on Union St and Clinton St. Tomorrow kicks off the library's Summer Reading program. Here are the details:

Come to the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at the Carroll Gardens Library on Thursday, June 9 from 2pm-4pm (public schools are closed for Anniversary Day)! Celebrate the start of the Brooklyn Public Library's annual Summer Reading program with a free multicultural celebration with activities and treats. Hosted by BPL and the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library. Go to our website for more details at friendsofcglibrary.blogspot.com and keep up with FCGL's activities at the library all summer at Facebook.com/FriendsofCarrollGardensLibrary.