How would you spend one million dollars in our community?

All three of Brooklyn Community Board 6's City Council Members - Hon. Stephen Levin (33rd C.D.), Hon. Carlos Menchaca (38th C.D.) and Hon. Brad Lander (39th C.D.) are giving their constituents an opportunity to determine how to spend $1 million in Capital funds.

If you live in one of these three council districts you are eligible to vote, even if you are not a U.S. citizen. The Columbia Waterfront District is represented by Brad Lander. If you are unsure who your Council Member is, use this online address translator to find out, or call 311.

To learn more about Participatory Budgeting, click here.

All three Council Members are hosting PB Project Exposwhere the public can learn more about the proposed projects:

Hon. Stephen Levin, 33rd Council District:
When: Wednesday, March 19th, 5-9pm
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street

Hon. Carlos Menchaca, 38th Council District:
When: Saturday, March 15th, 12-3pm
Where: Sunset Park Rec Center, 7th Avenue & 43rd Street

Hon. Brad Lander, 39th Council District:
When: Wednesday, March 19th, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Camp Friendship, 339 8th Street

Voting will take place late March through early April.

Help for Sandy-impacted Residents

We got this message from Council Member Carlos Menchaca about resources for Sandy-impacted residents:

Red Hook,

Our community is still rebuilding seventeen months after Hurricane Sandy and I am committed to making sure our neighbors get the resources they need and deserve. In partnership with the NYC Recovery office, I am proud to be sponsoring a workshop to provide comprehensive updates on the Build It Back program.

Here are the details:

NYC Build it Back Program Information Session

P.S 15

71 Sullivan Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

Thursday, March 6th 7pm-9pm

As many of you know, NYC Build it Back program offers support for those living in communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The Deputy Program Director for Build it Back will be discussing assistance for single and multi-family homeowners.

Representatives from NYCHA will also be available to give updates on planned improvements

Please see the accompanying flyer for complete information.

Carlos Menchaca
Council Member, 38th Council District

Jorge Muniz
Office of Councilman Carlos Menchaca
O: (718) 439-9012 | C: (312) 608-1265

Columbia Waterfront food pantry

Since having my first child a year ago I find myself not only worrying about the comfort and safety of my child but of all children. I know this is a common thing with parents. It's given rise to many mother activist movements, and it has hit me pretty hard. Late at night, as my baby sleeps, warm and fed, I am kept awake by the thought that there are children who are hungry and cold at that moment. Probably a few blocks away from my apartment. And I wish I could bring over a hot pizza and a space heater, if I only knew how to find them.

Then I remembered the food pantry at the church around the corner. Every Sunday there is a line of people with granny carts who leave with groceries. Even with all the work and baby care I juggle these days, I could manage dropping off a few things around the corner. So I contacted the Reverend Rene Baez at the Christian Pentecostal church on Summit Street. They have been operating the food pantry for over 15 years and are happy to accept donations of food, clothes, school supplies, and bags. Here is a list of what they are seeking this month:

canned goods and other nonperishable food items
bread
baby food
garbage bags
plastic "t-shirt" shopping bags or heavy duty bags to pack the groceries
twine

They are also in need of monetary donations to for expenses to keep the operation going.

Donations can be dropped off at 90-92 Summit Street on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between the hours of 7-10 pm and Sundays between 9am-2:30pm. The church usually receives deliveries on Thursdays and Fridays between 7am-1pm and during those times the church is open to receive any donations as well.

If you are looking for a way to help neighbors who are struggling, this may be an easy way to help. I plan to post an update here monthly to let you know what is most needed.  Thank you Rev. Baez for all that you do.

It's Gonna Be a Love Fest Friday Night

NYC renowned D.J. John Swan will be spinning his magic on Valentine's Day at MikNic Lounge, 200 Columbia St! Come shake a leg, drink some "Love Me Tender" champagne and "Cupid's Arrow" shots and let loose. Share and keep your memories by getting your picture taken at the Valentine's photo booth. Friday at 9:00pm, cover is only $5. 

Hear New Music in Red Hook

Musician Ben Seretan let us know about a show happening in Red Hook tomorrow night on Van Dyke Street at the home of New Amsterdam Records. Described as happening in Van Dyke Park, this warehouse show is part of a series called Selective Truths, a showcase curated by Matt Evans. Check out their shows and explore new musical territory!

Tomorrow's show features saxophonist David Lackner, smooth FM mutants Blue Jazz TV, and Ben, a singer with "the voice of an angel and sheets of electric guitar waterfalls."

David Lackner: 8PM
Blue Jazz TV: 9PM
Ben Seretan: 10PM

Thursday 1/23 in Van Dyke Park
98A Van Dyke Street in Red Hook between Van Brunt and Richards

Here's the facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/275698369270786

New Business Proposed for 257 Columbia Street

Next Monday, January 27th at 6:30pm will be the Community Board Committee Meeting at which locales can comment on the proposed business at 257 Columbia Street. Whoever is interested, I look forward to seeing you there!

Tonight! The Brooklyn Collective Holiday Event

Special Performance: Job in Red Hook - Tue, Dec 17th at 6pm

A Special Performance of the Book of Job (Job in Red Hook) will commemorate the year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy at the Friends of Firefighters (199 Van Brunt St Brooklyn, NY) next Tuesday, Dec 17th at 6pm. Tickets are free, but are seats are limited and must be reserved by emailing info@friendsoffirefighters.org.

More details at: https://www.facebook.com/TheaterOfWar

7th Annual Columbia Waterfront District Tree Lighting

Show the love to our fantastic neighborhood by......... eating free food, dancing to awesome music, and winning fun prizes! 

December 13, 6pm-7:30pm, marks the Columbia Waterfront Tree Lighting Party, hosted at the Human Compass Garden by Carroll Gardens Association Inc. 

There will be yummy food provided by outstanding and generous restaurants including Mazzat, Jake's BBQ and Brooklyn Southern, toe-tapping fodder by the Dan Kurfist Trio, and, of course, a beautiful Christmas tree. Into fire trucks? Well, the FDNY local 202 will be escorting none other than Mr. Santa himself to the party, complete with surprises for the little ones.

To view the poster and see more information go to:

http://www.carrollgardensassociation.com/7th-annual-columbia-waterfront-district-tree-lighting-on-friday-december-13th-from-6pm-to-730pm/

Park Bagels: Six Months Out and Already a Neighborhood Staple

When Stefano Mannino came to Red Hook last winter to size up some for-sale kitchen equipment offered by the then going-out-of-business South Brooklyn Bagel Cafe at 75 Hamilton Avenue, he had no idea he was heading towards the resting place of his third Park Bagels branch. As soon as he saw the

incredible location and space left by the previous business, however, he signed on the dotted line and started to build.

And lucky for us: a little over six months after their opening day, the cafe is doing a roaring trade in fresh, made-to-order breakfast and lunch fare, provided by some of the friendliest people in the City.

The bagel cafe has become a go-to spot for the longshoreman who work the nearby Red Hook cargo docks (the only operational dock left in Brooklyn--all the rest are on the New Jersey side of the Hudson), locals and commuters on their way to and from work, moms, dads, caretakers and kids, as well as those of us who simply cannot resist a good bagel, sandwich or cup of coffee.

Stefano Mannino

Speaking of coffee, if you have already been here and you think their brew is something to rave about, you’re not the only one. “99% of people say our coffee is amazing”, says Stefano Mannino, owner, with the remaining 1% coming in on the “too strong” side of the tracks. Their sourcing team went through over 100 different brands before finding the perfect one, and have settled on a selection that will simply melt your soul. An easygoing $1.25 (plus tax = about $1.36) gets you a cup of regular coffee, and $2.00 will place a delicious, nutty, ka-powwwerlicious espresso into your hands.

All three Park Bagels locations were opened and are run by Mannino, with the help of his two brothers, Vinny and Frankie. Mannino opened his first cafe in 2004 on 86th Street in Brooklyn, and last May he cut the tape on a Staten Island location just a few steps from the Saint George Ferry Terminal.

Vinny Mannino

The Red Hook menu is still being finalized as they continue to take into account all the suggestions and requests being made by patrons, so keep an eye out for exciting new items. Recently added: french toast. They offer tofu cream cheese and soy milk for the dairy-averted, and are currently working on a couple of vegan dishes as well.

Plans are under way to revamp the two already well-used seating areas, and are projected to be ready for spring 2014. The aim, says Mannino, is to make the cafe and garden “more of a destination” with greenery, an inviting, open design, twinkling lights, and easy stroller access. Those with kids, take note!

Park Bagels

75 Hamilton Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11231

Hours:

M-F 6am-5pm

Sat 7am-3pm

Sun Closed