The Q Train Is the Dirtiest Line in NYC, and Other Subway Findings

Photo : MShades, Flickr

The NYPIRG ha issued its State of the Subways Report Card 2014, and here are a few of the findings:

* The best subway line in the city is the 7.

* The 2 performed the worst.

* The C and J/Z are the cleanest subway lines.

* The dirtiest line — the Q — was rated four times dirtier than the C..

See full "State of the Subways" here.


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NYPD Investigates Anti-Muslim Leaflets in Brooklyn

The Police Department’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating another disgraceful anti-Muslim incident in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Eagle and NY1 report that anti-Islamic fliers -- reading "Islamists go to your country. USA hates you. You are terrorists and bastards. You are the second Holocaust,” were left in a Bensonhurst apartment complex on July 26.

This comes after similar incidents in Bay Ridge and Sheepshead Bay last week.


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Man Shot at the Farragut Housing Projects Early Thursday: Vinegar Hill / Navy Yard, Brooklyn

Courtesy Google Maps, 2014

 From the scanner:

Dispatcher reported at 1:40 a.m. early Thursday morning that a man was shot at the Farragut Housing Project at 192 Sand Street between Gold and Navy streets in the Vinegar Hill / Navy Yard section of Brooklyn.

A Level 1 Mobilization was declared.

No further information.

A number of other unconfirmed reports of gunshots came in over the scanner around the same time early Thursday morning. These include:

* At Albany and Fulton Streets
* Marcy and Lexington
* 410 Marcus Garvey (nothing found)


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13-Year-Old Boy Missing Wednesday Night in East New York, Brooklyn

Myro Jenkins was headed to M.S. 218. Photo: Google Maps 2014

A 13-year-old boy named Myro Jenkins went missing somewhere around 313 Montauk between Sutter and Blake avenues in East New York, Brooklyn Wednesday afternoon.

He has been missing for 10 hours (as of midnight late Wednesday).

Myro was going to play basketball at Junior H.S. 218, and hasn't been seen since.

He's black, 5'4", slim build, wearing black shirt, black pants and black sneakers.

Please keep on the lookout for him.


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Dog Either Fell or Was Thrown from the BQE in Greenpoint

This sweet dog survived a leap, or may have been thrown, 40 ft off the BQE. Story at 11. pic.twitter.com/I6Cl0TpIAh
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) July 31, 2014

He might have fallen -- but some witnesses think a dog was thrown off the BQE in Greenpoint.

CBS reports that the poor thing had trouble breathing after he landed, and was bleeding from the mouth.

"Meeker" was brought to Veterinary Emergency & Referral Group in Cobble Hill by a witness.

The dog is listed in stable condition. They are looking for a good home for the sweet-looking thing.

(Photos at CBS.)

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Something Else White and Illegal on the Brooklyn Bridge (But Not a Flag)

Photo by MK Metz, McBrooklyn

A man on the Brooklyn Bridge was allowing tourists to take photos with his beautiful white python wrapped around their shoulders (for a few bucks).

Pythons like these are fed mice or rats if kept as pets, and curl into a ball if they get scared.

This python seemed cool about being handled by strangers. This tourist was pretty cool, too.

The python's owner was nervous about being caught by the cops, however -- probably because he had no license to vend his snake on the bridge.

In the meantime, cops are still looking for the pranksters who took the American flags off the towers of the bridge and replaced them with white ones.

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They Meeowed at Cat-Kicker in Court, and Other Brooklyn Briefs

“Painted Phone” by Mark Handforth at Governors Island. Photo-MK-Metz

- Murder verdict overturned because his mom couldn't find a seat in crowded Brooklyn courtroom. [NY Post]

- Meanwhile, angry spectators meeowed at cat-kicking perp in Brooklyn court. [Daily News]

- Former Brooklyn cop reportedly assisted drug dealers in New Hampshire. [Union Leader]

- NYC will spend $100 million to make Sunset Park trendy. [Gothamist]

- This is why public housing buildings are falling apart. [WNYC]

- The Bard appears outside a bar in Park Slope. [Brooklyn Eagle] 


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Brooklyn Bridge White Flag Prank: Will NYC Ban Aluminum Lasagna Pans?

By Jeffryww, flickr

 When they came for the pressure cookers, I said nothing, for I was not an Irish grandmother.

When they came for the rice cookers, I said nothing, for I was not a Chinese grandmother.

The lights illuminating the flagpoles on the Brooklyn Bridge were covered with aluminum lasagna pans as part of the white flag debacle last week.

It's only a matter of time before they come for the lasagna pans.

Then there will be no grandmothers left.

Remember: When aluminum lasagna pans are outlawed, only outlaws will eat lasagna.

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La Guelaguetza Festival New York in Brooklyn's Cadman Plaza Park

Photos by MK Metz, McBrooklyn

 Music from the Oaxaca region of Mexico rang out over Cadman Plaza Park in Downtown Brooklyn on Sunday, for La Guelaguetza Festival New York sponsored by the Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Nueva York (BFMNY).

Dancers thrilled the crowd with performances reflecting the traditions of the different Oaxacan states.

The music was uplifting, the clothing gorgeous and the mood generous. Love, sharing, and pride in the crafts of the area were themes.

Photos by MK Metz, McBrooklyn

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Cops Chase Hundreds of Motorcycles on Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn on Sunday

From the scanner:

It was wild on the streets in Brooklyn around 6 p.m. Sunday, when cops chased hundreds of motorcycles -- "driving dangerously, popping Willies" and "driving in the wrong direction," according to a police dispatcher.

The first alert went out at 6 p.m., where someone called the cops to report "200 ATVs headed towards Atlantic Avenue."

The responding officer replied, "Did you say 200?"

"That's what I got," dispatcher said.

At 6:11 p.m., NYPD dispatcher put out another alert. "Over 100 bikes, westbound on Atlantic Avenue, popping Willies."

At 6:17 p.m., cops were told riders were "going in the wrong direction" on Atlantic.

Nothing more.


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Ambulance Trying to Find Brooklyn Bridge Park Sunday Afternoon

From the scanner:

At 1:33 p.m. Sunday, dispatch described a person at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 2 having difficulty breathing. "By the baskerball court," the dispatcher said.

A minute later, another dispatcher repeated the request for help, but said the location was on "Montague Street and the Heights Prominade, by the basketball court."

At 1:39 p.m., a responder radioed the dispatcher, asking, "What's the location?" Dispatcher answered, "Pier 2, Brooklyn Bridge Park."

At 1:45 p.m. responder at the scene on portable radioed the dispatcher asking, "Is the bus responding to Brooklyn Bridge Park? Send them to the entrance to the substation on Furman Street. There's an entrance there."

Nothing further over scanner.

UPDATE: In a related matter, a call came from the dispatcher at 2:05 p.m. Sunday that a patient was missing at Brooklyn Hospital Center, 121 DeKalb Ave. The dispatcher stated "Medevac."


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Some Mighty Suspicious Characters Flood Brooklyn Heights for Lunch

We think this was Bugsy, maybe. Photos: MK Metz

 At lunch time on Friday, the entire cast of Boardwalk Empire, in costume and, in many cases, in character, flooded down Henry Street, past Montague Street, to their mess hall on Remsen for lunch.

Mobsters, molls and characters that looked like they should be named "Bugsy" and 'Sticky Fingers Malone" hoofed it past City Chemist.

Photos by MK Metz, McBrooklyn

 Not to mention the dames!

We haven't seen star Steve Buscemi yet -- but he probably just went home (to Park Slope) for lunch.

Photos of action on the set on Monroe Place here.

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Mobsters in Brooklyn: 'Boardwalk Empire' Filmed in Brooklyn Heights on Friday

Phony subway station on Pierrepont. Photos by MK Metz

HBO's “Boardwalk Empire,” starring Steve Buscemi and a cast of hundreds,filmed on Monroe Place in Brooklyn Heights on Friday. It's the final season!

The costumes and set were over the top.

Actor Ben Rosenfield.

A lot of mobsters roamed the Heights on Friday. According to signs, they're coming back Monday.

More photos at the Brooklyn Eagle.

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Brooklyn BP Adams to Throw 'International Day of Friendship.' Celebrates Brooklyn Being 'Center of the Universe'

Photo: Jim Winstead, Flickr

 Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams sent uss a press release saying that he will proclaim Wednesday, July 30th to be “International Day of Friendship” in Brooklyn, with festivities set for Sunday, August 3rd.

From the release:

The “International Day of Friendship” is a celebration recognizing the hundreds of cultures and ethnicities that make Brooklyn the center of diversity in the heart of the five boroughs.

“Unity of Flags Parade”

As the signature event at Brooklyn Borough Hall during Borough President Adams’ first year in office, the day will consist of a series of cultural identity-oriented activities, beginning at 11:00 AM with a “Unity of Flags Parade” led by Borough President Adams from the intersection of Adams Street and Tillary Street to Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Following the march, the day will feature a series of cultural and artistic performances from a wide variety of groups represented in the borough, as well as a taste of global cuisine, from 1:00 PM through 5:00 PM.

“Since Brooklyn is the center of the universe, it is fitting that we dedicate a day to all of our borough’s rich cultures, heritages, ethnicities and lifestyles that bring the entire world and beyond into this one special place,” said BP Adams. “I thank everyone who is participating for carrying a part of their culture to Brooklyn Borough Hall and for helping us make One Brooklyn in the true spirit of friendship.”

“This event is a great opportunity to showcase all of the diverse ethnicities and cultures that make up Brooklyn,” said Melissa del Valle-Ortiz, a participating delegate of the National Caucus of Puerto Rican Women. “With the ‘International Day of Friendship,’ we can have every individual group come together to form a consensus on what it means to celebrate ethnicity and culture.”

The festivities are sponsored by Coca-Cola, the United Federation of Teachers, Investors Bank, Grace Foods and Advantage Care Physicians in partnership with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, PIX 11 News, the New York Daily News, Metro Fire Alarm Systems and Technology, Target, Well Care and Health First.


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Want to Work for Recchia Against Grimm this Weekend?

Recchia, from Wikipedia

Domenic Recchia Jr., is running against incumbant Michael Grimm in the 11th Congressional District of New York, which includes Bay Ridge and part of Staten Island.

Recchia, a former City Councilmember, will mark 100 days out from the election by kicking off a weekend of volunteering in Brooklyn and Staten Island. 

Want to join? Recchia says he will meet with volunteers as they prepare to knock on doors and make phone calls for his campaign:

* On Saturday, July 26th at 11AM, the event will kick off at 7321 15th Avenue, Brooklyn.

* The Staten Island push takes place on Sunday, Sunday, July 27th at 12PM at 109 New Dorp Plaza.

According to Ballotopedia, Grimm was charged with 20 crimes involving his restaurant, Healthalicious, including tax fraud and hiring illegal immigrants. He is also under investigation for possible campaign finance law violations. Grimm is claiming innocence.

The election for the U.S. House of Representatives takes place on November 4, 2014. 


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Gunfire Reported in Coney Island, Brooklyn,

From the scanner:

A report of shots fired at West 33rd Street and Neptune Avenue in Coney Island, Brooklyn came in at 11:44 p.m. Thursday night, shortly after another report of shots fired in Bed-Stuy.

Dispatch told NYPD the shots were unconfirmed. Nothing further.


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Shots Reported Thursday Night in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

Sterling and Rochester, courtesy Google Maps 2014

 From the scanner:

A man  call 9-1-1 to report that four shots were heard at Sterling Place and Rochester in Bedford-Stuyvesant Thursday night.

Dispatch assigned the job at 11:19 p.m.

The caller left no call-back number. No furtheer details.

Soon afterwards, shots were reported in Coney Island.

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Cuomo Fires Salvo at Zephyr Teachout in Brooklyn Supreme Court

In papers filed on Tuesday in Supreme Court in Brooklyn, two Cuomo proxies argued that Zephyr Teachout, trying to get on the Democratic primary ballot for Governor of New York, “has not been a continuous resident of the state” from November of 2009.

Teachout says bring it on, Governor.

More at Capital New York.


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Wars Stop Worldwide As Nations Ponder Miracle of Brooklyn Bridge's White Flags

The White Flag. Photo: MK Metz, McBrooklyn

Israel and the Palestinians and combatants in the South Sudan offered to lay down their arms in temporary truces as the mystery of the Brooklyn Bridge's white flags struck a deep chord with humanity.

Pilgrims made their way along the Brooklyn Bridge's walkway at sunrise, pointing to to the stone towers, in what is now being referred to as "The Miracle of the White Flags."

A Hispanic woman surrounded by kneeling children, wearing white and praying on white rosary beads, called out repeatedly, "En la tierra como en el ciel!" as NYPD officers cordoned off an area to prevent crushing from the growing crowds. "Keep it moving!" they ordered the pilgrims.

A man sold T-shirts with a picture of the flags on the tower next to a picture of a lunar landing module and the word, "Believe!"

"I was here when they took it down," he said, waving his arms in the direction of the west tower.  "That's where it was."

He added, "It was white."

A man who said his name was Elmo sold bottles of water to members of a Canadian tour group at three dollars a pop.

"We wanted to see where it happened," said Olivia Norris, of Calgary, on tour with her mother Emma.

A man distributing pamphlets, who refused to give his name, said, "White flag has nine letters. And there's two towers. One-one. That's all I'm gonna say. What don't they want us to know?"

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Water Rescue In Brighton Beach, Midnight Wednesday

Google Maps

From the scanner:

Marine units and the NYPD rushed to Brighton Beach at midnight Wednesday night to rescue a man who was in pain and couldn't get out of the water.

The man was reported in the ocean off 1311 Brightwater Avenue off Seacoast Terrace.

Shortly after midnight, rescue units confirmed a "civillian is in the water" and EMS and NYPD were at the scene.

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Neighbors Say Their Health Is Shot from Brooklyn Bridge Rehab -- and Their Cats' Nerves Are Shot, Too

 

Rehab equipment on the Brooklyn Bridge, by MK Metz

Brooklyn Heights residents of a building just south of the Brooklyn Bridge have been suffering from dust and 24/7 construction noise -- all-night back-up beeps and teeth-rattling jackhammers -- for roughly three years, and they say it's making them sick.

Roberto Gautier, who lives at 140 Cadman Plaza West, told the Brooklyn Eagle that residents of the building have experienced “almost continuous sleep deprivation” since the city started rehabbing the Brooklyn Bridge.

People have heart palpitations and rashes. They go to work "not with it."

A number of cats in the building are also exhibiting symptoms brought on by stress, another resident told the Eagle. "They’re the canaries in the coal mine," she said.

More:

Complaints: Brooklyn Bridge construction noise, dust ruining neighbors' health Brooklyn Eagle


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What's REALLY Going On with Those White Flags On the Brooklyn Bridge

Photo by MK Metz

White flags on the Brooklyn Bridge. What's going on? Here are a few possibilities:

- The famous Brooklyn Bridge UFO is back, this time with white flags. [Witnessed; The True Story of the Brooklyn Bridge UFO Abductions]

- The People's Brooklyn Bridge Security Drill has concluded. Thank you for your participation.Several areas need to be addressed.

Pier 6, LICH, Dock Street, the library: Brooklyn surrenders to real estate developers.

- Just in: Cheap Chinese flags found to fade to white almost overnight.

- This exact thing happened on the Brooklyn Bridge two years ago, only with graffitti. [NYPD Confidential] 

- This exact same thing happened in Finland, only it was 1,000 white flags. [1000 White Flags]

- This exact same thing happened on the moon. [Gizmodo]

- Missing: 2 white flags, slightly worn. Anyone seen them?

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Perp Riding the D Train in Brooklyn Early Tuesday, and Other Subway Incidents

You always have to keep your eyes open when you ride the subway late at night. Here are a few things that are going on tonight in Brooklyn.

From the scanner:

* Cops are on the alert for a perp who assaulted someone in or near a subway booth. The suspect was riding on the D train from Bay Parkway at 12:43 a.m. Tuesday morning.

* Also on the subway: Cops called for an ambulance to aid a 25-year-old male on the A and C platform, Queens-bound side, station unknown, at 12:54 a.m.

* Also: Dispatch put in a call at 1:04 a.m. that a transit worker needed assistance at a subway stop on Nostrand Ave. "Afraid the male is going to fall onto the track."

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'Suspicious Package' in Brooklyn Heights on Clark Street Late Tuesday

From the scanner:

Cops were called to deal with a "suspicious package" at 101 Clark Street, between Henry Street and Monroe Place in Brooklyn Heights.

The call came in to NYPD at roughly 11:48 p.m. late Tuesday.

No word yet on what was in the package.

UPDATE: NYPD has pedestrian traffic stopped at 12:02 a.m.

UPDATE 2: It's an empty bag, everybody go home. 12:20 a.m.


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Brooklyn Bridge Security: Maybe White Flag Folks Did Us All a Favor

The Brooklyn Bridge Flag Caper of 2014 has caused quite a flap. Photos by MK Metz

It's likely that many thousands of dollars have gone into Brooklyn Bridge security, yet a group of pranksters, probably half drunk, managed to pull off quite a coup by removing the American flags from atop the Brooklyn Bridges towers and replacing them with white ones early this morning.

While the city and NYPD bosses are rattling their sabers and going over video footage, that's kind of beside the point, isn't it?

Maybe the city should be thanking the flag folks for demonstrating that any terrorist with half a plan could have had one of our most cherished monuments for breakfast this morning, along with a thousand or two thousand motorists and pedestrians.

That being said, NYPD's Emergency Service Unit did a great job of climbing the cables up to the summit of the bridge. These guys always come through, even if they shouldn't have to.

ESU officer climbs the Brooklyn Bridge cable. MK Metz

* Speculation grows about the white flags on the Brooklyn Bridge.

* Brooklyn Borough President Adams offers a $5 reward for info leading to arrest of perps.

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EMS Workers Ignored Eric Garner; Bolshoi on the Brooklyn Bridge; and More

Council Member Carlos Menchaca Tours NYCHA Red Hook Houses with Rep. Nydia Velazquez and NYCHA Chair Shola Olatoye. Photo: William Alatriste for the New York City Council

- New video shows police offered no medical help to unresponsive Staten Island dad Eric Garner: stood around, emptied his pockets, as he lay dying. [NY Daily News]

- Four EMS workers also did nothing for Garner, and now they've been suspended. [NBC]

- Reactions to the Garner death from some cops: "All he had to do was comply and he would not be dead. Tough shit and too damn bad." [NY Magazine]

- Bolshoi on the Brooklyn Bridge. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- "Cry-Baby" playing at the Summer Screening at McCarren Park on Wednesday. [Brooklyn.com]

- Of course: New York approves apartment building with different entrance for scumbag poor people. [Gawker]

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Minor Mayham at 1 a.m. in Brooklyn

From the scanner -- an hour of mayhem, mostly petty, some sad:

* At roughly 1 a.m. in Brooklyn, police were were called to round up 4 male blacks in a hallway smoking marijuana at 1284 St. Johns Place. Nearby -- at 1312 St. Johns Place -- cops went after someone for narcotics use.

* At the same time, a call came in to 9-1-1 that someone's car was stolen at Ashland Place and Myrtle Avenue. The caller said the car was stolen one hour ago. The car was described as a gray 2003 Honda Accord.

* Another call came in at roughly the same time from 200 Tillary Street in Downtown Brooklyn: A black woman was swinging an umbrella towards another female. She did not hit her with the umbrella, though.

* A call about a family dispute came in at about 1:10 a.m. from an address on Bergan Street, near Kingston. Sadly, the caller wants her mother out of that location.

* A call came in reporting unconfirmed four shots fired at 1:30 a.m. Brooklyn Avenue and Foster Ave at Farragut Road.

* Call came in at 1:42 a.m. from a man on Monroe Street,  Franklin to Bedford, that his wife was trying to set him on fire.

* A Level 1 Mobilization has been called for a missing girl, called in at 1:44 a.m. The mobilization is centered at Clarkson Ave., E. 91 St.: A 14-year-old girl, Toshia Williams black named Toshia Williams. She's 5'5" and 165 lbs., last seen at 300 Vernon. Last seen yesterday evening. Unknown clothing description at this time. At 1:55, NYPD requested a hospital canvas.


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NYPD Chasing Perp Armed with Two Knives in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

By Kecko, Flickr

From the scanner:

Police declared a Level 1 Perp Search at roughly 12:40 a.m. Tuesday morning at 261 Jersome Ave.

Cops are looking for a black male, age 25, 6'5" tall, wearing a black T-shirt and blue shorts. He fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Caution: He's armed with two knives.

Nothing further.


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FDNY Members Catch Purse Thief in Brooklyn

(L to R) FF Christopher Suhr, FF Jarjeam Felton, FF Kevin Balslov, FF Anthony Cafro and Lt. James Kivlan.

From the FDNY:

Firefighters from Engine 280 were on a routine building inspection on July 18, when they found themselves in the middle of a very unusual rescue.

They were outside a building on Park Place, when a woman from the neighborhood, whose car was parked in front of their fire engine, dropped her pocketbook inside the vehicle before quickly heading into a nearby building.

They saw a man was watching the situation close by, and as firefighters were getting back on the apparatus, he snatched the woman’s purse from her car.

Firefighter Suhr was the first to notice and yelled at the alleged robber to stop.

The man panicked and ran down the street, with Lt. James Kivlan, and Firefighters Suhr, Anthony Cafro, Jarjeam Felton and Kevin Balslov chasing him both on foot and with the rig, radioing for police as they did.

The man tried to duck into buildings as he ran, but all the doors he tried were locked. When they reached Classon Avenue and Prospect Place, about a block down the road, firefighters reached the man and tackled him to the ground.

The man did not fight and they removed a screwdriver from his hand as they waited for police from the 77th Precinct to arrive.

“[The victim] was emotional about it,” Lt. Kivlan said. “Even the people on the street were walking by saying ‘thank you.’ It went pretty smoothly.”

The woman told them she had a sizeable amount of money in her bag, so she thanked each member when it was returned.

“The firefighters continued the chase the whole time, they didn’t give up,” Lt. Kivlan said. “They were happy to help and the woman was very happy to have her bag returned.”

Go FDNY!


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Some Role Model: Bed-Stuy Principal Charged with Smuggling Drugs into Prison

Sadie Silver, principal of Brooklyn' P.S. 28 The Warren Prep Academy in Bedford-Stuyvesant, could go to jail herself after she allegedly tried to smuggle heroin into a prison. CBS reports that Silver’s son is doing time on weapons charges at the prison.

She was accompanied by her boyfriend Michael Acosta.

 Multiple published reports says that Silver presided over a dramatic improvement in reading scores at the school -- though DOE records show test scores still aren't so hot.

P.S. 28 is located at 1001 Herkimer Street.

Here's more from the MidHudson News.
More from the HarlemValleyNews.

Photo via LinkedIn

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Chinese-American Planning Council's Brooklyn Bridge Walk-a-Thon: August 3

The annual Chinese-American Planning Council's Walk-a-Thon and Family Day over the Brooklyn Bridge takes place in August this year.

Thousands of Asian-Americans and supporters will march in a colorful procession from Columbus Park  over the Brooklyn Bridge to Cadman Plaza Park in Downtown Brooklyn.

A dragon dance team will make a dramatic entrance into the park -- it's always an exciting event.

The CPC provides community services to Chinese kids, seniors and recent immigrants. The Walk-a-Thon supports the social service programs that serve 8,000 people daily.

More here.


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ReBar Owner Faces Sentencing Monday; Pier 6 Towers on Hold; and More Brooklyn Briefs

Standing since the 1700s, one of #Brooklyn's oldest houses and its stable house at the back. #NYC pic.twitter.com/jfTVdy1Ima
— Gigi A (@gigi_nyc) July 20, 2014

- ReBar owner to be sentenced in court Monday. DUMBO's Jason Stevens is facing up to 10 years. [7online]

- A Brooklyn judge has recused himself from the $124 million lawsuit filed by a wrongfully convicted man he freed from prison. [NY Daily News]

- Judge blocks Brooklyn Bridge Park from approving Pier 6 towers, for now. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Man accused of carjacking at least two drivers, hitting pedestrian in Brooklyn. [NY1]

- A Brooklyn synagogue is banning (even Jewish) panhandlers from its property. [NY Post]

- Sequester a 'tight squeeze' for Section 8 housing residents. [Brooklyn Eagle]


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Giant Dog House on Montague Street

Dogz Rule, by MK Metz

The Ultra dog food mobile dog house dispensed free dog food samples on Montague Street last week.

We don't know if the food is any good, but the giant house was cool.

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New Commanding Officer at Brooklyn's 78th Precinct: DiGiacomo Replaces Ameri

NYPD's Community Affairs Bureau sent word to Community Board 6 about a change in the management team at the 78th Precinct:

After two and a half years as serving as the Commanding Officer of the 78th Precinct, Deputy Inspector Michael Ameri has been given a new assignment as the Commanding Officer of the Highway District.

In a tweet, Ameri says:

I would like to thank every community member, politician, BID, community board, civic groups for the support and friendship over the yrs..
— NYPD 78th Precinct (@NYPD78Pct) July 17, 2014

Replacing Deputy Inspector Ameri will be Captain Frank DiGiacomo.

Captain DiGiacomo was appointed to the New York City Police Department in August 1993, and began his career on patrol in the 9th Precinct. He was promoted to Sergeant in June 2000; Lieutenant in May 2005; and Captain in July 2010. Captain DiGiacomo has served in the 9th, 105th, 6th, 75th, and 10th Precincts; as well as Patrol Borough Queens South, Housing Bureau Brooklyn, and Patrol Borough Manhattan South.

Captain DiGiacomo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Aspen University.









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Cops Respond to Sinkhole in Bed-Stuy, Saturday

©2014 |Google Maps

From the scanner:
9-1-1- got a call at roughly 2 p.m. on Saturday that a sinkhole had opened in Bedford-Stuyvesant at 60 Hancock Street, creating a dangerous condition.

The hole is located on Hancock between Bedford and Nostrand.

Nothing further.


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Seizure on Fishing Boat; EMS Rushes to Pier 9, Sheepshead Bay

By Kecko, Flickr

From the scanner:
A call came in to NYC's 9-1-1 at 1:41 p.m. Saturday afternoon that a person had a seizure on a fishing boat out of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Callers requested EMS on standby at Pier 9.

* EMS responded at 1:43 p.m. that they were on the way.

* Marine 3 called in at 1:48 p.m. with news that they had stationed a person on the boat, and the boat was headed back to the dock.

* Marine 3 was told at 1:51 p.m. that Engine 321 and EMS had arrived at the pier.

* 1:54 p.m.: Dispatcher told Marine 3 that EMS and FDNY were awaiting the boat at Pier 9, on Emmons Avenue off E. 22 St.

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This Weekend: Shakespeare in Brooklyn Bridge Park: 'Taming of the Shrew' July 18, 19, 20

Photo: Random Access Theatre

Free performances of Shakespeare's famous "Taming of the Shrew" will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday night (July 18, 19 and 20) at 7 p.m. in Brooklyn Bridge Park on Pier 1, overlooking the East River.

The shows, by the Dumbo based Random Access Theatre, are part of the Shakespeare at Sunset series.

(Note, Squibb Bridge and Park will be closed July 18, 21, 23 and 25, so the entrance closest to Pier 1 is at Old Fulton Street.)

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Brooklyn DA to Throw Out Hundreds of Old Pot Cases

It's a Brooklyn thing.

Staffers at the Brooklyn District Attorney's office are poring over hundreds of old low-level marijuana arrests and tickets, deciding which will be tossed out, according to DNAinfo New York.

“We’re going to look at each pending case on a case-by-case basis and make a decision,” Thompson told DNA. It's part of a new policy that went into effect July 8.

More at DNAinfo.


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Pedestrian Struck at St. Marks and Rodgers Avenues, Brooklyn

From the scanner:

A call came in to NYC's 9-1-1 at 12:15 a.m. early Friday morning that a pedestrian was struck at St. Marks and Rodgers avenues in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

Nothing further.


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Is Someone Walking on the BQE Near Brooklyn Bridge Park?

BQE-Brooklyn Heights. Photo by MK Metz, McBrooklyn

From the scanner:

At 11:36 p.m. Thursday night, the NYPD dispatcher relayed a call about a suspicious person reported walking westbound on either the Brooklyn Heights Promenade -- or on the BQE next to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Cops were headed there to see which one it was.

There's quite a difference. Hope we hear the outcome...


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Shooting in East Flatbush on Clarkson Ave., Thursday

Brooklyn: East 95 St & Clarkson Ave. Male shot at location. @NYPD67Pct asking anyone with info to contact #NYPD crime stoppers 1800577TIPS
— New York City Alerts (@NYCityAlerts) July 18, 2014

The 67th Precinct is asking anyone with information to contact them about a shooting on East 95 Street and Clarkson Avenue in East Flatbush.

In related news, the 67th Precinct Clergy's Operation Skywatchwill be visiting the sites of shootings to pray and offer services to victims and those affected by the crimes.

#OperationSkywatch summer initiative to visit sites of shootings to pray, talk to residents and offer services to those in need. #godsquad
— 67th Precinct Clergy (@67ClergyCouncil) July 17, 2014

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LIRR Strike Averted: Cuomo Announcement Live Feed

Gov. Cuomo has scheduled a press conference for 1:15 p.m. on Thursday to announce the successful LIRR negotiations.

You can catch it via livestream.

Watch live streaming video from newyorkstateofficeofthegovernor at livestream.com

So Mayor de Blasio can heave a huge sigh of relief and get the hell out of town.

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That Awful 'Brooklyn Girls' Video; LIRR Strike Talk; Brooklyn Food Tour and More

Here is Catey Shaw's  "Brooklyn Girls" music video -- the one that has caused so much hate it's gone viral. This may be the thing that breaks the back of Brooklyn Cool.

- Would you cancel your vacation in Italy just because of a LIRR strike? [Brooklyn Eagle]

- What's a couple dozen thousand? Brooklyn beep Eric Adams failed to include $36,000 rental property income on botched financial disclosure form. [NY Daily News]

- There's a Brooklyn food tour. [Trip Advisor]

- WTF? The Public Authorities Control Board just signed off on a loan from the state’s clean water fund to finance the new Tappan Zee Bridge. [Streetsblog]

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All Those Stolen Citi Bikes Ending Up in Brooklyn?

Photo: MK Metz

The NY Post says Brooklyn’s "worst neighborhoods" have become dumping grounds for Citi Bikes — which locals are stealing from docks in "nice neighborhoods" and using as one-way rides home

Cops have discovered more than 67 of the clunky bikes abandoned on streets and sidewalks in East New York, Brownsville and Crown Heights.

Earlier, a correspondent told Gothamist that so many Citi Bikes get stolen "they can't keep up with them!"

According to Citi Bike, "The software that runs the stations and overall system will record exactly when and where each bike is checked out and checked back in, and GPS in each bike will trace its path."

So, no problem, right?



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Man Shot in Canarsie, Midnight Wednesday

Brooklyn: 9910 Seaview Ave Crime scene being established in regards to a male shot, EMS requested on a rush.
— NY Scanner (@NYScanner) July 17, 2014

Another shooting in Brooklyn, this time in Canarsie.

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Downtown Brooklyn, Downtown Brooklyn, Downtown Brooklyn

Photo: Downtown Brooklyn, by MK Metz

It's been ten years since Downtown Brooklyn was rezoned. More than 15,000 new residents have moved in, and that number could triple.

Has the rezoning been a success -- or has the city neglected planning necessary infrastructure like schools, traffic measures and hospitals? The media is all over it today:

- Downtown Brooklyn seen as "shining example" of the success of rezoning. [Crains]

- But Downtown residents complain that thousands of people are moving and and there aren't enough schools. [NY1]

- Come to think of it, there aren't any elementary schools in Downtown Brooklyn at all. [DobroSchools]

- And they just sold the hospital -- to develop 1,000 more residences. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Today, De Blasio is going to re-introduce Downtown Brooklyn's makeover, started under Bloomberg. (Hope that hot air balloon over the entrance to the bridge disappears, though...) [WSJ]

 - Party like the French in Downtown Brooklyn: There's going to be a Bastille Day party this Saturday in Downtown Brooklyn at MetroTech, with a petanque tournament, food and music. [Downtown Brooklyn]

© 2014 MK Metz, McBrooklyn

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Woman Shot in Ocean Hill, Brooklyn, late Tuesday

Photo: Google Maps 2014

From the scanner:

A report came in at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday night that a woman was shot at Saratoga and St. Marks in Brooklyn. This is in the Ocean Hill neighborhood.

The language used by the dispatcher was, "Female shot and armed."

Nothing further.


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NYPD Catch Miscreants Who Sprayed Anti-Semitic Graffiti in Boro Park, Brooklyn

On Monday graffiti, including a swastika, was found sprayed inside a home under construction near 58th Street and 17th Avenue in Boro Park, and on the side of nearby yeshiva school bus.

The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force and the 66th Precinct quickly made three arrests.

"I am very pleased that the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force has made quick arrests of young punks trying to intimidate our community by scrawling messages of hate. It's appalling that these guys would come into our neighborhood simply to spread their anti-Semitic views," said Councilman David Greenfield.

Hate Crimes Task Force investigators interviewed the foreman at the site about the graffiti his employees found on the second floor that read “get out” and “you don’t belong." The cops also spoke with a yeshiva administrator about the bus graffiti, said Councilman Greenfield.

The administrator told the Task Force that there had been another incident that occurred inside the yeshiva that was captured by surveillance cameras -- a window had been forced open. After reviewing the footage the investigators were able to identify the three perpetrators, who were located and arrested that evening.

JP Updates identified the suspects as Randy Martinez, 18, Robert Diaz and Steven Sragoso, both 17.

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Brooklyn: Politics, Real Estate and a Floating Body in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Bamboo Bites, Smorgasburg, BBP. Photo: MK Metx

- Brooklyn 8th-graders get record deal. [ABC]

- It's about time: Seeing as Boyland is serving hard time, Walker launches campaign for his Central Brooklyn Assembly seat. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Medgar Evers College to develop Crown Heights street into verdant campus quad. [Brownstoner]

- Robert Durst, an estranged member of the Durst family, appears to be racking up a sizable profit off his real estate investments in Brooklyn. [TRD]

- More photos from Brooklyn's Bastille Day -- and the World Cup -- on Smith Street Sunday. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Bus bunching is rampant and nothing is being done about it. [Sheepshead Bites]

- Police still don't know whose body that was in the water off Brooklyn Bridge Park. [Brooklyn Eagle]

- Sturgeon were so abundant in NY Harbor that the fish were considered hazardous to boat passage. [Brooklyn Based]

And yesterday...

Brooklyn: Brooklyn Bridge ramp to Cadman Plaza An NYPD officer transported by EMS after falling off a scooter. pic.twitter.com/tEXYUeRNuu
— NY Scanner (@NYScanner) July 14, 2014

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40-Year-Old Reggae Band 'Third World' at MetroTech, Brooklyn, Thurs, July 17

Via Third World

Third World, a reggae band with amazing longevity, will be playing a 90-minute set at noon on Thursday, July 17 at MetroTech Commons in Downtown Brooklyn.

The concert is part of BAM's R&B Festival, a series of lunchtime concerts.

Third World released their '96 Degrees in the Shade' on the Island Records label in the 1970s. With 10 Reggae Grammy nominations, in January 2013, the group was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival in Montego Bay.


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The French Storm Brooklyn's Smith Street for Bastille Day 2014

Photos ©2014 MK Metz

Thousands gathered on Smith Street in Brooklyn on Sunday for the 13th annual Bastille Day celebration -- the biggest Bastille celebration in the U.S.

French folk and those who love them crowded the street to drink Pastis, watch the famous petanque tournament, stick their heads in the guillotine, eat French food and party at Bar Tabac, a major sponsor.

French hats and sunglasses are a must!

Just ask this guy . . .

Viva the French! (and sponsor French apéritif co. Ricard)

Smith Street was covered with sand by John Quadrozzi's cement company for the petanque tournament. In petanque, competitors throw metal balls (boules), trying to get close to a little ball called a "pig" (cochonnet).

This year was extra special as a large video screen was set up for spectators to watch the finals of the World Cup between Germany and Argentina.  In extra time, victory for Germany. What a game!

All photos ©2014 MK Metz

 Brooklyn's Bastille Day event was founded 10 years ago by Bette Stoltz along with restaurants Bar Tabac and Robin des Bois (now shuttered), and is sponsored by French apéritif company Ricard.

The actual holiday, which commemorates the storming of the Bastill in 1789, taks place on July 14 but in Brooklyn, it always takes place on Sunday.

Previous posts on this topic:

- Bastille Day in Brooklyn this Sunday: Petanque AND the Final World Cup Game 2014
- The French Get Their Party On in Brooklyn for Bastille Day 2013
- Good Times at Brooklyn's Bastille Day 2012
- 2012 Bastille Day Coming Up
- Bastille Day 2011
- 2011 Bastille Day Coming Up
- Brooklyn's Bastille Day, 2010
- Brooklyn's 2010 Bastille Day Celebration Looking Big 
- Brooklyn Bastille Day 2009 -- Great Day, Big Crowds
- Bastille Day 2009 in Brooklyn  
- Bastille Day in Brooklyn: The French Conquer Smith Street
- Brooklyn's Bastille Day: Smith Street, Sunday 
- Bastille Day in Brooklyn -- La Rue de Smith Sautait!



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