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Business of the Week: Flavor Paper

Since their grand opening just a few weeks ago, the design world has gone gaga over Flavor Paper – just take a look at their extensive press listings. The new designer wallpaper company has moved its operational hub from New Orleans to 216 Pacific Street, and their four-story home base may just be the most visually stunning local business around. Flavor Paper founder Jon Sherman has worked for many years developing the new space, and his attention to detail makes their headquarters a feast for the eyes.

Read the full story and check out some of the spectacular pictures by staff photographers THE SHALTZES after the jump.

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Changes Coming Quickly to Pier 6 Approach

Our friends at the Cobble Hill Association have been pushing for changes to the entry points of the exciting new Pier 6 playground, and their efforts are proving successful. This just in from State Senator Daniel Squadron’s office – the DOT has suggested the following improvements:

-“Stop Here on Red” sign on Atlantic Avenue at the eastbound approach to the on-ramp, to communicate to drivers that they do not have a free left turn when the light ahead is red and the pedestrian indication across the ramp is WALK.

-“Turning Vehicles Yield to Pedestrians” sign on Atlantic Avenue at the westbound approach to the on-ramp, to emphasize  to drivers that  they must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

-Conducting a traffic study to determine if further signal or regulation changes that will reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts at this location are feasible.  Additional recommendations will be shared publicly in near future.

- Evaluating medium term opportunities for more significant reconfigurations to the street network around Pier 6 that will assist with bicycle and pedestrian park access, including the intersection of Columbia Street and Atlantic Avenue, and Atlantic Avenue west of  Columbia Street.

Will it be enough? Let’s just hope the changes take effect before a dreadful accident takes place.

Photo courtesy of Cobble Hill Association
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76th Precinct on Fireworks

From our friends at the 76th Precinct comes an important notice regarding celebrations this July 4th:

As many of you are aware, the Macy’s fireworks display, which is traditionally launched from barges in the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan will be relocated this year to the Hudson River, between Manhattan and New Jersey. Unfortunately, this means that we will not enjoy the spectacular view from the Brooklyn waterfront that we have in years past.  It is unlikely that we will be able to see any of the fireworks from the piers off Columbia Street or from the Valentino Pier this year, as they will be obscured by the Manhattan Skyline.

If you have come to the waterfront in years past to enjoy the show, we encourage you to make alternate plans this year. In addition, we remind everyone that fireworks are illegal and dangerous and best left to the professionals.  Each year, our emergency rooms see far too many cases of fireworks related injuries. The NYPD has a zero tolerance policy for illegal fireworks. Persons found in possession of fireworks will be arrested. Please help us ensure a safe and enjoyable 4th of July celebration for all.

Tips regarding illegal fireworks can be called in to the 76th Precinct at 718-834-3207, or by calling 311 or 911.

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday weekend.

Flickr photo by grundlepuck
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First Renderings of Barneys Co-op

The Landmarks and Land Use Committee of CB6 has approved the design for the new Barneys Co-op joining the fray on Atlantic Avenue. The new design for the building adds wrought iron window dressings and makes some other small changes. Check out the rendering courtesy of Brownstoner. Nabe residents – any thoughts?

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Say It Ain’t So, Ko! Kobayashi Out for Hot Dog Contest

Reports are coming in that world champion eater Takeru Kobayashi has dropped out of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest this weekend due to a contract impasse. How will this (heart)breaking news change your weekend plans?

Flickr photo by drivenbyboredom
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MTA Doomsday Cuts Take Effect

The MTA’s dire slashing of services across the city has hit Brooklyn buses especially hard. The Brooklyn Paper points out today that the borough has lost 298 bus stops out of a total 570! What did Brooklyn ever do wrong?

How have the cuts affected you?

Flickr Photo by threecee
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Books Through Bars: Reading at Freebird Books

Books Through Bars presents Reading Is My Window: Books and the Art of Reading in Women’s Prisons

A reading and discussion with author Megan Sweeney

Tuesday, June 29, 7:30 pm at Freebird Books

123 Columbia Street

Find out more about Reading is My Window after the jump.
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Fun in the Sun: Smith Street Fair A Smash Success

Crowds fought the excessive heat and humidity to enjoy themselves at this “curated” street fair and an annual nabe highlight. The corn and lemonade stands were at a minimum, and only a handful of silly bandz purveyors were to be found. Instead, the fair brought out the best in local businesses, and their owners.

Patrick Watson and Michele Pravda [pictured above] of Stinky Bklyn, Smith & Vine, The JakeWalk and Brooklyn Wine Exchange, hosted Stinky Bkyln’s annual cheese eating contest. Will Millender, two-time champion, was on hand to defend his title. His technique: “Eat a lot.” He’s a semi-pro competitive eater with “a specialty of small items, finger-food type items in a short, speed contest.” When asked for any tips for up-and-coming eaters, he said that “you should only be doing this if you have a passion for food… It helps if you’re a fat guy.” Could he achieve his goal of eating a full pound of Cantalet in two minutes?

Find out and see lots of photos after the jump.

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Business of the Week: Verde

Verde at 216 Smith Street is one of the newest addition to the fine array of area restaurants. Though the neighborhood is saturated with Italian restaurants, owner and chef Cono Morena gives his cuisine a modern overhaul with “a Southern accent.” Southern Italian, that is.

Read the full story after the jump.

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D&D Pool Saved from Budgetary Drowning

This just in from the office of Assemblywoman Joan Millman, representative of our 52nd District – the Douglass-Degraw Pool will be saved!

Assemblywoman Joan L. Millman is pleased to announce that the Douglass-Degraw Pool will be open for summer beginning Tuesday, June 29th.  After the community and local elected officials rallied to protest the City’s plans to shutter the beloved pool, the City responded by abandoning budget cuts that would have closed the facility.  The Douglass-Degraw Pool is located in Thomas Greene Park in the Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn and serves a diverse population, including nearly 3,500 residents at the nearby Gowanus Houses, Wyckoff Gardens and Warren Street housing developments.  The facility is also the nearest public pool for residents of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Park Slope.

Flickr photo by CaptainKidder
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