BQE Admin, Author at Brooklyn Downtown Star

More Than Meze

BQE Admin on June 25, 2024

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

by Alexander Bernhardt Bloom | alex@queensledger.com

This year’s was the 46th edition of the Saints Constantine & Helen Downtown Brooklyn Greek Festival, a block party that occupies the whole of a little side street near Borough Hall for nearly the whole of a calendar week with each coming June.

Lamb sizzles on grills and baklava crunches in the mouths of passersby and local mainstays both. Children slurp ice cream and play tag and perform folkloric dance and their grown-up company clink glasses and recline beside half-eaten platters of souvlaki.

It is a celebration for both the internal and external communities associated with the church and its affiliated day school, A. Fantis, whose students run among the picnic tables set up in the street. Their seats were occupied with teachers and parents and relatives and working people from the nearby office buildings on lunch break, or the residents of newly constructed high rise buildings there to enjoy a glass of (Greek) wine with their neighbors by evening. Fantis graduates, home for summer break from university, supervise kebab grills and pour lemonade. Friends and relatives drive in from Long Island and New Jersey for an afternoon or a nighttime concert.

The Greek word parea means to be together in good spirits. “To sit, and hang out, and just enjoy each other’s company,” explains Evagoras Constantinides, the church reverend and day school dean, – (he goes by Father Ev) – “That’s the opportunity we want to offer.”

The whole of the New York City community, Greek or otherwise, could surely use a little more of that.

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom
Festival Co-Chair and A. Fantis Alum Chris Argyriou with Reverend Evagoras Constantinides – (call him Father Ev)

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Photo Credit: Alexander Bernhardt Bloom

Voters of Bed-Stuy

BQE Admin on June 25, 2024

By Celia Bernhardt | cbernhardt@queensledger.com

The Brooklyn Downtown Star visited an early voting site in Bedford-Stuyvesant, where a contentious race between Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman and DSA upstart Eon Huntley is playing out. We spoke with passersby about election season and the issues that matter to them.

One 58-year old voter, who preferred to remain anonymous, said she has lived in Bed-Stuy for two years.

Which issues are most important to you when thinking about who to vote for?

“Education and safety. I want to see [you] say what you mean and mean what you say. And unfortunately, I feel like you’ve been in office for four years and you have not said what you meant and meant what you said. So right now, we need a change, and I think Eon’s the change. […] I’ll be two years [in Bed-Stuy] in August, but I’m very active in my community, and I believe in community. And right now I feel like she’s been here for four years and she hasn’t done anything. And the thing is, if Eon doesn’t do his job, we’ll put [him] out and move the next person in! I mean, it’s all about community. Eon to me is a fresh face, and I think he’s what we need right now. Because we need someone who can navigate all people.”

Sheryl Watkins, 76, has lived in the neighborhood for 45 years.

Which issues are most important to you when thinking about who to vote for?

“Safety is important. That is the primary thing.”

What kind of policies do you look for on safety?

“Police presence — fair police presence. And our politicians not to come out just when it’s election time, and then you don’t see them anymore for two years. That’s a big peeve of mine.”

Do you know who you’re voting for in the Assembly election?

“Yes, I do, but I’m not going to say. I voted already — I voted last Sunday. It’s important that people vote. A lot of people died in my generation and older for the ability to vote, and it’s important that we do. And I wish that a lot of young people would vote as well. You know, they don’t like the candidates, a lot of the candidates, but it’s best to vote for someone you like the most out of the two you like the least.”

Around the polling site. Credit: Celia Bernhardt

Tess Johnson, 32, recently moved to the district. She has not yet updated her voting registration, so she’ll be visiting Astoria, where she used to live, to cast her vote.

Which issues are most important to you when thinking about who to vote for?

“Maintaining some resemblance of a democracy — not that we actually really have a complete democracy. Abortion rights and the economy, I guess. […] The education stuff that’s going on here, funding that more. But I haven’t kept up with local stuff.”

Is there any particular reason you haven’t?

“Well, I mean, I guess the biggest thing is just being burnt out from work and life and not putting the energy and effort into changing things. It’s like, keeping up with paying the bills, and I guess it comes down to the economy and inflation being so high. The day-to-day is difficult. But that is not an excuse — I am disappointed in myself right now for not keeping up with them, because these local elections matter the most. So I can’t be, in a way, like complaining about certain things when I’m not doing my due diligence right now.”

Gabi Farley. Credit: Celia Bernhardt

Gabi Farley, 24, moved to the neighborhood one year ago. She is not registered to vote in the district, and so has not been keeping up with the election.

What would be important to you if you were choosing who to vote for in a State Assembly election?

“Definitely education and housing. I’m a preschool teacher, so education is really important to me — I teach preschool in DUMBO. […] But in general, I think education is really important. Housing and healthcare are really important to me.”

Are there any policy issues with education that are on your mind?

“I think the arts and education. I think arts are really important, and I think that anybody trying to cut funding for the arts is not for me. Children need art, it’s a really good way for them to express themselves.”

One 50-year-old campaign staffer handing out palm cards for Assemblymember Zinerman, who preferred to remain anonymous, said he has lived in the neighborhood his whole life.

What made you get involved with the campaign?

“I like that I get to get out and interact with other people and try to convince them to vote for the right candidate.”

Why is Zinerman the right candidate?

“It’s a few things. I don’t know how weird this sounds, but I trust her. That’s kind of a hard thing to do — put your trust in people. I trust her to do the right thing.”

What makes you trust her?

“Well, normally, I get a bad vibe, and I haven’t gotten any bad vibes from here. And I gotta say, you know, it’s hope [that] somebody can do something and change the way things are around here.”

What needs to change?

“Police harassing people for no reason — things like that. [I want to] be able to come outside and not worry about too much of anything happening wrong.”

Brooklyn Organization Helps Parents Keep Their Children With Housing and Emotional Support

BQE Admin on June 25, 2024

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Jenn Miles grew up in the foster care system. She aged out at the age of 21 after years of cycling in and out of the hospital and various foster homes since the age of two. Now, at 30, Miles holds her six-month-old son on her chest in her own apartment in Crown Heights. Her goal is to be a better mother than her own and raise her son to achieve anything.

“I’m in a better stage, a better mindset,” Miles said. “I’m a different and better person from where I was before.”

It hasn’t been easy for Miles. She’s had to learn how to work through anger management problems and depressive episodes. She is working to maintain her wellness, and her son, Lucas, motivates her to do so.

“Aging Out”

In the system, Miles explained that she felt like an item rather than a person. She said she was abused in one foster home, and the case manager did nothing to resolve the situation. Miles said case workers rarely believe children in abusive foster homes.

“When I see kids in the system, I see nothing but sadness and anger,” Miles said.

Miles carried some of the same sadness and learned to be independent at a young age, like many foster kids. She wanted to be a social worker but decided not to pursue the career knowing the realities of the system.

Miles met Sharon Sorrentino, vice president of Child, Family, and Young Adult Services at the Institute of Community Living, while staying at a hospital. She was put into another ICL house for young adults who aged out of the foster care system. The first crucial item Miles received was support.

The ICL is a network of housing that provides supportive care to New Yorkers with behavioral health challenges. The organization provides supportive housing, healthcare, and recovery services to those in need.

An Administration for Children’s Services report from 2022 says 17 percent of 3,020 children in foster care “age out,” meaning children reach the age of 21 without being adopted or reunited with their parents or guardians. Foster children can technically exit the system at 18, but Miles did not recommend doing that because she saw many people who aged out at 18 become homeless. For young adults who choose to remain in care until their 21st birthday, the ACS will help them find housing in NYCHA or Section Eight.

Miles is able to take care of herself and her son through support of Emerson. Credit: Jean Brannum

Finding Support

Miles was excited to find out she was pregnant, but her behavioral challenges put her at risk of losing custody of her child. She also lost her supportive housing due to her pregnancy. She entered the Emerson house, another ICL establishment, to receive housing, behavioral, and case management support.

Emerson caters to single parents who are at risk of losing custody of their children or working to reunite with children in foster care due to behavioral health problems. Sorrentino explained that ICL works with courts and parents to avoid involvement from Child Protective Services by giving parents the necessary resources to care for their children. For parents working to reunify with their children, Emerson staff will help them by ensuring parents attend court sessions and maintain regular visits. Parents will then receive assistance with reestablishing a bond with their children after reunification.

For parents to reunite with their children, family courts require the parents to provide a stable place for them. Most single parents who are homeless will only be eligible for single adult homes, which include living with roommates and do not allow children. A child can also be barred from visitation since the parent lives with other strangers due to safety concerns. This creates a barrier to reunification for many families and can cause familial bonds to diminish.

“Sometimes families who are in the homeless shelter find themselves kind of between a rock and a hard place if they’ve been separated from their children, because they may not qualify for family housing, which then prevents them from being able to reunify with their children,” Sorrentino said.

The ACS report says 54% of foster children in 2022 were reunited with their families. The first goal of foster care is reunification, but as Sorrentino explained, the process can be long and tedious. Miles said she worked hard through her problems to make sure she never lost Lucas to foster care because it would be very difficult to regain full custody.

Emerson helps Miles by providing household and childcare support as well. Miles rattled off names of people who will help her with laundry and cleaning, and look after Lucas when she is due in court. Miles disclosed an incident at her previous job that she regrets. She said continues finding positive ways to express and manage her emotions.

Emerson also offers parenting support and community events. Miles is, by admission, an introvert, but she sometimes attends these events where single parents can bond and receive peer support.

Looking Ahead

Lucas will soon start daycare, and Miles is working to maintain her wellness. She continues to go to therapy and is working on producing music. She wants to teach her son about managing emotions and encourage him to be successful in academics.

“I want him to be successful in life and know that he can do anything he wants to.”

Being a single mom can be difficult, but Miles said that her solution to some of the chaos is kids’ TV show personality, Ms. Rachel.

“I can actually take my shower, I can actually clean or cook,” Miles said. “Most of the time, he wants to be in my arms but once I (turn on Ms. Rachel), I’m invisible, so I work with that.”

Currently, Miles plans to stay at Emerson until she is ready to be independent and move into her own place outside of ICL.

The Emerson program is, unfortunately, one-of-a-kind in the US. There are no similar programs in New York or any other state. The ICL continues to advocate for greater flexibility in the shelter system that will allow single parents to receive housing vouchers in appropriate apartments for their children, including children that parents hope to reunite with.

Huntley Challenges Zinerman For Assembly in District 56

BQE Admin on June 19, 2024

By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Contributed Reporting by Celia Bernhardt

Eon Huntley and incumbent Stefani Zinerman are the contenders for Assembly District 56, which covers the Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy neighborhoods. Housing, public schools, and gun violence are the hot-button issues for this election between candidates endorsed by different powerful political action committees.

Challenger Huntley

Eon Huntley, who grew up in East New York, started his “political” career as a PTA president in the public school system. His wife is a public school teacher as well. Huntley’s love to public education is a major part of his campaign platform. In an Interview with the Queens Ledger, Huntley clarified that he does not support charter schools like his opponent seems to. Huntley said that charter schools get more resources due to private backing, but still receive public funding despite their ability to turn away students. He pointed out that his opponent receives support from charter school advocates.

“I understand that parents are going to make a choice, but we shouldn’t have a system that’s making them make that choice”, Huntley said. “We should be offering we should be doing, offering more robust funding for public education.”

Huntley also said he hopes to make higher education more affordable.

Huntley is also a strong supporter of federal and state funding for NYCHA. As a former NYCHA resident, Huntley believes that publicly funded housing would greatly improve the quality of life for NYCHA residents.

As for gun-related laws, Huntley supports the Not On Our Dime bill, which would prevent nonprofits from supporting Israeli settlement activity. The Assembly bill is sponsored by District 36 Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.

Huntley currently works in retail and is an active union member.

Zinerman’s named accomplishments and support

Zinerman has held the assembly member position for three years. The Democrat is a staunch supporter of providing resources to nonprofits and small businesses in the district. Her biggest accomplishments, her website says, include securing more funding the public schools, supporting the legalization of cannabis, and helping fund gun violence prevention programs.

Zinerman is also a partner with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the NAACP Nextgen program to help African Americans afford homes. She also supports rental assistance programs and homeless housing assistance programs.

Another platform for Zinerman is police accountability and mental health aid to prevent police intervention. She helped lead the National Night Out, an annual event to promote police-community partnership.

Currently, she is sponsoring a bill to remove lifetime bans that keep convicted felons from serving on jury duty.

In previous primaries, Zinerman won by about 56 percent.

Brooklyn Downtown Star reached out to Zinerman for an interview and did not receive a response.

Endorsements and Finance Breakdown

Zinerman has been under criticism due to her endorsement from the Solidairy Political Action Committee, which is a pro-Israel organization. She has also received donations from other organizations such as 1199 SEIU, a hospital workers union, and the Great Public Schools PAC, which was created by Eva Moskowitz who founded the Success Academy Charter School network.

Huntley criticized Zinerman’s support from Solidarity PAC and real estate industry connections. He claims Zinerman is more connected to businesses that would not have district residents in mind.

“There’s someone who takes money from the real estate industry, it takes money from charter schools, who siphon students,” Huntley said.

Zinerman has received over $28,000 from political action committees in 2024, which is about 14% of the over $203,000 in 2024 funds overall. One of her top individual contributors is Rev. Alfred Cockfield II, who supported Mayor Eric Adams and founded a PAC to endorse moderate candidates.

The Democratic Socialists of America PAC endorsed Huntley and is the only PAC donation to his campaign, according to the Board of Elections. His biggest contribution from an individual was Michael McKee, who donated $3,000 to his campaign and is associated with the Tenants PAC, which advocated for tenants’ rights. Huntley has about $117,000 in campaign funds.

Election day for the primaries is June 25 but early voting will be open until June 23. The winner will proceed to the general election in November.

What to know about the G train summer shutdown

BQE Admin on June 11, 2024

By Ana Borruto

The 11.4-mile long Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown G train subway service will be partially shut down this summer for track reconstruction and modern signal installation.

Starting Friday, June 28, the G train will undergo the first phase of an extensive multi-week, 24/7 project to replace its 1930s-era legacy signal system with Communications-based train control (CBTC) — a wireless connectivity system that keeps trains in constant contact, and in turn, more reliable.

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Councilmember Lincoln Restler hosted a town hall on Thursday, May 30 at John Ericsson Middle School in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where representatives of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and New York City Department of Transportation explained how the shutdown will catapult the G train “into the 21st century.”

The forum allowed for regular G train commuters to ask questions and express their concerns about the shutdown, which was described as a “huge inconvenience” to the Greenpoint community and beyond.

“When we got this news a few months ago, we pushed and prodded the MTA to consider if there are ways to do just overnight work, are there ways to limit this so we don’t have to endure a six-week full shutdown of this train line,” said Restler. “We haven’t been able to identify an alternative path forward, they are insistent that this is the necessary way to go.”

Sean Fitzpatrick of the MTA explained exactly why the service outages are needed on the G train, the main reason being the age of the subway line.

The G train has some of the oldest signals left in the New York City train system, which has caused “below average” performance times, according to Fitzpatrick. The current system is fixed-blocked signaling, which means the trains are divided and registered into fixed blocks with buffers up to 1,000 feet long installed between them.

“It’s a marvel of early 20th century engineering,” Fitzpatrick said.

However, the drawbacks of this current system include not being able to pinpoint the exact location of a train, so trains run farther apart to create a safety buffer — creating service delays.

The infrastructure for fixed-block signaling is also expensive to install and maintain.

CBTC signaling allows trains to transpond to one another: in simple terms, the train’s position on the track is easily located because the section of track around each train moves with the train, rather than being on pre-defined, fixed blocks.

“We are able to run them more closely together, more quickly, while maintaining safety,” Fitzpatrick said. “We also have a better view of the entire system so we’re able to respond better when there are incidents — it’s the single biggest investment that we can make to improve the reliability of a train.”

This transition from a fixed-block to CBTC system for the G train requires the installation of new signaling equipment, replacement of 30 miles of track and more than a dozen switches and the integration and testing of the new system.

Fitzpatrick said replacing the 1930s-period switches and tracks is particularly challenging, especially in the underground tunnels. To create a safe, workable environment for the project, the MTA said it has no choice but to shut down the G train line temporarily.

With ridership lower in the summertime and school not in session, Fitzpatrick said it is the ideal time for the outage to take place.

He added the MTA is promising to be finished with the reconstruction by Sept. 2.

During the outage, shuttle buses will be available at impacted stations every one to four minutes during the weekdays and every five to 10 minutes on the weeknights.

Shuttle buses can be expected to arrive at stations on weekend mornings and evenings every three to five minutes; every five to 10 minutes on late nights.

Several tools will be implemented to keep traffic moving and areas clear for the shuttle buses, such as turn restrictions, daylighting, monitoring and automated camera enforcement.

Here is the timeline of the shutdown and list of alternative shuttle bus transportation options:

Phase 1: Friday, June 28 to Friday, July 5

G trains won’t run between Court Square and Nassau Avenue
Free B94 shuttle buses will run between Court Square and Nassau Avenue and make all stops.

Phase 2: Friday, July 5 to Friday, August 12

G trains won’t run between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand Avenues.
Free B98 shuttle buses will run between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and make all stops.

Phase 3: Friday, August 12 to Tuesday, September 3

G trains won’t run between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Church Avenue.
Free B93 shuttle buses will run between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Jay Street-MetroTech, making all stops between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Hoyt-Schermerhorn.

The overall long term work of the G train will continue into 2027. With this specific line becoming the go-to transportation option in some of the fastest growing communities in the state, elected officials are urging Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA to further invest in the G train’s future.

This includes extending the G train back to Forest Hills, Queens. According to Gallagher’s public campaign in favor of a full G train upgrade, the petition mentioned how up until 2010, the G train served parts of Astoria, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Rego Park and Forest Hills.

“The G is our lifeline in this community,” said Gallagher. “It’s going to be a very long summer.”

To find out more information about the G train shutdown this summer, visit tinyurl.com/ymv5b99c.

Fundraiser Hosted in Windsor Terrace in support of Congressman Jamaal Bowman

BQE Admin on June 6, 2024

by Stefanie Donayre

On Monday, May 20th, supporters gathered in a private residence in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, NY to attend a fundraiser to rally behind Democratic representative Jamaal Bowman’s re-election for the Democratic nomination in N.Y.’s 16th Congressional District.

The event featured passionate appeals for unity and support of Bowman’s candidacy from Council Member Shahana Hanif, who represents Brooklyn’s 39th District in the New York City Council, and Rana Abdelhamid, former candidate for Congress and a Muslim human rights activist.

With topics ranging from combating racism, a call for a Gaza ceasefire, and xenophobia to housing and food insecurity, Bowman addressed concerns shared by those dedicated to advancing progressive ideals.

“This is not about an election. This is about our humanity. If we are not governing from the perspective of our humanity, then we should not be in positions of power,” said Representative Bowman. “Humanity comes first, and humanity means every single life is precious and sacred, and we have to stand up and fight for those lives, whoever they are, whether they’re in the Bronx, Mount Vernon, Gaza, Israel, Yemen, Sudan, wherever they are. That is our mission.”

Abdelhamid, Hanif, and Bowman raised questions about the substantial financial resources collected by Bowman’s opponent, George Latamier, particularly focusing on Latamier’s largest donor: AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee).

“Just like this election isn’t only about me, it’s about everything we all have fought for our entire lives, and everything we represent, this election is also about what he represents,” said Bowman. “To make the conscious decision to do fundraisers with Trump donors, make the conscious decision to be endorsed by AIPAC, be supported by people who are going after our reproductive freedom and voting rights and affirmative action and supporting 200 insurrectionists. This is who this so-called lifelong Democrat is deciding to partner with to take the first black man in U.S. history out of this congressional seat.”

It was openly acknowledged that in addition to more general worries about racial fairness and reproductive justice, AIPAC’s role was strongly connected to issues concerning Israel and Palestine.

“36 days left and millions have been poured in by AIPAC and they’re not just genocidal. They’re not just inciting violence in our communities. They are also anti-reproductive rights, they are also anti-climate reparations, they are also anti-racial justice, so we cannot have the other guy in that seat, too much is at stake” said Councilmember Hanif.

Councilmember Shahana Hanif praised Bowman’s track record as a leader dedicated to fighting for the well-being of his constituents as she discussed the challenges she faces as a woman in elected office.

“There’s no, there’s no roadmap, there’s no blueprint on how to show up with dignity with the identities that we hold as a Muslim woman, as an Arab woman, as a Palestinian woman,” said Councilmember Shahana Hanif. “But Jamaal doesn’t need that blueprint because he knows how to show up with dignity. He knows how to show up compassionately and with empathy.”

Bowman expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from not only his volunteers but the women in leadership working alongside him and pledged to continue fighting for a future where social justice causes and equity are prioritized.

The fundraiser concluded with calls to action, encouraging attendees to donate throughout the event by scanning QR codes placed around the host’s home, volunteering, and spreading the word about Bowman’s campaign as they emphasized their urgency with just 36 days remaining until the primary election.

NYC’s Pollinator Port Project Transforming City Landscapes for Native Bees

BQE Admin on May 2, 2024

Department of Transportation

Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC DOT Commissioner, announces the launch of the Pollinator Port Project during Earth Week, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting native bee populations.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a bid to bolster urban biodiversity and support at-risk native bee populations, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), in collaboration with The Horticultural Society of New York (The Hort) and Rutgers University, has launched the Pollinator Port Project.

Unveiled during Earth Week, this initiative aims to create habitats for native bees in select NYC DOT public plazas and Open Streets, deploying innovative structures like ‘bee hotels’ and ‘bee bunkers’ alongside strategic vegetation plantings.

“Bees are essential for the health of our planet, and this initiative will create habitats for at-risk native bee populations and help facilitate important scientific research,” NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said.

The Pollinator Port Project is poised to transform NYC’s bustling streetscapes into havens for bees, promoting biodiversity and ecological resilience within the city. These efforts align with the United Nations’ Environment Program’s emphasis on the critical role of bees in sustaining life and biodiversity.

“We are thrilled to work with DOT to support bringing pollinators to NYC public plazas and open streets, and to share more with New Yorkers about the pollinators that help their green public spaces thrive,” stated Georgia Faulkner, senior director of partnerships, programming, and public space at The Horticultural Society of New York.

The project’s scientific underpinning comes from Rutgers University’s expertise, led by Dr. Kimberly N. Russell. By integrating science and design, the team is crafting habitats – Bee Bunkers and Bee Barrels tailored to meet the specific needs of native bee populations.

“Most bee species cannot live in hives, so we need to give them other materials to build their homes,” Russel said. “Our hope is that these Pollinator Ports connect green spaces, giving bees the resources, they need to move around the city and pollinate our flowers.”

The initiative also carries significant educational and community engagement components. The Hort, known for its commitment to greening urban spaces, will oversee the installation and maintenance of these habitats across the city. Additionally, Rutgers University will conduct research on the movement and behavior of bees in urban environments, fostering a deeper understanding of their ecological significance.

Department of Transportation

Bee Bunkers: Burrowing bees find refuge in these protected soil chambers, providing safe nesting grounds for their eggs until spring.

This groundbreaking project has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Ittleson Foundation, which provided a $50,000 grant to Rutgers for the first three years of the study.

The Pollinator Port Project will encompass several NYC DOT plazas and Open Streets, including Parkside Plaza and Gates Ave in Brooklyn and 34th Ave in Queens.

Bee hotels, resembling birdhouses filled with natural materials like reeds and bamboo, offer ‘rooms’ for solitary bees to nest and rest, where female bees lay eggs and provide food for developing larvae. These hotels will be strategically placed in planted areas of public plazas and Open Streets, facilitating bee movement across boroughs.

Alternatively, bee bunkers provide protected soil for female bees to build nests and lay eggs, ensuring the safety of developing larvae until spring. Burrowing bees, known for their docile nature, tend to forage within a few blocks of their habitat. These bunkers will be situated within existing planters to minimize interactions with people.

Anthony C. Wood, executive director of the Ittleson Foundation, lauded the initiative, stating, “Turning public plazas and open streets into habitat for at-risk bees is brilliant and exactly the type of innovative environmental model we love to support.”

Mackenzie Pitt, Communications Manager at the Horticultural Society of New York, sheds light on the collaborative effort behind the Pollinator Port Project, which seeks to create havens for at-risk native bee populations within the urban expanse of New York City. The initiative, born out of a partnership between Rutgers University, The Hort, and the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), aims to address the pressing need for habitats that support pollinators, particularly native bee species, in the city’s concrete jungle.

“The polio project is a collaboration of Rutgers, the Horticultural Society, and DOT, made possible by a grant from the Ittleson Foundation,” Pitt explains. “It’s both a research and a social experiment and that there’s never been this form of installing the habitats for native bees in this way. It’s all about creating.”

Pitt underscores the significance of these habitats for native bee populations, emphasizing their role in sustaining the city’s ecological balance.

“These native species are the ones that take care of our native flora and allow for humans to benefit from all the needs and benefits we get from plants, particularly our native plant species,” Pitt said.

With New York City’s landscape predominantly characterized by concrete, the provision of suitable habitats becomes imperative to prevent the decline of these essential pollinators.

Reflecting on the project’s origins, Pitt highlights The Hort’s mission to “green the in-between,” bringing verdant spaces to unconventional urban locales. Through their partnership with DOT and community engagement initiatives, The Hort has been instrumental in maintaining green spaces in various neighborhoods across the city, laying the groundwork for the Pollinator Port Project.

The project’s expansion underscores a broader commitment to enhancing green spaces and fostering ecological resilience in urban environments. By harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation, NYC aims to become a beacon for biodiversity conservation and sustainable urban development.

Department of Transportation

Bee Hotels: Resembling birdhouses, these structures offer solitary bees ‘rooms’ to nest and rest, aiding in the conservation of native bee populations in urban environments.

Greek Kitchen Opens in Greenpoint

BQE Admin on April 29, 2024

By John Sanchez & Yasin Akdag

New Fast-Casual Mediterranean Restaurant, Greek Kitchen, delivers a healthy alternative on a block lined with fast-food chains

The Brooklyn Star News team visited Greek Kitchen, a new Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant at 912 Manhattan Ave.in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Led by partners Lukas Georgiadis and George Konstantaras, Greek Kitchen is a sit-down restaurant that offers fresh Mediterranean cuisine with a modern Greek-themed interior.

Greek Kitchen is passionate about representing Greek culture, and it truly shows in the effort that was put into its interior design. As soon as you step foot inside, the bright blue and white colors and the photos of Greece make you feel as if you have been transported to Greece.

Cooking is a tradition in their families, and many Greek Kitchen recipes were handed down by the yia-yias (grandmas) in the family.

With over 25 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, Georgiadis and Konstantaras have built strong relationships with the best food vendors in the country; including Optimo and Mega.

“Sourcing ingredients such as virgin feta cheese, organic honey from Crete, olives, and oregano straight from Greece helps us attain the high quality that our customers deserve“, said Georgiadis.

“There aren’t a ton of fresh and organic food options on this block, so we’re excited to bring a fresh Mediterranean experience to Greenpoint – right next to the G train,” said Konstantaras.

The stars of Greek Kitchen‘s menu are The Gyro and The Souvlaki; loaded with fresh and generous cuts of lamb and chicken, respectively, creamy tzatziki, onion, and crispy french fries.

I loved the tantalizing blend of flavors and textures of The Classic Lamb Gyro, and John indulged in the juicy marinated meats of a Chicken Souvlaki. Each bite was a “symphony of Mediterranean goodness,” John exclaimed.

Definitely don’t sleep on Greek Kitchen’s Whipped Spicy Feta—a creamy blend of tangy feta cheese and fiery spices that packs a punch. We spread it on warm pita bread and it was a uniquely delicious kick to the mouth.

Greenpoint is populated with many European immigrants, especially Polish residents, but as the community continues to grow, Greek Americans and other nationalities have found their way to Brooklyn.

Beyond the food, Greek Kitchen embodies the spirit of community and culture. “It’s not just a place to eat; it’s an immersive cultural experience that invites guests to savor the flavors of Greece while celebrating the diversity of Greenpoint,” said Georgiadis.

Georgiadis and Konstantaras brought on long-time friends, Manny Lazanakis and Jimmy Stathakis, to become partners in Greek Kitchen; and all of the partners add value in unique ways.

With its dedication to quality, flavor, and community, Greek Kitchen is poised to become a beloved neighborhood institution.

Be sure to visit Greek Kitchen located at 912 Manhattan Ave in Greenpoint for more tasty Greek food!

Queens and Brooklyn Embrace LockerNYC Expansion

BQE Admin on April 19, 2024

Courtesy NYC.gov

City officials unveil LockerNYC initiative to combat package theft and transform delivery logistics, promising a safer and more efficient future for New Yorkers.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a bid to tackle the rampant issue of package theft and alleviate the burgeoning congestion caused by delivery trucks, city officials have unveiled LockerNYC, a pioneering initiative set to revolutionize the way New Yorkers send and receive packages.

Data reveals that 80 percent of households in New York City receive at least one delivery per week, with 20 percent receiving four or more deliveries. Additionally, each day witnesses 90,000 reported instances of packages being stolen or lost in transit within the city, often exacerbated by the absence of secure areas in many buildings for package deliveries.

Mayor Eric Adams declared the launch of LockerNYC as a pivotal step towards safeguarding residents’ deliveries.

“New Yorkers deserve convenient deliveries without rampant theft and unhealthy pollution. With the LockerNYC pilot, our administration is delivering a creative solution that address all three,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Shared lockers are a proven model that will serve our economy, our health, and our quality of life – and this is just the beginning.”

The LockerNYC program, operating on a one-year pilot basis, offering a solution by installing secure public delivery lockers strategically across the city. These lockers, standing at six-and-a-half feet tall and adorned in green, have the capacity to store up to 25 packages simultaneously and are accessible to multiple delivery carriers, including UPS and DHL.

In Queens and Brooklyn, the LockerNYC initiative has strategically positioned its secure public delivery lockers at key locations to serve the diverse communities of these boroughs. In Sunnyside, Queens, residents can access the lockers conveniently situated at 47-01 49th Street, outside the Cosmopolitan Houses apartments, providing a secure and accessible option for package deliveries. Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, multiple neighborhoods benefit from locker installations. In Bedford-Stuyvesant, residents can utilize the lockers outside the Ideal Food Basket grocery store at 830 Lafayette Avenue. In Canarsie, lockers are available at 1380 Rockaway Parkway, offering a reliable solution for package storage. Similarly, in East Flatbush, lockers stand at 1086 Brooklyn Avenue, also located outside an Ideal Food Basket grocery store. Additionally, in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, lockers are conveniently positioned at 2036 Bedford Avenue, enhancing the safety and convenience of package deliveries for local residents.

Plans are underway for the expansion of LockerNYC with additional locations slated to open in Queens and Brooklyn at later dates.

“New Yorkers deserve to receive their deliveries safely, efficiently and sustainably,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “As New Yorkers continue to enjoy e-commerce, we are using every tool in our toolbox to reduce the number of trucks on our streets and mitigate congestion at the curb.”

The initiative, spearheaded by the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), aims not only to curb package theft but also to mitigate the adverse environmental and safety impacts associated with the surge in delivery truck traffic.

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez underscored the significance of this endeavor.

“As the number of at-home deliveries have surged in recent years, so have the number of large delivery trucks on our city streets,” Rodriguez said. “The LockerNYC initiative will help reduce the number of trips delivery trucks make each day while also providing a secure place for New Yorkers to receive packages.”

Drawing inspiration from successful models implemented in other cities, such as Seattle, where similar locker programs significantly reduced delivery truck idling and emissions, LockerNYC promises a multifaceted approach to address New York City’s logistical challenges.

To ensure the security and efficacy of the lockers, each installation will be equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems, LED lighting, and anti-theft mechanisms. GoLocker, the vendor overseeing the operation and maintenance of the lockers, will provide round-the-clock support and management.

As the LockerNYC pilot unfolds, city officials remain optimistic about its potential to reshape the urban delivery landscape. With plans for extensive evaluation and data collection throughout the pilot phase, NYC DOT aims to refine and expand the program, paving the way for a more sustainable and secure future in package delivery across the city.

“As package theft continues to adversely impact our communities, LockerNYC is an innovative solution that will provide every New Yorker with the safe and secure deliveries they deserve,” said New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

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