We’ve arrived at the tail end of the year, and before we look forward toward 2025, we’re looking back at some of the biggest stories of 2024.
This year was busy in Brooklyn! Locals were divided by protests and conflicts — and worked to come back together. Brooklynites (and their culture) were honored in art exhibits and museums. Prospect Park celebrated the reopening of the Prospect Park Zoo over the summer, then suffered a devastating wildfire in November. Several beloved businesses closed, but new ones took their place.
Brooklyn Paper has been recording everything, all year long, and we’ve compiled some highlights – and lowlights – to remember 2024 by.
JANUARY
Johnny’s Pizza pie in the sky
Johnny’s Pizzeria in Sunset Park, a beloved family-run eatery for 56 years, announced it would close its doors permanently in January.
Founded in 1968 by John Miniaci Senior and his wife Lilia at 5805 Fifth Ave., the pizzeria had become a staple of the local community, known for its premium slices and homey atmosphere. The Miniaci family shared the news with loyal customers on social media, expressing their gratitude for the community’s support throughout the decades and revealing their decision to retire from the pizza business.
The post quickly garnered tributes from customers, many of whom fondly remembered the pizzeria as a key part of their childhood. “Johnny’s will always hold a special place in my heart,” wrote one commenter, while others shared memories of the pizzeria’s delicious food and warm service.
Tunnel trouble at Chabad HQ
Several people were arrested and three buildings at Chabad-Lubavitch Headquarters in Crown Heights were issued vacate orders in January following the discovery of an illegally constructed tunnel beneath the complex.
Department of Buildings (DOB) inspectors found the 60-foot-long, 8-foot-wide tunnel, with a 5-foot-high ceiling, to be poorly supported and structurally dangerous. The tunnel, built without permits or leadership approval, reportedly connected basements of adjacent buildings and compromised their integrity. Emergency repairs stabilized the structures and sealed the tunnel.
The incident highlighted a long-standing rift within the Chabad movement, with the tunnel believed to be linked to a splinter group seeking access to holy spaces or an expansion of the headquarters.
Bridging divides over dinner
As the Israel-Gaza conflict entered its fourth month, Abdul Elenani and his wife Ayat Masoud, owners of the Palestinian restaurant Ayat, organized a Shabbat dinner to foster dialogue with the Jewish community.
The restaurant, which faced backlash for its criticism of the Israeli government and controversial menu phrases, including “From the River to the Sea,” has been accused of antisemitism. In response, the couple aimed to bridge divides by hosting the event, which attracted over 1,300 attendees, offering both Palestinian and Kosher foods to emphasize unity and peaceful coexistence. The dinner, held on Jan. 26, sought to unite Jewish and Muslim communities amid rising tensions and hate crimes affecting both groups.
FEBRUARY
Artist completes 200 portraits of Brooklynites
“We Are South Brooklyn,” an exhibit featuring over 200 oil portrait paintings of South Brooklyn residents, opened to the public at Sunset Park’s Industry City in February. The exhibition, which ran for 30 days, showcased the portraits of locals from areas like Kensington, Coney Island, Bay Ridge and Mill Basin.
Artist Rusty Zimmerman, who was recognized with a proclamation from the City of New York for his efforts to preserve local history, created the portraits after being inspired by a similar project in Crown Heights. Zimmerman completed the paintings over the course of a year, averaging 17 portraits a week at his studio in Industry City, where he was offered reduced-rate space to carry out the sittings.
Brooklynites rallied to save SUNY Downstate
In February,the United University Professions (UUP) union rallied at the state capitol to protest the potential closure of SUNY Downstate Hospital. UUP, the nation’s largest higher education union, was joined by elected officials and leaders from other unions, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul and SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. to halt the plans.
SUNY Downstate, the only state-run hospital in New York City, serves a predominantly low-income Brooklyn community. Despite underfunding and infrastructure issues, Hochul and SUNY proposed a “transformative” plan in January, which would invest $300 million but relocate staff and patients to other hospitals, closing the current campus.
UUP president Fred Kowal argued that closing the hospital would reduce medical education opportunities and access to healthcare. Lawmakers, including State Senator Zellnor Myrie and Assembly Member Latrice Walker, condemned the closure, highlighting the impact on vulnerable Brooklyn communities.
In April, a compromise was reached during budget negotiations, and SUNY Downstate was spared from closure — at least for now. The plan also includes a community engagement process for input on the hospital’s future.
The end of an era for Visitation Academy
Visitation Academy, an all-girls Catholic school in Bay Ridge, announced it would close at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, ending its 169-year history in Brooklyn.
The closure decision, communicated to parents in a letter on Feb. 6, was made by the Visitation Sisters of Brooklyn, citing the dwindling number of nuns at the Brooklyn Visitation Monastery, where only two remain. Despite previous efforts to keep the school running, the sisters confirmed that the academy would close in June 2024.
Local parents, including Nadia Mastromichalis, expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the reasons behind the closure, especially as rumors of financial struggles and a potential sale of the property had circulated for years. The Diocese of Brooklyn expressed its sadness over the closure, recognizing the school’s nearly 170-year legacy and commitment to the community. Council Member Justin Brannan vowed to ensure the land wouldn’t be developed into luxury condos, forming a task force to involve local stakeholders in the property’s future.
The closure of Visitation Academy is part of a larger trend of Catholic school closures in New York City, with several schools across Brooklyn and Queens shutting down in recent years due to financial difficulties and low enrollment.
The school ultimately closed come the end of the school year.
MARCH
Brooklyn Paramount reopens
The historic Brooklyn Paramount Theater reopened on March 27 as a live music venue after years of meticulous restoration. Once home to legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, the revamped venue welcomed a new era with performances by Damian and Stephen Marley, sons of reggae icon Bob Marley, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Council Member Crystal Hudson and Sen. Chuck Schumer.
With a 2,700-seat capacity and Baroque-style elegance intact, the Paramount has since hosted an array of performers, including Sting and PinkPantheress, under Live Nation’s management. The revival includes VIP experiences and Ella’s Lounge, a speakeasy nod to jazz queen Ella Fitzgerald.
A guardian for the Gowanus
Gary Francis, a dedicated Gowanus resident and self-taught water monitor, has become the neighborhood’s foremost steward of the polluted Gowanus Canal. Since 2023, Francis has been tracking the canal’s water quality nearly every day, using specialized probes to measure the effects of combined sewer overflow events. His observations have revealed the devastating consequences of raw sewage, including methane gas emissions and fish die-offs due to low oxygen levels.
Driven by a personal connection to the canal, Francis began his mission after a catastrophic fish kill in July 2023. His long-term monitoring has provided crucial data, showing the canal’s changing water quality over time. Alongside local groups like the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club, Francis works to raise awareness and advocate for a cleaner future. His commitment to environmental stewardship aims to heal both the canal and the community, ensuring a healthier legacy for future generations.
APRIL
Brooklynites gaze skyward
Thousands of Brooklyn residents gathered across the borough on April 8 to witness a rare solar eclipse, the last of its kind in the U.S. until 2044. While New York City wasn’t in the “path of totality,” about 90% of the sun was obscured at the eclipse’s peak. Excited crowds assembled at Green-Wood Cemetery and Brooklyn Commons, donning eclipse glasses and setting up telescopes to watch the celestial event.
At Green-Wood, attendees cheered as the eclipse reached its apex, while NYU Tandon’s viewing party handed out thousands of eclipse glasses to students and locals. Viewers marveled at the eclipse’s cosmic beauty, reflecting on its rarity and the unity it inspired. “It kind of puts yourself in perspective,” said Sarah Gartner of Park Slope. The event, meticulously planned by Green-Wood and Pioneer Works, drew over 8,000 attendees, cementing its place as a communal celebration of the universe’s wonders.
Cylones crush home opener
The Brooklyn Cyclones, Coney Island’s minor league baseball team, delivered a 3-1 win to devout fans during the first home game of the season on April 9. Chilly weather didn’t keep the hometown sports fanatics from heading to the ballpark on the boardwalk.
Fans, clad in Cyclones gear, packed the stands, ready for a night of baseball, fun, and the promise of new park upgrades—sleek lights, crisp sound systems, and fresh seats. Justin Rocke, the team’s play-by-play broadcaster, couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the home crowd’s return, while Johnny Gadamowitz, assistant media relations, described the park as “good-ole-fun,” blending baseball with the thrills of Coney Island’s rollercoasters and ocean views.
MAY
Paul McCartney searches for “Adrienne from Brooklyn”
The mystery of “Adrienne from Brooklyn,” a Beatles devotee whose passionate 1964 interview resurfaced in Ron Howard’s “Eight Days a Week,” was solved after Paul McCartney’s May 3 social media video went viral.
Adrienne D’Onofrio, born and raised in Bensonhurst, famously declared her love for McCartney, kissed his limousine, and promised lifelong fandom. Decades later, her children confirmed her identity in a TikTok video, garnering 2.3 million views. McCartney’s video stitched Adrienne’s original interview to promote his photography exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum. “Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm” which featured images from the Beatles’ first U.S. tour.
Adrienne, who passed away in 1992, left a legacy of Beatles love, with scribbled records and heartfelt stories her family cherishes. Her children plan to visit the exhibit, connecting her timeless fandom with future generations. “She’d still love Paul,” her daughter Nicole said.
New Miss Subways crowned
On May 31, the A train soared to new heights as Queerly Femmetastic, draped in a dazzling blue dress and a rainbow shawl, took home the coveted crown at the vibrant Miss Subways pageant. The contest, which reimagined the old-school beauty competition since its revival in 2017, gave Brooklynites of all kinds a stage to strut their stuff in categories like costume, talent, and interview.
Held at the Sideshow by the Seashore theater in Coney Island, the event featured unforgettable performances, from stand-up comedy to burlesque, with each contestant paying tribute to their subway lines. Local celebrities, including Bernie Wagenblast, the iconic voice of the subway, served as judges, adding their own flair to the evening.
Prospect Park Zoo reopens after $6.5M repairs
The Prospect Park Zoo reopened on May 25, following an eight-month closure after Tropical Storm Ophelia caused catastrophic flooding in September 2023. The storm submerged parts of the zoo in up to 25 feet of water, destroying HVAC systems, electrical networks, and aquatic life support.
Repairs cost $6.5 million, with full restoration expected to surpass $20 million. Guests returning over Memorial Day weekend were greeted by upgraded exhibits and new arrivals, including two southern pudu, the world’s smallest deer species, and two Hamadryas baboons born during the closure.
While many systems were restored, the zoo continues to rely on temporary heating as work progresses. Despite the challenges, the zoo’s 400 animals remained safe throughout the ordeal.
A tale of two Brooklyn Marathons
On Sunday, April 28, over 21,000 runners filled the streets during the Brooklyn Half Marathon, a 13.1 mile race through some of the borough’s most iconic locations. And, on May 18, more than 25,000 people filled the streets for the Brooklyn Half Marathon, a 13.1 mile race through some of the borough’s most iconic locations.
The difference? The April race, officially called the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon, is hosted by the Brooklyn-based running organization NYCRuns. The May event — the RBC Brooklyn Half — is hosted by the New York Road Runners, which is best known for the hosting the annual TCS New York City Marathon.
The similarity in names prompted a trademark infringement lawsuit from NYRR, which claims that NYCRuns is misleading consumers by using the “Brooklyn Half Marathon” name, which was trademarked by NYRR in the 1980s.
JUNE
Behind-the-scenes of the Mermaid Parade
Over more than four decades, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade — the marquee summer event in Coney Island, a haven for artistic and off-beat New Yorkers — has become known for its extravagant, glittering aesthetic.
The parade is maybe the largest art parade in the U.S., according to Coney Island USA artistic director Adam Rinn. Thousands of spectators pack the People’s Playground every year, clamoring for a glimpse of the decked-out floats with their larger-than-life mermaids and sea creatures, plus marching bands, entertainers, and parade participants dressed to the nines in handmade costumes covered in glitter and scales.
This year, Brooklyn Paper got up close and personal with floats — and mer-costumes — in the making.
Path to ownership for immigrants defrauded
A group of 20 immigrant families who faced eviction after being defrauded of millions of dollars by their landlord were finally on the path to homeownership in June after a nonprofit affordable housing developer stepped in to purchase the building.
Residents of 345 Ovington Ave. paid over $5 million to developer Xi Hui Steven Wu for Bay Ridge condominiums, only to later discover that Wu lacked state permission for the sales and never transferred the deeds. As Wu was also not paying the mortgage and still owed more than $5 million as of October 2018, his lender, Maxim Credit Group, started foreclosure proceedings on the building, leaving residents in jeopardy.
The building’s purchase was finalized in November 2024, with $15 million in funding from state and local resources. Attorney General Letitia James pursued a lawsuit against Wu for fraud. Despite the hardships, the residents now had hope, and AAFE worked with them to establish a resident-led housing corporation. The project was expected to offer middle-income cooperative apartments and a path to stability for the affected families.
JULY
A new Nathan’s champ emerges
In a dramatic turn of events at this year’s Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, Patrick Bertoletti emerged victorious, devouring 58 hot dogs to claim the championship title after longtime victor Joey Chestnut was barred from the competition after inking an endorsement deal with vegan food giant Impossible Foods.
Fans petitioned to bring Chestnut back before the big day of competitive eating, but to avail. The world’s top-ranked competitive eater instead took to the streaming stage, facing off against longtime rival Takeru Kobayashi in a Labor Day Netflix showdown.
Council member arrested during shelter protest
Council Member Susan Zhuang and several southern Brooklyn residents were arrested during a protest at the future site of a homeless shelter on 86th Street in Gravesend.
Zhuang has claimed she was protecting an 80-year-old protestor who was trapped against a police barricade when officers attempted to arrest her, pulled her hair and put her in a chokehold. During the altercation, Zhuang allegedly bit one NYPD officer so hard it broke the skin.
A day after her arrest, she pleaded not guilty to charges of assault, resisting arrest, obstructing government administration, and disorderly conduct and was released without bail. Last month, the City Council opened an ethics investigation into Zhuang’s behavior, though the probe is on hold as her case plays out in court. Charges from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office were still pending as of Oct. 16, a representative told Brooklyn Paper.
South Brooklyn Foundry closes after ‘nightmare’ year
South Brooklyn Foundry, a beloved Bay Ridge restaurant, closed its doors in July after nearly nine years of operation. The closure followed strained ownership relations and a tumultuous appearance on Kitchen Nightmares.
Owners Kelly Agnes and Rey Martinez, who faced differing visions for the restaurant, struggled with mounting debt, exacerbated by COVID-19. The Kitchen Nightmares episode, which aired in November 2023, focused on their partnership issues and portrayed them in a dramatic light, leaving Agnes regretful of her decision to participate. Despite this, Agnes reflected on the restaurant as a “success story” and thanked loyal patrons for their support. The restaurant’s space is still for lease, and Agnes was reportedly considering new ventures in Bay Ridge.
Libraries see seven-day service again
The Brooklyn Public Library restored seven-day service to several branches after Mayor Eric Adams and the City Council reached an agreement to reinstate crucial funding.
Starting July 14, Sunday hours returned to the Central Library and Kings Highway branch, followed by six other branches on August 4. This came after a 2023 budget cut that slashed library funding, forcing a reduction in services and programs. BPL’s Borough Park Library continued operating six days a week, with Saturday service expected to resume soon.
The $42.6 million in restored funding allowed BPL to bring back essential services and improve planning for the future. Library officials praised the City Council’s efforts, with Linda E. Johnson, BPL’s president, calling the budget agreement a “resounding victory” for libraries.
AUGUST
Parks employee cuffed for migrant shooting
A 23-year-old Department of Parks & Recreation employee was arrested on Aug. 2 for the murder of 30-year-old Arturo Jose Rodriguez-Marcano in Clinton Hill.
Elijah Mitchell, a Queens resident, was charged with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment after allegedly shooting Rodriguez-Marcano at Steuben Playground on July 21. Mitchell, who had an altercation with the victim days earlier, was arrested after surveillance footage showed him fleeing the scene. The shooting was part of a violent night in the neighborhood, with two other men, Enny DeJesus Urbina Mendez and Francisco Fuentes Rangel, killed minutes later near a migrant shelter on Ryerson Street. Police initially suspected the incidents were connected, but later confirmed they are separate cases, though all three victims were migrants.
Mitchell’s employment was suspended, and the Parks Department moved to terminate him.
Cyclone breaks down mid-ride
The iconic Coney Island Cyclone abruptly closed on Aug. 22 after riders were stranded on the ride due to a malfunction. Luna Park staff were forced to escort the riders off the tracks and the historic amusement was shuttered indefinitely.
The Department of Buildings inspected the ride the following day and issued multiple code violations, including a failure to maintain the ride properly and to report the malfunction in a timely manner.
The malfunction, caused by a crack in the chain sprocket, resulted in a combined penalty of $3,750 for Luna Park. The ride had passed a prior inspection on Aug. 21, but it could not reopen until necessary repairs were made. After two weeks, the ride was back on track, after another inspection confirmed its safety.
Mavericks make history
The New York Mavericks made their mark at Barclays Center in August, securing two dominant victories during the inaugural PBR Maverick Days. The city’s first professional bull-riding team defeated the Kansas City Outlaws and the Florida Freedom, finishing with scores of 260.25 and 85.75, respectively.
High-energy performances from riders like Hudson Bolton and Davi Henrique de Lima led the Mavericks to victory, with Bolton scoring an 86-point ride on Friday and Mauricio Moreira adding an 88.25-point finish.
Fans from across the country packed the arena, enjoying a rodeo spectacle complete with trick roping and thrilling half-time acts.
SEPTEMBER
Historic Kellogg’s Diner reopens in Williamsburg
The historic Kellogg’s Diner in Williamsburg reopened in September under new ownership after nearly a year of renovations.
Restaurateur Louis Skibar, designer Nico Arze, and chef Jackie Carnesi revitalized the diner, preserving its iconic exterior while transforming the interior with modern design elements like warm lighting and mirrors. The diner, originally sold at auction after former owner Irene Siderakis filed for bankruptcy, has retained its nostalgic charm with a counter and booths, including the famous “Good soup” spot.
Although it reopened with limited hours, the diner is set to extend to 24/7 service and is adding a private event space, backyard, and rooftop deck with a separate menu.
Change of plans for Century 21
Plans to redevelop the former Century 21 site in Bay Ridge into an “urban retail landscape” were abandoned in September, with the Gindi family now seeking to sell the property to a developer focused on housing. The Gindi family, which founded Century 21, listed the nearly 200,000-square-foot site and surrounding buildings for sale through JLL Capital Markets. The site’s potential for residential development is emphasized due to its proximity to the 86th Street subway station and the lack of high-quality multifamily housing in the area.
Initially, the family envisioned turning the space into a shopping plaza, but with the passage of new tax exemption programs and city proposals, they determined that a mix of housing and retail would be the best use. Council Member Justin Brannan expressed hope that the sale would lead to filling vacant storefronts and revitalizing the retail corridor, which has seen multiple failed redevelopment attempts in recent years.
OCTOBER
The New York Liberty bring it home at Barclays
The New York Liberty’s historic win in the 2024 WNBA Finals ended a 51-year drought in New York City professional basketball championships, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in Game 5.
Founded in 1997, the Liberty struggled in its early years despite multiple Finals appearances, including heart-wrenching losses in 1999, 2000, and 2002. The team’s fortunes changed after new ownership in 2019 and a move to Brooklyn, where it began to attract top players like Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton — and their virality grew with icons like mascot Ellie the Elephant.
With stars like Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, the Liberty’s 2024 victory symbolized the growth of the team and the WNBA, further cementing the league’s legitimacy. However, the victory was marred by controversy over officiating, especially a disputed foul call late in the game. Despite this, the Liberty’s win sparked celebrations and renewed discussions on the importance of women’s sports, culminating in a ticker-tape parade in New York City and lots of love from Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Museum celebrates bicentennial
The Brooklyn Museum celebrated its 200th anniversary by reimagining traditions. Originally founded in 1823 as the Brooklyn Apprentices’ Library, it merged with the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences in 1843, evolving into the renowned institution. The museum’s director, Anne Pasternak, emphasized its founding vision of fostering understanding among Brooklyn’s diverse immigrant communities.
The bicentennial kicked off on Oct. 4 with two exhibitions: “Toward Joy,” which reinterpreted the American art collection through frameworks focusing on marginalized communities, and “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition,” showcasing over 200 works by local artists. Both were designed to reflect Brooklyn’s vibrant creative spirit.
The museum’s year-long celebrations will continue with more exhibits, including “Solid Gold” in November and “Breaking the Mold” in 2025, as well as a mobile Museum on Wheels.
The city paved over the Bed-Stuy goldfish pond
The “Bed-Stuy Aquarium” made a splash this summer, but its story ended with a big fin-ish when city crews paved over the popular goldfish pond.
The pond, created by residents using a fire hydrant, was home to more than 100 goldfish, drawing both praise and concern from the community. Despite criticism about its safety for the fish, the pond gained attention online, with some neighbors even starting a GoFundMe to improve the habitat. Local residents expressed their disappointment, arguing that the pond brought the community together and provided a source of joy for families and children.
While some understood the city’s need to enforce regulations, others felt it was a missed opportunity to support an initiative that fostered local connections. A sign near the site now hints at a potential return for the aquarium, though its future remains uncertain.
A ‘Pop’ of Brooklyn
The “Brooklyn Pop” exhibit, which opened in October at Industry City, celebrates Brooklyn’s global influence on popular culture through a collection of immersive installations. Created by Michael McLeer, a Bay Ridge native and founding member of Lordz of Brooklyn, the exhibit honors the borough’s impact on films, music, and art. Spanning five years of planning, McLeer uses his personal journey and global travels to highlight Brooklyn’s legacy in entertainment, featuring memorabilia from iconic films like “The Warriors” and “Saturday Night Fever.”
The exhibit also includes recreated sets and artifacts from beloved Brooklyn-based films, along with McLeer’s play A Brooklyn Dream, which explores three generations of his family’s pursuit of stardom. The exhibit traces Brooklyn’s cultural history, from the Brooklyn Dodgers to its transformation into a global brand. McLeer emphasizes that Brooklyn’s spirit remains unchanged despite its evolving facade, celebrating its diversity and underdog spirit.
NOVEMBER
Republicans make gains during election
This year’s general election saw significant Republican gains in southern Brooklyn, though the borough largely remained blue. Former President Donald Trump won in six Assembly districts in southern Brooklyn, including Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island, and Bensonhurst, as Republican candidates continued their rise in traditionally conservative areas. In these neighborhoods, which have a strong immigrant population, especially among Russian and Asian communities, Trump saw increased support, reflecting a broader shift to the right.
Republican candidates Alec Brook-Krasny and Lester Chang were re-elected, and Steve Chan triumphed over Democratic incumbent Iwen Chu in Senate District 17, a district heavily influenced by Asian voters.
However, most of Brooklyn remained solidly Democratic, especially in neighborhoods north of Sunset Park. Vice President Kamala Harris received overwhelming support in these areas, particularly in districts with large Black populations such as Fort Greene, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Crown Heights, where she earned more than 90% of the vote. Democratic incumbents, including Jo Anne Simon and Andrew Gounardes, easily secured re-election.
While some districts in northern Brooklyn saw a slight decrease in Democratic margins, overall, the borough stayed blue, with Democratic Assembly Members like Emily Gallagher in Williamsburg and Greenpoint remaining unchallenged. And in Assembly District 45, a razor-thin margin separated Republican incumbent Michael Novakhov and Democratic challenger Joey Cohen-Saban on election night, though, when all was said and done, Novakhov secured his seat.
Sparking change in the cannabis industry
Happy Munkey, Brooklyn’s latest legal cannabis dispensary, opened at Fulton Mall in November, marking the borough’s growth in the legal cannabis market following its first dispensary in December 2023.
Founded by industry veterans Vladimir Bautista, Ramon Reyes, Omar Ibonnet, and John Ibonnet, the dispensary aims to educate and inspire the community while promoting social equity.
Illegal and gray-market dispensaries are a dime a dozen across the city, but marijuana sellers and government officials encourage Brooklynites to shop legal.
As part of New York’s cannabis legalization law, all licensed dispensaries are at least partially-owned by justice-involved people who suffered disproportionately from marijuana prohibition — plus, all of their goods are regulated and standardized, so you know just what you’re getting. In April (just in time for 4/20), Brooklyn Paper compiled a list of the eight legal dispensaries across Kings County, and since there, even more have opened up — some welcomed by the community, others contested.
Fire tears through Prospect Park as drought continues
A record-breaking drought in New York City fueled brush fires across the five boroughs, including one in Prospect Park’s Ravine, highlighting the growing impact of climate change on urban green spaces.
The blaze, caused by unusually dry conditions, was a stark reminder of the effects of drought, which left the city’s vegetation vulnerable. The Prospect Park Alliance swiftly stared recovery efforts, including clearing debris and replanting, but the fire destroyed crucial layers of plant life that support the park’s ecosystem. As droughts become more frequent, the Alliance is adjusting its planting strategies to ensure the park’s resilience against future fires and other climate challenges.
DECEMBER
Pet sale ban goes into effect
In December 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores, aiming to eliminate the “puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline.” The ban, which took effect on Dec. 15 of this year, impacted over 160 pet stores across New York State, including five in Brooklyn.
Pet store owners, such as Benjamin Santiago of Puppy Boutique, expressed concerns that the ban would harm their businesses, particularly during the holiday season. Despite their protests, which included filing lawsuits against the law, the state was firm in its decision, with violators facing fines up to $1,000 per infraction. The law sought to ensure better welfare for animals by discouraging the sale of pets from questionable breeding facilities. Animal rights advocates, however, supported the measure, arguing that it would reduce the exploitation of animals in puppy mills and prevent scams from unlicensed breeders.
As pet store owners like David Dietz of Puppy Paradise prepared to close their doors, they questioned the feasibility of partnering with rescue groups and adopting new business models. Meanwhile, advocates pointed to alternative solutions, such as adopting from local shelters, and raised concerns about the potential for black-market pet sales.
Feline fine!
As winter approached, Brooklyn volunteers stepped up to help the borough’s thousands of feral cats, who face harsh conditions outside. Flatbush Cats volunteers spent two Sundays this month constructing simple outdoor shelters made from rubber storage containers, providing warm, safe spaces for community cats who would otherwise seek shelter in dangerous places like car engines or basements. This initiative has seen 250 shelters distributed to colony caretakers around Brooklyn, offering a temporary solution to the challenges faced by these animals during the cold months.
While the shelters help improve the cats’ comfort, they are not a permanent solution to Brooklyn’s growing stray cat crisis. With rising pet care costs and a lack of city-funded services for feral populations, volunteers continue to care for and control the stray cat numbers through Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR). Flatbush Cats advocates for more affordable veterinary care and support for caregivers, urging locals to get involved by building shelters or fostering cats.
Compiled by Meaghan McGoldrick O’Neil & Kirstyn Brendlen
