DUMBO: Brooklyn Bridge Park, which needs to at least $75 million more than the $225 million pledged for construction, “has a friend in Albany.” Gov. Paterson voiced his steadfast support for the open space and condo development at last week’s Sunset Sizzle soiree for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. …
Bay Ridge: Councilman Vince Gentile appointed three new members to Community Boards 10 in Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. No surprise was his appointment of ferry advocate Heather McCowan, who carried Gentile’s water on 69th Street. Gentile also appointed real-estate guru Salvatore Girgenti and pharmacy owner Habib Joudeh. He also appointed Charles Farrauto to neighboring Community Board 11 in Bensonhurst. …
Talk about sizzle, Democratic candidate for congress, Steve Harrison, will venture out to the wilds of Staten Island for a “Thrill on the Grill” party on June 28. If you want to meet the man vying to go head-to-head with presumptive Republican nominee Frank Powers, head out for the afternoon BBQ hosted by a Harrison supporter. Call (718) 781-4443 for info. One word of warning: That burger will probably set you back at least $50 in the form of a tax-deductible political contribution. Now, would you like ketchup or mustard? …
Here’s a big Brooklyn Paper salute to Fort Hamilton commander Col. Tracy Nicholson. The first African American woman to head the fort has been deployed to Iraq (that’s Army life, for ya!) and relinquished command this week to Col. Stephen Smith. Best of luck, colonels! …
Cobble Hill: The embattled project to convert a landmark building at Amity and Henry streets and construct new townhouses received a mixed review from the Landmarks Preservation Commission. The city agency approved of converting the Lamm Institute, a Beaux Arts brick-and-limestone structure, into an apartment building, but rejected the townhouses, because “a harmonious balance between contemporary and historic design elements had not quite been achieved with respect to the townhouse facades,” said Landmarks Preservation Commission spokesperson Lisi de Bourbon. This is the second rejection. In January, the city shot down a controversial mews-style configuration of townhouses. …
Greenpoint: Our favorite neighborhood blogger is trying to raise cash for youth basketball players who can’t afford to pay $20 an hour to practice in the gym of the soon-to-close St. Cecilia’s School. Donations can be made at www.greenpointers.blogspot.com. …
Our pal, artist Mia Ferrara Wiesenthal, snagged the annual Bombay Sapphire Designer Glass Competition’s grand prize. We think her winning design looks more like a shot glass more than a martini glass, but it’s great you took inspiration from your neighborhood, Mia. …
Fort Greene: Get drunk for a good cause! The Co-op Preschool is hosting a wine tasting fundraiser featuring 12 top French and American wines, food from local restaurants, and local DJs Catnip and Drew. The real thrill will be when expected guests, Beep Markowitz, Councilmember Letitia James and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, join in for the “blind tasting.” …
Red Hook: Councilman David “Big Dawg” Yassky didn’t eat a dog biscuit, as promised, but he did give a “small business community excellence” award to Robbie Dawk, an organic dog biscuit bakery on Creamer Street. Dogs named Robbie, Lulu and Maverick were ready and more than able to defeat Yassky in a treat-eating contest, but the would-be comptroller demurred. …
Park Slope: Four Berkeley Carroll School teens were recognized for their outstanding achievement in the National Latin Competition. What’s outstanding is that they even Latin at all. …
Our pal Lenore Arons is at it again. Last year, she raised thousands to battle breast cancer by getting a handful of local restaurants to donate a night’s profits to the cause. This year, she got more than two-dozen eateries involved. Upcoming nights include June 16 (Flatbush Farm), June 17 (Lobo on Fifth Avenue), June 18 (Lobo on Court Street), June 19 (Boca Lupo), June 20 (Blue Ribbon), June 21 (Provence en Boite), June 23 (200 Fifth) and June 24 (Babouche). For the full list, visit www.diningoutforacure.com or contact Lenore at walkingwithlenore@att.net.
