Via Flatbush Family Network and FDCOnline. Two of my neighbors are trying to organize an Artist's Tour to coincide with the annual House Tour. They're holding an organizing meeting this Tuesday, November 20.
To: Working artists of Victorian Flatbush and our supporters
We live in a neighborhood of distinctive beauty and historic significance—and one that has regained fresh vitality in recent years. Our community is fabled for its vibrant diversity—not only many nationalities, ethnicities and religions, but also a variety of
artistic disciplines practiced by the many creators and innovators among us.
Therefore, I propose we organize an artists' studio tour in Victorian Flatbush.
Through our combined efforts, we will be able to market our event using websites, posters, brochures, signage, maps, etc. We have seen the success of studio tours all over the country and as close as Park Slope and DUMBO.
I also propose that we run it the weekend of the Victorian Flatbush House Tour.
This tour already brings hundreds of people into the community. A studio tour would provide synergy, attracting art lovers to our event and benefiting both.
The studio tour would provide visitors a rare glimpse into the working habitat of the artist while greatly increasing our visibility. This visibility and high traffic will translate into sales as home-oriented guests will seek just the right treasure to beautify their own homes.
Think of it as an art show where you don't have to travel or set up a tent. All we need to bring is our creativity, hospitality, talents and commitment to make this a reality.
To this end, there will be an organizing meeting Tuesday, November 20, 7:30PM at Karen’s home. All those interested in opening their studios or in helping out on this event are urged to attend.
Help us spread the word! Please let anyone else who might be interested know about the meeting and ask them to attend. If you are interested in attending this important meeting, please email ArtistKaren [at] mac {dot} com.
Looking forward to seeing you then,
Karen F. & Brenda B.
Please visit the NEW SITE for Flatbush Gardener
2007-11-16
Welcome to the (Bloggy) Neighborhood
Via Across the Park, one of my blogging neighbors, I just learned of a new blog on the block, Hawthorne Street:
Note that, in addition to submitting the paper form, you can request a street tree online. You can request a free street tree, or you can plant your own. Tree planting season runs another month, until about December 15. After that, Spring will be the next opportunity for planting. For more information, see Request a Street Tree on the Parks Web site.
Hello and welcome. Before creating any misconceptions, let me say up front that we're going to be posting irregularly: anywhere from a couple of times a week to once every two months. Quality over quantity!Even better, they're tree huggers:
- Reading this blog
Since our block—and areas south and east of us—could use more trees, I passed info out to my neighbors on how to request a free tree in front of their houses. I made about 70 copies of the documents below and folded them into a flyer, which I placed in mailboxes of homes without trees on Fenimore, Hawthorne, Winthrop, and Parkside blocks from Flatbush to Nostrand Avenues.Sweet!
- Getting more trees on your block
Note that, in addition to submitting the paper form, you can request a street tree online. You can request a free street tree, or you can plant your own. Tree planting season runs another month, until about December 15. After that, Spring will be the next opportunity for planting. For more information, see Request a Street Tree on the Parks Web site.
To the New York Post, we're all just Brooklyn, anyway
I was startled to read on Ditmas Park Blog just a few minutes ago that a man had been murdered Monday night around the corner from me. They quoted what was reported in the New York Post:
Going through my feeds, I saw that The Brooklyn Paper reported it today:
A suspect was busted after fatally stabbing a man on a Kensington [sic] street, police said yesterday. The 29-year-old suspect, whose name was not immediately released, knifed the 26-year-old man in the chest at Westminster Road and Slocum Place at 10 p.m. Monday. The victim, whose name was withheld pending family notification, was rushed to Methodist Hospital, where he died. Police busted the assailant, who suffered minor injuries in the fight. Charges were pending.This is almost not even wrong. They got the ages and night of the attack correct, but that's it.
- New York Post NYPD Daily Blotter, November 14, 2007
Going through my feeds, I saw that The Brooklyn Paper reported it today:
An East New York man was stabbed and killed on 12th Street on Monday night after an argument with another man, who was later arrested for the crime, cops said. Police said William Rosario, 26, succumbed to a single stab wound in the chest in the 10 pm incident between Fifth and Sixth avenues. He was taken to New York Methodist Hospital, but was dead on arrival. It’s unclear what sparked the dispute. Police said they arrested the suspect, who also needed treatment for “minor injuries he received during the dispute.” The arrested man, 29, was charged with manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon — the knife, which was recovered at the scene.Then I learned from Brooklynonometry that the Daily News had reported it first, giving the same location as The Brooklyn Paper, and identifying the neighborhood correctly:
- A man is stabbed to death, The Brooklyn Paper, November 17, 2007 [issue date; it was on their Web site as of 11/15]
A 26-year-old man was stabbed to death after a fight in front of a Park Slope home, police said. The victim - whose family has not been notified of his death - was fighting with Antonio Bruno, 29, on 12th St., between 5th and 6th Avenues, at 8 p.m. Monday, a police source said. The victim was stabbed once in the chest and taken to Methodist Hospital where he died of his wound a short time later. Police responding to the scene arrested Bruno and found a knife at the scene. Bruno, who was treated at the same Brooklyn hospital for minor injuries, has a lengthy rap sheet dotted with drug arrests, the police source said. Charges against Bruno are pending, officials said.As if I needed a reminder that the New York Post is not even suitable for wiping my @$$.
- Man stabbed to death in Park Slope street fight, New York Daily News, November 13, 2007
2007-11-15
Factoids: NYC's Street Trees and Stormwater Reduction
I've been diving deep into the 72-page report on NYC's street trees I wrote about a couple of days ago. The report was released in the Spring of this year to the public and addressed to Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Fiona Watt, Chief of Parks Forestry and Horticulture. The research documented in this report has informed many of the initiatives I've written about previously, including PlanNYC 2030, Parks' Million Trees Initiative, DCP's Yards Text Amendment, and so on.
The city spends $21,774,576 each year on its 584,036 living street trees (2005/2006 census), an average of $37.28 for each tree. The annual cost savings and other benefits to the city are $121,963,347, $208.83 per tree, for a Cost-Benefit ratio of $5.60 returned on every $1.00 invested. The second biggest contributor to this impressive %560 annual rate of return is stormwater runoff reductions.
Note that this report only address street trees, which comprise only about one-tenth of the 5.2 million trees in the city. However, street trees are adjacent to - and shelter - paved and other impervious surfaces which are the primary cause of surface runoff. Because of this, they provide much greater CSO reduction than trees on open ground such as parks and natural areas.
Preserving Livable Streets
The city spends $21,774,576 each year on its 584,036 living street trees (2005/2006 census), an average of $37.28 for each tree. The annual cost savings and other benefits to the city are $121,963,347, $208.83 per tree, for a Cost-Benefit ratio of $5.60 returned on every $1.00 invested. The second biggest contributor to this impressive %560 annual rate of return is stormwater runoff reductions.
- Gallons of rainfall/stormwater intercepted each year by NYC's street trees: 890,643,392
- Annual cost savings to the city: $35,628,220 total, $61.00 per tree
Many older cities [including NYC] have combined sewer outflow [CSO] systems, and during large rain events excess runoff can mix with raw sewage. Rainfall interception by trees can reduce the magnitude of this problem during large storms. Trees are mini-reservoirs, controlling runoff at the source. [emphasis added] Healthy urban trees can reduce the amount of runoff and pollutant loading in receiving waters in three primary ways:Much of this economic benefit of trees is determined by the total surface area of their leaves. Broad-leaved deciduous London Planetrees, of which there are many large specimens in NYC, account for %28.9 of the stormwater reduction provided by street trees.
- Leaves and branch surfaces intercept and store rainfall, thereby reducing runoff volumes and delaying the onset of peak flows.
- Root growth and decomposition increase the capacity and rate of soil infiltration by rainfall and reduce overland flow.
- Tree canopies reduce soil erosion and surface transport by diminishing the impact of raindrops on barren surfaces.
Note that this report only address street trees, which comprise only about one-tenth of the 5.2 million trees in the city. However, street trees are adjacent to - and shelter - paved and other impervious surfaces which are the primary cause of surface runoff. Because of this, they provide much greater CSO reduction than trees on open ground such as parks and natural areas.
Related Posts
Preserving Livable Streets
Tonight: Vox Pop Celebrates Three Years
The party starts at 7 PM and runs until about 11 or so. We have a great new menu, and will be serving samples from it all night. Let us buy you a beer. Please stop by and raise a glass to the past, present and future of the Vox Pop movement.
- Sander Hicks to FDCOnline
Three years ago today, Ross, Holley and I opened the doors here, with the help of Tom Kiely, Mom and Pop Hicks, David Anderson, Harry Anderson, Danielle DeCerbo, Michael and Katura Messina.
We continue to run one of the most unique businesses in the country, thanks to a great staff. I'm constantly in awe at how resilient, positive, and upbeat our roster of baristas is. They are professional happiness makers. I'm proud to be a part of this team.
We have a fun little party planned for tonight. Holley will sing and play guitar, as will local legend Paul De Coster, various folks from the open mike, and Hell's Kitchen Rock Legend Tim Young. Also, I will personally hand in a rare solo performance, singing and playing guitar, with some new Shins covers I have worked up. (It's appropriate, because we built the place listening to the New Mexico band The Shins A LOT on CD. It's very catchy, relevant, plaintive stuff.)
Links
Vox Pop
[where: Vox Pop, 1022 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, NY 11218]
2007-11-14
BBG DDD offers 20% off for Garden Members
Starting next Friday, November 23 through Sunday, December 2, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) holds their annual Members' Double Discount Days (DDD). Earlier this year, BBG opened a new Gift Shop, separate from the hard-core Garden Shop, greatly increasing their retail space. During this period, members receive 20% off all purchases in the Gift Shop, Garden Shop, or when shopping online.
One of the benefits of BBG membership, BBG members always receive a 10% discount for all purchases. For this limited time, the discount is doubled. Other benefits available to all members include free admission to the Garden and invitations to members-only events such as the annual Plant Sale Preview, an orgy of horticultural acquisitiveness. Individual memberships start at $40.
One of the benefits of BBG membership, BBG members always receive a 10% discount for all purchases. For this limited time, the discount is doubled. Other benefits available to all members include free admission to the Garden and invitations to members-only events such as the annual Plant Sale Preview, an orgy of horticultural acquisitiveness. Individual memberships start at $40.
2007-11-13
Event, Tomorrow, 11/14: Audubon Lecture with Parks Commisioner Benepe
I'm already engaged tomorrow evening, but this looks interesting:
Directions: 1, N, R, W to 28th St.; F, V to 23rd St.
Helen Mills Theater
[where: Helen Mills Theater, 137-139 West 26th Street, New York, NY, 10001]
[Parks] Commissioner [Adrian] Benepe will discuss New York City's current period of transformation and expansion of its parks. The Department of Parks and Recreation is managing the biggest capital investment in New York City’s parks since the 1930s. Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC initiative, Parks is receiving an additional $1.2 billion to expand active recreation and for greening initiatives. Commissioner Benepe will explain these projects and discuss their role in creating a greener, more sustainable city.Via Save Ridgewood Reservoir
- Creating a Greener NYC, NYC Audubon Events
Adrian Benepe has worked for the last 28 years protecting and enhancing New York City's natural and historic beauty. Since his appointment as Commissioner of the Department of Parks & Recreation by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg on January 25, 2002, he has focused on improving park facilities and programs for children and developing new waterfront parks and greenways.Location: Helen Mills Theater at 137-139 West 26th Street (6th & 7th Ave)
Directions: 1, N, R, W to 28th St.; F, V to 23rd St.
Links
New York City AudubonHelen Mills Theater
[where: Helen Mills Theater, 137-139 West 26th Street, New York, NY, 10001]
Brooklyn's Trees, a new Flickr photo group
Welcome, Festival of the Trees visitors! Go see the photos in Brooklyn's Trees. If you like what you see, come back here and read about it, and check out my other posts on Urban Foresty and Trees in general.
Brooklyn's Trees is a Flickr photo pool I started to "share and celebrate Brooklyn's trees through photography." The response has been great, and the submissions are beautiful and diverse.
I've adapted a definition of "trees" from Festival of the Trees:
Brooklyn's Trees is a Flickr photo pool I started to "share and celebrate Brooklyn's trees through photography." The response has been great, and the submissions are beautiful and diverse.
I've adapted a definition of "trees" from Festival of the Trees:
"Trees" are defined as any woody plant species that regularly exceed three meters in height; exceptions might include banana “trees” which are not woody plants. We are interested in trees in the concrete rather than in the abstract, so the "cloud trees" at the intersection of Ocean and Flatbush Avenues, for example, are out.Any photographs of or about trees in Brooklyn are welcomed, including those on our streets, in our parks, gardens, and other public spaces, and on private property. Young trees, dead trees, shadows or reflections of trees are all in the spirit of this group. Photos should be "safe" as defined by Flickr.
Gardeners for Recovery is on its way!
[Update 2007.11.20: Added clarification that cobblestones will not be marked.]
Cobblestones, Van Dyke Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn
The Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign has received its first contribution. The fund now stands at $100, one-fifth of the minimum amount needed for a cobblestone, and one-tenth of the way toward the goal of $1,000. See the thermometer at the top of the sidebar.
Gardeners for Recovery is a Cobblestone Campaign for the National September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center. Gardeners for Recovery recognize the importance of gardens and gardening for individual, community, and global healing and recovery.
The contribution was in the amount of $50. I matched it, to bring us to $100. I will match the first $500 contributed, to bring us to the goal of $1,000.
Out of respect for the victims of September 11, cobblestones will not be inscribed with donor names or any other markings. When the Memorial is completed, we will be able to identify the exact location of our cobblestone by using a kiosk on the Memorial Plaza.
If you would like to make a contribution, please visit the Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign home page, then click the DONATE NOW button. This lets you contribute online, anonymously and securely, using a major credit card. If the National Tour visits your city or town, you can also contribute there; just let them know you're contributing to the Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign, so I can match it.
Gardeners for Recovery, September 11
National Tour Cities and Dates
National September 11 Memorial Museum
Cobblestones, Van Dyke Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn
The Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign has received its first contribution. The fund now stands at $100, one-fifth of the minimum amount needed for a cobblestone, and one-tenth of the way toward the goal of $1,000. See the thermometer at the top of the sidebar.
Gardeners for Recovery is a Cobblestone Campaign for the National September 11 Memorial at the World Trade Center. Gardeners for Recovery recognize the importance of gardens and gardening for individual, community, and global healing and recovery.
The contribution was in the amount of $50. I matched it, to bring us to $100. I will match the first $500 contributed, to bring us to the goal of $1,000.
Out of respect for the victims of September 11, cobblestones will not be inscribed with donor names or any other markings. When the Memorial is completed, we will be able to identify the exact location of our cobblestone by using a kiosk on the Memorial Plaza.
If you would like to make a contribution, please visit the Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign home page, then click the DONATE NOW button. This lets you contribute online, anonymously and securely, using a major credit card. If the National Tour visits your city or town, you can also contribute there; just let them know you're contributing to the Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign, so I can match it.
Related Posts
Announcing the Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign, September 28Gardeners for Recovery, September 11
Links
Gardeners for Recovery Cobblestone Campaign home pageNational Tour Cities and Dates
National September 11 Memorial Museum
2007-11-12
Basic Research: The State of the Forest in New York City
Updated 2007.11.13: Added direct links to all resolutions of the full report.
Thanks to a recent post on Save Ridgewood Reservoir, I learned of the existence of a comprehensive report on NYC's street trees. This technical report was created by the Center for Urban Forest Research and addressed to Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe in April of this year. The report provides 72 pages of detailed, quantitative analysis of the state of NYC's urban forest.
Relative age distribution of all NYC street trees by borough
A find like this is a source of pleasure indescribable to someone who's not already a tree-hugging geek such as myself. More important, it provides much-needed reference information for review and discussion of policy and planning, such as the Million Trees initiative, and DCP's recent Yards Text Amendment proposal.
The city conducted a street tree census, Trees Count, in 2005-2006. The more accessible 12-page report [PDF] from that effort summarizes the numbers, types, sizes and conditions of street trees throughout NYC and by each borough. Here are some highlights for Brooklyn:
Preserving Livable Streets, November 7
Victorian Flatbush at risk from inappropriate zoning, October 23
Carolina Silverbell: One of a Million, October 9
State of Flatbush/Midwood, October 5
1M Trees in 10 Years, April 10
How Much is a Street Tree Worth, April 9
Landscape and Politics in Brooklyn's City Council District 40, February 14
NASA Maps NYC's Heat Island, August 1, 2006
Trees Count (Parks)
Trees & Greenstreets (Parks)
Million Trees NYC
Yards Text Amendment (DCP)
Center for Urban Forest Research (CUFR)
Thanks to a recent post on Save Ridgewood Reservoir, I learned of the existence of a comprehensive report on NYC's street trees. This technical report was created by the Center for Urban Forest Research and addressed to Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe in April of this year. The report provides 72 pages of detailed, quantitative analysis of the state of NYC's urban forest.
Relative age distribution of all NYC street trees by borough
A find like this is a source of pleasure indescribable to someone who's not already a tree-hugging geek such as myself. More important, it provides much-needed reference information for review and discussion of policy and planning, such as the Million Trees initiative, and DCP's recent Yards Text Amendment proposal.
The city conducted a street tree census, Trees Count, in 2005-2006. The more accessible 12-page report [PDF] from that effort summarizes the numbers, types, sizes and conditions of street trees throughout NYC and by each borough. Here are some highlights for Brooklyn:
- Number of trees: 142,747
- Number of trees in 1995-1996 census: 112,400
- %Change over 10 years: 27%
- Most common street tree: London Plane, Platanus × hispanica (23.6%)
- The top five most common trees account for 58% of the street trees.
- Of Brooklyn Community Boards, CB14 tied with CB7 as having the highest percentage of tree canopy coverage.
- Of Brooklyn Community Boards, CB14 had the third smallest increase of street trees, only 10%, followed by CB16 at 7% and CB17 at 5%
- 38% of Brooklyn's street trees have "infrastructure conflicts," such as tree lights, choking wires and grates, and close paving.
- The annual economic benefit of Brooklyn's trees, considering property values, stormwater runoff, energy savings, air quality, and carbon sequestration, is $31,030,839.
Related posts
Center for Urban Forest ResearchPreserving Livable Streets, November 7
Victorian Flatbush at risk from inappropriate zoning, October 23
Carolina Silverbell: One of a Million, October 9
State of Flatbush/Midwood, October 5
1M Trees in 10 Years, April 10
How Much is a Street Tree Worth, April 9
Landscape and Politics in Brooklyn's City Council District 40, February 14
NASA Maps NYC's Heat Island, August 1, 2006
Links
The full report - New York City, New York Municipal Forest Resource Analysis - is available as a PDF/Acrobat document from Parks and CUFR in different resolutions: smaller, lower resolution for online viewing, or larger, higher resolution to download for offline viewing or printing.Trees Count (Parks)
Trees & Greenstreets (Parks)
Million Trees NYC
Yards Text Amendment (DCP)
Center for Urban Forest Research (CUFR)
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