GerritsenBeach.net is reporting that there were approximately 80 arrests in August 2009 at Plumb Beach as part of an undercover sting operation. Agents of the National Parks Service charged suspects with sex-related crimes, including propositioning or “in the act.” The number of arrests is higher than any whole year in the National Parks’ history at Plumb Beach
We’re told by sources that the arrests were made as part of an operation spearheaded by a new unit commander who sought to halt anonymous homosexual meetups at Plumb Beach. We’re told that the operation “got sloppy,” and fishermen and other innocent visitors to the beach were snared in broad roundups by the National Parks patrols.
GerritsenBeach.net writes, “The arrests may have something to do with the threat that the National Parks Service would lose its funding in our area. So to justify their existence they arrested more people in on month than they did all of the previous year.”
Many of those captured paid fines and/or accepted deals, while others are currently defending themselves in court.
Gene Berardelli told us the topic will be discussed at tonight’s Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Assocation meeting. We’ll inform your as more information becomes available.
The site of the proposed mosque at 2812/2814 Voorhies Avenue
Opponents of a proposed mosque in Sheepshead Bay came before the Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association last week to rally support for their fight, but instead found little sympathy for their struggle.
A handful of neighbors came to the Tuesday night meeting to present their case against the mosque, which may soon be built at 2812 Voorhies Avenue and will also include a school and community center. But board members of the civic association and Community Board 15 chairperson Theresa Scavo bristled as the opposition turned towards race-baiting and ethnic fears.
“On what grounds are you opposing them?” said Scavo. “You can’t turn around and say ‘Oh they’re Muslim.’ Who’s going to look like the bad guy?”
Though initial statements from the mosque’s opponents emphasized potential traffic, parking, and noise problems as the cause for their concern, racist undertones began to bubble to the surface of the debate.
Read more about what happened at the meeting and to see documents from the mosque’s opponents
A Department of Transportation official may be speaking at tonight’s Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association, to clarify about lane closures and the ongoing work along the Belt Parkway.
Though a member of SBPB Civic said they hadn’t received confirmation as recently as yesterday, if the official does come it may be interesting to see the interrogation he faces as the project moves forward simultaneously with other projects. In addition to the work we wrote about yesterday, other parts of Belt Parkway are seeing changes to drainage systems and road repairs, possibly leading to detours into the streets. And in 2011, several overpasses in our neighborhood will be renovated as well.
When: Tonight @ 7:30 p.m.
Where: Knights of Columbus Baron DeKalb; Nostrand Avenue and Emmons Avenue
Contact: (718) 891-1937
The silver lining in the recent devastation of Plumb Beach is that community leaders, and city, state, and federal agencies are finally considering long term solutions to erosion issues at Plumb Beach.
Congressman Anthony Weiner once again brought together officials from Department of Transportation, Parks Department, National Parks Service, Community Board 15, and Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic on Tuesday, December 1, to survey erosion’s threat to the important ecological zone and the Belt Parkway.
After surveying the damage, all came to a consensus: more needs to be done to protect the beach and highway. Continue Reading »
The Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association is holding their annual holiday get together tonight. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m., members of the civic association invite residents of the area to the Baron DeKalb – Knights of Columbus to celebrate the December holidays. They’ll be serving up free grub to all in attendance, and all who come will be entered into a free raffle for a specially prepared holiday basket and prizes donated by local businesses. So come and get your groove on with SB/PB!
There will also be a meeting with a light agenda.
When: Tonight @ 7:30 p.m.
Where: Baron DeKalb – Knights of Columbus
3000 Emmons Avenue (intersection of Nostrand Avenue)
The devastation caused to Plumb Beach this weekend by the remnants of Hurricane Ida was “No surprise,” according to members of Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association and experts. As recently as January, officials from the community, city, state, and federal agencies convened at the Plumb Beach bathhouse to discuss protection of the increasingly dangerous bike path and the threatened Belt Parkway. The problem is greater, though, affecting the ecology and wildlife of the entire area.
The meeting, called by Congressman Anthony Weiner to survey nature’s threat, ended with calls for solutions. At the time, the surging waters appeared to be passing underneath the bike path. Water soaked the grass adjacent to the highway, suggesting that erosion was occurring beneath the Belt Parkway as well, undermining its stability. While SBPB Civic proposed a plan to shore up the coast and add more sand and rocks underneath the bike path to strengthen it, nothing has happened. Continue Reading »
Why can’t Sheepshead Bay have a commuter ferry to Manhattan? It’s the parking, stupid.
That was the message Sheepshead Bay residents sent the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) during last night’s hearing on increasing Brooklyn ferry service to several locations including Sheepshead Bay.
The hearing, hosted by the EDC, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and Councilman Michael C. Nelson’s office, brought out local leaders including Community Board Chairperson Theresa Scavo, Bay Improvement Group president Steve Barrison, and several members of the Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association and the Manhattan Beach Community Group. All opposed the plans.
“It’s romantic. It’s beautiful. It’s wonderful. But practically speaking, it’s not practical,” said Barrison.
Concerns by local leaders revolve around costs, demand, infrastructure needs, and the time it would take to reach Manhattan. But at the heart of it all is parking.
“Parking in the area is already at a premium. To bring more people in would be a nightmare,” said SB/PB Civic’s attorney, Gene Berardelli.
The ferry proposal, officially known as the Comprehensive Citywide Ferry Study, is still in its early stages, with landing profiles yet to be created. The EDC was unable to provide implementation or operating costs for the service, but noted that the ferry ride from Sheepshead Bay is estimated to take about 40 minutes and cost $6. Continue Reading »
Just a quick reminder that the Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association is holding its June meeting tomorrow at the Baron DeKalb Knights of Columbus. We’ve heard rumors that a big announcement will be made towards the end of the meeting.
Date: Tuesday, June 2
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Baron DeKalb K of C; 3000 Emmons Avenue
Refreshments will be served
(NYC Department of Buildings Screenshot 10/9/08 11:50 a.m.)
The New York City Department of Buildings has issued violations to 3206 Emmons Avenue Realty, LLC for the unsafe Windjammer Motor Inn.
Gene Berardelli, attorney for the Sheepshead Bay/Plumb Beach Civic Association, informed us that last Thursday, 10/2/08, officials investigated the motel for complaints regarding unsafe conditions. Violations were served this morning to hotel management for failing to provide natural light and ventilation for 15 of its interior rooms.
Another cause for concern is that these rooms are potential firetraps. According to a customer service representative reached by phone, there are no windows in the affected rooms. If a fire originated from the hallway, motel patrons would not be able to escape, because there are no alternative means of egress.
The manager was not immediately available for comment. Mr. Berardelli feels that the situation at the Windjammer is begging for a solution, especially since the area across the street is slated for development as The Brigham Street Park Project.
