DailyHeights

I can’t believe it’s not meat! Did you miss the book release party for “Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World” at Freddy’s Bar (Dean Street in Prospect Heights, Nov. 11)? Prospect Heights author and vegan cooking guru Isa Chandra Moskowitz showed off her book, gave away delicious free-range cupcakes and cookbooks, and Brooklyn bands Winning Looks and The Shondes performed in the back room.

The event (and the cupcakes) got glowing reviews on the Prospect Heights Message Boards. Splunge reports: “The cupcakes were super delicious and moist. Entertaining bands, to boot.” Carnivore adds: “I tried 2, offered to me by Isa’s “cupcake bitch” (that’s what Isa called her, before you all get mad at me) … I never would have guessed [the cupcakes] were vegan if I hadn’t been told.” The ultimate compliment for veggies and meat eaters alike.

Isa’s book can be found at amazon.com as well as on her website: http://www.theppk.com

 

 EastofFlatbush linked to a streetsblog article stating the DOT has synched  the crosswalk signs on the corner of Flatbush Avenue between the Brooklyn Public Library and Prospect Park. Until recently, people crossing the busy intersection were forced to wait on a concrete island that bisects the avenue. At the prompting of the surrounding community, the DOT has finally coordinated both traffic lights, allowing pedestrians to cross in one pass. In addition, the DOT has extended the red light by 20 seconds, giving pedestrians more “walk” time. This is welcome change that has been met with enthusiasm on the Prospect Heights message board.

Rob Witherwax of Prospect Heights states in the article:

“Momentous news, people: this morning I crossed the entire width of Flatbush Avenue, from the Library to the Park, in one movement – without waiting on the island, without running across, and without disobeying traffic laws. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it happened. The crosswalk signs, from the library to the island and from the island to the Park, turned ‘walk’ at the same time. I was astounded, and the woman alongside of me audibly gasped.” 

Chefsgirl06 agrees. “That’s an amazing accomplishment. No sarcasm intended. I’ve dealt with that hazard for over 30 years. Now I can enhance my literacy without running for my life. It’s the little things that keep me happy.”

 

Photo by streetsblog.

According a streetsblog link posted to the PHMB by Laura B , Forest City Ratner will now expand it’s (proposed) Atlantic Yards project to include a large suburban-style parking lots aimed at providing an 944 parking spaces for those visiting the soon-to-be-built Nets arena. Forest City Ratner states the lot is “temporary” and will only be in place until 2016, when residential construction is slated to begin (ironically, to replace the buildings that will be torn down to build the lot) . In addition, two more “temporary” lots are planned, replacing existing buildings along Atlantic Avenue between Carlton and 6th Avenue. In total, there will be an estimated 3,600 parking spots created by all three lots, located directly above Brooklyn’s largest public transportation hub: the Atlantic Avenue subway station and LIRR.

Critics worry that if FCR’s project doesn’t go through or economic conditions change before construction begins, Prospect Heights may end up with a not-so-temporary patch of asphalt three times the size of Fairway in Red Hook. Brooklynspeaks also points out that “The more parking provided, the more people will chose to drive – and the more traffic created,” which would exacerbate conditions on an already congested Flatbush Avenue and increase traffic along surrouding residential streets.

Worst of all (according to rogersma), Ratner will charge his own construction workers to park. How’s that for chutzpah?