Hey, everybody! It’s me, Carlie Houser, your host of the Brooklyn Daily. Here are all the most important things to know about what’s happening locally, including…
- Challenges linger after Brooklyn middle school integration plan
- Gowanus’ case of the missing injunction š¤
- This November, BK is supporting its small business
But first, today’s weather:
š¤ Sun followed by clouds. High: 47 Low: 42.
Here are the top stories today in Brooklyn:
1. Years after Brooklyn’s middle school integration plan, NYC is looking at one of the borough’s most ethnically and racially diverse districts to assess equity outcomes. District 15 in Brooklyn runs from Boerum Hill to Sunset Park, and its schools have been some of the most segregated in the city under the selective admissions process. However, during the pandemic District 15 dropped selective admissions for a lottery-based process, and the first children to be placed in middle schools by that system are now heading to high school. Stories from this group of students have been mixed: Some, like a Dewey Middle School student, said that he had a wonderful experience at the school despite some initial reservations based on negative preconceptions held about Dewey. Other students found that as “outsiders” at their lottery-chosen schools, they didn’t receive the attention or assistance they needed. As more district around the city return to pandemic-era lottery admissions, District 15 will continue will be looked to as a precedent.
2. Prospect-Lefferts Gardens its gearing up for Small Business Saturday with a preemptive pop-up event. This Thursday, the Open Desk Small Business Pop-Up returns to BKLYN Commons, an event where shoppers and business owners alike can find a lot going on. The gathering is sponsored by Metro Health Plus and NY Beauty Suites and will showcase a wide array of over 40 local vendors who will show off and sell their crafts and wares to the public in an open marketplace. There will also be expert panels on a variety of relevant business topicsāreal estate, growth and capital acquisition, and other free business and fiscal resourcesāwhile other workshops will host health, beauty, and wellness discussions. If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, learn more at the link!
3. Gowanus Voice hedges murky legal claims against an impending rezoning plan, but their injunction seems to be missing from the case file altogether. In February, foes of the rezoning plan filed an Article 78 petition to annul the Gowanus rezoning, claiming that “irreparable harm” will come to the Gowanus community should construction continue in the area and exacerbate toxic release and exposure. However, the flawed Environmental Impact Statement that Gowanus Voice has filed is not backed by an injunction at present. The Voice is appealing to their original February suit, which was denied, but their injunction has likely been sent back for needed corrections. Back in July, Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Consuelo Mallafre Melendez ruled that the rezoning would not result in major adverse environmental impact to the area. However, Voice member MartĆn Bisi argues that their concerns, “did not get their full day in court.”
4. After branching northward to Brooklyn from Atlanta, Slutty Vegan CEO has a new cookbook and plans to go global. Over the last few years, the vegan restaurant has garnered a cult-like following for its unique, raunchy approach to veganism. The joint is rarely without a line out the door, and celebrities are known to pop by from time to time. Since the first Slutty Vegan opened its doors in Atlanta in 2018, owner Pinky Cole has gone on to bring her vegan burger joint to other places in Georgia, as well as Birmingham, Alabama and Brooklyn. This month, she will begin a five-city tour to promote her new cookbook, “Eat Plants, B*tch: 91 Vegan Recipes That Will Blow Your Meat-Loving Mind.” At the link, read more from an exclusive interview with the restaurateur on her new book and worldwide vision.
GPB News / Purchase “Eat Plants, B*tch”
5. 1.5 million New Yorkers go hungry on Thanksgiving, but this massive, innovative new space is helping to feed them. Since the the COVID-19 pandemic, visits to food pantries have been up 69%, a condition that inflation has exacerbated even more. City Harvest, New York’s largest food rescue organization, just opened a 150,000-square-foot location at the Cohen Community Food Rescue Center, a vast campus in Sunset Park. And did I mention, the building is absolutely stunning? Plaster has been stripped back, exposing the historic brick, and along one wall, a colorful geometric mural brightens up the otherwise cold and industrial space. Artwork is celebrated in the space, like featured sculptures by Brooklyn-based artist Sui Park. With its new building and event space, City Harvest is one of very few nationwide food support centers to meet such immediate needs from such warm, inviting accommodations. It is truly a look into the future, a future marked by subsiding food insecurity.
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Today in Brooklyn:
- Group Singing, Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center, Today @ 1 p.m. | Details
- Painting Class for Kids, Speakitaly NYC Brooklyn, Today @ 4 p.m. | Details
- Traditional & Blended Tea Tasting, Brooklyn Tea, Today @ 5:30 p.m. | Details
- Make Bonsai Trees & Drink Beer, Brooklyn Brewery, Today @ 6:30 p.m. | Details
- Moonrise: Immersive Circus Performance, 1329 Willoughby Ave., Today @ 8 p.m. | Details
š Brooklyn Buzz:
- š Book stats: If you’re interested, here are the most borrowed books of all time, according to the Brooklyn Public Library. Get inspired for your next big read at the link! (Time Out)
- š Holiday Toy Drive! Bed-Stuy Council Member Chi OssĆ© is teaming up with the Friends of Bower Park to host a holiday toy drive. “As Brooklyn progresses through its economic recovery but still faces the potential for recession on the near horizon. Many families are struggling to purchase gifts and toys for their children this holiday season.” Learn more at the link. (Patch)
More from our sponsors ā thanks for supporting local news!
Events:
- One-Stop Shop For Japanese Grocery Marketplace Grand opening celebration invitation (November 15)
- Buying Into Brooklyn – November 2022 (November 15)
- We Have Fun: A Free Weekly (November 16)
- Greene Hill School Lower School Tour (November 17)
- Greene Hill School Middle School Tour (November 18)
- “Spirit Drenched in Gold” 5Rhythms Dance & Movement Meditation Class (November 18)
- Lyrics, Lit & Liquor – 10 Year Anniversary Show! (November 18)
- Treehouse Shakers’ presents Flutter: A Discovery Play for Babies (November 19)
- Berkeley College Open House (November 19)
- Rizos & Coquito Holiday Pop Up Shop (November 19)
- Bereavement Group in Time for the Holidays (November 21)
- Add your event
Now you’re in the loop and ready to start your Tuesday! I’ll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with another update.
ā Carlie Houser
About me: I’m a recent grad based in Brooklyn, NY. I love to write, run, read, and find new restaurants and venues around the city.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Brooklyn Daily? Contact me at brooklyn@patch.com