The Roebling Oil Building, aka Warehouse 11, is disliked by some for architectural reason. Very disliked, in fact. Assuming one thinks that calling it “Stalag 11” is not a good thing. “I thought ‘That looks like a great balcony for a fascist declaration.’ I was pretty sure that the structure would get progressively weaker and uglier as development progressed, and I was right.”–Restless

[Image for GL courtesy of Deborah Matlack/Matlack Photography]

This is Ft. Hamilton High School in Bay Ridge brought to us courtesy of GL Photo Contributor and photographer Deborah Matlack, who send many wonderful images our way.

We don’t even need the weather report today to tell us what a look outside the Brooklyn Weather Observatory confirms: the leaves are turning green, the sun is shining and it’s going to be another very nice spring day. Officially, however, here’s the forecast: “Sunny to partly cloudy and not as warm.” The high will be 75 and it will feel like 79. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low of 53.–Accuweather

One does expect, at this point, to begin finding couches and chairs that have been dragged or carried outside for the purpose of planting oneself in the sun and relaxing or hanging out. Such would appear to be the case with this Street Chair (which, of course, is not strictly a Street Sofa, but is generically on topic for us). Miss Heather found it on Green Street in Greenpoint recently, where it was ideally positioned to enjoy what the day had to offer.

The Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment has moved into cool new digs on newly-hot Seventh Street in Gowanus (which will also be the site of the new Union Hall venue). We got an early look at it last week, but were asked to keep the photos to ourselves until today. Well, the day has arrived, and we can show the new BCUE HQ, which is a former doll house factory. The building is super-environmentally friendly and is shooting for a Gold LEED certification. The $4.2 million project features Vermont slate steps, the original reclaimed floor (which had been under three inches of concrete), steps and tables made from original wood that was removed, low-flow toilets and rainwater recapture system and more energy-saving bells and whistles than we could keep up with (maximum ambient lighting, sector-control system to turn lights on and off depending on use, energy saving fixtures throughout). BCUE had been housed in an historic building in Prospect Park that was particularly conducive to its education mission. The new facility has big meeting and teaching spaces in addition to office space for staff. The move took place in late January when workers were still putting the final touches on the building. The actual public grand opening is on May 10.

Coney Island Development Corp. President Lynn Kelly sent out an email late yesterday about what she called “recent modest adjustments to the Coney Island zoning framework that have both strengthened our finalized plans and will help to move this critically important project toward completion.” Ms. Kelly adds that the changes have “increased development opportunities for enclosed amusements and year-round entertainment retail uses.” Yesterday, a story in the New York Times noted that the city had reduced the amount of land it wanted to acquire and redevelop as an amusement park from 15 acres to 9 acres. (The land removed from the plan is shown in blue, which we superimposed on an original city map of the plan.) The revision would leave six acres of land in the hands of private owners, most notably developer Joe Sitt, who would retain ownership of significant parcels. Neither the Times article nor Kelly’s letter spelled out the exact uses or building height that would be allowed on the land. Here are some excerpts from the letter:

While the zoning framework we announced last Fall was a detailed and thoughtful realization of these core principles (and many more), we said from the outset that it was also a work in progress and that we would continue to work with Coney Island’s elected officials, community leaders, land owners and residents to ensure that the final plan was the best it could possibly be.

I am pleased, therefore, to be able to update you on some recent modest adjustments to the Coney Island zoning framework that have both strengthened our finalized plans and will help to move this critically important project toward completion. This revised framework represents an extremely strong foundation for Coney Island’s revitalization and we are excited about now moving forward with it through the public review process. While we will be sharing much more detailed information with you and other Coney Island stakeholders soon, we wanted to share just a few brief updates on some of these modifications:

* We have increased development opportunities for enclosed amusements and year-round entertainment retail uses

* To accommodate this increased development, while still preserving a major amusement district and enabling us to develop a world class amusement park, we have decreased the size of the new mapped parkland from 15 to 9 acres

* We have created the opportunity for existing land owners – such as long time Coney Island boosters like the Vourderis family, owners of the Wonder Wheel – to develop their properties

Along with these positive changes, we have maintained our commitment to the fundamental aspects of the Coney Island plan, such as the need to create additional active, exciting, year-round entertainment-related uses in Coney East and prevent the district from becoming a generic seaside shopping mall; our steadfast belief that residential housing is not appropriate for the amusement district; and a continued effort to limit higher-density hotels and taller structures to the areas along Surf Avenue, away from the Boardwalk.

As you can see, while some details have been altered in our quest to make this plan a reality, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to our core principles and our overall vision for what Coney Island should – and shouldn’t – be as we secure its long term well-being. We are proud that we are already receiving positive feedback from key stakeholders on our recent efforts – for example, as you will note in the attached article, Councilman Domenic Recchia, Borough President Marty Markowitz and key landowners such as Dennis Vourderis told the NY Times that they were “optimistic” and believed the City “was headed in the right direction” – and we look forward to bringing you up to date with additional information in the near future.

This morning, on WNYC, Mr. Sitt’s land use attorney called the revised proposal “a major step forward.” A significant amount of the land that has been removed from the amusement park plan belongs to Mr. Sitt and his firm, Thor Equities. State legislation would still be needed to allow the transfer of “parkland” that would complete the deal. Presumably, that would face less political opposition if Mr. Sitt–who would get to develop more land in the heart of the amusement district and acquire well-positioned land where highrise residential development would not draw opposition–and other property owners were on board and behind the significantly revised strategy. Much, much more to come.

Yes, the Carroll Gardens carousel of intrigue is again turning. Last night, we heard from a neighborhood source about a new petition described as “pro-development,” which is circulating in the neighborhood. While we couldn’t confirm the wording or the exact definition of “pro-development” and “pro-building” as the petition was described to us. What is equally interesting is that one of the people behind the petition is said to be neighborhood power broker Buddy Scotto, who is a central figure in many of the development discussions and controversies in the neighborhood. Mr. Scotto, who is a funeral director, is one of the most longstanding activists in Carroll Gardens and Gowanus. More details to come and, in the meantime, that’s a view of the new construction fence that replaced the Demoracy Wall at the site of the 360 Smith Street building, one of the projects that sparked the current round of neighborhood activism.

We know the work at 5 Roebling in Williamsburg, aka the site of the Giant Fart Cloud Building will be the source of many words and photos in coming weeks. We say this because (a). There is the chance of damage to adjacent buildings if it is not monitored closely and (b). There is the possibility the excavation will lead to the discovery of oil, as the site is withing the Roebling Oil Field footprint. (If they don’t strike oil, it will indicate the limits of the underground oil in the area.) In any case, here’s an email about the work:

They’re using two different machines. One scoopy excavator/backhoe thing and another one that I’ve never seen before. It looks like a deathray crossed with a dental drill, but sounds like a jackhammer. I’m working at home today, which is really a treat, as my building keeps lurching and and it’s there’s the constant rat-a-tat-tat of the jackhammer type item and loud, building-shaking booms. I know everyone who lives next door to a construction site goes through this, but I feel like Shlomo Karpen [the developer] should be giving every tenant in this building combat pay. I have no doubt there’s going to be structural damage. I really thought they were supposed to shore up the buildings next door when they start excavating, but so far, not a thing.

On the bright side, it shouldn’t be long before we know if there’s oil down there.

The space that was most recently occupied by the defunct Biscuit on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, is coming back to life as a spot named Lookout Hill. A GL reader reports that the new name has appeared on the awning.–GL Inbox

Here’s a vid we made of a few peaceful moments in Prospect Park on a beautiful spring evening.

Our friends at Racked have solved a Smith Street retail mystery. A reader wrote to ask what this storefront would be and Racked writes that “Neighborhood sources tell us that it will be a men’s and women’s clothing boutique named Epaulette (or Epellete, the exact name is still unclear) moving into the former Ohio Knitting Mills storefront.” Opening…let’s see…May 8.

Anyone who’s been online the last couple of day reading up on Brooklyn news has probably heard about the Park Slope girl who went missing a couple of days ago. Thankfully, she has been found. OTBKB reported an email she got yesterday evening from a member of the Park Slope Methodist Church saying she was found yesterday afternoon. The neighborhood was full of flier with her picture and name, like the one below. While news that she’s safe has been posted in many places, there is no information about what happened except some speculation that she “ran away.”

Brooklinks is a daily selection of Brooklyn-related information and images:

• Crown Heights Bias Beating of African-American by Hassidic Men? [NYDN]
• Six-Year Arena Timetable First Surfaced in December ’06 [AYR]
• Bay Ridge Pet Groomer Charged with Beating Tiny Burmese Cat [NYDN]
• ‘Gowanus lounge,’ but Not This Gowanus Lounge [Brooklyn Paper]
• Park Slope Rabbi Andy Bachman One of US’s Top Ten [OTBKB]
• Cyclones Playing Sunday Games [Kinetic Carnival]
• Card #2 in Gentrification Bingo [New York Shitty]
• Pintada [Bed-Stuy Banana]
• Modest Improvements on Myrtle [Bed-Stuy Blog]
• Bed-Stuy Fresh Direct Deliveries [Urbanite]
• Spring in Clinton Hill [Clinton Hill Blog]
• Moving a Sofa in Boro Park [Fading Ad Blog]
• Checking Out Moxie [Brooklyn Heights Blog]
• Madonna in Alcove [Brooklynometry]

It comes from Williamsburg, from Berry Street, between N. 3 and N. 4 Streets.

This is a front yard on Prospect Park West near Grand Army Plaza that is always blazing with color in Spring.

Brooklyn’s Indie Market, which has a home at the corner of Smith and Union Streets, is reopening for the season on May 3 from 11AM-7PM with “Brooklyn Indie Fest, A Celebration of Design and Music.” Here’s some info:

Opening festivities include unplugged indie musicians, temporary tattoo parlour for kids of all ages, face painting, kiddie artisan-craft workshops by Stars and Sprinkles and BIM’s designers, giveaways and meet-and greet with indie designers…At the weekly Brooklyn Indie market, you will find handmade goodness such as jewelry by Wabisabi-Brooklyn, hats by Rocks and Salt, kids wear by Wonder Threads, and frocks by Melissa Bell. Please join us in the celebration of spring, community and supporting your local artisans and emerging designers.

From May-August, the market will operate on Saturdays from 11AM-7PM. From September to December it will take place on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-7PM. Check them out here.

(GL Contributor Graziella Radici resides in the Greater Carroll Gardens/Gowanus Metroplex.)

We’ve posted this before, but Town Square’s Go Green Greenpoint! Earth Day event is taking place tomorrow (4/19) from 11AM-4PM in McCarren Park. Per an email:

“Go Green Greenpoint!” is going to be a lot of fun – enviro-friendly vendors, food, music, art contests, recycling stations and much more! School, companies, government agencies and community groups will also be showcasing educational displays. There’ll be live music on stage all day along with chess stations and wellness classes.

There’s also electronics recycling for computers, monitors, laptops, digital cameras, etc.

“Hi New Neighbors on Prospect Place, Welcome to the neighborhood. We’re all glad to have you. I can tell you feel comfortable and safe here because you have lived in your newly renovated first floor apartment for 2 months now and yet have not put up curtains in your bathroom. As a result, while sitting on my couch in the evenings, or when working in my yard, or while having guests over for a beer on the back patio, I get treated to the sight of your bare ass as you sit down on your toilet right by the window.”–Brooklynian

Fulton Street, Downtown Brooklyn

A glance outside the Brooklyn Weather Observatory shows the clear liklihood of picture perfect Spring glory today, and the forecast bears that out. It will be mostly sunny with a high of 77 that will feel like 82. Tonight will be “mild with a moonlit sky” and a low of 59.

This blue couch, which has seen better days, but is out on the street just in time for warm weather, comes from Boerum Street in East Williamsburg. Miss Heather sent it our way.

The city has made some major changes to its Coney Island plan in an effort to craft a compromise with landowners like developer Joe Sitt and to get it moving. Today’s Times reports that the core amusement area that would be acquired from landowners has been reduced from 15 acres to nine acres and that existing owners would be allowed to develop property removed from the plan in accordance with the rezoning that is approved. An excerpt:

The proposal, which would turn the area into a year-round attraction, still calls for a lot of stores and as many as 5,000 apartments along Surf Avenue, but it would reduce to 9 acres from 15 a city-owned open-air amusement park north of the Boardwalk between KeySpan Park and the New York Aquarium. The city would buy the land for a permanent amusement district from local property owners including Thor Equities and the Vourderis family, which owns Deno’s Amusement Park and the Wonder Wheel.

But in a departure from the original plan unveiled in November by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, those owners would be able to develop the remaining parts of their property themselves as long as they followed the city’s master plan, which must still undergo an environmental review and a land-use review. The city’s plan for the area north of the amusement district calls for a series of buildings that could include a glass-enclosed water park, games and amusements, a bowling alley, restaurants and entertainment-oriented businesses like House of Blues, Dave & Busters, NikeTown and movie theaters. Finally, the new zoning would allow for hotel towers on the south side of Surf Avenue.

There are more details to the changes, but it’s safe to characterize them as a major reversal in that it would cut the amusement park envisioned by the original proposal by nearly half and would allow hotels along Surf Avenue.

Many of the city’s new bus shelters, part of the street furniture franchise that has also brought new newsstands and a few bike shelters and pay toilets to the city, are doing better than one might have expected. They don’t seem to have been victimized by as much widespread vandalism as one might expect to find on sleek, new glass structures. On the other hand, some have not been holding up so well. Some, for instance, have been totally trashed. This one on Vanderbilt Avenue in Fort Greene is in the mild to medium range.

The Hoyt Street Alliance, which led the fight against the controversial oyster bar that Jim Mamary wants to open at 294 Hoyt Street, are circulating a letter about developments and plans after Community Board 6 voted in favor of a liquor license for the establishment last week. They say they will fight the liquor license at the state level, that the procedure used for community meetings was flawed and that there are questions about whether the bar is too close to a church to get a license, among other issues. Here are a few excerpts:

Hoyt Street neighbors were extremely disappointed by CB6’s decision last week to support the creation of a new liquor bar in the center of a 5-block-long residential area. The location, 299-301 Hoyt Street, was occupied for the previous 25 years by a pediatrician…The possibility of a 48-foot-wide barroom intruding between such iconic neighborhood sites, in an area heavily traveled by children, is an unfortunate image for the neighborhood and for Brooklyn as a whole…Whether or not the bar intrudes on the 200-ft. buffer space required by law between it and the church to the north and the elementary school to the south is still a matter for debate; different maps disagree on the exact distance. That the bar is not welcomed by its residential neighbors is certain. However, since the Community Board has now taken the extraordinary step of recommending to the State Liquor Authority that the proposed liquor license be granted, it will be a tough fight to stop it…

…CB6 urgently needs to craft new methods to address the runaway proliferation of eating and drinking establishments in South Brooklyn neighborhoods. Much confusion exists about what the Board’s role is supposed to be in this process. We hoped they would act as advocates for local residents, and were unhappily surprised to learn that few members saw themselves in that light…In at least this instance Community Board 6 did not consider the best interests of the community. From what we could tell many of the members do not really see it as part of their job. Yes, our neighbors may have been a bit upset by the prospect of a bar, but that should not be surprising. We did not know that our impassioned pleas for help would cause us to lose a popularity contest among the board, and that our penalty would be to get a bar on our block. We thought CB6 would be interested in hearing why a bar at this location is a bad idea, but that was not the case. CB6 needs to look at itself in the mirror over the way it handled this issue, and the community in general should look at CB6. We ask everyone who cares about this neighborhood to join us in demanding that the board represent everyone, not just the bar owners.

The contentious issue is bound to live on for a while, not to mention the broader issues raised about the process and how it was handled. CB6 is holding some neighborhood sessions on issues raised by bars and restaurants.