Innocent fun or neighborhood terror? Photo by Joe Delaney

Green space is limited in this city, to the point where, even though parkland is public space for everyone, neighborhoods come to think of a park as “theirs” and resent people who aren’t from the neighborhood coming and using it. So is it surprising that people who live in Williamsburg are already getting irritated about Smorgasburg and the Flea being held at the East River State Park? No, not really. (more…)

The nice young men of the Moho Collective will help take you higher at Brooklyn Fireproof

When I was in ninth grade, the biggest stoner in my Intro Spanish class told me April 20th was an International Pot Smoking Day. That seemed like a silly thing to celebrate then, but, hey, we all grow up and discover Phish and online delivery food sometime, eh? The holiday makes its grand return this Saturday, and Brooklyn’s not shy about feting all things THC-errific; check out some Brokester-friendly events below. (more…)

CAN’T WAIT TO EAT THIS (via flickr user skelastic)

Don’t let the wind chill deceive you — the summer outdoor market season is VERY NEARLY UPON US, and this weekend marks the return of Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea! And thank god, because that artisanal BK-made salsa we bought last July has totally expired. Not that that’s stopped us… (more…)

Goodbye, concrete lot. You will be missed, via flickr user skelastic

It’s just a few more weeks until Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg make their triumphant seasonal return, and the streets of Williamsburg become clogged with Manhattanites scoping out some sweet artisanal deals on our side of the river. If you were planning to head to Smorgasburg’s old lot at the the East River Waterfront come opening weekend, though, you’re out of luck, because the market’s moving its whole operation this year, $9 Porchetta sandwiches and all. (more…)

No more waterfront shows?

[UPDATE 5:50 pm: BrooklynVegan reports the Open Space Alliance is planning to hold both free and ticket shows this year despite the vote, while Brooklyn365 talked to Assemblyman Joe Lentol who says the neighborhood concerns can be resolved without banning the shows]

Last night’s Community Board 1 meeting may have contained a late hidden sneak attack on the summer ritual of concerts at East River State Park on the Williamsburg waterfront (including, until last year at least, the summer-long free Pool Parties). According to Brooklyn 11211, the board voted to ban all future concerts along the waterfront after it heard complaints from residents about the noise and general fustercluck in the streets the crowds cause several times a season. Brokelyn put in a call to CB1 district manager Gerald Esposito to confirm the details, but we haven’t heard back yet. Our CB source says the board’s votes are only advisory, and then go to the applicable city agency before becoming final. It looks bad for the concerts given the board bowing to other noise concerns, but our experience with arcane local government procedures has us hoping this isn’t the final word (you’re usually not supposed to make binding votes on anything that isn’t on the agenda, for instance). We will update when we get more information today. Read more details of last night’s meeting from Brooklyn 11211.