Empty Smith Street Kiosks Continue To Be An Eye Sore In The Neighborhood

For quite a few years now, the three abandoned kiosks at the corner of Smith Street and Union Street have been real eyesores here in Carroll Gardens.
The kiosks and the tattered red and white tent right next to the containers, once housed the Brooklyn Indie Market, where local artisans sold their hand-made wares.  Since the end of 2010, however, the container-like-structures have been unused and unlocked.  Trash not only accumulates in them, they are also used as 'pissoirs' on a regular basis.  A few months ago, a homeless man was taking shelter in one of them.

Who exactly is responsible for the kiosks, the tent and the lot on which they stand is unclear. Some have indicated that the site belongs to the owner of the apartment building at the corner of Smith and President Streets, which houses Rite Aid.

Many in Carroll Gardens have expressed frustration that the dilapidated structures have not been removed in all these years and that trash is allowed to accumulate in and around them.
Most residents would welcome a small market, food stand or coffee concession.
There are indications that the site is eyed for a Citibike station, but that has not been confirmed.

In the last few days, someone named 'Mill' has posted a notice on the kiosks indicating that he is interested in renting the space.

And just two weeks ago, reader Lanie posted this comment on PMFA:
"I just talked to this landlord and he was very friendly and said he was cleaning it up in the next one to two months. Removing everything. Unfortunately, we'll add a billboard space there for revenue, not a nice landscaped area, but at least it will be cleaned up."

A billboard doesn't sound like the best option,  but if it means that the owner is going to take responsibility for his corner, it's better than nothing.

To read more about the history of this particular block and to see old photographs, click here.

Pretty Rude Parking Job By One Of 76th Precinct's Finest

For many years now, the 76th Precinct on Union Street between Henry and Hicks Street has maximized parking in front of the precinct house by pulling their marked (and unmarked) cars at an angle half-way onto the sidewalk.

I think it's safe to say that no one in the neighborhood has a problem with this. We all understand that parking in Carroll Gardens is difficult and that the police officers need to have easy access to their cars.
However, it would appear that one of the 76th Precinct finest may have pushed the envelope just a wee bit.

A PMFA reader sent me the photo above showing a silver vehicle , with an NYPD sticker and the words "Fresh Gem" in big letters on its windshield, parked right at the intersection of Union and Henry Streets, blocking the crosswalk.
The reader writes:
"There is a cop that has taken to parking in the crosswalk of Henry Street & Union Street.
I noticed it about 2 weeks ago and it seemed entitled and rude. But this evening I realIy got mad as I watched an elderly woman navigate the intersection. She couldn't roll her walker down the ramp and was forced to circumvent this stupid car which it completely blocking the ramps and the crosswalks.
This "Fresh Gem" car should not be rendering this corner impassible.  There is a NYPD sticker in the window. It is very clearly not a squad car, not that one of those should be parked there either."

Apparently, this has been going on for two weeks. The car is is parked there when the reader comes home at about 5 or 6 pm. Things have most probably been a bit busier for the 76th Precinct because of Hurricane Sandy and the resulting power outages in Red Hook. But blocking the sidewalk crossing never seems like a great idea.
Has anyone else noticed this car?