Jehovah’s Witnesses See The Profit

Robert Levine, the developer who’s building condos in Brooklyn Bridge Park is paying $92 million for the once-famous, Bossert Hotel. The money will be paid to the publishing arm of the Jehovah’s Witnesses; the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. He plans to convert the 14-story landmark hotel into student housing. It was once known as Brooklyn’s “Waldorf-Astoria.” Old-time baseball fanatics may remember that it hosted the Brooklyn Dodgers 1955 World Series victory party. Well, no more Dodger parties at the old inn. It’ll probably become the scene for many “Animal House” shenanigans real soon though.

A Taste Of Brooklyn Bridge Park

A small section of Brooklyn Bridge Park was recently opened to the public. Highly controversial prior to its approval, there are few critics now except for those asking why this park wasn’t approved sooner! One day, in the not too distant future, residents of New York City will have a brand new 85-acre park. Breathtaking views instead of missed opportunities should help us all see other possibilities around the city more clearly.

“Floating Pool Lady” Returns Home

Tugboats brought the “good-time gal” back home to New York after her long winter vacation in Bayonne, NJ. Last year, she entertained 50,000 children and adults in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This year, she’ll be in the water off Barretto Point Park in The Bronx for the entire summer. Once securely moored, she’ll be connected to water, sewer and electric lines. For city kids without access to pools on hot days, this large-barge with pool and amenities is a most welcome ship that's just, "sitting by the dock of the bay." Stop by and enjoy her. Maybe bring Otis along for good, mellow company.

Sierra Club Set To Sue

The well known environmental group, Sierra Club, is ready to make waves to maintain the waves along five piers at the planned Brooklyn Bridge Park. The points of controversy include wave-calming systems and floating walkways. They’re convinced that these additions to the 85 acre park will be harmful to local marine life. The New York State subsidiary managing the project insists that these additions are necessary to lure new boaters and establish a fancy marina. One would think that fish and other marine life could be safely diverted away from this development area. Perhaps the Sierra Club might find a solution that benefits both fish and New Yorkers instead of damning the entire idea.