Brooklyn 11211

David Yassky, who also represents parts of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, is one of seven undecided Councilmembers when it comes to the term limits extension. Some are even saying that the issue will come down to Yassky’s vote.
As I’ve said before, I don’t think that NYC’s term limits work. But I also don’t think that legislative fiat is the proper path to fixing the problem. Recently, the paternalism (and maternalism) that advocates of this temporary but in-our-best-interest ploy have wrapped themselves in has made the whole exercise even more disgusting. Its pretty simple – people voted twice for term limits. Now we are faced with a popular mayor about to be forced into retirement at just the moment when his political and economic experience may be of the most value. So put it to a vote. People are smart enough to understand what the stakes of term limits are. We’re also smart enough to know when we’re being talked down to. Supporting a one-time extension of term limits (Lauder) is bullshit, no matter how extraordinary the times. Saying that voters should have a choice in troubled times (Quinn), but not supporting a referendum that would give us that choice, is also bullshit.
Term limits are stupid, but the voters should make that call, not the politicians.
**UPDATE:** If you want to make your feelings known to CM Yassky, call him at (718) 875-5200 (or send him an email). If you don’t live in the 33rd Council District, you can find your council person’s contact info here. Give ’em a call – it’s still a democracy, after all.

New York Water Taxi is shutting down its East River service early this year (November 1), and residents of Shaefer Landing (and elsewhere) are not happy. Seems some people bought into the development counting on convenient transportation.
Will the Water Taxi go down as Williamsburg’s monorail? In addition to Shaefer Landing, monorails water taxis are planned for Greenpoint and North 6th Street. Domino, too, plans a water taxi stop (the “primary form of transportation for residents is expected be a water taxi…”).
The *Times* thinks there might be a problem here:
> Even before the stock market crashed, it seemed likely that the area was overextending itself with new housing; a ferry service that can’t be counted on could create a full-blown glut.

> “I have faith […] that they’re making this wise decision” -Sarah Palin on the Bush administration’s negotiations with North Korea
Putting one’s trust in the Bush administration to make a wise decision about *anything* ought to be an immediate disqualification from running for public office.
Of course her running mate disagrees. Not on the wisdom part, but on the negotiating part.

Northside, this time.

The president and vice president of Bushwick Associated Supermarket have been indicted for various crimes related to underpaying (or not paying at all) workers at its supermarket (located at 220 Knickerbocker).
Sleazy.

Even Australians can see it – Williamsburg is becoming “white collar”. Or as Dave Sitek put it:
> a lot of people have left Brooklyn to flee the jocks

Shocking news! Changing term limits will disrupt the great musical chairs tournament of 2009.

From Gowanus Lounge (welcome back, Bob), the slowest Karl Fischer building in the neighborhood (at North 8th and Roebling).
I still say the slowest project in the neighborhood is 80 Metropolitan. Karl moving backwards would still be faster than 80 Metropolitan. This is a project that has worked six days a week for two years, and is still is not closed up (the first windows were installed two weeks ago).

In light of recent reports about long-time ethnic retailers getting priced out of Manhattan Avenue, apparently one kielbasa shop has found a way to make ends meet…
[via LH]
**Update:** At least this operation managed to bring together Poles and Dominicans. It _is_ a small world, after all.
**Later Update:** Kudos to the *Post*, for the best headline on this story: “Wurst Gang Ever“.

Funny thing is, the Finger Building is nowhere near McCarren Park (at least not in the sense of this article). And yet it is the only picture in the article, and it is the “lede”.
I actually think that the condos around McCarren (those actually facing the park, not the ones seven blocks away) will fare better in a down market. There will be a flight to quality, and park views with light and air pretty much guaranteed represent quality. (I’m not vouching for the quality of construction, though – you’re on your own there.) Likewise, water views and well-designed apartments in well-built buildings (OK, not so may of those up here in the Eastern District, but there are some).
Oh, and in actual news about the Finger Building, there was a BSA hearing today. No decision, but reportedly, BSA seemed skeptical of DOB’s open space calculations. Stay tuned – round three is scheduled for November 17.
[via Brownstoner]