Author Archive for CWIlliams

Robberies increasing

Published
by
CWIlliams
on May 13, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

Dyker Heights was shaken this Mother’s Day weekend, as one of its own was attacked. 69 year old Carmela BoccadiFuoco was attacked in her own kitchen. The thief was under the mistaken impression that his real target, her 97 year old mother, was alone. Surprised by BoccadiFuoco, he clubbed her on the head. The wound required 27 stitches.

The neighborhood is beginning to feel targeted, and has asked that police patrols be stepped up. Borough President Marty Markowitz released this statement: “I have spoken with commanders at Brooklyn South and the 68th Precinct about the recent incidents in Dyker Heights, and they have assured me there will be increased police patrols in the neighborhood from now through the summer. Friday night’s attack on Mrs. Boccadifuoco was particularly vicious, and I assured her that my office and law enforcement will do everything possible to apprehend the thug responsible, and ensure the ongoing safety of the residents of Dyker Heights.”

Anxieties remain high. “This is becoming a trend; I keep hearing about robberies,” says Sandy Regan. “Its feels like a form of terrorism.” Retired officer Sacco, also a resident, was more upbeat. “I wouldn’t worry, now that this made news, crooks will avoid the area for a while, at least the smart ones.”
While crime is still relatively low in the area the best thing anyone anywhere can do is remain alert, and call the police with suspicious activity. Dave Koehler had his work van robbed in front of house on 12th and Ovington a few months back. “My neighbor called me but I didn’t hear the phone.” While he lost thousands of dollars in equipment, he says “I wish they had called the cops first.” Called much later, the police were unable to help as they had no leads to pursue the suspects.
To view the NY Post’s web Article click here
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Real Italian Heros

Published
by
CWIlliams
on May 13, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

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A local attraction, Lioni’s Italian heroes, is a must for the connoisseur of heroes, with names that pay tribute to “acclaimed Italian role models that have influenced our lives in more ways than one.” The Salumeria offers sandwiches like the “Rock Marricino” made with sweet cappicolla ham, Lioni’s homemade fresh mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, black pepper and salt, or The Yogi Berra, that’s, ham, bologna, white American cheese, lettuce, mayo and tomatoes. In fact, the menu consists of over a hundred and fifty in all.
It’s not just the flashy names people come for, “you can’t find a place like this anymore” says Louie Martino, a regular “It ain’t like these big chains; it’s how things are supposed to be.” It’s small, with just a few tables. Signs dominate the environment. The largest one, over the Salumeria itself, loudly proclaims, “The King of fresh Mozzarella.” When you walk in, you are bombarded with even more. The brick wall, and wood paneling do in fact import an old-world feeling. “I wish I lived here. The food is so much better than at home,” Martino jokes.
The place is not just old world, it’s Brooklyn. Everyone has the energy, accent, and attitude that the Boro is known for. “Sorry I don’t speak to reporters,” is all the counterman will say, though he smiles.
I content myself with ordering a Rocky Marrcino.It tastes every bit as fresh as guaranteed.As I’m eating, Martino comes over and volunteers, “ Hey, you know Cha-chi comes here?” An 80’s child, it takes me a second to realize what he’s talking about. Scott Baio is a Dyker Heights resident celebrity. Scanning the crowded walls, I find his autographed picture verifying this to be true. Noticing my gaze, Martino asks, “What, you don’t believe me?” Shaking his head, he saunters away, muttering “damn reporters.” Shrugging, I go back to my sandwich, thinking, “with a sandwiches this good in your mouth, who needs to talk?”
Browse the menu at www.lioniheroes.com

Golf, Everyone?

Published
by
CWIlliams
on March 26, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

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(Pictured, left sandtrap, right clubhouse)

Scheduled to open this July, the exterior of the Dyker Beach Park Junior Golf Course has been completed. Located on 14th Ave, and Poly Place, when it opens, all kids aged 6-17, can bring a parent and use it for free. Currently, a clubhouse learning center is under construction.
Many are excited by the project. Mayor Bloomberg hopes “To be able to introduce more young New Yorker’s in all five boroughs to the great game of golf.” (http://www.cityparksfoundation.org/index1.aspx?BD=19655).)
However, some residents wonder at its usefulness. Not everyone shares Bloomberg’s enthusiasm. Brinda Onisco, an administrator at P.S.112 , wonders, “What do they need a golf course for? Couldn’t that money go to schools, who are dealing with some major budgets cuts?” The Project is expected to cost over $3 million for construction, with another $3 million being put away for future costs. The project is receiving $1.5 million from the state; the difference is being raised by Senator Marty Goldman and the Cityparks Foundation.
Still, residents have other questions. “Whose gonna come all the way out here for golf?” asks Eric Eaton referring to the relative inaccessibility of Dyker Heights. “You gotta take a local train to a bus (B8) at the end of Brooklyn!” Dyker Heights can be a hard place to get to, especially when you don’t have a car, (like the average teenager). Eaton is referring to taking the R to 86th in Bay Ridge; an alternative route is to take the D train to New Uctrect and walk. “It’s a big waste of time, and money,” he decides.

Opinions vary, on the value of a kids’ golf course, but it is a fact that outdoor activities improve psychological, and physical health. (For more on benefits of golfing http://ezinearticles.com/?Health-Benefits-and-Golf&id=218442
Mary McKie is a mother of 3; two of her children, are teenagers “I wish I could get them out!” she says heartily “but to be honest, I feel like, there is less and less for them to do.” There has been a decline, in recreational activities as banks, and chain stores begin to dominate this part of Brooklyn.
“We used to go bowling, and skating, now all I see are big chain stores!”There’s softball and football leagues, but McKie comments “Not everyone is into that, and things get too competitive.”The Cityparks Foundation responded to the questions raised, by calling them “fair,” but they would not give a quote.

Do Not Feed The Animals!

Published
by
CWIlliams
on March 17, 2008
in Dyker Heights
. 0 Comments

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Easter, is almost here again. This is the time of year everyone remembers rabbits, buying and giving them as Easter presents. Not only are most of these rabbits discarded once the novelty wears out but many suffer at the hands of kids unaware that these animals have very delicate spines. Children tend to drop them, leading to a broken spine or legs and sometimes ending in death. For those of us who don’t have time for pets, but still like to look and if you live near Bay Ridge or Dyker Heights take a walk along side Poly Prep Country Day School in Dyker Heights. It maintains a little pond with a surprising number of animals, scattered through out the property. There are rabbits, swans, ducks, geese, chickens, roosters and turtles.
The pond itself is private property, but many people come daily to feed the birds through the fence all year round. “It gives me a reason to get out,” says Victoria Cassini, a senior who lives nearby.
“My granddaughter loves to come with me and it’s something we like to share.” A major problem arises though; the regular feedings encourage the animals into too relaxed a state, often wandering out into 7th Ave. to be victims of traffic or picked off by raccoons.
“The school takes a lot of pride in it, and it’s something the community really seems to enjoy, but that causes it’s own share of problems,” said Carl Masstif a security guard at the school.
Another common problem, after Easter, when the novelty of the rabbits die off, people leave their pets at city parks, or places like Poly Prep.” It’s sorta notorious around here,” said Marie August, a receptionist at the school. “Over the course of a few weeks more and more spring up!” The school does not add additional security, but some around the campus express anger, “People make bad choices, but then choose not to deal with them,” said Ms. August.
While a walk down 7th Ave. can be enjoyable, often you will find some things are better left as they are found. Poly Prep moved to its location in 1916 from 99 Livingston Street where it had become one of the largest prep schools in the country. Notable alumni include Arthur Levitt Jr., the longest serving chairman of the S.E.C, and actress Bonnie Somerville.
The school today still adheres to the founding father’s pledge of excellence “in all those studies and attainments that can enlarge the understanding, develop the mental action, cultivate the mind, and beautify and adorn the intellect and the heart.” You can visit their website at polyprep.org

A school song below.
FAR DOWN ON THE HEIGHTS CALLED DYKER
Far down on the heights called Dyker,
Overlooking New York Bay,
Stands a school with a tall white tower,
Greeting ships that ply their way.
Her young, as they leave her portals
With visions of world-wide fame,
Carry with them the fight of Poly,
Where they learned to play the game.
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!
Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly! Poly!