Briefly Noted: L Train Work Begins, Two-Way Tolls On Verrazzano Proposed & More

The L train line at Bedford Avenue now has numerous signs telling commuters their options on taking the under-construction line to Manhattan, or getting a shuttle to the city. (Photo: Todd Maisel)

Commuting got off to a rocky start Friday evening with the long-anticipated L train tunnel repairs slowing down service to every 20 minutes. But commuting improved over the weekend, according to Gothamist, only to have mechanical problems and delays first thing Monday morning when service was supposed to return to a normal weekday schedule.
Local politicians are supporting two-way tolling on the Verrazzano Bridge to decrease congestion in southern Brooklyn and Staten Island. The proposal would split the current tolls in half—but charge drivers both ways. Back in March, Senator Andrew Gounardes proposed that Brooklyn residents—who make at least 10 trips a month across the Verrazzano-Narrows—receive the same $5.50/trip discount as drivers from Staten Island.
Yisroel Goldstein—the rabbi who continued his sermon despite being shot in the hand at his synagogue in San Diego on Saturday—has a Brooklyn connection. He grew up in the borough and his father helped establish the Chabad sect in Crown Heights, the New York Daily News reports.
Unsuspecting diners across the city are frustrated with restaurants slapping “sneaky” credit card fees onto their tabs. A law passed in January allows businesses to charge extra for credit card sales provided they clearly note the surcharge. Sal’s Pizzeria in Cobble Hill reportedly added a 7% credit card surcharge without any notice, according to the New York Post.
The New York State Association for Affordable Housing treated 1,000 affordable housing residents to screenings of Avengers: Endgame on Saturday. Movie-goers included families from Fort Greene’s Ingersoll Houses who got to catch the blockbuster at the United Artists Court Street Theatre. Participants also received $15 gift cards for concession treats.
A new rendering shows a rooftop pool atop 9 DeKalb, the planned 73-story, 1,066-foot-tall skyscraper. Developed by JDS Development Group and designed by SHoP Architects, the mixed-use tower being built adjacent to the landmarked Dime Savings Bank, will be Brooklyn’s tallest building once completed in 2021. The borough’s current tallest building, the 68-story Brooklyn Point, will also have a pool that’s being touted as ”the highest residential infinity pool in the Western Hemisphere.”
Mayor de Blasio was in Red Hook this weekend hobnobbing with the rich and famous at Pioneer Works’ annual fundraiser.