The Day: Spike Lee, Atlantic Yards Impacts and Candle-lit Belly Dancing

Temperatures hovering between the teens and low 30s got locals bundling back up. (Photo by Francisco Daum)

Good morning, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

Director Spike Lee had choice words for gentrifiers in the nabe, the Brooklyn Paper reported, noting that with new residents comes unfair disruption of people and their culture. The speech, which happened at a Black History Month lecture on Feb. 25 for the Pratt Institute, can be found in its entirety on Soundcloud. The New York Daily News responded to the talk, saying Lee was a contributor to neighborhood gentrification by making movies about the borough.

Here’s more local news to start your day:

  • The traffic impact around the Barclays Center isn’t as bad as feared, according to the Atlantic Yards Report. The research, part of a post-opening traffic study, sites some delays at local intersections but notes limited adverse impacts. The New York City Department of Transportation plans to make minor changes to road striping and traffic signal timing to help alleviate any congestion.
  • In other Barclays Center news, the New York Daily News reported that 1,800 bass muffling ceiling panels have been installed at the arena. The change follows complaints filed by neighbors and $3,200 in noise violations. Arena officials are also considering changes to the roof, but did not share specific plans with the paper.
  • If the cold weather is keeping you shut in, you can get a start on your summer fitness routine with a candle-lit belly dancing class tonight at Move With Grace. Learn the moves that will make you seemingly float across the floor at this introductory belly dance class, happening at 8:45 p.m. at 469 Myrtle Avenue. Prices are $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Email elisabeth@shimmyglisten.com with any questions.