Today’s Links: Solidarity and Visibility in Bay Ridge, A Castle Faces the Wrecking Ball in Sunset Park & More
Recent incidents with ICE—like the detention of Pablo the pizza delivery man—have been major causes for attention in Brooklyn and beyond. But as the immigration clampdown continues in the US, one Brooklyn community—and our local economy—could seriously feel the squeeze.
Remember when MMA star Conor McGregor threw a temper tantrum at Barclays (and threw a hand-cart through a bus window)? Following his arrest, he’s reached a plea deal with the Brooklyn DA’s office.
In other news from Brooklyn’s biggest venue—Barclay’s will join the ban on plastic straws, a first for New York arenas.
A month after the tragic hit-and-run death of Luz Gonzalez outside a Bushwick laundromat, mourners held a ceremony where she died—a tradition they’ll continue each month for a year.
The landmarked “Brooklyn Police Castle” in Sunset Park may be torn down to build a school, city records show.
Leif Ericson Park is an odd strip of land—check out this extensive history of the Bay Ridge park.
Nearby, politicians recently took a solidarity ride on the S53 from Bay Ridge to Staten Island after an Islamophobic rant went viral on social media. The New York City Commission on Human Rights also hosted a Day of Visibility in Bay Ridge, educating New Yorkers on how to protect themselves from discrimination.
Finally, some major debates between city and state legislators—speed cameras, plastic bags—have dominated headlines this year. But why can’t the city manage its own affairs? Check out this explainer on the reason the State Senate has so much sway in NYC.