IKEA PROJECT IN RED HOOK IS APPROVED

On July 12, Marty recommended the approval — with conditions — of the land-use application for a proposed IKEA store and retail development on a 22-acre site near the intersection of Beard, Halleck and Columbia Streets in Red Hook. Marty stipulated that the approved application include traffic improvements like safer intersections; a free shuttle service from the Smith-9th St. and Fourth Avenue subway stations; a traffic review one year after the IKEA store opens; and for the store to be innovative in providing day-care options for employees. The proposal includes an IKEA store, three additional buildings, a waterfront public esplanade and parking for 1,400 vehicles. IKEA and the adjoining retail buildings will facilitate the creation of over 600 jobs in Red Hook and are expected to attract other businesses to the community. “IKEA’s proposal is the best opportunity we have seen in ages to provide jobs and break the cycle of chronic unemployment that has plagued Red Hook for far too long,” said Marty. “IKEA has made great strides in working with the community to address traffic concerns, and the plan’s new esplanade will offer Brooklynites unprecedented access to Red Hook’s waterfront.” Marty’s recommendations are passed on to the City Planning Commission and then to the City Council for final approval.

CARTER G. WOODSON CHILDREN’S PARK BRIGHTENS UP BROWNSVILLE

On July 13, Marty joined New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Brooklyn Commissioner Julius Spiegel and local elected officials at the dedication ceremony for Carter G. Woodson Children’s Park in Brownsville. It is the largest children’s park built through a public-private partnership in New York City — between the Trust For Public Land’s City Spaces program and the Parks Department, with additional funding from the MetLife Foundation and the Charles Hayden Foundation. And kudos to Brownsville’s Stanley Kinard, executive director of the Carter G. Woodson Cultural Literacy Project, who led the 10-year battle to convert the abandoned lot into Children’s Park. The park was constructed with input and designs from fifth grade students at P.S. 150, which is located across the street from the park. “Today we celebrate another example of how Brooklyn knows the right way to create a brighter tomorrow — by improving the quality of our neighborhoods and our education system for young Brooklynites today,” said Marty.

BROOKLYN NAVY YARD PLANS EXPANSION

On July 14, Marty joined Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation President Eric Deutsch and City Councilmembers Letitia James and Albert Vann at a press conference to unveil a strategic plan for the Brooklyn Navy Yard. were also present at the conference. The plan calls for the creation of as much as 500,000 square feet of additional industrial space in the 300-acre industrial park’s western section. It will also include 70,000 square feet of retail space at Flushing Avenue and Navy Street. The plan is expected to create between 500 and 800 new jobs. “This plan will benefit Brooklynites of all income levels and all skill levels by encouraging manufacturing businesses to make their homes where they should be, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard,” said Marty.

CAKE MAN RAVEN’S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY — HOW SWEET IT IS

On July 18, Marty joined City Councilmember Letitia James in celebrating the fourth anniversary of the Cake Man Raven Confectionary on Fulton Street in Fort Greene. Marty proclaimed the day “Cake Man Raven Confectionary Fourth Anniversary Celebration Day in Brooklyn, USA.” “Whenever I pass by his bakery, I always stop in to see how the Cake Man is feeling.” The Confectionary is run by Raven Patrick De’Sean Dennis III, also known as Cake Man Raven, and is the official home of Red Velvet Cake in Brooklyn. In addition to his delicious baked goods, Cake Man Raven is renowned for his talent in creating uniquely shaped cakes. For Marty’s inauguration party in 2002, Cake Man Raven designed a replica of Brooklyn Borough Hall in Red Velvet Cake.

BERNARD KING BASKETBALL CAMP LAUNCHES AT PRATT INSTITUTE

On July 19, Marty joined former NBA All-Star Bernard King and retired NBA players Kenny Charles and Muggsy Bogues at the launch of Mr. King’s four-day basketball camp for Brooklyn boys and girls at Pratt Institute’s Athletic Recreation Center. Marty applauded the promising young campers on their tremendous athletic ability, calling them the “best of Brooklyn.” He also found camaraderie with Muggsy Bogues, the 5-foot-3 former point guard, who Marty said “gives even guys my height hope of reaching the NBA.” The Bernard King Basketball Summer Camp is sponsored by Forest City Ratner Companies, and is free to its campers, who are chosen by Brooklyn amateur athletic organizations. This year, 180 youngsters between the ages of 10 and 14 will participate.

BROOKLYN YOUNGSTER WOWS THE AUDIENCE AT MARTY’S WINGATE AND SEASIDE CONCERTS

On July 19, Tyrajah Legions, a 5-year-old Brooklynite, sang a beautiful rendition of “Tomorrow” from Annie at Marty’s 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. and Seaside Concert Series, at the performances by Stephanie Mills and Dionne Warwick, respectively. Marty met Tyrajah at the Magnolia Tree Earth Center Book and Reading fair at Herbert Von King Park on Sunday, July 18, and was so impressed by her vocal talent that he invited her to become a part of his concert series. “A star is born,” said Marty.

JAMES E. DAVIS MEMORIAL TREE DEDICATED AT BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN

On July 20, Marty joined family members, members of the New York City Council, Brooklyn Botanic Garden President Judith Zuk, and Prospect Park Alliance President Tupper Thomas at a dedication ceremony for the James E. Davis Memorial Tree in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where a “Liberty Oak” was planted as a symbol of strength. Marty joined others in remembering Councilmember Davis’ dedication to creating a better New York for all residents. City Councilman James E. Davis represented the 35th Council District.

PARK SLOPE ARMORY TO BE CONVERTED INTO COMMUNITY RECREATION AND EDUCATION CENTER

On July 22, Marty joined Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Gifford Miller, City Councilmember Bill DeBlasio and Take the Field Founder Richard Kahan in announcing plans to transform the Park Slope Armory (on 14th Street between 7th & 8th Avenue) into a multi-purpose athletic and recreational center. The transformation will be led by Take the Field, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing modern athletic facilities to New York City public school children, in collaboration with the Departments of Homeless Services and Education. Estimated at a cost of $16 million — Marty has allocated $2 million of those funds — the renovation is scheduled to last 2 years. “One of my top priorities as a State Senator representing Park Slope and now as Borough President has been to return this magnificent building to its rightful status as an asset to and a cornerstone of this community,” said Marty. “This is a dream come true for all in Park Slope and all of Brooklyn. And it takes away yet another excuse for those who need to exercise more often.”

MILTON SHULKIN AND DAVIDSON PIPESUPPLY TURN 100

2004 marks the 100th anniversary of both Milton Shulkin, and Davidson Pipe Supply of Sunset Park, which has been doing business in Brooklyn since 1904. Shulkin celebrates a century as a leader in the real-estate industry and a spirited volunteer, serving as a founder and member of the board of the The League School and a member of the Board of Visitors of the Kingsboro Psychiatric Center. Family-owned and –operated for four generations, Davidson Pipe Supply has grown into one of the largest pipe suppliers on the East Coast, manufacturing steel pipe, valves, fittings and piping accessories. Brooklyn salutes Milton and Davidson Pipe’s century-long dedication to calling our borough home!

BROOKLYN MOURNS

Reverend Valentine Sheppard was the valiant and trusted pastor of Hebron Baptist Church in Bedford-Stuyvesant for 21 years. He will be sorely missed.