surprised, this morning...

that so many of my facebook friends whom I considered not to city politically savvy were happy about the House of Representatives primary in Queens, where the younger and more progressive (that is an understatement) candidate won. Really important, a message to more "establishement" Democrats that they can be beaten and that their centrist views are turning people off. I just wish some of those friends would also take an interest in what is happening in the city, as I have.

   Last night, my stomach was a little crazy and I was tired, but attended the Community Board meeting on Empire Boulevard, which dealt with the new real estate projects that one developer is trying to push on Franklin Avenue near the park. The developer has presented a plan that they feel does not create a shadow on the park, while members of the community spoke vehemently against the project. One wonders why anyone would join a group advocating for this, or represent this kind of developer. But of course, it happens all over the city, and especially now in Crown Heights south of Eastern Parkway. From what I saw, we are talking about a complete redevelopment of the neighborhood with housing that would bring in mostly affluent people into a primarily working class neighborhood.

 I arrived a bit late, and did not hear the developer's lawyer make the presentation; then stayed through the beginning of the total community board meeting (the first was just the land use) and saw the developer's lawyer again (in a mild mannered way) present the project. This was followed by two more proposals, at which point I felt extremely tired and my stomach was a bit weird as well. So I left, took the 4 to Atlantic, checked e-mail at the Apple store, then walked over to Fulton and sat in the coffee place across from the bookstore. Always like that place---feel comfortable there. Toyed with the idea of staying in Brooklyn for a movie ("First Reformed, which I have been promising myself to see for a long time) but was tired, just took the 2 back to the upper west side. 

  Today, another trip to Empire Boulevard, this time a little west of the school where the Board meeting was held. There will be a protest against a vicious landlord who is trying to get lower rental people out of his buildings on the Boulevard. That will be around 6:30, my plan is to get to Brooklyn early, maybe stop by the library and then head south to the apartment houses that are being picketed. After that, do hope to be in better shape then yesterday, maybe check out a new bar somewhere in the area, or whatever---will report tomorrow.