By Matt Chaban 9/11/12 3:41pm

Greensward

5 Photos

Open Space, Now Transmitting in Greenpoint

At Transmitter Park Opening, New Commissioner Veronica White Prefers Ribbon Cutting to Information Sharing

Big, fluffy Bob Ross clouds hung over the Manhattan skyline yesterday afternoon, in full view from one of the best vantage points in the city to view them: Greenpoint’s new Transmitter Park. Almost perfectly parallel with the Empire State Building, the park provides an unparalleled panorama of Midtown and the rest of Manhattan.

Mayor Bloomberg and his Parks Commissioner Veronica White had crossed the river not only to take in the scene but also cut the ribbon on the 1.6-acre, $12 million project. It was Ms. White‘s first official public appearance after replacing Adrian Benepe, who had been in the job since 2001. It was her coming out, if a quiet one, with limited fanfare and few workers. Just another day on the job.

“Our administration has been revitalizing old infrastructure and recasting it in new ways that makes sense for New Yorkers today,” the mayor said proudly, pointing to the success of other projects like the High Line and Brooklyn Bridge Park as well.

But unlike those open space developments, heralded the world over, the waterfront of Williamsburg and Greenpoint has long languished. Read More

By Foster Kamer 6/11/12 7:26pm

fun in the sun

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Williamsburg’s McCarren Park Pool Debut: $150 a Ticket

Williamsburg’s McCarren Park once had a pool. The pool gained some notoriety when—after being drained and going unused for several years—it turned into a summertime concert venue (and a pretty popular one) for the last few years. And yet, its days as a concert venue are already over, however, as the city decided to recommission it back to its original use: As a North Brooklyn swimming destination.

And not just any North Brooklyn swimming destination, but one that might be the most anticipated pool opening of the summer, if such a category were to even exist in New York (such as this city’s shortage of great swimming spots is). But if you want to be one of the first ones in it, you’re gonna have to pony up. To the tune of $150.

Welcome, yet again, to the Nu-Williamsburg. Read More