Tag Archives: Danielle Russell

Neighborhood Faces Query

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Danielle Russell

The sound of morning bells is music to Principal Margaret Lacey-Berman’s ears. Margaret Lacey-Berman has been the principal at Brooklyn High School of the Arts since 2008. She was a teacher and assistant principal at Fort Hamilton High School where she influenced their music program. She is also on the Francis School board of trustees. Lacey-Berman is involved with many foundations and causes. Lacey-Berman is also a public school parent and is committed to the arts because her son is a musician and personal actor.

Margaret Lacey-Berman would be the perfect candidate to interview because she has much experience in the teaching profession. Margaret Lacey-Berman is aware of all the issues going on in Prospect Heights and cares about the future generation.

My first question to Margaret Lacey-Berman would be, how do you feel about the Barclays Center being built? Other questions I would ask are; has it influenced children’s attendance at school. Has the new center given back to the community or schools. What are parents thoughts on the center? Does the Barclays Center make it difficult for staff and students to commute to school each morning? Has the center reached out to schools in the neighborhood? Do you think the Barclays center will make a good impact on the neighborhood? Has the Barclays Center done everything they said they would? Are there any issues going on in the neighborhood you feel needs to be addressed?

 

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Amanda Burden Profile Response

Posted on September 19, 2013 by Danielle Russell

Julie Satow wrote a fair profile of Amanda Burden. I feel like she introduced who she was, where she came from and gave us a little background history on Burden. Satow did not just jump into what Burden was doing with the New York City Project. First she mentioned her qualifications, her family background, and how she stumbled upon this task. Satow used percentages to show how much of New York Burden rezoned and was knowledgable about how many blocks were covered in her zoning plans. Satow was also aware of all the things Burden did in each neighborhood. 

I liked how Satow gave two sides to the story. At first, I thought she was only going to write about the positive things but I was pleasantly surprised. Satow broke down both perspectives first because otherwise it would seem she was attacking her. This way Satow seemed unbiased and more informative. 

I don’t feel Satow revealed her own point-of-view. I feel she did a lot of research, wrote facts and had many sources. Having a variety of sources backed up the points she was making. Satow spoke to people from community boards, tenants’ association, and the Regional Plan Association. I don’t think she left anyone out and depicted everyone’s point-of-view. 

To me it seems like Burden is the right person for the job. I must admit she had for a lot accomplished, especially with High Line park. Burden appears to be a no nonsense taking woman who is focused on getting things done. She seems to have everything planned out and is very meticulous when it comes to how she wants neighborhoods to look. I feel she has a vision to make the city a better place for the future. Burden is very passionate about what she does and hopes to achieve everything she has set out to do. 

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Prospect Heights

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Danielle Russell

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn is becoming the hip place to be. Although small, this neighborhood has been experiencing quite a buzz over night. Prospect Heights is known for its long rows of brownstones with tree-lined streets. An area that was once quiet is becoming packed with tourists, music lovers, and anyone looking for a good time.

I have been following the Barclays Center in the news since the start of it’s project. It has brought about community resistance from residents. Many who originally are from the area are not too pleased with it. There has been many lawsuits because of the demolition of residential buildings and businesses. The neighborhood has also experienced popularity since MTV held their Video Music Awards there, this past summer. Many celebrities are also coming to the Barclays Center, especially since rapper Jay-Z owns shares. West of the neighborhood is Brooklyn High School of the Arts, whish is the first academic arts school in Brooklyn. It would be interesting to see if the Barclays Center has given back to the schools in the neighborhood.

Many newcomers are flocking to this area to live. It is becoming crowded and more diverse. Younger people are moving into the area blending the well established with up comers.  New condos and lofts are being built in order to house people who are willing to pay top-dollar to live here. Prices are also going up in the area. According to the recent census houses are going for 1.6 million.  There are many small business owners, food truck drivers, and long time residents I can profile.

On Atlantic Avenue there are also small businesses, restaurants, and churches. I commute to Atlantic Terminal train station each morning, which has a whopping nine subway lines, and not to mention the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). There is also is the Atlantic Terminal Mall, which has many businesses like Target, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cold Stone Creamery, and they are even building a Uniqlo! As if the area was not already crowded, with the new arena traffic has gone from bad to worse. There are constant traffic jams, and it is a hassle to get around. Prospect Heights is a neighborhood that is flushing with new thing continuing to take place. There is a lot going on, with even more to discover.

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