Brookbit: Barrio

Barrio, the new Mexican restaurant opening in the space on Seventh Avenue most recently occupied by the defunct Tempo Presto, has put up pink and orange fabric bearing its name over its outdoor patio. (It was too dark for a photo when we passed by.) It looks like things will be ready just in time for the onset of nice weather.

Brookbit: Maggie Moo’s Will Be Dashing Diva

The signs are up. The former Maggie Moo’s space on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope–aka the Storefront of Death–is going to be a “high end” nail salon called Dashing Diva, the nail salon part of the equation having been scooped last week by OTBKB. Will it crash and burn like everything else to move into the space? Will nails end the Curse of Seventh Avenue? Have the ritual sacrifices to rid the place of spirits that doom any business to an 18-month lifespan worked? Stay tuned.

Brookbit: Markowitz Speaks on Spitzer

Borough President Marty Markowitz’s statement on the resignation of Gov. Eliot Spitzer: “In what can only be called a personal failure and tragedy, Governor Spitzer leaves office with great promise unfulfilled…I join all Brooklynites and New Yorkers in supporting our soon-to-be-Governor David Paterson. David and I served together in the Senate, and I have no doubt this Harlemite born in Brooklyn will prove to be a very effective Governor—by bringing people together, working with both Democrats and Republicans, and restoring people’s faith and trust in Albany.”–GL Inbox

Brookbit: Traffic Light

The city will be installing a new traffic light at Bond and State Streets in Boerum Hill to try to cut down on accidents. Some residents think it will make matters worse with cars speeding up to try to make lights (one person writes, “We should take a stand against all these lights…“), but others think it will make things safer. A light was installed at Hoyt and State Streets and cut accidents. The busy intersections only have stop signs.–GL Inbox

Brookbit: Signs of Spring

The ice skating season at the Wollman Rink is almost over. The last day for skating is just a week from today, on March 16. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Skate rentals are $6. Speaking of the eventual end of winter, pedal boating season on Prospect Park Lake begins on May 3. Info and hours on the Wollman Rink on the website. Seven more days!

Brookbit: Spring Forward

If you are reading this hear and it is coming as news to you, you’re probably running an hour late. Daylight Savings Time started at 2 AM, taking an hour of daylight from the early morning and moving it to the evening. As of last year, daylight savings runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November–except in Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas. We understand that Arizona needs to different, but why do the Northern Marianas object?

Brookbit: Brooklyn Indepent Television Celebration

BCAT, BRIC and Brooklyn Independent Television celebrated a second season of new programming with a reception and presentation last night at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Borough President Marty Markowitz spoke and three winners of the Reel Teen contest were announced. About 40 Brooklyn high school students submitted vids for the contest showing their visions and version of Brooklyn. The program featuring the teen vids is called “BK 4 Reel.” GL was there and the young participants were really proud and really happy. BCAT produces some great programming. Check them out.

Brookbit: Flood Watch

From the City’s Office of Emergency Management: “The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch beginning Tuesday, March 4, at midnight. The Flood Watch is expected to stay in effect until Wednesday afternoon, March 5. Rainfall totals may reach 2.5 inches in New York City, with localized flooding possible, and minor coastal flooding likely at high tide on Wednesday morning.”–GL Inbox

Brookbit: Action at Court Street Blockbuster?

Something was going on yesterday at the old Blockbuster location on Court Street in Carroll Gardens. Blogger PMFA photographed a contractor wearing a dust mask going in and out of the building. The building, however, is still listed for sale for $3.8 million and also for rent, presumably whichever comes first. Also, no building permits have been filed. There were early rumors of McDonald’s being interested in the space, but the mystery continues.

Brookbit: Bay Ridge Loses a Blog

We were sad to get an email overnight from the person behind the Right in Bay Ridge blog announcing that the blog is being suspended. The email said, “After much reflection and a shift in priorities, I have decided not to continue running the Right in Bay Ridge blog any longer…Should I be able to revitalize this blog later on, I will let you know.” Right in Bay Ridge was one of the strongest and most reliable blogs coming out of that neighborhood. It will be missed.–GL Inbox