After a Republican primary marred by voter fraud, the general-election race for an open City Council seat in Bay Ridge and Coney Island is competitive-and both candidates view it as an indicator of what the changing district's voters actually want. Kayla Santosuosso, a staffer to current Councilman Justin Brannan, is facing off against Republican businessman George Sarantopoulos to fill the seat being vacated by Brannan at the end of the year.
A burglar broke into 2 Brooklyn businesses. Police say the first incident happened on Sept. 21 at just before 10 p.m. The thief entered the building of a Planet Fitness on 86th Street on Bensonhurst through the roof. They stole $450 from the register and escaped back through the roof. Then a few hours later, at 1 a.m., they broke through the door of a business on 86th Street in Bay Ridge.
"Thanks to this renovation, John Paul Jones Park has gotten a full facelift, with brand new benches, fully redone paths and plaza paving, and even a new entrance," said Rodriguez-Rosa. " These improvements make 'Cannonball Park,' as it's known in the neighborhood, an even more inviting space for classic events like the Kings County Memorial Day Parade." "Best of all," she added, the agency was able to complete the project "far ahead of schedule."
A Bay Ridge resident is in critical condition after he was rescued from an apartment fire on Saturday. The blaze broke out just before 4 p.m. in a second-floor apartment at the corner of 91st Street and Third Avenue, according to the FDNY, trapping 89-year-old Richard Martin inside. Firefighters crawled through thick smoke and flames to find and rescue an unconscious Martin, who was reportedly treated on the scene before being rushed to Staten Island University Hospital.
"I have wanted to bring my dog to a blessing of the animals his entire life. I told him, 'I know you guys do a pantry for people here, but would you be interested in doing one about dogs, but for seniors?'"
Gerard Bell, co-owner of Skinflints, expressed gratitude towards his staff, saying, "I will always give credit to the staff, because I'm just one guy. I'm just a coach. They do everything."
The revamped Russell Pedersen Playground, dedicated to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Pedersen, features colorful interactive play structures, fitness equipment, swings, and a water play area.
"What's so appealing about Bay Ridge and Fifth Avenue especially is its diversity. It's a small town in a big city. Everyone knows each other, and that's why Bay Ridge is so special," BID Executive Director Elizabeth Lovejoy told the Eagle at last year's milestone festival.
"It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to watch your families grow, celebrate milestones with you, and share in so many meals, laughs and even tears," she wrote. "I've made friendships through Blue Door that I will forever cherish."
"Mary loved this community and the people in it, and she was fearless in demanding the best of the people who served it," said Brannan. "She earned the respect of so many and will be deeply missed."