Keith Lee to Host Food Festival at Industry City
Also: Bike lanes, elections, wind projects, green jobs, outdoor dining, the rent is too damn high and more!
There is no dedicated news coverage of Sunset Park — but Sunset Park makes news. This FREE weekly(ish) digest curates and summarizes all the headlines from all the news sources that touch our neighborhood, which is one of the most vibrant in Brooklyn.
Keith Lee to Host City’s Newest Food Festival at Industry City
EATER NY: The former MMA fighter-turned-TikTok restaurant critic who can make or break a place based on his rating meals he eats off his lap in his car, Keith Lee is headlining his own festival — this time in New York. Lee’s NYC Family Style Food Festival will include a diverse collection of over 40 restaurants, along with streetwear brands, and bands. The inaugural event starts at 1 p.m. in Sunset Park’s Industry City on Saturday, May 17. Tickets for the event are on sale starting at just over $40 for general admission. The participating restaurants will have food for sale as well as merch.
How Outdoor Dining Fees Impact Sunset Park Restaurants
STREETSBLOG NYC: A new Streetsblog report reveals that many small restaurants, including those in Sunset Park, are struggling with NYC’s updated outdoor dining fee structure. Sidewalk cafes can cost thousands annually, prompting fears of closures in immigrant-run businesses. Some Sunset Park owners are scaling back operations or calling for relief, arguing the fees punish those already hit hardest by the pandemic economy. “The cost is just an insane amount of pressure and the margins are very thin, and [the pandemic-era 12-month program] was a thing that eased it just a little bit,” said Sam Goetz, owner of Judy’s in Sunset Park.
Frankie Cosmos Announces New Album
PITCHFORK: Indie band Frankie Cosmos has announced their upcoming album “Different Talking,” releasing a new single and video. The band, known for its Brooklyn roots, continues to influence the local music scene. Of lead single “Vanity,” Greta Kline explained: “I started writing it one evening while I walked (~6.5 miles) from Tompkins Square Park to Sunset Park, speaking directly to the universe and pleading to be considered by it. It feels like it encompasses this push and pull between adult and kid, government and governed, planet and blade of grass.”
Rewilding Green-Wood Cemetery Brings Ecology to Life
BROOKLYN PAPER: Green-Wood Cemetery’s rewilding initiative is transforming the historic site in Sunset Park into a living ecosystem. Staff are replacing invasive plants with native species and restoring meadows to support pollinators and migratory birds. The effort connects ecological awareness with cultural memory, making Green-Wood both a resting ground and a vital green lung for Brooklyn.
Full Spring Program Unveiled at Green-Wood
BKREADER: Green-Wood Cemetery announced a full slate of spring events, including walking tours, birdwatching, live music, and poetry readings. These programs invite Sunset Park residents to explore the natural and cultural history of the area. Green-Wood’s dual role as cemetery and community park offers accessible, educational programming just steps from the neighborhood.
Avilés Faces Challenger in District 38 Race
BKREADER: Incumbent Council Member Alexa Avilés is seeking re-election in District 38, which includes Sunset Park. She faces a challenge from Ling Ye, a local business owner. Avilés emphasizes her record on affordable housing and community services, while Ye focuses on economic development and public safety. The race highlights differing visions for the district's future. Aviles is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and the City Council’s Progressive Caucus, while Ye, a political outsider, described herself as a “pragmatic,” or a candidate who is willing to find “common ground to get everybody working.”
Sunset Park Tenants Rally for Rent Freeze
BROWNSTONER: Residents of Sunset Park gathered to demand a rent freeze in response to rising housing costs. The rally, organized by local tenant associations, called on city officials to implement measures protecting low-income families from displacement. Protesters highlighted the impact of gentrification and urged for stronger tenant protections. “High rents, consistently, is one of the main issues we have faced,” Council Member Alexa Avilés said. “Seniors who can’t afford to stay in the neighborhood, people who are tripling up in rooms because they just cannot afford it. The rents just keep going up.”
Charges Dropped for Council Member Accused of Biting Officer
GOTHAMIST: Charges were dropped against a City Council Member accused of biting a police officer last year. Susan Zhuang, who represents the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Dyker Heights, Gravesend and Sunset Park, says she’s looking forward to working with the NYPD. “No matter what happens, for me, I always fight for the community,” she said.
Industry City Reaches 650 Businesses Milestone
BKREADER: Industry City in Sunset Park now hosts over 650 businesses, marking significant growth in the area's commercial sector. The development has become a hub for innovation, attracting companies across various industries. Supporters cite job creation and economic revitalization, while critics express concerns about affordability and community displacement.
DOT Lists Sunset Park as Signature Location for Car-Free Earth Day
BROOKLYN REPORTER: The Department of Transportation has designated Sunset Park as Brooklyn's signature location for its Car-Free Earth Day initiative on April 26. The event will feature street closures, community activities, and environmental education, promoting sustainable transportation and public space use. Local organizations are collaborating to ensure the event reflects the neighborhood's diversity.
Third Avenue Bike Lane Project Stalled
STREETSBLOG NYC: Plans for a protected bike lane on Third Avenue in Sunset Park have been delayed due to opposition from local businesses. Merchants express concerns about parking and delivery access, while cycling advocates argue the lane is essential for safety. The Department of Transportation is reviewing feedback to find a compromise. “It’s throwing their hands up and waiting for someone to be injured or killed,” Julio Peña said.
Interborough Express Project Gains Support
CITY & STATE NY: The proposed Interborough Express, which would connect Brooklyn and Queens, is receiving increased backing from transit advocates. The project aims to improve connectivity for underserved neighborhoods, including Sunset Park. Supporters urge expedited planning and funding to address transit inequities and reduce commute times.
Empire Wind Project Advances Despite Challenges
CANARY MEDIA: Construction of the Empire Wind offshore project continues, with components being assembled at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park. Despite political opposition, the project is seen as a key step in New York's renewable energy goals. Local officials highlight job creation and environmental benefits for the community.
Green Jobs in NYC Face Downturn
CITY LIMITS: A recent report indicates a decline in green job opportunities in New York City, raising concerns about the sustainability sector's growth. Factors include reduced investment and policy uncertainties. Advocates call for renewed focus on training and infrastructure projects, such as those in Sunset Park, to revitalize the green economy.
CALENDAR
Tuesday, April 22: Open Houses for Interborough Express in Borough Park
Saturday, April 26: Go Car-Free for Earth Day
Saturday, May 17: NYC Family Style Food Festival at Industry City
Ongoing at Green-Wood Cemetery & Industry City