Kirstyn Brendlen
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Digital editor @brooklynpaper. Former fellow @Poynter. Formerly @RiverdalePress. Email me at kbrendlen@schnepsmedia.com.
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Articles by Kirstyn Brendlen
Brooklyn leads early voting surge in NYC, early returns appear promising for local Democrats
Brooklyn leads early voting surge in NYC, early returns appear promising for local Democrats Early voting turnout in New York City skyrocketed in the days preceding the Nov. 3 general election, and Brooklyn led the five boroughs in the number of voters.
Brooklyn leads early voting surge in NYC, early returns appear promising for local Democrats
Approximately 690,526 people across the city cast their ballots during nine days of early voting, according to Board of Elections data, a 60% increase in early voting turnout compared to the 2022 midterms. In Brooklyn, a whopping 219,536 people voted early, per BOE data. Manhattan followed with 188,434 voters, Queens at 162,914 and the Bronx and Staten Island trailing with 67,630 and 52,012 early voters, respectively.
2026 NYC Marathon: Brooklyn road closures, cheer zones, and more
The New York City Marathon is upon us again, and 60,000 runners are gearing up to dash through the Big Apple on Sunday, Nov. 1. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course — before that, the marathon was run entirely in Central Park — and while each borough is important, nearly half the race takes place right here in Brooklyn, between Bay Ridge and Greenpoint.
Empire Bins arrive in Brooklyn Heights as city’s ‘transformative’ trash containerization project continues
The future of trash containerization arrived in Brooklyn Heights on Thursday as Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city’s Department of Sanitation installed the nabe’s first on-street garbage bin. More than 700 of the Empire Bins will appear in Brooklyn Community District 2 in the coming months, including in Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Vinegar Hill, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.
Empire Bins arrive in Brooklyn Heights as city’s ‘transformative’ trash containerization project continues
Empire Bins arrive in Brooklyn Heights as city’s ‘transformative’ trash containerization project continues The future of trash containerization arrived in Brooklyn Heights on Thursday as Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the city’s Department of Sanitation installed the nabe’s first on-street garbage bin.
Candidates forge ahead in southern Brooklyn, despite Brooklyn Democratic Party drama
Candidates forge ahead in southern Brooklyn, despite Brooklyn Democratic Party drama For years, critics have slammed the Brooklyn Democratic Party for failing to support its own candidates in the rapidly-reddening southern part of the borough.
Candidates forge ahead in southern Brooklyn, despite Brooklyn Democratic Party drama
With a “Red Wave” looming in 2022, some politicos said the party wasn’t organizing phone banks or canvassing, or sending mailers on behalf of candidates facing stiff competition in critical races. That year, Republicans unseated three Democratic state Assembly members in districts that had been blue for decades.
Wet Hot West Nile Summer: Climate change brings more cases among NYC hawks and humans
Park rangers brought her to the Wild Bird Fund, where she was taken into the care of wildlife rehabilitator Rachel Frank and her team and named “Merlina.” Merlina and her family had already caused their fans a fair amount of anxiety. Her mom, Avalon, was treated at WBF for suspected rodenticide poisoning in May. A few weeks later, Frank headed out to examine one of Merlina’s siblings, who had opted to hang out on top of a parked car shortly after fledging the nest.
Exhibit Shows Objects Found Beneath Dumbo's Cobblestone Streets
by Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper The yearslong reconstruction of Dumbo’s historic streets dug up more than just cobblestones. Finished last year, the massive project added bike lanes, improved stormwater drainage, and created a new pedestrian plaza without jeopardizing the area’s historic appearance. Close Brooklyn in Your Inbox Stay up to date with more great news and articles like this one.
A Voting Guide for Brooklynites: Who, Where, and When
by Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper Voters are gearing up for the November 3 general election, and Brooklyn is home to some of the city’s most interesting races. Though most of the borough’s incumbents are safe in their seats — those most at risk were toppled by challengers from within their own party in the June primary — Democrats are trying to take back some of the borough’s Republican districts in southern Brooklyn.
There’s a light: ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ shadow cast is back at Industry City on Oct. 24
A “Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadow cast screening and celebration is back at bkONE Productions for one night only on Oct. 24. Actors — including Erech Holder-Hetmeyer as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Josh Piper as Brad and Annika Solomone as Janet — will perform alongside the film, and audience members are invited to bring along their props and all their favorite shout-backs.
EARLY VOTING GUIDE: The biggest races on NYC ballots in the Nov. 3 general election Original
Voters are gearing up for the Nov. 3 general election, and New York City is home to some of the city’s most interesting races. The governor’s race tops the ballot this year, as Democrat Kathy Hochul seeks a second full term in office; she’s running on a ticket with lieutenant governor candidate, former City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams of Queens.
‘Dumbo Before the Bridges’ offers a peek at nabe’s underground history
Finished last year, the massive project added bike lanes, improved stormwater drainage, and added a new pedestrian plaza without jeopardizing the nabe’s centuries-old aesthetic. And as crews pulled out 26 blocks of original cobblestone and granite, they discovered nearly 3,000 artifacts left behind by centuries of Dumbo residents. Ceramic vessels, shoes, buttons and bottles were carefully packed away by preservationists, along with remains like animal bones, teeth and shells.
‘Pigeons by the Seashore’ pays homage to the city’s feathered friends through art
Pigeons arrived in the U.S. back in the 1600s, brought over by European settlers who mostly used them for food. They carried critical messages across the front lines during the World Wars, and pigeon breeders lovingly tended to massive flocks in rooftop coops across New York City in the mid-20th century. Now, there are only a few coops left, but more than 1 million feral pigeons live wild across the five boroughs.
Brooklyn’s guide to the 2026 General Election: Where to vote, who’s on the ballot, and more
Though most of the borough’s incumbents are safe in their seats — those most at risk were toppled by challengers from within their own party in the June primary — Democrats are trying to take back some of the borough’s Republican districts in southern Brooklyn. Democrat Mike DeCillis is challenging incumbent Nicole Malliotakis in NY-11, the city’s only Republican congressional district. Elsewhere, Democrats are hoping to win back recently-flipped state Senate and Assembly seats.
East Flatbush scrapyard goes up in flames
Firefighters responded to a junkyard fire at 5811 Preston Court shortly after 10 p.m. on Oct. 12, per the FDNY, and were met with smoke and flames rising behind a tall metal wall. They were forced to cut through the wall to get into an adjacent lot, where they pulled in tower ladders to shoot water into the flaming junkyard. More than 140 firefighters fought the flames for nearly two hours, and finally managed to get it under control just before midnight.
Gowanus Open Studios celebrates 30 years with more than 500 artists, Oct. 17+19
In 1996, a small group of Gowanus artists decided to invite the public into their studios for a weekend. At the time, the nabe was heavily-industrial and sparsely-populated, but filled with artists who needed affordable space to work.
Gowanus Open Studios celebrates 30 years with more than 500 artists, Oct. 17+18
Search our comprehensive guide to things to do in Brooklyn for more local events — or submit your own! In 1996, a small group of Gowanus artists decided to invite the public into their studios for a weekend. At the time, the nabe was heavily-industrial and sparsely-populated, but filled with artists who needed affordable space to work.
Brooklyn Dems’ leadership battle hits new snag in court as parties battle over legal representation
The legal battle over who, exactly, is in charge of the Brooklyn Democratic Party cannot continue until a judge decides which lawyers are authorized to represent the party in court. Last week, Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Lisa Lewis declared that former party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn’s term ended on Sept. 23. For now, she ruled, the only person with county-wide authority is newly-elected county committee chair Nydia Velazquez.
Brooklyn Dems’ leadership battle hits new snag in court as parties battle over legal representation
Brooklyn Dems’ leadership battle hits new snag in court as parties battle over legal representation The legal battle over who, exactly, is in charge of the Brooklyn Democratic Party cannot continue until a judge decides which lawyers are authorized to represent the party in court.
Early-morning fire at Bushwick apartment building displaces 11 people
Brooklyn dispatchers began receiving calls about a fire at 987 Hancock St. shortly after midnight on Oct. 5, per the FDNY. Flames quickly spread to all four floors and the cockloft of the four-story building as well as two adjoining buildings, and firefighters called a second alarm at 1:17 a.m. Residents fled to the street with only the clothes on their backs, clutching their pets and children.
Brooklyn Dems claim to elect new chair, despite court orders
The Brooklyn Democratic Party on Monday claimed to have elected Assembly Member Nikki Lucas as the next party chair after a late-night vote that seemed to violate court orders and the party’s bylaws. Former party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn called a virtual meeting of the party’s executive committee on Sunday to elect new leadership. But only a handful of participants were elected District Leaders.
Brooklyn Dems claim to elect new chair, despite court orders
Former party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn called a virtual meeting of the party’s executive committee on Sunday to elect new leadership. But only a handful of participants were elected District Leaders. Most of the people who took part in the meeting — and cast their votes for Lucas — are not legally part of the executive committee, according to rulings from the state Supreme and Appellate courts.
Greenpoint's Box Street Park Moves Forward After Years in Limbo
by Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper After two decades of delays, construction is finally starting on Box Street Park, city officials announced Thursday. The 2.5 acre park was promised to replace an MTA parking lot on the Greenpoint waterfront as part of the 2005 Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning. As the neighborhood changed around it, the project was plagued by administrative setbacks, and the land is still fenced off and undeveloped.
City breaks ground on Box Street Park after two decades of delays
The 2.5 acre waterfront park was promised to replace an MTA parking lot as part of the 2005 Greenpoint-Williamsburg rezoning. As the neighborhood changed around it, the project was plagued by administrative setbacks, and the land is still fenced-off and undeveloped. “Today, we are finally making good on a promise that Greenpoint families have been waiting decades to see fulfilled: turning a parking lot into a park,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Crown Heights landlord will re-register rent stabilized units in settlement with Attorney General
James’ office sued John Anderson in June, accusing him of failing to comply with state law, overcharging and harassing tenants, and lying on government forms. All the while, city records show, the building in question — 1075 Dean St. — was falling into disrepair. The suit was part of the AG’s “de-facto rent stabilization” enforcement unit, which was launched in 2025. Under state law, buildings with six or more units constructed before 1974 are automatically rent-stabilized.
Appellate court tosses amended Brooklyn Democratic Party bylaws, upholding lower court ruling
The Brooklyn Democratic Party’s new rules must be tossed out, an appellate court ruled Tuesday, as it upheld a lower court decision that blocked the rules from taking effect. Facing almost certain defeat after party reformers won enough district leader seats to vote her out, incumbent party leader Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn on Aug. 25 passed a series of bylaw amendments that expanded the party’s executive committee, nullifying the new majority and likely ensuring her victory.
Appellate court tosses amended Brooklyn Democratic Party bylaws, upholding lower court ruling
Facing almost certain defeat after party reformers won enough district leader seats to vote her out, incumbent party leader Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn on Aug. 25 passed a series of bylaw amendments that expanded the party’s executive committee, nullifying the new majority and likely ensuring her victory.
Brooklyn Dems boss Bichotte Hermelyn to step down amid party power struggle
Brooklyn Dems boss Bichotte Hermelyn to step down amid party power struggle Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who has led the Brooklyn Democratic Party for the past six years, is stepping away from the helm amid a contentious battle for the party’s future, amNewYork and Brooklyn Paper have learned.
Brooklyn Democratic Party boss Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn stepping down from post
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, who has led the Brooklyn Democratic Party for the past six years, is stepping away from the helm amid a contentious battle for the party's future, amNewYork and Brooklyn Paper have learned. Bichotte Hermelyn stated the time had come "to pass the baton" and let a new leader continue to move the party forward.
MTA axes G train shutdowns planned for December after outcry from small businesses
The dreaded December G train shutdowns have been scrapped, to the relief of business owners and residents in North Brooklyn. Long-overdue repairs initially scheduled to stretch through the end of the year have been finished ahead of schedule, according to the MTA, and though the G still needs some work, it will run like normal during the busy holiday season.
NOR'EASTER: Approaching storm washes out weekend activities across NYC, including Global Citizens Festival
Organizers of the festival announced Friday it was canceling the event for the first time in 14 years. Anyone who purchased tickets to the festival will receive an automatic refund; anyone who made a donation to secure a ticket can also have it refunded, if they so choose.
Brooklyn festivals, parades postponed as nor’easter approaches New York City
The storm is tracking closer to New York City than had initially been predicted, and is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, with the worst impacts between Friday night and Saturday night. Around 2-3 inches of rain are predicted for New York City, per the National Weather Service, with wind gusts up to 50 mph. A travel advisory is in effect across the city starting Friday, Sept.
Brooklyn Dems’ chaotic organizational meeting leaves leadership question unanswered
It was the latest battle in a war over party leadership fought by sitting chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and a group of reformers aligned with New Kings Democrats. Reformers won a majority of district leader seats in the June primary election to oust Bichotte Hermelyn in favor of longtime district leader Julio Peña III. That vote was expected to take place at the organizational meeting.
Art Projection Brings Underwater Ecosystem to the Surface of Brooklyn Bridge
by Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper An immersive art installation will plunge the Brooklyn Bridge deep below the surface of the sea and into a critical marine ecosystem on September 25 and 26. Artist Anita Glesta’s piece “Aqua Cosmos: The Hudson Canyon,” an 18-minute “hybrid documentary” projection, will bathe the bridge with the sights and sounds of the canyon, as captured by artists and scientists over the last century.
Immersive installation ‘Aqua Cosmos: The Hudson Canyon’ brings marine life to the Brooklyn Bridge
Artist Anita Glesta’s piece “AQUA COSMOS: The Hudson Canyon,” an 18-minute “hybrid documentary” projection, will bathe the bridge with the sights and sounds of the canyon, as captured by artists and scientists over the last century. “I’ve spent much of my life exploring what lies beneath the surface — of memory, of the body, of the landscapes we live in,” Glesta said in a statement.
Artists Reflect One Year After Devastating Red Hook Fire
by Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper Exactly a year after a fire ruined Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition’s home in Red Hook, its artists are considering how the conflagration has changed their lives and their work as they prepare to close a difficult chapter.
Maimonides merger wins approval from state regulators as opponents vow to fight ‘unlawful takeover’
The Public Health and Health Planning Council voted in favor of the takeover, which would bring Maimonides — a private safety-net hospital — into the city’s public health system. The merger still requires court approval. If approved, NYCH+H would take over operations of Maimonides’ 711-bed hospital in Borough Park, along with Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital, the freestanding Maimonides emergency room in Bay Ridge, and 15 outpatient clinics, filings show.
School bus smashes into Crown Heights apartment building, displacing 26 people
The driver, a 65-year-old man, was headed westbound on Eastern Parkway at about 7:21 a.m. when he jumped the curb and smashed into the front of 869 Eastern Parkway, a four-story residential building at the corner of Albany Avenue, according to police. The crash appeared to have seriously damaged the building facade. Neighbors said it was a “miracle” that no one was seriously hurt.
‘We’re still together’: A year after fire, Red Hook artists look back at BWAC
“One Year Later: New Work, New Perspectives,” featuring the work of dozens of BWAC member artists, opens on Sept. 17 at The Whale in Sunset Park, along with a national juried exhibition titled “Exclaim!” On Sept. 17, 2025, a five-alarm fire broke out at the historic warehouse BWAC had inhabited for 35 years. The fire burned through the night, and by the following morning, it had destroyed dozens of small businesses and artists studios.
Judge blocks Brooklyn Democratic Party rule changes, party pledges to appeal
A judge tossed out Brooklyn Democratic Party chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn's party rule changes on Monday, declaring that the August vote approving the changes was "improper." Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jill Epstein said the rule changes - which would have added dozens of voting members to the party's executive committee, likely preserving Bichotte Hermelyn's position as chair - "must be declared a nullity." Bichotte Hermelyn, facing a near-certain after party reformers won enough...
Gowanus School Moves Kids Out of Basement Classrooms
by Kirstyn Brendlen, Brooklyn Paper Pre-K and kindergarten classes at P.S. 372 The Children’s School in Gowanus were temporarily moved out of the basement of the school’s annex building, where contaminants are lingering in the air even after a mitigation system was installed.
Amid air contamination concerns, P.S. 372 moves students out of basement classrooms
Students will be shifted to higher floors of the annex and into the main school building to grant state officials “more access” to the basement while they install a supplemental ventilation system, superintendent Dr. Keisha McCoy said in a Sept. 4 letter to parents and families. The move came after months of frustration and outrage from parents and community members.
Brooklyn Democratic Party, reformers battle over rule change in court
Brooklyn Democratic Party, reformers battle over rule change in court The Brooklyn Democratic Party and reformers brought their heated battle over party leadership to court on Tuesday.
Brooklyn Democratic Party, reformers battle over rule change in court
The Brooklyn Democratic Party and reformers brought their heated battle over party leadership to court on Tuesday. In a packed courtroom, Judge Jill Epstein heard arguments on controversial changes to party bylaws that would likely allow sitting chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn maintain control of the party. Bichotte Hermelyn's position had been at risk after district leaders aligned with reform group New Kings Democrats won a majority of District Leader seats in the June primary.
‘A spark of hope’: 25 years after 9/11, the Daffodil Project keeps blooming
Days after 9/11, when the city was still reeling, public garden designer Lynden Miller got a message from one of her longtime colleagues, Dutch floral supplier Hans van Waardenberg. “He said, ‘We’re so distressed in the Netherlands about what’s happened to New York. New York used to be New Amsterdam back in the 1600s, we so wish there was something we could do to help you,’” Miller recalled. Miller had an idea, and asked if van Waardenberg had any extra flower bulbs lying around.
Dancin’ in September: New York Transit Museum to celebrate 50 years with 70s disco dance party
A one-night-only fundraiser will turn the decommissioned subway station into a 70s-themed disco dance party with dancing, drinks and vinyl-only tunes on Sept. 26. Housed inside the defunct Court Street Station in Downtown Brooklyn, the museum was founded in 1976 as a temporary exhibit on the history of the city’s transportation system. A half-century later, the museum is still kicking and features a huge collection of photos, old train cars and equipment, artifacts and more.
Hearing on Brooklyn Democratic Party rule change delayed after party members arrive without legal counsel
Hearing on Brooklyn Democratic Party rule change delayed after party members arrive without legal counsel A court hearing on controversial rule changes within the Brooklyn Democratic Party was adjourned Wednesday to give three respondents more time to secure legal counsel.
Hearing on Brooklyn Democratic Party rule change delayed after party members arrive without legal counsel
A court hearing on controversial rule changes within the Brooklyn Democratic Party was adjourned Wednesday to give three respondents more time to secure legal counsel. Brooklyn Supreme Court justice Jill Epstein had been set to hear arguments in a case seeking to overturn a series of bylaw amendments proposed by sitting chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn in an apparent bid to maintain control of the party and in a last-minute, closed-door meeting last week. Three days after that meeting, on Aug.
Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps takes permanent ownership of longtime headquarters
New York City officially conveyed three plots of formerly city-owned land to the org this week, the culmination of years of work by local officials and BSVAC leaders. The transfer ensures BSVAC has a permanent home in Bed-Stuy and sets the stage for a long-planned expansion of its services and programs.
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