Owner Christine Guillen makes coffee at Barcey’s, newly opened at St. Nicholas and Stockholm. — Photos by Scarlett Lindeman

There are basically two options for drip coffee south of Flushing: bodega swill and Wyckoff Starr. Now, Barcey’s Coffee joins the short ranks for a place to go for a more nuanced cup. The newly opened corner shop offers Equal Exchange fair-trade, organic coffee in light and dark roasts, organic espresso drinks, and teas. Pastries from International Delights and bagels from Bagel Smith in Williamsburg, are delivered daily.

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Santo’s Party House: The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Montrose Avenue in East Williamsburg, where artists may rent low-cost studio space. — Photos by Aaron Short

The need for affordable rehearsal and studio space has been well-profiled in Brooklyn. Visual artists have transformed former warehouses and tax preparation storefronts into studios and exhibition spaces, performers have used parks and rooftops for theater and dance. Concert promoters have thrown shows in loft spaces, former hotels, Masonic Temples and just about anywhere else they can find that is both cheap and underground enough so as to not arouse the attention of prying neighbors and the NYPD.

Add churches to the list.

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Don’t let the impending snow bonanza keep you inside — there’s too much to do this week! Have a great one and then write a haiku about it.

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This will be my final column for BushwickBK. For context, read last week’s entry.

It’s worth noting that there is no real equivalent today to the intensity and mass participation that marked the engagement of the American citizenry against certain of its institutions from the mid-’60s to early ’70s. Part of this no doubt stems from time spent in cars and chat rooms rather than on foot and at dance halls, time spent with one’s fellows being a prerequisite to a fellow being likely to spend time in fighting the times. more »

The Castle Braid apartments at 114 Troutman Street went rental after the subprime mortgage crisis. — Photo by Jeremy Sapienza

The state has insured the mortgage on the Castle Braid apartments, a large residential development on Troutman Street between Evergreen and Central Avenues. The backing will enable the lenders to sell the debt to a New York City employee pension fund without the risk of possible default. This is allegedly so that the units, originally slated to be sold as condominiums for upwards of $300,000, can be offered as rentals.

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Kikiriki Live Poultry on Linden and Myrtle. — Photo by Scarlett Lindeman

Hold your breath. The warm smell of musty feathers and wet chicken feces that waft out of some local storefronts can be an assault to the senses. But for many Bushwick residents the stink is a minor nuisance to suffer for access to the freshest meat — from an animal they select.

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The gas mask stamped on the cover of most Code of Arms releases is a symbol of the dark, toxic bass contained within. The music, says DJ Soroka, "is so nasty it might kill you." Indeed, the dubstep Soroka produces — and that of the Code of Arms label where he’s manager and A&R — is filled with bass that rolls around like electric storm clouds carrying acid run and thunder clap drums.

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Well, guys, it’s still winter. There’s no denying it today, so we’re going to have to throw on hats and go for it. A couple of personal recommendations to brighten the day a bit: 1. check out 181.FM – Star 90s radio (also available via iTunes) 2. watch this video. Those two internet gems are making my office happy this week.

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The V may soon replace the M, giving Bushwick direct uptown service without the need for a connection. — Photo by Diego Cupolo

It’s not just low-income students affected by the MTA’s budget shortfalls. Some riders will have their commutes lengthened no matter what they can afford.

Last year reports of the Z train’s imminent cancellation had Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant residents wondering whether their rush-hour commutes would be lengthened by all-local service on the J. The J and Z “skip stop” on the same Broadway elevated track, allowing the J to run express from Myrtle Avenue to Marcy Avenue. Now it seems the MTA will spare the JMZ its budget-cutting wrath.

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Karin Persan in her soon-to-open shop, Better Than Jam, which will sell handmade fashion and accessories on Flushing Avenue. — Photo by Sarah Pappalardo

There’s a lot of handmade fashion in Bushwick. Now, there’s a new co-op boutique to sell it.

“I just want to help out my friends,” said Karin Persan, owner of Better Than Jam Handmade Co-Op, opening at The Loom on February 1st. With 13 designers of clothing, t-shirts, jewelry, and hats, Karin is using her sunny storefront space as a way to promote her friends’ work as well as her own designs.

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