Valentino Update, by George Fiala

A Facebook group calling themselves “People for Red Hook Public Parks” held a meeting last night at 351 Van Brunt Street, hosted, but not attended, by Victoria Hagman. It was self-described as a community meeting but a reporter for the Star-Revue was not allowed to sit and report on the goings-on. When asked why not, the answer was that the reporter “often gets his facts wrong.”

Sources tell us that about thirty people attended. The topic of discussion was the proposed comfort station at Valentino Pier park. This is a plan funded mostly by the City Council. At a recent community board meeting the plan was presented to the community at a meeting open to the press. Architects and the Brooklyn Parks Commissioner explained that  $1.7 million was allocated by outgoing City Councilwoman Sara Gonzalez for a comfort station. This was done before Sandy, and new FEMA rules raised the price by a half million. Pledges from both Councilman Menchaca and Borough President Eric Adams have been made to cover the extra costs of floodproofing.

This is approximately the same cost as the current renovation of Coffey Park.

At the CB 6 meeting, questions were raised about the price, size and placement of the proposed bathrooms.

Last night, according to sources, some people were advocating for a smaller projects, others for portable bathrooms, and still others for no bathrooms.

John McGettrick, who attended the meeting, and earlier had discussions with the current Councilman, urged the community to come up with a plan that will cost less, take up less space in the park, and not be obtrusive.

A well advertised meeting open to the full community is being planned by Councilman Menchaca’s office. It is tentatively planned for the second week in October, and will probably be at the Red Hook library. The Star-Revue will let readers know as soon as the date, time and place is finalized.