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A young woman strolls along the Cherry Walk wearing a red kimono with a blossom over one ear. Eagle photos by Andy Katz

Brooklyn Botanic Garden celebrates Japan's cherry blossom festival

People from all over the tristate area filled Brooklyn’s Botanic Garden to celebrate the first day of Sakura Matsuri, the traditional Japanese cherry blossom festival, now in its 35th year. … Full Article

Rob Buchanan, right, and Marcel Dejean, board members at Village Community Boathouse, are leading volunteers in building an authentic 14-foot wooden Whitehall rowboat in Brooklyn Bridge Park this month. All are welcome to join in.

Volunteers build 1890 Whitehall rowboat at Brooklyn Bridge Park

“If life becomes unlivable in Brooklyn, we plan to evacuate by water,” joked Rob Buchanan, one of the leaders of community boat building sessions taking place this month at Brooklyn Bridge Park. … Full Article

The building at left is 124 Columbia Heights, which the Jehovah's Witnesses have just sold. Photo courtesy of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses sell 124 Columbia Heights to Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola

GOOOOAL, Watchtower! The Jehovah's Witnesses have sold a Brooklyn Heights residential building situated on the Promenade, 124 Columbia Heights, for $105 million, city Finance Department records indicate. … Full Article

PHOTO: Cherry Blossom Festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

This aerial photo shows 107 Columbia Heights (center), which the Jehovah's Witnesses are selling, surrounded by other properties the Watchtower also has on the market. Photo courtesy of Jehovah's Witnesses

A closer look at 107 Columbia Heights, which the Jehovah's Witnesses are selling

These views are heavenly. Pardon the pun, but we felt compelled to use it. The building with these OMG-worthy vistas belongs to the Jehovah's Witnesses. … Full Article

OPINION: Don’t relocate Rikers inmates to Williamsburg

Opposition to a plan to relocate Rikers Island inmates to a corner of Williamsburg was swift. Even rumors of such a proposal stirred long-felt emotions in Greenpoint and Williamsburg. When city officials explored the former Brooklyn Union Gas Company location, the calls flooded in. … Full Article