Week in Review: Mandela Remembered, Lakeside Center to Open

Rep. Yvette Clark, Others Remember Nelson Mandela

Former South African president Nelson Mandela, a man who captured the world's attention for his stand against apartheid, died Thursday at 95.

Since the news broke an outpouring of sentiments have come from across the nation and will continue as Mandela is remembered. President Barack Obama, past presidents and politicians everywhere have shared their thoughts and memories of Mandela.

Local rep. Yvette Clarke called Mandela a world leader of the highest order. She was among the crowd of Brooklynites who met President Mandela upon his release from Robbin Island when he was celebrated and paraded on a visit to Brooklyn. 

Long-Awaited Lakeside Center to Open Before Christmas

It's been a long time in the making, but the highly anticipated Lakeside Center -- officially named Samuel J. and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside -- will open before Christmas.

The 26-acre, $74 million restoration and redesign of an underutilized section of Prospect Park will feature a year-round facility that includes two rinks for ice skating, roller skating and water play for each season. It will also offer a café, event space and restrooms year-round. 

Park Slope Bucks Trend as Brooklyn Piles on Chain Stores

It's getting harder to shop local every day in Brooklyn, according to a new report on the Center for an Urban Future. 

The report, picked up today by Brokelyn, among others, showed that growth of chain stores is happening faster in Brooklyn than any other part of the city. There are nearly 3 percent more chain stores in Brooklyn this year than there were last year, the most growth of any borough. Park Slope was different, however.

Park Slope Author Launching Paperback at PowerHouse on 8th

Park Slope author Kimberly McCreight is set to launch her new paperback 'Reconstructing Amelia' at POWERHOUSE on 8th in Park Slope Dec. 3.

The book, a literary mystery set in Park Slope, was published last Spring by Harper Collins and has made New York Times Bestseller list, is currently a finalist for Goodreads Mystery of the year and has even been optioned by HBO.

Police Investigating Armed Robbery at Park Slope Bodega

Police are investigating an armed robbery at Natural Plus on 4th Avenue in Park Slope at the end of October.

According to police, two men entered Natural Plus Deli at 77 4th Avenue on Oct. 25 at 1:30 a.m. armed with a gun and demanded money. The clerk cooperated and the suspects fled with an unkown amount of money and cigarettes. There were no injuries.