Category Archives: For New Visitors to Bricklyn

Articles that are especially helpful for new visitors to Bricklyn

Understanding Bricklyn’s Unique Weather Forecasts

October 19, 2025

by Gloria Vanderbrick, Bricklyn Eagle “People in the News” correspondent

“What’s the weather like today?” That’s the question asked by most Bricklynites every day. We dare say, it’s the same question most Outlanders also ask.

Bricklyn weather forecasters, however, have the unusual task of having to deal with two totally different “climate zones” — depending on which side of The Great Wall of Bricklyn you live on.

Here to explain the ins and outs of the tricky job of forecasting the weather in the Realm of Bricklyn is chief meteorologist Tiler Brickoski, who works for the Bricklyn Weather Service — and who many Bricklynites see almost every day on NewsChannel5.

*Tiler Brickoski on the air with NewsChannel 5 on a snowy day in Bricklyn Jct. .All photos in this article taken by Bricklyn Eagle photographer Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.*

There’s one more reason Tiler is with us, and that’s because he’s a past Brickardy winner– but more on that after we talk about just about everyone’s favorite topic here in Bricklyn, the weather. Welcome Tiler.

Tiler Brickoski: Thanks, Gloria. Glad to be here, and I have to tell you I enjoyed your interview of fellow Brickardy winner, Merry Days. Her Bricklyn Brick Spa is my go to place whenever I need a thorough cleansing!

Weather Patterns Inside & Outside The Great Wall

Gloria Vanderbrick: Good to have you with us. Let’s start with what probably puzzles most Outlanders, and even some Bricklynites: just why are there two distinct climate zones in such a small geographic area as the Realm Bricklyn?

Tiler Brickoski: It has little to due with geography, since all of the Realm is quite similar in terms of topography. But what does make a huge difference — and why we always have to issue two sets of forecasts — is because of The Great Wall of Bricklyn. Those living in portions of Bricklyn “inside” The Great Wall are subject to completely different weather than those living “outside” The Great Wall.

Gloria Vanderbrick; We’re inserting below a photo showing the difference. Bear in mind that the photo was taken on a snowy Winter day (February 14, 2024, 1pm EST). You can see The Great Wall cutting through the middle of the yards facing each other: nice weather on the west side of The Wall, snow on the east side.

Same time, same February day: two sides of the same block in Bricklyn's Eastside neighborhood looking west towards Bricklyn Bay. Photo by Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI. — *Same time, same February day: two sides of the same block in Bricklyn’s Eastside neighborhood looking west towards Bricklyn Bay. Photo by Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.*

Tiler Brickoski: Yes, it’s a strange phenomenon, which can be especially disorienting in Winter when it’s almost always temperate inside The Great Wall, but cold and snowy outside the Wall — even though the Wall is only about six feet wide.

The Great Wall does not in any significant way affect the ability of Bricklynites to easily go back and forth between either side of The Wall. It can be fun to walk, in just a couple of minutes, from a snowy to a sunny day, or vice-versa. Kids of all ages enjoy that!

I should add that it can be confusing for Outlanders to understand the difference between “outside” or “inside” the Wall. But it’s actually simple:

“Outside The Great Wall” refers to those areas that cannot be seen by humans (other than in photos) since The Great Wall hides them from human sight, but leaves these parts of the Realm of Bricklyn subject to Vermont’s highly variable, seasonal weather.

*Boys heading from house inside the Great Wall on a December morning to do some cross-country skiing a few blocks away in part of Bricklyn that is outside the Great Wall.*

“Inside The Great Wall” refers to those parts of the Realm of Bricklyn that humans, that is to say Outlanders, can visit and see.

Those areas inside the Wall are all located in an enclave within an Outlander’s basement. As a result of this protective bubble, It never snows or rains in those parts of Bricklyn inside the Great Wall.

Photos above show two tunnels through The Great Wall, in both cases the view is from the downtown Bricklyn “inside the Wall” side. The other end of the tunnels is in Bricklyn Junction on the “outside the Wall” side. Photos by Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.

Gloria Vanderbrick: So what difference does that mean in terms of weather if you live inside or outside the Wall?

Tiler Brickoski: Well, generally speaking, weather outside The Great Wall is the same as the weather outdoors in Burlington, Vermont, while weather inside The Great Wall is the same as what it’s like inside the Outlander’s basement.

But here’s the problem: the weather inside The Great Wall — and this includes all of Bricklyn’s downtown core and part of South Bricklyn — is subject to the “whims” of that “unknown” Outlander who owns and controls the basement in which a large portion of the Realm of Bricklyn is located.📍

📍Editor’s Note: The 1981 establishment agreement between the State of Vermont and the Realm of Bricklyn formally recognized the Realm of Bricklyn’s existence as a quarter-acre enclave within the State of Vermont, The specific location, as well as the name of the homeowner who has provided the enclave cannot be disclosed without the express written consent of the homeowner. There are steep penalties for unauthorized disclosure, including banishment from Bricklyn.

Gloria Vanderbrick: Why did you says “whims,” Tiler? Isn’t the climate in those parts of Bricklyn inside The Wall generally temperate and consistent year round?

Tiler Brickoski: Maybe the word “whim” wasn’t the right word to choose — and I’m glad you included the word “generally.” Indeed most of the time temperatures in areas located inside The Wall are consistently in the 62 to 65 degree F. range. These temperatures are maintained by the Outland homeowner’s furnace and air conditioning unit as well as the fact that the basement is partially sunk into the ground.

*Portions of South Bricklyn are located inside an Outlander’s basement. Various elements of the basement’s heating and cooling systems create forecasting challenges for Bricklyn meteorologists.*

However, there is some variability, especially when this Outlander is on vacation and significantly lowers the temperature inside the house — perhaps to save money, perhaps to believe his action helps fight global warming. This can cause a quite noticeable drop in downtown Bricklyn’s temperature of about six to eight degrees. Bricklyn meteorologists refer to these times as the “They’re Away Days.” Again, it’s hard to forecast since we at the Bricklyn Weather Service are not privy to the Outlanders vacation schedule. That’s one weather mystery!

Gloria Vanderbrick: Tiler, are there any other aspects of the weather in those parts of Bricklyn that are inside The Wall that are, shall we say, “Outlander dependent”?

*Tiler Brickoski is certified accurate by the Bricklyn Meteorological Society (BMS).*

Tiler Brickoski: Yes, in fact there are. They relate to both wind speed and wind direction.

First of all, easterly winds flow out of vents near the basement ceiling.

They generate warm breezes during Winter when the Outlander’s furnace is active, and cool breezes during Summer when the Outlander’s air conditioner is running.

There’s one further complication, and that has to do with the Outlander’s portable fan.

Gloria Vanderbrick: How does that fan complicate your forecasting?

Tiler Brickoski: The fan’s unpredictable usage, location, and speed can be quite baffling to our meteorologists. Frankly, we don’t understand why the Outland homeowner periodically shifts the location of this fan, and also why he sometimes goes days without running the fan, and then days when the fan is always on.

Further complicating our forecasting ability, the homeowner seems to randomly change the fan’s “rotation” setting. This means that while sometimes the fan-generated wind blows steadily in just one direction, other times it moves in a broad, semi-circular constantly repeating pattern. Bricklyn meteorologists refer to these winds blowing in continuously changing directions as the “Circular Variables.”

As if all this weren’t enough, this fan also generates three different wind speeds, which are not set in any pattern we can discern. As I said, it’s baffling. We’ve asked our liaison to the Outland world to look into this and speak with the homeowner, but we’ve been told to “not rock the boat.”

Gloria Vanderbrick: I can see how all this can make forecasting difficult. I also know that you closely monitor the weather in Burlington, Vermont. Can’t Bricklyn just rely on the human meteorologists in Burlington, like the eminent Tyler Jankoski, for forecasts affecting those portions of Bricklyn outside The Great Wall? After all, the weather there should be about the same as in Burlington.

Tiler Brickoski, meteorologist for the Bricklyn Weather Service — *Tiler Brickoski at Bricklyn Weather Service offices in Bricklyn Jct., Vermont.*

Tiler Brickoski: Yes, we could. But then six of us, including me, might be out of our jobs!

But truly, Gloria, we at the Bricklyn Weather Service have always felt it important for Bricklyn to be able to take care of its own forecasting needs. Given some of the concerns about possible changes in the relationship between Bricklyn and Vermont — the latter being part of the United States — I think being self-reliant remains a good practice.

Brickardy Advice from Brickoski

Gloria Vanderbrick: In our last few minutes I’d like to switch gears and ask you about another aspect of your life, that involving the game show Brickardy. You’ve been a past contestant and a six game winner on Brickardy. What got you interested in that show?

Set of the LEGO Bricklyn game show, Brickardy — *Part of the set of Brickardy. A much younger Tiler Brickoski is seen in the middle.*

Tiler Brickoski: Like Merry Gay — and, yes, I read your interview of her — I started watching Brickardy as a kid. I even used to go over to The Excchange LIbrary and use their VPN to watch games of the Outland show it’s based on, Jeopardy.

I guess you’d call me a nerd, especially in my teens. I also preferred science to sports, which is how I got addicted to learning about weather. So delving into aspects of weather and climate led me to want to learn a lot about many other subjects, especially in the sciences. Brickardy just seemed to tie together all kinds of knowledge.

Gloria Vanderbrick: As I asked Merry Days last week, let me ask you: if you had to give one tip to someone who wants to be a Brickardy winner, what would that be?

Tiler Brickoski: I saw Merry’s advice was to make better use of the buzzer. That’s certainly a good tip. But for me what’s most important is having prepared a game strategy. This means things like selecting categories wisely, understanding how Daily Doubles work, and making smart wagers on Final Brickardy.

Gloria Vanderbrick: Tiler, thanks for taking the time to speak with us, and see you on NewChannel5.

Tiler Brickoski: Thank you, Gloria.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: Thanks for the interview of my favorite TV weather person. Tiler Brickoski is just great, and is such a smart guy. I love the segments he sometimes does on “weather mysteries.” I also wasn’t aware there are so many different factors involving wind speed and direction in Bricklyn. It is a strange sensation to walk down South Street during those “circular variable” winds when they’re continuously changing direction. — Melissa Plater Grant, Bricklyn, VT.

*The day it rained frogs in South Bricklyn (June 15, 1983). Photo from The Bricklyn Eagle archives, taken with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.*

To the Editor: I’m a junior at Bricklyn University, where I’m majoring in physics, with a minor in meteorology. I remember a number of years ago when I was in 4th grade, Mr. Brickoski came to our class and gave a terrific talk about strange weather events in Bricklyn’s history, like the time it actually rained frogs. Yes, it really can rain frogs! It was a lot of fun, and helped trigger my interest in meteorology.

But I also remember asking Mr. Brickoski why he was talking about the weather, instead of about meteors! He explained that the word “meteorology” comes from the Greek word “meteoron” which means “things high in the air” — and that includes the weather. — Moses B. Strong, South Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: I think that you could have edited the interview better. At times it was hard to follow. My guess is that most Outland readers will be lost with all the” inside the wall” and “outside the wall” references. They cloud up the article. You should tell your readers to at least read the glossary entry about the Great Wall first, or read where Bricklyn’s chief historian gives a good summary of the Great Wall’s history. Editor Walt Brickman, you could have done better! — Wayne S., Vermont

The Bricklyn Brick Spa: A Cleansing Journey

October 12, 2025

by Gloria Vanderbrick, Bricklyn Eagle People in the News Correspondent

Introductory note from Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman:

As we promised you, our highly capable People in the News correspondent Gloria Vanderbrick is interviewing nine past Brickardy contestants. They’re a cross-section of Bricklyn residents with a wide range of occupations, not celebrities like Federal Council President Hilma Plater Zybrick, or Dunk Them Donuts mogul Dave Tiler Broffman. Our aim in this is to give you, our Outland readers, a better feel for daily life in Bricklyn.

Today, we’re publishing the first of Vanderbrick’s nine interviews. Her conversation is with Meredith B. Days, manager of the Bricklyn Brick Spa.

**On Peach Street in downtown Bricklyn Jct.**

Meredith B. Days brushing a client with a specially designed circular motion hand brush. All photos in this article taken by Eagle photographer Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.

By an interesting coincidence, we recently reported on “Clean Day Bricklyn.” Just as Bricklyn’s streets and buildings periodically need to be cleaned washed and scrubbed, so too do the LEGO people who live here.

The Bricklyn Eagle Interviews Spa Manager & Former Brickardy Champ, Merry B. Days

Gloria Vanderbrick for The Bricklyn Eagle: Hi, Meredith. We’re glad to speak with you as both a past Brickardy champion, and as one the people in our Realm whose job is to keep Bricklynites sparkling clean.

Merry Days: Thanks, Gloria. I always love reading your columns for The Eagle. But please call me Merry Days. Not everyone is going to realize who I am if you use the name “Meredith.”

Gloria Vanderbrick: No problem. Well, let’s start by talking about your job, which is really quite fascinating. Then we can end with a couple of questions about your being on Brickardy.

Steps in the Cleaning Process at the Bricklyn Brick Spa

Gloria Vanderbrick: Let’s turn to your job. As everyone in Bricklyn knows, getting cleaned regularly is key to good health, as well as to looking attractive. A large number of Bricklynites now go to cleaning spas, such as yours, instead of trying to thoroughly clean themselves at home.

Can you tell us what the steps in the spa cleaning process are, especially for our Outland readers who aren’t as familiar with what Bricklyn spa workers do?

1. The Hot Tub

Hot tub in the Briccklyn Brick Spa — All photos in this article were taken by Bricklyn Eagle photographer Ann Tiler Anderson, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI. All LEGO individuals shown in this and other photos in this article have given us permission to use thåe photo(s).

Merry Days. Of course, Gloria. First of all, and I think most importantly, is creating a relaxing environment for our clients.

That’s why the first step on entering the Brick Spa is spending several minutes in one of our hot tubs. It’s a great way to unwind, especially for our many clients who come to the Brick Spa directly from work.

Gloria Vanderbrick: I could use one of those hot tubs right now! What’s next in your cleaning process?

2. The Sauna Room

LEGO Bricklynite enjoying radiant heat of Bricklyn Brick Spa' sauna room.

Merry Days: Sometimes it’s a bit hard to move our clients out of the hot tub! But everyone loves the next stop, our sauna room. We use radiant heat. Usually clients stay here for just five minutes or so.

Again one of the main goals is relaxation, but the radiant heat also provides benefits such as improved circulation and relief from body aches — and, yes, LEGO people can have aches and pains!

3. The Scrubbing Room

After the sauna room, our clients head over to our scrubbing room. We use either a long flat brush or a circular motion brush. [See the photo of a circular brush near the start of this article]. Scrub brushing by hand is key to making sure all the dust and fine particles are removed from our clients’ bodies. In that photo below I’m in one of our scrubbing rooms with a client.

As an aside, I assume all your readers know that Bricklyn is located in an Outlander’s basement. Even though this Outlander — whose name I don’t know — does occasionally clean his basement, it’s not very thoroughly done. That’s one reason why Bricklynites need to take their own cleaning seriously. I strongly recommend that Bricklynites stop by a spa — whether ours or someone else’s — at least every other month. It’s really essential for good health and hygiene.

Gloria Vanderbrick: Thanks, Merry, for that suggestion. Full disclosure: I’ve been to your spa a number of times for cleanings, so I’m quite sure there are two more rooms left, right?

4. The Paint Coloring Room

Merry B. Days: That’s right, Gloria. The fourth step in the spa cleaning process is the magic of the paint coloring room.

Two Bricklyn stylists at work in the Brick Spa. — **Stylists at work in the Bricklyn Brick Spa**

**Stylists at work in the Bricklyn Brick Spa**

This is where our clients’ clothing and body colors get touched up. For an extra fee, they can get the color or style of their hair, or the patterns of their clothing, changed.

A growing number of Bricklynites have been asking for changes, sometimes making one or two changes each time they’re here! You know, some now like a change for every season.

Sometimes Bricklynites will splurge on new attire, or a change in hair style, for their birthday or anniversary, or even for their child’s high school prom or graduation.

**Before on the lieft; after on the right. of each image.**

Two very similar looking Lego boys, but one has purple attire on. — **Before on the lieft; after on the right. of each image.**

Sometimes even the lyrics of a song can influence someone to want to change the color of their clothes. This was the case for an 18 year old young man who, after hearing this song, wanted to start wearing purple. With our equipment, repainting to a purple outfit (with some touches of white and blue) only took about ten minutes — and not a bad result I’d say!

Our stylists can offer suggestions, and — using our proprietary computer program — show our clients how changes they’re considering will look.

I should note that Brickcare insurance currently will cover the cost of modifications made during just one spa visit per year, so multiple modifications can get costly. I also need to add, for those who don’t know, that Bricklyn law prohibits spas from making any facial or skin color changes. This law has been challenged, but I’m not a lawyer and can’t really speak to that.

We use a special paint removal and application process to remove the old colors and then paint on the new colors. [See photo above]. As with our roller, the equipment we use was developed in coordination with LEGO master technicians.

Our stylists will then add, by hand, final touches to achieve just the final look the customer was hoping for.

*A spa stylist using the newest variable pitch hair styling brush.*

As you can imagine, paint coloring is often the most time-consuming part of the spa cleaning process. It also calls for skilled stylists.

We require all our stylists to have a certificate from the Bricklyn Health Department attesting to successful completion of BHD’s three month course in LEGO hair and clothing styles, and demonstrate complete knowledge of the LEGO color palette.

Our spa also has an additional three month apprenticeship requirement, during which our new stylists work under the direct supervision of a senior member of our team.

I should also point out that any Bricklynite 16 years of age or younger requires parental permission for a change of attire or hair style. We know that many young people find the age limit repressive or stifling of their identity, but that’s what the law requires. Our spa is also licensed by the Realm of Bricklyn to print out new identification cards for anyone changing their attire or the color or style of their hair.

5. The Polishing Room

Gloria Vanderbrick: We’re nearing the end of our tour.

Merry Days: Yes, Gloria. After having finished in the paint coloring room, our clients head over to their last stop, our polishing room. They lie down on an adjustable platform next to a large, but soft, specially designed spinning roller.

The roller is then lifted off its base and slowly moved over all of the body. It truly bring out the sheen in each Bricklynite’s plastic.

I do want to add that the roller we use has been developed by LEGO to ensure just the right amount of firmness, as we don’t want to mar our plastic-based bodies.

So that’s an overview of what we do at the Bricklyn Brick Spa. I should add that while I’ve worked at all stages of the cleaning process, I’m now one of the spa’s managers. I usually oversee our staff; work on training; and fill in when someone is out sick.

Bricklynite at Bricklyn public library looking at volume of the Bricklyn Encyclopedia.

After Hours:

Gloria Vanderbrick: What do you like to do after work? Can i guess it has something to do with Brickardy?

Merry B. Days: You got it. When I’m done work I often head over to the public library and pull out a volume of the Bricklyn Encyclopedia to learn more about different aspects of Bricklyn, from literature to music, from geography to history.

Gloria Vanderbrick: What first got you interested in Brickardy?

Merry Days: When I was growing up, just about every evening my parents, and me and my older brother watched Brickardy. My brother used to get mad when I got more answers right than he did. From the start. Brickardy is great for people like me who love all sorts of topics — and there sure are plenty in the Bricklyn Encyclopedia!

Gloria Vanderbrick: If you had to give one tip to someone who wants to be a Brickardy winner, what would that be?

Merry Days: For me, it’s knowing when to buzz in. If you buzz before host Zen Brickthings finishes reading the clue, you’ll be locked out of buzzing again for a brief period. You need to be quick, but if you aren’t very sure of your answer, it’s better to hold off and let the other contestants buzz in first. A wrong answer can be costly, as it was on my final Brickardy appearance!

Gloria Vanderbrick: Thanks so much for the tour, Merry. But before I leave, I’d like to book my next appointment!

A smiling (and why not?) Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman seen inside a one-person hot tub at the Bricklyn Brick Spa. Photo by Merry B. Days, with assistance from Dall E-3 AI. ✥

We welcome Letters to the Editor. How do your own experiences at spas compare to those described in Vanderbrick’s interview? Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: The Pastries by Patsy team has arranged for reciprocal discounts with the Bricklyn Brick Spa. In fact, Pastries by Patsy has recently expanded its product line to include freshly made vegetable juices, rich in electrolytes, which are essential when using the infrared sauna. Look forward to seeing Bricklynites at our café for some pre- or post- spa beverages. — Patsy Brickerson, Bricklyn, VT.

Venice in Bricklyn: The New Canal District Takes Shape

A LEGO replica of a Venetian-style building with gondolas on a canal, featuring minifigure characters in traditional attire. — Illustration provided by Bricklyn Planning Department, prepared with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

Sept. 10, 2025

by Paul B. Macro, Business Reporter for The Bricklyn Eagle

Bricklyn’s long planned Canal District — referred to by the moniker “Venice in Bricklyn” — is bearing its first fruits with the completion of several Venetian-style palazzi and case alongside a newly constructed canal.

Bricklyn Planning Director Tim Brickedy describes Venice in Bricklyn as “a vision to bring a beautiful part of the world to Bricklyn, while making use of a large former industrial site that, just a few years ago, was being considered for locating a nuclear power plant. … We’re gratified that Phase 1 of the redevelopment project is now underway.”

A LEGO model of two Venetian-style buildings with a small bridge in front, showcasing intricate architectural details and minifigures, representing the Canal District in Bricklyn. — A model of a possible palazzo (on right) and smaller casa (on left) for Venice in Bricklyn. Photo by Tim Brickedy, Bricklyn Planning Department. See Bricklink Venetian Houses.

Brickedy, along with Bricklyn architect Moshi Saftbrick and donut mogul David Tiler Broffman, made the long trek to Venice, Italy, four years ago to learn about Venetian architecture and building techniques, and to evaluate whether a slice of Venice could be replicated in Bricklyn.

A LEGO figure with a mustache and beard holds a decorated donut while examining blueprints on a table. — Moshi Saftbrick

Bricklyn Planning Director Tim Brickedy by Zoning notice sign. — Moshi Saftbrick

Nighttime view of Venice's canals featuring historic buildings lit up, with a purple water taxi navigating the water. — **Palazzi and smaller case line Venice’s Grand Canal. Photos by Wayne Senville.**

View of Venetian-style buildings along a canal, with gondolas docked in the foreground. — **Palazzi and smaller case line Venice’s Grand Canal. Photos by Wayne Senville.**

According to Saftbrick, “the idea was never to copy brick-for-brick Venetian buildings, but to learn whether it might be possible to re-interpret Venice’s styles — which were obviously built at human scale — for our LEGO-scaled Realm.” Saftbrick added that, “it was critical that the design appeal to Bricklyn homebuyers, while at the same time enhancing the community as a whole.”

Architectural illustration of a Venetian-style building with intricate details, positioned by a canal, featuring arched windows and a stepped entrance. — **Schematic of one of the planned palazzi provided by Moshi Saftbrick;**
**with assistance from Dall E-3 AI.**

A detailed LEGO model depicting a picturesque Venetian-style building alongside a canal, featuring colorful balconies, street lamps, and figures recreating daily life in a vibrant, urban setting. — **Models of two of the proposed Venetian-style case above; a palazzo on the right. From Moshi Saftbrick, & Dall E-3 AI.**

A detailed LEGO model of a Venetian-style building alongside a canal, featuring minifigures, lamps, and a gondola. — **Models of two of the proposed Venetian-style case above; a palazzo on the right. From Moshi Saftbrick, & Dall E-3 AI.**

Broffman, who was the erstwhile developer of the unbuilt Dunk Them Donuts tower, noted that, “Moshi and I learned some hard lessons from that project. It made us realize even more than we had previously the importance of working closely with citizen groups and elected officials to have development that reflects peoples’ desires and values. While our new Canal Estates palazzi and case have modern conveniences and contemporary interior features, we wanted to create a harmonious streetscape — or should I say, ‘canal-scape’ — something that the entire community will be proud of.

A detailed map of the Canal District in Bricklyn, featuring colorful sections and waterways, highlighting the layout of the planned Venetian-style neighborhoods. — Map from Bricklyn Plan for Canal District. Prepared by the Bricklyn Planning Department, with assistance of Dall E-3 AI.

Planner Brickedy noted that the canals and bordering walkways would be open to the public and integrated into the existing bike and pedestrian network.

As Brickedy added, “Our Canal District plan and accompanying zoning ensures all development in Venice in Bricklyn will be accessible to the public, and not result in any restricted enclaves.”

Brickedy also noted that “the Federal Council incorporated inclusionary provisions in the Canal District Plan and accompany zoning regulations that will provide for a significant amount of affordable housing which will be integrated into the new Bricklyn in Venice neighborhood.”

A scenic view of a canal in Venice, Italy, showcasing Venetian-style buildings with colorful facades, a boat docked along the canal, and a bell tower in the background under a clear blue sky. — Houses along the Rio di Sant’ Agostino in Venice’s Castello district. While many large palazzi line the Grand Canal, smaller residences (case) border the city’s many smaller waterways. Photo by Wayne Senville.

Brickedy observed that “while much of the focus has understandably been on the beautiful residences being planned, it’s important to realize that Venice in Bricklyn will also include commercial and office space, as well as several campi providing valued open space with areas for children to play and adults to sit and chat with their neighbors.”

A lively square in Venice, featuring people relaxing near trees, a central fountain, and charming Venetian architecture in the background. — Campo Bandiera e Moro in Castello sestieri (district) of Venice could serve as a model for the two campi planned for Bricklyn’s Canal District. See also A Pattern Language, Chapter 61, Small Public Squares. Photo by Wayne Senville.

A Lego figure holding a brochure titled 'BRICKLYN Canal Estates' featuring a black and white illustration of Venetian-style buildings and a canal.

Developer Broffman said he was “quite pleased” with Bricklynites’ initial reaction to his Canal Estates development, and that deposits had already been placed on eight of the planned canal-side residences.

Broffman also reported that a grocer and (perhaps not surprisingly) a Dunk Them Donuts shop have also signed long-term leases.

Within the next three years Phase 1 should result in the completion of 24 case; five palazzi; and six commercial and office sites — all to be built by the development arm of Broffman’s Dunk Them Donuts.

“Developers have not yet been selected for the next two phases of Venice in Bricklyn,” said Planning Director Brickedy, “and it is certainly possible that multiple developers will be involved. Phase 2 is slated to move forward in 2028. Ultimately, we are looking for a maximum neighborhood population of 500, as recommended in the Canal District Plan.” 📍

📍For readers interested in neighborhood planning, the Canal District Plan draws heavily on standards set out by Alexander, Ishikawa, and Silverstein in their invaluable text, A Pattern Language: Towns – Buildings – Construction. See Chapter 14, “Identifiable Neighborhoods.”

A scenic view of a canal in Venice featuring traditional buildings, a bridge, and outdoor dining areas with red awnings. Several boats are moored along the water's edge. — A ristorante bordering the Rio del Greci canal in Venice’s Castello district. The Bricklyn Canal District Plan calls for restaurants and other commercial uses to be mixed with residential buildings.
Photo by Wayne Senville.

It should be noted that the Canal District will not be open to Outland tourists as it is in that part of Bricklyn located outside the Great Wall. This will, however, help avoid “overtourism” that has plagued Venice, Italy, where day-tripping tourists often swarm across the city, especially during Summer months.

LEGO figurine dressed as a police officer speaking to three other LEGO figures in a scenic, Venetian-style backdrop. — Photo of Commissario Bricketti meeting with Tim Brickedy, Moshi Saftbrick, and David Plater Broffman.
credit: The Venice Gazzetino, with assistance of GPT-40 AI.

Detective Bricketti of the Venice Polizia

During their stay in Venice, the three Bricklyn visitors set aside time to meet with renowned Venice police detective Leon Bricketti at the Campo Lorenzo, a few minutes walk from the Questura (police headquarters).

Bricketti spoke of how the Venice police have dealt with youth gangs, an emerging concern in parts of Bricklyn.

➤ Detective Bricketti is sometimes mistaken for a fictional detective also based in Venice. ✥

A colorful LEGO-style illustration featuring a stylized eagle head with bright blue eyes, fluffy white feathers, and a yellow beak, set against a blue background with various colored circular pieces.

We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com

To the Editor: The Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce offers its congratulations to David Tiler Broffman and all the others who have worked so hard to make Venice in Bricklyn a realty. While, as your reporter mentioned, Outlanders will not be able to visit our Venice (at least for now), it will surely draw visitors from other Inland realms. Fortunately, improvements to both Brick Air and Brick Rail services will help make Bricklyn much more accessible. Again, kudos to Team Bricklyn! — Tom Brickorti, CEO, Bricklyn Chamber of Commerce.

To the Editor: While I love Venice, Italy, I have serious reservations about this attempt to recreate Venice here in Bricklyn. The magic that makes the real Venice so special simply cannot be replicated elsewhere, as other efforts to do so have already shown (see, for example, Venice Water City in Dalian, China). Instead we should be improving the design of our existing neighborhoods and filling in empty lots with buildings consistent with Bricklyn’s well-established architectural styles. I’m afraid that the commanding influence of a super wealthy Bricklyn donut mogul has led Bricklyn planners and elected officials to move forward with a copy cat effort that misses the mark. — Lewis Brickford, Bricklyn Jct., VT.

Reply from “Venice in Bricklyn” Architect Moshi Saftbrick: While I appreciate respected writer Brickford’s comments, I must note that, as Mr. Brickford is surely aware, very few Bricklynites can afford a trip to Venice, Italy. By providing them a slice of Venice right here in Bricklyn, they can partake in some of the timeless beauty of Venetian architecture, as well as the pleasures of having in the newly built canal an enjoyable and publicly accessible amenity.

To the Editor: I find it ironic that now that Bricklyn has become part of the French Republic we embark on a project to bring Italian style buildings here. Hope we at least get a good pizzeria! — Marcel B. Maçon, South Bricklyn, VT.

To the Editor: So many naysayers out there who can’t see a great thing when it’s right before their eyes! Venice in Bricklyn is just the shot in the arm our Realm needs, especially during these trying times. Thank you to the talented folks who have worked tirelessly on brining this creative development to Bricklyn. — Polly Plater Popover, Bricklyn, VT.