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April 24, 2007

Rats Be Damned, The Smith Resumes Work

smithrat042407.jpg
Despite rumors last week that The Smith was stuck in the mud, we were presented with evidence to the contrary yesterday as we strolled down Atlantic Avenue. Though work has resumed (behold the new insulation and brick), the rat has not given up his vigil yet. If the web site is to be believed, all the units on the 5th through 10th floors are sold; apartment 11E is still available as are four units on the 12th floor.
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Posted by Brownstoner at 9:45 AM | Comments (17)
Categories: Development

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Comments

Did they just release those top floors or something?

Posted by: Anon at April 24, 2007 10:06 AM

Don't think so - I saw them listed as available when I was looking for a new place back in... Feb or March.

Posted by: EJ at April 24, 2007 10:39 AM

hey did the rat always have that hat or is that new?

Posted by: Jimmy Legs at April 24, 2007 10:40 AM

Pardon my ignorance but what does the inflatable rat mean and who put it up?

Posted by: supergirl at April 24, 2007 10:45 AM

The rat is routinely used by unions to protest the use of non-union labor (i.e. anyone who doesn't hire us is a "rat"). Judging by how common it is to see an inflatable rat in this city, I'd say that this tactic is woefully ineffective at convincing developers to use union labor.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 24, 2007 10:48 AM

Strangest construction process I have ever seen - they never fully stopped working on it but these very small sub contractors just do a couple hours of work at a time. Broke ground three or four years ago. I feel very badly for folks who forked over money as the delays have been endless, the construction is very sloppy and has been fully exposed to the elements for many, mant months.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 24, 2007 11:07 AM

I think almost 2 years ago - not 3 or 4.

Posted by: Anonymous at April 24, 2007 11:16 AM

boymelgreen buildings are notoriously sloppy. my property manager deals with several of his new ones, and tells me stories about how pipes leak, radiators don't work, walls crack, floor warp, etc. etc. etc.

Posted by: chuck at April 24, 2007 11:24 AM

Anyone know if the hotel part of this project is still a go?

Posted by: Anonymous at April 24, 2007 12:05 PM

Boymelgreen will be bankrupt within the next couple of years.

Posted by: David at April 24, 2007 1:57 PM

Do you think the possibilty of the jail reopening will slow this one down even more?

Posted by: anon at April 24, 2007 2:41 PM

meh -- the jail is a non-issue. if they add retail it can only improve the 'hood.

Posted by: anon at April 24, 2007 3:19 PM

It continues to amaze me that buyers will fork over money for projects in the pre-construction or construction phase, especially a Boymelgreen project. Is there even a projected realistic move-in date?

As to the claim that the jail is a non-issue- thats just plain wrong. Multiple years of contstruction on the expansion, plus the reinflux of bail bondsman and visitors to the prison will make this corner even less attractive than it already is.

Posted by: bored at work at April 24, 2007 3:28 PM

Last I heard hersha hotels out of Philly is committed for the hotel portion.

The jail may or may not be an issue depending on who you talk to, but in the end you can get more apartment for the money in an otherwise great location. If the jail were not there, these rather large two-bed two-baths with great layouts, closets, etc would have been more expensive or all would have been gone long ago. The Smith takes most of the heat from the jail, but there are lots of residential buildings around that will be affected just as much. I still find this building very tempting.

Regardless of delays and Boymelgreen generally, the final product should hopefully be sound and any problems will have to be worked out as they are with all new construction. The building isn't a design wonder, but it is simple and will look good for years to come. I tend to avoid the overly modern buildings that will look dated in 15 years.

Too many posters on this site act as if they have an axe to grind and love to perpetrate gossip and stereotypes. People who come to this site for real information would benefit from a little more objectivity.

Posted by: objectivity at April 24, 2007 4:57 PM

Valid points objectivity, people do tend to 'perpetuate' negative stuff on here.

Many in the market must agree as well. People can say what they want, but you can't argue with the fact that the place is 90% sold well before it is complete.

Posted by: anonymous at April 24, 2007 9:54 PM

So, unless you're a complete moron ...
the building is on Atlantic Avenue.
It's next door to a jail, which isn't going anywhere and may be expanding.
It's down the street from a criminal courts building.
The developer in question has some shady stuff in his past.
WTF did you expect?
Grace Court?

Posted by: 5w30 at April 25, 2007 9:47 AM

Being on atlantic is more of a plus to many than a negative, more urban feeling for those manhattan transplants
this location has the some of the best subway access in broolyn
it is near all the great stuff on smith and court streets

but i agree that these people would have better chances with a different developer, but that doesn't mean this building won't be just fine

Posted by: Anonymous at April 25, 2007 11:03 AM

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