Crown Heights North Tour Open Thread

run down.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 11:25 AM

But really, how much would the inaugural year of a house tour say about an overall neighborhood's housing stock. We know one person in Crown Heights who did a stunning full renovation completely high-end. They'd just never open up their house to a tour. Most of the best newly renovated houses in any neighborhood the public never gets to see. They don't come on the market and they aren't in house tours.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 11:41 AM

Although I enjoy going on these tours, I wouldn't put my house on a tour unless I planned on putting it up for sale shortly thereafter. I've done considerable renovations/restorations on my home in Ditmas Park but I am too thin skinned to withstand the comments about my personal space. I go on the tours to get ideas, sum up the competition and to support the community sponsoring the tour. I enjoyed the Crown Heights tour and I am sure that it will improve year by year.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 11:53 AM

thanks 11:41..i mean captain obvious.

you mean every house in crown heights wasn't on the tour? you mean there are nicer ones? not as nice ones?

had no idea.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:08 PM

Living in a slightly "run down" property in Crown Heights North, I was fascinated to see what others had done with similar housing stock. There many interesting details...and the sense of pride in the neighborhood was inspiring.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:08 PM

To everyone who attended the house tour, thanks for coming out. I spoke to several people who said they read Brownstoner, and I also spoke to Bob and Mrs. Marvin. There were people from Prospect Heights Tour there, as well as people from the Brownstoners of Bed Stuy. We had tour goers from as far away as Chicago, Connecticut, as well as Harlem, the Bronx, Manhattan, and all parts of Brooklyn.

CHNA's objective was to show off the community by opening up the homes of our community members, some old timers, some new, some renovated, some just starting out, some lived in and held on to for years. We are a community rich in architectural heritage, and no matter how anyone found the houses to be, what cannot be denied is that we have that. I'm glad the initial writer above came out and enjoyed him/herself, and I welcome their comments and feedback.

We are not a wealthy community in terms of a great number of people who can spend vast amounts of money renovating their homes. If you came to the tour expecting House and Garden type kitchens and fancy fixtures and the latest furniture, this was not the tour for that. There was not a Viking or Sub Zero in sight. Most of us live rather simply, and that may seem to be run down to some who may have more, but everyone on the tour took great pride in showing off the best of what they have have. I'm not apologising either for them, or for our choice of their homes.

We tried, and I think suceeded, in showing a very varied group of houses. We had an Arts and Crafts style duplex, a huge brick late Victorian with wonderful detail, the two houses the viewer noted, as well as an amazing period home chock full of intact woodwork and fine furnishings. We had another amazing home with a gallery like space full of art and culture. We also had 2 amazing churches. If you opted out of seeing those, you missed some of the architectural masterpieces of Brooklyn.

We chose not to have interior photography for the same reason most house tours do - it is an invasion of privacy for the owners. Would any of you, unless you were selling your home, or submiting them yourselves, want pictures showing who knows what, appearing all over the web? I don't think so. Many people are leery enough at the thought of hundreds of strangers tramping through their homes.

All in all, we had about 200 people, and for our first time, we are quite proud. We found out what works and what could have been better, and we will be bigger and better next year. Again, thank you to all who volunteered and to all who came out, and got a look at the real Crown Heights, and her people. Thanks, too, to Mr. B, for being a sponsor, and for all of your coverage. You are a great asset to the Brooklyn community.

CHNA House Tour Committee
Co-Chair

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:15 PM

I absolutely loved the CHN tour. It was a great afternoon of both exploring the neighborhood (which I've often driven around but never walked) and seeing some truly wonderful homes that were full of history and home owner pride. I was so relieved to be able to visit homes that HADN'T had hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on them. The atmosphere in many of these houses was very special -- a sense of new generations protecting the past while updating for the future, albeit most modestly than in some of the more affluent brownstone neighborhoods. But then again, too much polishing and improving can really strip the warmth and texture out of a home. I was also impressed by the graciousness of the home owners and the volunteer house sitters.

FWIW, my favorites were 9 Hampton Place -- mentioned above -- elegant yet understated; and 820 Prospect Place -- a huge semi-detached Eastlake house on a block of spectacular houses, it needs lots of work but what potential!

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:26 PM

Do you always go around such a huge a**hole, 12:08 (first post at 12:08)? I was responding to the first post AND the original post pointing out some houses on the tour were run down. Because no, not everyone knows there are nicer houses in a neighborhood than we see in listings or house tours. In fact, we see that every damn day with some dummies here on Brownstoner, who whiz through a neighborhood in a car or look at listing online, and think they know everything about an area and everyone who lives there. So yes, it actually is required to point out the obvious, here.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:33 PM

Somebody sure is defensive.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:36 PM

Well somebody sure was offensive, that's why.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:37 PM

there are run down homes in park slope, you know...

and the upper east side.

and the west village.

and....gasp...BROOKLYN HEIGHTS!

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 12:40 PM

Of the 12 homes we saw, only one was worth seeing. The rest were pretty much raw or otherwise lacking in polish and precision. My guess is that the root of that is economic.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 1:11 PM

Now I AM curious. Of all of the beautifully renvoated homes on the tour, pray tell, which was really, really renovated?

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 1:41 PM

Well yeah, 1:11. The organizer of the tour said that here, in her previous post.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 1:42 PM

Where is a neighborhood in New York where most or all of the homes in any one neighborhood tour are owned by 30 something newcomers?

Sounds fun.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 2:35 PM

To all house tour organizers: Please on booties and no security. One sends a message that people aren't reallly welcome and the other makes them worry about being there. As Bob said: "tourgoeers are very well-behaved."

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 3:04 PM

The "uniformed security" was provided by local troops of Explorers who were volunteered by their police precinct sponsors. They were teenagers, most of whom didn't know what a house tour was, and were told to help out in any way we needed them. We were short on volunteers, so these kids really helped out in a pinch. They were not "security" in the usual sense of the word. Frankly, I was proud to see teenaged black youth in a positive light, and was glad outside people were able to see them, as well. All black kids in the hood are not on the road to ruin.

Anyway, the message about the shoe protectors got a little garbled in translation, and is one of the things we will change next year. There were really only 3 or 4 houses who requested them, but some of the volunteers didn't know that, and we will make sure next time that volunteers give people who can't handle putting them on a break. We are sorry for any inconvenience that may have caused. Incidentally, I have been at house tours in tony neighborhoods, and have had to wear those booties. People who are fussy about their floors know no neighborhood.

Thanks, Bob, and others for understanding. I'm glad we made a positive impression.

Crown Heights North HT Committee
Co-Chair

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 3:46 PM

i love the idea of an article in home and garden magazine on the crown heights home tour and the security guards that made it safe.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 4:10 PM

Bob Marvin, 11:53 here. You are putting words in my post. I never said anything about "nasty comments". I too have attended these tours for many many years and I agree that most people are very well behaved. What I said is that I was to thin skinned to have people comment about by personal space. I know my limits. I applaud those who can open their homes in that way.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 4:15 PM

I had a great conversation with one of the young Explorers and was really impressed a) that the house tour committee has the foresight to involve these young people; and b) that this group exists at all -- I wasn't familiar with them and was very happy to learn of their existence.

Regarding the booties comment: you can't have it both ways. Sometimes it feesl like people on this site just want to complain! First we hear that no one would put a "high end" home on the tour; then we are told that it's a pain to put on booties. Come on already! As a house tour organizer (and someone whose home has been on a tour), it's getting harder and harder to convince owners to participate. When you are expecting 200 (and sometimes more like 500) people to troop through your house, it's perfectly reasonable to ask to them to take off their shoes or use foot protection. If you object, stay at home with a copy of House & Garden.

Btw, I also whole heartedly agree that many of the streetscapes in CHN are gorgeous. I wish them luck in expanding the size of the Historic District.

And did anybody notice a quite extraordinary mansion on the corner of New York Ave and St Marks (I think?). Detached and in very poor condition. I wonder what it's history is and whether there are plans to save it?

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 4:17 PM

I love that the St. Mark's house was BERADED last week because the owner requested taking off shoes for the open house and NOW the Crown Heights Home Tour required booties.

Come on you people are so f*cking hypocritical.

Putting booties on for the Crown Heights Home Tour is like a whore putting on a suit of armor before going to work.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 4:30 PM

I wouldn't want people in that neighborhood knowing where I live.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 4:45 PM

11:53/4:15 here Bob Marvin,

Maybe I will one day get up the courage.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 4:56 PM

Ah, 4;30, since you are about as witty as your spelling ability is nonexistent, I will consider the source, and take it from there.

How about you and 4:45 giving it a break?

It's one thing to constantly make asinine comments about a neighborhood in general, but to single out the people who took the time, effort and expense to open up their homes to strangers, and insinuate that their homes are not worthy of a small protection, or that they are in danger for their lives because of their generosity, is irresponsible and despicable.

Since neither of you attended the tour, or even know where Crown Heights is, you forfit any right to comment in any way, shape, or form. Let's have a look in your house, or your neighborhood, shall we? I doubt we will find the same generosity of spirit, or good taste.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 5:30 PM

As a resident of Crown Heights, I was compelled to go on this house tour. When looking to buy a house 14 years ago, Crown Heights wasn't even on our radar screen.
I went to the house tour and was very proud of what people were doing with their homes. The Hampton Place home was da bomb!

If anyone would like a vintage 1939-40 photo of their home, here's how to get one. First of all, you must know your block and lot number. If you don't know it, you can find it in reference books that are provided.

The NYC Archives are located at 51 Chambers Street. Within close proximity are the J,M,Z at the Chambers Street station;
2 & 3 at the Park Place Station; A,C,E at the Chambers Street/World Trade Center station; 2 and 3 at the Park Place Station; and the R and W at the City Hall station.

Or they can be ordered online at www.nyc.gov. Then type in "Tax Photos" in the search box.

gary

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 6:05 PM

I must say I was disappointed with the CH house tour. I know it was the first one, but the selection of homes was disappointing, the event was poorly organized and generally lacking in spirit. Honestly, this may have been the worst house tour I've ever attended and I wonder whether it can survive such a lackluster beginning.

Here's hoping that all future house tours, wherever they occur, are better than this year's CH house tour.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 7:02 PM

Is Crown Heights near Park Slope?

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 7:52 PM

I would not say it was the worst house tour I've ever participated in, but I was disappointed in it and I don't think I was the only one. The tone of the event was markedly subdued and casual, off-the-cuff assessments ranged from negative to lukewarm. No one I spoke to thought it was an unqualified success.

I don't mean this as a slam against CH. On the contrary, I hope the house tour continues and improves. I don't think it got off to a great start though.

Just my two cents! No flames necessary!

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 8:35 PM

The Explorers are such great kids! That's fantastic to hear they volunteered for the house tour.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 8:59 PM

Crown Heights residents have better things to do than trying to keep up with the Joneses. We set our own pace.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 9:01 PM

Ok, 8:35, who is probably also 7:02 trying a different form of attack. Since your damning with faint praise on this account is so vague and non descriptive, much like your diatribe at 7:02, I can only gather that not only were you not there, you probably don't know a thing about the neighborhood, including where it is. You have no details as to why you think it failed, or what was wrong with it, or one detail about any house or street or person involved. You weren't there.

I do wonder what people thought would be on this tour. Most people in this world, in this borough, even those better off, do not have rooms full of new furniture, the latest in kitchen appliances, or the services of interior decorators. I go to a lot of house tours, and I rarely see homes that look like the interiors of magazines. Most people just don't live like that in real life, and many of those who do would never put their homes on any kind of tour, unless they were selling.

When we go to house tours, do we want to see only the homes of the rich, dripping with the things we will never have, or do we want to see what a little imagination, a can of paint and some existing architectural detail and much loved, and worn furniture can show? My favorite houses in all of the neighborhood tours I've seen over the years, have not been the poshest of the bunch. That's only money. Nice, but so what? I like those homes who have used salvage, or art or paint, or something cool, no matter what is may or may not cost.I like the ones that are different or have fabulous detail. I think this tour was right on the money with all those details. Whether or not the owners have fancy kitchens, or tastes that match mine, or your own, really weren't the point. Showing off a fine community was.

Co-Chair

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 9:11 PM

thanks 8:41. sounds rather close. get up to grand army plaza a lot but haven't really travelled too far down eastern parkway yet.

a few people told me to not go farther than washington when i was looking to move out here last year.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 9:19 PM

For what it's worth, 9:11, my complaints weren't inspired by the fact that the homes of the rich and famous weren't on display. I want to see the homes of regular folk. I just think that some house tours are more successful than others, and I didn't think that CH did a particularly good job IN THIS INSTANCE. I don't think the community put its best foot forward. This does not mean that I think CH isn't a fine community. It does not mean that I wish to insult the residents of CH or to say anything at all of a general nature about the community or its residents. I simply didn't think the house tour was a success. If you're unable to handle that, I fail to see how it's MY problem.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 9:58 PM

people in crown heights seem more defensive about their neighborhood than any other i've witnessed on here before.

and that includes bed stuy...of which they are some pretty hard core boosters...

how about you pool your resources and start your own pr firm....?

might be a better use of time than trying to convince the rest to "love" it too.

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 10:41 PM

I don't care if anyone loves Crown Heights or not. There are plenty of people who do, also those who don't, for whatever the reason. To each his own. I'm not trying to convince anyone, I'm just an unabashed fan of my neighborhood.I love it here. I get upset when CH is bashed for reasons that are inaccurate and highly exaggerated, or when everyone who lives there is tarred with the same brush as being either a criminal, a delusional fool, or a shill for real estate concerns, or as a frightened protector of their real estate values. As if one or two opinions can change the value of real estate. How about us just being people who have worked hard to make a changing community the best it can be?

And if the person who didn't like the tour, and thought it was unsuccessful, is real, and actually was there, I'd like to know, as one of the organizers, why they thought so. I'd seriously like to hear why you thought we didn't put our best foot forward, and how you think we should have. What would you have had us do? I'm really interested in what you have to say. Details, not vague complaints. Well?

Co-Chair

Posted by: guest at October 8, 2007 11:33 PM

did anyone get pistol whipped or anything?

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 12:00 AM

"And if the person who didn't like the tour, and thought it was unsuccessful, is real, and actually was there, I'd like to know, as one of the organizers, why they thought so. I'd seriously like to hear why you thought we didn't put our best foot forward, and how you think we should have. What would you have had us do? I'm really interested in what you have to say. Details, not vague complaints. Well?"

I can't speak for the earlier poster, but I sure as hell wouldn't answer your snotty inquiry. Or rather, it answers itself. As an "ambassasor of good will" for Crown Heights, you stink! Crown Heights is a great place and it deserves better representation than this.

Also, looking through the comments above, I don't see anyone alleging that people in Crown Heights are shills, delusional or criminals. I suppose some posts could have been deleted if they were over the line, but right now, at least, no one is making the kinds of claims you're (over)reacting to. Someone simply said they didn't care for the tour, and they were then immediately shouted down.

I can't claim to know Crown Heights as well as many. I rented a place there for two years, though, and I liked it. As a place it is certainly above these kinds of petty, censorious tactics.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 10:04 AM

As a member of the House Tour committee and a "church" sitter I also want to mention the wonderful young people from Americorp who came to help.

In so far as any who were disappointed- I would take your comments much more seriously if you were capable of planning and implementing an House tour or even willing to be part of one. It's easy to sit there and criticize. But then they say- those that can do, those that can't, critique.

Are there things that could have gone smoother- sure. and next time they will- but 98% of the people who came, loved the tour and the chance it gave them to see and enjoy not only the homes, but the people. Not tony enough for you? You're more than welcome to stay in the heights or Park Slope. I think the homeowners in CHN have much more reason to be proud of their homes and neighborhood because they faced so many more challenges and had to work harder to make their dreams come true.

It's much easier- and a lot less impressive- when you can just buy anything you want. Except you can't buy good taste or creativity. But if you would rather see real homes and real people, this was the tour. If you think Crown Heights isn't up to your so-called standards-by all means feel free not to come here.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 10:27 AM

Who complained that the CH house tour wasn't "tony" enough? I don't see that complaint anywhere above.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 10:57 AM

You don't have to sell me on CH, 10:27. It's one of my favorite parts of Brooklyn, but I don't see how that gives you any license to be an asshole.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 10:59 AM

Hey, I'm not trying to be either snotty or anything else derogatory. I don't feel my question was framed in that manner either. I really want to know why someone would say that the "community did not put their best foot forward", or that "the house tour was not a success", to quote the poster at 9:58.

Our committee worked practically an entire year to organize this tour, and like anyone who works on a project for that long, and thinks that they have done a pretty good job, I'm interested in hearing why someone would say those things. Other posters have had comments on the booties, the Explorers, or the houses chosen. I'm not defensive or offended by their comments - we want to improve, and we know we aren't perfect.

But to just throw a comment out there - "the house tour was not a success", and have no reason why they thought so, is not helpful, or even insightful. So yeah, I'm going to ask why. If this person chooses to answer, great. Again, I'd really like to hear why you would say that. What didn't you like? How did you feel the community didn't "put their best foot forward?"

My other comments about shills, etc, are obviously referring to countless, endless previous comments made on this blog by readers whenever Mr. B posts a story or a listing in Crown Heights. To say you haven't seen those, is to say you started reading this blog today. As a former resident of CH yourself, I would think you would be familiar with those remarks, they are endless. There are a few of them in the posts above. If that makes me overly defensive, well, then maybe I am, as I am proud of not only my community, but how it appeared on Saturday.

Co-Chair

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 11:06 AM

"Not tony enough for you? You're more than welcome to stay in the heights or Park Slope. I think the homeowners in CHN have much more reason to be proud of their homes and neighborhood because they faced so many more challenges and had to work harder to make their dreams come true. "

Wow....what a b*tch!

Tony?

You faced MORE challenges than those in Park Slope did in the 60's and 70's!!!???

You really want to say that with a straight face?

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 11:17 AM

That's okay 11:06. I don't want to hold you up. That chip on your shoulder must weigh a ton.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 11:25 AM

Why get in a turf war over who suffered or endured more, the 70's Park Slopers or today's Crown Heightsters? You are comparing two very different times in this city's history, and the former has implications on the progression of the latter. There are also issues of race and national origin that also make a direct comparison illogical. They have similarities, but are not the same situations.

And so what? I think 11:06 is simply expressing his/her irritation that people might hold the homeowners, as well as the tour organizers and volunteers up to a higher standard than is required by other communities. Everyone worked very hard, and it seems that the majority of people who attended had a great time, and were pleased. Can we just leave it there?

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 11:40 AM

Wow- and you folk think we in crown heights were defensive? (11:17- what- you have an overweening need to defend Park Slope?)I stand by my comments. The little snobby comments about "raw", "Putting booties on for the Crown Heights Home Tour is like a whore putting on a suit of armor before going to work.", "worst house tour", "Of the 12 homes we saw, only one was worth seeing. The rest were pretty much raw or otherwise lacking in polish and precision."- People don't put their homes on a house tour to be judged. They do it to show pride in their community and their homes and to welcome strangers, who then have the bad taste to turn around and post arrogant, snobbish, uncalled for comments.I may have a chip on my shoulder and be a bitch (interesting you assume I'm a woman- but that's to be expected from a male chauvinist pig) than an ignorant jerk who can't come up with anything more intelligent than "anyone get pistolwhipped?"

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 11:40 AM

when you deal with trash, you get trash.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 11:44 AM

What rudeness. I hope the CH tour has a new representative next year. They are not well served by their current one.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 11:48 AM

I agree, 11:48.

I'm appalled that they allowed this person to be the face of the Crown Heights Home Tour.

He/She is beyond rude.

Guess if people didn't love the tour, they don't want to hear about it. It's the sign of someone who was raised to think they are god...they can do no wrong...EVERYTHING deserves a gold star!!

It's sickening.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 12:05 PM

11:48, what are you talking about? Everyone has a right to express their opinion.

And no one who posts here "represents" a neighborhood any more than any other poster represents their own. We are all anonymous people expressing our opinions, anonymously. No one is a neighborhood representative, unless we all are.

If that's the case, all neighborhoods are guilty of being less than their best. He/she who is without sin, and all that.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 12:07 PM

I'm completely mystified by this thread and feel it must be the result of those just trying to make trouble.

I'd like to re-iterate my earlier post: this was a GREAT house tour! I've gone on dozen of house tours over the years and I truly enjoyed this one. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming; the neighborhood was beautiful to stroll around; the houses were the result of years of hard work and gave off really good vibes.

To all the organizers and volunteers: please don't be discouraged by some of the nonsense spouted here. You all did a fantastic job in highlighting your neighborhood. Good luck next year!

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 12:42 PM

Thank you, Bob and 12:42.

I think we've about covered it. I'm moving on to next year's plans. Thanks to all who organized, opened their homes, attended, volunteered and commented.

Co-Chair

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 12:45 PM

I thought it was an okay tour. Not a disaster, but also nothing to write home about.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 12:46 PM

I just want everyone to know that, despite the poor behavior of the poster who self-identifies as "Co-Chair", Crown Heights is actually a wonderful neighborhood with lovely homes and a friendly, welcoming spirit. We have much to offer and I'm sorry if our "Co-Chair" has offended any of you.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 1:10 PM

No need to apologize, 1:10pm, but thanks for illustrating the kind of class and generosity of spirit that many of us already associate with Crown Heights.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 1:23 PM

No need to apologize to you, 1:10, because you neither live in, or have anything to do with Crown Heights.

Co-Chair's words speak for themselves, there is nothing to be apologetic for.

Your "apology" is neither genuine or sincere.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 1:30 PM

Wow, I've never posted here because I'd hate to get caught up in the negativity that permeates this site sometimes. But some of you really are rude. I live in Crown Heights and I was proud to volunteer during the 1st Crown Heights tour. I've been to other tours, and I would say for our first tour (and beyond) I believe it was very well organized and the organizers and homeowners worked very hard to make it happen. I saw a lot of people that day; I also went to see a few houses and everyone I saw was having fun.

What else did you expect regarding the "tone" of the tour? What should we have done different? What do YOU plan on doing next time YOUR neighborhood has a tour? Would you even volunteer??

You know what- people don't have to put their house on a tour, I didn't. But I did thank those who did, they were contributing something to the community.

People who are nasty about those of us in Crown Heights trying to do something positive while sharing what the community is about are just a bunch of haters. How about some positivity for your fellow man, or are you all so envious of others that you cannot offer support?

Disgusting....

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 2:00 PM

The biggest hater on this thread is 11:40...one of the CO-CHAIRS of the event, if I'm not mistaken.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 2:30 PM

You are mistaken. He/she never said that.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 3:12 PM

11:06 = 11:40

And yes...He/She did.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 3:22 PM

and i'll add 11:33pm and 10:26 = 11:06 = 11:40

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 3:24 PM

Obviously NOT. 10:27 and 11:40 are the same person, and the only posts by him/her. A vastly different writing style than co-chair, who had no problem signing posts. If you weren't so intent on bashing co-chair, and the entire tour in general.........oh why bother? It is impossible to argue with a troll.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 3:47 PM

Give me a break, 3:45. Co-Chair was just plain rude. If s/he was rude out of defensiveness, fine. That explains it. But it doesn't excuse it. If s/he can't behave better than that when confronted with criticism, then s/he is too thin-skinned (to use the most delicate word possible) to play the role of "Co-Chair"--whatever that is.

I also don't care what kind of baggage s/he is carrying around from previous threads on this blog. There's no requirement that I'm aware of to read every post ever made on this blog about CH before one can post an opinion.

Crown Heights, you rock. Co-Chair, you suck.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 4:12 PM

And Co-Chair does suck!

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 4:41 PM

I just came to this thread, and I must say, I've never seen such an positive topic, like a house tour review, devolve into a personal attack on someone who did not even write the comments they have been damned for.

Co-chair, who identified themselves in their first post as the Co-Chair of the Crown Heights North Association's House Tour committee, has every reason to be proud of what is generally seen to be a great first tour, and every reason to get a little defensive by the end of this thread. The personal attacks are juvenile and totally unjustified. I hope he/she has a thick skin and tosses this off as the nonsense it is. There are more important things to do.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 5:14 PM

"I don't care if anyone loves Crown Heights or not"

This kinda seems like a little bit of a lie in retrospect, now doesn't it, CO CHAIR??

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 5:19 PM

Faithful, I look forward to seeing your house, and in your participation in the tour next year.

I'm about the positive energy and striving that it takes to move our community forward, so we can all live in a better Crown Heights North.

I don't have time to worry about what some poor deluded person with too much computer time on their hands thinks, or writes. If he/she thinks I suck, then there is nothing I can do to make them think otherwise, and I won't be staying up nights worrying about it.

The truth means nothing, it's much easier to be negative, petty and vicious than to be busy with the positive business at hand. When people accuse you of something, the more you protest your innocence, the guiltier you look. I'm not going to bother any longer, as I have nothing to be guilty of, or nothing to apologize for.

Next year's House Tour will go on, and it will be better than this years'. I'm looking forward to working with anyone who is of a like mind and sentiment.

Co-Chair
Crown Heights House Tour Committee

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 5:29 PM

Yeah, right Co-Chair. You're about positive energy the way George Bush is about intellectual depth. Nice attempt to backpedal, though. Oh, and posting little messages of support TO YOURSELF was also a nice touch.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 5:53 PM

"Next year's House Tour will go on, and it will be better than this years'."

Ummm...Co-Chair, what exactly was wrong with this year's tour? Please don't just make a negative statement like that without supplying any detail. Were you even at the tour? I'll bet you don't even know where Crown Heights is.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 5:55 PM

Actually Co chair is not me - I was part of the volunteer effort that put the tour on. I DID NOT SAY I was the co-chair and do not want people jumping on that person for my post.SO whether or not you care to believe it, whether or not you love or hate Crown Heights, liked or disliked the tour is pretty much irrelevant. The tours will go on, and just get better and better. There are always people who have nothing better to do than insult and demean anyone who actually makes a positive effort to make their community better. So if I am "rude" in the defense of my neighborhood and all the hard work and dedication of the organization that put on the tour, so be it. It's nowhere near as rude or nasty as those who claim "freedom of speech" or the right to an opinion as the excuse for the crap they write. they're right- they're entitled, just as I'm entitled to tell someone they're full of it in response. Funny how it's ok to post an negative opinion (and as negatively as possible) but it's "rude" for someone to respond.

While it may not have been the House tour of All House tours, what was important is that this community has fought long, hard and successfully for landmark status and this was the first tour. Anyone with a modicum of brains knows what kind of work goes into getting status and organizing a house tour.

faithful- I hope you do the next tour despite the things posted on the blog. My guess is those who like being negative can't be bothered to go on the tour anyway. They are only interested in trolling, not in learning about a great neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 6:18 PM

I nominate Crown Heights as one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the U.S. for 2008.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 7:53 PM

Oh please 8:32,...give it up.

Stop trying to be an instigator.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 9:04 PM

www.crownheightsnorthassociation.com

Co-chair is a real estate broker...Well, that explains EVERYTHING!

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 9:50 PM

Give CH a break for fuck's sake.

Posted by: guest at October 9, 2007 10:08 PM

No, the real estate agent is not the co-chair of the house tour committee. If you had actually gone to the tour, you would know that. Since you did not attend the tour, you make suppositions and wild guesses to bolster up your witch hunt, and continue your series of lies. How pitiful.

You also got the website name wrong. Figures.

Posted by: guest at October 10, 2007 12:10 AM

8:30 pm- nice try- so obvious what you're trying to do. I know who you are- you've got a long history of trolling this site and attacking. You must not have much of a life because you've made a career out of this. But on one point you are correct. It isn't about any of us- it was about showing people how great Crown heights is. And again, i make no apologies for defending the neighborhood or the tour. If I was "rude", what are you and your cohorts who posted all the negative comments and wisecracks? Hardly role models. You really need to get some Clearisil and get out of your mother's basement (as CHP once opined). Get a life so you don't have to spend your days sniggering over your keyboard while you tap out nasty little messages and feel so much smarter than the rest of us. Must be a sorry sight at the end of the day when all you can claim is, "gee- I spent the day being a jerk on Brownstoner."

Posted by: guest at October 10, 2007 11:08 AM

the biggest jerk on here = 11:08.

way to take the high road.

Posted by: guest at October 10, 2007 2:08 PM

Finally, an end...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, CHNA!

Posted by: guest at October 10, 2007 8:01 PM

My 2 cents as an ordinary, slightly sophisticated Brooklynite: I loved the tour. The neighbothood is beautiful. The 2 churches were quite impressive. I was inspired by the passion, commitment, creativity and success of the home owners. I was charmed by their warmth and openness, and their respect for their homes architectural integrity. Each and every place I visited felt like a proud home, not a souless spread from someones portfolio. I actually felt like a better person at the end of the day.

Posted by: guest at October 13, 2007 8:35 PM