Development Watch: 160 Schermerhorn Tops Out

strange bedellows??

they aren't living inside the "fancy 14 townhouses" or on their stoops.

they are living inside, what looks to be a very nicely designed building. a building we should embrace as quality, affordable housing.

if you don't like living next door to artists and formerly homeless, you probably are not really cut out for life in nyc.

i find the comment a bit odd.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 12:45 PM

What does low income mean in NYC? 35-48G, a teacher's salary? Yikes, I wouldn't want to live next to a college-educated teacher, social worker or artist (writer, dancer, painter). For cities to thrive the creative class must be able to afford housing!

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 12:50 PM

This is just another one of Brownstoner's elitist bullshit comments.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 12:54 PM

this is f'in retarded! total failures get to live in brooklyn heights and hard working people get what exactly??

communist bullshit. this is excruciating that any one remotely thinks this is FAIR! it SUCKS!

yes, do sort of well in this town and you are screwed. make no money, provide no jobs to others and you get an apartment.

so what if teachers or artists have to commute. join the club!

so gross. so gross. so gross. would type forever, but i have to go back to WORK!

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 12:58 PM

i feel the frustration of 12:58

this is such a perfect illustration of the bullshit housing policy in NYC.

multimillion dollar townhouses, across the street from handouts for the poor

anything in between? go fuck yourself.
wonderful

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:03 PM

"Strange bedfellows" makes sense to me. 14 Townhouse is market rate, they are paying millions and across the back yard are people getting hand outs. How is that fair to all the other people that are more qualified to live there?

I'm a total loser so give me a million dollar pad. Lame.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:07 PM

The real problem here is that you think low income residents, artists and FORMERLY homeless are losers.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:11 PM

12:53 & 1:03,

Artists are completely undervalued at this time in America - It's possibly one of the worst times ever to be one - You can be doing amazing, thoughtful, provocative and innovative work, and usually, you get paid a pittance for your efforts. The attitudes here criticizing artists are crazy.

Many European countries subsidize their artists, because they know that culture is important and that creative thinking and exploration is good for society as a whole.

Should everyone work on Wall Street or sell real estate or sell insurance or weld or become a doctor? ZZZzzzzzzZzzZzzzzzZZzz....

It's fucking New York City - if you don't like appreciate art why the hell would you want to live here, anyway?

You are lame, not the artists.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:16 PM

They won't be strange bedfellows to the inmates of the jail across the street.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:16 PM

As a nearby resident, I admit (not proudly) to being a little considered about the "formerly homeless" bit. Does anyone know anything more about the criteria for this? I used to live in Manhattan near a halfway house for formerly homeless, many of whom were mentally ill and not getting appropriate care in that living situation--it made the block feel really unsafe to walk on. I just hope the Schermerhorn housing comes with social services to support these people, or it may end up being a problem rather than a contribution to the neighborhood...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:17 PM

sorry Im not contributing to society by handling some rich mans money.

AM I RIGHT!!!!! IM SO WORTHLESS!!!!!!

ITS A FREAKIN CITY. GO LIVE IN A GATED COMMUNITY. YOU'RE THE REASON YOU HAVE TO PAY A MILLION FOR UR SHIT TO BEGAN WITH!

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:19 PM

1:17PM here again--make that "concerned" not "considered" in 1st sentence...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:20 PM

12:58, 1:03, 1:07.. totally agree!

and what artist takes a handout? thought they were the trailblazers that started the gentrification march... sounds like a sell-out

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:20 PM

without artists, new york city would be orlando.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:22 PM

Orlando has better weather.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:26 PM

"Strange bedfellows" makes sense to me. 14 Townhouse is market rate, they are paying millions and across the back yard are people getting hand outs. How is that fair to all the other people that are more qualified to live there?"

What exactly is wrong with a DIVERSE neighborhood? It can't hurt so much to have one building for these people.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:26 PM

The downfall of New York. Look at the shit that has gone up. No housing for the Middle-class.

This website is a vehicle for open class warfare. Mr. B is a dick, who got his and fuck everyone else. I would like to see him live here when this Hood turns back into 'tha Hood'.

This is the reason why I pound here. Wake up people, the party is over. Clusterfucks like this and others will be siting empty for years to come.

The What

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:27 PM

1:16 and 1:26

so a perfect, diverse society consists of very wealthy people and poor folk who need handouts?

nothing in between?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:36 PM

"Clusterfucks like this and others will be siting empty for years to come."

You say a lot of really idiotic shit, but saying that this affordable housing project is going to sit empty really takes the cake.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:38 PM

Why do you assume artists and low income are not somewhere in between, 1:36?

Low income in NYC is like 40K a year.

You know...teachers, police officers, social workers.

I'm concerned that you lump them in at the bottom of the barrel.

So instead of building this, you'd rather it have been million dollar condos? How exactly would that have helped anyone other than the wealthy?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:42 PM

I don't think anyone here is asking for more million-dollar condos. I think the point being made is that maybe there should be something for people in between low income and millionaires. Because a lot of people make a lot more than the "low income" limits (anyone know what those are, BTW?) but still can't afford to buy a home in this very neighborhood. It's the upper middle class that's getting squeezed out...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:50 PM

Who decides who is an "artist" and what is "art"?

"Many European countries subsidize their artists, because they know that culture is important and that creative thinking and exploration is good for society as a whole."

-Creative thinking and exploration are not the 1st words that come to mind when I think of the rigid class structure in much of Europe.

If you produce a creative product that people are interested in, you will do fine - maybe the reason why you are getting paid a "pittance" is because most people arent interested in you product - which of course leads to the question - if no one sees your art then who cares if it is thought provoking or original. And why should people who arent interested in your product be forced to subsidize it through taxation?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:56 PM

The Schermerhorn project is a great idea. NYC needs more housing of this type. But no matter what is being built there, those townhouses each have a two-story wall of glass facing the new building. That was a big selling point for Corcoran. Better get those 25' tall vertical blinds for privacy, suckers.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 1:58 PM

"Because a lot of people make a lot more than the "low income" limits (anyone know what those are, BTW?) but still can't afford to buy a home in this very neighborhood. "

I don't believe these are for sale. They are rentals.

No one DESERVES to buy a home anywhere.

Most people in between low income and millionaires don't want or need handouts from the government.

A lot of us prefer to work hard.

But if I were down on my luck, lost my job or loved teaching kids or was born with an artistic talent I felt the need to pursue, it would be nice to know that there was still a place for me in NYC.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:00 PM

"It's the upper middle class that's getting squeezed out..."

They are only getting squeezed out because they are so entitled that they think they have the birth right to own a brownstone in Park Slope. Go farther out...it's what people do in every city in America.

You make compromises. Upper Middle Class can certainly afford to live in New York City. Go buy a 3 bedroom in Kensington or Ditmas for 350K.

Is that not affordable?

Or do you think you're above it?

That's the real question...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:03 PM

It's not about entitlement or wanting to own a brownstone. The people complaining on this thread are talking about fairness: Why is it fair that someone making 35K gets a handout to live in a prime, desirable, conveniently located neighborhood, one that is increasingly out of reach to someone making 75K? Why shouldn't that 35K person "suck it up" too and live elsewhere?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:10 PM

2:10 - cause they're artists!

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:13 PM

because a lot of the most important people in society...teachers, police officers, firefighters, social workers...ESSENTIAL people in our society (no...wall street, while essential to our economy are not essential to our everyday society and safety) i think should have the opportunity to live in or near the community where they work. that's what keeps it vibrant.

if this is about fairness, why does someone who teaches your child making 35K a year and someone who shuffles papers and sells stocks making 35 million?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:15 PM

i make less than 75K and just bought an apartment in park slope.

what's your point, 2:10 other than that you are bad with money?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:21 PM

Didn't I hear that the "apartments" in this building were actually 185-square-foot studios? Would anybody who wasn't financially desperate even *want* to live in a space that size??

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:24 PM

2:15 - but if Teachers couldnt live close enough to NYC to make their 60K a year then they'd have to pay teachers more.

And since our economy is a basic building block of our everyday society and safety then there is a fair argument to make that those people working at the economic core are vitally essential.

BTW - how did Social Workers make it to your list of "ESSENTIAL" people in our society?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:25 PM

wow 2:15 what a load of holier than thou crap

whao dies and made you ultimate decider of who is important and who isnt?

funny how us uppre middle class are told to "move farther out" but god forbid that the same is asked of lower income people

fuck you

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:35 PM

2:03 said:

"They are only getting squeezed out because they are so entitled that they think they have the birth right to own a brownstone in Park Slope. Go farther out...it's what people do in every city in America."

THAT'S the truth. I've said it before on this site, I'll say it again, you don't see middle class in Los Angeles whining they can't afford to buy in Beverly Hills. If you can't afford Park Slope or Brooklyn Heights, you go further out in Brooklyn, or you go to Queens or the Bronx. Thereby helping improve those places, btw, which is good for the whole city. Literally it is only in Brooklyn I've ever heard or seen this kind of entitlement. It's absurd.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:37 PM

But 2:37, I think the only reason they're complaining (which you interepret as "entitlement") is because people who earn a lot less than them are getting handouts to stay in those very neighborhoods. The middle class in LA may not complain because they accept that Beverly Hills is a neighborhood for the rich. But if the middle class in Brooklyn is essentially being told that Boerum Hill (in this example) is a neighborhood for the rich and for the poor, but not for them, maybe they have a right to be pissed...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:44 PM

AS someone else points out above, it's hardly strange bedfellows given the jail and courthouse across Smith Street.

In any event, this building and its proposed focus on low income units was part of the entire development plan for this block for a long time, so I seriously doubt that any of the purchasers of the new townhouses are surprised.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:45 PM

This is a really well-designed building.

I'm happy to see it coming to fruition.

It's obvious that a lot of you would like to make certain neighborhoods only for the wealthy, put a wall up around them and then make separate ones for the poor, but luckily for those of use who actually appreciate socioeconomic diversity and vibrancy, you are not the ones who make these decisions.

THANK GOD.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:55 PM

I am sick of hearing about poor teachers, firefighters and cops. The starting salaries aren't that great, I'll admit but every cop, teacher, firefighter and correction officer for that matter make 100 G's a year and better if they have moved up the ranls or are at top pay. The Cops qualify for public housing where they pay next to nothing in rent so that they can save up for a home, they all get to participate in Officer/Teacher next door where they get HUD homes for 50% off, the teachers get more holidays off than anybody, the CO's and Cop's flash their badges and get comped all over the place, the firefighters work 3 days a week and many have lucrative off duty jobs, they all get to drive to work and have designated parking no matter where they work. They get unilimited sick days, excellent medical benefits, over 30 paid vacation days a year and retire after 20 years with half pay their pay which is not taxed by NY state or NY city. Yes they deserve what they get but stop the poor old cop routine already.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 2:58 PM

Better than the poor Wall Streeters who everyone is crying that their bonuses will only be 10 million this year instead of 15.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:01 PM

"But if the middle class in Brooklyn is essentially being told that Boerum Hill (in this example) is a neighborhood for the rich and for the poor, but not for them, maybe they have a right to be pissed..."

2:44: I think you've hit the essence of the conflict right on. Many in the middle class in Brooklyn have lived here a long time, decades, generations even, through good times and especially through the bad times during the 70s and 80s. They worked long and hard to turn things around to save this city. They now resent those newcomers who come to Brooklyn thinking that they've discovered America...who have deep pockets and think they can push out anyone they please...because someone has established ludicrous benchmarks for real estate prices here and they can afford it...because the newbies now perceive Brooklyn to be "desirable" for no one but themselves. Therein lies the conflict.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:03 PM

how is someone getting pushed out by selling their home they paid 30K for 20 years ago and selling it to someone new for 3 million dollars?

truly...i want to know how that equates to being pushed out.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:07 PM

The only ones who call it being "pushed out" are the ones who are NOT already homeowners in these neighborhoods. Try renters. These are the whiners who could very well buy a nice place in Queens but don't think it's hip enough or good enough for them, and so they're bitter about it. These aren't hardworking middle class cops and teachers are posting on Brownstoner right now. They're too busy working. These are people with desk jobs or who are freelancers in media who work at home.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:14 PM

"because someone has established ludicrous benchmarks"

it was the real estate god. he made up all these prices.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:14 PM

TONS of people in Brooklyn are making lots and lots more money now, with all the new wealthy residents. Does anybody EVER think about that? Contractors, stores, restaurants, electricians, plumbers, car service drivers, etc etc etc etc etc.

Tell me how is this bad for working class Brooklyn?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:23 PM

Artists? Are these the same artists that are in line with Frank Gehry or Robert Scarano in architecture? The artists that design modern buildings with 8' ceilings, 4" concrete flooring, and 1/8" paned windows? The artists that crumble a piece of paper and call it a sculpture and then a city overpays for it and plants it in a park?

Nah, I'll do without the artists then. Seems like they don't make artists like they use too either.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:30 PM

no one does realize this, 3:23....you are correct.

people have gained enormous wealth in the past 10 years...even with a drop off in home prices, anyone who bought or owned a home prior to 2000 has seen their wealth on paper increase by 100's of thousands of dollars in many cases.

you are witnessing a lot of the outrage by bitter people who passed up opportunites to buy something because they didn't believe in brooklyn's future enough (but ironically now criticize others for investing in its future at much higher dollar amounts) or they were unable or did not want to buy for one reason or another.

it's pretty transparent.

envy is one of the 7 deadly sins, you know...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:34 PM

and what do you do for work, 3:30?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:35 PM

3:35 PM, what do you do for work and where do you work and how much do you make?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:44 PM

i'm an artist.

i made 10 dollars last year.

and i live in a brownstone in park slope.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 3:49 PM

i love how some people's idea of diversity is 10 rich people + 90 poor people

yeah. nice braod spectrum

For example, an intelligent hard working engineer making 90K a year, cant live in the apts reserved for the poor, nor can he/she afford the lux condos or town homes

he/she is told to fuck off, live out in queens somewhere

underachievers (to put it kindly) meanwhile are given handouts to live in prime locations, because some limo liberal decrees that they are important

and they call it diversity

i call it white guilt

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:16 PM

Artist is a pretty generic term. By such bland terms, so am I since I draw a lot.

Be more specific. I.e. I paint urban scenery, I paint country scenery, I'm post modern, cubists, comic illustrator, graphic designer doing web pages, illustration, print media, photography, sidewalk drawer, design for greeting cards, drafter at an architectural firm, or married to a rich husband who works for living and I doodle around and call myself an artist because I spent 100K at a liberal arts college.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:18 PM

"you are witnessing a lot of the outrage by bitter people who passed up opportunites to buy something because they didn't believe in brooklyn's future enough (but ironically now criticize others for investing in its future at much higher dollar amounts) or they were unable or did not want to buy for one reason or another."

Wrong...I own in CG, and I can understand why people feel that way...and not all of them are renters. Those who stayed during the rough patches believed in Brooklyn's future. Look at both sides of the issue.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:21 PM

You guys were alive and were property owners during the 70's? Damn, I wasn't even born yet and you guys are older than my parents.

And yet I'm competing with you guys for jobs and homes in NYC? No wonder you guys are bitter. So sad.... No, I mean so pathetic.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:25 PM

i own in Brooklyn, so I am not squeezed out, but this handout sucks!

you don't need a free apartment to be an artist.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:39 PM

Renters who "stayed during the rough patches" arent being summarily evicted either - since they are generally protected from large rent increases by Rent Stabilization.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:48 PM

Social workers are essential.

Most therapists are social workers.

Ever go to an employee assistance program? You likely met with a social worker.

Social workers help keep criminals off drugs and therefore less likely to rob, rape, and kill you.

Social workers do crisis intervention and trauma counseling.

Social workers man suicide hotlines.

Social workers help train people in vocational programs so that those people can get off public assistance, SSI, etc. and be independent.

Social workers do case management for the elderly in nursing homes.

Social workers do therapy with children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse.

I could go on and on and on.

If you think that none of the above is essential to our society, then I give up.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:49 PM

4:49 you sound as if you're getting interviewed by a efficiency consultant at work discussing your job duties and how you fit into the companies goals. Trying to save your job? Of course you'll say the rosiest things to paint yourself bright.

I am a garbage man and without me the city would be a pile of garbage so therefore I am more important than the busboy at the restaurant.

I am a busboy and without me the restaurant would be very dirty. Rats and cockroaches would infest and overwhelm the neighborhood and spread disease and kill and main many, many people.

Were all important to the fabric of the local, state, and national economy. We all do our part. Everybody, pat yourself on your back. Good job.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 4:57 PM

you don't need a free apartment to be an artist.

the apartments are free, idiot.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:07 PM

5:07 Say what?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:10 PM

4:16 -

very well said.

it's liberal people thinking that they are smarter than everyone else and can go outside natural selection and reorganize our society.

giving handouts always fails the very people it was meant to help.

you wouldn't treat your own kids like this. do you tie your teenagers' shoelaces? no, no you do not.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:10 PM

Funny I always thought Social Work was for yentas who needed a job till they met an investment banker.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:10 PM

let me rephrase that....

the apartments AREN'T free, idiot.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:14 PM

5:10 you are a douche of the highest order. Go shove a Adolf Hitler figurine up your bunghole.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:15 PM

"I love how some people's idea of diversity is 10 rich people + 90 poor people"

Do you REALLY think that is the make-up of Boreum Hill???

If so, you've never been there.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:15 PM

"giving handouts always fails the very people it was meant to help."

Yeah, you're right. It would be so much smarter to just let these people stay homeless.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:16 PM

5:16 Yes, yes it would. Private organizations are meant to help those that need it, not the government.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:22 PM

Artists have traditionally migrated to less expensive areas in New York City, and then moved on as their neighborhood gentrified. But as real estate values have increased across Brooklyn, there are fewer areas left for people of modest means.

But a new housing development on Schermerhorn Street promises to preserve at least some affordable housing for artists and actors in Downtown Brooklyn, helping to maintain the diversity of the neighborhood.

And more than 50 percent of 217 units at Schermerhorn House will provide housing for the formerly homeless and people with special needs. The rest will be for low-income workers and artists.

Residents will live in efficiency studios that measure approximately 185 square feet. They will pay one-third of their income toward rent, but must earn less than $29,000 to qualify. The income limit may change by the time the project opens.

The developers, Common Ground Community, recently held a groundbreaking for the complex, on Schermerhorn Street between Hoyt and Smith streets.

“Schermerhorn House will ensure that the area reflects the diversity that defines Brooklyn,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz in a statement. “I wish we had a dozen more like it.”

The facility will also include a 200-seat black box theater and a space to host community art shows, rehearsals and performances.

Markowitz contributed $500,000 to the project from the Borough President’s Brooklyn Housing Development Fund. The fund is used to promote affordable housing.

Common Ground Community raised $865,682 through a challenge grant from the Robin Hood Foundation. Donations from corporations and individuals helped reach the amount needed to secure the money. Hamlin Ventures, LLC and Time Equities, Inc., provided the land as part of a trade-off for their condo development across the street. The city required them to provide 100 affordable units but they doubled that.

The project marks the beginning of the transformation of Schermerhorn Street into a new residential corridor. It is part of an area that was rezoned in 2004 to encourage mixed-use developments.

Polshek Partnership Architects designed the building, which received a citation from the 2005 American Institute of Architects’ Housing Design Awards.

Common Ground will manage the building and the Actors’ Fund will provide on-site social services, helping residents to hook up with employers and monetary assistance. They will also provide life-skill training such as cooking and art classes.

The $60-million project is scheduled for completion in October 2007 and should be fully occupied by March 2008.

Schermerhorn House will feature “green design” elements such as rooftop gardens and an efficient boiler system.

For information about applying for housing call Common Ground at (800) 324-7055 or email them at intake2005@commonground.org

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 5:27 PM

"The vitriol on this site over a few housing units is astounding."

Indeed. A few 185 SF units at that.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 6:09 PM

You know what? These "artists" should get day jobs. What arrogance to think that you HAVE AN INHERENT RIGHT to survive off your art alone, and get a subsidized existence of any kind for it. It is so absurd. Are "artists" too special to be or waiters, busboys, or god forbid, work in retail? GET A DAY JOB!

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 6:10 PM

the i hate artists comments are so obviously made by a bunch of old guard (also racist most likely) brooklynites who woulnd't know motley crue from mozart.

so sad.

i know i know. plumbing is an artform too...

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:11 PM

Did anyone actually READ the article?

You have to make 29K or under a year.

Do you really think working as a waiter, in retail or as a busboy at 6 bucks an hour is a 29K a year job?

The answer is NO.

That's why there are places like this.

I don't understand the debate. Who here who makes 75K a year wants to live in a 185 sf studio?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:15 PM

What a bunch of whining babies. It's not FAIR.... something for nothing..... it's so not fair.....I don't live downtown....How come artists don't work....whine, whine, whine. We haven't come one iota past where society was a hundred years ago. A couple of points -

1) An efficiency studio of 185 sq feet is hardly a suite at the Plaza. That's your kitchen, bathroom, storage and living space -in an unadorned box the size of a large bathroom.

2)Who said it was FREE? If you pay a third of an income of $29K, that's about $9.7K in rent, leaving you a whopping $19.3K to live on for a year. In New York Expensive City. That's about $400 a week for food, clothing, transportation, utilities, etc. Doable - yeah, but hardly living the high life.

3)Who said any of the artists don't have jobs? However, if the cap is only $29K for everyone, that is going to severely limit the artist population, most of whom work quite hard to live in NY, and would have to be doing better than that in order to pursue almost any kind of art.

4)Looks as if a miniscule portion of the funding came from city coffers. Marty's half million is peanuts compared to the city give aways to AY, and countless other lux condo developments who have taken advantage of tax abatement programs that were designed to incourage affordable housing. You want to get upset about where your money goes, and to whom - take that one on.

5)As regarding "fairness". It's not fair that there are so many people in our city who qualify for this. It's not fair that where you were born, and who you were born to can limit your chances of success. It's not fair that educational opportunities are not equal for all of our students, regardless of income. It's not fair that some kids can never even imagine working on Wall Street, and don't even know where it is. It's not fair that their parents weren't educated middle class people who introduced their kids to the concepts of managing money, the stock market, higher education, and the finer things of life. It's not fair that some people are judged by their looks, color or last name, and are never afforded the same opportunities that those who whine about fairness have take for granted. There's a lot of unfairness around here, not getting a "free" studio is nothing.

It's one building, with 185 tiny units, in a less than bucolic part of downtown. Some kind and civic minded people worked their butts off cajoling, working the boardrooms and halls of power to come up with the money provide the less fortunate, and those trying to rejoin society, with some small, modest place to live, and programs to help them survive, and perhaps find some joy in creativity. For the majority on this thread, giving them that is too much. You'd think it came directly from your Scrooge like pockets. Shame on all of you.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:24 PM

Perfect! 7:11's comment is exactly the kind of superiority complex I suspected existed among many SELF-described "artist communities". Your smug elitist remark is so outrageous, and also so airheaded, dense, and simply retarded, that I hope one of those "old guard" Brooklyn plumbers beats your classist ass with a monkey wrench. Why would a plumber have any less right to one of those subsidized apartments than an artist? And for the record, I am 28, hispanic, and a musician, so I don't fit your ridiculous description of an "artist hater".

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:25 PM

Why not just offer the half of the 190 units to low-income residents, period, instead of differentiating between regular low-income folk and artists? That's the issue. It implies that being an artist is somehow morally superior to being a busboy or nail salon worker or plumber, get it? I think that's what has people hot and bothered.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:30 PM

Plumbers make more than 29K a year. That's why.

7:24...you said it all perfectly. thank you.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:31 PM

READ THE FREAKING ARTICLE, 7:30.

Actors' Equity and other groups helped to bring this project to fruition. This is a free country.

If YOU would like to buy a parcel of land and build homes for plumbers, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO!!!

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:33 PM

I just hope the artists that get those 185 sq. ft. studios are forced to prove that it will be used as their primary residence, as opposed to their artist studio/workplace.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:33 PM

Hey 7:30....why offer homes in retirement communities to only those 55 and over? And hell, why can't nursing homes start taking in low income children? And what's with those halfway houses? They really need to start taking in wall streeters so they can save some cash.

Housing for college students? Fuck them. We need to start putting some Lawyers in there. They are strapped for cash.

You are an idiot.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:37 PM

WITH CITY MONEY, 7:33. Even if it's $1 dollar, it's my tax money. And I have no interest in subsidizing artists at the expense of ANYONE else who doesn't have the luxury of deciding to dedicate their oh-so-special existence to art.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:38 PM

Your analogy is pointless and moronic, asswipe, I mean 7:37.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:41 PM

"Half of the 190 units will be for low-income residents and artists"--come on. You have to admit this sounds completely ridiculous, the "and artists" part of it.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:42 PM

doesn't sound ridiculous at all.

artists have been housed in the carnegie hall towers for years, and there was recently OUTRAGE that they were being displaced to make room for an expansion by that venue.

just goes to show what a difference a river makes in terms of support for the arts.

brooklyn is so backwater.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:46 PM

You disgust me, 7:38.

Why would anyone pay the high cost of living in New York City if they don't appreciate the arts? The arts are what have MADE this city. Without them, there would be no New York City. Not realizing that means you are even more stupid than I though.

You might as well move to Ft. Meyers and get it over with.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:49 PM

I 2nd 7:46 PM. Brooklyn is such a white trash wasteland.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:49 PM

7:38 is George Bush.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:50 PM

I love that this project was paid for privately minus 500K, yet there are about to be 4 billion dollars worth of luxury condos and an arena built within a mile of here with taxpayer dollars.

There are 8 million people in New York City. So you didn't even pay 1 penny to help build this development.

You don't think low income people are worth 1 cent.

That says it all.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 7:54 PM

Mark me as convinced to the merits of this project. I'm shamed to admit I didn't know about the project completely. Consider me informed now.

Too bad, I can't delete the couple posts earlier that were completely off base.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 8:00 PM

I swear this city would be better off if these real estate blogs didn't exist. These blogs are a breeding ground for jealousy and hate. Without them, ignorance is bliss.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 8:05 PM

If I had my druthers, I'd build 1BR+ apartments (minimum) for these people:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071108/ap_on_re_us/homeless_veterans

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 8:18 PM

Why don't poor artists just live in one of the many housing projects that exist in Brooklyn and NYC in general? What's the matter? Regular ol' housing projects not good enough? Not enough intellectual stimulation? No salon?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 8:22 PM

Agreed 8:05. Not just the real estate blogs, all blogs.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 8:24 PM

it's not the blogs that breed hate and jealousy.

it's the people. if people weren't so hateful and jealous, we could have perfectly fine, although opposing conversations here on blogs.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 8:46 PM

It's amazing to me that these neighborhoods that rely so much on low income folks to take care of their kids...teachers and nannies, and to keep all these restaurants on Smith Street and 5th avenue open every day, keep these boutiques stocked with our favorite clothes, make sure fires get quickly put out in these old beautiful brownstones, exhibits packed at the Brooklyn Museum or shows going at Bargemusic, Mark Morris Dance Company, Bargemusic or Dumbo Arts Council...yet you care so little about the actual human beings behind these things...

You want them to all live way off in the bronx or staten island to keep your neighborhood lily white and wealthy?

It makes no sense. THEY are what help to make Brooklyn so special for those of us that can truly afford all of these amazing things our city has to offer...

Try to think outside of yourself for 2 seconds.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 10:32 PM

Oh get off your high horses and cut the lecturing already. It's pretty clear from this thread that most everyone in NYC who is not rich is having a hard time paying for decent housing. There is not enough affordable housing to go around for everyone--that is the crux of the problem.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 10:48 PM

I wonder what you do for the low-income folks, 10:32? Do you/would you rent out your garden apartment well-below market?

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 10:50 PM

10:32 most classist, condescending post on thread, after 7:11. The hypocrisy is just staggering.

Posted by: guest at November 7, 2007 10:55 PM

It would be so much easier to support this project if not for all the lazy douche bag "artists" I have met in this city. They are the biggest tools you will ever meet.

There were a few low-life losers that were leeching off a friend of mine. They wouldn't help with the rent, food, utilities, or even entertainment costs like movie tickets and beer at the bar. They wouldn't even wash their own laundry and wore the same dirty clothes for months. My friend had to move out of the apartment to get rid of these loser leech artist. Are these the type of poor artists this building will be accommodating?

Posted by: guest at November 8, 2007 12:30 AM

7:33 makes a good point

i know of a few "artists" who hold one of these "artist" subsidized apts in Manhattan, whil ethey live upstate or even out of state in large homes..essentially using the subsidized unit as a pad in the city, while contributing NOTHING to NYC culture

Posted by: guest at November 8, 2007 8:40 AM

12:30: "There were a few low-life losers that were leeching off a friend of mine"

LOL. Your friend had to move because of these terrible artists? It's your friend who sounds like the loser, asshole. Maybe if he had a spine...

But carry on with denouncing an entire community based on three people who took advantage of your doormat friend.

Posted by: guest at November 8, 2007 11:08 AM

@11:08AM
"But carry on with denouncing an entire community based on three people who took advantage of your doormat friend."

Now that I have your blessing I sure will asshat! And, since you have such a pleasant personality I will talk shit and spread all the nastiness about loser "artists" that leech off the hardworking friends. Hell, you have just invigorated me to fight projects like these jacka**!

Damn, lets give handouts to losers that can't even get a job at a Micky D's but want to spend $10 on coffee. Thanks to you, I say screw them.

Posted by: guest at November 8, 2007 12:27 PM

To all of you considering affordable RENTALS to those earning at the levels required to qualify for low-income housing as "handouts," i.e. the person who lamented the plight of a "hard working engineer who earns $90k/yr" @ 4:17- let me ask you this... do you itemize your taxes? Do you exploit any loopholes within income tax law? Do you own stocks or receive any income from capital gains that are exempted from taxes? What do you think that is? Tax expenditures are welfare my friend. We ALL benefit from the welfare state in this country... whether it be someone on Medicaid, Public Assistance or SSI/SSDI OR benefiting from tax expenditures, disproportionate regressive taxes, Corporate tax credits and federal underwriting, etc.

While I agree that there are those whom exploit the welfare system on the low-end of the income scale, don't deny that there are those that do the same on the upper end. Many million and billionaires get busted for tax evasion, but does that mean that the MAJORITy of affluent folks screw the system over? No. Nor does this mean that the majority of those on Public Assistance and other programs do so to look for handouts. If you knew the level of degradation, humiliation and bureaucratic b.s. that one had to go through just to get on Public Assistance, you'd understand that this is a last resort for most folks receiving it. We're all socialized by what we experience through the media, but learn to read outside sources to understand just what 'welfare' is and who truly benefits. Mr./Mrs. $90K/yr benefits more from welfare than the formerly homeless artist ever will.

P.S. Learn what "low-income" means- we're talking low 20's to mid 30's. There is a "very low-income" designation which is capped at around 20k, depending on the funding source for the building. And if you knew what a public assistance check looked like- you're not even sniffing 20k.

Posted by: guest at November 8, 2007 4:08 PM

11/08/07 @4:08pm, I thank you for the breath of logic and truth. I also wonder, had this building been constructed for the working and middle-class residents of Brooklyn, would the people posting "bloody murder" classify themselves as recipients of "hand-outs".

Just a thought.

Posted by: guest at March 16, 2008 1:06 PM

Hello, it is not a hand out, it is affordable housing. Which should exist for everyone, this happens to be, for not only "artists," but for people who fall withing a certain income. And yes rent is being paid by these people! An appropriate amount! (So they maybe get lucky in a lottery. What about people who are fortunate in other ways, education scholarships, jobs, or through marriage, or bought at a good time in the market. or whatever.)

What about those fancy apartments that exist and are rented or owned by companies, and are used just for the purposes for employees when they are in NYC. Maybe those Should not exist too! Maybe the real issue is how insane the market has gotten in NYC. And the economy!

PLeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!

Posted by: guest at April 29, 2008 8:57 PM