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March 27, 2008
Atlantic's Successful Antics
The Post displays some out-in-front reporting this morning with a story on the gentrification of Atlantic Avenue. Evidently, Atlantic has transformed from a strip defined mostly by parking lots a few decades ago to its current incarnation, notable for substantial residential and retail development. Most interesting are details about how home values have risen. "Back in 2000, a brownstone [in Boerum Hill] went for about $1.5 million," says Nancy McKiernan of Nancy McKiernan Realty. The story says a brownstone off Atlantic today goes for roughly $2.5 million, and condos fetch in the $600- to $700-per-square-foot range. The article also has a roll call of all the avenue's recent and planned development, including the Smith and Renaissance Realty's in-progress luxury rental at 252 Atlantic. And, of course, Atlantic has seen a great deal of retail advances in the past few years, including its many newish boutique shops, the just-opened Urban Outfitters and the planned Trader Joe's. The big elephant in the room, natch, is how plans to reopen the House of Detention are going to affect Atlantic's progress. The article's most hilarious quote is from a recent transplant who says, "The prison presence is barely noticeable at all!" That could change slightly if the city's plans to reopen the facility with 1,469 inmates by 2012 moves forward.
Atlantic Current [NY Post]
Photo by urban_lisa.
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Comments
Gabby:
Why do you tempt me so? What Now I want one of those oh so delicious cupcakes from Downtown Atlantic.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:34 AM
All I know is that Boerum Hill is so much more hipper and liveable than Park Slope.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:38 AM
When all the inmates are white than the gentrification process will be complete.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:44 AM
I'm a coffee drinking, stroller pushing mom who lives in Boerum Hill. And I'm here to stay.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:44 AM
I doubt that the re-opening of the jail will make a difference. It's a small part of the avenue and unless one is right in front of it, it's presence is easy to forget.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:46 AM
$2.5 million for brownstones just off Atlantic? I live on Pacific Street, and the highest price our block has gotten is $2.3 million. It was a particularly beautiful 22' wide house with a fabulous garden.
Still, they have definitely been selling for north of $2 million. We'll see what the future brings...
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:52 AM
Anyone who lived in Boerum Hill while the jail was opened knows that a re-opening will make a difference. And not a positive one. That said, I used to enhjoy the informal visiting hours when family/friends would talk to the inmates by yelling up to them from the street.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:53 AM
BOCOCA is the best area in in Brooklyn hands down.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 9:56 AM
As someone who has lived in Boerum Hill for many years, please don't use the term BOCOCA!
Thanks
And sadly, the 2.5 mark was crossed on those new townhousees on State at Smith (hard to believe for 16 foot wide houses, but according to other posters on this site they were successfully marketd to Manhattanites looking for modern). And I think there have been a few sales close to $2.5 on State and on Dean as well (not including the old Nell Campbell house that Ledger and Williams purchased).
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:08 AM
Every time I hear BoCoCa (the correct styling, by the way), I think...NoProPaSo!
Posted by: Brenda from Flatbush at March 27, 2008 10:11 AM
Love Atlantic Avenue...lot of character...needs more restaurants though..
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:12 AM
I am literally bursting with juvenile excitement – I have seen “the What.” I opened up a Bloomberg video story about Neighborhood Assistance Corp. protestors invading Bear Stearns lobby yesterday and there was a pudgy, middle-aged white dude with a “someday this war is going to end” sign held over his head. He looks like the comic store owner guy from Simpsons but far less interesting. I can’t post video from Bloomberg but someone please, please validate – it’s under JPM CN and story was posted at 12:08 am this morning. I apologize to everyone but I am posting this everywhere on Brownstoner because the disconnect between the guy and his posting style is just hysterical and highlights just what a terribly conflicted medium blogs can be and anyone that puts too much stock in what they read on these sites needs about as much professional help as the “What” does. I am now just so excited to see if he will call me an “a$#%-hat” so I can literally picture it coming out of his mouth!
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:15 AM
I have to disagree with 10:12 -- it has plenty of eateries (at least from Smith to Nevins). Any more and it would feel like the mall that Smith Street is on its way to becoming. What it needs are more food stores (a la Fish Tales or Los Paisanos).
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:18 AM
um, 10:18 Sahadi's is a food store and one of the best in the world!!!! Check it out its located between Court and Clinton.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:25 AM
10:14, that is awesome. I can't wait to see the picture!
Posted by: Biff Champion at March 27, 2008 10:27 AM
I am literally bursting with juvenile excitement – I have seen “the What.” I opened up a Bloomberg video story about Neighborhood Assistance Corp. protestors invading Bear Stearns lobby yesterday and there was a pudgy, middle-aged white dude with a “someday this war is going to end” sign held over his head. He looks like the comic store owner guy from Simpsons but far less interesting. I can’t post video from Bloomberg but someone please, please validate – it’s under JPM CN and story was posted at 12:08 am this morning. I apologize to everyone but I am posting this everywhere on Brownstoner because the disconnect between the guy and his posting style is just hysterical and highlights just what a terribly conflicted medium blogs can be and anyone that puts too much stock in what they read on these sites needs about as much professional help as the “What” does. I am now just so excited to see if he will call me an “a$#%-hat” so I can literally picture it coming out of his mouth!
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:28 AM
I love that Atlantic is actually wide enough for strollers, at least the part where the cupcake place is. No stroller wars please!
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:30 AM
I know we have been thru the issue before, but the jail is minor factor. The parking by court employees and guards is bigger negative.
Yeah, you'll get those they say they heard yelling or whatever - but did not happen much - And I say much less intrusive and quiet than some nightlife bar or club or restaurant with outside seating - where the noise takes place when trying to sleep at night.
The issue really is that while the jail may have some minor noise, inconveniences - small compared to some other commercial enterprises - The demographics of the people inside and their visitors makes some people
'uncomfortable'.
Certainly the Manhattan House of Detention sits on edge of residential Chinatown and I doubt most people are aware of it.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:33 AM
Atlantic avenue used to be divided into two distinctly different feeling streets with Boerum Place as the dividing line.The dingy side was in Boerum hill where I have lived for 20 years.There was a dead zone that consisted of the jail,a parking garage on court and Atlantic, and two large gas stations on either side of Boerum place across from the jail.Now that 75% of what was referred to as "The Gap" has been or is being developed,the negative influence of the jail should be much less.One disturbing offshoot of the jail are the many bail bondsmen and shyster lawyers who set up shop on Atlantic.
It seems like the jail is there to stay,unfortunately.Accepting that fact,I'd love to see something like the Hamlin plan happen.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:39 AM
ARGH!! I have been looking for the story, but i only find a report (not video) and a different man with another sign. I guess the What has friends in high places and got it taken down....?
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:42 AM
inmates LOVE cupcakes!
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 10:56 AM
10:15 here's the video, but....
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akGvUo2phD9Y
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:09 AM
The "What" link...video on right
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=akGvUo2phD9Y
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:14 AM
The only such sign I can make out in the video says "This War Isn't Over."
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:18 AM
There is a big movement on the bail out issue! I think people are fixing up their pitchforks and warming up the tar! There is a quiet revolution going on and people are not going to take it anymore.
The BIG story is New Century Financial and KPMG LLP. KPMG signed off on New Century books and defrauded Investors. This is the same thing that happen at ENRON with Arthur Anderson. Arthur Anderson was out of business 6 months later!
New Century Bankruptcy Examiner Says KPMG Aided Fraud (Update4)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aXebBOZ3eBjQ&refer=news
And....
Equity Loans as Next Round in Credit Crisis
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/business/27loan.html?hp
This is huge! Remember Home Equity loans are callable. The bank can force you to pay it back at anytime, it's like a margin call.
"Americans owe a staggering $1.1 trillion on home equity loans — and banks are increasingly worried they may not get some of that money back.
To get it, many lenders are taking the extraordinary step of preventing some people from selling their homes or refinancing their mortgages unless they pay off all or part of their home equity loans first. In the past, when home prices were not falling, lenders did not resort to these measures."
Last but not lease, I was not at Bear Sterns yesterday. I wish I was there. That shows you how bad thing are. Wake up!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:39 AM
There is a big movement on the bail out issue! I think people are fixing up their pitchforks and warming up the tar! There is a quiet revolution going on and people are not going to take it anymore.
The BIG story is New Century Financial and KPMG LLP. KPMG signed off on New Century books and defrauded Investors. This is the same thing that happen at ENRON with Arthur Anderson. Arthur Anderson was out of business 6 months later!
New Century Bankruptcy Examiner Says KPMG Aided Fraud (Update4)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aXebBOZ3eBjQ&refer=news
And....
Equity Loans as Next Round in Credit Crisis
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/business/27loan.html?hp
This is huge! Remember Home Equity loans are callable. The bank can force you to pay it back at anytime, it's like a margin call.
"Americans owe a staggering $1.1 trillion on home equity loans — and banks are increasingly worried they may not get some of that money back.
To get it, many lenders are taking the extraordinary step of preventing some people from selling their homes or refinancing their mortgages unless they pay off all or part of their home equity loans first. In the past, when home prices were not falling, lenders did not resort to these measures."
Last but not lease, I was not at Bear Sterns yesterday. I wish I was there. That shows you how bad thing are. Wake up!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:40 AM
10:25 -- This is 10:18 here. I thought we were talking about Boerum Hill. The "gap" mentioned by another poster always divided the two sections of Atlantic Avenue (at least in theory if not practice).
Althouhg I always liked the bondsmen on Atlantic Avenue and am kind of sad to see them moving off this strip.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:44 AM
I apologize to everyone but I am posting this everywhere on Brownstoner because the disconnect between the guy and his posting style is just hysterical and highlights just what a terribly conflicted medium blogs can be and anyone that puts too much stock in what they read on these sites needs about as much professional help as the “What” does. I am now just so excited to see if he will call me an “a$#%-hat” so I can literally picture it coming out of his mouth!
Can I ask you one question? Why do I need help? America is facing a dire economic situation and I need help? Indifference and Ignorance are very dangerous things. Thats how the top stay in power, the people don't question their moves. I very happy about the protest at Bear Sterns and JP Morgan, at least people are getting mad and are willing to do something about it.
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:47 AM
I apologize to everyone but I am posting this everywhere on Brownstoner because the disconnect between the guy and his posting style is just hysterical and highlights just what a terribly conflicted medium blogs can be and anyone that puts too much stock in what they read on these sites needs about as much professional help as the “What” does. I am now just so excited to see if he will call me an “a$#%-hat” so I can literally picture it coming out of his mouth!
Can I ask you one question? Why do I need help? America is facing a dire economic situation and I need help? Indifference and Ignorance are very dangerous things. Thats how the top stay in power, the people don't question their moves. I very happy about the protest at Bear Sterns and JP Morgan, at least people are getting mad and are willing to do something about it.
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 11:48 AM
The What has gone schizo.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 12:17 PM
10:15, you need to get over your juvenile FASCINATION with "The What." He's gotten so far under your skin that it's clear you are quite shaken by his largely harmless rants. It's his right to say what he feels as long as he backs up off the profanity. Get over it.
On the BH of D, I don't imagine hat too many people will notice or need to worry about "interacting" with inmates. Brooklyn Central booking continues to operate right next door, and I'll bet there are about 500 or so guys and gals being held (and led into and out of) jail cells in there right now. Like one poster said, I think parking will be a bigger issue.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 12:29 PM
As someone who has lived across the strert (Boerum) from the HOD for 25 years, I can attest thatthe biggst problem is court officers who use the street as a semi-permanent parking lot. They park for weeks at a time and do not touch the cars! And all the cars seem to have those old loud obnoxious alarms that go off at the slightest vibration.
Visitors are a non-issue.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 1:12 PM
re hod, anyone remember when this happened?
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,924200,00.html
Posted by: BrooklynLove at March 27, 2008 1:48 PM
Thanks BrooklynLove, that was interesting. I googled the guy and came up with, in the words of Paul Harvey, the rest of the story
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE1D8113EF934A25756C0A96F948260
Posted by: Biff Champion at March 27, 2008 2:14 PM
Thanks BrooklynLove, that was interesting. I googled the guy and came up with, in the words of Paul Harvey, the rest of the story
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DE1D8113EF934A25756C0A96F948260
Posted by: Biff Champion at March 27, 2008 2:16 PM
And just think, all those landlords can count on competition from the Prison Industrial Complex (nothing screams luxury like a sign advertising "Cheap, Fast Bail Bonds Here!) to drive up the rent on those cupcake shops.
Posted by: kuroko at March 27, 2008 2:48 PM
And just think, all those landlords can count on competition from the Prison Industrial Complex (nothing screams luxury like a sign advertising "Cheap, Fast Bail Bonds Here!) to drive up the rent on those cupcake shops.
Posted by: kuroko at March 27, 2008 2:49 PM
"Certainly the Manhattan House of Detention sits on edge of residential Chinatown and I doubt most people are aware of it."
The people who live around the Manhattan Detention Complex (MDC) formerly known as the Bernard B. Kerik Center (named changed back to MDC after Bernie's conviction) are aware of the jail. They have sense enough to realize that the jail was there before they were and that any jail has to be near the courts and are a necessary evil. Unlike the whining, complaining, stroller pushing, obnoxious idoits who purchased million dollar condo's facing a jail that was recently renovated and had been there since 1963. They built there homes in the jails back yard.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 4:10 PM
Certainly the Manhattan House of Detention sits on edge of residential Chinatown and I doubt most people are aware of it."
The people who live around the Manhattan Detention Complex (MDC) formerly known as the Bernard B. Kerik Center (named changed back to MDC after Bernie's conviction) are aware of the jail. They have sense enough to realize that the jail was there before they were and that any jail has to be near the courts and are a necessary evil. Unlike the whining, complaining, stroller pushing, obnoxious idoits who purchased million dollar condo's facing a jail that was recently renovated and had been there since 1963. They built there homes in the jails back yard.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 4:12 PM
moms pushing the stollers right past the jail?
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 5:31 PM
Visiting their former iBanker hubbies, no doubt.
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 7:52 PM
now that's some gentrification!
Posted by: guest at March 27, 2008 8:50 PM
they built Emerald City!
Posted by: guest at March 28, 2008 12:59 AM
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