Upscale Green Townhouses Coming to Bed Stuy

listings say one house is in contract-

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:17 AM

That is a lot for that spot, which is just off of Atlantic. Would love to know who bought it and what their motivation was.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:21 AM

Am looking at some two and three families near there this afternoon - any feedback on the 'hood would be welcome.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:24 AM

fugly

those things in real life are going to be fugly.

the mocj-up looks neat, but if you really imagine those in reality... eye-sore

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:31 AM

11:24: the neighborhood is changing, with lots of new blood bringing some needed changes. Being near restoration plaza is good, as there is a large supermarket, major banks and lots of little shops - some good, some bad. It is near the express stop at Nostrand on the A/C, which gets you into the city quickly. The LIRR also stops at Nostrand if you want to get out to the island. A bit of a walk to Clinton Hill and Ft Greene, but certainly doable. The new, improved Y on Bedford gets rave reviews if you are looking for a gym. Otherwise, a mix of African-American, Caribbeans, South Asians, West Africans and new comers, who are of various backgrounds.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:36 AM

Perhaps their motivation was simply to invest in a neighborhood that is on the rise. Granted, Atlantic is not the most quiet and scenic haven, but these houses are near the financial hub of Bed Stuy, with 4 banks, excellent supermarket, a health food store, Duane Reade, hardware stores and other shopping. The retail here may not thrill anyone with an upscale bent, but the same can be said for many areas. It's around the corner from the subway, and the LIRR. Restoration Plaza has some amenities and a theatre and conference place. There are plans afoot for all kinds of betterment.

These houses look well designed and will add interest to a corner that could use it. My only gripe is that they signed with Corcoran, depriving any local brokers from benefitting from improvements to their own community. Too bad Corcoran didn't co-broke with a Bed Stuy firm. That would been a good way to show that they are not here just to take the money and run back to tonier nabes.

Montrose, still can't log in properly, Morris.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:37 AM

I love those houses, but its a tad rich for my blood.

I agree with Polemicist that the prices are too high for the area. I'm guessing that its basically a construction/raw materials issue that is affecting the pricing.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:43 AM

I love those houses, but its a tad rich for my blood.

I agree with Polemicist that the prices are too high for the area. I'm guessing that its basically a construction/raw materials issue that is affecting the pricing.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:43 AM

What do you think the homeowners will be able to fetch for the rentals? That will make a huge difference in the pricing.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:44 AM

Only in NY would homes fetch 1.3 in a neighborhood where a 27 year old woman was just brutally killed yesterday.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:47 AM

Does green have to equal unattractive?
Those facades look almost fascist-era.
They don't look very warm and inviting.
I'm glad to hear the area is getting stronger and that new blood is coming in.
I drove by last week and it looked like the same old Bed Stuy to me. But these things take time.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:51 AM

Ok people! I think you better wake up! The Mutant Real Estate Bubble is dead. I know one house sold in Park Slope for 3 million dollars.

Now the Pupars are promoting "GREEN" in Bed Stuy. LMAO! Maybe someone from the UWS will buy one of these puppies. Look honey, we lives in tha Hood!!!! Yep, the crash is going to be lovely!!

For those who missed yesterdays rant, here ya go!

Cognitive dissonance

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance

Cognitive dissonance is a psychological state that describes the uncomfortable feeling when a person begins to understand that something the person believes to be true is, in fact, not true. Similar to ambivalence, the term cognitive dissonance describes conflicting thoughts or beliefs (cognitions) that occur at the same time, or when engaged in behaviors that conflict with one's beliefs. In academic literature, the term refers to attempts to reduce the discomfort of conflicting thoughts, by performing actions that are opposite to one's beliefs.

Note: to the person who called me a poser, check this out! A poser is a person that suffers from Cognitive dissonance! I harbor no illusions! 4.00 gas is hard to do that!

The What (My Meds are tasting nasty again)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:52 AM

This are modular, $200sf. I guess that's without labor and finishes, but can't be too hard to put up, so a hefty profit for the developer. And an interesting idea for city building.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:55 AM

I don't think this is the what; this poster has too much of, what we call in the field, ego awareness. This actual person is probably sweet and mild-mannered.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 11:59 AM

$1.3 might sound high on the surface for the neighborhood, but it's a brand-new move-in ready townhouse. no work needed to this once you buy it. that's gotta be worth something!

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:00 PM

The architect for this project is also doing the reno work at Restoration Plaza.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:00 PM

I would not pay over 800K for ANY house in Bed Stuy.

Simply not worth the money for that neighborhood.

You people need to wake up.

Seriously.

Bed Stuy is going to be at a grinding halt in terms of gentrification for the next 5-7 years.

I suspect prices in Bed Stuy will tumble about 30-40% over the next two years.

If places like this are no longer affordable to the upper middle class, what areas will be??

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:09 PM

I live a couple block from here and i think this is a joke. I am all for gentrifying a neighbourhood but no way anyone in their right mind would pay 1.3m to live in this fugly bldg in the hood. and make no mistake this is definitely the hood. there is only cheap retail along this stretch and the only really dinning center is the applebys at Restoration Plaza. and at nights the area is very sketchy/dangerous.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:10 PM

My mother had a 1950's sideboard in her dining room that looked just like that.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:11 PM

With the wake of the impending tough economic times as well as the impending green revolution, I think a lot of people are realizing that they'd rather have a smaller place in a nicer area (where they can walk to all services) than in a fringe area where cars are still needed, crime is up and economic woes will have the most profound effect.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:15 PM

Please, that murder was all the way on Hart St - on the Bushwick boarder of Bed-Stuy. I love how people comment about places they've never been. Bed-Stuy is not Cobble Hill or Ft. Greene, but it's home to a diverse group of working New Yorkers. Some of us are actually teachers and the like with normal incomes. Why don't the rest of you with trust funds go somewhere like San Fran. Take your overpriced t-shirts and tight jeans with you.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:18 PM

12:09: You are dead wrong on the housing prices in the area. You will not be able to get a 3 story 2 family for under 400K in 2 years, which is what you are implying.

Bed-Stuy is no longer the hood, just some of the people are. Yes, What, I am referring to you.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:18 PM

Bed Stuy is not safe and is one of the subprime capitals of NYC. You would have to be very brave to move to that area. A 27 year old girl was murdered just this morning on the street

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:20 PM

"Bed-Stuy is not Cobble Hill or Ft. Greene, but it's home to a diverse group of working New Yorkers. Some of us are actually teachers and the like with normal incomes"

Very interesting quote 12:18 but these are priced as if it were Fort Green or Cobble Hill. The normal teachers you refer to cannot afford these.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:23 PM

Im friends with a large group of young teachers and they all live in park slope.

they make around 50k a year.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:27 PM

"You will not be able to get a 3 story 2 family for under 400K in 2 years"

Yes, you will.

I've already seen prices go from 800-900K two years ago to 700K for some.

Bed Stuy did not gentrify at the level that prices did in the last 10 years.

That needs to be corrected.

If you don't believe that, you are being dellusional.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:28 PM

"Im friends with a large group of young teachers and they all live in park slope.

they make around 50k a year."

And they BOUGHT 1.3 million dollar homes in Park Slope??

Yea, didn't think so.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:29 PM

And yet another 3 million dollar Park Slope house is sold...

http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=792680

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:31 PM

True, teachers cannot afford these townhomes. Makes me wonder: Is "green" living just for the rich? If that's the case, what's the point?

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:37 PM

The Post reported the murder at Hart and Lewis. That's two blocks from Broadway. I consider that the border of Bushwick. Anyway, it's a good 20 minute walk from New York Ave. and Herkimer (the site of this new development).

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:45 PM

The misinformation on this site from people who don't know an area, and believe anything negative they see anywhere, without questioning the source or the context, is amazing.

People are still buying homes in Brooklyn. Those who want to buy in BS are still coming to BS, because it is more affordable, has gorgeous housing stock, and is a vibrant, historic community with a lot of good going for it, and it's getting better every day. You don't need a car to live here, it is well served by subways and buses, and even an LIRR stop. The A/C are as good as it gets on the subway system, and have good connections to every line except the R/N.

The prices for prime Bed Stuy brownstones are NOT going down to $400K. You wouldn't be able to pay that on the worst block in BS, ain't happening. Anyone waiting for that blessed moment will be in a nursing home before that day. A slower economy may slow down the rapid gentrification that has been taking place in some areas of this HUGE neighborhood, but the area around Restoration Plaza and the Nostrand Ave and Kingston Ave stops on the A/C, where these houses are, is going to continue to rise in price.

Are these the greatest houses in the world, no. Do they help those who need affordable housing in the area, of course not. But they are a tangible representation of an investment in the area, and that is a good thing for all of us.

Montrose Morris

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:51 PM

Awesome design. LOVE it. It is so interesting that the developer built townhouses that include a rental apartment, in essence creating a modern version of brownstone living. Updated for green living.

All that is actually very interesting to discuss were this truly a Brooklyn real estate blog.

And yet instead you make snarkey comments about one crime of passion.

Trying to find the logic in that, here.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 12:56 PM

You know what I LOVE MONTROSE????

I love the fact that whenever anyone expresses something that you or the Bed Stuy or Crown Heights boosters don't like, you say we don't know the neighborhood or have never set foot there.

I find THAT interesting.

You don't think it's possible some people have been to Bed Stuy and simply don't like it, think it's dangerous (up until 10 years ago was ranked with South Central LA as two of the MOST dangerous neighborhoods in the COUNTRY!) don't like the sampling of 99 cent stores and bodegas given the fact that homes cost a million bucks??

I've been to Bed Stuy hundreds of times. I had a girlfriend there who I visited often.

And I don't like the neighborhood. In fact the reason my girlfriend left was because of a crime inflicted on her. The neighborhood NEVER felt safe, we were always glared at by the locals and we had to take the train to go to anywhere remotely nice to eat.

Even getting a decent cup of coffee was an ordeal.

So I don't appreciate you saying that because someone does not like or does not feel comfortable somewhere that it means they've "never been there before"

It's SO ignorant.

Bed Stuy is fine. Don't kid yourself. It's fine if you're paying 500K for a house. It's NOT FINE when you're paying 1.3 million for a glorified slum of a neighborhood.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:00 PM

"People are still buying homes in Brooklyn. Those who want to buy in BS are still coming to BS, because it is more affordable, has gorgeous housing stock, and is a vibrant, historic community with a lot of good going for it, and it's getting better every day. "

Hey Morris, Pass me the joint! Stop hogging it!!

"The prices for prime Bed Stuy brownstones are NOT going down to $400K."

BTW There is a big story about the Banks Borrowed Reserves. They are negative 60 Billion dollars. Banks have spent your reserves (Deposits) to shore up their balance sheets. Check this story out!

Bernanke Says Fed to Boost Loans to Banks as Needed (Update2)

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a1epxg3i.6YM&refer=home

Get a load of this!

Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said financial markets remain unsettled and the central bank will increase its auctions of cash to banks as needed.

You wonder why does the FED have to loan money to these banks??!! I deposit my money there and they loan it out. Everything must be OK, right? No it's not, it's downright scary! Our major institutions are insolvent! No morris, there will be 300k and less for houses in BED STUY! The last seven years in gains will be erased from the face of the earth!! The Asshats who bought into this "Con" will dump and run. The Hood will turn back into "Tha Hood". The stagecoach will turn back to a pumpkin and the Mutant Real Estate Bubble will be dead!

Note: There is a covert reason why you can't log in Morris, wake up!

The What (Ghetto!)

Someday this war is gonna end...

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:06 PM

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cs079pct.pdf

Here are the crime stats for this district.

18 murder in 2007, while a HUGE improvement from 71 in 1990 is still TERRIBLE when you're spending that kinda money.

1998 had 17 murders so 2007 had actually more than in 1998.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:06 PM

"NOT going down to $400K"

maybe not that number, but it could very well be that VALUE. If inflation keeps going and the prices in bed-stuy don't move, it could very well get to the equivalent.

Bed-stuy is mimicking much of the US in terms of subprime crash. the drop in value in other US areas is staggering. what exactly saves bed-stuy et al from that? white people?

we'll see.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:08 PM

Oh BTW! Please read May 13, 2008 1:00 PM post!!! Read it read it read it!!! That is the life of a ASSHAT trying to live in the "HOOD"! The locals see you as a invading force F^%%$%ing up they way of life!!

Dumbasses!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end....

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:11 PM

All these crime-panic comments are coming from people in neighborhoods way the heck out on the F or R lines who are NOT getting any gorgeous, upscale townhouses built green by top architects. And who will never get them because the city and its developers in looking way ahead know what these people won't admit is a big issue - the best long range investment is in being close to good fast transportation to Manhattan.

Dig it. The bigger the population gets the more congestion on the roads, and the bigger the burden on infrastructure.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:18 PM

Montrose Morris enough already with the crap.Stop misinforming people.I live in Bedstuy and while some areas have improved in the last few years, this spot around Restoration Plaza has not.Unless you consider 99c stores and western union outposts developments. It is also not very safe at nights and ther are lots of junkies and such hanging out around Restoration Plaza. I can't see anyone paying more thatn 500k for these.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:18 PM

wtf did 1:20 just say?

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:24 PM

No, HDL said the rarity of such housing and increasing demand for green housing due to insance fuel costs is what will help them hold their value.

Kind of a standard rule. You know, supply and demand.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:39 PM

what a miserable idea. everyone wants to be part of "the movement". good luck out there. it was not good 10 yrs ago and still isnt. for that price, why, why would you move out there?? you obviously have money so buy somewhere else. what is happening to brooklyn????

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:41 PM

What happens in 10 years when the "green" initiatives in this building are out of date and a whole new crop of inventions have revolutionized green buildings???

You'll have an out of date "green" building in a so so neighborhood.

This is for people who buy a new car every 3 years, cause it sure isn't going to ever sell for more than 1.3 million.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:45 PM

Give it up people. No one is going to get Montrose to step off his usual strategy: to attempt to disqualify anyone who disagrees with him from having a valid opinion--whether by declaring that they must not know the neighborhood, implying that they're racist or arguing that criticisms that are relevant in other neighborhoods are invalid here because [Bed Stuy / Crown Heights / etc.] welcomes the "investment."

That last argument is the most insulting, because it basically asks people to patronize these neighborhoods and hold them to a lower standard.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:46 PM

My impressions of bed Stuy is that it has its nice streets and its awful streets.
Racially, it is not really a diverse community. Over the course of the next ten or twenty years I could see it becoming more like Forth Greene/Clinton Hill, diverse but still with a strong African-American cultural presence. But the reality today is not that. It is still struggling with the ill-effects of the past. Retail and services are still terrible there.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:52 PM

I don't need Montrose to stop doing what he's doing.

Because I know the FACTS about these neighborhoods. Those crime stats spoke volumes to me. 17 murders in a year is not good. That's inner city Cleveland crime people. Or St. Louis. Yes, Bed Stuy is close to Park Slope by the way the bird flies, but it's a whole different world over there. Don't let people make you believe that it's the Park Slope of 2020. It's not. Park Slope NEVER had 75% of its residents living below the poverty line. Nor did it ever have 17 murders a year, much less 71.

Facts that Montrose likes to gloss over, but are actually relevant and the reason why I know 3 families right now who are in the process of moving from one of these fringe areas back to civilization.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 1:54 PM

11:37 If it's any relief, the broker lives on Park Place in Crown Heights. It's literally a 10 minute stroll from his house.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:04 PM

Why do we have to talk about different "parts" of Bed Stuy except with Park Slope it's either the whole hood sucks or it doesn't.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:12 PM

Actually, you know what I love 1.00pm? That just because you traveled to some neighborhood “hundreds of times” you feel confident enough to make a pronouncement on the future real estate values of that neighborhood. You’re a freaking genius. And because Bed Stuy was one of the two most dangerous neighborhoods in the country 10 freaking years ago, you’re confident enough to state that it still must be that way based on your aforementioned commuting experience. Brilliant.

2.12-- Have a look at a map and you'll see why people talk about "different parts" of Bed Stuy.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:19 PM

Have a look at a map (or better yet walk around) and see why people talk about different parts of any neighborhood in Brooklyn. They all have their good, their bad, their more diverse areas, less diverse, etc. Even a minscule neighborhood like Cobble Hill has less desirable blocks or areas.

Bed Stuy is not the next coming, as you would have us believe. This is Brooklyn. Bed Stuy was the tumor of Brooklyn for many years. Still is in many ways.

Stop making it sound like Eden!

It's the GHETTO!

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:28 PM

It's true that Bed-Stuy is NOT Cobble Hill. That's why the developer is not asking $2.7 or 3 million which is what they got for the new green townhouses in Boerum Hill. (14 Townhouses) I think 1.3 with rental income is a very fair price for those buildings. They look amazing!! I bet they sell quickly even in this market.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:28 PM

Thanks for the information, all (I asked early in the thread). Can any of you recommend a reliable broker who deals with the area of Bed-Stuy discussed here - along the A/C subway line between Nostrand and Utica? Thanks.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:29 PM

12:31 - Please try to stay on topic and stop spamming every thread with that PS sale.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:29 PM

Why are some people so offended when strangers decide to spend their money on a home in the ghetto? What's it to you?

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:31 PM

And ugly areas in so so neighborhoods should be precisely the area where "regular folks" can buy property.

But it's not.

See why crime is spiking again in Bed Stuy???

I certainly do.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:37 PM

I don't see why every time Bed stuy is brought up it turns into an argument. I looked at other precincts crime stats, bed stuy certainly has the most crime, but it is also the most improved. the murder rate is down 100% for the same time last year. The people who live here and care about the neighborhood and want to make it a better safer place will take the chance. The neighborhood has a lot to offer, but it still needs improvement. If you don't want to live here or would feel more comfortable in another neighborhood thats totally fine. but i don't see why people feel the need to get so hostile and insulting towards people choose to live in Bed stuy, Attitudes like that that reinforce negative cogitations with the neighborhood and hinder improvements . I am sure the people who want to buy these townhouses are well informed and made their decisions after considering all the ups and downs, and might actually hope to contribute the community of bed-stuy.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:39 PM

I don't see why every time Bed stuy is brought up it turns into an argument. I looked at other precincts crime stats, bed stuy certainly has the most crime, but it is also the most improved. the murder rate is down 100% for the same time last year. The people who live here and care about the neighborhood and want to make it a better safer place will take the chance. The neighborhood has a lot to offer, but it still needs improvement. If you don't want to live here or would feel more comfortable in another neighborhood thats totally fine. but i don't see why people feel the need to get so hostile and insulting towards people choose to live in Bed stuy, Attitudes like that that reinforce negative cogitations with the neighborhood and hinder improvements . I am sure the people who want to buy these townhouses are well informed and made their decisions after considering all the ups and downs, and might actually hope to contribute the community of bed-stuy.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:40 PM

"I am sure the people who want to buy these townhouses are well informed and made their decisions after considering all the ups and downs, and might actually hope to contribute the community of bed-stuy."

Actually I think that's the part you have wrong. A lot of prospective buyers come to this website for information. If they were to see only Montrose's comments, you'd think Bed Stuy was like Sesame Street.

I think it's very helpful to hear others opinions. As another commenter said, I also know a couple families who moved to this area and it was not at all what they bargained for and have since left.

I don't blame them. They got most of their info. from this website, which turned out to be a pretty dumb thing to do...

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:44 PM

My opinions have as much, or as little worth as anyone else's. I post my opinion, based on living in Bed Stuy for 17 years, during the worst of the crack epidemic, from '83-2000. During that time no one I knew was robbed, mugged or killed, and I came home late at night and was never bothered in the trains or anywhere else. I don't think that makes me special, or blessed, it makes me ordinary. My white, Asian and Latino friends came over all the time, and none of them was approached, robbed, or bothered. They still come to the same train station, walk up Nostrand in the other direction, but still marvel at the area's beauty and potential for further growth.

I'm not saying anyone who has had negative experiences is lying, nor am I saying the hood doesn't have problems. How many times do we have to say that Bed Stuy is a HUGE neighborhood? How many times to I have to say I know there is serious crime and poverty? Crime stats are from all over BS, and are not a good representative indication of what life is like for the parts of BS that most people who read this would be interested in, or the part of BS that I lived in, which was Jefferson between Marcy and Thompkins. We were safe, on a beautiful block with wonderful neighbors, for the most part. Teachers, lawyers, retired folks,firefighters, real estate agents, city workers, chemists, plumbers, students, musicians and artists, welfare recipients, a petty thief, and a couple of crackheads and unemployed whatevers made up my block, and in spite of the negative elements among us, we all knew each other, and went about our days without fear.

I am well aware that the amenties here are few, but they grow daily. I am aware that the area around Restoration is not the most scenic part of BS, that's why I think any kind of new, innovative architecture is a positive. These houses don't appeal to me at all, but I am not so myopic that I think that my taste is the only taste.

I post positive remarks about Bed Stuy and Crown Heights because I KNOW their worth, and I'm tired of people who sit in their "better" neighborhoods and dump on a place that they do not know much about,or drove through one day on the way to the airport. Fulton Street is not all there is to Bed Stuy. Crime is not all there is to Bed Stuy. I care about showing that those who choose to live here do so because we want to, because these neighborhoods have worth, not just for the turn of the century bricks and woodwork, but for their history and potential, their people and the hope of a better future. I'm writing for, and to, the people who can see past crime statistics, past stores they aren't interested in, and see excellent public transportation, beautiful blocks of architecturally significant homes, and population of homeowners and residents who welcome anyone with a positive attitude and a willingness to work to improve the neighborhood for everyone.

The poverty, crime, knucklehead element, paucity of good schools, etc, is here, too. Never said otherwise. But there is so much more, and THAT is why I continue to be a pain in the ass about these neighborhoods. They are worthy of anyone's attention, and worthy of anyone's investment, and I'm proud to have lived in Bed Stuy, and am proud to live in Crown Heights now.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:48 PM

Bed-Stuy resident here. I just checked out the architect's website. They have a different rendering of these buildings showing how they look at the end of a row of brownstones. Much better image than the one posted above. Their plans for re-doing Restoration Plaza are also exciting and ambitious.
From an urban planning perspective and a green building perspective, this is all a good thing. If you think these houses are overpriced, don't buy one. If you don't want to live in Bed-Stuy, don't move here... but do try to refrain from making ignorant, entitled, and racist statements like "my friends left and moved back to civilization." Please.
The adjacent stretches of Fulton and Atlantic are your typical Brooklyn commercial arteries with a downmarket retail slant. They are not the Wild West. I have walked around there many times after 10 PM with no problems and I am female, white and unarmed.
Bed-Stuy is a huge neighborhood geographically speaking. It has gorgeous areas, problem areas, and everything in between. Restoration Plaza desperately needs a makeover in terms of aesthetics, pedestrian accessibility, etc., but the businesses around there are doing just fine. And if you walk a few blocks north you'll find yourself on some of the most beautiful 19th century blocks in Brooklyn. (This is not just my opinion; it is shared by architectural historians and, if I'm not mistaken, Mr. Brownstoner himself.)

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:51 PM

"and population of homeowners and residents who welcome anyone with a positive attitude and a willingness to work to improve the neighborhood for everyone."

As a white man with a black wife, I can tell you that was not the case with me...

Harrassed on a daily basis in Bed Stuy. People there were downright rude and nasty. And I'm talking about the majority, NOT the minority of people.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:54 PM

Obviously, that long comment was from me.

"A lot of prospective buyers come to this website for information. If they were to see only Montrose's comments, you'd think Bed Stuy was like Sesame Street."

I had no idea my humble posts had such power. And since I have NEVER said that Bed Stuy was Eden, I had no idea so many people do so badly on reading comprehension. Amazing.

Montrose Morris

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:54 PM

The poverty, crime, knucklehead element, paucity of good schools, etc, is here, too.

**
and these are the reasons why paying over 500K for any property in bed stuy is asinine.

good architecture or not.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:55 PM

"but do try to refrain from making ignorant, entitled, and racist statements like "my friends left and moved back to civilization.""

But it's ok to say all the horrible comments (and MUCH MORE!) when speaking about Park Slope???

Please is right...

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 2:57 PM

2:55, then I believe there are still small towns in Vermont somewhere, that may not have crime, poverty, a knucklehead element, or poor schools. But then, maybe two out of four. Nowhere is perfect, and if you want to live in New York City, you are going to get one or more of those on the list, unless you have megabucks. Bed Stuy is not the only place with these issues.

MM

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:02 PM

"As a white man with a black wife, I can tell you that was not the case with me...

Harrassed on a daily basis in Bed Stuy. People there were downright rude and nasty. And I'm talking about the majority, NOT the minority of people."

It's too bad that hapened to you and your wife. But I see a lot of interracial couples in Bed Stuy and Crown Heights. Many mixed couples. I haven't seen any of the scapegoating and downright rudeness you've experienced. Are there jackass teenagers who make stupid comments and harrass people? Yes, of course, at times. But I acn tell you from experience that there are also very genuine friendships between newer white residents and the sizable black middle and professional class who have lived in Bed Stuy (and Crown Heights, for that matter) for the last 50 or so years. There are a lot of people, of both races, who find the place relatively safe, fun and amazingly beautiful, and treat each other with respect. I'm one of them.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:12 PM

Well...The best kept screat is out in BS! going on two years on our loft in BS. more condo lofts are being built Dekalb ave in BS!!!

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:17 PM

WOW....BED STUY SOUNDS PERFECT!!!!

Let's ALL move there!!!

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:17 PM

B.S.

bed stuy

bull sh*t.

you choose.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:20 PM

"WOW....BED STUY SOUNDS PERFECT!!!!

Let's ALL move there!!!"

No, you can stay where you are. You sound far less than perfect. Thanks for playing!

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:25 PM

Too bad most people who read what you wrote, 3:27 will think you're serious.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:33 PM

"100yearsonHalsey" your post was totally useless

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:36 PM

"Too bad most people who read what you wrote, 3:27 will think you're serious."

We can only hope!

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 3:53 PM

Who are teh idiots who think a 2-family 3 story was ever 900K in bed-stuy? Show me one sale that went for that much and show me a comp that sold for 700K. I dare you to find one. You can't. The prices are not going down to $400K.

Don't feel bad if you have been priced out. Those of us who were smart enough to buy will not miss you.

Close the door behind you when you leave.

What = ghetto trash

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 4:57 PM

if you deal with trash, you get trash.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 5:21 PM

I know they wont put my reply to this crap! But one thing I know. The Market forces will correct this bubble. I know the day is coming. I don't know when that day is but I know it's coming. Someday the smugness is gonna end. Someday Inflation will subside itself. Someday people wont have to spend half their income on rent. Someday a couple can buy a house at 3x income. Someday the developers will not damage a neighbor's house to build a 20 story condo. Someday this city will be affordable again. Someday gas will be at 2.00 a gallon. Someday this war is gonna end.....

The What

Someday this war is gonna end....

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 5:29 PM

"Someday people wont have to spend half their income on rent."

As long as I've lived in NYC (about 30 years) I've paid half my income in rent.

You have a totally suburban mindset, the What.

You really weren't meant to live in New York City.

Which is, I guess why you don't any longer...

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 5:46 PM

""Someday people wont have to spend half their income on rent."

As long as I've lived in NYC (about 30 years) I've paid half my income in rent.

You have a totally suburban mindset, the What.

You really weren't meant to live in New York City.

Which is, I guess why you don't any longer..."

Now you lived in NYC for 30 years and you don't own anything. Tsk Tsk Tsk. Bite me!!!!!!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end.....

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 5:50 PM

""Someday people wont have to spend half their income on rent."

As long as I've lived in NYC (about 30 years) I've paid half my income in rent.

You have a totally suburban mindset, the What.

You really weren't meant to live in New York City.

Which is, I guess why you don't any longer..."

Now you lived in NYC for 30 years and you don't own anything. Tsk Tsk Tsk. Bite me!!!!!!

The What

Someday this war is gonna end.....

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 5:50 PM

Jesus. I work right next door. The sentiment is fantastic but this is....odd.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 5:51 PM

If you want to live in an affordable city The What, maybe you might try Lodi, New Jersey.

Oh wait....

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 5:55 PM

Now that you are priced out of the "hood" you want prices to fall. It won't happen. You missed the opportunity to buy. I hope you know the name of a good mover because rents are not going down either.

Bye.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 6:44 PM

Agreed Biff. That was surprisingly clear and effective. I'm wondering if The What hasn't posted anything since the filter went up and someone else has taken up his mantle... Or, maybe he took a writing class at the Learning Annex or something.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 6:48 PM

I brought in the Stuyvesant Heights section of Bedford Stuyvesant earlier this year... I moved from my condo in Park Slope and was looking for a house in that area. I always love the homes in Park Slope and thought that PS was the only area in Brooklyn that had browntone of all different styles. I fell in love the the Queen Anne style brownstone that you see on St. Johns pl north of 6th ave and on Persident Street north of 8th ave.
Well after being priced out of PS and even Prospect Height/ Ft Greene/ Clinton Hill I started to drive to this "scary" Bedford Stuyvesant and fell in love... I have been over here before but on all the wrong streets. Most of the streets near CH and Williamsburg did not appeal to me or my wife.
I knew Hancock was nice but I got out of my car and walk on Jefferson, Halsey, Macon and Putnam. I lady on Jefferson told me to go to MacDonough and there is were I found my Queen Anne style house full of plaster and unpainted wood details from 1889. I met a guy outside his house and he wanted to sell no broker and the sell was smooth.
Please people come see for yourself.. I you really want a Brownstone that is not 1 million dolalrs come to Bedford Stuyvesant.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 10:06 PM

True there are some blocks in BS that are down right ugly and you just want to ask WHY? ALL that new construction of the past 10 years was just wrong. But there are blocks in Bedford Stuyvesant architectural speaking that makes places like Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill look UGLY and cannot even compete. Park Slope and Bedford Stuyvesant are build at the same time for the children that once lived in Ft Greene and Brooklyn Heights during the 1860s and 70s. From 1880 -1900 Bedford Corners and Stuyvesant Heights was the new hip young place to live and all the old people lived downtown. These young rich families built these grand brownstones to show off. Architects like Montrose Morris but there all into Hancock Street. Even the The Montauk Club has a twin (that is a nursing home today) in the area in what is Crown Heights today near Bedford Ave and Dean St. Boys High School by architect James Naughton is the best looking school in NYC.

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 10:36 PM

make over Fulton Street and sink the LIRR on Atlantic that would be a great start

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 10:37 PM

Bedford Stuyvesant is huge just look at it on a map. If you look at a brooklyn map from 1880s you see the area was broken up Bedford Corners, Stuyvesant Heights, Ocean Hill to the east and Tompkins Park in the North... Maybe they should go back to those names so when know what people are talking about in we talk about BS area...

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 10:48 PM

BS should tear down all those ugly blocks near Williamsburg down and put St Johns University back to the original location. Bed-Stuy needs something that draws people to the area...

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 10:52 PM

Fulton Street nees trees it seems so empty

Posted by: guest at May 13, 2008 10:54 PM

Convinced Biff Champion is unemployed.

Posted by: guest at May 14, 2008 8:44 AM

Look at that pathetic wannabe, The What. It's not just about the new grammar, which is a huge change, it's an entirely different personality and different message too.

Guess all the digs about him living in Lodi, NJ finally got to the guy.

We KNOW what you are, What. Stop trying to pretend to be an educated New Yorker suddenly. We're not retarded and we do have a memory.

Posted by: guest at May 14, 2008 10:39 AM

so i am late to comment here but here is the scoop. A quick search on acris shows the developer bought these properties from a non profit related to Restoration plaza. same architect as restoration plaza. WOnder how far below market this insider thing was taken for.
Also right across from a school yard.. $1.3 is so far out of reality specially financing a jumbo multi family these days..

Posted by: guest at June 1, 2008 9:18 PM