'Summer Space' Coming to Brooklyn Heights?

stupid idea. montaque BID does not know what to do with its money.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:18 AM

I live on Montague Street on the block west of Hicks. This is largely a resiential block. We will now need to plan our weekend trips around this street closing both coming and going.
What in the world will be on the street on this block? Will the doormen bring out their handicrafts? Will the Casino offer gin and tonics? Maybe Design Within Reach will mark down their $5,500 coffee tables.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:25 AM

That's some interesting photoshopping.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:27 AM

i can't stand montague street.

one of the least charming blocks in brooklyn.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:29 AM

Love this idea.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:33 AM

Well, It's the summer.
Only the schmutz will be in town on the weekends.
Who cares if they close off the whole street and throw a sheet over it for July and August?

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:42 AM

OH

MY

GOD...

You all HAVE to go look what's happening on the July 4th Grocery Store thread. A biff and bxgrl complete meltdown!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:43 AM

sorry, June 4th PS Associated thread...

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:44 AM

I like this idea. Montague Street sucks. Why not try to shake things up -- the BID can't force landlords to lower rents and rent to interesting boutiques and cafes. I wouldnt mind eating a Five Guys burger at a table

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:52 AM

Does sound somewhat trite idea. Especially since Promenade is at end of block.
Why would I want to sit at a cafe table in middle of Montague st?
(and I do think Montague street is charming looking - with the shops below street level and the ones 1 flight up.)
As I'm not much of a shopper I really don't pay attention or care what the store is).

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 10:54 AM

I like in Brooklyn Heights as well and think this is a good idea. Unfortunately, Montague Street business owners are subject to some of the highest cost per square foot in the borough. So, we are left we business owners that are most concerns with making a profit other than provide better service. This greening of the commercial corridor will be a great opportunity for merchants to extend their square footage, thereby increasing profits.

With the tourists and New Yorkers coming from many places to see the waterfall installation and hop on the shuttle bus to Ikea, business owners may attempt to provide better service on these days. Maybe that service-mindset may carry over to residents that support those businesses on a regular basis. I personally am kind of excited about trying out products at Korres. Bring on the fake grass!

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 11:01 AM

I don't know if it's good or bad. What I do wish is that they'd get rid of those miserable roving street fairs.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 11:40 AM

As a result of the high rents many of the Montague St businesses have had to cut costs in areas such as: employees, store decor/layout, quality of food/chefs, level of inventory, etc. As such, most all businesses on Montague are completely out of step with what customers are demanding and getting from other nearby areas such as Dumbo and Smith/Court. Will closing off traffic on Montague benefit the stores? Probably, but more due to higher foot traffic from the waterfalls than anything to do with some long desire to have a burger (sorry not much else tasty available!) in the middle of the street.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 11:50 AM

Looks like a nicer way to close down a street then those retched street fairs with the same overpriced fried food, cheap sheet sets, socks, and stuff that you could buy for less in Chinatown or the Garment District wholesale/retail shops.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 12:36 PM

this is sweet for Bedford. can't wait to see if it turns out as nice as it sounds.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 1:20 PM

I'm more excited about the Bedford av (between n3 and n9) street closures for three Saturdays starting July 19.

This seems more suited for hipsters anyway :). And bedford already gets gray congested on the weekends.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 1:25 PM

11:01 & 11:50 - I am afraid your economic analysis is a bit lacking (but typically incorrectly cited by retail tenants as well)

Yes Montague St has some of the highest sq ft rents but that is because it has some of the highest foot traffic in the boro due to its proximity to downtown Brooklyn and virtually every subway line, its local (potential) customers are also some of the wealthiest in NYC and it is situated in an area that sees decent tourist traffic as well as 'local' tourists who come to see the promenade...

Therefore while the rent burden is high, merchants who provide the merchandise, service and experience that this VAST number of potential customers want - the potential profits are higher too.

The crappy stores on Montague are not a function of the rent but actually in spite of it - In fact for (extreme) comparison stores on 5th as well as Madison Ave in Manhattan ought to have the worst service, lowest quality, and lousiest decor - yet remarkably it is generally the exact opposite.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 1:28 PM

After strolling there, they should wander over to the Brooklyn and spend more money there.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 1:33 PM

God forbid they try to make something attractive and pleasant for people.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 2:18 PM

This story is so June 9th:
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/2714

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:03 PM

I think the foot traffic on Montague is a bit deceiving as it seems to be mostly be made up of people from the court houses and government workers out for a quick lunch or run an errand during lunch or right after work (eye glasses anyone?). So although it potential customers perhaps maybe among the wealthiest in NYC, very few of the stores seem to be catering to the local residents or tourists for that matter. ...and that is why many of the residents of BH simply eat and shop in Manhattan, Dumbo, CH, etc.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 4:07 PM

Wow....guess minorities dont live in that area. Not one in the picture. Hmmm.Some things never change.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:32 PM

This is a photoshop image composed of a backgdrop of Montague Street with people strolling along Main Street, East Hampton, pasted in.
What would those rich-looking people be doing on Montague Street on a weekend in the summer?
The image would be pretty hillarious if it weren't actually so sad.

Posted by: guest at June 20, 2008 9:51 PM

If I were Mayor, I would prohibit all frivolous street closings. Streets are the arteries of a city and traffic is its lifeblood. If you hate traffic, you are not an urbanite, you belong in the country, on a secluded farm.

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 11:03 AM

I love my 2 trucks!

Posted by: guest at June 21, 2008 9:31 PM

As a Black man I'm glad that this will not affect me - at least according to the picture!

Posted by: guest at June 22, 2008 4:17 PM