Sprinkler System Painting


We live in a 4-unit coop and the plumber who does our monthly and annual sprinkler test inspections sent us a flyer re. new rules that require sprinkler piping be painted red (http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/standpipe_sprinkler_flyer.pdf). I guess the new rule goes into effect on June 2. Has anybody looked into this new rule? Do we really have to have the whole sprinkler system painted red? I just can’t see that fitting in well in our brownstone lobby. I understand the need for safety and am happy the sprinklers are there, but painting all the pipes in red seems a little overboard. Thoughts or experiences?

Categories: Fire
By bhabe | 04/20/2010 1:31 PM | Comment

Where to buy fish for pond?


Had 2 koi fish for years, but they disappeared last fall. Want to get some new fish for the pond, but think koi may not be the best choice (pond too shallow to provide protection from birds/raccoons). Any recommendations on where to buy pond fish in the NY area? Also looking to add some plants/flowers to the pond (some lillies maybe). I figure there are probably some places in Long or Staten Island that sell both. Any recommendations?

Categories: Garden
By bhabe | 05/21/2009 1:11 PM | Comment

Curb Alert!


Roughly 75 red bricks in great condition, reclaimed from patio. Free to be picked up on State Street between Henry and Clinton.

Categories: Announcements
By bhabe | 04/28/2009 7:58 PM | Comment

Next move: house or additional floor?


My gf and I keep debating our next move and can’t seem to agree.
Current situation: we live in a duplex apt (parlor + above) in a brownstone coop in the Heights. Quiet street, great location, big backyard (accessed from the parlor floor via stairs). The building has a garden apt with finished basement, and 2 floor-thru apartments above us. The apartment is nice and airy (building is 25ft wide) with high ceilings. Not a lot of original detail left in the apt aside from the original fireplaces.
We’re thinking of moving up into a bigger place if prices dip here.
The people living above us indicated they are looking to move in the near future since the apt is getting too small with the kids.
Here’s the dilemma: do we look to buy a whole house (prob can only afford 3 stories + basement, 20ft wide unless we really really dip here) in a different location (ie. park slope, but maybe not prime prime park slope) or do we buy the apt upstairs and extend our staircase another floor?
I think the latter will result in same cost but would leave us in the Heights in an apt we love, but we’d still be living in a coop. The house idea seems nice (no neighbors above or below us), but we’d give up the prime location.

What do you all think? Is a triplex in a coop something that would be sellable in the future?

Categories: Real Estate
By bhabe | 02/13/2008 2:54 PM | Comment