Should we cut down our big tree?


We own a Brownstone in Brooklyn, with a large oak tree next to the stoop. We love the shade and beautification that it provides, but we are very nervous about the liability issues. We have had a few tree professionals look at at, and recently had it trimmed by Urban Arborists (who did a great job!). All of them said it’s about 70 years old, but is much larger than it should be because it probably had tapped into some sort of underground water source, making it grow like crazy. It’s quite health, but we are very nervous about the possibility of it falling down in a storm, like those trees in Bad Ridge a few months ago. Our neighbors all wish we would cut it, but we feel so torn about doing so. Any suggestions?

By sedonie | 08/02/2008 8:04 PM | Comment

Architects


Can anyone suggest an architect who is familiar with changing the Certificate of Occupancy on a Bed Stuy Brownstone? (2 family to 3.)

Categories: Architects
By sedonie | 04/14/2008 9:05 PM | Comment

Changing the C of O from 2 to 3 family?


We own a 3-story Brownstone with a 2-family C of O. We currently have a tenant renting the 3rd floor apartment, and we live in the bottom duplex (parlor floor and street level). A lot of the duplex space is unused, and since we bought the building at market peak a few years ago, the mortgage is a bit of a stretch. Renting out the parlor floor would be ideal for us, but we are not sure about the Certificate of Occupancy issue. Does anyone have any thoughts on the legal issues & process of changing from 2-family to 3-family? Legally vs. not legally?

Categories: C of O
By sedonie | 04/13/2008 11:10 AM | Comment