Forum
Forum Rules and Regs
Here's what's allowed on the Forum: Questions from readers about renovation, gardening, real estate and quality-of-life issues relating to home ownership; readers (not businesses) are also encouraged to post architectural salvage items for sale. Here's what's not allowed: Self-promotional posts by businesses of any kind, events postings, off-topic rants and cut-and-paste articles. Contractors and other service providers may respond to general reader questions or to specific negative reviews. Thank you. Update: Going forward, posts will now be reviewed by a moderator before getting posted to the Forum.November 7, 2009
Stairs to Roof - Change C of O?
We have a pretty run-of-the-mill 3 family brownstone. The roof is currently accessed via a scuttle in the common hallway. We are seeking to replace the scuttle with a staircase and bulkhead, and have filed plans showing this with the DOB. The examiner at the DOB gave us an objection, and is maintaining that the replacement of the scuttle with a staircase to the roof constitutes a change of egress and will require that we change the C of O for the building. My architect and expediter think this is crazy and are trying to get a reconsideration from DOB. Curious as to what anyone else thinks. Any opinions or suggestions out there on how we should handle this? Thanks.
November 6, 2009
Heating system not auto filling
I have a Weil-Mclain heating system. I just turned it on for the first time this season. It worked fine for a few hours but when I checked after 3 hours, the gauge glass was empty. The system was simply not refilling automatically. What could be wrong? I'm really heating system illiterate so please explain in non-jargon! Thanks.
New Windows
Has anyone used Universal Window in Corona, Capri Aluminum in Ridgewood, or Bay Ridge Windows and Doors?
thanks.
Restoring Bricked-in Fireplace?
Hi,
We recently purchased a gut renovated brownstone duplex apartment(done in 1994) and the living room and dining room (above each other) have bricked in fire places. I can see the outline of cement where the bricks have been placed.
Would it be possible to have the fireplace reopened and made functional once again? Any advice would be much appreciated as I know very little about this sort of thing! (and will eventually consult an expert...)
Thanks!
Wooden Cornice Ornaments
The vertical wooden ornamented supports holding our cornice is damaged. The details resemble acanthus leaves, rolls and dolphin tails. Does anyone know of a source so we can try to match and replace as needed? We'll file with Landmarks but anything has got to look better than our mishmash.
Clogged (New) Dishwasher?
Hi all. I just moved into a new place, with a brand new dishwasher. The building is a pre-war condo conversion... so the plumbing is all new, as are the appliances.
My roommate used the dishwasher yesterday, and this morning we noticed an inch or two of water just hanging around on the bottom, not draining. I've removed the filter and whatever else I see there, but no action.
Any advice? Is there something I need to know about first-time dishwashing? Could it be the plumbing? (Everything else works fine, plumbing-wise, in my apt and the building as a whole, as far as I can tell...)
Where to Post to Sell Condo?
Folks,
Where's some good places to post a Park Slope condo for sale? I'm about to sell mine, and am casting around for ideas.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Radiators for Sale
I have 23 art deco era radiators for sale. They are different sizes, all in very good condition. Prices range from $75-100. You pick up. Located in Gowanus/Park Slope at Brooklyn Artists Gym (www.brooklynartistsgym.com).
Leaking Radiator?
First time posting, any help, suggestions, experiences would greatly appreciated. Oct.2007 winter heating fine, Oct.08 winter fine, spring 09, saw water spot on garden level. understand that it's coming from radiator above (front parlor).
Radiator turned on for this season, water started to drip.
Opened ceiling last week with GC. Can't find anything, radiator area dried up due to heat. We changed valve to see if that might be it.
Nothing happened till this morning, (almost a week later) water started dripping again.
GC mentioned if it's not the valve, then he have to replace the whole radiator which would cost a few thousand.
Thank you,
christina
Furnace or Thermostat Issues
My furnace is not turning off. The temp is kept at around 68-70. Two days ago, I woke up to 82 degrees due to the furnace not stopping, thermostat was set to 68. I shut the heat off from the thermostat and reset it. Yesterday, I replaced the batteries. This evening, I turned on the heat and it kick off and continued to run up to 7 degrees, even when the thermostat was set at 68. Again I set the thermostat to off and reset it. This was not an issue back in early October, when we go some cold days, the furnace/thermostat was running ok for about 1-2 weeks. Any ideas? or Technician recommendations?
ISO Great Tailor in FG/CH
I have a DWR upholstered couch with cushions that have a couple tears and need mending. I've spoken to reweavers and they cannot fix--they suggested a tailor. Anyone have a great one, who speaks English, who will put the proper time into repairing these (I don't want a hack job done). Thanks!
November 5, 2009
Contractors & Chauvinism
Chauvinism is bad for business.
The second largest group to purchase homes, after married couples,are single women. On my block alone at least a third of the homeowners are single women. BTW this is the group that by and large started CHNA which spearheaded the Landmarking of Crown Heights North...yes the core group (the Board) was mainly women.
While it may seem archaic to post on gender inequality the fact remains that in spite of our buying power many contractors/building supply vendors make inappropriate remarks and behave in offensive ways that frankly will continue to loose them business, at least mine.
Todays's event prompted this post.
During a transaction at the electrical supply store on Rogers and Licoln Place in response to my question on price, the proprietor made a comment about women ,trying to be jokey I guess.
THen his assistant said: "Want me to beat her?"and chuckled.
I could hardly believe it.
"Excuse me...what did you say?"
"oh...maybe I should get my whip...ha ha"
"THis is not amusing...joking about violence against women is not funny....it's offensive and you are out of line"
He got very tense, stopped laughing and the owner stepped in and apologized, then the staff member who said it apologized ...
In the past weeks while this current renovation has been underway some of the comments made by folks interviewed:
"Don't need to worry your pretty little head about that" (not hired)
"You look so delicate"(not hired)
"Oh you seem like you have a brain and know what your are talking about" (lol NOT HIRED this guy had the thickest Bensonhurst accent imaginable)
"linda...sweetheart"(not hired)
One friend shared that a contractor actually made a physical pass at her while she interviewed him for roof replacement...this woman owns a couple of apartment BUILDINGS plus her own brownstone...she was mortified and he was not hired.
This is not everyone but the lack of awareness is common enough amongst contractors'& vendors' and prompted this post.
Boiler Repair Company
Can anyone recommend a good boiler repair company?
Our boiler shuts off and when we relight the pilot it makes a loud boom.
Drawer Rails
Hi, I have loosely related question. The rails in my chest of drawers failed and I need to by replacement. These are 5/8" tall 1/4" thick and 12" long rails. I have no luck with finding these on internet. HD does not carry them. Any other place I can look for them.
The chest of drawers is in brownstone so this post is completely on topic.
Housecleaning Cooperative
Apparently Brooklyn is home to a worker-owned house cleaning business called Si Se Puede! (Yes, We Can!), a worker-owned remodeling business called We Can Fix It!, and another worker-owned childcare business called Beyond Care. Anyone ever used any of these?
These kind of structures can be nominal (profit sharing checks of $2 a year) or involve interminable, pointless meetings, but it's gotta be slightly better than minumum wage.
Pipe Sizing
I need to replaced galvanized water supply lines in my 5 story building.
Should I go with 1" or 1 1/4". I currently have 3/4" on the cold side and 1" on the hot.
Old World Plasterer Needed
I am looking for a plasterer that can recreate plaster ceiling mouldings and coving and even possibly restore the "wedding cake design" on several walls (the design above the picture moulding); same design also on the parlor hallway ceiling.
Anyone have recommendations/experience (good or bad) and what the going rates are these days?
Thanks
Help with Demanding Tenant?
Hi all. I own a small building in Brooklyn - 2 apartments and a store. The units have consistently been rented for the last 7 years, with no problems from any tenants. We have a part-time super that cleans in front of the building every week, as well as the landing, stairs & hallways several times a month. I've had no complaints except for this one tenant who has been increasingly demanding and borderline harassing in the last year or so. I have accomodated her every request, since she pays on time and keeps her apartment in good condition. She calls every week to demand the hallways be painted - though they were painted three years ago and traffic in the building is minimal. She complains about the cleanliness of the stairs, though I always check on them at least twice a month and they really are spotless. She refuses to sign her lease unless I remove several clauses regarding any alteration in the apartment. These clauses have been in the lease I present my tenants with since I bought the building, which clearly state (among other things) no painting can be done without my approval. She recently repainted the apartment without my permission, though upon inspection I was fine with it. She emails and calls constantly, calls me names - my favorite is "belligerent" - though I have truly done everything I can to keep this woman happy. I recently renovated the kitchen & bathroom for her, though she is now complaining that the work is not professional enough and the workers made her apartment dirty. She has lived in the apartment for 2 years, this would be her third, and she has only had one 4% rent increase. This is not a rent-stabilized building and the rent is slightly below market (downtown Brooklyn/Cobble Hill area.)
I am at my wits end. She now calls my husband and daughter - who both manage the property with me - to complain on a consistent basis. She has called me the same names to them, says I am inconsiderate to her needs and that I do not address any of the problems the building has fast enough. I am consistent with the heat and painting laws in NYC, as well as those regarding security, water, etc. What to do when a tenant is so demanding despite all you do? What are my rights here?
I appreciate any help & will be glad to provide more info.
Free Door for a Good Home
Oak door, five panel, 88.5 x 25.5 inches. The other side is painted. Let me know if you have a use, and means to pick up and it's yours.
Need Spray Painting Done
I need some cabinet doors spray painted - Does anyone have a source?
Thanks a bunch!
Painter Needed
Hi...I am moving into a new apartment in Prospect Heights. It is really one big loft room but I wanted to get it painted properly. Does anyone have any local recommendations?
Thanks so much!
Park Slope PPSF
I've recently started thinking about whether it is time to buy and I would like to ask for your opinions.
I am interested in the Park Slope area but even though prices appear to have dropped I do not know if they are at reasonable levels considering how much they've went up.
Trulia has a chart for average price per square foot in the Park Slope area,
http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Park_Slope-Brooklyn/5202/market-trends/
At lot of the places I've been looking at are 2 bedroom 1 bath and they are all asking for around $600/sqf. According to Trulia that's 2006 levels. Isn't that near the peak of the bubble? or right before the burst?
Is it unrealistic to expect prices to be more in the 2004-2005 levels of $450/sqf?
What do you guys think?
Thank you
signed,
first time buyer
Lincoln Place Block?
I'm considering renting an apartment located on Lincoln Pl. btwn Underhill and Washington Aves. Does anyone have a read on what that block is like? It was pretty quiet when I was there during the day - is that the case at night? Does it feel safe? Just for reference, I currently live on Myrtle Avenue near Adelphi, so my standards are....flexible.
Thanks!
Mouse Infestation - Help!
We rent the top two floors of an old wood frame house. We moved in in August and, in the last month or so, have discovered that we have a mouse problem. Initially we thought it was just one mouse, but, after capturing 3 so far (and finding another dead one behind the fridge), we're realizing that we have a much bigger problem.
We're taking all the appropriate steps -- plugging up all holes with steel wool, putting down traps, having an exterminator come by -- so I guess my question is: is it possible to win this battle? Or are mice just too resourceful (and too quick to reproduce) to be successful? Any advice? Thanks!
Wallpaper backsplash in kitchen
Has anyone done a wallpaper backsplash (covered in glass) in the kitchen? How much did the glass cost, and did your g.c. do it or did you hire a glass person? Pros/cons?
November 4, 2009
home owner's insurance
I have been shopping for homeowner's insurance and was given a great deal on what seems to be a good policy from Everest National Insurance... has anyone had any experience with them? good or bad...
Cost of Owning a Brownstone
We've been longtime lurkers on Brownstone and appreciated all the knowledge we've gleaned. We're considering buying a 4 story, 17 foot wide brownstone but are not sure we are ready to shift from condo to brownstone ownership. I know there have been posts on this in the past, but have been unable to call them up. The question: We're wondering about monthly costs of ownership as well as periodic costs of things we haven't thought of. So, how much do you hold in the bank and how much are you paying out (on average) every month?
DOB Regulations Query
Planning on changing from a 2-family triplex + garden apt to a 3-family, with two 1-bedroom apts on two top floors of a fairly narrow (16-foot-wide interior) 110-year-old brownstone. I’m unclear about width requirements for the apartment entry doors (i.e., entering from the common stair hallway). The doors are now 30 inches, and we plan on a 33-inch interior hallway. Will this be sufficient or must they be 34-inch doors and 36-inch interior hallways? Any enlightenment or direction to the code would be welcome.
Kitchen Cabs repainting?
Hi,
We purchased a new condo a year ago, and although we're happy with most items, the kitchen cabinets don't fit with the rest of our home.
We're thinking about painting the espresso-stained cherry cabinets to an off-white color, but are nervous because 1) the kitchen is the center of our home; and 2) if it looks bad, we'll most likely end up spending $$$ to replace the cabinets.
Can anyone recommend a contractor skilled in this area - preferably someone with an artistic bent? I've searched the archives but have not found anyone suitable.
Many thanks in advance.
Helicopters over Brooklyn
As if the current helicopter traffic and noise that is generated by them flying over us is not bad enough, stating in the spring of 2010 all of West Side helicopter traffic will be transferred to the Downtown Manhattan Heliport which is right across from the Promenade in Central Heights. This brilliant solution came to the city and the FAA after the residents of the West Side of Manhattan sued and won to bar all helicopter traffic on that side of the city. This decision will add some extra 23,000 flights to our already noisy neighborhoods!! Most of these flights are private tour companies taking tourists on sightseeing trips. Our Mayor is under the impression that the revenue that is gained from this enterprise is worth keeping in spite of the fact that his tax payers base has been against this business for over two decades. As each side of Manhattan has successfully gotten rid of helicopters- flying,landing and idling next to their homes- he is now sending them to us as if we are deaf and blind and will not mind living in a city that sounds as if it's at war. There has been some press coverage in the last couple of months on this unfortunate decision but that's not enough and we should work harder to prevent this from becoming a reality.
There are other problems with helicopters buzzing by our homes aside from the unwanted sounds that they make and that is that all flights under 1100 feet are unregulated and undocumented. Anyone can buy or rent a helicopter thus increasing chances of a collision above our homes as well as going to the extreme such as throwing a bomb from the air. The law now is to "see and avoid" which is ridiculous since we have more street laws for car driving then helicopter flying. Clearly this "see and avoid" policy did not work well in August over the Hudson. If you agree that this is a problem and that it will only get worse for all of us than please help either by calling 311 and reporting the excessive noise or the frequency of flights that you may notice in your neighborhood whether it be Central Heights, Red Hook or Dumbo or make suggestions as to how we may stop and eliminate this from becoming 'Our Hell'.
Antique Bed Frame for Sale
Full-size antique sleigh-style bedframe available. Dimensions approx. 5'6'' x 6'6''. Beautiful details.
Has some nicks and worn spots that can easily be fixed.
Piece includes: solid headboard, 2 side pieces, foot board with spindles and slats to rest mattress on.
MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE.
Buyer must pick up. We are located in Brooklyn Heights.
PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 917-566-4261 ore leave contact info in comments section.
Cost of Plumbing for Washer?
About a month ago I got a quote from a well-known plumbing company to replace a leaking waste pipe and install all the plumbing needed for a washing machine. Quote was about $1,800. High, but OK.
Today they arrive and tell me the quote does not include plumbing for the supply line. WHAT!? And that will be an additional $850.
Mind you, the water lines are right there. We are talking about a few inches of copper pipe.
From the very beginning, we said "install washing machine, replace leaking waste pipe." They also said "install washing machine." We did not say "install washing machine, but oh by the way make sure it has no water and is not usable."
WTF? How much should a washing machine cost to install? This is freaking ridiculous. I could buy a used Honda for $3,000.
Sealing Brick Fireplace
I have two brick fireplaces, and would like to seal them to help protect the brick, but don't want a glossy finish... does anyone have any suggestions as to what i should use?
Leafing
I've been trying to find out whether the City will be picking up leaves for the compost program this year. Does anyone know?
Great New Dry Cleaner CH/FG
This is a follow up to our funny/cranky/serious posting yesterday on gentrification. I was carrying on about how few services there have been to date on Fulton Street in Clinton/Washington vicinity. But things are getting better -- they really are -- and I am so happy and grateful to have some services now which seem basic but were non-existant for the first 5 years I lived here. I do a little dance every time I see a wreck transformed with a store window. But the best development for me of late has been Rolando, who owns Imperial Cleaners on Fulton near Clinton. He came here 6 months ago from Washington Heights where there are tons of dry cleaners and took over the former Bubbleworks store site. Simply put, Rolando does beautiful, fast, professional work at great prices. He'll rush for you, do repairs, even suffer your bad Spanish if you so choose to assault him. One thing that I love is that he does women's cotton/blend blouses for 3 dollars -- beautifully sized and hung up. Because we had nothing before -- Bubbleworks was a bad joke, an expensive, pre-paid bad joke, where the fumes coming off your clothes would make you pass out and where they stuffed your clothes with so much tissue paper, your suits could stand on their own and you got stuff back with cigarette holes in them.... I used to go to Brooklyn Heights to my old place to do dry cleaning. Anyway, Rolando is the best and if you haven't used him yet, please go there.
Easement Audit Nightmare
After being audited by the IRS in 2006 for the easement deduction we took in 2004, we were just handed a bill by the IRS for $145,000. We plan to fight the IRS and want to know if anyone else is on our position. Our brownstone (which we have since sold) is in Fort Greene, it was appraised for 1.2 million in 2004, and we deducted @ 90,000 over the next three years. The bill the IRS sacked us with included interest and penalties. We went on to sell the brownstone in 2007 for 1.8 million, so we feel confident our appraisal was on target. We are currently looking to hire a tax lawyer, and have several names, but would welcome any recommendations. We are aware that a similar case in Brooklyn has already gone before the court and is awaiting a decision. Any advice and/or information is greatly appreciated.
Sublet/Share Legal Issue
I have a question about the apartment I live in in Brooklyn. The facts: first of all, technically (according to the lease) it is an "artist's loft" and is NOT rent-controlled or rent-stabilized, so those laws do not apply. Second, there are 5 of us that live here, yet only one of our names is on the lease (i'll call him John). john has lived here the longest and he signed a 2 year lease first in 2006, and renewed it last year. third, technically it is a "share" not a "sublet" since he has lived here with the 4 of us for most of the time. so every month he writes the check to the LL and we write checks to him. we recently found out that he is gouging us quite badly. john misrepresented the total rent on the loft to us, so while he writes a check for $3000 to the LL every month, he collects about $2900 from us. he's not making a profit from us, but he is only paying $100 rent/month while the other 4 of us pay about $700. also, about 6 months ago he quit his job in brooklyn and "moved" to miami to be with his girlfriend. he left all of his furniture here, and just took personal things and clothes. so since then, he has "subletted" (since now he is gone) out his room to another roommate--and charges him $800/month. so now john still writes the check to the LL for $3000/month but the 5 of us write checks to him that total $3600 (4 of us @ $700/mo and the new subletter at $800/mo. so he is making a profit now. john has only come back once since he's been gone--for 2 weeks, and will not tell us when he plans on coming back again, or for how long. he's obviously doing this to perpetuate the great deal he has. my question is--do we, as "roommates" or sub-tenants have any rights to pay less/receive damages? again it is technically an "artist's loft" not an "apartment" so i believe different rules apply, and also it is not rent stabilized or rent controlled. also, because john is the only one who signed a lease, he's in privity with the LL, and when i asked the LL for a copy of the lease, he didn't reply to me and instead went directly to john and told him someone was asking to see the lease. john never let me see the lease (but i sneaked and looked at it quickly one day) and that's how i figured out the rent was way lower.
is there anything i can do?
Looking for North Slope rental?
Hi - we have a 1+ BR North Slope rental available immediately. Know of anyone interested?
Newly renovated, 2d floor of brownstone, lots of light, huge bathroom (ensuite), #1 bedroom fits queen-sized bed, #2 bedroom fits twin/office. $2,050 includes all utilities until meters are installed for tenant usage. Then rent decreases by $100 month. B/w 5th & 6th Avenue. Please indicate your email address and I'll get in touch.
DIY Beginner Project?
I'm going to start some DIY projects around and wanted to start easy. What would you recommend as a starter project?
1) install crown moulding
2) replace (but not move) bathroom fixtures (sink, toilet, medicine cabinet)
3) replace flooring (take out carpet, install either wood or cork flooring)
Thanks for any suggestions!!!
Furnace Malfunction?
Morning headaches during heating season. We have oil heat, have regular maintenance done on our furnace. Has anybody else had this problem? Any ideas for how to investigate? Thanks!
Excavation - Who to ask?
Who to ask? Who much? Which one is better? Breath explonation on how excavation contractors work...
November 3, 2009
Mortgage Questions
Hi,
I was hoping someone can help. I am bidding on a 3 family 4 floor unit but plan to occupy the triplex and rent the garden apartment. The property is solid but needs a $200k renovation - new 2 kitchens, 3-4 bathrooms, new wiring, flooring. How should we pursue the mortgage?
Here is are the stats: -
- looking to close on the property at $1.1M
- want to place 25% down payment ($275k) which will leave a mortgage of $825k.
I already have a commitment from my credit union for $950k+
Question is how should I go about financing the renovation? Do I have to take a $1.15M mortgage - would I need to put more money down?
Thanks!
Deeding a Rental to a LLC
I am currently own a property for primary use, but want to convert it to a rental (it's a condo). I want to hold the title to the condo in a LLC to limit my liability while it's being rented.
My question is if 1) this will effect my current mortgage, 2) what effect will this have on my insurance policy and 3) what exactly is involved in the transfer?
I have read that it is simple as long as the LLC is owned solely by me as well.
Does anyone know about this?
Floor Sander Recommendation
I want to highly recommend our floor guy, Hugo. We bought an apartment with huge issues including a beautiful kitchen floor covered with 3 layers of glue from old linoleum. He painstakely got our floors into beautiful condition staying on time and budget (although there were some stains in our BR and if we wanted to cover them we would of had to pay more for the staining process). My husband also used him for a commercial job and he was just as good.
Hugo Flooring
347-724-2838
Energy Tax Credit Question
Does anyone know—can I claim an energy tax credit in 2009 and again in 2010? Ie, if I'm ordering new energy efficient windows, if I pay $5000 in this calendar year for a certain number of windows and $5000 again in calendar year 2010 on another order for more windows, can I claim a tax credit of $1500 two times over? Or is the tax credit only available once? The information I've found online so far seems ambiguous. Thanks.
Bed Bug Early Detection
I recently signed a lease on an apartment. After signing the lease, I discovered that the building has bed bugs (I checked the wrong address before signing the lease). From the posting on the bed bug registry, it seems that the complaint is about the specific apartment that I will be moving into.
I will be moving in 3 weeks, and I am thinking perhaps cleaning, while the apartment is empty, is the best option. I am worried though that no matter what I do to the individual apartment, it won't be enough. Money is always a consideration, so I will probably be doing the cleaning myself.
Should I mop the floors (hardwood) and walls with rubbing alcohol?
Should I demand the landlord repaint the entire apartment?
Should I buy plastic covers for my bed and couch? (ugh $150 for a quality cover)
Since there is only one complaint on the registry, all of this is somewhat hearsay. I will try to inspect and find bedbugs in the floor boards, but not sure I would be able to find them even if they are there. I think the apartment has been vacant for about 4-5 months. Any other places I should check?
Any advice that people can offer would be greatly appreciated.
11th Street Firehouses
Hi, I'm considering renting on 11th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. Does anyone know how active and loud the firehouses are on that block? My apt would be in the back of the building on the 4th floor. Many thanks
Rental Renovations
Brownstoners, please help me figure this out! I’m about to have two vacant apartments in the same Center Slope building. I can only renovate one apartment at a time. I’d appreciate your thoughts on which might be more immediately rentable at this time of year, in this market:
1) 1 bedroom, double-parlor apt, 1-1/2 bath, no outdoor space; or
2) 2 bedroom, garden apt, 1 bath, exclusive use of garden.
Both are modestly appointed. Each has washer/dryer and dishwasher.
FS- 10" Compound Power Miter Saw
I am selling a 10" Compound Power Miter Saw (Model SM100M) This was purchased new ($149)and used once by my contractor.
See www0.shopping.com/xPO-Delta-Delta-SM100M-13-Amp-10-Compound-Miter-Saw
I am selling it for $80 if interested leave forwarding e-mail
Cash transaction
6th Ave & 7th St. Location
Janet
Illegal Dumping, Drugs, Rats
We are having a continuous problem with a small secluded block at the end of our street: Gregory Place between Butler and Baltic, this is right behind the Key Food on 5th Avenue. This is probably one of very few blocks in Park Slope that is quiet, secluded and non-residential, but it is adjacent right next to our block, so whatever happens there affects all of us and we have to walk past it to get to our houses.
The block is suffering from constant illegal dumping, people doing drugs, soliciting sex, dumping human and dog excrement, and all kinds of other illegal activity. I've tried calling 311 several times in regards to this and nothing came out of it. I am not sure how this situation can be resolved: it is just very unsafe on many levels. Having video cameras to catch illegal dumpers would help, but we do not know where to start to get help.
Any advice/ideas from brownstoner readers will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.