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July 23, 2008
14th Street Btw 7th/8th
I'm thinking of taking a place on 14th Street btw 7th/8th. I love the place and the location, but their are things about the block that worry me:
1. It's across the street from the Park Slope Armory. When the athletic facility opens there could be issues with noise and traffic. I've read that the entrance will be on 15th st, but I'm not sure if that's a fact or not.
2. Like a lot of blocks in the South Slope, there is some development going on. I've read about two projects on the block so far, so there is always that risk that a neighbor would sell to a developer and I would be living next to a construction zone.
Is anyone familiar with the block, future developments in the area, or concerns/issues with the Armory?
Comments
not to be too snotty about it, but noise, traffic and development are pretty much facts of life in a thriving city. Have you looked at Huron, SD?
Posted by: Bolder at July 24, 2008 1:02 AM
I from Long Island. I have lived in NYC - Manhattan, Park Slope, and Windsor Terrace for the last 9-10 years. I know all about noise, traffic, and development. I lived in the Slope back when Aunt Suzie's was the best restaurant (sorry 200 5th) and if you wanted to get money to pay for your dinner you had to go to the Checks Cashed place since there were no banks in the area. I feel like I have enough cred to have an honest discussion about quality of life issues in the Slope.
So, back to my question. Any information on the block would be great.
Posted by: icrwly at July 24, 2008 8:08 AM
Hey, I remember when Aunt Suzie's was the best restaurant on 5th! It's funny cuz it's true.
I lived around the corner from that block but it was before the Armory had anything going on so it was pretty abandoned on that side of the street. Piss, litter, dog poop,etc. I'm sure it's changed now. I can tell you though, that friends of mine lived through construction hell when all of their neighbors sold to developers. That's no fun.
Posted by: rh at July 24, 2008 11:00 AM
Just curious, are you looking at that 3 family house listed by Aguayo & Huebner? We recently looked at 2 places on that same block and had the same questions/concerns about that particular block. There is quite a bit of construction, and the Armory is sort of strange. Sorry this was not a helpful comment, but more of an affirmation of your concerns. ;)
Posted by: seahag21 at July 24, 2008 11:44 AM
Different place, but the concerns are the same. Construction worries me more than the Armory.
Posted by: icrwly at July 24, 2008 1:02 PM
We recently bought on 14th but down by 4th Ave.
As someone already noted, its hard to find any blocks in Brooklyn where you're going to be able to avoid some new development. We have several gut rehabs happening on our block and have not had any major issues with it - though admitedly we're not around during the day when most work happens.
As far as noise and traffic in general or associated with the armory, I have to imagine that there will be a slight uptick in foot traffic, street activity and otherwise, but I can't imagine it being so much as to be a major issue or anything.
Posted by: supersouthslope at July 24, 2008 4:20 PM
I know that block pretty well. As to construction, I know nothing more than is revealed by walking down the street- nothing at this point in time. But as to street-level noise and activity, in my opinion the Armory's presence results in *too little* street level noise and activity, to the point where any activity resulting from the Armory would be a plus. In any event, I don't think it's a big deal. Are hordes of kids going to descend on the Armory so that they can go jogging indoors? I know I won't be...
Posted by: BKLYNblewupthebridge at July 24, 2008 4:44 PM
There's construction everywhere (see todays post about road repaving), so the construction issue is pretty much guaranteed to be a hassle no matter where you buy. The Armory is a much more interesting question. Historically it has been a trouble spot -- crack vials, homeless shanties, broken car windows, makeshift sidewalk bathroom. The renovation of the Armory to be used as a recreation center is definitely a move in a positive direction considering its past. And I don't think traffic associated with the building should be an issue, unless school busses idle on the block while picking up and discharging students. The bigger issue in my opinion is the reasonable expectation that large groups of teens will gather for events like track meets and basketball games, and it is unfortunately likely that there will be altercations, some of which will turn violent. It seems like the 14th Street side of the Armory has a good chance of hosting a slashing or stabbing. I would also think that as the economy turns down there might a be a rise in thefts and assaults. It's not a far stretch to imagine a teen being knocked off his bike and having it by stolen by three or four older boys. I can also imagine a few girls slashing another girl because of some perceived insult. Teens are stupid and dangerous. Look at a different block.
Posted by: lifeofreilly at July 24, 2008 9:15 PM
Interesting post. I think I'm more scared of you than the teenagers you speak of. Your descriptions of future violence are too specific.
Posted by: icrwly at July 24, 2008 9:28 PM
shitty, just like the rest of "South Slope"
Posted by: Xander Crews at July 24, 2008 10:02 PM
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