Forum: News/Commentary
October 28, 2009
Water Damage at 52 Clark Street
Anyone here live at 52 Clark Street? I have been dealing with possibly the worse management company in the world! I live on the top floor, below the roof, and everytime it rains, it leaks in my apartment. This has been going on since August, and no amount of rent withheld, phone calls to Janoff, 311 complaints, and emails to the property manager have alleviated the situation. DO NOT live in this building. While my apartment was charming when I moved in with a beautiful view, the damage to my walls, ceilings, clothes, and the way Janoff has handled (or rather, NOT handled) the situation is ridiculous.
October 27, 2009
Trees in Bed Stuy?
hi all,
ive just moved to bed stuy. love it. but i wish every block had nice trees like mine. someone told me that all you have to do is call the city, as a homeowner, to have one planted on your block. i think that would be a great enhancement to the neighborhood - cut down on A/C costs and heat in summer, be a wonderful aesthetic, etc. and i wouldnt mind helping with that (when i get a slow month). does anyone have thoughts on this? is it true about "just making a phone call to the city"? maybe too good to be true?
October 22, 2009
Brownstoner Poster Ad Campaign
In an effort to promote his brand, frequent brownstoner poster more4less has launched an ad campaign, leasing signage space on Grand Central trash cans
July 22, 2009
HPD Noise at 516 Bergen
For anyone who lives on Bergen St. or St. Marks Avenue in Prospect Heights, between Flatbush and Carlton, you may have noticed there's an exceptionally loud, obnoxious noise coming from the HVAC unit on the back of an HPD/city-owned building at 516 Bergen Street. We've been struggling to get them to fix the unit, which DEP has repeatedly told us is well above the noise levels allowed in the city. If you live anywhere near this, I would urge you to contact the HPD commissioner, Vito Mustaciuolo. His e-mail is MUSTV@hpd.nyc.gov. He's so far done nothing to solve the problem and it's really intolerably loud. But the more people contact him about it the better. Thanks.
New York Times article from 1993
Just came across this online ...
"The end of the real-estate boom has created some of the same problems in Clinton Hill as it has in the rest of the city, and residents who bought when the market was at its highest and whose houses or co-op apartments have decreased in value often find it difficult to sell. But Ms. Golde said there were still opportunities for first-time buyers and young families.
Housing prices vary greatly in the neighborhood, she said, changing block by block and building by building. A "modest" house or a larger house requiring much renovation might cost about $250,000, she said; one of mansion quality "could go for under $700,000, though you could certainly spend a lot more."
Co-op prices also vary, she said, but a "nice three-bedroom" might be available for under $200,000. The same is true for rentals, which, she said, "are very strong now, in Clinton Hill and all over the city; a two-bedroom apartment could easily go for $1,000." Less expensive two-bedrooms are available, but those probably have not been renovated."
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/05/realestate/clinton-hill-the-past-serving-the-present.html?pagewanted=3
July 14, 2009
Video of Gowanus Dumpster Pools
From Babelgum.com
From smelly and ugly to fresh and entertaining: Macro-Sea Pools turns three large trash dumpsters into a swimming pool in an empty Brooklyn parking lot. This adaptive re-use project presents the neighborhood with new recreational opportunities.
Check it out:
http://www.babelgum.com/3022110/new-urbanism-3-dumpster-pools.html
July 6, 2009
Call Your State Senator
Tell your State Senator to get back to work! It is unbelievable how long this nonsense in Albany is going on.
June 30, 2009
Empire Blvd now has just 1 lane
The city is in the process of making Empire Blvd bet Utica & Bedford just one lane from two. A bike path has also been installed. However, it doesn't seem that safe. Any Thoughts?
http://www.nostrandpark.com/home/2009/6/22/empire-to-lose-a-lane-and-gain-bike-path.html