Wasn't this where they filmed part of an "Gossip Girl" episode on the porch passing the location off as The Hamptons?

Posted by: 1910 at November 6, 2009 2:57 PM in response to The Albemarle Renovation Blog Launches!

Also Post your question on www.tenant.net in the forum section.

Posted by: 1910 at November 4, 2009 4:19 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

Anyone have a good recommendation for Shanghai Style?

Posted by: 1910 at August 24, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Best chinese restaurant in BKLN

World Tong Seafood in Bensonhurst. Weekend Dim Sum is Very good.6202 18th Avenue (between 62nd St & 63rd St)

Posted by: 1910 at August 24, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Best chinese restaurant in BKLN

Chino-Latino restaurants based on types of places in Cuba used to be very trendy in the 80's. Don't see many of those around anymore?

Posted by: 1910 at June 3, 2009 3:52 PM in response to Streetlevel: Yummy Taco Opens in South Slope

Try King's Building Supply 3707 15th Avenue in Kensington area. They have a showroom and lots of catalogs you can order from.

Posted by: 1910 at April 21, 2009 2:26 PM in response to Decent resource for pavers?

Is this residential? Looks like a giant filing cabinet for humans.

Posted by: 1910 at March 25, 2009 4:09 PM in response to Development Watch: 100 Luquer Street

Dances of Vice hold many events in the Montauk Club.
www.dancesofvice.com

Lots of young "Beautiful People" types abound at these.

Posted by: 1910 at February 25, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Condo of the Day: Montauk Club Mega-Spread

What kind of insulation is on the pipes at the top of the picture?

Posted by: 1910 at February 6, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Sweet New Steam Boiler

Was a joke, not pointed at you.

BUT If you are going to shout and start using language because others may have a different opinion and then make sweeping statments about getting "whatever I want" if I shelling out $4.4 million for a house - then quod erat demonstratum!

Posted by: 1910 at January 26, 2009 3:49 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

the "Brownstone Experience" should become a big catch phrase on this site.

It encapsulates self entitlement so well.

Posted by: 1910 at January 26, 2009 3:32 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

Sam, Petebklyn, cobblehiller, DeLepp have it right.

I do think you need to walk the block to get a better feel for the buildings and surroundings and how they affect the street as a whole before passing judgement.

Posted by: 1910 at January 26, 2009 3:16 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

The view out your front window and down your street is as important as the amenities inside.
Location, location, location. The view out your front window and down your street is as important as the amenities inside.

- Um, a well overlooking a well maintained building with community minded residents and board, with a historic church to the left of your street view and a park to the right of your street view?

Posted by: 1910 at January 26, 2009 2:46 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

And may I add that every Spring the shareholders get together and plant flowers in fron of that "some sort of project" and tend to the through to Fall.

Among the residents when I left in 2005 included a few people who lived in the building since it was brand new, several lawyers, a judge, banking execs, two artists, teachers, and newer young professionals.

On the other intersection across from the "project" is Cobble Hill Park.

Look on NY Times a few apartments may be up for sale in 200, 210, or 220 Congress for an idea of interiors.

Posted by: 1910 at January 26, 2009 2:39 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

Across the Street is 200-220 Congress Street Co-ops. An apartment there was featured some time ago. Here. It is not project. Yes, it was built in 1949-50 as rental apartments and turned Co-op in 1980. NOT a project. I lived there for 7 years quiet happily and around the neighborhood for 20 years until buying a house in Ditmas Park.

May not be the prettiest of buildings, but is well run, the building is set back with very well kept grounds in front. At the intersection of Congress and Court is St. Paul's church:

From the AIA Guide, it would seem that much of this church was designed and built about 1838 by Gamaliel King, allowing St. Paul's parish to claim that their church is the oldest Catholic church in continuous use in Brooklyn. The steeple was added in the 1860's, and other enlargements were made. The church fronts on Court Street, the chapel and rectory on Congress Street. For a while, the parish had three names: St. Peter (from the parish on Hicks Street that is now a condo), Our Lady of Pilar, and St. Peter. The signs now name it as the parish of St. Peter and St. Agnes, with services alternating between the two church buildings. St. Agnes is on Sackett Street.

Crappy streetview indeed.

Posted by: 1910 at January 26, 2009 2:28 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

1:23 keep an eye out for the Victorian Flatbush house tour usually held in June. You can get to see inside a selection of these great houses!.

Here is the link to the 2007 tour
http://www.fdconline.org/housetour.html

Posted by: 1910 at March 19, 2008 1:33 PM in response to LPC Designates Fiske Terrace-Midwood Park

Great news. I'm in Ditmas Park West - imagine it will be a tougher designation for DPW as many of the houses on the SWARM blocks (Stratford, Westiminster, Argyle, Rugby, Marlborough) have long since been knocked down and replaced by apartment buildings. Interesting to see if any landmark designation will go by only certain blocks taking on a pattern somewhat like a comb with lots of teeth missing.

Posted by: 1910 at March 19, 2008 11:27 AM in response to LPC Designates Fiske Terrace-Midwood Park

Do you want to consdier bringing them somewhere to get fixed? You can email the question and picture to Lamp Doctor on Coney Island Avenue near Kings Highway. They have an inhouse shop and they have lots of similar sconces for sale.

http://www.lampdoctor32.com/

Posted by: 1910 at January 25, 2008 12:10 PM in response to what is this?

Fantastic color choices, especially on the last picture. I chose a similar color for a few walls and as accent color in my 1910 house and while doing prep scrape and sand (previous occupants chose to texture-sponge-paint splotches of red, orange, and yellow all over everything) found the almost exact same blue-green color underneath.

Posted by: 1910 at January 16, 2008 4:01 PM in response to The power of paint - part 3

I have a large palatte of older solid bricks inherited from the previous owner. Most are good shape. 40 or so are yours if you can pick them up early morning or on the weekend from Ditmas Park West. Will respond to your email this evening.

Posted by: 1910 at December 17, 2007 4:04 PM in response to anyone have any old bricks they don't want?

a couple of years ago I thought someone like Robert Deniro wanted to use the Navy Yard to house a film studio. Is that a "media campus"?

Posted by: 1910 at November 27, 2007 1:09 PM in response to Video: Inside the Brooklyn Naval Hospital

I did stair repair about a year ago. Not many companies do this. But definitely call Anton [sp] of Soxco Stairs.

Posted by: 1910 at November 26, 2007 5:40 PM in response to Strengthening steps and staircase

Look Here. Little More on the Japanese Victorian and Ex Lax space.
http://home.att.net/~ebasics/prospectparksouth.html

I think the author also posts here from time to time. Hi if you're out there.

Posted by: 1910 at November 8, 2007 5:59 PM in response to Prospect Park South Community Garden Taking Shape

sorry 718 645 8080

Posted by: 1910 at November 6, 2007 3:40 PM in response to Do Not Hire D&D Plumbing!

Try Adco Plumbing and Heating. 717 645 8080. They did an oil to gas boiler conversion and a bunch of other stuff with plumbing and gas lines for me.

Prices are around middle range, but they do a very thorough job.

Just a note - you might not get an immediate but soon appointment this is their plumbing and heating BUSY season.

Posted by: 1910 at November 6, 2007 3:14 PM in response to Do Not Hire D&D Plumbing!

..."We chatted up some Slopers"

Hey Brownstoner FYI - in British English vernacular to "chat up" is to try to get a date with someone or more. Usually more. ;-)

Posted by: 1910 at October 25, 2007 11:18 AM in response to Man on the Street: How's the Novo Look to You?

How 'bout - I just "discovered" Kensington and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.-

Posted by: 1910 at October 22, 2007 4:32 PM in response to Kensington: The T-Shirt

South Brooklyn is the older accepted name for the area of Carroll Gardens/Red Hook. Still used, but mainly before the BQE dissected the neighborhood in two.

Posted by: 1910 at October 19, 2007 10:27 AM in response to Unfortunate New Neighborhood Name: Sun Slope

Personally I think Glue traps are heinous because of the length of time it takes for them to meet their end. BUT, If you want to use them don't put bait on them such as peanut butter, it will weaken the glue strength. an exterminator recommended cotton balls on the trap. Mice are attracted to it because it makes great nesting material.

Spray foam around pipes and any gaps between floor and wall, door sweeps also. Mice can sneak through a space as small as 1/2 inch I think. Maybe even smaller, they have extra flexible joints 'n bones.

Small dogs especially terrier breeds can also be good for catching the critters, still depending on the dog. One of my Chihuahuas is rutheless at dispatching mice, the other just doesn't wanna know.

Posted by: 1910 at October 12, 2007 2:34 PM in response to Time for the Mice to Move Back Indoors

A second recommendation for Marc Aronson. He helped me with a tenant issue, he is efficient and fast.

Posted by: 1910 at October 11, 2007 11:45 AM in response to Legal questions about closing on a property that has renters

Sorry that should read "they must screen you as a Landlord in advance..." i.e. owner or agent of owner.

Posted by: 1910 at October 10, 2007 4:29 PM in response to First Time Landlord Looking for Info

the tenant screening services are a great help. Review their sites ahead of time, there is a fair housing/fair credit law which states the agency must screen you as tenant in advance of tenant background or credit checks. This entails filling out and information package and an onsite visit to your house. The process usually takes about two weeks.

Posted by: 1910 at October 10, 2007 4:25 PM in response to First Time Landlord Looking for Info

I have a tight space in my kitchen for a fridge. I got an LG model with a three drawer freezer section on the bottom. It is taller than other "apartment sized" units (that's a search term you should look for)which gives a little more interior space.

PC Richards carries them. I think they also have smaller stoves too.

Posted by: 1910 at October 9, 2007 5:15 PM in response to Small Size Appliances

I can understand the concerns stated with how to deal with contractors, etc, being relevant for certain groups. I am a single woman who owns a house. Safety issues of being along with strangers in the house while showing an apartment for rent or having someone in to make repairs. I am also concerned that contractors might try to take advantage of me on pricing or work needed due to my gender.

The best approach I've used is to prepare for the situation by educated myself and taking appropriate precautions. Alot of great advice has come from this blog - and have found that suprisingly there are other single women homeowners on here too with similar issues.

To the OP, I think you do have a community here. Not everyone is the same. There's always some jerky posts, but mostly I've gotten good advice and found out who else is out there like me.

BTW - the only time I feel I've been marginalized was by my real estate attorney who told me in the middle of the purchasing process "I admire your courage for doing this alone without a husband" and the lawyer was female. That was not purposeful on her part, but kind of stung - just surprising to see how she saw me - husbandless and brave in spite of it ;-)

Posted by: 1910 at October 8, 2007 2:32 PM in response to Brownstone Pride

I moved from Fort Greene to Carroll Gardens in the late 80s. Unfortunately at that time drugs were on the upswing (crack) in FG. Had adicts sleeping in the apartment building hallways and fellow residents were mugged in the mailroom and elevators on a daily basis. Carroll Gardens at that time was so quiet, safe and sleepy. None of the bars, restaurants, and shops that are now on Court Street and Smith were there.

How things change.

Posted by: 1910 at October 8, 2007 11:58 AM in response to Darkness on the Edge of Town

How 'bout something like the Brooklyn Lyceum or the Paul Robeson Theater?

Posted by: 1910 at October 5, 2007 11:46 AM in response to Wondering About the Loew’s Wonder Theater

Also it is better to look for a two family that can be delivered vacant. Buying with existing tenants can add difficulties that have been discussed many times on this board. I have a three-family and had existing tenants inheriting the tenuous relationship they had with the previous owner.

It's ideal to start off fresh with tenants of your own choosing.

Posted by: 1910 at October 4, 2007 3:23 PM in response to Is it foolish to count on rental income?

Try DAS Upholstery on Cortelyou Road 1312 Cortelyou Road 718-284-1079. They disassembled a couch for my tenants to get up a tight flight of stairs and repaired the couch and upholstery on site. Great job. You wouldn't even know anything had happened.

Posted by: 1910 at October 3, 2007 1:25 PM in response to upholster

If you've not used a moving company before, keep in mind that the guys who come to do the job don't get much of the money you spend unless it is a small outfit and they own the business. The movers really rely on tips so factor this in the price for good service.

Posted by: 1910 at September 28, 2007 10:54 AM in response to Are these Movers Ripping me Off?

Try FlatRate. also, did they come to your apartment to do the estimate? You mentioned online quote. Flatrate and others will send someone over to get a better estimate. could make a big difference. I used FR twice to move from a third floor to a third floor - the move went overtime due to no fault of their own and they stuck by their estimate. The second was third floor to second floor of the same house. Good both times. They do a great job with wrapping up furniture and will help pack special items.

Posted by: 1910 at September 28, 2007 10:45 AM in response to Are these Movers Ripping me Off?

After sanding - I think paint finish with a little more sheen than eggshell is best for molding. Eggshel on molding tends to look dry and cake-y.Glossier finish Goes on easier, better for cleaning if you get handprints or smudge. If you don't like semi-gloss try luster or pearl finish.

Posted by: 1910 at September 28, 2007 10:32 AM in response to fixing a bad paint job?

Yes, when I see poor little houses next door to new developments it always reminds me of the Bugs Bunny episode where he didn't want to give up his hole so the big skyscraper was built around it.

Posted by: 1910 at September 27, 2007 1:38 PM in response to Greenwood Hill View-Killer In The Works?

Haven't been inside, but I walk passed often. The houses on this block are smaller than others in the neighborhood at under 1800 sq ft, the comps that tag 482 mentioned have lots and houses almost twice as wide as this one. The houses on the block are also strangely angled on the lots. Maybe of the history enthusiasts here could impart some info on why? The siding is the asbestos/asphalt shingle variety that shows some wear. Dorchester is a through street with more traffic than others in the area.

Despite the downs, I agree with Brownstoner that this house and the neighboring houses have a nice vibe, and the front gardens are tidy and seem to get care.

Ditmas Park (West) is a matter of taste from other parts of Brooklyn, but the difference between Westchester and Jersey is that it is very much in New York City. This address is one block from Buses, Shops, and three or four from the subway. Consider taxes of under $3,000 when comparing to outside NY.

Posted by: 1910 at September 24, 2007 4:03 PM in response to House of the Day: 1407 Dorchester Road

I have a bottle dug up from a nearby back yard labelled "Arsenic".

Posted by: 1910 at September 19, 2007 6:41 PM in response to Anyone have any stories of morbid finds in old brownstones

There is a new or I've not noticed before Abacus real estate office on Cortelyou near East 16th/Cortelyou Road subway stop.

They seem to have commercial properties and residential listings in points beyond Ditmas Park on their inventory.

Anyone know anything aboutAbacus?

Posted by: 1910 at September 18, 2007 4:28 PM in response to What's on Tap for Cortelyou Road?

cor-TEL-you or cor-TEL-yo as the train conductors all say

Posted by: 1910 at September 18, 2007 3:48 PM in response to What's on Tap for Cortelyou Road?

New businesses opening up I think will help to clean up the random trash on the street. (Although produce more nightly garbage). With the new streetscape, larger wind resistant trashcans have been put on every corner on this stretch of Cortelyou. New stores will also help clear ice and snow.

Pretty surprised at the passive expectation to sit and wait for things to "gentrify" especially cleanliness issues.

This summer there was a volunteer day for grafitti and trash cleanup. If you think that there is a big problem, Talk to someone in Community District #14, 311, and your homeowners association - there are several in the area who welcome tenants as well. Efforts will not go unnoticed. I pick up garbage blown down my block from Cortelyou every day. I thought it was a thankless task, but this weekend a neighbor from a nearby apartment building stopped to thank me, told me that everyone in the building sees me do it and appreciates it, and then he joined in to help.

Posted by: 1910 at September 18, 2007 3:32 PM in response to What's on Tap for Cortelyou Road?

A good locksmith will be able to install a self-closing door mechanism. Also install a slam lock. You should also consider getting a security lock in which the keys cannot be copied without control from the coop board - like multilock.

If the door is in good shape, no need to replace it.

Posted by: 1910 at September 18, 2007 1:34 PM in response to metal door repair / replace advice?

Microbrew/restaurant would be wonderful. For the few weeks that Picket Fence was closed for renovation, The Farm on Adderly was positively packed to the gills. Seems like the neighborhood can support another eatery.

The Flatbush Food Coop is taking suggestions on the products and services people would like to see in the new location. expansion@flatbushfoodcoop.com.

The old shoe repair shop closed. I went there to fix shoes, a bag and luggage zipper. Maybe I'm old fashioned about wanting one back.

A fish store would be great.

I've never had a problem with the library staff. The facility does not have alot onhand, but you can always order books for pickup there from another location.

As for the firemen I'm glad to have them around the corner, double parked or not! The firehouse obviously provides an invaluable service being where they are - glad they have not been budget-cutted. Their presence adds a feeling of security on the street later at night.

what I don't think the street needs is another crafty-specialty-gifty store like Trailer Park just yet.

In other words, Get the butcher and baker in before the candlestick maker.

Posted by: 1910 at September 18, 2007 1:28 PM in response to What's on Tap for Cortelyou Road?

Both oil and gas heating produce carbon monoxide. Seems that the plumber has discovered an existing problem with the chimney regardless of the fuel type.

Posted by: 1910 at September 12, 2007 11:58 AM in response to oil to gas conversion:new chimney lining

The Piping looks pretty. The Header is wrong! Steam rises. It doesn't fall. If you look at the manuf. near boiler piping You will see the header should be higher than the swing joints. With that said, it may work with out too much noise because it appears from the photo that the condensate will return and not get trapped in the header.

Posted by: wilsonbros1 at September 16, 2009 3:51 PM in response to Sweet New Steam Boiler

The Piping looks pretty. The Header is wrong! Steam rises. It doesn't fall. If you look at the manuf. near boiler piping You will see the header should be higher than the swing joints. With that said, it may work with out too much noise because it appears from the photo that the condensate will return and not get trapped in the header.

Posted by: wilsonbros1 at September 16, 2009 3:51 PM in response to Sweet New Steam Boiler

Try preemptively paying the rent one month directly to the LL. Entice him with cash if needed and get a signed receipt. This will complicate the situation and give you rights to the existing Lease in that the LL has tacitly approved your tenancy by excepting the rent. I think you would be protected from an eviction proceeding by uberTenant. You could also stop paying rent and probably continue to occupy the space for enough months to break even on your security.

Posted by: modsquad at November 4, 2009 5:02 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

quote:
. You could also stop paying rent and probably continue to occupy the space for enough months to break even on your security.

uh yeah cuz that's just SO fair to the landlord. dont take this moron's advice.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at November 4, 2009 5:19 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

It sounds like the LL is complicit in this case buttface. Why should the sub tenants have any responsibility to the LL. They enjoy zero rights at this point.

Posted by: modsquad at November 4, 2009 6:02 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

So, wait. You all "SHOULD" be paying $500/month and instead 4 of you are paying $700 and the leaseholder is paying $200? Math is not my strong suit and I wasn't paying close attention, but wtf. Yes, $200 can seem like a lot of money when you're young and broke and in the city, but for christ's sake, the guy isn't even LIVING there most of the time... so... who cares if he pays less? He still has responsibility. He still has the lease. He still put down the initial money with the landland and built the place.

And, frankly, as I discovered when I was young and broke in the city, it's an amazingly common story. And the moral is simple: get your own lease, probably at another apartment.

If you want the bad karma and potential repercussions, then by all means, stop paying rent and move out. Not that big a deal. When John assumed the lease, he assumed the risk that you all would do that. So give him 2 months notice and do so.

Posted by: Heather at November 4, 2009 6:13 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

did you seriously just call me buttface? hahah. i KNOW the subtenant (psoter) has no liability to the owner, but heather made an excellent point. it's an absentee roommate essentially who pays less. duh of course they should pay less! case closed. and yeah like she said it's very very very very common, it's essentially how the rental share market works for people who HAVE to have roommates and cant get their lease. im in a good situation now where it's 50/50 but it was never always that way.

*rob*

Posted by: Butterfly at November 4, 2009 6:56 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

I'm just answering the question without the predictable agendas many on this blog have.
OP was looking for any "rights" he might have, not moral navel gazing or a spanking. I personally don't think there's much of a screwing going on here.
Did I call you buttface? Do you turn your head whenever you here some kid shout out, "Hey Asshole!"?

Posted by: modsquad at November 4, 2009 8:04 PM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue

Just bite the bullet and talk to the landlord. Tell him what's been going on- considering the economy, I'm sure he's much rather have tenants than not. That said, and I am not sure if it applies in your case, tenants are not allowed, by law to make money off of a rental. That is- the leaseholder is not allowed to make money on a landlord's property. So john is essentially using the lease to make money.

Check the lease to see if there is a residency requirement. Does a tenant have to be in residence in order to keep the lease? In some situations- such as rs/rc, they do.

In any case, stop paying John and start paying the landlord directly. Don't expect to see any money back from John- and once you settle your situation you can tell him he can pick up his stuff or you will assume he has abandoned it and you'll do what you want with it.

Posted by: bxgrl at November 5, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Sublet/Share Legal Issue