If you want a proper presbyterian you should go to Weather Up on Vanderbilt or Clover Club on Smith (as far as Brooklyn is concerned)
All of the bartenders at the cocktail joints in manhattan will know as well (milk and honey, pegu, death and co etc)

Posted by: A Guest at December 30, 2008 7:00 PM in response to Open Thread

I hear you about the temp Rob. I also work in a Soho loft, with mostly women who are always cold. It is currently 82 degrees in this room and I'm very cranky.

Posted by: A Guest at December 30, 2008 3:11 PM in response to Open Thread

@ Mopar

Kellogg's is absolutely horrendous. The new renovation looks great - but the food is terrible!

Posted by: A Guest at December 22, 2008 3:11 PM in response to 502 Metropolitan Avenue Revealed

Hey Sam - if i were you i would start plugging these new modern buildings. If not you might get more people doing modern renos of brownstones, and we know how much you hate that!

Posted by: A Guest at December 22, 2008 3:00 PM in response to 502 Metropolitan Avenue Revealed

You cold-footed people all realize there are more fashion-forward shearling boots out there. But if you enjoy looking like a high school student from Darien, CT - enjoy!!

Posted by: A Guest at December 17, 2008 4:57 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Blood on 5th Avenue

Wow - this makes my head spin. Is this a joke?

The typos are a nice touch as well.

Posted by: A Guest at December 17, 2008 12:58 PM in response to The 100 Best Things in Park Slope

I went to a Franciscan high school - and all the sisters were sisters of mercy. such wonderful, gentle souls.

Posted by: A Guest at December 17, 2008 12:29 PM in response to Willoughby Avenue Convent Closing, Future Uncertain

I've never really understood the rationale on here that somehow Brownstone Brooklyn real estate is immune from everything that is going on right now. Anyone care to explain this to me? (seriously, i'm not trying to be snarky)

Posted by: A Guest at December 16, 2008 3:53 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

How much did Babs Corcoran buy that house on Van Brunt for? As I recall that one was in pretty good shape and had retail space.

Posted by: A Guest at December 16, 2008 3:31 PM in response to House of the Day: 37 Wolcott Street

I don't find The What too distracting anymore. Quite often his posts are more on topic then the "usual suspects"

This is a real estate blog, not a chat room. I don't think those people who use this as a medium for social interaction should be catered to by Mr. B. Download google chat, you can have your own private conversations all day long.

Posted by: A Guest at December 15, 2008 2:29 PM in response to A Thought on Comments

haha it's all cool DIBS - was just hoping for a way to pass the rest of the day at work! if you guys get bored can you do some hipster/stroller mom bashing while you're at it!

Posted by: A Guest at December 11, 2008 12:38 PM in response to What the Census Says About Us

I got excited - a topic about brooklyn census data, and over 100 posts at lunchtime. But alas, just inane banter.

Posted by: A Guest at December 11, 2008 12:30 PM in response to What the Census Says About Us

Buckfast:

Polemicist is actually spot on.

Posted by: A Guest at December 5, 2008 6:51 PM in response to Broadway Triangle: Reverse Class Cleansing in BBurg

find nothing wrong with these types of buildings, and I'm not really liking the snobbish tone this thread is taking, so I'll play devil's advocate.
Don't get me wrong, I love brownstones, but the lifestyle they provide doesn't appeal to everyone. If you live in one, and like it, fantastic!! I'm glad you are happy with your home. But if you can't see why someone might prefer to buy a brand spanking new apt with great amenities, in a good neighborhood with a view of the most recognizable skyline in the world - then you are delusional. Some people want more for their 2 million bucks then a fixer upper in Park Slope, or a nice house in a marginal neighborhood. Once again, if that is what you chose to do, and you are happy - great! But that might not be others' cup of tea.

that said - I've walked past many of row of brownstones that looked very similar. Sure, the insides might be different, but newsflash, they are older!! They have had many different owners who have changed them how they see fit. I don't see how it makes much sense for a modern developer to make each apt "unique"

That said, I find the Edge to be overpriced. I'm sure it will be a dandy place to live one day - but you won't see me paying 1,000 psf for it.

Posted by: A Guest at December 2, 2008 2:23 PM in response to Different Prices for Similar Spaces at The Edge

UWS - eh, never liked the UWS but I can understand it's appeal
WV - Maybe if they close up the PATH station on Christopher Street.

No ones saying there aren't beautiful neighborhoods in manhattan, but it seems the people who would "never move back to manhattan" prefer Brooklyn's more laid back, quiet atmosphere.

Posted by: A Guest at November 26, 2008 2:33 PM in response to Wanna Save Money? Leave Brooklyn For Manhattan

FSRG - I'm going to have to agree with 11217 on this one. If you had 10 million dollars where would YOU live in Manhattan?

Posted by: A Guest at November 26, 2008 2:20 PM in response to Wanna Save Money? Leave Brooklyn For Manhattan

I love the Manhattan swagger. It's generally possessed by recent grads who share a 1 bedroom with 2 other people on 74th btw York and the FDR.

Posted by: A Guest at November 26, 2008 1:23 PM in response to Wanna Save Money? Leave Brooklyn For Manhattan

Everyone interesting I've met while in Manhattan actually turns out to live in Brooklyn. Then again, I'm easily impressed.

Posted by: A Guest at November 26, 2008 1:05 PM in response to Wanna Save Money? Leave Brooklyn For Manhattan

Yeah, I agree with FatLenny - All my friends who have been looking for 1 bedrooms in the EV/LES have reported back that it's at least 2300 for a real 1 bedroom. And that's a filthy walk up east of Ave B.

Jeez who pays that kind of money to live in the EV/LES? Makes me kinda miss my old studio on Clinton and Delancey (900 bucks circa 2005) Much happier in BK now though

Posted by: A Guest at November 26, 2008 11:12 AM in response to Wanna Save Money? Leave Brooklyn For Manhattan

hahah deal. Thanks for making the last few hours of work fly 11217! Goodnight!

Posted by: A Guest at November 24, 2008 5:28 PM in response to Bburg: Not Just for [American] Hipsters Anymore

"I find the people totally vapid" - Wrong. It's a very diverse neighborhood. This statement is the equivalent of me saying everyone in Park Slope is a self entitled breeder.

"I find they don't really care about anyone in the neighborhood who's lived there for generations" - Not true. I have lived all over Manhattan and Brooklyn and by far Williamsburg has the greatest sense of community of all the neighborhoods I've lived in. The local italian butcher, pizza guy, bodega workers etc all know many of the names of newcomers and oldtimers alike. It's rare I leave my apartment that I don't run into one of my neighbors who have lived in the hood all their lives and strike up a conversation for a good 5 minutes. I have asked them how they feel about how the neighborhood has changed, and they think it is for the better. It is cleaner and safer than it used to be, and most homeowners have profited in someway from it.

"We hit all the bars, we hit all the "great" restaurants (even Dumont with a roach crawling on our table) - I saw a roach on my most recent visit to Jean Georges. Once again not sure what your point is. Dumont is crappy anyway - Restaurant row is on Broadway. Dressler, Diner, Marlow and Sons etc.

"I feel that calling McCarren a "park" is laughable" - It is no prospect park, but it is an open greenspace that is enjoyed by many of the residents and outsiders. It is packed in the summers with the southside hispanics BBQing and playing soccer, people from all over enjoying the free shows at the pool and the fantastic track.

"I found that there are a lot of people willing to pay a million dollars to live in an area that looks a lot like Beirut in the 1980's." - Not really - it's more like a post industrial neighborhood that was recently rezoned and being developed.

"We have differing opinions here and that's fine.
Although I have to say that I love Brooklyn...all of it really...and I'll lump Williamsburg in there if I must cause my love of the BK is that strong. I appreciate that it exists, I just don't want any part of it." That's great, and is the way it should be. You should save this post and just copy and paste it into every subsequent Williamsburg post just to cover all your bases.

Posted by: A Guest at November 24, 2008 5:20 PM in response to Bburg: Not Just for [American] Hipsters Anymore

As I stated above, I have many friends moving from Brownstone Brooklyn to Williamsburg (all within the same age group as your friends) - so I'm not sure what point you are trying to make.

Never been a big fan of Beacon's Closet (all their employees have attitudes, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Wicker Park/Bucktown in Chicago et all)

Big fan of the A.P.C. surplus store all the way over on Grand near the water.

I'm sure I could even recommend a bar you could tolerate and perhaps a restaurant if you gave me some guidelines!

I think your new year's resolution should be to go to williamsburg at least once in 2009 with an open mind - you might enjoy yourself! ;)

Posted by: A Guest at November 24, 2008 4:19 PM in response to Bburg: Not Just for [American] Hipsters Anymore

This is why Brooklyn is great - there are many different neighborhoods with different flavor, and we can all enjoy what each has to offer. If you can honestly write off a whole neighborhood and say there is nothing for you there to enjoy, then my response to you is you haven't experienced it in it's entirety.

Posted by: A Guest at November 24, 2008 3:52 PM in response to Bburg: Not Just for [American] Hipsters Anymore

"A sign of someone who's really into himself. Very much like every person I've met who lives in Williamsburg."

I don't know where to start - should i feel insulted?

Posted by: A Guest at November 24, 2008 3:32 PM in response to Bburg: Not Just for [American] Hipsters Anymore

11217 - You should really stick to the Park Slope threads since once again you have added nothing to a Williamsburg post except your misinformed notion that everyone in the burg longs to move to Park Slope, and is a 21 year old hipster.

We have previously agreed that in the current economic climate real estate prices will more than likely hold up better in PS than WB, but it ends there. Newsflash: Many people choose to live in Williamsburg. Not because they can't afford PS (take a look around craigslist, rentals in williamsburg are comparable to PS, and it's not cheap to buy either) but because they actually like it. Myself included. For every "friend" you have that lived in Williamsburg and hated it, and retreated for the tree lined blocks of brownstone brooklyn, I have a friend who lived in Fort Greene, Park Slope or Cobble Hill and realized after a year or two, that it was not their cup of tea, and chose to move somewhere that was more in line with their lifestyle - including my French born, UK educated roommate.

That is what's great about this city - there is something for everyone!!!

Posted by: A Guest at November 24, 2008 2:54 PM in response to Bburg: Not Just for [American] Hipsters Anymore

It was amazing how electric the city was last night. Started hanging out in the LES which was kind of mellow, but eventually got caught up in the Bedford Ave festivities on my way back home. After a few beers and hugs from strangers on N8th street, I returned home to watch the speech with my British roommate.
Can't say I have ever been emotionally moved by anything a politician has said before, but I was definitely a little misty while watching Obama's speech. It still seems so surreal, like something out of a movie.

I wish Obama the best of luck, as change is easier said than done in our country nowadays.

Posted by: A Guest at November 5, 2008 11:13 AM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...

Beautiful MM

Posted by: A Guest at November 4, 2008 2:14 PM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere

catfish - lorimer btw metro and conselyea

Posted by: A Guest at November 4, 2008 12:38 PM in response to Election Night Parties

Free PBR night @ an undisclosed bar in the burg. Nothing like talking politics with unemployed/freelance hipsters.

Posted by: A Guest at November 4, 2008 12:15 PM in response to Election Night Parties

Had to go to my old polling place, PS 131 in Manhattan - took about an hour. i'm more curious to hear about lines in the swing states. that will be VERY telling.

Posted by: A Guest at November 4, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere

It never ceases to amaze me how some people carry themselves while walking on the streets of Brooklyn. I am by no means a criminal, but when I see someone walking down the street and think how easy it would be to knock them out and steal their iPhone, they might have a problem.

Posted by: A Guest at November 3, 2008 4:34 PM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

If it is the same tenant that I remember, it is a female young professional "newcomer" paying a little under market rate.

Posted by: A Guest at November 3, 2008 3:43 PM in response to House of the Day: 808 Lincoln Place

I think 700-720k would be a little bit more reasonable.

Posted by: A Guest at November 3, 2008 2:54 PM in response to House of the Day: 808 Lincoln Place

I used to live directly across the street from this place.
Very nice block - neighbors are very friendly for the most part. There's an eyesore of a building on the south side of the street right before the corner of Nostrand, not sure what it up with that.

Tavern on Nostrand!! Thanks for reminding me Montrose. Went there a few times and really enjoyed it - especially with the live music on weekend nights. Did the owner ever open the asian fusion place across the street?

Posted by: A Guest at November 3, 2008 2:07 PM in response to House of the Day: 808 Lincoln Place

snitches get stitches and end up in ditches!

Been a while since i heard that one.

Posted by: A Guest at November 3, 2008 12:53 PM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

Not quite sure how useful this data is the way it is grouped.

Posted by: A Guest at October 31, 2008 12:34 PM in response to Sheepshead Bay: Fifth Most Luxurious Neighborhood

Oh, i forgot. 11217 - you're the person who needs to see leafy green trees on a regular basis not to feel depressed ;)

Posted by: A Guest at October 30, 2008 3:32 PM in response to Quote of the Day

I like it just fine.

Posted by: A Guest at October 30, 2008 3:28 PM in response to Quote of the Day

Pitbull - i live off the lorimer L stop, work on spring and crosby and my commute is the same, if not shorter some days than yours. so your arguement about park slope having a superior commute is moot.

Posted by: A Guest at October 30, 2008 11:52 AM in response to Quote of the Day

Not the biggest Fort Greene fan, but in it's defense, stuff like this is rare and when it does happen it happens all over. Wasn't there a hardcore shootout on the Upper East Side last year?

Posted by: A Guest at October 27, 2008 5:11 PM in response to Breaking: Shooting in Fort Greene

I think these will sell, but everything east of the waterfront will have some problems.

If I was going to buy in the nabe, I'd much rather get a resale at the Gretsch or Mill Building then buy at the Edge or NSP.

Posted by: A Guest at October 27, 2008 3:50 PM in response to The View from the Edge

hahaha, I would carry on TD - but it's 5pm and it looks like there's rain over yonder.

Posted by: A Guest at October 16, 2008 4:53 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 201 Clinton Avenue

TD you forgot one - Park Slope has Al Di La, the best culinary masterpiece NYC as ever seen.

Posted by: A Guest at October 16, 2008 4:39 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 201 Clinton Avenue

People pay good money to live in project style apts - I'm sure a mortgage on a 1 bdrm in Clinton Hill co-ops is comparable to a 1 bedroom rental in Stuy-Town/Peter Cooper Village.

Posted by: A Guest at October 16, 2008 4:12 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 201 Clinton Avenue

Come on guys - I think you're being a little unreasonable here. Sure, the stairs and door are ugly, but the windows and roof look pretty nice. The builder could have just slapped up another generic fedders buildling, but it looks like some thought actually went into this one.

Tough Crowd!!

Posted by: A Guest at October 16, 2008 12:45 PM in response to The Charming Paint Peeler Reincarnated

Yeah, it had nothing to do with the projects. I'm sure it was a well-to-do brownstone owner who got mad at his contractor for installilng recessed lighting.

Posted by: A Guest at October 15, 2008 4:08 PM in response to Human Remains on Fort Greene Park

For one, the crime increase is in the prct that serves the southside of williamsburg, and is due to an increase of intra-gang violence amongst the hispanic gangs. The machete attack was on south 5th street, hardly prime northside, and was gang on gang violence. And it was a 31% increase of a relatively low number - Crime stats are still lower in northside and southside then Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, Fort Greene etc.

That said, I agree with 11217 that the excess inventory and current market conditions will be trouble for the developers and people who went into contract a while ago (if they didn't plan on staying put for a while)

I think Williamsburg is much more appealing to many people, including those who have bought new condos. I don't know of many people who have "settled" for Williamsburg because they couldn't afford Park Slope or Brownstone, Brooklyn. There isn't really much of a discount, or any (for now) for comparable housing stock.

That said, as I've mentioned before, I think brownstone brooklyn will fare better than North Brooklyn, due to the transient nature of the majority of the people in north brooklyn, which gives the area it's vibrancy.

Posted by: A Guest at October 9, 2008 5:19 PM in response to North Brooklyn: Condo Graveyard?

This ad would be better if there was a machete weilding maniac in place of the attractive hetero couple.

Posted by: A Guest at October 9, 2008 4:50 PM in response to Closing Bell: Northside Piers Bring Manhattan to Bburg