Action Jackson's Profile
- Action Jackson
- 1987
- 2005-ish
- Brooklyn
- House
- one of those "creative types"
- Male
- Came to Bklyn for college, you figure it out.
Author's Posts
November 18, 2009
GC needed for bathroom project
Being OK at "handyman stuff," I went to regrout part of the tub this past weekend (after a on/off again leak) and found a bag of snakes. Rotten patch job (by the Mrs and I earlier in the year, wunderboard gone awry) rotten wire mesh, wet beam (notched by a past plummer years ago we guess), BX too close to the water lines...and of course the retiling.
Photo attached.
May be a bit more than we can chew (depending on what is found), or want to.
Any recommendations on a general contractor for a smallish-medium job? We may have other worked covered while we have someone on hand (cut off valves, replace work sink fixtures, bathroom fan, etc.), but need someone with more "house knowledge" than the Mrs. and I care to guess/do, unless we have to.
So, plumbing, tiling, drywalling (from the leak) and possible some electrical.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated... and did I mention we have an open shower wall? Thus time is of the essence.
April 16, 2009
Electirican: low volt. lighting
Greetings,
My better half and I have been having issues with out Tiella low voltage single track lighting system. Last night the lights went out and our breaker tripped.
Tried the lights again, no light and box tripped again.
We would call our normal electrician, but his knowledge of low vot. systems is limited.
Can anyone make a recommendation?
January 9, 2009
Plumer for small projects?
We have some VERY small jobs that a good plummer could bang out in an afternoon, but not a huge budget for one of the big outfits we have used in the past like Vigilante (who are great, but way too expensive!) and the like.
Any recommendations out there? Local and small biz preferred, but we're open to any good experiences!
June 27, 2008
WANTED: Backyard landscape design on a budget
A guy I know has posted on Brooklynian with little response to a landscaping question. Being a good guy (I hope), I am reposting it here on the forum. Can folks help him out? Follow the link:
http://www.brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=43471&highlight=
My wife and I are avid gardeners, and half way decent graphic designers, but not so hot when it comes to landscape design or strategies.
We currently have a construction project finishing up in the next few months next door (4 stories of brick now blocking us in) and will be ripping out our "oh so Bklyn" concrete patio and redoing our planting and veggie gardening area. The space is approx. 55X20 ft. with a mature eunymous, a gardening shed and planted beds (can you say hosta?).
The project includes figuring out the patio, pathways and planting areas, as I stated above, some of which already planted up (but can be moved).
We "think" we know what we want. We definitely know what we like and dislike...and of course are on a budget.
Looking for a landscape designer or student who could work with the two of us on a game-plan to turn our haven into a heaven. We will be doing the final work ourselves, most likely.
Any recommendations appreciated or solicitations wanted. Please PM me or post here with any questions...
Thanks in advance!
May 14, 2008
Full staircase: newel post, banister and spindles-FREE
Unique opportunity for a DIYer, A FREE STAIRCASE!
While they will NOT be able to salvage the treads and risers, we have asked our local renovator to dis-assemble the spindles, newel post and full banister. The spindles are most likely walnut (similar to most of the circa 1900's frame homes in the area that we have seen...and ours), the newel post "might" be mahogany. The banister (2 stories worth) is oak.
Spindles and newel post are painted. The banister is stained.
Here's the catch, if you want it, you will be given a 48hr window to pick it up, period.
Essentially a few days before the tear out and install of the new oak staircase, I'll be given the heads-up and thus contacting the DIYer.
This will happen in the next 1-2 weeks.
First come, first served.
Interested? E-mail loneinformer(at)gmail.com
April 27, 2008
Salvaged black granite counter top-FREE
FREE salvaged piece of black granite counter top. We rescued a few things from a near by demo, including this piece of black granite.
The piece is 51 inches long, 24 1/8 inches wide. There is a partial bull nose edge that's approx. 26 1/2 inches. Thickness of slab is 7/8 inch.
Perfect for a DIYer who wants to add a mini counter top in the kitchen or add a new top to a vanity.
Interested? e-mail loneinformer(at)gmail.com
You MUST pick it up and it is VERY heavy. 2 people to carry.
First come, first served.
November 19, 2007
Newel post for free, circa 1900
We salvaged a circa 1900's newel post and partial railing (mostly for the cap for the post) from a neighborhood gut reno.
Rather than the trash, we thought it might look great in someone's reno'd house. Wood under the paint is either mahogany or a stained oak (I think the later).
First come, first served. Must pick up.
Interested, e-mail loneinformer (a) gmail.com
August 17, 2007
Surveyor
Would anyone on the forum happen to have a recommendation on a good land surveyor? We need to have our property properly surveyed before our friendly neighborhood developer tears down the home next door to us.
Author's Comments
"Traffic on 16th? Are you being serious?"
It's not the traffic, but the fact there are 60 new units, on top of the Vue's, and the new development has only ONE driveway, only wide enough to allow one car in-and-out.
Even the 16th St. is not prime Slope, the parking is the same. You could circle for an hour and not find a space.
Higher density=more people, more cars and a taxed infrastructure.
There goes the neighborhood.
The design? Another Bricolage puke fest.
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 18, 2009 4:53 PM in response to Development Watch: 169 16th Street
I am shocked, really...wish i could have been there to witness the BSA do the right thing, for once, for now.
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 18, 2009 10:36 AM in response to BSA Smacks Down 580 Carroll Hardship Claim...For Now
Petebklyn, it's brick in all its glory.
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 13, 2009 11:07 AM in response to 574 4th Avenue: The Full Monty
"well at least 4th ave was already pretty ugly."
That's an insult to 4th Ave, Santa ;)
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 13, 2009 11:07 AM in response to 574 4th Avenue: The Full Monty
"Why are so many new buildings done in these horrid yellow and orange bricks?"
Blame Henry Radusky and Bricolage.
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 13, 2009 11:06 AM in response to 574 4th Avenue: The Full Monty
Another great addition to the "Park Avenue of Brooklyn."
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 13, 2009 10:02 AM in response to 574 4th Avenue: The Full Monty
"All the developer has to do is hire Sheldon Lobel, P.C. and the BSA will pass anything they want."
You said it brother...
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 12, 2009 2:58 PM in response to 580 Carroll Developers Cite Chambers of Horror
Let's listen to the world's smallest violin...can you hear it? I'm playing their song.
And if they file under a "A" application, the BSA will hand it to them and kiss them on the ass at the same time.
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 12, 2009 11:19 AM in response to 580 Carroll Developers Cite Chambers of Horror
All extensions/alterations, by my knowledge of the ZR, must be 100% complete to be grandfathered. It's not like "substantially complete" rulings on foundations.
So I'll bet this has to be trimmed considerably or appeal to the BSA.
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 11, 2009 3:11 PM in response to Development Watch: 333 Carroll Street
Action Jackson wrote a review about Miracle Grill on November 11, 2009 3:09 PM
Never had a bad meal there. Solid nouveau Mexican (remember that!). Fish tacos are small but yummy and the staff has always been great.
Ah, this is laughable:
Nature of Suit: Intellectual Property - Copyrights
Cause: Federal Question
Jurisdiction: Federal Question
Jury Demanded By: 17:101 Copyright Infringement
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 9, 2009 1:52 PM in response to 21123 Revealed - And Exposed
Even better:
http://bk.ly/Xx
Seems old Bobby is suing the new architect of record, Micheal Muroff, Leewood Real Estate Group LLC and Greenwood Heights Associates, LLC.
I'll read on, but for what? Improving his design?
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 9, 2009 1:50 PM in response to 21123 Revealed - And Exposed
"out of context buildings like these look like an erection in spandex!
From the Robot Lords of Mars!
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 9, 2009 1:32 PM in response to 21123 Revealed - And Exposed
Ah, finally 211 rears it's ugly head again...remember the "beam me up Scotty" comments on this blog from 2007?
Now it's "beam me up Potty" as this POS literally stinks up the neighborhood, not only from it's lack of context to the neighborhood (which is mixed at best) but it's terribly shoddy construction (again, saying a lot for some of the older homes in GWH, though they are 100+ year old frames, so perhaps I should retract...) that has not stood the test of time since this project originally tanked.
I walked by it the other day and am still amazed at it's absolute lack of architectural integrity...but wait, it's a Scarano.
A rose by any other name...
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 9, 2009 12:10 PM in response to 21123 Revealed - And Exposed
"Didn't somebody try that same yeshiva tactic on a condo to bypass zoning laws in the South Slope?"
Yep, the LoCicero family, using Bricolage Designs (same as Spencer St.) and I'll just betcha the same yeshiva.
And bask in its mid-block 9 story fuggliness on a 2-3 story block. But I'm told DOI is after the LoCicero boys for this site and another on 15th St. Another crew who should be lead out in cuffs.
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 26, 2009 11:24 AM in response to Mendel Brach Barred from Condo Business
"You should read the comments on this site. It will make your head spin."
Ah, to only to understand yiddish...heated debate, no less.
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 26, 2009 11:21 AM in response to Mendel Brach Barred from Condo Business
"Reminds me of the good old days when I used to get into long arguments with a reader named David"
MM,
Heck, what about iceberg, erixumeuszzyydysjd (whatever) and polemist.
There we're some good old "tear them down, build them up (shoddily)" arguments.
Ah, the old days.
Four words come to mind: we told you so.
Sad, isn't it.
As I have said time and time again, my late 1800's frame will last longer than any of the NB in the past 5 years, hand down.
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 26, 2009 10:54 AM in response to Faulty Towers: Complaints About Condos on the Rise
Get outta Brooklyn Mendi...and don't let one of your prefab doors hit your ass on the way out!
Good news for Bklyn.
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 26, 2009 10:16 AM in response to Mendel Brach Barred from Condo Business
My only question is will Darth Vader be a daily day care worker or only come in for story time?
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 23, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Park Slope Schoolhouse in at 5th Ave's 'Classic Modern'
RIP old Bklyn.
Welcome to the future, and it ain't pretty.
We can thank Karl for lower the bar for architectural design one notch lower.
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 23, 2009 11:46 AM in response to From Flicks to Fischer on 15th Street
Sorry, I meant 575 FIFTH Ave (at 16th St.) not 6th Ave...
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 21, 2009 3:58 PM in response to Development Watch: 574 4th Avenue
That thing is built like a "brick shit house" (pun intended).
I have never seen so much steel go into one building, well in the South Slope that is. I assume it's due to its proximity, ahem next to, the Gowanus Expressway and the R train.
But it's all location, location, location right?
Big no on this one.
BTW, 575 6th Ave. is not just ex-drug addicts. It is folks transitioning out of shelters who need specialized and assisted care...including seniors and youth's aging out of foster care. A bit of a controversial in the neighborhood until everyone learned the overall scope of the project by 5th Ave Comm.
I'd be more concerned at the renters in this building on 4th Ave who truly have to be nuts to rent there...
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 21, 2009 3:56 PM in response to Development Watch: 574 4th Avenue
Ohhhh, so ugly it gets a inverse negative ugly effect...if only we could localize wormholes...Clinton Hill would suddenly be a better place.
Beam me up Scotty!
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 16, 2009 11:09 AM in response to 270 Greene Avenue Hits the Market
And what...no Bklyn? Come on boys, we have to have bragging rights over the Bronx and Manhattan for christsakes!
Brooklyn DOB needs a house cleaning anyway after all the crap Hinkson left upon her jettison, inherited by Mossad and now in Comm. Lee's lab.
There's a lot of "dead wood" around that should be tossed by Lee.
Posted by: Action Jackson at October 2, 2009 1:15 PM in response to The Mob Infiltrates the DOB
DS, thanks.
May I always be so elegant...
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 30, 2009 1:22 PM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
"It just upsets me to no end when development sites, anywhere in Bklyn, have such a negative affect on the local community."
I should have added, "and defended by people who obviously don't live in the neighborhood."
Done.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 4:25 PM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
OK, that last flame was not needed (though I stand by my shill remark).
It just upsets me to no end when development sites, anywhere in Bklyn, have such a negative affect on the local community.
This particular one, curb cuts aside, has been going on since 2005, according to this blog.
I know it's been driving my friends on the block nuts, let alone other residents and Green-Wood Cemetery I assume.
The Bob Scarano original design was just as bad of a plan, so I guess there's no win in this one.
Next...
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 4:22 PM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
"Bowing to NIMBY demands, the developer agreed to build townhouses with individual units and parking."
cuentame, interesting. If the developer "bowed" to the "NIMBY's" demands, "they" (it's a team) would have put in less homes and not have crammed 11 unsellable 14 ft wide stucco rowhouses.
"Obviously the parking includes curb cuts! How else are the cars supposed to manage to park off-street?"
Um, if there was no garages, 11 cards could easily be absorbed into the normal parking patterns. If there had been less rowhouses, even less impact.
the curb cuts have cut the parking, this is my guess, to 1/10 of what was there. So how is the developer helping the community.
I'll accept being called a NIMBY any day over a SHILL like yourself.
Though, better to call me NIMS (not in my street/sidewalk). Too bad two developers will affect so many people.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 4:11 PM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
denton, not true. During "rush hours" folks are up and down the blocks quite often. Parking, according to our friends, has become a nightmare on alt.side days as folks "park and ride" for the R train on 25th St. So the loss of the spaces will be felt.
Weekends, not so bad, weekdays, fuhgeddaboudit!
And with Green-Wood getting tons of tourism and hipster traffic, there seems to be a consistent stream of folks following the Cemetery's perimeter (right by these condos) towards the main gate on 25th and 5th.
So I have to beg to differ.
And IMBY, damn straight...they buyer's drug of choice.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
Yee gads man! A Scarano-spore? Or just an eyesore?
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 2:58 PM in response to Development Watch: 232 7th Street Nears the Finish Line
"You do the match."
I meant "you do the math," tough it does not "match up" either way ;)
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 10:52 AM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
Petebklyn,
They were originally listed for $1.1M, now they are down to the mid $900's which is effing nuts for the quality of these homes and the problems they already have.
It is applaudable for someone to build rowhouses in this condo-centric area of Bklyn, but so sad they came up short.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 10:48 AM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
PP, this will not help any of the issues you described, especially these folks dangerously jockeying to get into their garages, if you can call them that.
Have you seen these rowhouses (I cringe at saying that...but they are in a row). They are 14 ft. wide. I assume the average opening for a garage door (since I don't have one) is 8-10 ft.
You do the match. So that's a might sharp cut to the old wheel to maneuver your car into your garage w/o driving all over the sidewalk...yes, that's 7 curb cuts over the entire corner, which also is supposed to be used by pedestrians.
With 39 new condos around the corner, and at least 40 new rental units within 2 blocks, there is lots more pedestrian traffic, especially folks crossing that corner to goto the train station at 25th St.
Lose, lose situation...but I have said this before about these POSs.
With that in mind, perhaps it will be a mute point as the new owners can float their cars right out of their flooded garages due to the water level in their basements.
We were on the block last night during the downpour and you should have heard those sub-pumps whining. Like a jet landing.
Minerva cries a thousand tears...
And it ends up in the basements of those rowhouses.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 29, 2009 10:44 AM in response to Curb Cut-apalooza at The Minerva
Ooooh! Do send to Mr. B.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 2:48 PM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
"tubal ligation and a vastectomy"
LOL! Right from a baller, not a breeder.
Agreed! (and here we go derailing the thread)
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 1:07 PM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
What would we all call brick and slate roofs? Just curious?
Neo-medieval?
Green-Wood is near by, who's out-buildings are a mix of brick, brownstone and slate roofs.
perhaps "Green-Wood Revival?"
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 1:06 PM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
"I mean so what it's landmarked!"
It's not.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 12:56 PM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
Sorry, benSON.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 12:14 PM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
bensen, agreed...it prob has more to so with the self cert having been audited and need for "fix or refile" but since March?
I'm skeptical. As I said above, from the appearance of the photos, it looks like it's in R5B.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 12:13 PM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
"If the neighbor is convinced that this is illegal, why don't they just report it to the DOB, and be done with it?"
Um, they did...and the SWO has been in effect since March and the plans were revoked. I assume they could refile...or will.
What exactly happens going fwd? Hopefully they did minimal damage to the roof line and can tear this POS off the roof. But who knows.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
bensen, thanks for bringing some actual usable info to the post. So much of the housing stock in WT and GWH was guilt for such the purpose...too bad we no longer have a working waterfront :(
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 11:53 AM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
"I don't see anything about zoning violations."
IMBY, doubtful, since it is R5B and they look like they are under the 35 ft cap.
Just a contextual issue I have the beef with.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 11:44 AM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
"If you stop your fixation of the yellow color you would actually realize that is just a protective cover often used in construction before the outer wall is installed."
To be covered with what? Vinyl siding? Stucco? Certainly not brick...could not handle the load to roof below.
And even if it could be brick, the dimensions compared to the house are out-of-whack.
Driveways aside, remember when this was built and it's context, this is ruining the "style" of the block of distinct row houses (again, whether you like their motif or not).
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 11:39 AM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
How blatantly out of context. Not only disturbing the architectural character of the row of houses (whether you like faux Tudor, Dutch, Euro...whatever), but also not taking the style of the building into affect before throwing the shit box extension on top.
There ARE ways to design the extension of livable space without just tossing some metal studs, plywood and yellow board on the roof...and I'd bet, puke, eventually stucco.
Dormers may have been AOK, or why not bump up the roof line, keeping the slate-style roofing?
Shameful.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 11:36 AM in response to Horror Show Friday: 1715 11th Avenue
Guess the DOB took a new looksie at the plans on file after such a buzz on b'stoner (they do read it every day, ya know).
And tisk-tisk, these plans are no good.
Ultimately they will allow the owner to refile, sans curb cut and keep going...as is the way.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 25, 2009 10:11 AM in response to DOB Posts Letter of Intent to Revoke on St. Marks Ave
"Ah yes, one of the infamous "glass skateboard ramp" buildings."
More quality architecture brought to you by BK Developers.
Crap!
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 24, 2009 11:39 AM in response to Price Chops at South Slope Specimen
When I was in grade school we all used "Dick Blick" erasers, anyone else?
It was common practice, to our teacher's chagrin, to erase the "B."
Perhaps we can work out something here with their logo equally as entertaining.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 24, 2009 10:44 AM in response to New Website, Logo for 80 Dekalb
"More than meets the eyes"
And coming from Bobby, you know there will be some surprises.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 24, 2009 10:41 AM in response to 134 St. Marks Place Takes a Mulligan
Um, anyone else have a small issue with the logo? Or is it just me seeing-into-things?
Laughable.
Posted by: Action Jackson at September 24, 2009 10:35 AM in response to New Website, Logo for 80 Dekalb
IMBY, good point. So that's what 20 some odd cars on the streets that were supposed to be "off street" under the building code?
And I think many of the above posters need to look at the realities of out-of-scale (before and after a rezoning) and it's impact in South park Slope (and elsewhere).
16th St, from 8th Ave to 4th Ave, has become a sea of new, over development, that the neighborhood cannot handle. The population on that street alone must have gone up (or could go up further when new units finally get sold/rented) perhaps 400%.
Even in much smaller scale developments, dumping 8 units on a piece of property that used to house 2 completely changes a block. Add 3-4 more NB's like that one on a single block and the locals there are EFF'd by the new influx of people, kids, dogs, cars, trash...you name it.
Ultimately let's blame City Hall for allowing developers to run rough shod over the Boro. I realize we need new units for a growing population, but not at the expense of existing neighborhood infrastructure and the folks who live there.
And to those Bo bashers out there. You are correct, he's crazy...like a fox.
Posted by: Action Jackson at November 19, 2009 11:32 AM in response to Development Watch: 169 16th Street