Many of the units in this building are actually long studios -- one window -- no legal bedrooms -- or 1200 sg ft with only one legal bedroom. Long dark spaces. Will be tough resales compared with all the surrounding new buildings with legal bedrooms.

Posted by: BH76 at November 20, 2008 10:26 AM in response to Belltel Lofts: 50% Percent Sold

After how long on the market? Hardly "snatched up"! And there is no tax abatement yet, heating issues etc. Not a good news story over there right now.

Posted by: BH76 at November 20, 2008 10:00 AM in response to Belltel Lofts: 50% Percent Sold

BS you are absolutely wrong. The HOD has been there all this time and property values have soared. And not because it was closed -- values went up while it was open.

And in what world does selling a building (to be demolished)that would cost nearly a billion to build elsewhere plus higher ongoing transportation costs and, likely personnel (moving them more) costs, be a good deal for anyone??? The only people who are really opposed are developers and those newbies who were ignorant of the area. Ask anyone who has lived in the area for 10-15 years. Yes, the area has improved -- but the fact that the HOD was there helped! It made the area less expensive, so land was cheaper, condos coudl be built that were a bargain compared with Manhattan.

Posted by: BH76 at November 19, 2008 4:30 PM in response to Saying No to House of D

rob -- Owners have responsibilities that extend outside their homes -- sidewalks, trash etc. You can be fined or sued. Renters do not. And there is a very significant penalty for marriage between two people who earn about the same amount -- and it does not have to be a lot. Most two-income couples would pay less in taxes if they were not married (and you can not just file separately).

Posted by: BH76 at November 19, 2008 10:06 AM in response to $400 and Free Plastic Bags Coming Your Way?

They do not shop at Costco but their housekeeper does.

Posted by: BH76 at November 18, 2008 3:42 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 1 Pierrepont Street

Yeah benson, and you can buy a 3,000 sq foot house for $200K in TX and much of the rest of the county. We all know that EVERYTHING costs more here including social services, education, etc.

Posted by: BH76 at November 18, 2008 10:50 AM in response to Tuesday Links

Gararages at BLS and 110 Livingston are about $400/month.

Posted by: BH76 at November 18, 2008 10:46 AM in response to What Price Parking?

A medical facility is better than a food facility in a residential building any day. A friend used to live in the building where Balducci's (now Citrella) was on Sixth Ave and the "pest" problem was continual. Plus lower floors got odors.

Posted by: BH76 at November 17, 2008 2:59 PM in response to Streetlevel: Novo's Retail Tenant Appears

You are thinking of buying apartments in unfinished buildings where there are 1000s of new units still inc cintruciton or sitting unsold to live in for 5 years? You are crazy. Condo prices haven't even started to fall yet. And you will be living like a renter among renters wherever, dependent on what the developer chooses to fund (forget amenitites). And when you want to sell, you will be competing against foreclosures and the developers.

Posted by: BH76 at November 17, 2008 10:04 AM in response to Williamsburg Edge v. Toren (Downtown brooklyn)

The living room is a decent size IF you didn't have to dine in it too! Notice no dining table in the pictures. This is the kind of place that should be $350K -- small, walk-up, no services.

Posted by: BH76 at November 11, 2008 3:16 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 45 7th Avenue

Ugly building on ugly block. Why would anyone buy anything there? The Gowanus Houses look nicer.

Posted by: BH76 at November 11, 2008 1:19 PM in response to Sales Moving Along at 378 Baltic

Ok for $700K you really want a washer/dryer in your living room? And closet space? The listing says attended lobby and doorman! Right! It's a cute little walk-up for one!

Posted by: BH76 at November 11, 2008 1:15 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 45 7th Avenue

Endless -- it's a state of mind.

Posted by: BH76 at November 10, 2008 4:30 PM in response to Closing Bell: Where Does Park Slope End?

The developer tried to sell the building during construction. In a Post or News article a few months ago, he said that 53 Boerum was to be rental but he lucked out and sold as condos and on be@ it may be the opposite -- go to rental. I would not buy now in any nnew building unless it is at least 80% sold. Beltel owners are getting huge tax bills -- the abatement is not in place and will not be for a long time -- why would a developer fully complete the building when he just has to sit on it? Not a good situation.

Posted by: BH76 at November 7, 2008 10:04 AM in response to Be@Schermerhorn

On top of everything else everyone has said, our new President makes us feel like we want to be better neighbors, citizens, friends. He truly appeals to our beter nature more than any other political figure since JFK.

Posted by: BH76 at November 5, 2008 11:22 AM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...

It will take another 15-20 years but it will get there. And that is not being pessimistic. Look at how far Boerum Place and Atlantic Avenue came in this market upturn. It all started 20 years ago, but stopped in the 90s and then kicked up even more in the last 5 years. The same thing will happen with 4th. These things just never complete in one real estate cycle. People who buy now and stay will do well.

Posted by: BH76 at November 5, 2008 11:13 AM in response to Fourth Avenue: Gentrification or Ghettoization?

2-1/2 hours -- 8:25 to 10:55 in downtown (104, 107, 105 EDs). The 107th ED is the worst. People from the BLS dorm and 110 Livington all showed up this time.

Posted by: BH76 at November 4, 2008 1:20 PM in response to Long Lines, Everywhere

Boerum Hill: not a theory -- I lived in the area too. And we never had a problem within two blicks of the HOD.

Posted by: BH76 at November 3, 2008 1:26 PM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

All of those folks who moved into the neighborhood downtown and are shcocked, shocked! by the HOD will think more kindly of it if crime does become more of an issue. Having the HOD, with cops, court officers, correction officers around (discretely tho, I may add) 124/7 makes the immediate area far safer then the more residential streets just a few blocks away. No muggings, car break-ins or any of that bad stuff happend back in the 80s.

Posted by: BH76 at November 3, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Mugging on St. John's Place

Your coop board definitly does have a role to play; you shoudl notify themof the issue and what steps you have already taken. What are your House Rules? There are generally times in which excessive noise is not allowed.

Posted by: BH76 at November 3, 2008 9:44 AM in response to insomnia

This is an example of why Markowitz MUST be replaced as BP. He has spent the last 4 years cozying up to Ratner (undoubtedly to have a nice job with FCR when he is kicked out of Borough Hall) instead of championing things that have unqualified value to all of Brooklyn -- like improving this station -- one of the busiest in the entire system.

Posted by: BH76 at October 31, 2008 3:23 PM in response to No Love for MTA on Jay

Maintenace in many of the BH-area buildings is higher than one might expect because 1) they are relaticvely small -- not that many units to spread the cost of staff over, 2) they are staffed -- 24/7 security/doormen, live-in supers and porters, 3) they were co-oped back in the last bubble with bad underlying mortgages (double-digit, maybe neg amort) and so have had to build solid financials while doing all the capital expenditures that keep these charming older building habitable and attarctive to live in. And the real estate taxes are significant. Wait till all those abatements run out!

Posted by: BH76 at October 29, 2008 2:20 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street

Maintenace in many of the BH-area buildings is higher than one might expect because 1) they are relaticvely small -- not that many units to spread the cost of staff over, 2) they are staffed -- 24/7 security/doormen, live-in supers and porters, 3) they were co-oped back in the last bubble with bad underlying mortgages (double-digit, maybe neg amort) and so have had to build solid financials while doing all the capital expenditures that keep these charming older building habitable and attarctive to live in. And the real estate taxes are significant. Wait till all those abatements run out!

Posted by: BH76 at October 29, 2008 2:20 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street

That threw me too -- looks like it was a four-family converted to two....

Posted by: BH76 at October 29, 2008 2:00 PM in response to House of the Day: 46 Cambridge Place

justme - I think you are right. Years ago (last bubble) people were buying ajoining studios to combine there. There may also have been an issue with plumbing -- not sure if you coudl have a d/w then...

Posted by: BH76 at October 29, 2008 1:27 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 70 Remsen Street

We need someone else for BP -- almost anyone but Markowitz would do. And Public Advocate is like the VP -- ask Sarah Palin what he does!

Posted by: BH76 at October 29, 2008 12:31 PM in response to Term Limit Fall-Out: de Blasio Eyes Public Advocate Seat

Let's face it, metal blinds are now so cheap, it is easier to replace. If you dust them with a swifter every week, they last a couple years and then new ones!

Posted by: BH76 at October 24, 2008 6:05 PM in response to Venetian Blinds

The Clinton Hill house is lovely BUT no powder room on the parlor floor and no closets -- how do you actually live like that?

Posted by: BH76 at October 24, 2008 4:35 PM in response to Open House Picks

I would include Mary Kay Gallagher for her promotion (even if it is in her own self-interst) of Victorian Brooklyn.

Posted by: BH76 at October 24, 2008 2:22 PM in response to Top 50: Who'd We Leave Out?

Altervoce: You are not alone. This is the time for smart, honest people to throw their names in the political ring. While Obama got tons of money, his campaign has shown that there are millions of people who are willing and anxious to WORK for change. I think there are a lot here in NYC. We do not need more elections bought and paid for by developers.

Posted by: BH76 at October 24, 2008 12:07 PM in response to Where To Now, Yassky and de Blasio?

I will take an eyesore and the prospect of a civilized public development of the planned private AY complex with demapped streets and private parks any day.

Posted by: BH76 at October 24, 2008 12:00 PM in response to Number 10: Daniel Goldstein

Yassky is no longer safe. He has managed to alienate everyone in the district. And Marty -- he is a loser too.

Posted by: BH76 at October 24, 2008 10:11 AM in response to Where To Now, Yassky and de Blasio?

HOBOKEN: The gold movement has me shaken -- not a good sign. I have been away from market watching (as my losess can attest) and have done nothing with any of my IRAs. However, I believe you are right. I have a feeling (a what--like premonition) that the turbulance will be short-lived and we will go into a sub-9000 DOW for some time (year or longer). I am thinking about getting out of everything on the short up-ticks now and go to cash. Buy in again down the road. I am thinking about when PEs of 8-13 were good! Where would the market be then?

That said, I think we will be in a real estate market that is 20-50% off 2008 prices within 18 months (it will take that long for the new units to come on and people to stop buying); and it will take 4-5 years to get back to where it is. Just like the last one...

Posted by: BH76 at October 23, 2008 4:58 PM in response to The prefect financial storm has hit land..

I do not think that the lower duplex is ideal. For well over a million, I do not want a ground floor bedroom with a door to the street. None of these are worth asking prices -- take 40% off.

Posted by: BH76 at October 23, 2008 1:29 PM in response to Condos of the Day: 473 Clinton Avenue

PTACs can really be out together by any reputable contractor. Denair did good work for us. (718) 791-5074.

Posted by: BH76 at October 20, 2008 4:21 PM in response to hate our PTACs

By not allowing the Board to act on ths problem -- having the exterminator in your apartment -- you are also causing problems for your neighbors. You have a responsibility to notify the Board and let them do what is needed to correct the problem. If I were your neighbor I would be really angry!

Posted by: BH76 at October 20, 2008 10:14 AM in response to i'm so sick of these roaches

A neighbor who was interested in this building said that the worst thing was the oddly shaped spaces and the terraces that basicly look at the wall!

Posted by: BH76 at October 17, 2008 2:13 PM in response to Checking In On 346 Coney Island Avenue

Outfitter's location is just all wrong - there is no reason to be on that side of Atlantic. I think they may have been swayed by the BLS dorm that is near, but it is just too far from Smith St. And the Packer, St. Ann's kids do not hang over there.

Posted by: BH76 at October 17, 2008 12:50 PM in response to Commercial Klutch: October Edition

Thay all do! Our daughter was raised here - on the edge of downtown Brooklyn. Pierpont park, PS 321, the Mom and Pop stores that used be on Smith and the men who played dominos all day, indoor soccer, Pete's ice cream on Atlantic -- they are all great memories for her and the kids she grew up with. And the kids growing up here now will have different ones. None better or worse -- just different.

Posted by: BH76 at October 17, 2008 9:42 AM in response to When Noah Baumbach Was Young

Coops do not post profits. They may have operating surpluses -- but actually a coop's operating income should be very close to equalling its expenses. If income exceeds, is it being acquired for short- or long-term capital expenditures (and if not, why not?)? If so, what and how much? If only 90%, does a sponsor own units? If so, makes it harder to get financing as lenders want 100% owner-occupied. A lot of questions here (and not to be too cynical, we have had a lot of new owners trust their lawyers who told them squat!).

Posted by: BH76 at October 16, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Mortgage for Coop with 90% financing

I do not think that any one really knows what is going on there (what was planned v. what may or may not be transpiring) -- and why in the world would anyone want to buy a sponsor unit at 251? Crappy building and not a great price (particularly in this market!).

Posted by: BH76 at October 13, 2008 1:25 PM in response to Construction at Boerum and Atlantic

I love the look of the open space but I hated the noise and closed off my kitchen and den. If you have a family -- someone watching tv, someone else cooking, maybe kids playing -- it can be maddening. And you really cannot hide any mess -- it's all out there. I guess it all goes to your tolerance for nise/disorder.

Posted by: BH76 at October 10, 2008 4:31 PM in response to considering open floor plan for our place

Do you mean 251???

Posted by: BH76 at October 9, 2008 3:23 PM in response to South Side of Boerum and Atlantic

How can they include the "mezzanine" int he square footage?

Posted by: BH76 at October 9, 2008 2:46 PM in response to Satori Condos Get the Chop

I wonder how many of the condos in contract at buildings like Toren will never close -- at least with the orginal contract holders. I wonder if a lot of them are flippers (the whole majority of buyers are Chinese thing is very suspicious). And at buildings like BellTel, the sponsor will not get the money even if he wanted to finish all the units -- so no tax abatement for those already living there... The best bets (as back in the 90s) are the well-established coops.

Posted by: BH76 at October 8, 2008 3:37 PM in response to Attendence Falls at Brooklyn Open Houses

If you bought a coop or condo you cannot just replace windows. For a coop it is common -- coop responsibility.

Posted by: BH76 at October 8, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Window Repair/Replacement

Wasn't it just yesterday that somoene was saying the peopl in brooklyn were nicer??? They didn't meet this crowd. Maybe the inside had to be gutted. Not my style but not that hard to remedy for the most part. Of course it sould be south of $2MM for consideration....

Posted by: BH76 at October 7, 2008 4:51 PM in response to House of the Day: 414 Vanderbilt Avenue

If this apartment is in an established neighborhood, you have little to fear. It is in areas that have just started to (forgive me) gentrify that are most likely to see 30% price drops. And it sounds (you had a board interview) like this is an established coop. What is the downside? If you want to sell, you may be competing with those who bought lower and can sell lower but if you stay for 5 years or so... Are you permitted to sublet the place? If you can and you can cover your mortgage/maintenance, you should be ok.

Posted by: BH76 at October 7, 2008 10:05 AM in response to Break contract or not?

Zagat is so over.... Does anyone but tourists care?

Posted by: BH76 at October 7, 2008 9:57 AM in response to The Best Food Is In Brooklyn

53 was planned to be a rental -- there was an article in either the Post or News about the developer. It sold out easily as it was one of the first new condos in downtown brooklyn (about 5 years ago). And there is little difference in distance to subways, Smith St. etc. betweeen the two "be@s". This second be@ was late to the market. The developer had already tried to sell the entire project.

Posted by: BH76 at October 6, 2008 12:44 PM in response to Price Cuts at Be@Schermerhorn

The apartments are small for anyone with kids -- these are like his other building -- 53 Boerum. That building was planned as rental and went condo as the market turned up. This one is doomed to the reverse.

Posted by: BH76 at October 6, 2008 11:01 AM in response to Price Cuts at Be@Schermerhorn

Perhaps they will do as Walentas did with 110 Livingston -- reserve some for rentals but count them sold (transferred to an affiliated company). Keeps the comps up and you can close out the building.

Posted by: BH76 at October 1, 2008 3:18 PM in response to Prices Seesaw at On Prospect Park

I would walk. If this economic cycle is a deep and long as predicted, you may very well get caught just as the current owners. BedStuy is the kind of area that is hurt most in a turn-down. Just becasue prices have gone up so much there in the last 3-5 years, it does not mean that they will not fall up to 40%+ in the next few years and it may take 20 years for the prices to reach where they have been recently. Only way I woudl say yo go through with it is if it truly is a steal (which I doubt).

Posted by: BH76 at October 1, 2008 2:58 PM in response to Close? Or Walk Away?

I would walk. If this economic cycle is a deep and long as predicted, you may very well get caught just as the current owners. BedStuy is the kind of area that is hurt most in a turn-down. Just becasue prices have gone up so much there in the last 3-5 years, it does not mean that they will not fall up to 40%+ in the next few years and it may take 20 years for the prices to reach where they have been recently. Only way I woudl say yo go through with it is if it truly is a steal (which I doubt).

Posted by: BH76 at October 1, 2008 2:58 PM in response to Close? Or Walk Away?

For all of us who have lived within a block or two of the HOD for all these years (26!), it is an non-issue. The presence of the HOD was what made the area around it affordable to most of us. Its presence back in the days of higher street crime made the area safer -- our cars were not brokern into as were those just a few blocks away. Would we want the HOD if we had a choice -- of course not. But except for a few minor annoyances -- the officers who use the blocks around it as long-term parking for their cars with sensitive alarms, the very occasional noise when the inmates are watching a major sporitng event (not unlike being near a dorm!), it is not a bad neighbor. The Greek church on Schermerhorn that closes the block twice a year for a week at a time is much more of a problem.

Posted by: BH76 at October 1, 2008 11:24 AM in response to Plans for HOD Go Forward

Streeteasy says it is no longer available...

Posted by: BH76 at September 22, 2008 1:20 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 2 Grace Court, #1J

There are always two sides -- it is up to the shareholder to make sure that the appropriate documents were submitted and approved. And if you started work without making sure that they were, it is your fault. Instead of fighting with everyone, find out what you need to do to make things right and do it.

Posted by: BH76 at September 22, 2008 11:07 AM in response to co-op harassment

I am with Miss Muffet. In 1990, things got very bad and this is expected to be far worse. People who bought in all these 30-60% sold new condo buildings will have it the worst. If they have to move, they will have to be able to afford to rent (afford, because rent will not cover their nut) or be foreclosed. The developers will pay the fees for the unsold units, or at least not on a timley basis, so the buildings will be far less luxurious than promoted. And I bet the city will come after all those folks who are not paying their big R/E tax bills because the building doesn't have its abatement (because the developer has not finished the entire building and won't until the market comes back).

Posted by: BH76 at September 18, 2008 2:40 PM in response to House of the Day: 29 4th Place

Both seem to be "viewless" but to get the extra space at less than $20/sq ft??? Also, you have to be commited to always paying 50% more in maintenance, assessments etc. too.

Posted by: BH76 at September 18, 2008 1:56 PM in response to Co-ops of the Day: Turner Towers Side-by-Side

Now with the salamander (I rally have alwasy wanted one)it all makes sense -- if only it had TOTOs!

Posted by: BH76 at September 17, 2008 4:52 PM in response to House of the Day: 47 Sidney Place

Pintchik (spelling?) is great for all kinds of window shades/blinds -- and they will measure and install. Good prices and service.

Posted by: BH76 at September 12, 2008 2:37 PM in response to Window treatment help. Shades blinds and cutains

Not only do I find it boring, I cannot help but wonder, given the precipitous state of the local economy, how long all these shops with $300 blouses and $500 shoes will last.

Posted by: BH76 at September 12, 2008 2:29 PM in response to Bird Blog: Week 17

I think that it means that someone bought the house, it cooped it and is letting the new owners (possibly his neighbors) pay his original mortgage after he made a mint selling the rest of the building.

Posted by: BH76 at September 9, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 60 Pierrepont, #3

Every day that I cross Boerum at Livingston I feel like I just made it through another minefield. Yesterday two cars went through a red light, around a bus that was turnng and and narrowly missed pedestrians crossing Livingston with the light. That is typical.

Knowing how dangerous our streets are, I am constantly dumbfounded by people riding bikes with small children. Parents who would never let pre-teen walk alone have them on bikes going through city traffic! No one can protect a child who is on a bike on a street. You can't hold their hand, pull them from danger. So why do these people do it? I see no good reason -- you have a child so take the subway! And walk your child to a park to ride a bike!

Posted by: BH76 at September 9, 2008 11:21 AM in response to Brooklyn's Dangerous Intersections

Give Mr. B a break. The cost/sf for the Toy Factory may be less because it is not a legal one-bedroom, has no doorman and is on the second floor!

Posted by: BH76 at September 8, 2008 3:39 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 176 Johnson Street, #2C

Not a legal 1-bedroom from the floorplan -- no window. The bedroom is just carved out of the living room. That said, nice studio.

Posted by: BH76 at September 8, 2008 1:00 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 176 Johnson Street, #2C

I cannot imagine the business plan. It is not close to offices for the lunch crowd. Anyone who lives near (like moi) buys at Staubitz or will go to TJ. And then there is Sahadi. What wil they have that we cannot all get better nearby?

Posted by: BH76 at September 5, 2008 2:11 PM in response to F. Martinella Mystery Solved?

Ok I give up. Why is this the HOD?????

Posted by: BH76 at September 2, 2008 2:27 PM in response to House of the Day: 139 Clifton Place

It would be nice if this program could team some of these kids up with people in the neighborhoods in which they work to be mentors/tutors too. And these kids do need toknow that most of us -- who may look to them to be entiteled -- worked really bad jobs for minimum wages or less. Too many people think their kids should have to do take dirty jobs. Well, we all have.

Posted by: BH76 at August 27, 2008 10:52 AM in response to Bed Stuy Program for Teens and Brownstoners

What's with the layouts for the 2 bedrooms with the master a door off the living room? That is hardly a luxury design. It still looks like an office building to me -- particularly as it is practically in Metrotech. (Of course, Belltel takes some sort of perverse pride in that.)

Posted by: BH76 at August 26, 2008 5:09 PM in response to Closing Bell: Top of the Toren

Agree with all that this is a not inexpensive one bedroom. If you could take down the wall between the bedroom and "office" you might be able to make it more livable. Low maintenance -- but then no services. For over a half million you have a walk-up and have to go to a laundromat. Only in NYC...

Posted by: BH76 at August 26, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 193 Sterling Place

cobblehiller: That's exactly what I thought -- there has to be a serious problem!

Bolder: They may be planning on refinanicng the mortgage at a lower base -- paying down if you have a good interest rate is not a good deal for anyone but the bank.

The layout is odd - the bathroom in one of the bedrooms?

Posted by: BH76 at August 25, 2008 1:13 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 24 Monroe Place

There are a lot more people in downtown Brooklyn than there were when G&T closed. It was ahead of the demographic curve when it brought Edna Lewis in as executive chef. I think that same format would work now -- Southern -- with a lighter touch -- or seafood. There are no good seafood restaurants anywhere near here. If the menu were like Mary's Fish Camp, I think it would prosper (easier to park here than on 5th).

Posted by: BH76 at August 25, 2008 11:42 AM in response to Amy Ruth's? Maybe Not. Gage & Tollner? Maybe

This is typical of every new project. It is not going to be perfect --goodness, many people buy and then rip it all out! Get over it!

Posted by: BH76 at August 22, 2008 9:32 AM in response to Tale of Woe at the Novo

MR -- WT is pleasant but for a working couple w/ or w/o kids, the inability to pick things up on the way home from the subway (whatever it is you want), at any time, is a quality of life issue. There just isn't enough time in the day. When we looked in WT years ago, it was still full of the old single earner households(teachers, fire/police, city workers, etc.) who worked regular hours and had a spouse at home during the day with the kids. Normal in that fifties way. It just couldn't work for us.

Posted by: BH76 at August 21, 2008 4:44 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street

$1K/sq ft is in the luxury category for coops and condos. And yet here is the kind of working class house that many of us grew up in going for more than that! That is what does not make sense! And from what I have seen in my building, coop prices have not begun to soften yet (well-established coops are a better financial risk than new condos).

Posted by: BH76 at August 21, 2008 2:50 PM in response to House of the Day: 540 16th Street

Not "Heath House" -- Health House, tho it is near where he lived.

Posted by: BH76 at August 21, 2008 2:33 PM in response to Development Watch: 93 Nevins Making Progress

A coop is not a commune -- the shareholders do not vote on every issue! That's why they elect a Board who is responsible for the management of the building. And I am willing to bet that the ones who are complaining also complain about why the maintenance is so high and blah blah blah....

Posted by: BH76 at August 21, 2008 10:41 AM in response to Air Rights and Cell Towers War in Bay Ridge

Ok so it's not overpriced in even this market, but isn't this just a sad little one bedroom? Yes, we all love casement windows but they are leaky. And if this place was $250-300K, you could at least see spending money to really charming. But at this price, you can spend more but why? It is a third floor walk-up with no doorman or super.

Posted by: BH76 at August 20, 2008 1:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 123 Henry Street

Ok so it's not overpriced in even this market, but isn't this just a sad little one bedroom? Yes, we all love casement windows but they are leaky. And if this place was $250-300K, you could at least see spending money to really charming. But at this price, you can spend more but why? It is a third floor walk-up with no doorman or super.

Posted by: BH76 at August 20, 2008 1:55 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 123 Henry Street

The maintenance charges should not be used for capital expenditures -- that should come from the reserve fund. Likely this building has a substantial underlying mortage -- listing does not say what percentage of the maintenance is deductible but is probably 50%+. If the financials for the cooperative are good, this is a good deal -- space (real 2 bedroom), light and a good location. You would not lose here.

Posted by: BH76 at August 11, 2008 2:01 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 150 Joralemon Street, #7B

With a brownstone coop (few units) you really need to have complete agreement of all owners in undertaking a capital expenditure such as new windows (you cannot afford not to). Does the cooperative have sufficient reserves to cover the cost? If not, you will need to finance through a special assessment to all shareholders or a refi or secondary mortage (if you have an underlying mortgage and the lendor will allow). Then, you should find an architect that is experienced with landmarked buildings to help you select the windows, get approval and hire a contractor. At best, it will be a year-long project.

Posted by: BH76 at August 11, 2008 12:06 PM in response to Steel Casement Window Replacement

In a coop, the windows are not the responsibility of the individual shareholders but the cooperative. It would be extremely unuusal for you to be given permission by the cooperative to replace windows in your unit on your own.

Posted by: BH76 at August 11, 2008 9:23 AM in response to Steel Casement Window Replacement

It seems ironic to me when people get all excited about the "upscale" shops that have opened in the areea over the past 5 years. We had upscale shops that opened in the mid-80s too. And then the markets (finanical and real estate) tanked and they closed. Being able to buy (then) $80 shoes for your 4-year old in the neighborhood was no longer so important. People adjusted their priorities. I cannot help but see this (down cycle)starting again. It will be much less severe in downtown Brooklyn and the surrounding neighborhoods than last time (greater concentration of people to support these places). But it will be here.

Posted by: BH76 at August 8, 2008 1:04 PM in response to Closing the Door on Ouvrez La Porte

You forgot (viii) Cambria Suites at 75 Schermerhorn.

Posted by: BH76 at August 8, 2008 11:23 AM in response to Brooklyn Hotel Pipeline Getting Choked by Financing Woes

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the original, 1956)and soem choice Twilight Zone eps.

Posted by: BH76 at August 7, 2008 1:48 PM in response to Thursday Links

No floor plan. This appears to be a chopped up, albeit large, one bedroom. Low maintenance but no services. Pretty but price is nuts.

Posted by: BH76 at August 7, 2008 1:35 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 1405 8th Avenue

20 years ago LICH was considered a good hospital -- had top OBGYN and urology docs. Now the place is a joke. Record-keeping - they could find no record of me being there and seeing the head of a dept. even though I had been there twice. If you need to go to the ER -- go anywhere but LICH.

Posted by: BH76 at August 7, 2008 10:11 AM in response to Public Officials, Community Members Rally 'Round LICH

Unfortuantely yes -- the entrance will be on Schermerhorn (so from Boerum, taxis can make a right and hit the entrance).

And while I agree that they should know that a parking lot is only temporary in NY, there are lots of people who either ignore the fact or choose to believe fast-talking brokers.

And it is not a "luxury" hotel.

Posted by: BH76 at August 4, 2008 2:41 PM in response to DOB Green-Lights Cambria Suites Hotel on Schermerhorn

I am with brxgrl on this. If one were a conspiracy nut one could say the "they" were successfully creating a ever larger underclass that is constrained by debt and kept docile by cheap food and junk. wall-e was so close to the the current state of things... There is a huge market in the tri-state but what has government focused on developing for the past 30 years -- back-office jobs that can easily outsourced and retail that can not support an individual let alone families. There's great job growth in healthcare -- but it is actually home care assistants -- another minimum wage job.

Posted by: BH76 at August 4, 2008 2:02 PM in response to Will Retail Continue to Trump Industry in Red Hook?

There goes the light/views for all those "courtyard" facing condos at 110 Livingston.

Posted by: BH76 at August 4, 2008 1:35 PM in response to DOB Green-Lights Cambria Suites Hotel on Schermerhorn

Amen. Let the Nets play in NJ and maybe we can get an organic development in place to take place when the market turns up again (if real estate is historically in 11 year cycles -- we have time).

Posted by: BH76 at August 4, 2008 10:44 AM in response to Nets Coming Late to Atlantic Yards and Suit Coming Soon

A 24/7 community is only possible with a diverse base. Look at MetroTech. Ratner owns it all so keeps out potential competitors to the lousy food/retial that is there -- so it is horrible lunch places, nothing but a candy/store/lotto outlet, card store -- and closes at 5pm. I was told that it is to keep out the people from the projects (heaven forbid!). It could be a great place with resturants that stay open evenings (with people sitting on the commons) and shops where someone might actually want to spend money during the weekend. And that, my friends, would have been the fate of Atlantic yards -- thanks goodness it looks like we may have been saved from that disaster.

Posted by: BH76 at August 1, 2008 5:08 PM in response to DoBro Redevelopment Not So Great for Everyone

Agree. Does ANYONE care?

Posted by: BH76 at August 1, 2008 4:26 PM in response to Bird Blog: Week 12

The Fish Camp's lobster roll is one of the best things in the world. And the fact that it comes with a mountain of their shoestring fries makes $33 (almost) reasonable. I always thought "rolls" were a waste of lobster -- but this puts it in a whole different sphere.

Posted by: BH76 at July 30, 2008 1:05 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up

Your only hope is if your building has a variance -- it would be in the offering plan (for coop/condo). If there is nothing there -- you are stuck. Enjoy the view while you have it. And hope that this real estate downturn will keep that parking lot in place for another 10 years.

Posted by: BH76 at July 30, 2008 10:25 AM in response to question about lot-line windows

Yes -- the Busy Chef in Court was closed over the weekend... and all those movie goers had no ice cream.

Posted by: BH76 at July 29, 2008 11:53 AM in response to Korean-Style Yogurt Pays Big Bucks for Court Street

So there will be two frozen yogurt places -- one accross from the movie (near State Street) and another closer to Borough Hall. But the Busy Chef near the movie is closed (due to thefts by owner/manager) and it looked like it sold more ice cream than anythign else.

And no, Ben&Jerry's is gone.

Posted by: BH76 at July 29, 2008 11:26 AM in response to Korean-Style Yogurt Pays Big Bucks for Court Street

Small bedrooms and living areas. No washer/dryer and not much in the way of closet/storage space. And they look like every other new condo out there. The only thing to like are the views from the high flors and large terraces on a few of them. Otherwise -- ugh.

Posted by: BH76 at July 28, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Be@Schermerhorn Website Fleshed Out, Still No Pricing

When these exotic finanicial instruments started, I asked a frined in investment banking if he didn't think this oculd be a very bad thing when the real estate market truned down (and we all knew it sould one day -- it is cyclical like everything else). I asked what will happen when foreclosures start and the holders of the loans have no vested interest in the communities where the loans are? He thought I was crazy.

Posted by: BH76 at July 25, 2008 10:01 AM in response to Future Mortgage Products and Banking

wet bar has a water supply (basin/faucet).

Posted by: BH76 at July 24, 2008 3:20 PM in response to House of the Day: 210 Prospect Place

The sidewalks are actually wider!

Posted by: BH76 at July 23, 2008 11:08 AM in response to Boerum Place Median A Wrap

What: I think it (telecommuting) will have no impact on real estate values in real cities. What it does impact are all those suburban office parks and the housing tracks that surround them. People move there for shorter commutes; if they do not have to go to the office park, they can live further out in more exurban areas. Cities attract people who thrive on the proximity of others -- whether in the office or in their neighborhoods. I think that the desirability of cities has much to do with the influx of so many younger people who grew up in surburbs and found them deadly and older ones who are moving back now that their children are grown. It is astounding to me how many people are in the neighborhood who work from home -- and pay so much more to live here in Brooklyn! It's why we are all here.

Posted by: BH76 at July 23, 2008 9:10 AM in response to How long before the implosion of the Mutant Real Estate Asset Bubble?

I work for a Fortune 50 company and almost everyone "works" from home at least several days a week. One guy even moved to a state (cheaper) where there is not even an office -- not business there art all). Our NY offices are half empty al the time. However, it is getting absurd -- conference calls while people are driving to get their kids or going to the gym or whatever. It may work for some jobs but you cannot know a business -- have a basis for good business decisions if you are so far removed from it.

Posted by: BH76 at July 22, 2008 5:08 PM in response to How long before the implosion of the Mutant Real Estate Asset Bubble?

With all the unsold units in buildings all over Brooklyn, you will be able to find something that is better suited for you at the market. I would stay put, scope out new buildings with units that you might like and keep an eye on them. It will nto be long before the developers start playing "let's make a deal." And someof those that were sold at preconstruciton may never close.... people may walk away from them (happens when they can't get a mortgage).

Posted by: BH76 at July 18, 2008 12:37 PM in response to "Winning" HPD Lottery for the Toren

This place has a long and troubled history. They tried to sell as coops in 1982 and could never sell enough for the plan to become effective so it went rental for 20 years. Then they tried to remodel and sell rental units as condos as they became available.

Posted by: BH76 at July 17, 2008 1:25 PM in response to Condo of the Day: 505 Court Street

I heard thet owners at Beltel are getting hit with hefty and unexpected R/E tax bills. The building cannot get an abatement until it is completed and it has quite a ways to go....

Posted by: BH76 at July 16, 2008 1:50 PM in response to 'Real World' to Red Hook; No Tears Shed at Belltel?

To answer your question I believe Williamsburg is a preferable place to live than downtown Brooklyn. Great restaurants, stores, parks. Williamsburg is full of new families, it really isn't hipster central anymore. All hipsters moved out to Bushwick. It is very baby-friendly in case you and your partner are planning on breeding.
Why not invest in a two-family and have some rental income? Certainly they are not making anymore 2 family properties.

Posted by: bqe1970 at November 19, 2008 5:47 PM in response to Williamsburg Edge v. Toren (Downtown brooklyn)