I saw this place a couple of weeks ago when I was on my way to a meeting. This is very exciting, because there isn't a lot (or any) of these types of businesses in this part of Bed-Stuy. The neighborhood needs it! I wish them the best of luck.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at October 9, 2009 2:51 PM in response to Streetlevel: Orchid Cafe in Bed-Stuy

Thank you for asking this question. These vans are certainly more frequent than the B41. So, is there a trick to it? Do certain vans go only to certain parts of BK? Or do you just hop on, pay your money, and give your destination?

Also, would it generally be cool to do this as a white person, or would I be better off w/the bus?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at July 14, 2009 2:01 PM in response to 'Sup with those black van taxis?

Let's hope that's a low-pressure, chemical-free spray coming out of that powerwasher, eh?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at July 13, 2009 12:17 PM in response to 312 Dean Street Cleaning Up Its Act

I don't understand what the broker could possibly get out of lifting a FSBO listing like this. Could someone explain?

And, Rob, your description of the broker showing up at your open house gave me a good giggle. Thanks!

Mr. B, could you get someone from Awaye on the phone to get their side of the story?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at July 10, 2009 1:45 PM in response to Awaye Realty Caught Lifting Listing from Owner

The angle of the photo gives the impression that the massing of these "townhouses" echo the towers of the housing project. I'm sure that I'm crediting way more design intent and creativity than was actually present during the conceptual stages of this project.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at July 10, 2009 12:53 PM in response to Red Hook Townhouse Project Not Flying Off Shelf

They're going to compete very well with Ozzies. Can't tell you how many times I've walked right past there because the line has been out of control, there have been no seats, etc., etc.

And if the La Colombe/Jacque Torres news is true, then Ozzies will need to seriously up the ante.

Going out to get coffee....

Posted by: BrooklynButler at July 9, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Streetlevel: Coffee Shop Coming to Berkeley Place

I must admit that I really like this building.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at June 30, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 135 Eastern Parkway

I remember looking at a condo unit at the building next door (uphill) about two years ago. I have to laugh because at the time the realtor mentioned that, yeah, the western views were through lotline windows which could be closed in the (extremely unlikely) case that the lot next door was redeveloped. The units were definitely being sold as having good views (and priced accordingly). There were other problems with the building besides the views.

If the quality of construction at 312 is anything like the quality of construction at the neighboring building, then there would be no way that these buildings would sell in this market. I'm not even sure that they'll rent at this price. Unless I'm wrong, there is a bit of a hike to get to any decent services on 5th Ave.

The one thing going for this street, though, is the vista over the cemetery. I did like the way that the street felt enveloped in green during the summer.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at June 30, 2009 12:45 PM in response to 23rd Street Tear-down Hits Rental Market

There was definitely work happening in the space on Sunday. I chatted with the owner on Sunday and just like Bianca said, he's still waiting for some inspections and as a result he can't finish a few things (or, that's what I inferred). He hopes to open "very soon." I, for one, can't wait!

Posted by: BrooklynButler at June 30, 2009 12:23 PM in response to When's Der Schwarze Kölner Opening?

Rumor has it that Hardy's firm wasn't very happy with the outcome of the design but either BAM's board or BAM's budget (or both) were driving the results.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at June 19, 2009 11:17 AM in response to LPC Signs Off on New BAM Performing Arts Building

"...what most pools in Brooklyn look like."

I don't know about you, but I can't think of another house with its own pool.

A pool is a lot of work, and I would imagine that it's a huge liability in NYC. I wouldn't want the work or the worry.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at June 11, 2009 2:33 PM in response to House of the Day: 1600 Dorchester Road

Whoa, all that time for those results?! Maybe in 2006 this would have sold well. Not today.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 6, 2009 2:41 PM in response to Development Watch: 93 Nevins More Fully Revealed

I think that the layout is weird. That teeny second bedroom is a joke. SIX feet wide? C'mon!

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 5, 2009 1:00 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 225 Park Place, #2G-H

I find this building really interesting and unusual, yet the location (across from a vacant lot, I believe) is far less than idea.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 5, 2009 11:56 AM in response to Checking In On Hello Living Sydney

"Der Runen" in the genitive plural?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 4, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Closing Bell: Elvish Tagging in Greenpoint?

"Der Runen" in the genetive plural?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 4, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Closing Bell: Elvish Tagging in Greenpoint?

"Der Runen" in the genative plural?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 4, 2009 4:44 PM in response to Closing Bell: Elvish Tagging in Greenpoint?

I stopped in here over the weekend to talk about buying a bike. I found the shop pleasant, the owner helpful, and prices and quality to be pretty reasonable compared with what I'm seeing elsewhere. I'm not in the market for a $2,500 racing bike, and I'm finding it difficult to find an attitude-free shop that wants to sell me something that's neither that nor a cheap BSO (ha! love that term!). Sure, there are places that sell these bikes, but I often feel like I'm not being taken seriously when I tell someone at these shops what I want.

I do think that spending a decent amount on a durable, reliable, comfortable bicycle that I'll enjoy riding seems like a good investment. And, whoever said that you get what you pay for is totally correct.

I'm also planning to check out Recycle a Bicycle. Thanks for that link.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 4, 2009 10:40 AM in response to Bespoke Bicycles Now Open on Lafayette

They are both ugly and wrong for the block, but for different reasons.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at May 1, 2009 12:01 PM in response to Time Puts Its Stamp on South 4th Street

$700 a pane seems like a fair price to me. Alberts does good work, and is experienced.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at April 30, 2009 12:36 PM in response to Stain Glass Restoration & info?

ISNH: Did you see the court settlement that was reached on those air "purifiers"? They're quite hazardous.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at April 23, 2009 3:26 PM in response to Wall-Thru Unit & Allergies

This is an amazing house! The reference though to a "renovation begun in 2001" seems ominous though. Might that be problematic for a lender?

As someone who does not know that area well, I would be worried about the effects of foreclosures and further price drops. Don't know if those worries are justified, but that might explain the lack of interest at that price.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at April 23, 2009 1:33 PM in response to House of the Day: 1265 Dean Street

Staging for the restoration project?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at April 23, 2009 10:59 AM in response to From Parking to What on Old Fulton?

I truly think that it's the maintenance that's making this a stretch for people in that price range. Otherwise, it's a great apartment.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at April 20, 2009 1:00 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 39 Remsen Street, #1E

Whoa, the 32-year old daughter lives with them? Isn't there something in the rent-control law that states a lease can be passed to a relative that lives with the original tenant? Could that be what they're going for here?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at April 3, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Problem With RC Tenant

Great job!

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 30, 2009 3:55 PM in response to SHUTTER TO THINK

I saw this during my walk yesterday. Could not tell a single thing about the business from the sign. That doesn't seem like a smart business idea to me.

Have to ask the same question: where does the name come from?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 30, 2009 2:57 PM in response to Streetlevel: New FroYo on Vanderbilt

I thought that the off-topic banter was supposed to be delegated to the open thread. I often don't bother with the comments because for the 10 or so legit opinions I have to wade through at least five times as many junkers. For the most part, though, I have the sense that the problem arises from a core group of regular commenters who use the blog as their personal chatroom.

If the condition of the comments is that important to you, I think that moderation is the only way to go. A couple of months where off-topic, incendiary, or other no-no types of comments are removed from the blog, and people will start to get the message. I

You might try a moderation technique similar to (what I think) Brooklynian does. There are several volunteer mods who try to enforce a "be nice" commenting policy. Any thoughts to enabling a few of the regular commenters with "guest author" status on the blog?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 27, 2009 1:21 PM in response to Let's Talk About Commenting

I gotta say that I'm all for this mother butting out, but I too was surprised at the uniformity of the negative, yet calm, responses in the Brooklynian thread. That would say something to me, because normally, the people on that site are all about telling other people to stop worrying about neighborhoods that would give me pause.

Perhaps there's something that we don't know about her daughter (like she wants better access to support her drug habit, or something like that). Anyway, she's 25. Either something will happen that'll scare the stuffin' out of her (and hopefully no more than that), or she'll wise up in a couple of years and move elsewhere.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 26, 2009 12:15 PM in response to Bushwick Projects and Environs Safe?

"Since when does "old enough to make her own decisions" equal 'too old to listen to input from people with more experience'?"

I read some of the mom's other posts. Seems like every time the daughter makes a move, mom's worried about her. Mom also lives in the woods in NJ, so I'm not sure how this gives her more experiece w/ Bushwick or city life in general.

And, in my experience the people with "more experience" never give you their opinion and drop it, they always get pushy and really annoying by trying to change your decision.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 26, 2009 10:58 AM in response to Bushwick Projects and Environs Safe?

There's now a new awning up. I can't tell from the name what the store will be, but it's definitely Asian inspired.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 26, 2009 10:53 AM in response to Streetlevel: New Design Store at 333 Flatbush Avenue

Agree w/Heather! This is a helicopter mother at work. If this were my mother, and she wanted me to speak to her again, she would ask for the entire thread to be deleted. According to the Brooklynian post, the daughter is 25, and she's certainly old enough to make her own decisions (good, bad, or otherwise).

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 26, 2009 10:47 AM in response to Bushwick Projects and Environs Safe?

I like the railing, but in many jurisdictions, this won't meet code. Check before buying.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 24, 2009 1:21 PM in response to Would u use this railing inside?

These guys should write a book: how to sell an unattractive building in an unattractive real-estate market. I hope that all the buyers are deliriously happy with their purchases.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 23, 2009 12:23 PM in response to Checking In With 515 5th Avenue

It seems far from the worst that I've seen. The interiors, though, have the typical new-construction, lack-of-character look.

Bisney? Anyone?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 9, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Development Watch: 599 4th Avenue

We purchased the materials for our reno. It wasn't actually that bad. Agree w/Geekspice. It wasn't that bad, and as long as you go to a reputable store, they will help you buy the right stuff.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at March 3, 2009 3:31 PM in response to Material Purchases - Renovation

PHBalanced, agreed!

Also, I think that there's a reason that a lot of city houses have stoops and raised parlor floors. Nobody wants their living room to be a public display.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 27, 2009 2:53 PM in response to Checking Back In On 475 Sterling Place

Isn't this across from an abandoned construction site? Washington Ave. is not at the point where I want to be spending almost $1 mil to live. Maybe in a few years, but not right now.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 27, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Checking Back In On 475 Sterling Place

Maybe along the lines of Zagat.com? Don't know about a print edition, although I did invest in Zagat's Brooklyn-specific volume (Don't waste your money; they just took all the Brooklyn reviews from the main NYC Zagat and created a separate volume. I was expecting something more in depth.)

I also love how Brownstoner connects everything to Google maps. That will make searching for a restaurant so much easier.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 26, 2009 10:59 AM in response to Help Design the New Restaurants Section

That maintenance is the deal breaker for me.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 24, 2009 1:37 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 360 Clinton Avenue

I don't understand why neighbors make issues like this. Because they can? Because the neighbor in question ticked them off 5 years ago? Maybe the OP can explain.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 19, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Help with developer's scaffold

That two-story porch is crazy nutty! I love how it echoes the gambrel of the main house. I've never seen anything like it. I would place this about 1900, because of the porch craziness.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 19, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Kingston Notebook

Hidden, full-size trash containers WITH COVERS! W/O covers you might as well be throwing the trash directly into the cabinet.

We had room for neither a garbage disposal nor a full-size trash container. We found a small, in-cabinet system that takes care of trash and recycling. We had to get it shipped from Germany... It was expensive, but it works very well for us.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 19, 2009 11:58 AM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 72

I remember when I was a kid guys used to come around our neighborhood and offer to detail your car or (better still) resurface your driveway for some insanely low price. My family always called the cops whenever these hucksters showed up. [This was the 'burbs, so the cops always showed to shoo the people away.]

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 10, 2009 9:57 AM in response to Offering to fix bumpers

The Dutch lost claim to what is now New York in the 1660s or 1670s (my history is rusty). Is it still considered a Dutch colonial because it exemplifies the styles and traditions of Dutch housewrights, rather than English ones?

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 9, 2009 10:45 AM in response to Inside the Stoothoff-Baxter House

I agree with all other posters: if it bothers you this much, then don't renew their lease. BUT, if you have the 7-day grace period firmly established in their lease, and they've never been more than 7 days late, then I would let it go, especially if you don't have any other problems with the tenants.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at February 6, 2009 10:56 AM in response to Late Rent Notice

Marble is a pretty fragile stone, and can be damaged if the correct cleaner isn't used. An acid cleaner will etch or even disintegrate marble (which is essentially compressed limestone).

Looking at Dumond's website (www.dumondchemicals.com), the manufacturer of Peel Away, I don't see anything that is specific for marble. The only PA product that might work is Peel Away Smart Strip. It lists "stone" as one of the materials that it can strip, and it's Ph neutral, so you don't have to worry about acidity. Still, I think that it would be both a v. good idea to call Dumond, and to do a test sample if the product can, indeed, be used on marble.

There is a limestone cleaner, Save 'n' Easy Limestone cleaner that will work on marble, but I think that's only for surface soiling, and not for paint removal. Again, call and ask.

NAYY, but Dumond is located right here in NYC: 212-869-6250, and employes people whose job it is to match your problem with one of their products. Give them a call.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at January 28, 2009 10:17 AM in response to Stone Floorboard Discovery?

I've been in one unit of this building a couple of times, and I like it. While the building's location is not exactly ideal (I agree w/posters who want to be closer to Vanderbilt or Flatbush), it's far from horrible, and the building itself is great. You're also really close to the EP/BK Museum stop on the 2/3. In the nice weather you can walk, but these days I might hop the 2/3 1 or 2 stops to either GAP or Bergen. For the right price, I wouldn't hesitate to move in here. I can't get to the A&H listing to look at the floorplan (site down?). Don't know if $689 +$1K/month is it, however. I also agree with the poster who asked what *is* right these days.

Posted by: BrooklynButler at January 26, 2009 12:54 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: Turner Towers Two-Bedroom

ZipCar Sucks... Every card I rented was dirty as well and I only rented the BMW's I joined with the no monthly fee plan then changed to the 250.00 fee and then downgraded to the no monthly fee. The insult came when after I downgraded I was charged the fifty dollar annual fee again. I attempted to put gas in the car using the gas card and it didn't work. I called them and they said it was a minor problem with the cards, so I paid out of pocket and they took two months to refund my money back after I had to fax the receipt ten or more times. I enjoyed them for a while til the re-charge on my account. After that I done some research and found Connect by Hertz. Cars are cheaper, rentals up to a week and they rent the Benz car and truck. The gas card works and when washed the car I was refunded within ten minutes of them receiving my fax. Thank God for competition. So if you want to save some money and not have to worry about booking a car, come to connect where you have over 200 cars to choose from and no hassle. A friend of mine had a bad issue with a parking attendant who would not let her take out a car because it was brand new after 45 minutes of going back and forth with the attendant she had to call the police who spoke with Zip Car first then Ordered the attendant to release the car. Who needs those headaches.

Posted by: ajmiller66 at September 23, 2009 8:23 PM in response to zipcar is deceptive please read

ZipCar Sucks... Every card I rented was dirty as well and I only rented the BMW's I joined with the no monthly fee plan then changed to the 250.00 fee and then downgraded to the no monthly fee. The insult came when after I downgraded I was charged the fifty dollar annual fee again. I attempted to put gas in the car using the gas card and it didn't work. I called them and they said it was a minor problem with the cards, so I paid out of pocket and they took two months to refund my money back after I had to fax the receipt ten or more times. I enjoyed them for a while til the re-charge on my account. After that I done some research and found Connect by Hertz. Cars are cheaper, rentals up to a week and they rent the Benz car and truck. The gas card works and when washed the car I was refunded within ten minutes of them receiving my fax. Thank God for competition. So if you want to save some money and not have to worry about booking a car, come to connect where you have over 200 cars to choose from and no hassle. A friend of mine had a bad issue with a parking attendant who would not let her take out a car because it was brand new after 45 minutes of going back and forth with the attendant she had to call the police who spoke with Zip Car first then Ordered the attendant to release the car. Who needs those headaches.

Posted by: ajmiller66 at September 23, 2009 8:23 PM in response to zipcar is deceptive please read