As always, thanks Rose!

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at November 5, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Walkabout: Italianates, the Ornamental Imperative

Thanks Tybur and Brooklynite!
It'd be just a gag-gift sort of, but I think she'd get a kick out of the T-shirt...although, since she lives there, she may have alreasy have seen it at the farmers' market.

David,
Did you change jobs recently? It seems you must now be working for this website. You're nearly single-handedly keeping it floating!
:-)

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at November 5, 2009 3:18 PM in response to Thursday Links

That T-shirt is hysterical! Where can I get one. I have a girlfriend who would get a big kick out of it.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at November 5, 2009 8:35 AM in response to Thursday Links

Good Morning,
No link to an article on the election results? Did people get out and vote yesterday?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at November 4, 2009 8:36 AM in response to Wednesday Links

When I've participated with "the widget" (isn't there some other term for it?), I've put in the amount I think the property will sell for, not what I would pay for it. I try to put myself in the shoes of a potential buyer in a sense.

I'm glad we have new, happy-to-be-in-Fort-Greene people! Welcome!!! Don't listen to the finks or let them get you down! You've made a great decision! Great location too!

:-)
:-)
:-)

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at November 2, 2009 3:31 PM in response to Widget Falls Way Short on South Oxford

It actually reminds me of a pocketbook I once had. the row of windows even looks like the zipper it had.

Yes, I was rather shocked by the apparently very inappropiate disbursement of $55 million. Was that handed to them in one go or is just a promise? What? Are they on life support and need injections of millions just to keep afloat?

I agree, there often is a LOT of traffic at that intersection. It can already be a mess weekends and certain times of weekdays. How in heck could any more traffic be handled?

Although I've not a huge Gehry fan, I really would have preferred something exciting-looking instead of this rusted post-apocolyptic, sci-fi movie, spaceship docking station (AKA Brown Handbag On Its Side).

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at November 2, 2009 3:26 PM in response to Uncertainty, Skepticism Around Arena Bond Offering

Just a suggestion for the blogwrap later:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/artwork/new-york-city-map-cut-outs-by-studio-kmo-099766

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 28, 2009 8:47 AM in response to Wednesday Links

Jonathan,
I wish your team could avoid linking to the Fort Greene NY Times blog's crime entry just because it's there and it's easy. Doesn't the Brooklyn Paper have a crime blotter that covers all neighborhoods?

In other news, it's a lousy, rainy day. A NYC bad hair day!

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 28, 2009 8:38 AM in response to Wednesday Links

Mazel Tov P.o.P. and family!!!

With that kind of house, you can really do up an early 1900's garden!

Then, if you really want to go historical/hysterical, you could get a real icebox and ice deliveries! :-)

Good luck on all the work you have planned! Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 27, 2009 6:44 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Sorry. It's kind of late in game/day to bother commenting (no?)...

We found the old style beer cans like we used to have (pre-pulltab cans) but other than that, dust...LOTS and LOTS of dust (gritty, mortary dust...sooty...yucky). Dress accordingly and wear a good mask!

I was always hoping we'd find some lost gold coins or the like. Maybe the contractors' guys did over the years but never told us.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 27, 2009 5:16 PM in response to Creepy Crawls in the Walls

Forgive me if I seem dense, but it a good thing or a bad thing that mixed use building way down Seventh Avenue sold for over a million dollars?

Is this supposed to be considered an incredibly low sale price?

I assume it's all rental so the total income may not be that high.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 27, 2009 8:43 AM in response to Tuesday Links

Oh yes Ditmas! Enoki! I've bought them at the coop but couldn't remember the name.

Tybur, it's rather unseemly...us having our own conversation...but here goes:

Actually, now that we take debit cards (we took EBT cards of course before that), we're kind of up to snuff technology-wise. Look at it this way: members work about 2 1/2 hours per month. The systems have to be simple and rather “elegant” as they say (“elegant solutions”? hahaha…but yes, a lot of thought goes into these kinds of upgrades). The checkout and cashier areas are very easy to do now...touch screens, scanning, etc. You can only expect so much from people when they do a task for a couple of hours once a month.

Regarding skills and socioeconomic status. Look at it as opportunities to learn NEW skills, work differently with people than, maybe, you might need to do in your day-to-day job...this is a good thing, learning differently kinds of people skills.

There is no undetermined "discount". Prices are based on a mark-up from wholesale. If the wholesale price changes, the shelf price changes. I think this is a wonderful control on people eating foods out of season. There is a lot of research in eating in-season which I won't/can't go into here. But, for example, it's not bad when gorgeous organic tomatoes are 59-cents per pound...apples are cheaper than at a farmers' market, etc. Note that most supermarkets keep prices as flat as possible during the year so you end up paying prices that are artificially high all year long, encourage a race to the bottom scenario (that also has a huge carbon footprint) when out-of-season foods are shipped from abroad (middlemen looking for the lowest price possible), and don't support regional growers and food inter- and independence. When retail prices fluctuate noticeably during the year, people self-manage their choices and purchasing patterns.

It’s also intensely interesting to someone like me to see when prices shift and what those shifts are.

The coop IS dynamic. There have been big changes over the years and there has been an incredible adjustment the last years when membership ballooned. People are working hard on figuring out options and strategies.

Regarding kosher food: understand that the people buying it are often the people or know the people who are packing it. This is a great thing for many who rely on store bought kosher food. Also, the only kosher chicken (and chicken liver) available is organic'n'humane at the coop.

There are basic guidelines for squads. I wouldn't say it's a mess. Basically, the guideline rules are “you miss a shift and you have to do two make up slots”. Very few squads deviate from this. Make ups are easy: walk in for a shift, say "Hi, I'm here to do a make up," fill in doing your regular job, or learn a new one, or be a "walker" and bring people to their cars or homes.

By the way, did I ever mention the coop DOES do shopping and delivery for homebound members? Someone's comment above struck me.

Tybur, to be honest, go online to the website and sign up for an orientation. It sounds like you might as well join and do it for while to see what you think. I'd love to hear your report in 6 months.

:-)

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 26, 2009 6:44 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

Sorry Tybur...Yes, people's skills could be used more appropriately...maybe...but still, with just 2 1/2 hours once a month (actually 13x per year), I'm not sure what kind of skilled tasks could/need to be assigned. People can sometimes barely remember how to work the register when they only work once a month. The first couple of months for a newbie and you have to retrain them each time.

Granted, there are people (some who aren't even required to work) who come in extra time and do specific tasks they like, some of which take certain skills/knowledge sets.

And, as I mentioned what we call "future time off" people who may work on one project can quickly fulfill their yearly work requirement. They may work on things that are more related to their jobs/skills (working on the newspaper for example).

Tara,
Executive Summary:
A) Coop members generally like the coop and see where things might be improved or changed. Some of them are acutely aware how non-members might be put off by the coop if they come for a tour on a busy day.
B) Non-coop members mouth off a lot and make cutesy comments.
C) After years hearing about the coop, non-members join and are hooked.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 26, 2009 5:53 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

Yes, Heather, what many of us want to know...why the coop cannot have multiple locations. I do know the idea has been studied. The coop cannot really expand in its current locations since the firehouse is on one side and the schoolyard on the other.

In the past, members were pusing for a branch on our side of the tracks (Fort Greene). It was shot down by a couple of people who had pull and wanted to go another route. It may have been the best way to go at the time. I won't comment.

What the coop IS doing now, please note, is lending a lot of support to the GreenHill Coop.

Dave, I think there are fresh, organic: crimini, shitake, portabello, champignon de Paris, oyster, those thin white stringy ones (Japanese), lobster, chaterelle, another one like oyster but not as floppy...and there are a lot of dried mushrooms, I think dried morels, etc.

For better or for worse, the coop has gone gourmet to some extend over the years. I don't mind it but I think it is probably a little off-putting to those on tight budgets. Then again, people who have tight food budgets, can actually afford what is elsewhere often way-overpriced health food and gourmet item.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 26, 2009 5:37 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

Sorry Carroll G.,
I wasn't reading for nuance considering there was so much nonsense commenting to wade through contributed by non-coop members. I kind of skimmed.

And Dave, I think you might enjoy the coop. There may be some "added value" you could get into.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 26, 2009 4:23 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

Sorry, I meant "antithetical to the coop's principles"...oops.

Look, okay, okay, there has been a lot of talk about reducing work time/frequency. More to come on that.

But to be frank, sometimes we don't have ENOUGH people working our shift. What with no-shows, we sometimes really have to pull together to get the place moving. Sure, indeed, there are people who stand around (mostly younger members)"pretending" to work...reminding me teenagers who are being forced to do chores but knowing they can zoom out soon anyway). But on our shift there is very little lolly-gagging. We're busy-busy-busy and, yes, I do find myself pulling Mom-rank and smilingly find tasks for people doing makeup shifts who appear to be drifting...

Working my squad I have to say I've learned to say "no" with a smile. Not something we're necessarily taught in childhood.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 26, 2009 4:19 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

Oh, and by the way, although my long posts tend to be thread extinguishers, I have to add:

***No, paying more money yearly so you don't have to work is antithetical to the coop's principals...

***...as is paying someone minimum wage to do your hours...that's just gross and misses the point. [Also, understand someone can work your hours for you, but that person needs to be a member as well.]

***Each "squad" sets its own make-up rules. Some shifts require a member to make up two shifts for any shift missed. They have to be made up before the next regularly schedule shift (therefore, within 4 weeks). Some shifts only require 1 make-up, especially if the member has made an effort to call one of the squad leaders in advance to let him/her know.

Disclosure: I'm a squad leader and enjoy working with my group...my shift is a diverse group of people from their 20's through their 60's (possibly 70's but who's talkin'?!). We have people who work in the arts, are stay-at-home caregivers, teachers, small business owners, lawyers, RNs and an MD, people who work in finance, students, persons seeking work, fire and police department and other City employees, performers, musicians.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 26, 2009 4:05 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

WOW!!! I had no inkling that rather winding article would lead to such wordy comments. I couldn't even get through them all and I'm kind of reluctant to add anything.

But since not too many of the posters appear are coop members here goes (by the way, Hi Babs!):

***You join the coop agreeing to work a shift and stick to it. You can fulfill hours under a couple of different scheme that are not cyclic work cycles--the main one helps freelancers and such who can do a project (say, graphic design, research, editing) over a few days and manage to fulfill their yearly requirements.

***There are exceptions to the work requirement. The coop is very liberal with new baby/adoption (caregivers get a long hiatus from work requirements); certain disabilities, illness/recovery, age can reduce/eliminate your required time; you can now "retire" from the work requirement (age+years of membership equal a certain number). You can go on leave and not work as well.

***The coop is founded on the timebank kind of idea in that everyone's time is equal one to the other. So, maybe you're a judge and you cashier. Maybe your salary's well into the 6-figure range and you do checkout; maybe you receive food stamp benefits and you're a squad leader; maybe you live off a trust fund and do maintenance. All-in-all, it's the most eclectic, friendly community where you can talk to anyone...a very unusual place in, yes eclectic, but fractured Brooklyn.

***Anyone can join. Just sign up for the twice weekly orientations. Because the membership has seen such incredible growth the last couple of years, you can no longer "walk in" to an orientation but must sign up and be scheduled for one. Once you've had orientation, you can shop immediately. BTW, people live far afield and become or move and remain members (The Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, NJ, PA, CT).

***I've seen kids and teenagers whose parents/caregivers are members who grow up with a great sense of fairness, awareness of the food they eat, managing responsibility, etc.

***The coop is the only food-shopping I know of in NYC where you have excellent childcare. If you work your shift or shop during the childcare hours, you can drop off your kid. For all of those new parents out there...WOW! Sure, IKEA has childcare *and* they have that bad-food little shopping area, but I won't count them. I wonder if people drop their kid at IKEA and manage to run to Fairway...

***Coop member/employees are well-paid, have good benefits and health insurance. It is beyond competitive. There is nothing comparable, even in California where grocery store workers have a union.

***From what I remember, the coop has the highest product turnover in Brooklyn.

***The coop has the freshest, organic local produce that I know of...and cheap? Can we talk?! The coop strives to source food and products from equitable employers, fair trade labels, coop producers, local farms, humane animal husbandry;

***The coop has an active Kosher committee that does an excellent job. There is also a committee working on food safety/researching GMOs.

***The coop hosts community learning events, health and healing seminars, films showings, clothing and household item exchanges/drives, food collection for a local soup kitchen (both daily with fresh food from the coop's stock and periodically with food drives asking mbrs to donate non-perishables).

***The coop is one of the sponsor organizations of the Brooklyn Food Conference.

***The coop hosts fun events at local venues.

And if you've made it this far, from my observation the coop is an active meeting place for young people interested in what young people are usually interested in! :-)

Sure. There are lines, but certainly not all the time. I kind of enjoy a not-too-long line because you end up chatting with people. You know all those interesting vegetables and fruits that you have no idea how to cook/eat. Well, at the coop, just ask anyone around and you'll likely get a friendly receipt or two!

So, come, try, enjoy. And if it's not for you, so be it.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 26, 2009 3:27 PM in response to NYT: Food Co-op Exile's Story Demands 2,000 Words

I don't know why I clicked on this topic...I guess because it's Fort Greene so I have to read everything Fort Greene.

I'm interested how the ban on smoking in the workplace which ultimately, I think I remember, was used to push smoking out of bars (so the employees did not have to work in a workplace filled with smoke)...I'm wondering how it works for these cigar bars.

I personally find cigar smoke/residue to be a little nauseating. I guess you have to be smoking a cigar to be oblivious to the smell.

The smoke itself does not bother me as much as that of cigarettes (burning paper, chemicals). I would imagine cigars are more natural.

In the end, the smell of people, their clothes and hair fumigated with cigarette and cigar smoke is truly nauseating. But I guess if you're addicted that's how it goes.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 23, 2009 3:23 PM in response to Puff, Puff! Cigar Bar for Fort Greene

I don't know why I clicked on this topic...I guess because it's Fort Greene so I have to read everything Fort Greene.

I'm interested how the ban on smoking in the workplace which ultimately, I think I remember, was used to push smoking out of bars (so the employees did not have to work in a workplace filled with smoke)...I'm wondering how it works for these cigar bars.

I personally find cigar smoke/residue to be a little nauseating. I guess you have to be smoking a cigar to be oblivious to the smell.

The smoke itself does not bother me as much as that of cigarettes (buring paper, chemicals). I would imagine cigars are more natural.

In the end, the smell of people, their clothes and hair fumigated with cigarette and cigar smoke is truly nauseating. But I guess if you're addicted that's how it goes.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 23, 2009 3:23 PM in response to Puff, Puff! Cigar Bar for Fort Greene

I happen to think this is a cute apartment. Interesting layout although I agree with those who don't love the idea of entering through a narrow kitchen. But still that wouldn't be the end of the world...actually entering through a kitchen can be very homey. Good walk-through closet to the bathroom.

Kids, this is not "half of a floor of brownstone". The building has a very deep extension so this apartment equates more to the space of a floor-through apartment in a small rowhouse. It's certainly NOT a studio in my opinion. It has a lot of windows on two sides and it looks like another one on a third side.

I'm sure it will sell at the right price. It's not my ideal one-bedroom apartment, and although, for money, it could be staged with expensive furniture to make is show well, someone will decide this is the apartment for him/her/them.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 22, 2009 7:52 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 214 Carlton Avenue, #2

So if you're priced out of Riverdale, you're "POOR"?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 22, 2009 5:04 PM in response to House of the Day: 177 Rugby Road

I agree, the fireplace is kind of ugly.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 22, 2009 3:57 PM in response to House of the Day: 177 Rugby Road

I haven't read the comments thus far...so it's probably not fair for me to post my own...but, frankly, cleaning 55 windows sounds like a nightmare. Fifty-five windows?! Can you imagine if they're still single glazing? The cost to replace them...and to do it properly??? The heat you lose through all that glass???

Anyway, the price is too high. The interior needs a lot of updating and the house is not that special in my opinion. Goodness gracious...hhh...yes it's nice, but it needs a bit of an overhaul to make it really nice. And for "that money"...?

Oh, just took a second look the above photo. It looks like ugly-ish replacement windows were installed in the house's facade. I'm sure the house had 6-over-6 windows when it was built since it's Colonial Revival.

And, having glanced at some of the above comments: the people moving from Park Slope (and yes, there are a lot), seem to me to be renters who cannot afford to buy a brownstone/rowhouse in Park Slope so they look farther afield. For the asking price on this house, you might be able to settle in Park Slope and be decently "situated" (as my grandfather used to say).

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 22, 2009 3:47 PM in response to House of the Day: 177 Rugby Road

If they're not modifying the floor plans as stated above, it is unlikely they are changing a small one-family into a 2-family.

The renovation should not impact your real estate taxes that I know of.

Since it is a one family, it didn't need to have sprinklers installed in the 50s-60s which means the house probabaly never had any plans filed.

You'll need a building permit (and of course, if you're within the landmarked district, you'll first have to submit what sounds will be a "no effect" request before applying for the building permit). All this probably needs an architect. I don't think you would want an stand-alone expiditing company but some people go that route...there are also there are some very good interiors people who aren't licensed architects but can oversee the work and use an expeditor/architect to approve/stamp the drawings.

Ultimately, if you're doing extensive renovation, I guess going the more expensive route it the best bet. I'm not sure though.

Ed, can they have contractors come in to do electrical work or install kitchen cabinets, hang doors, replaster or install sheetrock, change bathroom fixtures, etc., without a building permit? I assume not. I know some of these things, like the electrical, are more serious, that one might not need a permit to do drywall...

To what extent does "construction" need a permit? You can paint w/o one, I assume replace kitchen cabinets...change a light switch...

But do you need a permit when the chimney guys come to reline a flue? Do the chimney guys get that permit themselves?

What about having a new water main installed or a updating a hot water heating system (without moving radiators)? Do those things need an overriding building permit or do the contractors/plumbers get the necessary paperwork done?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 22, 2009 3:35 PM in response to Certificate of Occupancy

Homey,
I'm curious, there are two houses listed above on 1st Street. Which one are you referring to? Was it the brownstone that needed all the work or the 4-family house?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 20, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Yes, I too was a little taken aback by BHV's "deciminated". That's a little nutsy.

I'm not sure I would love all those apartment dwellers in the building to the right staring down on me in my garden...I'd rather have a building on both sides sharing party walls because heating a house exposed on one long side really adds up.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 20, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Thank goodness the rain held off. Did the vendors show up? We weren't able to visit the market this weekend. When does the flea market go to? Thanksgiving or just before Christmas?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 19, 2009 12:10 AM in response to Closing Bell: Rain, Rain, Go Away

I had a doctor in this building who was pushed out when the owners wanted to condo-ize it (at least I think that was there plan). Anyway, it sat empty for years and years and the front is not kept up any more. I certainly hope Laytner's can make a go of it.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 14, 2009 5:34 PM in response to Streetlevel: Laytner's Latest Location is in the Slope

David,
Isn't that hysterical?! We actually DID walk the basse corniche once and the moyenne corniche another time. NOT, of course all the way to Menton, just around the bend to Villefranche...gorgeous, clear and sunny winter days.

We have also done our fair share of gas guzzling along that stretch! It's about as scenic as it gets.
:-)

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 14, 2009 5:09 PM in response to 2 Lefferts Comes Into Focus, Exceeds Expectations

1842,
Sorry!!! Yes, someone ELSE wrote the windows were too small and you were only responded writing that you didn't NOT find them too small...

Rob,
Well, yes, maybe I sometimes am as you picture me...although, I haven't embroidered since I was a child. I still knit though! I agree with Nokilissa regarding your comments.

David,
I thought the Corniche was set of roads running from Nice to Menton: one down by the water, one half way up the slope and another way up high haute corniche. I prefer the middle one, although the haute corniche can be nice too. The basse corniche has too much traffic.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 14, 2009 3:11 PM in response to 2 Lefferts Comes Into Focus, Exceeds Expectations

Yes, stoops can be a pain! Living with one, I agree...not always fun. I like the idea of a barrier-free entrance but also like the wide low steps of the Anglo-Italianate (English Basement?) rowhouses. They usually have only two or three steps...very gracious but not wheelchair accessible unfortunately. Those houses often have a tall first floor and also a high second floor like a parlor floor/piano nobile.

That'll be our next house, one with the low wide steps...the problem is, those houses are often very narrow. I guess the style came in when lots were being cut narrower as, often, infill in rows of older, wider houses.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 14, 2009 12:49 PM in response to 2 Lefferts Comes Into Focus, Exceeds Expectations

1842,
The windows are actually sized to match the width of the house next door. They're not too small. The thing is, these new buildings need to have barrier-free entrances which changes the ground floor/garden level compared to the traditional rowhouse. Also, because builders have to make the ground floor higher and don't necessarily want to give any of the units lower ceiling compared one to the other, the "parlor floor" goes away in a sense and all the floors basically have the same height ceiling resulting in the same height windows.

Granted, they could have dropped the second floor windows, made them taller but I'm sure it was 1) cheaper to get all the same sized windows and 2) it's hard to use a wall that has windows down to the floor...trust me. Many people want to put a couch or table on that wall. Having parlor floor windows down to the floor can change the way you use a room. Granted, they bring in more light...but who's sitting in the parlor window in a bonnet these days embroidering and hand-sewing clothing during daylight hours to save on lamp oil?

I think they did a great job. Agreed, the cornice is too deep but it's not that bad. Does the cornice wrap around the corner?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 14, 2009 12:41 PM in response to 2 Lefferts Comes Into Focus, Exceeds Expectations

Wow!!! Look at all of the comments today!!! That's so exciting! Probably the most ever on one of your Walkabout posts!

Well, my late addition: loved it!

Keep it up!

:-)

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 13, 2009 6:30 PM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: Historic Bedford, Brooklyn

I think a neighbor may have put the carton for the cat. I wonder why the corner store guys didn't bring the cat home. Poor thing.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 13, 2009 5:12 PM in response to Streetlevel: Lafayette Grocery Overhaul

1842,

Thank you for highlighting that story but you didn't get your facts quite straight.

The corner store guys didn't buy the building across the street and louse it up. They signed a lease that stipulated this that and the other...all good things...but then launched into, as you point out, a non-permitted messy demolition job done by non-professionals who cut the main beam causing a near catastrophe.

It was the building owner, former drycleaner, still living upstairs who had to foot the high expenses the emergency work entailed and live upstairs while this all went on. Can you imagine the horror as your floors suddenly all sag down when a beam is cut and joists start falling in?!!! Ugh!!!

Well, yes, apparently someone in the neighborhood called this in to the DOB immediately. The NY Times Local people apparently called for info. I guess the corner store guys were trying to be very discreet what with the huge dumpster, a gutted interior, etc. I didn't see any permits posted but figured some new restaurant was coming in.

Is it just me or has Fort Greene become a noticeable dining destination? Can't find parking 4 nights per week until 10-10-01:30 when people start leaving restaurants and toddle to their cars.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 13, 2009 4:33 PM in response to Streetlevel: Lafayette Grocery Overhaul

I guess I should keep my mouth shut since this house isn't my taste. The house is a bit narrow and yes, cut up. I wouldn't say it is "dank", just that the ground floor is dark and a bit depressing. Yes, it really needs a big renovation. The owner lives in Florida and has been down there for many, many years. My impression is he knows the asking price is a little over the top. He's a nice guy but not quite in touch with what is going on in Brooklyn.

The house is sunny and bright on all but the ground floor. I'm sure a decent renovation will make this house spectacular. One nice thing is that the house has its full cornice.

I think the upstairs tenants were contentious about being asked to leave...after, I think a billion years renting. I don't know if an owner can really kick out long-term tenants just to sell. I thought a landlord could only take over an apartment for "personal use". No?

I would be pretty upset as a tenant being forced out by an absentee landlord who thinks he can sell...what happens when he doesn't sell or what happens if a new owner ends up renting the apartments out as is to new people??? This would be very unfair. Would the old tenants have grounds to sue at that point? Sure, I can see a tenant being told the monthly rent has gone up, say $1000 with the lease renewal. The tenant might then leave...

But what happens if the landlord cannot rent the apartment at the inflated rent and a new tenant moves in at the old tenant's rent level?

Isn't this dangerous territory?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 13, 2009 2:12 PM in response to House of the Day: 146 6th Avenue Revisited

Bobby, so sour...

Anyway, it was a gorgeous day on Saturday, albeit, very window. Those poor vendors! A girlfriend and I strolled around and she, ever so popular, ran in to a bunch of different people she knew. We had the lobster rolls and although I have to say it was very, very fresh but it really didn't have much lobster taste. It was a bit bland.

I had been afraid for the vendors when the morning started out with a bit of drizzle but the sun came out in force.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 12, 2009 10:28 AM in response to Closing Bell: Columbus Was Really Into Flea Markets

DAVID!
"...and not one a mile west in Ft Greene or CH for $1.5 MM on some shitty block."

Some "shitty block"? Thanks A LOT! Geesh! Look a lot of our houses in FG are from the 1840s and 1850s...they're old and need a lot of upkeep...but shitty?

Well...anyway...have a good weekend.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 9, 2009 6:41 PM in response to Open House Picks

"..such hot-shot designers as..."??? That reads a little pejorative.

I think you mean "...such hot designers as...".

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 9, 2009 5:06 PM in response to Closing Bell: Columbus Was Really Into Flea Markets

Yes, BK Real Estate Veteran noticed that poorly constructed sentence: "Weinstein took Boymelgreen to court and legally took possession on September 18, but according to the Atlantic Yards Report, he (???) just received the eviction notice from the Sheriff's Office yesterday."

Antecedent pitfall...

How about?:
"Weinstein took Boymelgreen to court and legally took possession on September 18. According to the Atlantic Yards Report, Boymelgreen just received the eviction notice from the Sheriff's Office yesterday."

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 9, 2009 2:45 PM in response to Atlantic Yards: Shaya Gets the Boot

Yes, Antelope, it is certainly fascinating what is going out there.

I guess financing costs are still very worthwhile. *I'm* certainly glad houses are selling at decent prices.

The South Oxford house is a one-family with no real possibility to be converted. I'm not sure about the other house that sold but I assume it's a one-family as well.

It seems the 1 to 1.5 million dollar range in good locations (either recently renovated, or an older renovation in need of new-owner update, or houses even needing a complete renovation) are still selling.

On another note, although it was bought when the market was higher last year, I am amazed that such a large renovation was done on the oddly laid out, double duplex clapboard on Cumberland. I knew past owners from many years ago. At the time the house was very interesting inside to say the least. I used to love the country cabin-like kitchen in the back with the little wood/coal stove in the middle of the room with the flue pipe rising to the ceiling, a lean-to woodshed in the back...cute like Francis Guy's paintings of Brooklyn (Heights) or a Currier and Ives print.

The house got quiet a redo and was in pretty good shape when it sold for a nearly 2 million dollars. Maybe the new owners wanted to combine the two duplexes into a one-family.

In terms of where the market's going, I'm not sitting here "crunching the numbers", so what do I know? I'm sure there are people out there keeping spreadsheets on all the sales and could give us a better idea of the state of things.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 9, 2009 1:42 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

I thought the South Oxford house was already listed in a previous "Where are they now?"

I'll point out that many thought this S. Oxford house was too narrow and wouldn't sell...Maggie is terrific. The owners had moved with their kids out of NYC. I'm glad they sold their house and can move on. Considering the house's small floor plan, they did a nice job with the renovation and the garden is really pretty.

That Carroll Gardens house looks tiny? Did anyone who visited it care to comment?

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 9, 2009 12:52 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

Hi NOP,
I guess you're not OP today then. Glad you enjoyed but I can't see to devoting my encroaching senior insomnia to reading the unreal number of comments above. What I read of it, it seems to be 95% drivel, Rob.

Hi Bxgirl!

David, you're too old to write things like "STFU". Arrested development?

Biff, no earful, sorry.

Arkady, when is the next gathering? I have a right mind to come to one of these things.

The cabdriver who brought me home tonight was very nice--that was the second taxi. The first car I got in smelled of vomit and air-freshener. I said I was sorry and hopped out. It was ooguey. Felt sorry for the guy.

Pretty amazing how much heavy drinking and throwing up there is in Manhattan from Thursday night onward. I see some very sad scenes of drunk kids stumbling around. A couple of weeks ago a young man "walking alone" lurched and zigzagged back-and-forth actually slamming into trees, cars. It was terrible.

Feh.

Nighty night, All!

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 9, 2009 2:33 AM in response to Open Thread

Kensingtonka,
Don't tell me you have kids and just got married AND spent a mint on the wedding?! I hope you didn't spend $40,000 on a second wedding.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 7, 2009 8:02 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 25 South Oxford Street, #5

Rob, it's "lying around" not "laying around". Lay takes a direct object: "I lay the book on the table."

Or, it's the past tense of "lie" (as in recline, not fib):
"Yesterday, I lay down on the couch at seven o'clock after dinner and ended up sleeping all the way until this morning."

Remember:

LIE (as in recline)
I lie down.
Yesterday I lay down at eleven o'clock.
I had lain there at least half an hour when the telephone
rang waking me up."
**************

LAY (as in putting something down)

I lay bricks for a living.

I laid the book on the table when I entered the house.

I had laid the dishes already when I suddenly realized I hadn't put down the felt pad under the tablecloth!.

*************

LIE (as in fib)

He often lies to me but I don't care.

He lied to me yesterday but I let him get away with it.

He had lied for years until she finally got wise.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 7, 2009 8:01 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 25 South Oxford Street, #5

Do you people actually have jobs during the day or just sit on here writing cutesy comments?!

There are over 600 comments. That's absurd.

If you're between jobs, as they say, then I'm sorry. But please, People, find something more creative to do with all your time instead of sitting in front of the computer if you don't have to...and if you're sitting at work commenting all day, then shame on you!

I wouldn't be surprised of some you were sitting with your Macbook plugged in at some coffee shop all day long.

Hhhh...the old admonition from my mother: "Don't sit there all day moping around the house! Go out and play!"

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 7, 2009 7:46 PM in response to Open Thread

I'm just checking in. Thank you Nokilissa for pointing that out.

I'm not quite sure I see the point of the angled wall. Why couldn't the wall have been straight back? It would have made two usable bedrooms. Angled walls lead ugly and messy furniture placement when the rooms are so small you need every square foot. Makes no sense to me. If you have some huge mod loft space with angled walls, then who cares? But a small space like this?

Don't get me wrong. I've seen nice things done with walls at odd angles but in this apartment it seems pointless.

Note the regular overstretched Corcoran photos! They always make me laugh!

Goodnight!

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 7, 2009 7:42 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 25 South Oxford Street, #5

Look you Meanies,
Prudential up and removed the ad! I finally wanted to take an evening moment have a look at the listing. For Cripe's sake. I'm sure they got scared by all the nastiness above.

Or...maybe it was pulled from the market.

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 7, 2009 7:25 PM in response to House of the Day: 212 8th Avenue

I did it!!! Three word post. Please see above.

Phew!

Posted by: BrooklynGreene at October 7, 2009 3:25 PM in response to House of the Day: 212 8th Avenue