The big picture is this. When Thomspon next runs for office, he can point to his principled objections and sticking to a campaign promise. This will be dumped in John Liu's lap. Who may make a mayoral run in four years.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 19, 2009 12:29 PM in response to Thompson Dissing Bloomie on HOD Again

Riddle me this. Why did it take Boymolgren so long to build the entrance to terminal. He built the Novo in less time. I can't wait until I can avoid going into or through the Atlantic Terminal from the subway or the railroad.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 18, 2009 10:46 AM in response to Atlantic Terminal Station: So Close!

Hooray! The beauty of too many Crown Heights South blocks have been ruined by these curb cuts. I have my list ready!

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 17, 2009 9:51 AM in response to City Planning Targeting Curb Cuts

Minard:

Play nice. If this is the building that I think it is, it was once upon a time Mitchell Lama built in late '60s, early '70s.....And the people that moved there have "aged in place." Therefore the residents skew older...That's a comment not an objection.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 5, 2009 6:23 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Henry Street, #19A

Do not renew her lease. It's your property.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 5, 2009 5:49 PM in response to Help with Demanding Tenant?

I really like. Isn't this complex, the epicenter of NORC (naturally occuring retirement communities) in Brooklyn Heights? Would I like my neighbors?

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 5, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 75 Henry Street, #19A

If you have a 9 to 5 or a variation on that schedule, parking stinks!

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 5, 2009 12:41 PM in response to Lincoln Place Block?

There is something to be said about the convenience of having your own car. With your own car, you can make a spur of the moment decision as to how you're going to get somewhere. With the subways, especially on the weekend you have to plan carefully (and carry a map.) Sometimes, you just want to have a spur of the moment adventure, and the additional cost or hassle of car service takes all the air out of the adventure.

With that being consider only what will make your life easier. If you buy a car, buy the most reliable car that you can afford and son't get snookered by any options that are not convenient to your particular lifestyle.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 5, 2009 12:39 PM in response to Subway Service on Weekends Is F@#%ed

The block is great for a number of reasons including its proximity to the subway, museum, park and library. The stoop sitters are fine (and diminishing in number.) They know what's going on and will help to keep you safe. As for the noise, the block is pretty quiet for most of the year. In the summer there is a backyard of a building on Washington, where residents think that they should SHARE their tastes in music. Given the number of apartments and the number of days in the year, the good far outweighs the bad.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 5, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Lincoln Place Block?

I'm surprised that no one has taken into consideration that there is a garage spot AND a backyard in Brooklyn Heights, no less.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 3, 2009 1:29 PM in response to House of the Day: 28 Middagh Street

And to whom will Mark Winston Griffith be beholden? Truly not an indenpendent candidate (although he has never claimed to be.) Mark is just looking for his NEXT big thing and has found a group of homeowners who cannot GET the incumbent to bend to their will.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 29, 2009 11:27 AM in response to Open Thread

Here are the reasons that we should not cast our votes for Bloomberg.

1) Term limits extension. Despite the fact that the voters of New York City voted twice FOR term limits, Bloomberg thought that he knew better than the voters what was good for the city and manipulated the media and self interested city council members who would not be able to find a job like that ever again to support his actions.

2) Media. Just because the mayor has spent $87 million of his billions to launch a television ad assault for to taut his "accomplishments" does not mean that there are really accomplishments. He showed his willingness to once again, go against the will of the people with his redevelopment plans. Specifically, the new Yankee Stadium, the new Mets stadium, the proposed West Side stadium and the proposed Atlantic Yards arena. Who are we the people, to know what would work in our communities? Is unfettered development good? Let's just ask the residents of Williamsburg who live among abandoned and stalled construction sites.

3) Schools. Just because the mayor says the schools have gotten better doesn't mean that he is telling the truth. Ask any educator, who now only teaches test taking techniques and not teach. Ask any special ed student who has had his IEP altered becaues their "small school" does not offer the appropriate services. Ask any parent who has been effectively barred from having any say in their child's school experience.

4) The City Charter revision is coming. Do you think that the we have a Manhattan centric government now? Wait until, Bloomberg eliminates the community boards altogether. As things stand now, if it were not for the experience of community board staffs, we would not have any local accountability for city agency services to our community.

We don't need an imperial mayor who knows what's best. We need a mayour who will fight for the best interests of ALL citizens, not just the wealthy, not just those who inhabit the island of Manhattan.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 29, 2009 11:13 AM in response to Open Thread

I so appreciate that the movement from landmarking began with long time residents and not with "gentrification" as some people believe. My father, thought that Crown Heights was the best neighborhood in Brooklyn and encouraged both friends and colleagues to buy one of the beautiful houses there.

As one of the many children and grandchildren of the nabe, we our so proud to see that our home has been recognized for its beauty. It is the one of the reasons that so many of us still call Crown Heights, home.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 28, 2009 10:44 AM in response to LPC Tees Up Phase 2 of Crown Heights Landmarking

Similary, there are alleys for carriages (and such) in Strivers Row in Harlem.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 27, 2009 12:26 PM in response to 97 St. Marks Avenue Update

I think the crossroads location is ideal. (And it so beats the current configuration as a parking lot with not my cup of tea retail tenant. As a borough, Brooklyn is still understored and underscreened. Would love, love, love to see some retail like Ann Taylor, real shoe store, diner a la Johnny Rockets or Chiptole in this location. After all there is a difference between downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 20, 2009 2:37 PM in response to What Could Have Been on Flatbush

Block associations are also a point of contact for local community boards. For example, when a proposal for a land use variance comes across the desk of the district office, one of the things noted is whether or not there is an active block association. Why? All too frequently, developers plans and the needs or appropriateness for community do not jibe. The community board office will request that the developer contact the block association to inform them of their plans. Therefore, the block association has the opportunity for "input."

I know of an instance when BSA agreed with the block association that the representations made by the developer were deemed disingenious and acted accordingly.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 20, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Thoughts on Block Associations

Rob, when you have no idea of what you are talking about, please don't speak.

I'm waiting for the day when you have accomplish something than taking pot shots at people who have their own homes, even when the spend only 20% of the their gross income on housing.

Besides, speaking when you have no idea have gotten you to exactly where you are today.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 20, 2009 10:44 AM in response to East New York's Nehemiah Housing Proving Resilient

There may be views from the rooftop, but this apartment doesn't have it. From the pictures on the BHS website, it faces other windows in the building. If it's on the side of the BQE, the price will have to go lower.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 19, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 2 Grace Court, #4T

FSRG:

The reason that the Marriott was successful was Brooklyn needed a hotel, period. With not hotel events for religious organizations, fraternal organizations, weddings, aniversaries, birthdays were celebrated on the other side of the river.

If you don't remember, Ratner got a sweetheart deal on that site too. Once upon a time it was a municipal parking lot. Plus, FRC or whatever Ratner entity didn't believe that the market would support the hotel. In order to build it, an agreement with the Brooklyn DA for office space was required.

With Metotech, the developer didn't live up to many of the promises. If the past is any indication of the future, too few Brooklynites will ever see any benefit. The big winner will be the developer.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 19, 2009 1:02 PM in response to DDDB Holds Fifth Fundraiser Against the Yards

PH is not without Thai restaurants. Udon Thai on Washington Avenue is tasty, reasonably price (read cheap) and they deliver.

After all, Flatbush and Vanderbilt Avenues are not the only commercial strips in the Heights.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 16, 2009 2:08 PM in response to Streetlevel: Thai Food for Flatbush

Driving the sling shot from Eastern Parkway to Prospect Park West around GAP is white knuckled driving not for the faint of heart. I figured out a long time ago, that the best way to go from Eastern Parkway to Prospect Park West is to use Plaza Street.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 8, 2009 1:54 PM in response to Collision at Grand Army

Unfortunately, rent control does not end with death. I believe an immediate family member can be added to the lease and upon the current tenants expiration, the lease will be transferred to that tenant.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at October 8, 2009 1:36 PM in response to House of the Day: 130 Summit Street

Joe from Brooklyn:

Great eye! The 16th Street condos and 475 Sterling have the same developer, CPC.

Middle of nowhere? Hardly. With the accessibility to the Shuttle, 2/3, 4/5 this is about as good as it gets when you add the fact that the B45 stops at the corner.

My only concern is that you will have bus noise in the front of the building and playground noise at the back of the building.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 25, 2009 8:03 AM in response to Condo of the Day: 475 Sterling Place, #3I

When people ask my sister and I if we still we reside in Brooklyn we happily reply, "Yes!" For us "the city" is an necessary requirement for employment. We love the scale and the scope of living in brownstone Brooklyn and lament that we've been discovered. It's true DL living.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 15, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Street Clutter in Brooklyn?

I know this house well. It is absolutely, lovely! It is very accessible to 7th Avenue, the park, PS 321 and Berkeley Carroll. I mention this because this is the kind of home that someone would buy as an alternative to a suburban home but thought it best to stay in the city. The neighbors (ie. the people on the block) are just the kind who you would invite over to a barbecue or tea.

If someone was edged out of the Jennifer Connelly house on PPW, this would be an outstanding consolation prize.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 15, 2009 12:56 AM in response to House of the Day: 591 2nd Street

I'm first!

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 9, 2009 9:16 AM in response to Open Thread

I agree. The house has potential but no pictures of the kitchen and bath make me suspicious. Although this is a prime location, the price will have to be reduced by three large ones.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 4, 2009 4:40 PM in response to Open House Picks

Call Community Board #8 and ask. 718-467-5574

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 4, 2009 10:19 AM in response to Street work on Lincoln Pl

About charter schools. Remember that admission is via lottery. Therefore, even if there is a charter school next to your house your child is not guaranteed a spot. Seems like it would be a better bet to improve the quality of instruction in the local school for all children.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 3, 2009 1:10 PM in response to PLG Schools and Amenities

BKPLEBE:

I so disagree. I recently visited a friend in Patio Gardens. Low and behold I spotted no fewer than five people from my neighborhood (ProHeights) on my way to the subway. Apparently PLG is their new home.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 3, 2009 1:08 PM in response to PLG Schools and Amenities

It will certainly be too much sidewalk in the snow and ice.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 2, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Calming Traffic at Bergen and Smith

A floor plan, pictures of the bath(s) and a price sub $900,000.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at September 2, 2009 1:22 PM in response to House of the Day: 168 Midwood Street Revisited

One of the problems with this building was that too many apartments were at the lot line. If another building were to be built along the common lot line, they would lose the windows in that area; challenging the selling point of a bright breezy apartment.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 31, 2009 1:25 PM in response to Forte Officially Goes Back to the Bank

Hate the layout. The kitchen and the bath are claustrophic.
Blech!

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 31, 2009 1:15 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 11 Schermerhorn Street, #4FE

Whatever happened to Grenier's green home in Brooklyn?

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 31, 2009 9:18 AM in response to Open Thread

It's spelled Hasidim.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 28, 2009 11:51 PM in response to Assignment of contract for sale

DIBS..Thanks...If I make the Open House, I'll share next week.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 28, 2009 3:07 PM in response to Open House Picks

DIBS or other Bed-Stuy Resident:

Can you give me a micro-neighborhood overview. I like the Hancock Street House, but I'm more familiar with west of Stuyvesant Avenue.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 28, 2009 2:00 PM in response to Open House Picks

Brick Oven:

NB, a forum is a place by which individuals share their opinions. In regards to your treatment of 11217, you're just sharing meaness.

Behave your blooming self.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 25, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Mystery Downtown Development Going Affordable

Lechacal:

This seller seeks a cash buyer. Translation...There is something that is wrong with this property. After numerous appraisals, that came in lower than we anticipated because of a downward moving market, previously unreported deficiences we refused to budge from our pie in the sky price. We, the sellers want to skip the nuisance that comes with the appraisers banks insist upon.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 25, 2009 10:14 AM in response to Mystery Downtown Development Going Affordable

I believe that the BE@Schmerhorn has not received its CO....Therefore, closings have not begun. Contract signers may have leverage if it is one of the buildings scheduled to go affordable.

The Forte is another matter altogether. Clarett surrendered to its lenders which includes Goldman Sachs. Coupled with the fact that the local assemblyman said out loud that the conversion to affordable was something that was desirable. The conversion to affordable (i.e. less than what they paid for) would be a sad outcome in the recent condo construction boom.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 25, 2009 9:42 AM in response to Mystery Downtown Development Going Affordable

Ditto DIBS on the building finances. You will not find a condo for a lower price. Nothing is a done deal in regards to the future use of the armory.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 21, 2009 10:50 AM in response to Crown Heights Condo

This is disturbing. Part of the appraisal process is connected to subjective thinking. An example of this is "There is no way that a house in this neighborhood should cost so much." Was your appraiser familiar with the neighborhood. With your comps in hand, go to your bank. If they don't budge, start again with a broker.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 20, 2009 5:31 PM in response to Contesting an Appraisal?

Clearly if the family seeks all the information now that they need for a conversion for condominiums, it will inform a discussion as to how a jointly owned asset can be divided among individual family members. If the family carries through with the conversion, then the family members can decide if and when they will cash in so to speak.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 18, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Converting B'stone Into Condo

Guys:

Can we refrain from dissing neighborhoods, that we do not know. South Crown Heights, like North Crown Heights have many pockets of charm. Back in the day, South Crown Heights was MUCH safer than North Crown Heights. South Crown Heights has always had the advantage of its proximity to the IRT. Within that area you might even access to the 2,3,4, Franklin Avenue shuttle and the B,Q trains.

Location, location, location.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 13, 2009 5:22 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 345 Montgomery Street, #3O

The old adage, "you get what you pay for" applies here. How close is it to the train? Which train? Is there an elevator, doorman, super on site, washer and dryer in building, in the unit? The range is $1,200 - $2,250. The better the condition, the proximity to a train and the presence or absence of a doorman plays a role in the price.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 12, 2009 6:22 PM in response to Studio/1BR Rental Prices?

DIBS:

Four eggs in a carton.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 12, 2009 3:22 PM in response to Savings in Fort Greene

It's not open early enough for people with finance jobs.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 11, 2009 2:03 PM in response to StreetLevel: Vanderbilt's Milk Bar Now Open

Not in NJ but in LI...Siegermann's in Farmingdale. They are a T. Rowe Show Place....which means you can get the style that you want in a bajillion fabrics. Quick, friendly and knowledgable.

I don't have a car so I took the LIRR to Farmingdale and then a cab to the store. They drove me back to the rail station.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 11, 2009 11:58 AM in response to Good sofa store

Your property. Your ticket. DSNY tickets are a nubmers game. They bet that you won't fight the ticket and the city will have additional revenue. Fight the ticket. After that's resolved, have a chat with the tenant and tell him what you had to go through.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at August 11, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Ticket for Trash - Who Pays?