Bfarwell:

Puh-lease! Clearly, you don't know diddly about Crown Heights.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at February 16, 2010 5:58 PM in response to Hello, Lawsuits

Have you called your community board office and asked for their assistance?

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at February 12, 2010 4:03 PM in response to Requesting a Street Tree

Hmm. The Fenimore Street house is nice. I wonder if this $50k price reduction will finally get this one moving.

Also nice to see the ENY house. It's one of the many Nehimiah houses built in the early 90s.

Despite the broker street, the Lincoln Place listing is not prime Crown Heights. You have to go two or three blocks west or two or three blocks north or south to be there. It will sell becuase of micro market dynamics.

So many opinions...I've been looking at too much real estate. Now that I have a feel for the land, can a purchase be too far behind?

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at February 12, 2010 1:47 PM in response to Open House Picks

Here are the problems with charter schools.

1) There is a presumption that they offer a superior/innovative education because they are not encumbered with union rules.

2) Charter schools do not offer a suitable education for special needs or ELL students. If a child is problematic then that child will be "encouraged" to attend a traditional public school that is heavily burdened with "high needs" students.

3) Only children who are selected by a lottery at very specific entry points can attend. Entry via lottery requires that a child have an interested and active parent or guardian for participation.

A child should be able to receive a free and appropriate education by chance or birth. If that were true we would not have had public school graduates like Henry Kissinger.

The existence of charter schools have only accelerated the destruction of what were once excellent schools by politicians who do not send their children to public schools. When Pataki declared that a child only needed an eighth grade education during his administration it became apparent that educating the next generation was not a priority.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at February 3, 2010 2:56 PM in response to Open Thread

This apartment is in a great location! The subway is at your door, you're across the street from the Brooklyn Museum, the botanical gardens, the central library and the green market on Saturdays. The restaurant scene is always improving with great, new and traditional choices on Washington Avenue and Vanderbilt.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at January 27, 2010 1:00 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: Turner Towers Three Bedroom

Rob:

Just a bit of history. The NYCHA units in New York City were built for working families much like the Habitat for Humanities condos. In its heyday NYCHA projects were a step up from cold water flats that were the most affordable housing options for working (ie. wage earning) families. The resident profile shifted in the sixties and seventies. In the sixties, it was found to be discriminatory to exclude families without husbands present. In the seventies, the Nixon administration handed down guidelines that required housing residents to pay 30% of their income towards their housing costs. At that point it became less attractive to remain in NYCHA developments and incentivized the rapid abandonment of this housing option for higher income residents. They bought their own homes. (When one could buy a brownstone for $25K - $35K. Those who remainde were poorer, may have received disability or survivor income as well as the flawed AFDC. To label NYCHA residents as moochers is flawed.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at January 19, 2010 1:42 PM in response to Habitat Brownsville Project a Game-Changer

One word. No.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at January 15, 2010 10:20 AM in response to On Walking Away

As with any other real estate transaction, you have to be willing to walk away. A bidding war? For a rental? In overbuilt Billyburg? How will these renters feel when they are locked into a lease and their dream condo is at a price where they are willing to commit?

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at January 14, 2010 10:46 AM in response to W'burgers Can't Get Enough of New Rental Tower

I remember as a kid running errands with my father and stopping at the bank. Its architecture spoke to affluence and stability. As a teenager, I made deposits for my father on my way to the orthodontist, upstairs. The WSB building was known as the dental capital of the world.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at January 11, 2010 8:04 AM in response to Closing Bell: The Flea Launches at One Hanson

Link for Putnam Avenue house goes to same link.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at January 8, 2010 1:13 PM in response to Open House Picks

Here's the rub, eh toss. If the dog run is supposed be closed at night, then it should be closed at night. In other words, dog owneres don't use the run at night. Novo dwellers work with your community board to make sure that the run's closing is enforced.

Share, share, share alike!

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 29, 2009 10:42 AM in response to Huevogate '09 Still Roiling Slope Dog Run

After all of your efforts at odor reduction, one can only assume that the complaining tenant has a particularly acute sense of smell. That's not your issue. No rent reduction is necessary.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 28, 2009 3:48 PM in response to Apartment Cooking Odors

Vinca gives very good advice. Release the bad tenant karma and look forward to better tenants in the New Year.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 18, 2009 1:59 PM in response to Tenant w/o Forwarding Address?

It may be a matter of what looks like flaky to you is being really busy. A friend of mine didn't pay his rent until the 11th of the month because he had urgent surgery on the other coast. He checked in after his release from the hospital and explained the situation to his landlord. Don't assume that he is trying to pull a fast one and don't express to him in any shape, form or fashion your fear.

Keep an open mind, if there has been a change in the tenant's ability to pay, communication and compassion will be an essential part of making sure that you remain his financial priority. Now, if this happens again or he doesn't pay the rent or communicated with you come January then you have the conversation.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 9, 2009 11:21 AM in response to Nonresponsive Tenant

There's a BB&B in Gateway.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 8, 2009 10:51 AM in response to Barney's Looking for Co-op Space in Cobble Hill

Don't forget to make sure your contractor has INSURANCE. Check the Dept. of Consumer Affairs for his license.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 4, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Proper Etiquette with Contractor

Homeownership is a good thing. The neighborhoods that fared the best in the 60s and 70s were those where there was a high percentage of home ownership. These units will add stability to the nabe and erase "blight." While this neighborhood may not be everyone's cup of tea, the lucky families moving into these units will begin their ascent on the property ladder

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 3, 2009 10:57 AM in response to Closings, Move-Ins in Progress at Habitat Brownsville Build

Etson:

Thanks for reminding me. I need to buy a gold paint pen for the holiday cards. (The silver one still works.)

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 3, 2009 10:51 AM in response to Open Thread

A Baa3 rating is but a slip on a banana peel to a speculative rating, ie. JUNK. In order for the bonds to maintain this barely investment grade rating, everything has to fall in line perfectly.

At the end of the day, what will Brooklyn get? A championship basketball team. The team now known as the Nets has not been a contender since the days of the old ABA. Ridding a community of blight? Well we'll have to see what the changes are to the actual railyard, the sole site of blight in this area? More parking...just what Prospect Heights needs. More traffic congestion? You betcha. Jobs for community residents? None and longer term jobs will be seasonal and minimum wage. A community whose health as reflected by a strong real estate pricing and projects? Gone! Marty Markowitz's vision? Limited.

Absolutley priceless!

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at December 2, 2009 9:15 AM in response to Ratner's Yards Bonds Rated 'Barely' Investment Grade

PI'm sure that part of the reason that so many restaurants have failed in this should be great location is that their rent is relatively high to the amount of business it can attract.

Calling Alan Harding............

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 30, 2009 2:54 PM in response to StreetLevel: Slope's Miracle Grill Calls it Quits

MM and Benson:

You've gotten to the heart of the matter. The jobs carrot is a ruse. The development costs(ie. land acquisition costs) are key.

Rob and WBer: If it is true that the Hasidim receive a lions share of the affordable units in Schaeffer Landing one reason is that their state assemblymen is Vito Lopez. Lopez is head of the housing committee in the NYS Assembly and the chair of the Kings County Democratic Committee.

That's just how it has been in NYC. You want a change in particular instance. Find a candidate and support that candidate against Vito Lopez.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 30, 2009 2:52 PM in response to CB1 Committee Not Digging Plans for Huge Burg Project

Etson:

Wrong name. Right time line.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 24, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Operation Grand Slam Nabs 11 in Clinton Hill

Someone will move into the vaccuum. That corner has been hot since before Christopher Smalls became the Notorious B.I.G. It's important to remember that if there wasn't a demand there would be any traffic. Drug buyers know that location. Drug sellers will prove that they are not easily evicted.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 24, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Operation Grand Slam Nabs 11 in Clinton Hill

No. Slow posting time. Mr. B must have been working on the breaking news about Atlantic Yards.

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 24, 2009 9:35 AM in response to Open Thread

First!

Posted by: BrooklynIsHome at November 24, 2009 9:22 AM in response to Open Thread

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

What 1910 said. MillionTreesNYC is speeding up the process across the city.

Posted by: grand army at February 12, 2010 4:35 PM in response to Requesting a Street Tree

On the online application - what is the difference btw Park Tree & Street Tree?

Thanks

Posted by: going4broke at February 12, 2010 4:52 PM in response to Requesting a Street Tree

try the community board.
they are the fastest route.
the parks dept. usually plants trees
according to the Community Board
recommendations.

Posted by: Legion at February 12, 2010 5:33 PM in response to Requesting a Street Tree

Stargazer, I second 1910. Please don't plant ivy -- it's an invasive plant and horrible for trees. It spreads and grows up the tree and it's unkillable. Let your new tree have a couple of years to establish itself. Mulch it with chopped up leaves or old Christmas tree branches. Keep the mulch away from the base of the tree though -- just mulch the area around the edge of the pit. Mulch builds, and builds up, the soil. When your tree is well established, consider planting some shade annuals around the edges -- there are lots of choices, impatiens or pansies are inexpensive and look pretty. Or tuberous begonias. Anything but ivy.

Posted by: Silvermax at February 13, 2010 8:17 AM in response to Requesting a Street Tree

Thanks all. I've put the request into the Park Dept. I'd also like to reach out to my community board, will have to figure out who that is exactly.

Nominating the whole block would be great! I wonder if my new neighbors would like me doing that or not...

Posted by: noodlemanias at February 14, 2010 8:18 AM in response to Requesting a Street Tree

You can try the following options:

1. Cheapest and longest: just call 311 and they will process a request. I guess you will go out in about 2 years and see some guys digging on your sidewalk and you will scream what the heck yo doing.
2. A litle faster but free as well. Request thru your community board.
3. Get a permit and get your tree planted on your own and get a signoff from parks department as well. Note: Tree ppermits are only issued for 6 months out of 12 thru the year for spring planting and fall planting. Following is a link to the DPR site for tree planting permits:

Paste on the following link for your tree request or permit request and planting guidelines as well:

http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_permits_and_applications/forestry_permits.html

Posted by: brooklynexpediter at February 14, 2010 12:23 PM in response to Requesting a Street Tree