Opening in Ditmas Park is just as good a place as any. The rents are much cheaper than Smith, 7th Avenue, etc... and Cortelyou is easily accessible by train, express buses, bike or walking. If you do drive to the area parking is not a big issue. Not to mention that the community is really supportive of good local businesses. There are some "empty, locked, rolled down gated storefronts" on Cortelyou but that has always been the case. Businesses come and go. The businesses who offer a service or product that the community supports become viable and stay the course. With this place opening, the opening of Sycamore and the Middle Eastern place opening in the old toy store spot that leaves only the Bagel place and the old Food Co-op place still empty.

Posted by: Chaka at November 14, 2008 5:17 PM in response to Business Boom for Ditmas Park

Williamsburgguy, these will be affordable rentals.

Posted by: Chaka at November 10, 2008 12:38 PM in response to TD Bank Furthering Affordable Housing in Brooklyn

McCain even acknowledged the significance of Obama's win to Afican Americans in his gracious concession speech. This is the McCain that I had come to respect BP (before Palin.) This is definitely not a Black/White thing but an American thing.

Posted by: Chaka at November 5, 2008 11:13 AM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...

MM very interesting that not seeing each others 10:22 & 10:26 posts we used the same adjectives to describe Obama. Calm and Intelligent. Could it be our ancestors channeling their thoughts through us - in Gullah no less? Mine were from Beaufort as well.

Posted by: Chaka at November 5, 2008 10:35 AM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...

No karo25, Obama being African American is not the only point and it is clear that it took more than African Americans to get him elected. The fact that Americans of all races, ages, colors, genders, religions and creeds decided to take a chance on a man with calm and intelligence who was not well known on the national political scene but who ran an excellent campaign, who also happens to be African American, is our President-elect is phenomenal. To pretend that it is not ignores our countries past and dishonors all of those who have fought so hard to hold us to the values upon which our great nation was founded.

Posted by: Chaka at November 5, 2008 10:26 AM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America

Posted by: Chaka at November 5, 2008 9:49 AM in response to If There Is Anyone Out There...

Why did you assume that Chosen was Jewish? I didn't get that from any of their previous posts. I get the sense that they are athiest or agnostic. Especially because of their post on the Sarah Palin exorcism mocking the three major faiths.

Posted by: Chaka at November 5, 2008 9:48 AM in response to Barack Hussein Obama

Wow, 30 times before 14! I hope that you were never seriously hurt. I don't know but that seems like it may be a record. I too grew up in Brooklyn during the good and bad times but I have only been mugged twice.

You do give sound advice. If only you had followed your own advice sooner.

Posted by: Chaka at November 3, 2008 5:22 PM in response to Street smarts

It seems as though no thread on the big homes in this area is ever complete without a mention of the high maintenace and heating bills. I can tell you from experience that the cost of maintenance is about the same as maintaining a Brownstone if you exclude landscaping. However, it does take more to heat a free standing wood frame but the trade off is more space. When I lived in my brownstone I had to pay a garage monthly to park my car so that I could avoid the headache of alternate side parking and I paid for a storage unit to keep camping equipment and other seasonal items that I didn't have the space to keep in the house. I also use to rent spaces for children's parties and other entertaining which I no longer have to do. All of those things add up to more than the extra $50-$75 a month that I pay for heating my home. Not to mention that these houses are cheaper to purchase so the mortgages would be lower.

Posted by: Chaka at November 3, 2008 3:14 PM in response to Back to Brooklyn (Thanks, in Part, to Brownstoner)

Welcome to Flatbush, the Heart of Brooklyn. It is literally the center of Brooklyn making access to any place else in the borough very easy. Although we don't have the foot traffic and amenities of the downtown neighborhoods, there is enough going on locally to make the area nice but not too noisy which is the point.

Posted by: Chaka at November 3, 2008 3:05 PM in response to Back to Brooklyn (Thanks, in Part, to Brownstoner)

Marty is an excellent BP (Cheerleader). That job was practically made for him.

Posted by: Chaka at October 29, 2008 2:07 PM in response to Term Limit Fall-Out: de Blasio Eyes Public Advocate Seat

You have a good weekend also Biff. Northsloperenter, Ditmas Park is definitely worth a look when you are ready. As previously stated you can do laundry, pick-up dry cleaning, shop at one of two Organic Markets, two regular supermarkets or the farmers market. There are even CSA's with participants in the area. You can pick up a bottle of wine, have a drink with friends in a neighborhood bar, we have both the gentrified and the old school types or have dinner at any one of the new restaurants. There are two places right on Cortelyou where you can have a cup of coffee or a bowl of soup and then sit on a comfortable couch and read a book. We are also walking distance from a number of really good takeout ethnic eateries. Turkish, Pakistani, Jamaican, Tibetan, Southern (Soul), Mexican and soon to come Middle Eastern. Many of these establishments have expanded or added dining so that you can eat in. We don't have a good Chinese takeout though.

Also being in the middle of Brooklyn, it is very convenient to venture further south into Midwood or even Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay for great shopping and good food.

I should get a check from the Ditmas Park Chamber of Commerce for this post. If only one existed.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 9:28 PM in response to Race, Class and Gentrification in Ditmas Park

OMG! That would of course be "many of the hoMes in the older Queens neighborhoods."

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 4:07 PM in response to Race, Class and Gentrification in Ditmas Park

A place to park the big jalopy is a good thing.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 4:04 PM in response to Open House Picks

That was precisely my point Biff. There are far more people willing to pay over a million for homes with what I would perceive as minor incoveniences in order to live in our wonderful city.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 4:02 PM in response to A Couple of House Sales

Happy to oblige.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 3:29 PM in response to Brooklyn's Own Tiny House Movement

I would even think that certain areas of Queens are contenders as well. Although, many of the hoes in the older Queens neighborhoods have been remodeled to the point that their Victorian beginnings are no longer recognized.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 3:27 PM in response to Race, Class and Gentrification in Ditmas Park

For a million dollars plus some people wouldn't want to have their house attached to their neighbors house, or have a back yard the size of a small bedroom. I guess it is a matter of different strokes for different folks.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 3:22 PM in response to A Couple of House Sales

Good observation Bayridgegirl but this one is one has a similar lay out as the Open House pick and despite the wallpaper and carpet, it is basically in move-in condition. It is also only block away from Brooklyn College and on a beautiful street.

http://marykayg.com/html/0534.html

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 3:09 PM in response to Open House Picks

In addition to the IDT contractor, someone from US Energy Savings came around. She approached me as I sat on my porch and claimed to be from a "Government Agency." She said that she was sent to make sure that I was'nt paying too much for my electric bill. I asked her for her I.D. as I informed her that I too worked for the government - the FBI. Not knowing if I was kidding or not, I was of course, she left.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 2:55 PM in response to Energy Scammers Plaguing Brooklyn?

Dittoburg, for the answer to your question about the Flatbush Dutch Reformed Church and the surrounding area, take a look at this.

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2007/05/open_house_pick_123.php

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 2:38 PM in response to Open House Picks

So true Architerrorist. As I posted in today's thread about Ditmas Park the local train doesn't even pick up much speed with the stations being only one block from each other and although you can hear the express rumbling through, I wouldn't see it as a deal breaker. Being close to Cortelyou is a definite advantage. It has become the main street so-to-speak.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 2:36 PM in response to A Couple of House Sales

Having a car is not necessary in Victorian Flatbush although there is plenty of parking if you do have one or two. The Q and B trains are very accessible and reliable. Riding into the city from Newkirk, Cortelyou, Beverley or Church Avenue stations only adds five to ten minutes more than the commute from Park Slope's 7th Avenue station on the same line. The express bus service into the city is always an option as well. There are about four different lines that run down Cortelyou alone.

There are, as the article states, two different train stops within one block. The local train can not even pick up speed before it pulls out of one station and into the next. As far as the claims of having the largest concentration of Victorian homes in America, I am sure that there are other contenders.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 2:19 PM in response to Race, Class and Gentrification in Ditmas Park

They came through Flatbush (Victorian Flatbush)in August.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 1:48 PM in response to Energy Scammers Plaguing Brooklyn?

Lots of small houses in Gerritsen Beach.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 1:42 PM in response to Brooklyn's Own Tiny House Movement

It is a bargain if compared to prices six months to one year ago. This house on Marlborough was only the market for one week. The writing was already on the wall when this house was put up for sale so it appears as though the sellers took the first reasonable offer. Smart move on their behalf. Great deal for the buyers.

Posted by: Chaka at October 17, 2008 1:34 PM in response to A Couple of House Sales

I know just what you mean lalaland. The guy who owns the other hardware store on Cortelyou is rude and his keys never work. I much rather go to Almac in Newkirk Plaza. It was voted the best (or one of the best) hardware stores in NYC. They are friendly and the older guy in the store is extremely knowledgable and always willing to offer assistance.

Posted by: Chaka at October 6, 2008 3:53 PM in response to Streetlevel: One Down on Cortelyou

I much rather prefer Brooklyn as well. I have had friends over from Manhattan and they always say that they can't believe that Ditmas Park is in Brooklyn. Although so far only one of them has purchased a house out here. We usually get people leaving Park Slope or from places other than New York.

Posted by: Chaka at October 6, 2008 3:45 PM in response to Quote of the Day

I think that National Grid is now billing monthly. My gas bill was 57.09 last month and 53.78 this month which is a little lower than for this same period last year. Con Ed seems to have gone up though when compared to the same months on my last years bills.

Posted by: Chaka at October 6, 2008 3:28 PM in response to Utility Bill Comparison

If I had that kind of money I would prefer Eastern Pkwy to Park Slope or 5th Avenue. I am not a Slopehater and I do frequent Park Slope for things that are not available to me in Ditmas Park, but being near the Library, Museum and Garden on a grand boulevard complete with a service road trumps Park Slope in my book.

Posted by: Chaka at October 6, 2008 3:22 PM in response to Sales: Turner Towers Spread Gets Full Asking Price

The owner of the store is retiring and returning to his country after years of business at this location. There has always been a turnover of businesses on Cortelyou Road. Some find their niche others don't. This area is always changing and always has been. It has'nt'gentrified' as quickly as some people out here may have wanted but it will no doubt continue to do so at a slow and steady pace.

Posted by: Chaka at October 6, 2008 3:14 PM in response to Streetlevel: One Down on Cortelyou

This building went up quickly and they did an excellent job. We definitely need more of these types of units especially with on-site services. Notice how they even took care to hide the under window air conditioner boxes with a decorative grating. No Fedders metal covers!

Posted by: Chaka at October 2, 2008 6:15 PM in response to Morris Manor Opens Today

Sam, the other issue is that there are so many people living in Brooklyn who work in Brooklyn. From the looks of what is happening on wall street and in congress there may be a decrease in the jobs available on both Wall Street and in Midtown.

Posted by: Chaka at September 29, 2008 3:41 PM in response to House of the Day: 2777 Bedford Avenue

So do I MM. In the local elementary school history lessons Brooklyn's historical significance in the American Revolution, Civil War and Civil Rights movement is often overlooked. Many of the 'fugitive slaves' who did not continue on to Canada, settled throughout the borough but especially in Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Flatbush and Canarsie. Of course the old Brooklyn Churches like Plymouth Congregational where Henry Ward Beecher preached fiery sermons to ditinguished guests such as Frederick Douglass, Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, Sojourner Truth and even Abraham Lincoln were instrumental in the abolition of slavery. Martin Luther King, Jr. would later preach the first version of his 'I have a dream' speach in that very same church. I always wonder when I am in any old building about the people who walked those very same halls years and centuries before me.

Posted by: Chaka at September 29, 2008 2:25 PM in response to Celebrating the Abolitionist Movement in Brooklyn

A little water in the basement after a heavy rain is a common problem. There are a number of fixes. It almost scared me away from purchasing my house but after living with it for a year or two we had the problem abated and the basement refinished without any further leaks. Of course an engineers report is a must to find the source of the problem before purchase.

Posted by: Chaka at September 29, 2008 1:58 PM in response to House of the Day: 2777 Bedford Avenue

Sure the retired owners would love to sell their house tonight if they could but there is no urgency to sell. After not selling while it was listed with Brooklyn Properties they decided to move on anyway. They have no mortgage on this home but they don't intend on giving it away. Hopefully at this price, which seems fair, Mary Kay can move the house for them. As Architerrorist said she's still moving houses in Victorian Flatbush. I don't know who's buying but I guess despite the current financial crisis, people are still looking to own their homes.

Posted by: Chaka at September 29, 2008 1:32 PM in response to House of the Day: 2777 Bedford Avenue

I found the link for the thread back in March.

http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/03/lottery_lunacy.php

Posted by: Chaka at September 26, 2008 8:52 PM in response to PACC Spins Out Another Affordable Housing Project

I wonder how many Red Hook residents work on the tug boats or the docks?

Posted by: Chaka at September 26, 2008 8:00 PM in response to Not Just BJs for Red Hook, But a Whole Mall

As stated the rules for re-sale vary depending on the program. I should have clarified. In this building because it is a cooperative, what FOF and Lilbit posted may well be true. When one, two and three family homes are built under similar programs, there are no such restrictions. How would such a covenant be included in the title of the house anyway? My friend got a house on Fulton street via a lottery for middle income buyers and sold at a hefty profit about 8 years later. I remember a thread on Brownstoner a couple of months back about this very same topic.

Posted by: Chaka at September 26, 2008 7:56 PM in response to PACC Spins Out Another Affordable Housing Project

How does a parolee escape? If he was on parole that would mean that he was already released from prison. Were they going to revoke his parole and return him to prison upon the completion of the interrogation?

Posted by: Chaka at September 26, 2008 7:37 PM in response to Escaped Parolee a Game-Changer for Saint Ann's Stance

That would be East 24th Street house. Even further away from the train.

Posted by: Chaka at September 26, 2008 2:05 PM in response to Open House Picks

Getting one of these apartments is like winning Lotto. After a brief mandatory residency period complete with tax abatements, the owners are free to sell at market rate.

Posted by: Chaka at September 26, 2008 2:02 PM in response to PACC Spins Out Another Affordable Housing Project

The East 22nd Street house is east of Ocean Avenue in the South Midwood section of Victorian Flatbush. It is pratically a two-fare zone because it's a long walk to the Q train. It is huge house and appears to be move-in-ready although the kitchens and baths could use updating. That price is still a little too steep for that section of 'Ditmas'.

Posted by: Chaka at September 26, 2008 1:47 PM in response to Open House Picks

I don't know if you've been down Cortelyou Road lately tybur6 but it is an extremely busy thoroughfare, especially during rush hours. Every express bus in Brooklyn with the exception of three come through Coretlyou Road along with trucks, fire engines, etc... Making it a one-way street would not be a good thing. Although, I do wish that the city would try unconventional ideas when it comes to traffic calming on Cortelyou and elsewhere.

Posted by: Chaka at September 21, 2008 5:43 PM in response to Closing Bell: Park(ing) Day in Flatbush

The sound of kids playing doesn't seem like noise to me but then again I don't live across the street from a playground. I agree Architerrorist, that the home was well kept by the owners who no longer live there. I watched as they renovated and re-shingled but kind of cringed at their color selections both inside and outside of the house. To each his own though. I think the price is too steep. The tudor around the corner on Marlborough wasn't asking that much and it is a nicer home with more original details.

Posted by: Chaka at September 5, 2008 3:28 PM in response to Open House Picks

Last time I checked they were even in the same city.Perhaps the Queens number would have skyrocketed even more, if it were not for the legislation.

Posted by: Chaka at September 4, 2008 11:25 PM in response to August Foreclosure Report: Queens Still Hurting, BK Better

Is this a sign of the market starting to come around or a result of the moratorium on foreclosures after the NY State Assembly's recent foreclosure legislation?

Posted by: Chaka at September 4, 2008 9:27 AM in response to August Foreclosure Report: Queens Still Hurting, BK Better

Sure Steve. Tell him I said hello. No one person designed the ACRIS system. It was a system that was developed over a number of years with numerous revisions and input from several agencies including DOF, DOB, DoITT, etc...

Posted by: Chaka at September 3, 2008 4:58 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

If retailers based store placement soley on history, they would have missed their opportunity to open the chain stores that are now downtown Brooklyn. I would think that they also consider changing demographics. Isn't that part of what lead to the proliferation of big box stores in the borough? Many of those stores like Ikea, Target, Home Depot and Lowes are among their company's top grossing stores.

I don't neccesarily agree that the smaller stores who have been around should be displaced but how can a building or lot owner be prevented from renting or selling to a proprietor who can pay more.

Posted by: Chaka at September 3, 2008 4:36 PM in response to Big Boxes Go to Flatbush

I misread it.

Posted by: Chaka at September 3, 2008 4:33 PM in response to Announcing "Ask the Brooklyn Borough Historian"

11233, Wouldn't that make them tumbleweaves?

Posted by: Chaka at September 3, 2008 3:57 PM in response to Announcing "Ask the Brooklyn Borough Historian"

Steve, that would mean again, that I am taxed separately for the 'G' my garage. The 'G' designation is not the designation given to all permanent stand alone buildings on your property. There are other designations with 'G' being the most expensive because of the curb cut. Again Steve, I have gone through this and I didn't make the rules.

Lurker, my deed outlines the boundaries of my property which includes my driveway and extends in the front of my house to the sidewalk where my lawn ends. I am 'entitled' to an easement to access the driveway and garage via a curb cut in the public street. I saw that stoop thread the other day and I can see how you can get confused. Unlike much of Brownstone Brooklyn, Lewis Pounds, TB Ackerson, Dean Alvord, the developers of Victorian Flatbush decided not to follow the Brownstone model and instead cut out large lots setting the houses back from the property lines to allow for front lawns which are private property. The sidewalks were also made to be extra wide allowing for the planting of trees and malls. This is what attracted me to the area. As far as what is fair, I would say that it is unfair that people make their own driveway/curb cuts and are not taxed for them. As for me, under the current system, the city via DOF is being compensated.

Posted by: Chaka at September 3, 2008 11:16 AM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

We've always turned to Ron in Victorian Flatbush for information on our neighborhood. He was a long time resident and instrumental in keeping our neighborhood association going during the city's hard times. I have gotten several old photos and post cards of my home from him. He used to do walking tours of Flatbush in the Spring and Autumn. I guess he'll be too busy for that now. Great addition,

Posted by: Chaka at September 3, 2008 10:55 AM in response to Announcing "Ask the Brooklyn Borough Historian"

Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware and Banana Repblic would probably do well in Flatbush. People living in Crown Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Ditmas Park, Kensington, etc... may find it more convenient to frequent these stores in Flatbush, which is in the center of Brooklyn and accessible by train and bus, than to go into the city. There is even indoor parking for those who choose to drive to the Target Mall. People living in Sheephead Bay, Midwood and other surrounding areas shop in higher end chain stores as well. There are some very high end boutiques along Avenue M, Kings Highway and Avenue J. When I shop in any of those stores, I see stay-at-home-moms with young kids, who are not going to take their children into the city to shop.

I personally steer clear of the Target in Atlantic Center because they are always understocked. Flatbush Target is so much better. If the above mentioned high end chains were to come to Brooklyn, the most populus borough BTW, they would get plenty of business.

Posted by: Chaka at September 3, 2008 10:49 AM in response to Big Boxes Go to Flatbush

Steve,

I am being taxed for the ground on which the garage sits AND the garage. That would be the 'Building-1' for the house and 'Extention- G' for the garage designation on my taxes. The 'G' was not there when I purchased my home even though the garage was there since the 1920's. The sellers had to have the designation changed before I closed and when they did the taxes increased based solely on the added 'G'. They used the increase in property tax as an argument to try to get me to not have it recorded properly so that they could save themelves the expense because they correctly said that it would have been grandfathered-in. I didn't want any problems though. What if a 'Steve' were to come by and challenge the legitimacy of my curb cut? ;)

I also have a neighbor whose garage was a safety hazard and they had it demolished. Once the demolition was reported to DOF and the 'G' designation removed, their taxes decreased. I get the point that you are trying to make although I respectfully disagree but I assure you that I pay yearly for that garage.

Posted by: Chaka at September 2, 2008 10:53 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

North Heights,

You'd actually look to see if the driveway was legal not the curb cut. The curb cut easement comes with the legal driveway. The two main places to look would be the City Dept of Finance (DOF) and the Dept of Buildings (DOB.) Depending on the age of your home you can even look at the 1940 tax photos.

If the home is a newer home and it doesn't conform to the regulations below, the driveway is probably illegal (done without proper approval or permits) therefore making the curb cut illegal.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/downloads/pdf/curbcuts.pdf

Posted by: Chaka at September 2, 2008 10:19 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

Was the carriage house legally converted into living space or is it attached to a main house? Is the carriage house now on its own deed? This makes all the difference in the world.

If there were a driveway and/or garage/carriage house there is an easment to access either of them via the curb cut and given the age of your carriage house it was probably grandfathered in. If the carriage house is a legal living space and deeded as such although the curb cut may be present there would be no easement because there is neither the driveway or garage to access.

If it is any solace, most people will not park where they see a curb cut, especially in front of a converted carriage house.

Posted by: Chaka at September 2, 2008 10:02 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

Never said that I was entitled to the sidewalk, I said that I was 'entitled' to clean it. I am entitled to the curb cut though. The title to my home clearly states as much. Until a city ordinance is passed that says otherwise, that is just the way that it is. Neither of us made the legal curb cut laws but I am definitely a beneficiary of it. Now you could advocate to have the legal curb cut ordinances repealed but I don't think that you would get much support. Gentile is having a hard enough time getting legislation to stop illegal curb cuts. It appears that if his legislation goes through, the illegal curb cuts will be 'grandfathered-in' anyway.

Also could you please contact the DOF on my behalf and tell them to stop taxing my garage?

Posted by: Chaka at September 2, 2008 9:43 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

I know people in Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst who have cars for themselves and each of their kids! At least we have the space to park them and space for eight more. One vehicle is a hybrid (new) and the other is quite old. I never use street parking for either of them because it takes spaces away from others, even though they are commuters.

BTW, I don't have a Viking or Aga range or subzero fridge. To each his or her own.

Posted by: Chaka at September 2, 2008 9:30 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

"buying a house and property taxes doesn't entitle you to a piece of public property."

It most certainly does. That is precisely why I am also 'entitled' to clean trash from the entire public sidewalk and street curb in front of my home, shovel all of the snow and keep the entire stretch of cement sidewalk in good repair, even replacing it if necessary. BTW, that runs about 7K-10K out here and you pray that the cement doesn't crack. I would say that my garage and driveway being taxed yearly and maintaining the public property in front of my home is a fair trade off.

However, I do feel for my neighbors who live in more densely populated Brownstone neighborhoods. I owned an apartment in one and parking was a pain. When I traded-up, I decided to sacrifice being walking distance from some of the best ammenities in Brooklyn and being minutes away from the city to have a big yard, big house, driveway and garage. We can't have it all.

Oh almost forgot lurker, it does mention both garage and driveway which according to DOB includes the curb cut. I wanted to make sure that mine was legal before I purchased.

Posted by: Chaka at September 2, 2008 8:31 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

Brenda,

I am in Ditmas Park and I have a legal driveway that could probably fit about ten cars deep. I sure as heck don't take it for granted. There are only two cars in my household and we don't put either in the garage which is of course filled with kayaks and other camping gear. I certainly would not appreciate having my curb cut condemned because I don't use my garage as a place to park my car. I paid for that curb cut first when I purchased my home and I pay for it every year in the form of property taxes. Our property taxes wouldn't be as high without the garage or driveway. In this area there is still plenty of on-street parking and it is mostly used by people who drive to the area and hop on the train to get to work. The streets are virtually empty on the weekends because people who live in the area have driveways.

However, illegal curb cuts, especially in densely populated areas are a problem because they are not taxed and make on- street parking almost impossible.

Posted by: Chaka at September 2, 2008 7:51 PM in response to The Luxury of the Garage

There is a BJ's opening on Shore Parkway right off of the Belt Parkway near Bay Parkway. It is taking the the place of the school bus parking lot. This is also waterfront property but there was no resistance to that store opening. There must be a huge demand for these types of stores or else they wouldn't stay in business.

Posted by: Chaka at August 28, 2008 6:48 PM in response to More Big Box Shops for Red Hook

Beautiful House. I saw this house about ten years ago and thought that it had potential then. The present owners have done such a wonderful job with the restoration. Unfortunately, I don't think that they will get 1.2, for it but they should.

BTW MM, the beautiful house in Ditmas Park was not foreclosed upon.

Posted by: Chaka at August 28, 2008 6:42 PM in response to House of the Day: 1094 Park Place

You might be able to find out if you contact the NYC Department of Finance - nyc.gov. I use to think that above ground pools were ugly too but I have seen neighbors here in Ditmas Park and friends in Midwood with above ground pools that were really nice and a far cry from the old plastic blue pools. They are enclosed in beautifully landscaped multi-level decks giving the illusion that the pools are below ground.

My house came with an ugly above ground pool complete with a metal ladder hanging off of the side. It looked like blue and brown tupperware bowl sitting in the yard. The good thing was that our backyard is huge so it only took up a portion of the backyard space. However, when my kids became teenagers, we got rid of it. I would definitely reconsider installing another above ground pool because of the options currently available.

I have also seen some really ugly in-ground pools but I must admit that there is nothing like a nicely landscaped in-ground pool.

Posted by: Chaka at August 26, 2008 1:16 PM in response to property tax and an INGROUND pool in Brooklyn

Police Officers hate getting calls involving "EDP's" because these calls can turn into bad situations really fast. Unless the person is committing a crime, they do not arrest. In some cases were the crimes are mere violations (like pooping on a stoop) and not actual misdemeanors or felonies, they will sometimes make the arrest just so the person can be taken to the hospital for evaluation. If the crime is a misdemeanor or felony, chances are a bail will be set and the person will be held in jail with the judge ordering a 730 mental health exam. This is just a stop gap measure though. Even in jail, the person can not be forced to take their medication and only in the rarest of circumstances will a judge issue an order for "forced meds." Once released from jail, they are given a mental health discharge plan but of course not too many of them stick to it.

The other option is calling DHS via 311. They do not have the resources to respond as quickly as the Police and they can't force someone to go to a hospital or worse a shelter which is worse than jail.

The jails have become the new mental health hospitals and it is a trend that needs to be reversed. The mentally ill deserve better.

Posted by: Chaka at August 22, 2008 1:05 PM in response to Return of the Stoop Pooper

You have a good night dear.

Posted by: Chaka at August 18, 2008 6:19 PM in response to How many can live in 1 family house

Yes while that is true bxgrl, your post preceding that one did take a very accusatory and IMHO, a wrong turn.

Posted by: Chaka at August 18, 2008 6:18 PM in response to How many can live in 1 family house

Bxgrl, you really do read too much into some of these posts. I tried to help you out the other day but you always slide back down that slippery slope of name calling and then get upset when others do it to you.

Posted by: Chaka at August 18, 2008 4:13 PM in response to How many can live in 1 family house

I was wondering the same. A co-worker just told me that the people residing in your home are considered tenants. She said that when she asked her college-aged daughter to leave her home for a number of transgressions and the girl took her to court and WON! The girl lived in the same bedroom that she had lived in for years and never paid rent but was considered a tenant who had been illegally evicted when her mom put her out!

I guess it would be up to a judge to decide how to interpret tenancy in this case.

Posted by: Chaka at August 18, 2008 3:30 PM in response to How many can live in 1 family house

CHAPTER 2
HOUSING MAINTENANCE CODE
[table of contents]

SUBCHAPTER 3
PHYSICAL AND OCCUPANCY STANDARDS FOR DWELLING UNITS

Article 4
Minimum Room Sizes and Occupancy Regulations

Section
27-2074 Minimum Room Sizes
27-2075 Maximum Permitted Occupancy
27-2076 Prohibited Occupancies
27-2077 Conversions to Rooming Units Prohibited
27-2078 Rental of Rooms to Boarders
27-2079 Single Room Occupancy
27-2080 Maintenance of a Registry in Rooming House and Single Room Occupancy Buildings

http://www.housingnyc.com/html/resources/hmc/sub3/art4.html#27-2075

NYC Housing Guidelines

Sec. 27-2075 Maximum permitted occupancy
No dwelling unit shall be occupied by a greater number of persons than is permitted by this section.

Every person occupying an apartment in a class A or class B multiple dwelling or in a tenant-occupied apartment in a one- or two-family dwelling shall have a livable area of not less than eighty square feet. The maximum number of persons who may occupy any such apartment shall be determined by dividing the total livable floor area of the apartment by eighty square feet. For every two persons who may lawfully occupy an apartment, one child under four may also reside therein, except that a child under four is permitted in an apartment lawfully occupied by one person. No residual floor area of less than eighty square feet shall be counted in determining the maximum permitted occupancy for such apartment.

The floor area of a kitchen or kitchenette shall be included in measuring the total liveable floor area of an apartment but the floor area for private halls, foyers, bathrooms or water closets shall be excluded.

A living room in a rooming unit may be occupied by not more than two persons if it has a minimum floor area not less than one hundred ten square feet in a rooming house, or one hundred thirty square feet in a single room occupancy.

Posted by: Chaka at August 18, 2008 2:17 PM in response to How many can live in 1 family house

Why do think that Allstate will not cover you? Either Travelors, Chubb or Allstate would probably be your best bets.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 9:00 PM in response to Homeowners Insurance for Ditmas Park House?

Oh also Guvna, the distinct West Indian flavor present in certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn comes from the more recent immigrants. We saw the West Indian American parade grow as the West Indian population grew. My grandfather was born in Barbados and he along with many of the other first wave of immigrants who came to NY in the 1920's saw themselves as part of the bigger group of African Americans who were all forced to deal with segregation and racism as Blacks in America. Marcus Garvey who was from Jamaica forged a very large coalition of African Americans - that is Americans of African descent - to combat their collective problems. His answer of course was to go back to Africa.

The more recent immigrants came, as I stated in my first post after the Civil Rights Act of 1965. Their experiences were very different from the earlier arrivals so they did not have as much as a need to assimilate. We see much of these cultural distinctions playing out in local politics. It started with Una Clarke (Jamaican and Yvette's mother) going after Major Owens' (American) seat and playing up her West Indian heritage to get votes.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 4:24 PM in response to What’s it Like in Crown Heights?

Benson, I am certain it was Bensonhurst because I grew up there. The area is sometimes referred to as Bath Beach. We were mostly around 18th Avenue and Bath Avenue. Mount Zion Baptist Church on Bath Avenue predates Saint Finbar's and is where my in-laws were married in 1945. My father-in-law reported to the draft board at the JCH on Bay Parkway for WWII.

and

Guvna, by referring to West Indians as African Americans I meant that they are of African descent having been brought to the West Indies from Africa as slaves and now living in America. Of course there are cultural differences between the descendants of Africans brought to the states and those taken to the West Indies. Just as there are cultural differences between Blacks from the Sea Islands of SC and GA and those in New Orleans.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 4:01 PM in response to What’s it Like in Crown Heights?

NOP,

I know the book well. It is called Brown Girl, Brownstones.
She tells the story of trying to fit in with the already established middle class Blacks and dealing with racism from the White community.

The history of Brooklyn is fascinating and much of it as far as the contributions of people of color remains unknown. I only knew about Weeksville because I have family ties there. Similarly very few people know about the large community of African Americans who began to settle in Bensonhurst in the early 1900's and whose descendants are still there today althought there numbers are dwindling or the African American Holmes famliy of Canarsie for whom Holmes Lane is named. They sold a large tract of land to Harry Waxman who developed the part of Canarsie now referred to as Seaview Village. The homes there are called Waxman splits (ranch.)

Again, I would not have known about any of this if it were not because of family ties.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 2:21 PM in response to What’s it Like in Crown Heights?

Some grim dive on CIA at Cortelyou. They have been there for years and do a steady business and they are actually not so grim.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 2:05 PM in response to Streetlevel: A New Bar Coming to Cortelyou

I don't agree with Bxgl that often but I have to stand by her on this one. Although Blacks were not in Crown Heights since the dawn of time, they were in Crown Heights since at least colonial times and although the vast majority of Victorian Crown Heights homeowners were wealthy white men, there were a significant number of Black homeowners, as well.

Many of the groups who came later and also added to the beautiful mosaic that is Crown Heights, often forget this fact. This fact doesn't give any one group greater claim to the neighborhood than any other, but it is just a matter of acknowledgement.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 1:56 PM in response to What’s it Like in Crown Heights?

Nice addition to Cortelyou Road. Dumb name though. And the neighborhood already has a bar. And a flower shop.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 1:15 PM in response to Streetlevel: A New Bar Coming to Cortelyou

"Arent you forgetting the huge West Indian population that lives there too?"

The majority of West Indians in this country would qualify as African American. The first wave of West Indian immigrants to NYC came at about the time of the Harlem Renaissance. Montrose is correct that this group assimilated into the larger African American community. However, Bxgl is also correct. I have several African American relatives who owned homes in Crown Heights since the 1800's. My grandparents first home was in Crown Heights and they purchased it in 1938. My uncle's wife actually grew up in Crown Heights as did her mother and her parents before her going back to the late 1700's as far as they can trace. It was called the Weeksville community and its borders were much larger than the current Weeksville site on Hunterfly Road.

The newest and biggest wave of West Indian immigrants didn't come to this country until after the passage of the Civil Rights Act which also opened immigration to groups who were previously restricted. This second wave of immigrants maintains much closer ties with their homelands and do display a cultural pride not displayed by the earlier immigrants but this is the case with many recent arrivals to the U.S. Technology makes it easy to keep in touch with those back home and air travel makes it possible to visit.

Posted by: Chaka at August 15, 2008 1:11 PM in response to What’s it Like in Crown Heights?

The NIMBY's in Brooklyn Heights & Boerum Hill are complaining about the re-opening of a jail that predated the recent building boom. A jail that many old-time residents admit, did not adversly affect the community.

Imagine their response if the city were to convert the jail building into a homeless intake center. It would actually make more sense. The jail is close to transportation and social service agencies. I know someone who works for DHS and lives in Boerum Hill who is in favor of the Armory Intake Center project but opposed to the jail opening in his neighborhood. I want to make the next meeting just to call him out on this.

Although I am not a resident of Crown Heights, I am definitely against this project and concerned for my Crown Heights neighbors. I hate to play the race/economics card but this would have never been considered in Park Slope or Bay Ridge or Boerum Hill/Brooklyn Heights for that matter.

Posted by: Chaka at August 13, 2008 2:08 PM in response to Homeless Intake Center Plan Provokes Broad Opposition

Thank God Ditmas 'ain't' Pawtucket or Brooklyn Heights. It is still relatively affordable. We also know how to do good Halloween party. In addition to many porch and block celebrations, we have two parades. There is one house that sets up an electric chair and guillotine every year on their lawn. Last year a kid at another house was buried under the leaves piled up by the porch and jumped out as we approached the door. He scared the crap out me. My kids of course found it very amusing. Even if I could afford the BH tudor, I am still partial to Ditmas. I didn't have to go all the way to Pawtucket for a little grass.

Posted by: Chaka at August 6, 2008 8:26 PM in response to House of the Day: 19 Garden Place

Cornetor,

I was dropped by Allstate as were many New York State residents who did not have multiple policies (i.e. auto &car.) A class action lawsuit was filed against Allstate on behalf New Yorkers. A settlement has been reached and basically these are the terms: You can call Allstate and they will reinstate your policy but you will then forfeit the right to a monetary settlement which would be miniscule anyway or opt out all together and await a monetary settlement.

If you decide to have the policy reinstated, you will not be required to pay for the first year up front.

The number to call is 1-800-255-7828. Tell them that you want your policy reinstated under the terms of the class action suit.

Posted by: Chaka at August 6, 2008 7:59 PM in response to Can anyone recommend good insurance agent?

The new 'Q' local trains are very quiet. You can barely hear them, especially on this particular block. There are stations at either end of the block so they travel at a crawl from one station to the next and are below grade in a trench. The express 'B' is another story though. Service was just extended to 11:00 PM on the weekdays and the 'B' trains are older and noisier. 'B' express does not run on the weekends. Again this block is below grade so not as noisy as blocks further to the south.

I would think that being near Cortelyou is a plus. It is centrally located in Victorian Flatbush. The house is obviously near transportation but walking distance to Church Avenue and Prospect Park. It is also walking distance to Newkirk.

This house happens not to be adjacent to the tracks but if it were I'd go for it - for the right price. There are hundreds of people in this city living with trains in the back, front under and over them and they seem to deal with it.

Posted by: Chaka at August 1, 2008 5:50 PM in response to Open House Picks

Marlborough Road is one of the prettier blocks in that area. The house is already updated and is close to Cortelyou. I agree with Argyle. It is priced to sell. In fact, all of the houses seem to be reasonably priced.

Posted by: Chaka at August 1, 2008 4:43 PM in response to Open House Picks

If you are unsure as to what the C of O is on your home, you can look it up online at ACRIS or go to NYC.gov Buildings Dept. You can search by both address and block and lot.

However, the building codes are very confusing even for an experienced homeowner which is why I would just call in the professionals. I would seek the help of reputable engineers, contractors and fire specialists. They should all be able to explain the codes and give you a free estimate of what it would cost in your specific case. Hopefully Smokychimp will see your post and offer advice on the subject. I find her (?) to be very knowledgable on subjects like this.

Posted by: Chaka at July 31, 2008 12:09 PM in response to Help!!!!!! PLease CODES????

Bayridgegirl you are 100% incorrect. More like...

in 10 years = Co-ops

When this does occur, I hope that the current residents take advantage of the opportunity to purchase their apartments. They still have time to get their finances in order so that it can happen for them.

Posted by: Chaka at July 31, 2008 11:51 AM in response to $58 Million, Rent-Stabilized Apartment Portfolio Trades

That's a white guy standing behind the bar The Who.

Posted by: Chaka at July 30, 2008 12:54 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up

I have taken the X29 as well as the old Command bus lines that are now MTA lines BM1, 2,3 and 4. They only go into Kensington as far as Church and Ocean Parkway going into the city though. On the return trips they get off of the Prospect and go onto MacDonald Ave turning once again on Church. They are all pretty much on time, unlike the local bus routes.

Posted by: Chaka at July 29, 2008 5:15 PM in response to Kensington Express Bus

BTW PropJoe, the owners of Connecticut are Arabs. Egyptian.

Posted by: Chaka at July 29, 2008 4:24 PM in response to Streetlevel: A Connecticut Muffin for Schermerhorn

NYICY on Church took my C note without a problem when I purchased just one Black Raspberry Ice. I apologized for not having a smaller bill but the girl that served me said that it was no problem and the ices are so much better than Uncle Louie's.

Posted by: Chaka at July 29, 2008 1:54 PM in response to Closing Bell: Better Bring Small Bills to Louie's

"I don't think sales to groups like these ought to be included in the "top sales"

I probably wouldn't live in any of those neighborhoods either but "top sales" are "top sales," whether you or other Brownstoner readers desire to live in those areas or not. I would not have made any of them HOTD's but at those prices, the sales should be noted.

Many of these homes were on the open market and sold by older Italian families to the SY community. It is relevent to BK real estate because as the SY community continues to grow, the boundaries of the community will expand.

Posted by: Chaka at July 28, 2008 7:45 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Generally speaking, houses in landmarked areas do sell for more than those in non-landmarked areas. In the case of Victorian Flatbush, there are homes in the non-landmarked areas that have sold for more than those in the landmarked areas. The condition of the home was key.

BSW is probably the nicest of the non-landmarked areas and is close to Cortelyou but centrally located so that walking to Newkirk or Church is convenient. Also as a previous poster stated, they have a very active neighnorhood association who among other things sponsors holiday parties, the security patrol and other community events. Many of the BSW homes were originally built as legal two families which gives owners more space than a Brownstone unit and a nice sized rental.

The house on Marlborough adjacent to the train tracks is the worst on that block and it needs a lot of work but even then a more appropriate price would only be about 175K less than listed.

Posted by: Chaka at July 28, 2008 7:30 PM in response to Beverly Square West - Landmark Status?

You can find the properties the old-fashioned way by going to the county clerk's office and looking at the notices for homes whose mortagage holders have filed suit to foreclose called 'lis pendens' or the notices for the homes where the court has okayed the foreclosures.

However, now people who are interested in obtaining this information just subscribe to a service that provides this information, which is extracted from the court public records, on-line.

Posted by: Chaka at July 23, 2008 5:25 PM in response to Foreclosure of the Week: 445 East 19th Street

Whenever I see the "Foreclosure of the Week" post, I wonder how the people who live in these homes feel about having their home featured. I know that this information is public record anyway, but once it appears on a blog, it is as though it is being posted in the town square.

We all tend to think that something like this could never happen to us. I am sure that these homeowners thought the same.

I wish the family well, however this turns out.

Posted by: Chaka at July 23, 2008 4:57 PM in response to Foreclosure of the Week: 445 East 19th Street

There were several recent thefts in Brooklyn of gates and fencing. I wonder if these may have been stolen? Who would want to get rid of gates such as these if they are good condition?

Posted by: Chaka at July 23, 2008 4:29 PM in response to 1850s Cast Iron Stoop Railing mold available

I'd much rather be harassed by people from the condo's or houses as they walk by. Would explain why, but I've got to go. There is a condo walking by right now!

Posted by: Chaka at July 17, 2008 11:34 AM in response to williamsburg low rent projects

Yes Bunkerlabs, I was told that when the buildings don't fit through the tunnel, they use alternative routes.

Vinca, I am so glad that you it because I am certain that Reno911 will not. Reno911 may be suffering from PTSD from witnessing his friend get shot with a BB gun.

Posted by: Chaka at July 16, 2008 7:20 PM in response to williamsburg low rent projects

"Will these low-rent projects remain forever you think or be moved elsewhere as the surrounding buildings become luxury. How does it work?"

The projects will be moved to New Jersey when enough buildings in Williamsburgh "become luxury." This is how it works...

The have the project people put all of their belongings in clear plastic bags and then they throw the bags in the back of a truck. They then dig up the foundation of the project buildings and put the buildings on a flatbed attached to aforementioned truck. The truck moves slowly over the Williamsburgh bridge through Manhattan and then through either the Holland or Lincoln tunnel. Upon arrival in New Jersey, it is then unloaded somewhere off of Route 1&9.

Posted by: Chaka at July 16, 2008 4:44 PM in response to williamsburg low rent projects

In this market, I'd use a good realtor. Buyers seeing a FSBO, especially now, will expect a rock bottom price. You need a professional in your corner to get the best price possible.

Posted by: Chaka at July 16, 2008 4:33 PM in response to Should I User a Realtor to Sell my House

Yes. There is another Midwood. The one in Brooklyn where houses are selling for over 2 1/2 million dollars!

Posted by: Chaka at July 15, 2008 8:43 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

This house in Midwood will more than likely face the wrecking ball as well, to be replaced by one of those Midwood style mini or maybe not so mini mansions.

Posted by: Chaka at July 15, 2008 2:07 PM in response to Last Week's Biggest Sales

Chaka,

That is your interpretation. The list of religious seperatists who feel they are "chosen" is not exclusive to one type of religion.

Sjtmd,

Bringing awareness to special interest tactics will only aid in the change I was voting for. I would like to see your definition of how I am "fear mongering". I only have proof of the ballot where I voted. Perhaps someone photographed the Crown Heights ballot. Time will tell, hopefully.

Thankfully

Posted by: pig three at November 5, 2008 12:57 PM in response to Barack Hussein Obama

FYI, I voted in Crown Heights, and our delightful new President's middle name was not on the ballot.

Posted by: riis10 at November 5, 2008 6:24 PM in response to Barack Hussein Obama