With the right planning, there is room on the road for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. Pedestrians are notorious for jaywalking and cyclists do not often obey the traffic signals but if hit by either, the victim will more than likely survive. Although most motor vehicle drivers do obey the traffic rules, an accidental encounter with one can be lethal which is why enforcement is a priority.

Pedestrians clearly always have the right of way. Both cyclists and motor vehicles have to yield to them and of course should be considerate of each other. It is true that in the past, enforcement of the traffic rules for cyclists was lacking but you will see more of it in the near future.

I have found the one lane situation on Vanderbilt to be quite pleasant and it is my professional opinion that it slows drivers down. I think the same will happen on Empire. The drawback which was mentioned by a previous poster is that emergency service vehicles may be slowed down slightly when responding to an incident.

Posted by: Chosen at July 1, 2009 5:36 PM in response to Empire Blvd now has just 1 lane

" I asked for a pen to write the badge numbers down before I left and they refused to give me a pen and covered up their badges. "

If she had done what I advised in my post, she would not have needed the pen. The shield numbers of all three officers in the station were visible. When she was transported to the precinct there was a number and a plate number on the vehicle. If the cops acted inappropriately then they should be disciplined, if she was disorderly then she should be found guilty of the offense. You automatically assume that the cops were wrong and that she is telling the truth. I reserve passing judgement either way.

"You live in fear. Not respect"

The first part of this statement is correct. I live in fear that I will not make it home to my kids because I may get shot while protecting people like you who don't appreciate it. This fear keeps me on my toes which keeps me safe and has kept me coming home at the end of my tour for the past 18 1/2 years. Despite seeing people at their worst, most officers as is the case for myself, will show you respect if you are not disrepectful. Act otherwise and you will be treated accordingly. We are people not robots.

Posted by: Chosen at July 1, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

"For what it is worth, NYC spends the most per capita for poverty stricken and social welfare programs. I know if I were dirt poor I would thrive in NYC relative to other parts of the country."

NYC spends more because it costs more to live here. Many people who I grew up with in the PJ's have left NYC. Even though their benefits are less elsewhere, they feel that they have a better quality of life.

Posted by: Chosen at July 1, 2009 12:34 PM in response to Wednesday Links

You know what, that sounds good iz and then there is reality. When the Police fail to act in any given situation, people criticize. When they act, people criticize. Are there bad cops? Sure! Just as there are bad graphic artists, doctors, teachers and bloggers. And just for the record, overzealous policing did not start post 9/11. In communities of color, it has always been present. Welcome to their world.

Again do not ask a cop for his/her shield number. Do you have the right to do so, of course, but not recommended or necessary. Officers, unless they are not in a uniform detail, wear their shields with attached name plates on their outermost garments so you can just glance at it and commit it to memory for later use. If the Officer is not in uniform, but has a shield around their neck, you can again do the same. In the rare occassion that no shield is visible take note of their vehicles plate number. If the vehicle is an RMP (marked car) look at any of the identifying numbers on the vehicle and the command identifier. Sometimes you will see a precinct number or letters such as TB (Transit Bureau) followed by a number, PSA (Housing) followed by a number or just a series of letters like PBBS (Patrol Borough Brooklyn South) all on the rear quarter panel of the vehicles. If you are confrontational with a bad cop or just someone who is not going to tolerate your tirade on that day, you can be subject to a lawful arrest for OGA. This can cost you at least a DAT and at most a day or two in central booking. You don't even need to threaten the officer with your intention of "reporting" them if you feel that you have been treated unfairly. Just do it. Call the CCRB upon returning to your home. In the case of corruption call IAB. You can access either of them via 311.

"For the record, I make it a practice to treat law enforcement with respect - if you want it, you have to give it." -ENY

I don't see why you would have a problem with this. My attitude is pretty much the same and makes my life easier. Everyone whether I'm on-duty or off will get the benefit of the doubt until they prove that they should be treated otherwise. If you offered this same courtesy to cops, who like other civil servants are paid by tax dollars, your experiences would probably be more positive and just because someone is a civil servant doesn't mean that they are answerable to you personally.

This may be a broad generalization and may or may not be the case for you iz, but I have found that people who have the "I am a tax payer and I pay your salary attitude" are obnoxious and feel that they are somehow better than civil servants. Imagine walking into your doctors office or a restaurant with that attitude. I'd fear the Doctor using a bigger needle than necessary and the waitress going "Miss Celie" on me!

Posted by: Chosen at July 1, 2009 7:14 AM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

What is the alternative ENY? Arguing with the responding Officer or the property owner which can escalate the situation. You stated that your dad was a CO, and I certain that if you ask him, he'll agree with me there. I said years ago that every legal driveway in the city should be given some type of medallion that has to be place in the ground for all to see. This makes things easier for the police, people looking for parking and anyone else concerned. Fortunately for us we do not live in a police state so the police do not handle civil matters of this nature but the DOB should be taken to task on this one.

If you ascertain from DOB whether the driveway is on record or not, that will suffice to fight the ticket in the administrative hearing. However, getting DOB to actually take action against the illegal activity is another story. Unfortunately they have their hands full with falling buildings and other such dangerous matters. Despite what the people at Livable Streets say, an illegal driveway is not a hazardous condition and it probably isn't high on their list of priorities. Calls to your Council reps, CB's, Assembly reps and whoever else will listen is probably the best way to fight this.

At any rate, I would not recommend parking in an illegal driveway despite my disdain for the fact that this would be advantageous to the person who created it because if they vandalize your vehicle which happens often, there again is nothing that the police can do but take the report for insurance purposes, unless a witness who is willing to make a statement and possibly come to court to testify steps up.

Posted by: Chosen at June 30, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

We can sometimes become real snobs about HD and Lowe's, I am not saying that this is the case with you Well, but as a beginner, they are a good bet. As long as you keep your receipt, they will take anything back for refund or exchange. I have found the HD at Gateway Mall and the Cropsey Avenue store to have the best selections. The Terminal Market is pretty good too but returning things that didn't work out will be difficult. I have also ordered from Bluestone Perennials.

Posted by: Chosen at June 30, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Source for Plants in Bulk?

I would not recommend removing any signage from a fence or gate attached to any private property but if you do witness either a Traffic Enforcement Agent or Police Officer issuing a summons for blocking a driveway that you think may be illegal, do not argue with them. Politely explain that you think that the driveway is illegal and why you think it to be so. If there is a visible curb cut - even cement that has been chiseled away at the curb, the summons will be issued and the matter will have to be handled by pleading not-guilty and collecting the appropriate evidence from the DOB to prove your case. It is also as a previous poster, perhaps your Community Board might be of assistance to you in getting the legality of the driveway resolved. The legality of a curb cut is not a case for the NYPD to decide.

Chances are that the owner of the property called the precinct to have the summons issued. Officers do not otherwise issue tickets for vehicles blocking driveways. Once the summons is issued the proerty owner can call a private tow company and in some cases the Police will call a city tow truck to remove the vehicle. If it is later found out to be an illegal driveway and your car was towed and you were inconvenienced, file suit against the property owner in small claims court.

Posted by: Chosen at June 30, 2009 1:06 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

I usually enjoy this thread and I did this one as well but I would have appreciated this one a little more if it too featured something here in Brooklyn.

Posted by: Chosen at June 23, 2009 11:17 AM in response to Walkabout with Montrose: World's Fairs and White Cities

Canarsie is a decent enough neighborhood that has experienced a population shift in the last 15-20 years due to white flight. There are still a number of white families who are not leaving - mostly elderly who have been there since the 60's or 70's. There are no racial problems despite the demographic shift. There has been a rise in gang related activity in and around both Canarsie High School and South Shore which has been divide into "mini-schools" but they mostly fight each other. Needless to say the public school options are not great. Parking is not an issue as many houses have driveways and there is ample off street parking as well but most parts of the neighborhood would be considered a two fare zone to the "L" train at Rockaway. Off of the main streets like Flatlands, Avenue L, Remsen and East 80th the streets are really quiet sometimes desolate. There are many Chinese takeouts and West Indian both sit down and takeout places. Some of those places are pretty nice spots to hang out but you won't get Thai or any other variety. If you travel Mon-Thurs by airplane, JFK is only 10 minutes away on the Belt Parkway. Not far from Sheepshead Bay, Gateway National Park, Horseback riding trails, Floyd Bennett Field, Kings Plaza/Gateway Plaza eihter. I would rent first to see I like being out his far before committing to what would no doubt be a long term investment.

Posted by: Chosen at June 22, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Canarsie Quality of Life

RE: The Rabbi holding a Bar Mitzvah in the Tombs for the son of a reapprehended fugitive and 60 civilian guests.

Talk about Bagels and Locks!

Posted by: Chosen at June 22, 2009 11:25 AM in response to Monday Links

I never said that respect was enough to negate this killing or any other. As the fraternity of Blacks working in law enforcement is relatively small when compared to the numbers of Blacks caught up in the system, there is no one commenting in this forum that understands that more than me. I said that I will personally reserve commenting on the causes that led to this until the deceased is laid to rest and I will do just that.

Posted by: Chosen at June 3, 2009 2:16 PM in response to No parking in BedStuy on Thurs.

A2D,

Please let's not go there,now. The mood for the staff in all law enforcement agencies in the city has been a somber one because there is nothing "friendly" about "friendly fire." I have made it a personal policy to wait at least until the deceased, no matter which side of the law they were on, is laid to rest before I comment on any deadly incident when neighbors and friends ask for my opinion on a particular incident. It is out of respect to their families. In the upcoming weeks, there will be ample opportunity, if not on Brownstoner then in other forums, to offer your opinion as to the cause.

Posted by: Chosen at June 3, 2009 1:28 PM in response to No parking in BedStuy on Thurs.

BTW,

Despite the economic downturn, NYC is the safest city in the country. We have work to do on the tactics used to keep it safe but the safest city none the less, thanks to all of NYC's law enforcement officers (Police, Correction, Courts, Fire Marshalls, Probation, Parole, ASPCA, School Safety, Hospital Police, CUNY Safety Officers etc..)and the thousands of civilian support staff who are almost never recognized for their tedious work.

Posted by: Chosen at June 3, 2009 1:07 PM in response to No parking in BedStuy on Thurs.

I understand your concern but I would hope that for you to lose a parking spot for one day so that the citizens of NYC can honor a fallen officer is a small sacrifice.

The family of any active officer who passes away can request a Commissioners funeral. This means that in addition to the honor guard including the Emerald Society bagpipes, officers from various commands are sent to honor their fallen brother or sister. I have both voluntarily on my own time and been assigned by the Department to attend funerals of officers, many of whom I never knew personally. This service is of course to honor the deceased but this show of support is really for the family. It gives them a sense of pride that helps them through this very difficult time in their lives. When an officer dies in the line of duty, the turnout is even bigger. Law Enforcement agencies from all over the state and country will send a small contingent to pay their respects on behalf of their various Departments. All of the officers in attendance in uniform will stand in formation outside of the funeral venue from the beginning of the service until the end. There will be a "sea of blue," In this case because the anticipated turn out is expected to be extremely large, it will require the closing of numerous streets as opposed to the usual three or four.

I did not have the pleasure of knowing officer Edwards but we had much in common. Both of us Black kids who grew up in not so great circumstances who decided despite having been harassed by cops growing up to go into law enforcement so that we could make a change. I at the tail end of my career am financially set as I have reaped the benefits that top pay and years of training allows. I am very much looking forward to retiring next year at a relatively young age and he on the other hand barely made 35K to support his growing family but lost his life just the same. I know that there has been a push to have civil servants "give-up" more in exchange for their benefits packages. What more could Officer Edwards have given? R.I.P. Edwards.

Posted by: Chosen at June 3, 2009 11:05 AM in response to No parking in BedStuy on Thurs.

I am surprised that nothing came up in the archives. This question has been asked in the forum numerous times before with the same answer. DAS on Cortelyou Road. Reasonably priced and does good work.

Posted by: Chosen at May 9, 2009 9:28 PM in response to iso Upholsterer

You hit the nail on the head Denton. Kind of anyway. I do not have a "duty to retreat" if I am faced with deadly physical force or any other force for that matter but it is the smart thing to do especially when no one is being threatened. However, seeing how small situations can easily escalate, it is best to just walk away. Even if the shooting turns out to be justified because the person pulled a knife on you, how would you sleep at night knowing that you shot somebody in an incident that started out as an argument over a parking space? I work with a**holes who don't realize this and after being suspended once for stupid off-duty incidents, they usually smarten-up. If not, they don't generally last too long.

Posted by: Chosen at May 5, 2009 5:13 PM in response to Keyed Car Incident

It costs about the same as a brownstone to replace electrical, boiler, plumbing, etc... Roof will cost more than a Brownstone and heating slightly more than any attached home. Once those things are done they won't have to be redone for decades. If you buy a house like yesterdays HOTD - and there are a few of them available that have been updated, you won't have to worry about anything but yearly maintenance like cleaning the gutters, the chimneys, boiler service, etc..

I pay my landscaper $45 a month to cut the grass, edge the beds and incorporate compost. If I buy plants he will put them in for me but I basically do the rest of my gardening. Shoveling snow is a royal pain in the butt so I sometimes pay the guys who walk down the street offering to it for a small fee.

You will save money on storage fees, hotels for overnight guests, parking, entertainment, etc... and really get to enjoy your surroundings. I've always been partial to the space that the suburbs offered but I am happy to have found that space right here in Brooklyn.

Bklnite's prices seem to be about what I spent for similar projects except my roof was 25K. It was a complete tear-off and re-do. If you plan on redoing the siding using the cedar clapboards and/or shingles that will be costly but you won't have to do it again and the price is comparable to refacing a brownstone if not cheaper. Of course depending on the other areas that you are considering, the intial purchase prices out here are lower which of course lowers expenses from the onset.

No matter where you end up buying it would be a good idea to incorporate money for maintenance into your budget.

Posted by: Chosen at May 5, 2009 4:59 PM in response to Maintaining a Victorian home

It is a tool of the trade for me. It comes with the job.

And ENY, I don't even shoot people who take parking spots from me although I swear there are times when I want to bust a cap in somebody for doing that sh*t. I have way too much to risk. A nice big fat city pension awaits me in a year or two and I am working as much OT as possible to pad it. I am not trying to lose that. Can't work much OT if you get jammed up and assigned to the rubber gun squad awaiting charges for a bad shooting.

Posted by: Chosen at May 5, 2009 3:48 PM in response to Keyed Car Incident

Some of the best hair stylists in NYC started on Nostrand Avenue. I know people that come from Long Island and Queens to Nostrand Avenue to get their hair done. BTW, there are also two banks on Nostrand and Empire.

Posted by: Chosen at May 5, 2009 11:38 AM in response to Nostrand Ave: Many Hair Salons, No Cafés

My glock is like an American Express card - I don't leave home without it but even I don't engage people in parking arguments because they often lead to no good. This type of behavior is just an extention of road rage. Correct, the police can't do anything but take a report for insurance purposes although you may have a case in civil court if you can identify the person that you believed vandalized your car but even that is hard without witnesses or video/photographic evidence. If I pull into a spot without realizing that someone else was trying to park in that spot, I pull out. If someone tries to take a spot from me, I let them know that I was trying to park and if they are argumentative, I just find another and don't take this behavior personal.

Posted by: Chosen at May 5, 2009 11:16 AM in response to Keyed Car Incident

Neighborhood Housing Services

Posted by: Chosen at May 4, 2009 3:08 PM in response to House of the Day: 1816 Glenwood Road

It is much more expensive to resurface a brownstone than to repaint a wood frame house. I have done both. If the refacing of the stone is done correctly, you won't have to do it again hopefully in your lifetime but you would have to repaint about every ten years. People always complain about the maintenance on these houses but don't have a real sense of what it takes. This one is move-in ready with what appears to be all new systems. It has a two car garage, lots of space for storage entertaining and overnight guests.

I rent out one space in my two car garage to people who live in a neaeby co-op building, when relatives come to visit, they never have to pay for a hotel, I do not pay for a storage space to keep seasonal things like tents, Chrsitmas ornaments, lawn chairs, etc... I don't rent places for kids or adult parties because I have plenty of space to entertain. If you put a price on any one of those things it all equals out if you don't come out ahead. I know people who have toddlers of the opposite sex sharing a bedroom in their brownstones in which they have rental apartments to offset the high purchase prices. That is fine for now but I can tell you from experience that as a teenager you do not want to share your room with a sibling of the opposite sex. Each child having his or her own room is a luxury that is very affordable out this way especially because the house prices are considerably lower than comparable brownstone areas .

My heating bill has gone down after instituting some energy saving measures but it was only about 15% higher before my energy audit than heating and cooling my brothers brownstone. As far as nannies, gardeners and cleaning ladies, I'll just say that many people have done and do without.

Posted by: Chosen at May 4, 2009 2:53 PM in response to House of the Day: 1816 Glenwood Road

Glenwood is a little further away from the train and the Cortelyou strip than I prefer but still a reasonable walk in cold weather. I don't see anything wrong with the renovation except for the fireplace. IMHO, unless you are a chef/caterer or the mother of 18 kids and counting, why do you need a stove with 22 burners, 10 ovens and a refrigerator the size of three coffins? I think that kitchen reno's have become a status symbol and are a big waste of resources. This one seems fine though. Also, while I think that brownstones are beautiful, I prefer these freestanding homes which are much more open and filled with light.

I think this is a very reasonable alternative to moving to the suburbs. Kids can play in a nice yard on a swing set or go to a local park. The schools are pretty good over there too. Don't know about the 1.3 million price. Would probably sell for just under 1 million.

Posted by: Chosen at May 4, 2009 1:45 PM in response to House of the Day: 1816 Glenwood Road

I don't think that these businesses rely on being the only ones on the block but if they change to much they lose their old customer base. Duncan'son Myrtle has done a good job of incorporating a new clientele while still serving the needs of the older residents. Other places haven't fared so well. If the greasy spoon diner now buys grass fed beef for their burgers instead of donkey meat or whatever it was in their burgers, they now have to charge more for that burger possibly making it no longer affordable for their old customers. It is truly a delicate balance.

I grew up in the Ingersoll Houses when they were at their worst. I do go back occassionally to visit the mothers of friends who got "caught up" and find that many of these women, who are getting up in years, have expressed that while they are happy that the crackheads and drug dealers are gone, they can't afford to shop in the area any longer and that they have to travel further away for basic goods. Some of them are awaiting transfers to other projects and others are heading south or back to the islands.

NYC has been gentrifying from the day that the Europeans "discovered it." Surely after 400 some odd years and thousands of Urban Planning programs at universities the world over, someone - not me - has got to know of a way to address the issues of gentrification in a way that the benefits most concerned.

Posted by: Chosen at May 4, 2009 1:30 PM in response to Rosie and Nelson Redux

Many of the long time residents especially those who own houses have embraced the changes. However, others who though they they might reap the benefits brought about by these changes in either increased employment and business opportunties or better housing and community services feel as though they are being left behind. They are no doubt glad to see their neighborhood improving but that does not mean that they don't have legitmate complaints.

BTW, perhaps beautiful chicks complain about attention because they'd rather receive attention for things that they had control over, like being nice or dependable instead of receiving attention for something that was the luck of their DNA.

Posted by: Chosen at May 4, 2009 12:55 PM in response to Rosie and Nelson Redux

I guess you don't get around the city much. I would beg to differ that "Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have to be some of the friendliest, most neighborly, streets to walk down in the entire city." There are so many neighborhoods, granted most not lined with beautiful brownstones, that are way more friendlier and much more neighborly than either Fort Greene or Clinton Hill.

Posted by: Chosen at May 4, 2009 11:49 AM in response to Rosie and Nelson Redux

Looks like a great job. Time will tell though.

Posted by: Chosen at May 3, 2009 12:46 PM in response to How beautiful the stoop is NOw!!

"Just wondering, how bad is Park Slope parking, particularly thinking of the 9th st, 7th ave area?"

Very bad.

"However, my dad is unbelievably(!) tied to his car and wants an area of PS with easy (or easier) parking. Does this exist? How long does it take to find a spot at night?"

No. You can be fortunate enough to come home and find someone pulling out but not likely. You can also drive in circles for up to an hour before you find something which is more likely. If you dad is at home during the day and can schedule his outings around alternate side parking days and times, he will more than likely always be able to find parking nearby. This method rules out spontaneous excursions by car though. Will your parents be comfortable riding public transportation? My elderly father still rides the buses but will no longer ride the trains. He also uses car services quite often to get to and from his doctors appointments. Car service is a great option for short trips on the days that your dad doesn't want to move his car and lose his parking spot.

Posted by: Chosen at May 3, 2009 12:41 PM in response to parking? how bad is it?

These places were such a refuge for kids like me who grew up in the projects. Every child in every hosuing project should have access to one or an alternative like the Y, JCH or Boys and Girls Club.

Posted by: Chosen at April 30, 2009 6:59 PM in response to Ingersoll Community Center To Open As Soon As July

You are misremembering. The owners of the house in the photos are long time residents. They did not sell the house.

Posted by: Chosen at April 30, 2009 6:56 PM in response to Victorian Flatbush House Tour in Jeopardy!

And ENY, I have been with Brownstoner since day one. I have read many of *robs* posts. I find him quite amusing. I'd put him through the academy and assign him to Park Slope for the entertainment value alone.

"unless you want cops who drink 40s and spend a large part of their off time bean-bagging."

Ironically I read at least six posts on this thread alone saying that cops are lazy and at least two that said that they didn't want to do paperwork maybe two or three saying that they didn't think animal calls were important enough. According to you guys Rob should fit right in.

Posted by: Chosen at April 28, 2009 5:45 PM in response to More Problems with Pit Bulls — And Their Owners

As I said before I do apologize but there are quite a few derogatory comments about cops in this thread alone. On a call you have no choice but to take it but on a blog... well...

Ultimately believe it or not it is the Patrol Guide and orders from the Commissioner through channels that guide police actions. You will find your ass in deep hot water and working the rubber gun squad, if you choose be a lone ranger. Everything in the patrol guide and other policy orders have at some point been viewed carefully by the NYPD Legal Division as well as the city's Corporation Counsel. So these guides are in compliance and not contrary to the CPL, PL and other codes but they are not inclusive of all of them.

Of course any citizen has the right to challenge any law if they have the grounds to do so. This is sometimes how change is affected within the NYPD. There are fraternal organizations within the NYPD like the Latino officers association and 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement who challenge what they perceive as unfair practices as well. Again, if this is truly important to the populus, then there must be advocacy in the hopes that it might lead to action.

As far as these calls being "less important" it depends on what else is going on and an officers or their supervisors pet peeves (no pun intended.) If it came down to someone smashing in car windows on PPW and someone else kicking a dog- mind you sometimes it comes down to prioritizing the response order, I would rather respond to the dog kicker first. However, a boss especially in Park Slope, may have you respond to the cars being vandalized because of the dollar value of the damage and if he didn't he would hear it from 1 PP after those residents call to complain that no one was caught for vandalizing their Volvos. I'm out too. I unfortunately don't have time to comment everyday. There are times when I really want to though. Maybe when I retire.

Posted by: Chosen at April 28, 2009 5:29 PM in response to More Problems with Pit Bulls — And Their Owners

I disagree,

I do apologize for being a tad bit nasty in my last post but jeez! Some of you guys go really hard on cops and don't know the half of it. Everybody always thinks they could do better but nobody but *rob* aka PitBullNYC expressed an interest in doing this job but everybody calls 911 and wants miracles. Our hands are often tied by red-tape. Sorry if I was not more clear but there really isn't anything that can be done in the case of an animal on animal attack except as I stated previously. Nothing can be done even if a dog chases a person and doesn't bite!

It is amazing to me that you must pass a written test to get a learner's permit, take a five hour class and take a road test in order to get your license. If you plan on owning a car you must then have it registered at regular intervals while having it inspected and insured. You even have to renew your license but any idiot can have a kid or pets!

Posted by: Chosen at April 28, 2009 3:36 PM in response to More Problems with Pit Bulls — And Their Owners

Yes I disagree, I have a question. How many collars do you have under your belt?

"the officer shall forthwith commence such proceeding himself" means routing it to the proper authority in accordance with the NYPD Patrol Guide. In addition to the Patrol Guide there are Operations Orders which must be followed. Just because you read it in a "code" and can cut and paste doesn't mean that is what is authorized by the Department.

The various law enforcement agencies in NYC are very clear as to what they want their officers to enforce and investigate. The NYPD will not put major resources into animal complaints because the ASPCA officers do that. They don't go after abscounders from work release because DOC does that, they don't tow cars because the Sheriffs Office does that. They don't arrest litterbugs because Sanitation does that. Do they help out with all of the above? Of course when necessary but that is not their main focus.Can a C.O. or Sheriff make arrests for public urination or anything else that a cop would normally make the arrest for? Yes, but their propsective comissioners would be pissed off about it because they'd have to pay their officer OB for the collar and any time spent in court as a result. Let each agency handle what they are specifically trained to handle so that overall crime can continue to decline despite the economic downturn.

This doesn't mean that the laws that protect animals should not be improved. A start would be hiring more ASPCA officers. There just aren't enough of them in comparison to the number of pets in NYC. This should be a political agenda not a beat up on cops agenda.

Posted by: Chosen at April 28, 2009 3:21 PM in response to More Problems with Pit Bulls — And Their Owners

"The cops were either ignorant, lazy..." "the problem here is lazy cops, not the laws themselves."

Some cops are both ignorant and lazy. Clearly the majority are not. The problem here IS definitely the law. NYPD officers do not make arrests in most cases of animal cruelty which on the surface, this case does not appear to be. That is left to the the ASPCA officers whose police training concentrates on enforcement and investigation of animal cases and I think that there might only be 20 of them for the entire city. In cases like this, neither NYPD or ASPCA responding officers would arrest the owner of the dog on the scene because it is it remains to be seen whether a crime was committed. The dog would be confiscated if a human was bitten to check for rabies. In the case of dog on another animal, both animals would be taken to check for rabies.

If someone on-site makes a complaint of animal cruelty against the dog's owner or says that the dog's owner willfully made the dog attack an investigation in the animal cruelty case would be conducted by the ASPCA and more than likely not lead to jail time with the rest of the investigation conducted by the NYPD.

The laws need a little more bite in order to see better enforcement and prosecution of those who abuse animals. Ironic that it was the ASPCA that first protected children against abuse. What you see on Animal Cops are the most extreme and easily procsecuted cases of abuse and cruelty. Most cases are not that black and white.

Again, the NYPD will only make out a report if a human was bitten. Generally, if the attack is in progress the responding NYPD officers will try to stop the attack by use of their batons, chemical agents, etc... while awaiting the arrival of ESU. Deadly force (shooting) would only be used if it was apparent that the death of the person was imminent. I know officers who have shot pit bulls snf rottweilers who were engaged in attacks. I only know of one of them getting suspended because of it but of course there was a whole lot of Monday morning quarterbacking from those who have never put on a uniform and had to make a split second life or death decision.

Posted by: Chosen at April 28, 2009 2:41 PM in response to More Problems with Pit Bulls — And Their Owners

If you jaywalk on Queens Blvd and get hit by a car, your actions will more than likely affect only you and the person that hits you. If you set a fire the consequences are much more dire.

Posted by: Chosen at April 25, 2009 10:19 PM in response to Propane grilling on roofs?

Working late tonight but that gave me a chance to speak to the Fire Marshall involved in both of the propane tank fires that I knew about. He said that both fires occurred when the grills were used for the first time after the tanks had been stored for the winter. He said that this is because the tubes that lead into the burners were blocked with bugs and grease winter storage. As far as cooking on your stove, that may be more dangerous than a grill, I don't know but I do know that that cooking in the kitchen on a gas stove is legal. If you burn your house down trying to boil water and someone is injured or worst, you will not go to jail.

Alsawo, I know that my opinion, and that is all that this is, is not in the majority but don't do it. Just know that if you do and you happen to be the one who sets Brooklyn ablaze this summer, the powers that be can track you back to this blog and know that knew better. Just Kidding - but not really.

Posted by: Chosen at April 24, 2009 12:01 AM in response to Propane grilling on roofs?

I personally know of two fires last summer from propane gas grills being used on roofs and one from a charcoal grill on a balcony DIBS. The Fire Department responded quickly and extinguished the fires before they got out of control. The Fire Marshalls did issue summonses in all cases but there would have been harsher penalties if their were injuries or deaths.

Every year many people are injured and some killed in fires started by barbeque grills. This doesn't mean that we shouldn't barbeque, it means that we should be smart about it and a barbeque on a roof just isn't smart. Better to go by your local Firehouse though and ask them how they feel about this. I wouldn't do it alsawo.

Posted by: Chosen at April 23, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Propane grilling on roofs?

i disagree, many parents are literally redirecting their resources to supplement activities in their childrens classrooms. At the begining of the school year all parents are asked to send toilet paper,paper towels and similar items. In addition, I have given money by purchasing items at school auctions, bake, book and other sales as well as giving my time. Many parents are supplementing school music, art, garden and similar programs by volunteering their services. This again is a good thing for public schools esepecailly in areas where parents have these resources. The inequity in our eduactional system on the whole though is just atrocious though and we all know that education is the great equalizer.

Posted by: Chosen at April 23, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Applications Steady, Aid Up at Private Schools

I see many people disobey this law without consequence. However, what if a fire started and burned down not only your house but the entire block? What if people were killed? I deal with people all day long who never thought that a small action on their part would lead to disaster. Maybe I am over reacting but I wouldn't do it. Is a grilled burger really worth it? I would just get a George Foreman or similar type grill.

Posted by: Chosen at April 23, 2009 1:03 PM in response to Propane grilling on roofs?

There is no doubt that all of the seats in the independent schools will be filled. Afterall NYC is one of the cities with the most millionaires per square mile but there are many people who were stretching their budgets or using theie homes as ATM's to send their kids to these schools.

I know personally that my investments took a hit last year. Even though a lucrative defined benefit pension awaits me, I would like to recoup some of the money that I lost and jsut save more in general. I'd rather send my kids to public school and divert that elementary school tuition to their college funds.

Posted by: Chosen at April 23, 2009 12:50 PM in response to Applications Steady, Aid Up at Private Schools

I know of prior yeshiva students from conservative families not hasidic of course, bailing out of the yeshivas due to finances. The inquiries and open houses at out local schools were well attended and enrollment is expected to increase.

Posted by: Chosen at April 23, 2009 11:40 AM in response to Applications Steady, Aid Up at Private Schools

Wonderful post!

Posted by: Chosen at April 23, 2009 11:32 AM in response to Springtime on Cortelyou Road

havelc is 100% correct. The rape stats for NYC fall far below the national average. Much lower than cities like Portland and Atlanta. NYC is generally a very safe city making the top 20 safest this calendar year. Looking at crime witihin a particular precinct which may cross several zip codes has been an effective crime management tool. However, where people reside and where they commit crimes are not always one and the same particularly in NYC. Rapists have metrocards too.

Posted by: Chosen at April 22, 2009 2:02 PM in response to The Sex Offenders Amongst Us

Forgot to add "particularly from those who grew up in New York and have never lived anywhere else." I find the complete opposite to be true. Natives are more open and willing to seek housing outside of the Brownstone Belt because they know that there are many reasonable alternatives.

Posted by: Chosen at April 15, 2009 4:44 PM in response to 208 Midwood Sells for $995,000

My sentiments exactly mopar. Most native Brooklynites realize that there are wonderful "safe" neighborhoods all over Brooklyn and Queens for that matter with great schools - Kensington, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge, Sheepshead Bay, Astoria, etc... And guess what? All of the neighborhoods mentioned above have sections where there are Brownstone or Limestone houses! There are actually people who buy in these areas because they genuinely like those neigbborhoods and not because they were priced out of somehwere else.

No, you won't get into the city in 20 minutes from any of them but so what. Many of us don't work in the city and even if we do, we don't care to go back there on the weekends. It amazes me that people can't add 15 minutes to their communte so that they won't have to pay over one million dollars for house. None of us are entitled to own a house but if you want to buy and you can't afford to live in Brownstone Brooklyn, look somewhere else or just rent.

Posted by: Chosen at April 15, 2009 4:31 PM in response to 208 Midwood Sells for $995,000

When I see posts like this I know that people genuinely have concerns about living in a safe environment but I can't help but wonder if "safe" or "least threatening" for some means fewer people of color or fewer poor people. These are not things that any smart realtor will tell you over the telephone or in an email. I am not saying that this is the case here but I always wonder.

Posted by: Chosen at April 10, 2009 7:17 PM in response to Safe Neighborhoods?

Clean: Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Parts of Bensonhurst, Bed-Stuy, Wndsor Terrace and Ditmas Park and anywhere else where people regularly pick up or pay someone to pick up the trash in front of their homes and businesses.

Safe: NYC’s crime rate is the lowest it’s been in years, although gang-motivated incidents have soared 37 percent since 2005—including inicdents in high schools in tony Chelsea and Gramercy. NY street gangs and other criminals are not as territorial as their counterparts in other cities like Chicago, L.A. and Colorado Springs. They tend to travel throughout the city generally targeting people who look like them or people with whom they have "beef" like rival gangs or other drug cartels or families. As long as you and your son are not affiliated with a street gang, a drug cartel, the mob or some other disorderly lot you could live anywhere with a little street smarts because sh*t can happen anywhere. You'd probably be most comfortable in a neighborhood like Park Slope though.

Handy: ? If you are talking about ammenities, most of the areas mentioned have decent places to eat, hang-out, shop, launder clothes and the like, if not in walking distance then certainly a short train or car ride away. Will you have a car when you relocate? If so, parking is a big issue in all of these areas with the exception of Ditmas Park.

Neighborly: Ditmas Park, Bed-Stuy, Prospect Lefferts Gardens.

Convenient to Manhattan: It is not just the neighborhood but where you are in the neighborhood in proximity to public transportation. I can get into midtown from Ditmas Park quicker than friends in Park Slope because I am only a block away from the express "B" train and they have to walk quite a distance to the local "F" line. In general, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene and Boerum Hill would be the quickest commute. Just check your proximity to the subway and which subway line you are on. Both of these things make a big difference in the commute.

Good luck.

Posted by: Chosen at April 10, 2009 5:35 PM in response to Safe Neighborhoods?

Petebklyn, isn't reusing the housing stock that is already available and near public transportation more "green" than building new?

Posted by: Chosen at April 10, 2009 3:48 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

Thanks Babs. I forgot about this article. Yes a club does still exist with several of the the tennis courts still intact but as you can imagine it is now only a glimmer of its former self. I've played there several times before and I support it because of the work they do in the community but of course I much rather use the courts at the Parade Grounds which is a much better facility.

Posted by: Chosen at April 10, 2009 2:30 PM in response to Open House Picks: Six Months Later

Corcoran said it was a driveway.

Posted by: joe_the_bummer at June 30, 2009 2:17 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

What is the alternative ENY? Arguing with the responding Officer or the property owner which can escalate the situation. You stated that your dad was a CO, and I certain that if you ask him, he'll agree with me there. I said years ago that every legal driveway in the city should be given some type of medallion that has to be place in the ground for all to see. This makes things easier for the police, people looking for parking and anyone else concerned. Fortunately for us we do not live in a police state so the police do not handle civil matters of this nature but the DOB should be taken to task on this one.

If you ascertain from DOB whether the driveway is on record or not, that will suffice to fight the ticket in the administrative hearing. However, getting DOB to actually take action against the illegal activity is another story. Unfortunately they have their hands full with falling buildings and other such dangerous matters. Despite what the people at Livable Streets say, an illegal driveway is not a hazardous condition and it probably isn't high on their list of priorities. Calls to your Council reps, CB's, Assembly reps and whoever else will listen is probably the best way to fight this.

At any rate, I would not recommend parking in an illegal driveway despite my disdain for the fact that this would be advantageous to the person who created it because if they vandalize your vehicle which happens often, there again is nothing that the police can do but take the report for insurance purposes, unless a witness who is willing to make a statement and possibly come to court to testify steps up.

Posted by: Chosen at June 30, 2009 2:31 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

"What is the alternative ENY?"

There is no alternative, Chosen. You are completely correct, and that's the crappy part. If I was the one who got the ticket, I'd suck it up and pretty much do what you advised. But let's just say I wouldn't be very happy about it, or ACT like I was happy.

"Arguing with the responding Officer or the property owner which can escalate the situation. You stated that your dad was a CO, and I certain that if you ask him, he'll agree with me there."

He was, and you're right. That's exactly what he'd say (he died a while back). Not only that, I know that generally, it's not a brilliant idea to argue with ANY cop. You're not going to win too often. For the record, I make it a practice to treat law enforcement with respect - if you want it, you have to give it.

" every legal driveway in the city should be given some type of medallion that has to be place in the ground for all to see."

I think this is a good idea.

Posted by: East New York at June 30, 2009 2:43 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

Petebkln is right. you can call 311 or the DOB and register a complaint. I'm an architect, and I was recently involved in a job where the buyer had to clear a violation for parking in an illegal parking spot before he could close on the house. In this day of re-financing glory, it might prove to be an incentive if it prevents the current owners from re-financing or selling.

Posted by: JimHill at June 30, 2009 2:50 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

why doesn't the city ticket property owners for illegally painted curbstones and illegal driveways? Seems like a quick way to make cash from scofflaws.

Posted by: dittoburg at June 30, 2009 4:35 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

This is off the topic a bit but the following comment struck a nerve.

"For the record, I make it a practice to treat law enforcement with respect - if you want it, you have to give it."

If you want it, you have to demand it -- and NEVER let a police officer or anyone else who depends on your taxes for a living to intimidate you out of your rights as a resident of this city. New York cops have been acting with increasing, alarming disrespect towards NY citizens in the past few years (since 9/11, when they've gotten a way too long leash and way too little oversight). You should never hesitate to express your dissatisfaction with the behavior of a police officer when warranted. That's your right as a citizen. Always ask for a badge number, and if you don't get one (which happens more often than not, and THAT is illegal), try to remember as best you can the officer's face. Follow up with a formal complaint.

Not standing up to abuse of power is condoning and encouraging it. Bad for the police force, as much as it is bad for the safety of the people the force is supposed to protect.

Posted by: iz at June 30, 2009 5:09 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

You know what, that sounds good iz and then there is reality. When the Police fail to act in any given situation, people criticize. When they act, people criticize. Are there bad cops? Sure! Just as there are bad graphic artists, doctors, teachers and bloggers. And just for the record, overzealous policing did not start post 9/11. In communities of color, it has always been present. Welcome to their world.

Again do not ask a cop for his/her shield number. Do you have the right to do so, of course, but not recommended or necessary. Officers, unless they are not in a uniform detail, wear their shields with attached name plates on their outermost garments so you can just glance at it and commit it to memory for later use. If the Officer is not in uniform, but has a shield around their neck, you can again do the same. In the rare occassion that no shield is visible take note of their vehicles plate number. If the vehicle is an RMP (marked car) look at any of the identifying numbers on the vehicle and the command identifier. Sometimes you will see a precinct number or letters such as TB (Transit Bureau) followed by a number, PSA (Housing) followed by a number or just a series of letters like PBBS (Patrol Borough Brooklyn South) all on the rear quarter panel of the vehicles. If you are confrontational with a bad cop or just someone who is not going to tolerate your tirade on that day, you can be subject to a lawful arrest for OGA. This can cost you at least a DAT and at most a day or two in central booking. You don't even need to threaten the officer with your intention of "reporting" them if you feel that you have been treated unfairly. Just do it. Call the CCRB upon returning to your home. In the case of corruption call IAB. You can access either of them via 311.

"For the record, I make it a practice to treat law enforcement with respect - if you want it, you have to give it." -ENY

I don't see why you would have a problem with this. My attitude is pretty much the same and makes my life easier. Everyone whether I'm on-duty or off will get the benefit of the doubt until they prove that they should be treated otherwise. If you offered this same courtesy to cops, who like other civil servants are paid by tax dollars, your experiences would probably be more positive and just because someone is a civil servant doesn't mean that they are answerable to you personally.

This may be a broad generalization and may or may not be the case for you iz, but I have found that people who have the "I am a tax payer and I pay your salary attitude" are obnoxious and feel that they are somehow better than civil servants. Imagine walking into your doctors office or a restaurant with that attitude. I'd fear the Doctor using a bigger needle than necessary and the waitress going "Miss Celie" on me!

Posted by: Chosen at July 1, 2009 7:14 AM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

Chosen, your last statement says it all. You live in fear. Not respect. There's a big difference. I won't be intimidated by anyone's threats of arrest EVER if that is against the law. And no, I'm not their boss, but I am the reason they exist -- TO PROTECT ME, not to abuse me.

Just yesterday, this:
http://gothamist.com/2009/06/30/woman_says_misogynistic_cop_arreste.php?gallery0Pic=1#gallery

If they continue to create this kind of vibe, there will be a lot more people like me disgusted and fed up, and training will have to be completely overhauled.

Posted by: iz at July 1, 2009 9:55 AM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

" I asked for a pen to write the badge numbers down before I left and they refused to give me a pen and covered up their badges. "

In case you didn't feel like getting into the boring details.

Posted by: iz at July 1, 2009 9:59 AM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway

" I asked for a pen to write the badge numbers down before I left and they refused to give me a pen and covered up their badges. "

If she had done what I advised in my post, she would not have needed the pen. The shield numbers of all three officers in the station were visible. When she was transported to the precinct there was a number and a plate number on the vehicle. If the cops acted inappropriately then they should be disciplined, if she was disorderly then she should be found guilty of the offense. You automatically assume that the cops were wrong and that she is telling the truth. I reserve passing judgement either way.

"You live in fear. Not respect"

The first part of this statement is correct. I live in fear that I will not make it home to my kids because I may get shot while protecting people like you who don't appreciate it. This fear keeps me on my toes which keeps me safe and has kept me coming home at the end of my tour for the past 18 1/2 years. Despite seeing people at their worst, most officers as is the case for myself, will show you respect if you are not disrepectful. Act otherwise and you will be treated accordingly. We are people not robots.

Posted by: Chosen at July 1, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Neighbor's Illegal Driveway