Need a Sheetrocker

Thanks, tinarina.

Posted by: Hal at November 11, 2009 3:17 PM in response to Mamary: Crown Heights, Greenpoint Ripe for the Picking

It would be nice to see a decent sit down eatery implanted on my stretch of Nostrand.

Thanks to Brownstoner for keeping us abreast of the situation.

Posted by: Hal at November 11, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Mamary: Crown Heights, Greenpoint Ripe for the Picking

While most firemen deserve our respect, there are some who do not. I know from an FDNY EMS guy that I spent 18 months in school with, that some firemen take things.

It's part of their entitlement for doing such selfless and dangerous work.

Posted by: Hal at November 9, 2009 1:31 PM in response to Fire Dept Inspection

I agree that some recessed fixtures can be done appropriately. I also think wall sconces work well, especially in a dining room, and should be considered. I also like the purist approach the wife espouses, with the lighting enhanced with sconces, torcheres and or table lamps.

I think the most important factor is that both of you are happy, and that may require compromise from both. There are many options, and can be negotiated.

Posted by: Hal at October 29, 2009 1:02 PM in response to Thoughts on Recessed Lighting

I have always wondered how easy it is to get these mantels off the wall in one piece and move them without damage.

Do they come off in one piece? Are the firebox and tiles one piece? It seems likely that some disassembly is required. Anybody know?

Posted by: Hal at October 26, 2009 10:05 AM in response to 1886 Cherry Wood Mantel for Sale

Thanks, I'll check 'em out.

Posted by: Hal at September 24, 2009 4:02 PM in response to Need a Sheetrocker

Well done!

I wonder if Brimfield qualifies.

Posted by: Hal at August 19, 2009 1:42 PM in response to Brooklyn Flea Named #1 Flea in U.S.

I'm trying to imagine that there are people, even here in NYC, that are so arrogant, entitled, or just plain stupid to leave a vehicle unattended on an active railway.

I suppose if you have a view half a mile back and see no train, you could figure on running in to drop off dry cleaning, or some other such chore.

But really the human race is done a disservice to imagine there are those among us that would park a truck to load/unload on a transitway.

I have experienced in-street light rail in Portland, OR and Freiburg, Germany. Much nicer than buses. By a long shot.
I'd like to see them on Manhattan's major crosstown streets.

Posted by: Hal at August 18, 2009 1:20 PM in response to Resurrecting Red Hook's Trolley Tracks

Thanks for the greetings.

Posted by: Hal at August 10, 2009 9:51 AM in response to Open Thread

How about the weather?

Posted by: Hal at August 10, 2009 9:19 AM in response to Open Thread

While not my personal taste, I say nicely done. I fall into the more rustic, cottage style. I too have a 3' x 3' patch I like to think of as meadow.

The steel will eventually leach iron oxide and carbon (I think), and if you plant hydrangia in iron-rich soil they will bloom very blue.

While visiting a beautiful Chinese philosopher's garden recreated in Portland, OR, I learned the five essential elements of a philosopher's garden are: plants, rocks, water, architecture, and poetry.

Posted by: Hal at July 23, 2009 8:16 PM in response to Prospect Heights Garden Build: Laying the Groundwork

Is Bushwick the next Portland?

Posted by: Hal at June 25, 2009 8:51 PM in response to Closing Bell: Bushwick is 'New York Cool'

ooops...spelling! Pre-deluge: antediluvian.

Posted by: Hal at June 10, 2009 7:31 PM in response to Buying shutter hinges

"Antedeluvian" made me think of just how pluvial the past few days have been.

Nice hinges have always been more expensive than expected.

Posted by: Hal at June 10, 2009 7:26 PM in response to Buying shutter hinges

Thanks MM.

Posted by: Hal at May 1, 2009 11:30 AM in response to Open Thread

We returned from a week vaction, and learned from a neighbor about a shooting on the corner of Park Place and New York Avenue in Crown Heights last Friday.

Has anybody else heard about this, or know where an account might be available? My searches have not been fruitful.

Posted by: Hal at May 1, 2009 11:05 AM in response to Open Thread

That would have to be a pretty big family.
Looks more like an institution to me.

Posted by: Hal at March 13, 2009 11:13 AM in response to 110 Amity Price Revealed, Buyers Circling

any vehicle mini cooper size or smaller: free
any standard car: pay toll
any vehicle like escalade, navigator, etc: double toll
any vehicle with 3 or more occupants: free

Posted by: Hal at December 4, 2008 11:38 AM in response to Adding Tolls to Brooklyn Bridges?

I'm sorry, but is that kitchen in a private home, or in an institution?

But seriously. I'll bet you've got five kids and parents living with you that will get breakfast and supper every day.

OK, so I'm jealous.
Tutti a tavola a mangare! (approximately)

Posted by: Hal at December 1, 2008 7:36 PM in response to Today on the Brownstoner Backpages

Congratulations, Regina!

Posted by: Hal at October 24, 2008 4:43 PM in response to Number 6: Marianna Koval and Regina Myer

pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)

Posted by: Hal at October 21, 2008 6:28 PM in response to Tuesday Blogwrap

Let me add that in no way does my post mean to suggest any fault by the 8 year old or his father. I was hit on Vanterbilt and Dean in April while following the rules and riding safely. Similarly to the above accident, the driver failed to yeild to me in the bike path through the intersection.

Posted by: Hal at September 9, 2008 12:53 PM in response to Brooklyn's Dangerous Intersections

I bike regularly on Eastern Parkway and in Prospect Park. Sunday I saw the Transportation Alternatives ride on Eastern Parkway. Many were unaware the reason Eastern Parkway was on their route was because if its dedicated bike lane on the south median. Transportation alternatives promotes safe and legal riding but needs to inform its riders to follow the rules. I've decided to join the organization this week in order to participate and encourage rational behavior among cyclists. I agree that many cyclists disregard the traffic rules, and especially in these kinds of organized rides, does no service to the cause.

Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists would benefit from a massive media/education blitz that explicitly states rights and responibilities, and the law.

Posted by: Hal at September 9, 2008 12:43 PM in response to Brooklyn's Dangerous Intersections

Franklin and Bergen. An old brewery building is there and I beleive it's on the market.

Posted by: Hal at August 6, 2008 10:04 AM in response to Where Should the Brooklyn Brewery Set Up Shop?

It's interesting to note that there was a time in the past when such technology was considered quite an impluvement.

Posted by: Hal at July 29, 2008 9:40 AM in response to What have our neighbors excavated?

Most commenters seem to have little discernment for varitions. As in: unions are either good or bad.

I'm a liberal democrat, and I do beleive that the fundamental reasons for labor unions, to protect the rights of workers from unscrupulous employers, is a good thing.

But there is no question that some labor unions have indeed taken advantage of their leverage in one industry or another to extort emloyers, consumers, or both.

I think you want to look at case by case examples and determine which unions benefit their workers and the society at large, and which unions are corrupt and extortionist.

They're both out there.

Posted by: Hal at July 10, 2008 10:57 AM in response to Do Union Demands Stymie Affordable Housing?

I think it makes sense for such an important infrasructure to have the most most efficient facilities. The multiple garage doors make sense. Also I beleive our firefighters deserve it. I would expect there to be a large walk-in cooler for beer as well.

Posted by: Hal at June 19, 2008 11:17 AM in response to Work Begins on Sunset Park Firehouse

"A non-voting member would represent the community"

How does a member without a vote represent anything?

Posted by: Hal at June 17, 2008 9:46 AM in response to Pols Say They Want an Atlantic Yards 'Trust'

I live around the corner from the Brooklyn Childrens' Museum.

The Museum is:

- A valuable and important social and cultural resource for the community and the city.

- An excellent role model and example of green building.

- An oppressive monstrosity of vanity architecture that is so ugly and inappropriate it boggles the mind that such a disaster could ever escape the drawing board.

Posted by: Hal at June 12, 2008 11:06 AM in response to A Look Inside the New Brooklyn Children's Museum

DiFara makes a tasty, crisp, if not burnt pie with fresh, quality ingredients, but the experience of waiting fifteen to forty minutes in that filthy, dilapidated shop amid a tight, sweating crowd for a four dollar slice is abominable.

I'm glad I tried it. The myth is busted. No need to go back.

Posted by: Hal at June 10, 2008 10:17 AM in response to StreetLevel: Brooklyn's Young Pizza Upstarts

To guest at 10:30. I beleive that TIB was actually started by a lesbian couple, and as customer of their SOHO store, I can tell you they make no judgements. It's all there. It's tastefully done, and there's something for everybody.

Posted by: Hal at June 4, 2008 10:45 AM in response to Slope Babeland Will be Baby-, Mommy-Proofed

Very elegant, and tastefully done. The fence is gorgeous. Congratulations. I could make some comments based on personal preferences, but it's your garden, and it is quite nice. Good work!

Posted by: Hal at June 4, 2008 10:40 AM in response to Garden of the Day: DIY in Bay Ridge

I think there's a good chance this may be the real the What.

With the B'stoner curse filter on, and the What's recent fame in, was it New York Magazine, this may be the What restyled with improved social skills.

And I offer points to the What for choosing to continue to participate in a civilized, if edgy, way.

Welcome back to the sandbox.

Posted by: Hal at June 3, 2008 10:06 AM in response to Tuesday Links

I think someone has usurped the What. But no matter...

I like the upgrading of Vanderbilt, and Ninth Ave in Chelsea for that matter.

Vanderbilt and Dean is where I, and my bike, got tossed by a lady in a pink Lincoln making a left turn without yeilding. That was Mother's day when we were on our way to the flea market in Fort Greene.

Even if you ride safely and follow the rules, you are at risk. Please wear a helmet.

If you don't have enough brains to wear a bicycle helmet, you won't miss them when you're hit.

Posted by: Hal at June 3, 2008 9:22 AM in response to Traffic Islands for Vandy

Beautiful garden!

Posted by: Hal at June 2, 2008 2:11 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Serenity Now in Cobble Hill

Nicest garden since yesterday! ;-)

No, really. I know how much work it is to keep a garden like that looking nice. I thought my garden would look overgrown and weedy. Good work.

Posted by: Hal at May 14, 2008 8:43 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Praiseworthy in Park Slope

More encouraging remarks! Thanks to all for the specific recommendations. As far as vines on the fences go, we're there. The rear fence was just replaced, so we have to start from scratch. It had ivy, which I don't like, but we are encouraging a euonymous there. Another spot has a rambling rose which is chore to keep in check, but we like it. Closer to the house is a Virginia creeper, which covers nicely without going crazy, and has berries and bright red foliage at the end of the season. On the other side, grape leaves will soon create a shady spot for the table. There was a forsythia against the rear fence, which got badly damaged last year when a large limb came down on it.

Posted by: Hal at May 13, 2008 9:19 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Crown Heights Verdant

Thanks for the kind words. I agree that the chain link fence is less than ideal. But we rationalize by arguing for its advantages: no maintenance, it was already there, some plantings give it cover, it permits early and late day sun through, and actually the visual lines through to the neighbor's yard enhance the feeling of depth. Our neighbor on the left never uses her yard and lets it get overgrown, supplying us with a 'wild' side. The neighbor on the right has a lovely, simple and elegant garden that her family rarely uses. So in each case privacy is not an issue. We await the time in the summer when the grape arbor provides shade for the table.

Posted by: Hal at May 13, 2008 12:02 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Crown Heights Verdant

I wouldn't be surprised if there are others in the market, who like my wife and myself, were renting cheaply in Manhattan for many years, and after having gathered some nuts, discovered we still couldn't buy a place in Manhattan that has a garden, a woodworking shop, a rental unit, an elegant living room with high ceilings, a spacious kitchen. etc., and still conveniently connected to the Holy Places by a breif subway ride.

Posted by: Hal at May 13, 2008 8:10 AM in response to House of the Day: 475 4th Street

Charming! Nice hydrangea.

Posted by: Hal at May 12, 2008 1:46 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Bushwick 'English Garden'

So we were on our bikes going to the flea market this morning at around 10:30. We're in the northbound bike lane on Vanderbilt approaching Dean Street. I'm ahead by 20 yards and crossing the intersection on a green light when a purple Lincoln with a nice on-the-way-to-church lady makes a surprise left turn from the other side. First there's that exciting moment when you know that impact is only some tenths of seconds away, then there's that flying through the air moment when I thought, "Ok, my nose got hit, then my right knee. Meanwhile I have this upside-down view of my wife with a look of horror on her face as she screams. By the time that thought is done, I've landed on the clean, freshly bike-lane-painted asphalt of Vanderbilt Avenue, realizing I've suffered only some scrapes and bruises. I followed the advice of helpful guy named Jack who advised me to relax and stay still until an ambulance arrived. Two hours later I'm released from Maimonodes with a cane, and trying to catch up on preparing for the trip to my mother's house tonight.

Sorry to make you read all that, but I just didn't get to the flea market today.

Posted by: Hal at May 11, 2008 3:36 PM in response to Closing Bell: Flea Bigger and Better Than Ever on Sunday

We enjoyed the market last Sunday. The used bicycle guy is a great discovery. We're going to get a used road bike (we called them '10 speeds') from him. Great deal.

It would be nice to see more of the 'junk' people are talking about above. Cheap stuff that creative people use for decoration, multimedia construction, and other surprising inspirations, not to mention reuse.

No doubt the mix will be dynamic, vendors will come and go, and it will continue to be a place for great deals and fun finds.

Good work Mr. B! We love the positive energy. And I'm not talking about Qi. I'm talking about people who put themselves on the line to do do positive things for their communities.

Posted by: Hal at May 9, 2008 8:25 PM in response to Closing Bell: Flea Bigger and Better Than Ever on Sunday

My first impression was 'austere'. I can see though, that the shrubs and trees have plenty of growth ahead, and will fill in nicely.

Posted by: Hal at May 9, 2008 2:30 PM in response to Garden of the Day: Another Greenwood Heights Goodie

I like the stone wall at the back of the garden. It looks rustic and genuine.

Posted by: Hal at May 8, 2008 10:58 AM in response to Garden of the Day: HGTV Does Greenwood Heights

Nice retreat!

Mr. B, please suggest guidelines for submissions.

Posted by: Hal at May 7, 2008 1:44 PM in response to Garden of the Day: PLG Make-Over

Well done, Mr.B.
It's about time.

Posted by: Hal at May 7, 2008 10:36 AM in response to Raising the Bar a Little

Okay everybody, calm down and take some pictures.

Posted by: Hal at May 7, 2008 10:29 AM in response to Submit Your Garden for 'Garden of the Day'

Some Ideas:
- Too many bike lanes come to an abrubt end without further directions for the cyclist. Example: Eastern Parkway at Washington Ave. of Plaza Street West at Grand Army Plaza. Make them continuous or direct the cyclyst to a safe route.
- Add bike racks to the front of buses as in Portland and Boulder to facilitate options for cyclists.
- Make reliably safe parking areas for bicycles as suggested above.
- Make selected streets off limits to all but local motor vehicle traffic.
- Don't waste valuable creative energy on low-priority, devisive issues such as strollers in Park Slope.

Posted by: Hal at May 6, 2008 11:14 AM in response to Design Competition Trying to Hook Biking Visionaries

Brownstone for well under a million:

http://www.corcoran.com/property/listing.aspx?Region=NYC&ListingID=1113061

Posted by: Hal at May 2, 2008 7:47 PM in response to Open House Picks

grumpy, great info.
our hatch just has 2 hook/eyes to keep it sort of locked...mostly
from our neighbor's dirtbag son who got into someone house
via their roof hatch.

Posted by: CGmodern at November 10, 2009 11:16 AM in response to Fire Dept Inspection

The roof is inspected, fencing around shaftway within 3 feet of bulkhead door (secured as above)or scuttle. Fire escape checked, painted, no rust, no plants, bikes, animal shelters, no air conditioners in only window out of apt, and make sure ladder can drop to yard/street. Records updated (present owner, phone), asked if smoke alarm/ CO alarm is in apt. with fresh battery. You do not have to let Firemen into your apartment you do have to let them into the public area of a multifamily house, roof and basement. If your building is on fire leave the building do not lock your door, they will break in to make sure no one is unconscious inside. NYC firemen are not thieves, they don't want your stuff they can afford their own things. If they leave you paperwork it will be a Notice of Violation, you do not want paperwork. If they tell you to correct something correct it, they will be back.

Posted by: Grumpy at November 10, 2009 11:34 AM in response to Fire Dept Inspection

CG, the scuttle shouldn't be padlocked because it is a alternate way to the roof if the Dirtbags house is on fire. They didn't leave you paperwork because it is a pain in the !@# for everyone involved. The Bloomberg Admin. see's fire inspections and fines as an untapped revenue stream, people get your homes in order.

Posted by: Grumpy at November 10, 2009 11:46 AM in response to Fire Dept Inspection

After the fatal fire in Queens this weekend, the fire prevention group went out looking for more illegal apartments. If you live in a basement apartment, there must be a secondary means of egress and the windows must be openable a certain distance above ground. If the apartment doesn't meet code, you will be vacated. People get hostile when that happens, but it's better than burning to death.

Posted by: oshma at November 10, 2009 11:47 AM in response to Fire Dept Inspection

Two means of egress, the definition of basement is 50% of the space must be above curb level. Otherwise it is a cellar. But even if you meet the above criteria that doesn't mean you are in a legal inhabitable space. There are zoning regs, certificates of occupancy and other rules.

Posted by: Grumpy at November 10, 2009 12:16 PM in response to Fire Dept Inspection

The FD has the local firehouse doing inspections and civilian inspectors, the civilian inspectors are stricter then the firemen, they will write a summons. The firemen are looking for things that will endanger their lives and yours. Imagine them crawling around your,hot smoke filled hallway and apt. looking for your unconscious body. They don't want to get hung up on the bike in the hall, fall through the missing step on the fire escape. They want to be able to vent the hallway of the toxic smoke by gaining access to the roof and opening the scuttle, bulkhead door or hallway skylight.

Posted by: Grumpy at November 10, 2009 12:31 PM in response to Fire Dept Inspection

Grumpy- great information and clear explanations. Much needed.

Posted by: bxgrl at November 11, 2009 11:50 AM in response to Fire Dept Inspection