There was a listing on Craigslist for a "cafe for sale" in Cobble Hill that I think was referring to this place. Listing is expired for now.
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bfs/1549650908.html

Posted by: Jack at February 9, 2010 2:50 AM in response to What's Up with Cafe on Clinton?

Hey folks, first this was an awesome, unique and a tad surreal experience. I used to have an account at the HSBC that used to be based here and it was quite an experience to wander around the areas I only saw from the other side of the glass. And a great array of sellers!

But do have a bit of constructive criticism: The vault might be cool, but the planning of space was a tad maddening. The seating for folks who bought food was sparse at best, and more than a few seats/tables were hogged up with folks who didn't buy food and were just "chilling out"... Ummm, okay... But it's really not fair to people who purchased food and waned a space to eat. Perhaps some simple signs that state "If someone needs to eat, please give them a seat!" or something like that. Or heck, just a few more tables. Perhaps tables with benches so it's not an issue of one or two people fighting for a chair.

But otherwise, great work!

Posted by: Jack at January 10, 2010 11:00 PM in response to The Flea: Live from One Hanson

Pintchick gets a massive thumbs up for really caring for this strip of Bergen Street.

But as far as Pintchik goes as it’s original mission as a hardware store? Thumbs, way, way, way down. They really have put little to no thought into the hardware store since they decided to become a realtor. The place is badly stocked, the staff has an attitude that exceeds even normal hardware store attitudes and the prices stink.

They clearly at a turning point in their business, but anyone thinking Pintchick is a good hardware store... You really have no idea what you are talking about.

Posted by: Jack at November 25, 2009 12:40 AM in response to Coming to Bergen: Mid-Century Furniture Dealer

You know how in Manhattan store owners allow their unsold property to be used as art spaces until they can sell? Why can't the same be done in Brooklyn? I mean this former Royal Video location is in a perfect spot for a small pop-up gallery or something along those lines.

That said, I really was sad when this Royal Video closed. Back in the day my pals and I would drive all over Brooklyn to find video stores that would rent us adult films without ID; you kids with your Interwebs and downloads, feh! So this place is one of the places we'd stop by... And yes, they refused to rent to us. But still, at least we tried :(

Posted by: Jack at November 25, 2009 12:32 AM in response to Greedy Landlords Causing Storefronts to Sit Empty?

Folks, the Nash family--who owns this mold/pigeon colony--are nuts. The way I understand it there is the mom Dorothy, and her two daughters Rachel and Esther. The father/husband is the person who originally owned the building and ran the Landmark Tavern back in the day when it was a real tavern. Then he passed away, and the remaining family is responsible for this sad state of affairs.

When I first moved to Park Slope in 1992, I went to the place a few times since it seemed cool in a junky way. Within minutes, I started to feel fleas bite my legs and the mom was pushing the daughters to get us to buy beers at $6 a bottle that they clearly bough next door from the Met Food for $6 a six-pack.

As far as entertainment goes, just imagine generic open-mic stuff, but not even close to real talent. Old hippies strumming on guitars or whatever oddball instrument they had. And a few bad stand up comics.

The most memorable incident that nailed home the point this family was crazy is in the middle of someone's act, one of the daughters took out a videotape, stuck in in the VCR up front and started to yell at everyone about what was on it. It was a homemade videotape of the whole family waiting outside the studios of the Jon Stewart Show (the show he had before "The Daily Show") showing the family basically waiting outside to stalk him and chase him down. Literally. One of the daughters starts telling the crowd "That's Jon Stewart. I am going to marry him. Don't believe me?" And then start to rant and yell at people. BS like "What do you know? Who do you know?" and etc, etc...

After that night, I avoided the place like the plague. On the side of the building are relics of crazy small businesses the daughters tried to run. A boutique and a real estate office I believe.

I moved away from NYC in 1995 but friends kept me up to date on the Nash's shenanigans. Like incidents of going into the boutique and being yelled at for not buying anything. Or spotting the daughters around NYC at various parties, shows and openings acting crazy.

So flash forward to 2008. I moved back to NYC in 2000 and in 2008 I'm walking down 4th Avenue near Pacific Street and I hear this loud shrilly voice yelling "Do you know who I know? I can destroy you!" nonsense into a cell phone. It was none other than Esther Nash coming out of the subway and yelling at someone.

Folks, don't feel sorry for some old lady who is in a bad situation. This is not a case of that. These folks are crazy and deliberate in their behavior. And as far as the Nash daughters go, I find it disturbing they are still spotted floating around some social, art and fashion scenes in NYC. I mean back in 1992 they were well known for their rep/behavior, and now they are still at it? Amazing!

That said, let them do whatever they want. Lord knows NYC is filled with all types. Even crazy stalker types! But the neglect of their property is a public danger/hazard and the city should seize their property. Tear it down and plant some trees. That's the best use of those neglected hunks of junk.

Posted by: Jack at November 25, 2009 12:28 AM in response to Doings at the Dilapidated 7th Ave & 2nd St Building?

First, I must say I am utterly amazed at how comments on Brownstoner have degraded to one or two people pulling a "Statler & Waldorf" on every thread. Rambling on with criticism and no knowledge of the topic at hand.

But as far as Astro Turf goes, they are an old school antique store that sells some great stuff. Mainly small non-furniture objects and such. And they have a great selection.

And eBay is great--I buy and sell on it regularly--but it does not compare to the experience of walking into a store and rummaging for stuff in the flesh. The only thing that blows in NYC is that the rents are so high that most folks I know who have amazing collections of stuff they wish they could sell in a store can't. Any of you folks fully grasp why Brooklyn Flea is so successful? It's one of the few outlets where small businesses can setup shop without going into debt to sell their wares in NYC.

I also hope they own the building! Seriously, who would not want to live above a store they run. And who cares how often they are open? Most boutique/antique/thrift shopping happens between Thurday to Sunday anyway. So more power to them!

You folks do realize that is the basic concept behind most of these small 2-3 story buildings with a storefront? Live a above your business and maybe rent out the extra apartments if you need to.

Posted by: Jack at November 25, 2009 12:03 AM in response to Streetlevel: Astro-Turf Now Open "Occasionally"

This place was laughable, forced and contrived. A perfect example of folks who long for a nostalgia that never existed. Shocked that Alan Harding who created similar faux retro places in BoCoCa was not behind this dreck.

And not for nothing, Tom's Restaurant—the real deal—is right nearby. Geniuses!

Posted by: Jack at August 17, 2009 2:54 PM in response to StreetLevel: Old Brooklyn Parlor a Thing of the Past

My condolences to his family and friends indeed. This is truly a shock.

So people know, I’m the Jack who has contributed some photos over the past few months. And even when he had a small break a few months back I was the one who strongly came out and posted comments saying the details of his hiatus are nobody’s business but his own and he really doesn’t owe the blog community anything if he simply wants to stop. Do we know the details around this?

I was incredibly appreciative when he shared photos I posted near—and of—the sweatshop my mom worked in in Gowanus. I e-mailed him privately about them and thanking him. And he made sure I knew when any clowns would pop-up disputing my claims.

But past that I also know that recently he was incredibly upset that he re-blogged that Jewish Daily Forward piece making false claims about the non-existent Israeli product ban. I posted comments on the piece but I wrote to him directly to let him know I held no ill will towards him about that whole mess. Not his fault. But part of his response to me was “I feel like shit about that whole thing. I take no pleasure in drawing attention to a bullshit story. And it is my fault. If I hadn’t reblogged that story no one would have known about it.” I actually reassured him over and over, that it wasn’t something he should be stressed about.

I don’t want to draw larger conclusions about what happened or whether this death is natural or not but you know what? A lot of crappy local bloggers have really given Gowanus Lounge grief for no valid reason. Fucked in Park Slope, Angry New Yorker, the squatters in the Gowanus and such… The recent Jewish Daily Forward/PS Food Co-op stuff as well. I know because I e-mailed back and forth with him about this stuff.
I never met him, but I know he was a good man based on the work he did. These other folks who have trashed him and caused him stress recently? You should be beyond shamed of yourself.

Posted by: Jack at March 5, 2009 12:15 PM in response to Robert Guskind, Founder of Gowanus Lounge, Dies

Folks, since nobody else is stating this let me say it loud and clear: There is no ban. There is no proposal. There is no agenda item. There is 100% of nothing.

The whole piece in the Jewish Daily Forward is factually incorrect and I—and others—have contacted the editors of the Jewish Daily Forward to set the record straight.

The reality is every few years someone mentions a ban of Israeli products at a meeting. Past this, 100% nothing ever happens.

As far as Dov Hikind goes, as a Jew I cannot think of a bigger advocate of Jewish paranoia/fear than that guy. There is real anti-Semitism out there. Real issues. Real victims. He constantly fans the flames of paranoia with calls of anti-Semitism to the point you wonder if he's a parrot or a robot.

The Jewish Daily Forward and Lana Gersten (who wrote the horribly non-researched piece) should be ashamed of themselves because they are actually feeding the stereotype that Jews will cry anti-Semitism at any little thing.

This is just horrid and a waste of time for all involved.

Posted by: Jack at February 23, 2009 11:50 PM in response to Proposed Ban Roiling Park Slope Co-op

The mall is needed, but it's horrible on all levels. No planning for moving people in/around anything and for a place that is near tons of public transportation options, it's a pain to get to any of them from anywhere else in the mall.

The teen comment is ridiculous. By that logic, why build a stadium?

I actually have jumped on the bus and headed over to King's Plaza instead of dealing with this ass of a mall. Hop on the bus, get dropped off in the mall, hop back on and back home. TONS easier than even crossing the street to get to this Forest City Disaster.

Posted by: Jack at January 19, 2009 10:47 PM in response to Atlantic Center To Lose Major Tenant

How many storefronts on Hoyt are drug fronts or illegal gambling fronts? Seriously, corner groceries don't make that much money that so many can survive in that close proximity. Not saying this place was ever doing anything illegal, but pretending Hoyt Street doesn't cater to the worst elements of the Gowanus Houses is a bit delusional.

And there's no way a boutique or trendy food store ala the stuff on Smith Street would move in there. Maybe a decent slice pizzeria or a luncheonette. Or another grocery. But not much else.

Posted by: Jack at January 9, 2009 10:58 PM in response to High Hopes for Hoyt Street?

Hear, hear! Let's not forget that they are pulling this stunt of offering 3x rent and abusive "For Lease" signs during the WORST recession in decades that is based in real estate.

If ANYTHING Thor needs these businesses for one reason: They know how to run a business and turn a profit during good times and bad. Do they think some wet-behind-the-ears Applebee's manager will understand how to deal with boardwalk business quirks?

Never forget the Albee Square mall. Thor's hammer smacked that down before. Stop them before they do the same to Coney Island.

Posted by: Jack at January 3, 2009 7:04 AM in response to Cold Times in Coney Island

What amazes me about Target and the Atlantic Center mall is that Kings Plaza was often called "a dump" and "not a real mall" by high school friends of mine. But honestly, that place is 1000% better than Atlantic Center. The place is a few blocks away from me and I avoid it like the plague.

Posted by: Jack at December 29, 2008 11:55 PM in response to No Recession at Target

Big Jugs, this kind of stuff will end when (1) mentally unstable people are given proper treatment and not released on the street and (2) underground economies and gangs are eliminated or minimized.

Between crack and Reagan sending tons of mental patients into the streets, that's where a lot of this mess comes from.

Posted by: Jack at December 29, 2008 11:53 PM in response to Break-In at Kush

I'm not shocked by this. Honestly, the same scene plays out on virtually every weekend. Holiday shopping didn't change things. The Target stores in Brooklyn are notoriously under-stocked. It's practically worthless to find anything in them.

Posted by: Jack at December 28, 2008 12:59 AM in response to No Recession at Target

I admire how Alan Harding helped put Smith Street on the map. He was a pioneer. But the amount of retail restaurants this guy and his partners have opened seems OCD and destructive. Shnack is gone. Trout and Gravy are gone as well as that bizarre fake/ironic pizza place down the block from it.

Here's an idea. Let the neighborhood NOT have another boutique restaurant.

Posted by: Jack at December 16, 2008 10:56 AM in response to No Oyster Bar? How About a Methadone Clinic?

That's clearly an Egret. Seen tons of them in NYC parks over the years and even flying over the Gowanus Canal.

Posted by: Jack at November 29, 2008 12:13 AM in response to Closing Bell: Prospect Park's Wild Turkey

Big Jugs, I don't believe this is a marketing ploy because Steve's Key Lime pies get lots of press regardless of drama surrounding it.

But I will say more than a few folks are saddened by this. It's like Brooklyn's Snoopy went missing. Good Effin' Grief!

Posted by: Jack at November 29, 2008 12:12 AM in response to Friday Links

Ruska, if it's abandoned and not taken care of it's abandoned and not taken care of.

Keep a notebook on any incidents and even better if you can take photos if anything happens.

Also, this is a case where calling 311 and asking would make sense.

I have a funny feeling you won't be the first or last person to call them.

Posted by: Jack at November 28, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Credit Crunch Hits Kensington

Just read most of the discussion about Jake on the Daily Slope and it's just amazing how many thesis papers are being drafted there. Here's his deal as well as the deal of many of the semi-permanent "homeless" guys on 7th Avenue: Many of them have homes and get disability and the pan-handling supplements their income. Whether that's good or bad, I'm not judging. But lots of Brooklyn neighborhoods have folks like this.

What I personally don't like about that is that many other neighborhoods hire these guys to do deliveries and odd jobs. Which I'm fine with. Heck, even near me in Boerum Hill you see many neighborhood regulars cleaning or running errands and making money. Just standing in the street and doing nothing? That can only happen in a neighborhood that—pardon me for saying this—has lots of yuppie guilt.

Which is fine by me because I'm not giving these guys change. But when the snow comes I will pay one of the neighborhood guys to shovel the sidewalk.

Thinking about the homeless folks where I grew up in Brighton Beach, they all had jobs doing something for someone. And people accepted that.

So seriously that eyepatch guy can grab a broom if he wants my money. And if Jake Greene seriously got $100,000 and blew it? Forget him. No help for someone who gets that much of a windfall an squanders it.

Posted by: Jack at November 28, 2008 3:06 AM in response to Big Plans for 79-81 7th Avenue Quashed

Exactly what jfss says. But I was a kid in the 1970s back then. I remember either taking the D train to Dekalb Avenue and walking with my mom & dad to May's, Korvettes, A&S and Woolworths. What amazing fun! Especially A&S where they had an express elevator to the toy department. The elevator bank still exists today, but no express elevator and 1/2 are shut down so they can use it as sales space.

I know Fulton is not exactly everyone's cup of tea, but it's always been a low end shopping district. Back when I was visiting, you had those department stores. Now you do have more schlock... But getting everyone out and replacing them with Pinkberry's won't solve anything.

Posted by: Jack at November 28, 2008 3:00 AM in response to Looking Up at the Fulton Mall

Back on topic, I'm a bit tired of hearing that "Zuzu's Petals" was at this spot. They weren't the only place. There was a Korean grocery story there as well as a branch of the Olive Vine that moved there after closing their 6th Avenue spot.

No disrespect to "Zuzu's Petals" but I'm sure more people patronized those businesses than that flower shop over the years. Loved that Korean grocery when I lived on Union Street in the early 1990s.

Posted by: Jack at November 28, 2008 2:34 AM in response to Big Plans for 79-81 7th Avenue Quashed

The big problem here is that for the past 8 years the government has been wasting money and resources on an unneeded war. Gas prices are through the roof. Food prices are double what they were a few years ago in many cases. And the biggest thing the average work-a-day U.S. citizen has gotten in the past few years? A $600 "economic stimulus" package that was intended to help U.S. consumers buy neat/fun stuff and stimulate the economy. Most of those $600 checks went straight into credit or mortgage payments.

So now the government wants us to bail out a bunch of billionaires who became rich off of conning average working people? Screw that.

Realistically is there anyway to prosecute the heads of these companies for fraud and force them to pay back the millions they took from others?

Well, I know that is unrealistic. But still. There has to be a better way.

Is there anyway that $700 billion could be spent on improving real lives and not bailing out the "smartest guys in the room".

I swear, this whole mess angers me more than you can believe. And I can get angry!

Posted by: Jack at September 27, 2008 4:35 AM in response to WaMu Bailout a Bonus Bonanza for Brooklyn Bigwig

I think lechacal is a bit panicky, but on the right track. What makes this crisis unique is it's based on the fact that none of these junk loans have any money backing them. It's all gone. It's not magically going to get balanced.

So the question is how long this will last, and my feeling is that this will last for years. And frankly, if property values are down and you're in it for the long haul, this is no big deal. Flippers need to be concerned. Also, I'd dare say expect lots of small boutiques and restaurants shutting down. This is not the economy or market for stuff that has a flaky business plan.

Posted by: Jack at September 23, 2008 11:23 AM in response to What Lies Beneath?

i disagree, yes those storefronts with yellow/red "for rent" signs are Pintchik. And as a Brooklyn born and bred NYer let me say this: Pintchik is not that great and is overpriced and their staff is not that helpful.

There are local hardware stores on Smith Street and on Montague Street that have helped me when I needed something. Heck, I found an old school electronics shop on Canal Street that's been helpful to me and they have been around for decades. Pintchik? They are about as useful as Tarzian Hardware on 7th Avenue in Park Slope: Neither are useful and both are "neighborhood traditions" that just stink.

And in the case of Pintchik, the warehousing they do with their storefronts really kill that part of Flatbush. They are not good neighbors.

Posted by: Jack at September 23, 2008 11:20 AM in response to The Borough of Mom and Pop Shops

The kiddie park that fronts the boardwalk is owned by Thor now I believe. The Wonder Wheel itself and other rides connected to Deno's are their.

People, also please realize that Astroland is not the Wonder Wheel park and visa versa. In fact most of the rides and attractions have no connection to one another. That's part of the reason Thor got this far. All the owners there have always cut deals behind the scenes to screw each other over. Now? They screwed themselves over by looking out for themselves and nobody else.

Say goodnight Gracie. But lets hope that Thor goes under. They have no amusement experience and they simply buy land/property and let it sit fallow until a zoning variance comes and then they flip it. Practically all of the property they own in NYC is empty and underdeveloped. They are good for nothing and make Forrest City Ratner look like angels.

Posted by: Jack at September 5, 2008 3:16 PM in response to Night Falls on Astroland

The only annoyance on Smith Street is that cluster of restaurants on Smith and Pacific all owned by the same guy. Seriously, the food is mediocre and it's just not fun. At least Bar Tabac makes sense; those places are worthless.

Posted by: Jack at September 5, 2008 12:00 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Asian Restaurant Coming to Smith

Anyone here remember when the Campus Sugar Bowl was still around? Converted into a Starbucks a few years back.

Does Canal Jean Co. still have an outlet down there?

Posted by: Jack at September 3, 2008 9:20 AM in response to Big Boxes Go to Flatbush

Hey there. Been visiting on an off during the summer, and took some pictures and posted them on Flickr. Enjoy!

http://tinyurl.com/6gduwt

Posted by: Jack at August 31, 2008 6:28 PM in response to Closing Bell: Pre-Labor Day Flea

I think that all the hand-wrining about the Park Slope Food Co-op is hilarious and predictable. I am happy that people came to an agreement over their disagreements, but it never ceases to blow my mind how upset people are at the thought of using nearly 3 hours of your life every 4 weeks to help a good community resource grow.

When you come down to it, we all spend much, much, much more time watching crappy TV and movies.

Also, it's a great resource for people who have never thought about what they eat to actually live/experience the difference. I joined the co-op in about 2003 because I was eating like crap and simply wanted to eat better and give myself a reason to. When I first joined, I didn't think much of organic versus non-organic. But as the months and years passed, I learned the difference.

I also learned another great thing about local farming. The co-op really makes efforts to work with local suppliers and providers and the end result is always great. The produce is bought for the members in the co-op. It's not like a supermarket where they stock tons of junk and push it on you. Basically, it's a huge variety and incredible turnover of stock so you always—and I mean always—get the best stuff.

You could go to Whole Foods, Fairway or even local markets, but in my experience the quality has never come close and the price is never the same.

Also, I do need to address this incredibly wrong statement:
"I think it's a good thing that highly paid lawyers and professionals want to get their hands dirty and stock shelves, albeit a couple of hours a month."

The Park Slope Food Co-op is truly made up of a cross section of Brooklyn on all levels. You do have the well-heeled, but they are nowhere near the majority. The rest are a mix of middle-class, working class and even unemployed of all races and ethnic groups. Seriously, it's one of the few places you'll see Orthodox Jewish moms, Rastafarians, plain old NYC folk, hipsters, lawyers and even MTA workers mingling without issue.

FWIW, before I joined I held a lot of the same misconceptions. And after I joined I realized how incredibly wrong I was.

Also I think the work requirement is valid. Labor costs are high. And by having members be workers, you actually get much better service than you'd imagine. Yes, there's always one or two stories about the co-op everyone heres. But what about people's shopping experience elsewhere? I've never been treated more like crap than when I had to ran out to Key Food this past week. But do people blog about it? No.

The point is, either you like the idea or you don't. And frankly in Fort Greene I think there will be far more people who love the idea of working than not.

Heck, is there any other place in NYC nowadays where one can actually teach a kid—or a slacker roommate—the value doing basic work?

This is a good thing folks. You hate it, just don't go there.

Posted by: Jack at August 22, 2008 10:24 PM in response to Fort Greene Co-Op Chooses Toiling

The problem with chains is the food is mediocre, and nobody locally benefits.

Applebee's is decent, but a rare exception. How about Junior's expanding and taking over that spot for the lunch crowd on the other side of Fulton Street Mall area?

Posted by: Jack at August 22, 2008 10:09 PM in response to Wednesday Food & Drink Round-Up

The place was indeed abandoned for years. But when they began construction, the whole building was gutted and the only thing that really remains is the brick shell of a facade.

Posted by: Jack at August 22, 2008 10:05 PM in response to Development Watch: 93 Nevins Making Progress

Well, FWIW going to free shows 10 years ago was great. Not too crowded and the cops were not that bad. Now? It's tedious and not worth the effort most of the time.

Posted by: Jack at August 14, 2008 11:13 PM in response to Fencing In Bob Dylan

BK One, no blowback from me. I think people need to understand the goal of some boutiques. Some are setting up shop not so much to sell items, but to have a place to show their stuff. Think of it as a "gallery-tique". They show off their wares, make a name, and then maybe become a designer for someone bigger in the business. It dosn't matter if they make a profit; often times the plan is to spend money to rent and entertain designers and others and leave when the goal is reached or the money is gone. Not justifying $150 t-shirts that are questionably better than stuff from the Salvation Army down the block, but still.

Also, I have two words for Boerum Hill folks who have watched boutiques come and go: Johnny Roo. How long has that storefront stayed closed after that boutique opened and closed in the blink of an eye? Do pigeons in the awning pay rent?

Posted by: Jack at August 9, 2008 12:27 AM in response to Closing the Door on Ouvrez La Porte

"...vendors (not unreasonably) want to make the most money they can and think that only in richer neighborhoods can they do that."

They also want safety and the cushion of a nice/healthy local economy. Fruit carts like this mainly pop in areas that have lots of other walkable retail, but no decent selection of fruit. There's a tipping point to where street vendors come in.

Also, I'm not in the mind that we should pity a stores overpriced rent. I support stores that support me and welcome me; I don't look at their lease before buying something from them. It's not my business and concern.

If you open a business, be an asset to the community and the goodwill and business will flow regardless of rent.

Posted by: Jack at August 8, 2008 11:43 AM in response to Closing Bell: Happy Fruit Men Everywhere

This kind of opening/closing of boutiques on Atlantic Avenue is nothing new. This strip has had its share of openings and closings and I expect it to stay the same. Some people open boutiques to open a business. Some are designers opening storefronts to get a "name" before moving on elsewhere. Those folks stay for 2-3 years. But whatever happens to this strip can only be good. It's been so dead for so long.

Just don't price out the delis on the corners or the dry cleaner. They are vital to the neighborhood and if they closed it would not be good.

Posted by: Jack at August 8, 2008 11:21 AM in response to Closing the Door on Ouvrez La Porte

Mule, a fruit stand will not destabilize anything anywhere. If people avoid Brooklyn Industries because a fruit stand is there, that would be hilarious. It's about as logical a complaint as the church going folks complaining that the Brooklyn Flea ruins their ability to worship. You might as well say that people bottling their own water is threatening to Poland Springs.

Also, Heather's point about under-served neighborhoods is correct, but a business is still a business. After the Gristede's fire and the closing of D'Agostino, the neighborhood is definitely under-served. And the location outside the St. George has lots of foot traffic.

Bedford Stuyvesant, Crown Heights and Bushwick need more than just a fruitstand.

Posted by: Jack at August 8, 2008 9:41 AM in response to Closing Bell: Happy Fruit Men Everywhere

Echoing what BrooklynBear says, Mikey's Hook Up is painfully overpriced even compared to other NYC places. Even calling them or e-mailing to ask for basic info results in nothing from them but attitude. I wouldn't recommend them to anyone.

Posted by: Jack at August 7, 2008 6:07 PM in response to Streetlevel: Mikey's Hooking Up Dumbo

chnewbie, stinks. The deal with setting up something like a food co-op is you really need space and in today's real estate market you'll really need someone who's an "angel" and willing to let the business grow and thrive.

With the PS food co-op, they bought their buildings before the boom. Best move ever.

On topic, Myrtle Avenue is still not too great. Not as bad as the "Murder Avenue" days, but still open air dealing and lots of fronts still fronting.

Posted by: Jack at August 5, 2008 3:19 PM in response to Streetlevel: Chase Gobbles Up Myrtle Corner

BrooklynLove, who said "near future" or put a timeframe of "5 years"?

Regardless, you're convinced this hotel boom is hinged on these hotels staying hotels. I'm not convinced.

Posted by: Jack at August 5, 2008 11:36 AM in response to DOB Green-Lights Cambria Suites Hotel on Schermerhorn

BrooklynLove, the last 20 years are one thing. The past 5 years is another. I don't think it's a radical idea that it would happen.

People laughed at me in the 1980s when I said Williamsburg would be a boomtown: "Who would want to live in warehouses?" Apparently enough people.

Posted by: Jack at August 4, 2008 1:47 PM in response to DOB Green-Lights Cambria Suites Hotel on Schermerhorn

Junkman:
"Point I am making, is that a lot of very smart people see a future in Downtown Brooklyn otherwise they wouldn't all be making such a significant investment."

Hmmm. Well, you have a point, but are these buildings built not only to be hotels but to stay as hotels? Could it be possible that they are opened as hotels but then a few years later they suddenly turn into "luxury" housing?

I'm willing to bet there's a backdoor condo/coop aspect to the sudden hotel boom.

Posted by: Jack at August 4, 2008 1:14 PM in response to DOB Green-Lights Cambria Suites Hotel on Schermerhorn

The food is awesome and a great draw to the flea. And the wait is not that bad at all. What else is one going to do on a sunny Sunday? Stay inside?

Posted by: Jack at August 4, 2008 11:03 AM in response to Closing Bell: No August Slowdown at The Flea

Wait, sorry for the two comments in a row, but looking at the layout of the place and the curb view, it looks like a big diner layout. Like someone took the plans to a diner and then plopped that center piece in the middle.

Since it's a custom job (clearly) I'd also like to see if there are any hatches or false floors in the place. Seriously, something has to be stashed there.

Posted by: Jack at July 30, 2008 11:23 PM in response to Dyker Heights 'Mansion': Yours for $2 Mil

So why was it sold? Some guy's Goomah didn't like it?

Posted by: Jack at July 30, 2008 11:18 PM in response to Dyker Heights 'Mansion': Yours for $2 Mil

Steve is great and has done an amazing job spreading the news about these parrots. And the parrots themselves are awesome!

Posted by: Jack at July 30, 2008 11:10 PM in response to Closing Bell: The Brooklyn Parrot Guru

So, is he renting the apartment or the stuff in it?

Posted by: Jack at July 29, 2008 8:08 PM in response to Closing Bell: Apt. Comes With 'Door, Sufficiently Armored'

itsagas, exactly. There can't be this much demand for a hotel in this part of Brooklyn.

I also wonder if some of these "hotels" are being constructed with an eye to converting them into housing when the economy balances out.

Posted by: Jack at July 29, 2008 9:44 AM in response to Behold, the Latest Gowanus Hotel!

Biff Champion, other stores have this concern as well. I've seen a few notices not barring people from using $20 bills, but warning that counterfeits are in circulation and if you're caught, they will call the cops.

Also, there have been a lot more cops walking a beat out here on Atlantic Avenue than I have ever seen before. Coincidence? Or is the summer just hot and the city likes sending cops out in full gear to hang out on street corners nowadays?

Posted by: Jack at July 28, 2008 8:38 PM in response to Closing Bell: Better Bring Small Bills to Louie's