I can see this facility from my window. The overhead bright lights on the basketball court have been on full blast all night, every night for months (almost a year). I have called Dept of Housing, Tish James, 311, etc, to complain but nothing happens and the lights keep burning for nothing.

Given all the waste and graft going into this money pit - why do the managers insist on running dozens of high power interior lights for no one?

Posted by: Knickerbocker at October 13, 2009 12:49 PM in response to Ingersoll Center Finally Open (Sorta)

iz: They were able to fix the cobblestones around Central Park. You should have CPW it in the 1970s. Pothole central - Riverside park was the same too.

I'm pretty sure the only concrete is on the Myrtle side. There is no Ashland side to the park (Bk hospital is the border) and there are cobblestones on Washington Street. Then again, this is Ed Town's money, so it will probably go to put in permanent BBQ pits on the Myrtle side so it can be just as disgusting as the 9th st entrance of Prospect Park.

As for better reno options - the back staircase on St Edwards is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Also they need (even) more benches now that the crackheads found somewhere else to sleep. Throw in some new cobblestones on DeKalb (and a curb cut on the Dekalb/Washington corner), then we are getting somewhere.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at August 14, 2009 4:30 PM in response to Hot Cash Injection for Fort Greene Park

They also extended the hours for metered parking until late in the evening. For example on Willoughby and Ashland the meters were reset to 6 days a week until 9pm.

Do meter cops even work that late into the evening?

Posted by: Knickerbocker at August 7, 2009 10:49 AM in response to Parking Changes in Fort Greene

NorthHeights is right = 84th is across the street. I'm surprised they didn't get the guys from the Fire house across the street involved as well.

Looks like the NYPD version of having H.S. English class outside on a summer day. Everyone can just hang in the McDs parking lot and be 'on the job' together. It's almost cute and sweet - until you realize that our tax dollars are paying for this garden party.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at August 6, 2009 10:30 AM in response to Union Protest at 277 Gold

How can one participate in this discussion without being called out as a 'racist'.

Let me count the ways ---

Ummmm...Zero.

Ok then. CYA later!

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 28, 2009 4:14 PM in response to Closing Bell: Malcom X Farmers Market on the Ropes

I live nearby, and this corner is not the worst. It's a rainy day, so this could happen anywhere.

However, nearby is the bizarre diagonal of Fulton and Flatbush, where every red light is a possible hit and run.

The reason, cars coming off the Manhattan Bridge make left turns off Flatbush on to Fulton via a poorly timed street light sequence which put southbound pedestrians backs to the cars just as the cars hit the gas to make this very short turning light.

There was a google map of accidents posted here about a year ago, this corner is one of the biggest acident/death rats in all Brooklyn.

I've complained to everyone, even to traffic cops working the corner, that they should immediately ticket the cars that blow left turn light, but of course, it's always someone else's responsibility.

One red light camera would solve the problem (and generate thousands in revenue via tickets since at least one car blows thew red light every sequence).

For now, just watch your back!

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 21, 2009 12:36 PM in response to Car Crash on Myrtle

Article to follow on hipster staph outbreak in 3..2..1

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 20, 2009 3:21 PM in response to Behold the Gowanus Country Club

bxgirl, I'm not a fan of 'open education' either. There used to be a private school in Manhattan called Walden (which merged with New Lincoln) where the kids could attend whatever class they wanted. 6th graders could finger paint, 1st graders could sit in on biology. It was a disaster and the whole thing folded about 20 years ago.

Fun is not my criteria. First you need to sort (which I agree is the really hard part - see my last post), then you can teach the kids according a combination of their ability and desire. As long as you don't end up with kids getting trapped (which still happens today) then I believe everyone will get a chance to do better.

Otherwise - good point.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 16, 2009 5:11 PM in response to New Middle School Coming to Fort Greene

Tapas is Spanish for "$12 appetizer"

I'll pass.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 16, 2009 5:02 PM in response to StreetLevel: Tapas for 5th Ave

I totally agree that theory vs. implementation of a good idea is never easy. However, (as I said) the current system tends to push the non-college kids into the pre-institutionalizing 'special ed' system. I know 4-5 people who work for DOE (some in in special ed), and they all tend to agree with my return to trade school theory is a better option. Is that scientific proof - no, but it is a good start.

The two system stigma still exists, but now its called special ed instead of trade school (or shop). Is that really progress? From what I have been told (from the aforementioned teachers), (disciplinary) special ed is mostly temporary a way point before these kids end up in jail, and each day the most of teacher's job is to play cop and prevent the kids from fighting. Again, not scientific or systematic proof of anything, but this is how theories are formed.

Teachers are forced to teach to the 'back of the class' which holds back the ones who might excel. Funny thing is that this issue was upside down in the extremely progressive private school I went to in the 70s where the trust fund kids disrupted class, while the less affluent students worked overtime to make the most of the opportunity.

So based on my personal experience and observation my opinion is that the 'one size fits all' education system is a failure. Everyone deserves an opportunity to try to make it to the top, but if you can't, then why hold back the ones who want to try harder? Capitalism does not work if everyone gets to be a doctor or lawyer. Someone has to fix things when they breaks and someone else has to work the cash register, etc.

Do we really want to bring down the education level of entire country just to avoid a sensitive race/class issue? You still teach basic math in auto shop school, just not pre-calculus, etc.

The hard part is finding a less arbitrary way to 'sort out' the kids. I think there would need to be some time of 'in-between' school for the ones with low test results, but high motivation. If they want to try - then let them try. The ones who can make it out of the (hypothetical) middle group might be the greatest success stories - since they were able to make it on their own merit and sweat. I believe that is also called 'The American Way'.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 16, 2009 4:51 PM in response to New Middle School Coming to Fort Greene

*rob* - if a kid want to learn algebra, and does the work, then he should be able to take algebra and/or go to college. There would be some testing at first, but kids should not be locked into the trade system if they show they are prepared to try (which I understand was the biggest problem with the trade schools in the 50s and 60s).

But those that do not want to try, will never learn because they do not want to learn. Sitting in advanced classes makes them feel stupid, so they get angry and disrupt the class. Eventually they end up in 'special ed' of some kind, which merely pushes them further out of the system.

If we taught those kids to fix HVAC systems, auto repair, retail management, simple book keeping, home finance and even basic computer maintenance, my theory is that they would tend to try harder since there is something 'in it' for them.

I could be wrong - I'm not an expert. It still seems logical to me.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 16, 2009 2:41 PM in response to New Middle School Coming to Fort Greene

Denton: Yes, there are still a few, but they are rare.

I am suggesting a return to a full trade school system.

I admit I don't fully understand the entire picture as to why the old system was eliminated, so please understand that my proposal is an attempt to open a debate and educate, not draw lines or start another 'class warfare' discussion.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 16, 2009 2:21 PM in response to New Middle School Coming to Fort Greene

As a parent in this district, I have to make a serious, but possibly incendiary proposal.

In the past, public schools were divided based on academic achievement, and there were trade schools for those who did not do well in traditional learning environments. This was eliminated in the 60/70s under the theory that every kid can go to college.

However, kids from different backgrounds learn better in customized environments. While this will mostly (and unfortunately) break down along racial/class lines, this rule is not applicable to every kid.

I grew up in NYC in the 70s and went to one of the most progressive schools here (still around - not naming names). There were plenty of rich kids (not me - I was on scholarship) some worked hard, some slacked off, but there were also many kids from less affluent families who busted their butts and are currently making more money then their rich classmates.

My point is that I think merit should be the guiding principle. People from all backgrounds can work hard and do well if they are ready to try. The slacking rich kids should have been tossed out, (but their rich parents paid for the rest of us to get a decent education, so its a tough call).

Nevertheless, when it comes to public schools, most disadvantaged kids don't see the need to learn algebra or Shakespeare, and they are right to feel that way. If we taught kids according to their own goals, perhaps everyone would benefit since the kids would pay more attention, rather than having the teachers fight with the troublemakers (who are mostly just bored).

My point is that I think we need to reconsider implementing trade schools that teach 21st century skills.

And my question is: Are any of you other posters old enough to remember those trade school days? I'm really curious since most of my understanding of this issue is based on 2nd and 3rd party info.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at July 16, 2009 2:14 PM in response to New Middle School Coming to Fort Greene

westernnygirl: While I agree with you, the spectre of Robert Moses still haunts all development/NIMBY issues in NYC.

However - the missing fight here is that Rater is not the problem - its the MTA.

Ratner wants to make $$ -that's all. He will do anything to get $$, including cut as many corners as legally possible. That is also par for the course.

But the MTA continually ignores its obligation to accept the highest bidder. The Extell plan would have been fine, but too many politicians got sweaty hands while waiting to stick their hand in the cookie jar - so FCRC's bid was rigged.

I am not happy with the hole in the ground, but also hated the original Gerhy design.

Had the MTA complied with its directives, this would have worked, but the fix was in way too soon, and DDDB is not wrong to call out FCRC and the MTA on their complicity.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at June 30, 2009 4:42 PM in response to Court of Appeals Will Hear AY Eminent Domain Case

The primary color divide in FG is green(backs) not skin color.

The wealthy people stick together - and I would guess that at least 30 - 50% of wealthy parents in the FG district are mixed race couples (that's a non-scientific guess, but it's what I see on the playgrounds).

This issue is more about rich v. poor, not black v. white.

I grew up in Manhattan in the West 90s in the 1970s. Same gentrification story then as it is now in FG - except this time I am the one moving in, rather than being pushed out. This also happened to my parents, grandparents and great-grandparents (family arrived in Ellis Is in 1910, we never left NYC - hence my 'Knickerbocker' handle).

This is the way it always goes in NYC. No one 'owns' their hood, we all rent. FG has only been a 'hood' for 40 - 50 years. Everything changes sooner or later. I'm totally used to this issue having lived on both sides of the debate (and having lived within 1/2 mile of the FG area for almost 15 years).

But the argument about PS 20 here seems to have shifted into whether two wrongs make a right (i.e whether Segarra deserved a beat down), not what's best for the school and the ENTIRE community.

Frankly, it is difficult to understand how anyone can defend Keaton on the basis he was 'provoked'. That is not a legal defense, and it is certainly not one that ever flew when I was in NYC schools (when everyone got in trouble).

All of them need to go to jail if any of this is actually true. But as previously said, the kids are the only ones who lose out here. Any efforts which prevent the situation from improving for the kids sake is another crime in progress.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at June 29, 2009 2:34 PM in response to Race, Class and P.S. 20's Controversial Principal

I am in this district and have a 2 year old, so I have been asking other neighborhood parents about PS 20 for awhile.

The biggest issue (prior to the assault) seemed to be about inclusion vs. exclusion of parents. Keaton was a 'my way or the highway' administrator, so if you questioned his methods, you were shut out of the process. This alienated many parents (all races, the real FG divider is wealth), and appeared to be the primary reason PS 11 (the other district school) has 7 - 8 new kindergarten classes, while PS 20 only has 2-3.

Yes, there is a racial component to this, but the bottom line is that Keaton had no interest in keeping all the people happy all the time, and created a division amongst parents in the area. This worked for him until he went (way) too far, and now he must face the consequences of his actions.

Unfortunately, my kid (and those other FG kids that are 2-5 years old) are the bigger losers, since the district school is in shambles. Moreover, there are hundreds of new kids about to move into all those new apartment towers they just built in the area. For obvious reasons, I am not optimistic that the City will find a workable solution.

As a result, I have had to consider the worst fate I can imagine - suburban living.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at June 29, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Race, Class and P.S. 20's Controversial Principal

The real question is how does Tish James support the BID, and still get love from the merchants?

"James has defended the business improvement district and said that its formation now enables her to funnel city money to the area for other uses that could revitalize the commercial corridor."

http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/22/32_22_mm_fulton_bid.html

Now that's a real magic trick!

Posted by: Knickerbocker at June 1, 2009 11:59 AM in response to Fulton BID Opponents Threaten Not to Pay

benno: It's still the old sign in the picture - the new one is still on the truck.

As for the merch - well, that probably never changes.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at May 29, 2009 4:55 PM in response to Ft. Greene Dollar Store Marking Its Turf

I'm as open minded as the average Brooklyn resident, but booking a bond called "Sex Mob" for a girls summer camp benefit is "just not right".

Posted by: Knickerbocker at May 29, 2009 9:28 AM in response to Weekend Events

I've said this on most of the past posts about this place. I lived across the street from 1994-6 when this was a crack house. The roof was broken and water flowed in for decades. Unless they hand scrubbed each brick and replaced all the masonry, there is no way this place should be sold as "healthy".

Lawsuits to follow under separate cover.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at May 6, 2009 5:48 PM in response to Development Watch: 93 Nevins More Fully Revealed

I've said this on most of the past posts about this place. I lived across the street from 1994-6 which this was a crack house. The roof was broken and water flowed in for decades. Unless they hand scrubbed each brick and replaced all the masonry, there is no way this place should be sold as "healthy".

Lawsuits to follow under separate cover.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at May 6, 2009 5:48 PM in response to Development Watch: 93 Nevins More Fully Revealed

I cannot believe anyone would want to be Grimaldi's neighbor.

Between the constant pizza smell, the coal dust and the crowds on the street 14+ hours per day 365 days per year, it would be one major, unending nuisance.

No wonder they couldn't find a buyer.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at April 23, 2009 6:02 PM in response to Foreclosures of the Week

Bleach + ammonia = chlorine gas a/k/a mustard gas

Also cat urine = ammonia. Therefore, never use bleach to clean the cat box.

More:

http://www.state.nj.us/health/eoh/cehsweb/bleach_fs.pdf

Now you know. And knowing is 1/2 the battle.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at April 14, 2009 5:08 PM in response to renew bathroom floor tile?

altervoce: I meant to write "shepard". How I ended up with the typo "shapared" is unknown to me too.

By that I meant that there are some monumental issues currently affecting district 35 (my district) and the current candidates all appear to be focused on representing a single interest group, not all the voters in the area. But my knowledge of the candidates is admittedly weak, so I am not trying to give the impression that I have done moy homework.

However, that is why I come to this website, and I don't think it's utopian to expect a little more out of Brownstoner when it comes to reporting election issues.

How about it Brownstoner? Did you call anyone in this campaign and ask for comment on the current status of AY? Flatbush/Myrle Ave development? Fulton St? LDC issues? More Edward Murrow and less Martha Stewart, please!

Posted by: Knickerbocker at March 30, 2009 1:23 PM in response to A Third Candidate Enters District 35 Council Race

When will District 35 get a real candidate and not some developers tool or a front for organized labor?

Not a fan of any of these people. Bring on someone who is actually able to shapared the significant issues affecting the district.

BTW- brownstoner is still a lazy researcher. The guy's full bio is on the "about" page for this candidate. Apparently he is currently a financial consultant for a "leading" consulting firm. That obfuscation probably means someone has just been indited.

http://www.change35.com/?page_id=2

More journalism please! Pick up the phone and call the guy Brownstoner. You say want "better" traffic and comments? How about you try to pick up the pace and bring something more to the table besides pictures of half finished buildings and snarky comments about recessed lighting. Maybe he is legit, but this post makes me suspicious. I'm sure he'd grant an interview - he needs the press. Call him and ask for comment.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at March 30, 2009 10:56 AM in response to A Third Candidate Enters District 35 Council Race

John Catsimatidis building is also moving up fast. It is up to the 5th of 8 floors. Pretty simple structure - all concrete block - but it looks like it should be done by summer. Here comes that neighborhood supermarket (finally)!

Posted by: Knickerbocker at March 18, 2009 11:11 AM in response to Avalon Myrtle Passes the 3/4 Mark

"The tipster who sent this in might not get high grades for photography (he was using a blackberry camera with his gloves on) but she gets big points for content."

And B'Stoner does not get high grades for editing!! Was your tipster a he, she or he/she?

Not that it really matters, but then again I doubt that a 2BRs @ 4k/mo (or the $2,800/mo 1BR which is also listed) is relevant either.

Let me know when they discover the new realty reality.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at March 5, 2009 12:53 PM in response to 151 Carroll Street To Be Rentals After All

Just guessing here, but there is a new chief judge on the Court of Appeals - Jon Lippman.

He might want to have a crack at this issue to prove himself.

Then again, he was not known for his 'revolutionary' jurisprudence prior to appointment (he was NY State Chief Administrative Judge for most of his career).

We shall see.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at February 27, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Ratner Wins Another Round of Yards Lawsuits

Just here to comment about the little green house in the pix.

I looked at that place in 2006, it was being offered for rent at $2700/mo. I made a low-ball counter-offer, but they weren't budging. So I walked away, and am very glad I did.

It is without a doubt, one of the strangest layouts/interiors I have seen in downtown Brooklyn.

First, one of the recent residents was apparently a 'arts and crafts' type of person and did all this 'slightly better than amateur' woodworking in the parlor. There is a small living room and s smaller separate dining room on the other side of the first floor windows. The kitchen is old, and looks like its from a lower middle class home in New Hampshire from 1961. Frankly, it really rides the line between cute and bizarre.

I asked questions about the possible teardown due to Atlantic Yards. The broker showing the place assured me that it was not in the footprint. Gotta love those brokers!

Posted by: Knickerbocker at February 23, 2009 4:22 PM in response to Atlantic Yards Case Starts in State Appeals Court Today

When I was still an infant in the crib (we lived in a pre-war apt bldg on the Upper West Side of Manhattan) my mom said I used to pee on the floor. The floor was carpeted.

Went I was 10 we took up the carpet with the idea to restore the original wood floors. There were dark brown/black stains where I 'hit the spot' (apparently I was aiming at the cat).

Despite sanding the floor down as much as possible, the stain never went away. We were left with the option of (1) living with it); (2) re-carpeting; or (3) installing a new floor. We lived with it.

Your mileage may vary.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at February 23, 2009 4:08 PM in response to Pee-Stained Wood Floors?

"Boerum Hill" - just need to respond your statement. You didn't appear to read my comments carefully. I like living in the area, so much so that I moved BACK in 2004-6 when the rents were triple what I paid in 1994.

My comments are only about the very real and current problem of noise and garbage on the side streets (which relates to my stay in 2004-6), and my memory of this particular building (which was across the street from me in 1994-6) being marketed as "healthy".

All I said was get an environmental inspection - which is still good advice. Unless the developer took down the walls and boiled every brick then re-built, I do not understand how they can get the mold (and other unmentionables) out of this structure.

Not everyone is trying to troll for a flame war on this site (you know who I mean). Sometimes people are just trying to help with a little extra knowledge.

"Because knowing is half the battle"

Posted by: Knickerbocker at February 10, 2009 7:49 PM in response to Scaffolding Down, Listings Imminent at 93 Nevins

Manitoba - I moved about 1 block away to Atlantic and Bond in 1996, so we were 'neighbors' back then. I also moved back to Dean + Bond from 2004-6 (I have always been within 1/2 mile of this block since 1994), so I have seen this area recently. I has come a long way, but some things never change.

My one additional comment is that, like Manitoba suggested, all the Boerum Hill side streets (i.e. Nevins, Dean + Bond) are dirty and noisy due to heavy foot and car traffic 24/7/365. So I hope they also installed some sound proofing and thick insulation between the disgusting brick exterior and the new interior dry wall. I'd suggest checking this place out at 11pm on a Friday if you really want to know what you are buying.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at February 10, 2009 12:52 PM in response to Scaffolding Down, Listings Imminent at 93 Nevins

I've posted this on previous threads - I lived across the street from this building from 1994-6. It was a crack house then and the roof was gone, so it was exposed to the elements for about 20 years.

I'm all for re-development (I was told that the exterior is landmarked - so that is why it has a Frankenstein design), but calling this place "healthy" might be a stretch given the history of neglect.

The developer seems well intentioned, but the website has few actual details of the clean up process (mostly marketing jargon). That is not enough disclosure to prove this place is safe in the long run.

Get a full environmental survey. Buyer beware.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at February 10, 2009 12:02 PM in response to Scaffolding Down, Listings Imminent at 93 Nevins

CB6 - I can see the Catsimatidis work site from my living room. There is a crew working today. the structure is still only up to the 1st floor, but it is getting bigger.

It's slow, but not asleep.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 30, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Avalon and Toren Rising

I went to Coney last summer for one final trip, and there was some Russian sounding metal band performing at the current stage.

There were more people on stage than in the crowd and the noise could be heard all the way to Nathans.

Oh, and why can't acts play at the stadium? Bands used to play Shea and Yankee stadium all the time.

The real question is who is this 64M helping besides Marty's buddies in the construction industry?

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 26, 2009 5:20 PM in response to Community Concerns About Marty's Coney Concert Space

Everyone please read carefully. Both the Post and Brownstoner clearly state that the 'new' rendering is not a new Ratner design - it is commissioned by the NY Post.

"..because knowing is half the battle..."

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 26, 2009 11:02 AM in response to Atlantic Yards Looking Increasingly Un-sexy

The difficulty level on taking a 'nice shot' near the Brooklyn Bridge is near zero. I could hand my toddler my camera and as long as he got the thing pointed towards Manhattan (and doesn't stick the camera in his mouth) that would be a nice shot.

Not impressed. Welcome to Brooklyn. We have nice views. BFD.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 22, 2009 8:01 PM in response to Thursday Blogwrap

I lived on Dean (about 1 block up the street) from 2004-7 in a ground floor apt. There is 24/7 street noise on this block, mostly because of the foot traffic (esp. due to the train station on Schermerhorn).

I have also lived in other parts of Boerum Hill which had a lot less noise. The long main streets (Pacific, Dean and Bergen) are quiet and idyllic, but the side streets (Dean, Hoyt, Nevins) get a lot of traffic. Garden apts are especially noisy, and when your bedroom has a window leading out the to a side street - privacy is relative. You sort of get used to it, but the 3am weekend screaming matches on the street between PJ residents are never a fun wake up alarm. Your mileage may vary.

That being said, there are 3 and 4 story brownstones in Boerum Hill. My target price would be 1.3M for a finished 4 story and 1M for a 3 story. Don't buy a gut job in this area - there was a lot of neglect over the years. I'm guessing the current owners of 150 Bond are well aware of that now.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 21, 2009 5:50 PM in response to House of the Day: 150 Bond Street Revisited

Peter18:

I'm well aware of the negotiation process involved with eminent domain. I am commenting that the application of that policy is inconsistent given the high prices paid these Albee Square parcels.

I think the city would have gotten a significantly better deal in court. Since "Cost of litigation" is not an issue (please read my first post in this section) I am guessing that this was a sweetheart deal because of connections and political contributions made by Laramie Dawson.

While the days of abusing the "blight" tag are done, this property was not special (mostly parking lots) so this could have been an opportunity to save the taxpayers ten million (or more). Unlike Rater, this is 100% public use - why not get the best deal for the people. Isn't that the whole idea of eminent domain?

Given that the city is closings schools and fire stations, this whole situation fails the "smell test" in my opinion.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 10, 2009 10:42 AM in response to City Spends Almost $40 Million on Two Downtown Lots

g man:

I appreciate your comments, but how is this not going to be city property? The city is now the current owner.

Also, the sale value of the land was about $128/ft for a teardown (38.5M / 300,000 sq ft). The fair market value of that land is way below that value. We pay for corporate counsel attorneys regardless of the amount of work they perform. I believe any judge would have given a price that was 1/2 that amount.

The only thing I see here is a one-sided deal for a real estate developer, but nothing about this is truly benefiting the taxpayers.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 9, 2009 3:05 PM in response to City Spends Almost $40 Million on Two Downtown Lots

Can anyone explain why eminent domain is acceptable when used down the block so FCRC can build an arena, etc, but when it is time to build a park, the city shells out 38M for a park.

I'm not opposed to eminent domain generally, but I believe it should only be for projects that are 100% public use (or taken then rented out by the city for income).

When you look at the deed transfers and corporate records, both properties were apparently owned through a larger company called Laramie Dawson, which has no webpage, but the primary results of a google search for that are the numerous political contributions made by its principal, David H. Feinberg.

When eminent domain appears to be used only as a method for private developers to cut costs and/or line their pockets with taxpayer money, but is not being used to build a park, well IMHO, that is a good reason for Bloomberg to limit himself to 2 terms.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at January 9, 2009 1:06 PM in response to City Spends Almost $40 Million on Two Downtown Lots

Saw a demo unit about a year ago and was very disappointed.

The rooms are very small, with high ceilings, but it all feels cramped. This was the most striking feature to me. It would have been better to have avoided using 'front parlors' and just made bigger living rooms and kitchens. The southern views are nothing special, just a lot of low rise Brooklyn. The kitchen and bath fixtures were ok, but nothing I haven't already seen 100s of times on most mid to upscale condos.

The in-house brokers were completely clueless, and even denied the hidden costs of maintaining the big clock (despite my citation to a then current front page local news story on the subject).

It was all nice, but this building is trying to be a flagship for all of Brooklyn. By that measure, I think One Hanson is a complete failure.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at December 23, 2008 8:38 PM in response to Condo of the Day: One Hanson Place

That part of the park is not flat ground, it is a slow downward grade toward the water.

Unless they get out earth moving equipment or sink pylons into the dirt, I don't see how you can keep the skaters from sliding into the East River.

Posted by: Knickerbocker at December 12, 2008 2:33 PM in response to Winter Wonderland Coming to Brooklyn Bridge Park?