LilHouseNBklyn's Profile
- Zara
- the womb
- Brooklyn
- Singer
- Female
Author's Posts
May 19, 2009
House Front Mural?
Hello.
I have many muralist in my circle of friends and family, and am thinking about having the front of my house done. What are the rules in painting the front of a residential home? I'd like to think it's my house, and I can do whatever I want... but I know NYC gov doesn't usually go for those sorts of rules. I also live across the street from a school, does that factor in as well?
I'm not planning on doing this ASAP, but thought I'd put the feelers out and see if anyone has any facts or thoughts on the subject.
Thanks!
May 9, 2009
Bloomberg Commercial?
Came home this morning to Bloomberg commercial/interviews being filmed in front of my house. Do I have any rights? Shouldn't they have asked before setting up shop in front of my place?
I have to admit it's slightly entertaining to hear the non-bloomberg supporters harrass them as they walk by... but this is odd. why are they here?
December 10, 2008
Some Stuff for Sale
Hello. Hoping to clear our some space, and have some extra money for the holidays. All links go to Craigslist.org Ads. Drop me a line if you're interested.
Happy Holidays...
Ikea Round Bed
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/fuo/948329805.html
Old But Pretty Couch
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/fuo/952428510.html
Wacky Dinnette Set
http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/fuo/951044499.html
August 30, 2008
Locksmith in Downtown BK
Need a quick change of locks and maybe the addition of a second lock installed into my hollow steel door. Any recommendations of someone who can do it ASAP? Thanks.
July 30, 2008
Dreaming of a Fresh Start
In a distant dream world of bank loans, I fantasize of gutting my house and starting a new. It's only 400sq st per floor (currently 3 floor with basement) and would like an additional two. What is the likely span of these costs (anywhere from basic to higher end) I would just likely to a number in my head, because I really have no concept of what the costs are for small home owners as opposed to the big developers with this type of undertaking. Anyone gone through the process, and have any advice, or referals? Obviously this is the wrong time to start this kind of project, but you have to start somewhere, and it never hurts to ask.
Thanks for your time.
March 23, 2008
Bad Sidewalk & Broken Ankles
So I was on Pacific btwn Nevins and Bond walking home... Slam! I smack into the ground hurling my bags and rolling my ankle in one of the large cracks of the pangea that is this area of Brooklyn. I'm laid out with a bad leg and so it goes...
I'll heal, but in the meantime is there something I should do? Someone I should tell? Report that the sidewalk is just not safe? I hope your only answers aren't "Sue!"
March 18, 2008
Iron Door
I got a new door and have to get rid of this one. Great for extra protection, mail slot, can sell with or without decorative frame. Very heavy so be ready to bring a friend.
Will accept best offer bodebroad@gmail.com
March 13, 2008
Basement Breakdown
I'm literaly frightened of my basement. I now only go down if something is wrong (though everything is wrong.) Last week broken boiler (plumbers proceeded to drop said boiler and spill gallons of water everywhere.) Today I went down to start cleaning, and as the clouded dirt filled the air as I swept the dirt floor, I heard a toilet flush upstairs and the slight spilling of liquid just a few feet from where I stood.
I know these sound like petty issues (they are, and are natural happenings for homeowners) but again these are only the things that have affected life above the basement. Full status includes: holes, loose wires, slanted collapsing ceilings and walls, pvc pipes(?!,) other pipes, etc...
We've hired people to "fix" the basement in the past (patching/plastering/foundation work/etc) and yet somehow I cant even tell there was EVER work done down there. Sure it's partially my fault/my mothers/and my grandmother fault. Too many people hiring half ass-ed workers, but even when I went for bigger names in the industry they still left their monkies here, and what I saw the guy I hired... twice?
I know this is often the case for basements, but I'm truly horrified when I step foot inside. My heart races. It feels and looks as if the ceiling could cave in at any moment. And man I haven't even thought about CODES, VOILATIONS, HUMAN SAFETY.eeek.
I'm assuming I need an overhaul rewiring, plumbing electrical, foundation, plaster... etc. who does this kind of work and who will do it right? I feel like I'm living on thin ice.
February 23, 2008
Littlest House in Brooklyn
Well Hello Hello.
I'm so happy to make myself an official member of Brownstoner.com I jsut moved back to the area on a more permanent basis, and have been put in charge of renovating my family's house here on State Street. Hopefully I can get all I can from you guys while I'm here, because I sure as hell gonna need it!
So I live in what might be the tiniest house in Brooklyn, or at least close to it in the hood. I've attached a photo using the BAM Cultural Center pic which seems to have actually divided each lot. The House next store is similar, but I have a store front on the first floor, so living space is 1/3 smaller. But hey it's enough for me, ny byofriend and our cat... but that's about it.
I've been visiting this house all my life, and it's been so strange to watch the changes over the last 20 years, and I know it's only going to continue. Atlantic Center, Target, The weird hanson offices, boreum heights luxury condos, atlantic yards, I didn't even know about this whole BAM Cultural District thing until today while reading the blog. I'm so out of the loop!
Anyone have some good posts about my area? what is my area called? I swear I never know what to tell people. I just say "Oh I live near target" and they go "Oooohhhh okay" I've been randomly searching brownstoner for tidbits, but what I really need is a hood tutorial for dummies.
Alright well it's late, but I look forward to talking more with y'all.
FYI first on my big renovation questions are:
adding another floor (what are the legalities/steps/prices?) and refinishing basement, itty bitty, scary, dirt floor, out of a ghost story.
Author's Comments
Other than my direct neighbors on either side I know no one else on the block and I've lived here for 8 years. I've just kind of accepted the fact that my house will never be as nice as the others on the block. And this would be a nice way to bring excitement to the house and this strange section of State St (btwn 3rd & Flatbush)
I'm quite sure my house is not considered a landmark (I would have been contact of this, no?) or at least I'm located just outside of the district. I know of only a few noted houses within a few blocks. Is there a site I could go to to be sure?
I'm glad you feel that way Geekspice. I'm hoping others will follow suit. I assure you I wouldn't have a crap mural. I'm planning on going to the best, Os Gemeos.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at May 19, 2009 3:03 PM in response to House Front Mural?
It weird how when the side walk is all decayed and broken I have to fix it, and yet it's not my property when it comes to film set.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at May 9, 2009 2:58 PM in response to Bloomberg Commercial?
I want that Ray Charles painting.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at August 13, 2008 9:38 AM in response to Homeless Intake Center Plan Provokes Broad Opposition
My bed was literally shaking this morning as they were scraping away the old pavement, I was having flashbacks to earthquakes in SF.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at July 25, 2008 2:26 AM in response to Closing Bell: Repaving Everywhere!
I dont know what's up with it, but they had cops patrolling the streets with megaphones in the morning saying "move your cars, you will be towed!" Not a great way to wake up at 5:30am. But I will admit it's nice to drive the streets at night and not be surrounded by cars, made me feel like I didn't live in the city for a minute.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at July 24, 2008 4:28 PM in response to Closing Bell: Repaving Everywhere!
Is it just me or do those birds just look like stone statues?
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at April 20, 2008 10:23 AM in response to giant pigeons in williamsburg?
Is it just me or do those bird just look like stone statues?
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at April 20, 2008 10:23 AM in response to giant pigeons in williamsburg?
Are any of those doorman positions still available I would love to take part.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at April 12, 2008 10:31 PM in response to Closing Bell: Round 2 of The Flea on Sunday
There's also one right on flatbush and 4th ave. what a waste.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 24, 2008 3:01 PM in response to Streetlevel: Modell's Coming to Fulton Mall
Did I say I was suing? These people and their assumptions, I asked for alternatives to suing didn't I? Anyways, I have a weak ankle I'll admit it, but the last two times was a pot hole in NY 4 years ago, and now a sidewalk. Maybe I'll get a Segway Personal Transporter, never use my feet again.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 24, 2008 1:00 PM in response to Bad Sidewalk & Broken Ankles
done and done. :)
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 24, 2008 10:08 AM in response to Bad Sidewalk & Broken Ankles
Oh and please don't email asking "HOW MUCH IS THE DOOR?" Because I don't know. :) How much are these these worth, does anyone know?
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 18, 2008 10:17 PM in response to Iron Door
I had my bad stolen yesterday in front of my house while unloading the car. They immediately went and charged over $600 in metro and pathmark fees. Bad stuff going on...
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 18, 2008 4:01 PM in response to car break-ins in fort greene
Oh dont worry, he was VERY helpful. That pic was done while the boiler was being replaced and there was no room for anyone to do anything except stand there. :)
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 17, 2008 5:15 PM in response to Basement Breakdown
damn straight. :)
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 15, 2008 9:32 AM in response to Basement Breakdown
Oh and I'll tell ya once I get cracking on the "list" of what's wrong. Yes, It's definitely less overwhelming not having sh*t everywhere, but it's still very apparent that the ceiling is falling apart, and the walls crumbling... but I can see the floor and walk from one end to the other. It's the little things.
Thanks again. :)
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 13, 2008 9:33 PM in response to Basement Breakdown
Hey guys...
Spent the last 6 hours cleaning. It's great weight to have atleast made piles of all the large bulk and excess materials, boxed up the ex tenants crap, and consolidated the new guys stuff. I put up a light with a brightly colored shade and pretended I was in a "happy place" as I disposed of the dead. Though a great mental weight has been lifted, I do feel completely ill. Even with mask and gloves I feel slightly poisoned, ill. I'm gonna go eat something, but thanks for all the support guys. It was very motivating.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 13, 2008 9:29 PM in response to Basement Breakdown
4:56:
That's a picture of my boyfriend, but thanks for the advice. I'll save up for the implant and then I'll fix my basement.
Sans the rubble most of the things that are down there isn't crap, sadly no where to put it in the house, but cleaning will happen no worries about that.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 13, 2008 5:09 PM in response to Basement Breakdown
guest:
I'm so glad I have never had water bug, or bug problems in the house... rats on the other hand are frequent visitors. yum. Ever since all the subway work started at Atlantic/Pacific we've been bombarded.
johnife:
I love my model torso, I don't know which of the previous tenants left it, but I'm glad they did. All the pieces come out, and it's like a puzzle to put back together. I admire your taste, but sorry, couldn't bare to part with it.
MrHancock
How did I know at least one person would call me a p*ssy? Oh well, one out a four ain't bad. This photo is actually a nice view, but you can come down and check it out if you want. I'll cook you a nice meal and you can eat it off the floor.
Hey if a broom, gloves, and f*ing lamp was all this thing needed I certainly wouldn't be wasting anyones time. And as far as living by code, were the last house on the block worried about that. Violate away house, I don't mind. I love old shit, and the dirt only builds character. It's when you start to not trust your house that I worry. Like the time the sidewalk vault collapsed to leave a 6x9 foot hole in front of my house for months, or the time I renovated my bathroom, and found I had been bathing on a clawfoot shower base (had been tiled into the floor, so I didn't even know it was there.) and when it was removed, it was clear that the only thing keeping me up was the wilting tile, and the cast iron tub balanced on the drain. All the support beams had rotted away.
Give a gal break would you?
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at March 13, 2008 2:52 PM in response to Basement Breakdown
I cant help but be pessimistic. The last time I was living in the house and fixing it up I got royally screwed. But we'll definitely be hiring an engineer as well as an architect. The last thing I need is this baby collapsing in on itself.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at February 26, 2008 5:30 PM in response to Littlest House in Brooklyn
I'm trying to remember now how it all went down. Long story short I think they gave us $5000 (to rebuild an entire floor!) and if we wanted more we'd have to go after the tenants. My grandmother was very sick at the time, so we just left it at that. But the whole ordeal still bugs me a bit to this day.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at February 26, 2008 5:26 PM in response to To Burn or Not To Burn
About 12 years ago, the tenants next store made a fire in the fireplace without asking the landlord if it was safe. The fire went up the chimney and burned down 1/2 of my house. Insurance gave us close to nothing. Our only choice was to sure the tenants, but we had no time for lawyers. Besides we weren't the "sueing type." Just be careful, and be clear with your tenants it would be terrible if something went wrong.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at February 25, 2008 8:36 PM in response to To Burn or Not To Burn
Once I posted that message I realized that it was just full of late night grammatical errors, and reflective rant. I was going to edit, but I guess the forum doesn't allow that. My apologies.
6:19
I am home. grow up.
7:53
Yes it is Fried Guitar, formally Studio Dep (Tattoo joint) Gary's a really sweet tenant, have you had work done by him?
9:07
Yeah We've been getting recommendations from friends in the area. Been working on small projects through the house before we got to the bigger tasks (stripping grandma linoleum, and cleaning the tar off the walls from a previous chain smoking caveman, etc.) I have yet to call any of them, basically I've just been worried that they might not want to take on such a small project. Adding a floor is usually a big deal, but not when the house is only 20 x 20. I'm probably just being pessimistic.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at February 24, 2008 10:51 AM in response to Littlest House in Brooklyn
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
MistyB maybe you're overly non-confrontational? I would certainly demand to be able to enter my own house on my terms, and make a scene if they don't let me. Bet they would.
When Julia was filming next door to me, the crew were extremely polite and accommodating, only stopping people crossing the immediate area for a few minutes at a time, but you could still cross on the other side.
Posted by: cmu at May 10, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Bloomberg Commercial?
Wonderful idea (depending on taste, of course). It's time the brown-brown-boring-brown streetscape became cool. I may contact you some time.
Posted by: cmu at May 19, 2009 3:15 PM in response to House Front Mural?
I don't know but a friend of mine did this to his house:
http://bushwickbk.com/2008/09/24/new-bushwick-mural-hits-central-avenue/
Posted by: mopar at May 19, 2009 3:22 PM in response to House Front Mural?
thanks CMU. Are you looking to contact me regarding artists? Or just follow through of the project? Either way feel free to drop a line whenever.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at May 19, 2009 3:22 PM in response to House Front Mural?
I think you should repost it when you do it (be prepared for some haters.) But I wanted to do a small one for a concrete wall in my backyard. If I can justify the cost (how much would a 12x6' be?) maybe I will commission it this fall. Thanks
Posted by: cmu at May 19, 2009 3:29 PM in response to House Front Mural?
You should call DOB about this. I recon, that homeowner suppose to maintain the facade of the property.
Also try to put yourself in position of your neighbor. How would you feel about his house custom painted. i.e. in bright pink or with big portrait of G.W.Bush.
There is very wide definition of art. And there is a rule that people do not paint whatever they want on their houses to give each other chance for quiet enjoyment of the street.
Also consider this type of painting to be an invitation for graffiti and general degradation of the neighborhood.
Posted by: bobjohn at May 19, 2009 10:18 PM in response to House Front Mural?
thanks CMU. Are you looking to contact me regarding artists? Or just follow through of the project? Either way feel free to drop a line whenever.
Posted by: LilHouseNBklyn at May 19, 2009 3:22 PM in response to House Front Mural?