If the government did to the banks what banks are doing to their
customer the borrowers) It would be over for the banks.
Its great that the banks decide to restrict lending and credit
just when its really needed.

Posted by: MRivera at May 22, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Chase Turns Off Our Spigot—For Now at Least

just a note to square drive i think its a good idea instead of brownstoner being a digital rag for negativity they should do some emphasis on development done right show some examples have some with knowledge of design explain the merits of the design why exactly it is good design

the concept of design by government regulation that really sucks
that doesnt sound like it will promote much in the way of design or creativity

Posted by: MRivera at April 3, 2009 5:48 PM in response to Quote of the Day

Design by the community and or design by committee that is not a formula for success. Aesthetics can be somewhat subjective. That being said there are I think there some buildings that even within an area of subjectivity one would agree are less than. I think that the concept of demanding higher standards and good design from the developers for the protection of the community is a lot easier said than done. And lets own up to it is elitist. If one could afford or desired only basic shelter with minimal concern as to wether he lived in a limestone or a building clad with aluminum siding would the design committee or the community , or the elitist pay this person the difference in cost between a limestone facade and aluminum siding so he can live in the community according to their somewhat subjective standards. My guess is talk is cheap and as long as it comes out of some else's flesh everyone got an opinion as to how the other person should live or how the other person should build etc. The problem is not just the developers. Developers generally higher architects to design a building. As shocking as it might sound most architects are not necessarily great designers. The developer doesnt tell the architect design me a cheap POS that the community will find offensive. The developer (same as the community, Purchaser and Architect) may or may not recognize what constitutes quality design. Each certainly has their own priorities and values things a bit differently. Most are somewhat motivated by self interest many times defined in terms of making a profit(developer), getting a good deal (purchaser), making a living, pleasing a client, and trying to develop a good design (Architect), how does it effect me economically etc with little feeling as to anyone elses costs (the community). I believe thats where the problem lies. The community is willing to have the developer and the purchaser spend whatever it would take better architect, better materials, higher costs. They are not concerned wether the developer makes a profit or wether the purchaser will be able to afford the Mercedes Building as opposed to the Chevrolet Building. The Community wants all Mercedes Buildings becauase this is a community of people who appreciate Mercedes. Elitists The concept that if more people spoke up developers would somehow come up with better designs i find kind of innocent. I do believe if the purchasers of condominiums understood the value of good design and were willing to pay up for good design and top quality there would be developers and architects that would attempt to provide them with such. I also believe that if the purchasers were not willing to purchase condominiums of low quality design at any price (im mean cheap) those developers would surely be displaced by the market.

Posted by: MRivera at April 3, 2009 5:32 PM in response to Quote of the Day

I think part of the issue is anonymity of the poster allows them to
sometimes go off the deep end and engage in something other than fair comment and to act out in a manner that some would find to be rude . I understand even the reasoning behind allowing comments to be made anonymously its a balancing act. I also believe that when some one puts forth comments under their own name they might refrain from some conduct that they would not be to proud to have attributed to them.
I think maybe there should two separate areas for comment those that are out in the open posted by people who put forth comments under their own name and separate area for those who comment anonymously.
I personally in generally would tend to put a bit more interest and faith into people who actually disclose who they are. Not say I wouldnt read comments of those who post anonymously.. At times I get kind turned off but the sniping aspect and smallness of some of comments. Its Brooklyn and I guess you got to have some thick skin but I do believe that brownstoner could do more to improve its blog by putting some light on those that tend to hijack the discussion and turn it into a bitchfest. Maybe even some way of rating these commenters on credibility, rudeness, fairness so at least their comments come with a crowd sourced warning label. I know that a times I think I can provide valuable information or insight to a discussion and I dont I just back off because im turned off by the tone. Many times I just dont think the discussion is legitimate. It seems like a propaganda campaign rather than a fair discussion.

Posted by: MRivera at March 28, 2009 10:43 AM in response to Let's Talk About Commenting

The pizzas are great. I ate seven of them last week.
They catered my sons birthday party last week we ordered for fifteen
the food was great there was enough for fifty.
The veal parmigiana, chicken rolletini, mussels marinara great salad
the rice pudding was included as a gift also a must
great family place run by a great family and friends

Posted by: MRivera at February 24, 2009 7:07 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Pizzeria for Prospect Heights

I live in Cobble Hill and I lived in Brooklyn for in excess of 30 years. I am shocked at how peacefull this city has become. This City is relatively safe. The incident at BN sounds like an aberration. Obviously it shouldnt be permitted to occurr and I dont think it had anything to do with Forest City Ratner and high rise development. Calling the perpetrator of this assault an animal is probably counter productive (some people consider this code). Though this individual can not be permitted to assualt other people its unfortunate that the solution would be imprison. The Courts and our correctional system do very little in the way of correcting.I think as times get tougher people get more stressed and desperate these type of incidents will become more frequent.

Posted by: MRivera at September 12, 2008 6:05 PM in response to Wild Teens Trash Court Street B&N, Assault Manager

The blog has a negative bias and I dont think the comments pretend to have any balance they are just comments. Sometimes valid many times more a reflection of the bloggers attitude and or bias. I would think most people reading this blog would understand this and take this into consideration.

Posted by: MRivera at August 27, 2008 4:02 PM in response to Streetlevel: South Slope Gets a New Restaurant