serpentor: Sorry I saw your post rather late.

As for location: Halsey is a bus block and the bus (B26) gets you to Clinton Hill, Ft Greene and Downtown rather quickly. The A/C at Utica, six blocks to the south, gets you to your destination rather quickly too. Not sure what other places you like to go, but if your better half needs some convincing, I can help provide ammo.

As for the roof, that is an easy fix. If you need a contractor, Millad of CTG construction lives a few doors down from here. He is a good guy, he does good work and is reasonably priced.

I hope you can move to the neighborhood.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 24, 2009 7:33 PM in response to Bed-Stuy: 'Experiencing a Little Bit of a Depression'?

serpentor: This is my block. Why are you obsessed with this place? (Please tell me it is not the purple/pink walls.) What are your better half's concerns?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 24, 2009 12:30 PM in response to Bed-Stuy: 'Experiencing a Little Bit of a Depression'?

When I saw the quote of the Billy Joel lyrics in the first paragraph I thought "Not again!"

People's preconceived notions of the neighorhood are going to be around for a long time, so that Billy Joel lyric and crime stats will be part of the Bed-Stuy story for now. I don't agree with that, but it is part of what the general public knows and this article just panders to some of it.

It would have been nice if they could have put more on the history of the nighborhood. The one or two sentences they did put in there are certainly not enough.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 24, 2009 12:15 PM in response to Bed-Stuy: 'Experiencing a Little Bit of a Depression'?

Thanks, Dave. I didn't know that about Bill. (I know I am late to this, but Millad did a great job on your facade.)

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 21, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Open Thread

Dave: I think Bill is running against Al. There was another woman a month or two ago. Last name was Wright I believe. Both Bill and "Wright" were engaging, well-dressed, had copious campaign material and said hello to me first before I could say something to them. I don't know either of them from Adam, but they left a good impression with me.

Benson: Al Vann is a waste of space. I'll take a complete unknown over him. He doesn't even get his face in front of a camera or his name in the press like Tish. He is on autopilot. He needs to find another job. Hopefully one wear he can wear his pj's.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 21, 2009 11:00 AM in response to Open Thread

Good to see Al Vann at the subway station begging for votes this morning. I think this is the first ounce of work he has done since the last election.

And if Al's people are reading this:

Tell hiim not to wear his pj's when trying to impress. I know you only have to walk 4 blocks to the subway entrance, but make it look like you are trying.

Tell him to press the flesh with his neighbors. We have met several times before but I guess he has never noticed me since his head was up his ass every time.

Tell him I don't care who he supported for president of the country. No one elected you to pick a president, least of all me. (And if that is one of your greatest accomplishment, you are sadder than I thought.)

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 21, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Open Thread

Putnam: For someone like yourself who used to live in a brownstone, I find it laughable that you made the comment you did.

Jefrey: Please explain how a replica of an old lamp post dilutes history? And tell me what, exactly, is gained by some ultramodern design?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 19, 2009 6:12 PM in response to Heights' Lights

Minard: Our lamp posts are reproductions.

jefrey: I would argue that trying to maintain an historic look can benefit a neighborhood as it gives the residents a sense of history and their place in that history. I believe it creates pride in one's neighborhood. Such pride leads to respectful behavior and a sense of community that keeps neighborhoods alive, thriving and growing in positive and productive ways. Street lamps are a very small part of it, of course, but you have to start somewhere.

As to whether Biff and Bjork deserve such a nice street lamp, that is another issue.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 19, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Heights' Lights

This will make Brooklyn Heights look more like Stuyvesant Heights. About time they caught up. ;-)

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 19, 2009 12:06 PM in response to Heights' Lights

Welcome to the neighborhood, rabbit!

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 7, 2009 3:15 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

Went to the farmer's market on Malcolm X this weekend. Though very small, there was a large selection of vegetables. The corn was espacially delicious. If you live nearby, please try to go and support it.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at August 3, 2009 9:31 AM in response to Open Thread

bedstuyhoya, a serious question for you: would the kind of shop you want to open be influenced by what we say?

If you have an idea for a store, can you tell us what it is? Maybe we can give you specific feed back on that idea.

My gut says don't open up a store unless the product(s) and/or service(s) are something you love and beleive in.

As for Solomon's porch, it was close by the BOH due to rat feces in the basement. The place was overrun by rats that would often rummage through the garbage at night and scare the bejesus out of anyone who walked by them. The owner of the building never provided proper storage for garbage.

The owner of the business routinely poured the day's grease down the storm drain. (lovely.) The food was nothing to write home about and the service was painfully slow. (It shouldn't take 30 minutes to get a cup of coffee, which is what I and others have experienced there.) The owner was also slow at paying the staff their wages. He was/is and all around cheesey business person. I would love for something to take over but I am glad that guy is out of business.

Oh, if I had my wish, I would want a deli/butcher, a bagel place, a pharmacy like Neergaard (on 7th Ave), more dining options, bank branches, a bakery and lots of mom and pop stores. Nothing fancy. I would love to see Bed Stuy be like an old New York neighborhood. Lots of little stores where everyone can shop and mingle in the same area where they live without having to go outside the area to do or get everything.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at July 30, 2009 12:56 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

I would second MS. Montrose's comments. You also have shops on Tompkins, but the banks, supermarket, delis and other stores are on Fulton which is very close.

In addition to the A and C trains, the B26 bus runs along Halsey - one block to the south of Hancock. It takes you to Clinton Hill, Ft Greene and Downtown heading west and to the J train on Broadway or the L train if you head east.

There is a firehouse on Hancock just west of Lewis - 2 blocks away. You may hear fire engines at all hours but I live near the station and I don't notice it.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at July 22, 2009 12:04 PM in response to Hancock at Troop and Tompkins?

Try the French Toast at Saraghina. You can still get the pizza's as well during brunch. Montrose, isn't the garden great?! I can't wait until they open the counter area at the back. Owner said they will sell food-to-go in the AM. And I want to steal that tractor in the garden, unless slopefarm gets it first or Rob destroys it to keep the farmers at bay.

The people who are putting up the extension also own the empty lot that fronts on Halsey. Haven't seen the work lately as I am getting home when it is dark. What is wrong with the extension?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at July 17, 2009 12:50 PM in response to Open Thread

Hello everyone!

The What's drag name is Miss Carriage.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at June 24, 2009 6:10 PM in response to Open Thread

you can also try the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. Admission on weekends is free before noon. Money goes to a great cause - the BBG. Become a member (tax deduction) and get a reduced rate on plants.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 29, 2009 5:58 PM in response to herbs in brooklyn

No problem, Cobble!

BRG just can't keep up with all of her fans.

What happened on the open thread today?!

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 29, 2009 12:55 PM in response to Open Thread

I am not m4l, cobblehiller.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 28, 2009 9:13 PM in response to Open Thread

Thank you, BRG! Stainless only on one wall. I think it will play nicely against the stainless steel appliances that will be against the opposite wall.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 24, 2009 4:25 PM in response to Park Slope Parlor Floor Kitchen Reno

Isn't there a seat to the right of the island?

I think there is so much stainless steel as this is on the north side of the house and the reflective surfaces help to take the indirect natural light and make it "bounce around" so the kitchen look bright without the use of lighting.

BRG: We are going with a stainless steel backsplash adn dropping the use of colored tile in the kitchen remodel. Do you approve?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 24, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Park Slope Parlor Floor Kitchen Reno

Great house. Maybe a little overpriced, but not much IMO.

I live on a bus block and you certainly get used to the traffic to the point that you don't notice it after a while.

I would imagine you get great cross breezes as you have exposure on 3 sides. The idea of a deck that can't be viewed from the street or a neighbor's yard and the garage are really nice pluses. You can still garden in the front.

slopefarm, your post at 2:38 is dead on. Sad part: That means that poster has some serious mental health issues but I guess we all knew that already.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 23, 2009 6:27 PM in response to House of the Day: 1265 Dean Street

Thanks for cleaning up your facade, Dave. Your house was making the whole neighborhood look like a ghetto.

btw: They did my facade and stoop and they did a great job. Can't wait to see the results.

Tell them not to destroy your pretty flowers in the front yard.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 16, 2009 2:10 PM in response to Open Thread

If the new nephew doesn't need my love and attention, I would love to join you all for the tour.

Can we all confirm on the Open Thread on Friday?

Montrose, I LOVE your new reporting on B'stoner.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 14, 2009 7:11 PM in response to House of the Day: 146 Halsey Street

Dear Mr. Champion:

It has come to our attention that a complete list of corporate double speak is required to maintain efficiency on today's Open Thread.

As you appear to be the most qualified member of the team to compile a complete list of such information, we would greatly appreciate if you could prepare this list.

As we deem this issue to be mission critical to the Open Thread, your timely response is essential.

Please note that distribution to the entire Brownstoner community will be handled by Mr. What, our Chief Communications Officer. However, the list must be vetted by the posters to today's Open Thread and must be posted here prior to approval and distribution.

Team Open Thread, thank you for your current contributions to the double speak committee. We look forward to your continued value-added suggestions.

Thank you, in advance, for your cooperation.

Regards,

Miss Chiff

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 2:04 PM in response to Open Thread

Damn, Benson. I thought I had a sighting.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 1:13 PM in response to Open Thread

Biff: I guess the auditors pick it up from other clients. We just curse each other out around here so someone trying to sound smart just doesn't cut it here. We think "What the f*ck is wrong with that @$$h0le?"

Sorry, THL, I wasn't trying to pry. I just figured you llived there so you could be the resident expert on boobage in NJ.

Benson: I think I saw you on the F train last week. Friday, I think. Around 8 PM. Last car. hat. moustache. talking to a bald guy who then got off. you read a book with a green cover. Was that you?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 12:55 PM in response to Open Thread

Kelly Ripa sighting in midtown today. She is really, really short. No make-up, so she was as white as a ghost. Great hair.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 12:47 PM in response to Open Thread

You are on! I'll bring the work gloves and tools of destruction. I am good at that. Not so good at the reconstruction though.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 12:44 PM in response to Mixed Bag on Quincy Street

Biff: The only people here who talk like that are the auditors, who are not held in high esteem.

It also seems like the woman of NJ have really big boobs, which should make several people here very happy. THL, care to comment?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 12:39 PM in response to Open Thread

Was I dreaming last night or is there a Real Housewives of New Jersey coming?

Biff, your knowledge of corporate speak is disturbing.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 12:33 PM in response to Open Thread

All I can think of is how dirty that thing will look in a week from the fumes, dirt and dust of the city. Yet another job created just to wash this thing.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 12:22 PM in response to Futuristic Enclosure Thingy Proposed for the BQE

You read my mind, bxgrl. I just want to start ripping things down to get back to the original building.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at April 8, 2009 12:15 PM in response to Mixed Bag on Quincy Street

excuse my spelling above. reread my post. Ugh. And don't know why there was a double post.

Is the next meet up under the cherry trees in the park?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 30, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Open Thread

I would like to go back to the Cherry Blossom comments and a related topic....

Doesn't the Brooklyn Botanic Garden have a cherry blossom festival?

For you fellow gardeners, when are you planting your flowers this season? I can nenver rememeber from year-to-year when I should be doing that.

Finally, has alergy season started yet? No suffering liek I used to and I am hoping to excapre this year.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 30, 2009 12:33 PM in response to Open Thread

I would like to go back to the Cherry Blossom comments and a related topic....

Doesn't the Brooklyn Botanic Garden have a cherry blossom festival?

For you fellow gardeners, when are you planting your flowers this season? I can nenver rememeber from year-to-year when I should be doing that.

Finally, has alergy season started yet? No suffering liek I used to and I am hoping to excapre this year.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 30, 2009 12:28 PM in response to Open Thread

Dave:

Did I miss something here or is your market now going to open on Stuyvesant and Macon now? Any info you have would be great.

Thanks.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 27, 2009 1:01 PM in response to Open Thread

Mother Montrose: Is there any man out there who is deserving of YOU? I think you are great. Hopefully, you can find someone who isn't intimidated by your beauty and brains.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 11, 2009 12:43 PM in response to Open Thread

We did give her back a kitten that she had rescued and we were helping to bottle feed, but she wasn't Leo.

Do you know who is hosting the next party for the neighborhood "crowd"? I gather the last one was quite the shindig. My neighbor got home at 4 in the morning after Barbara and crew dropped her off. Lots of lesbian silliness going on.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 11, 2009 12:38 PM in response to Open Thread

Been busy with work, Dave. We never had Leo. Do you want me to see if he is available? I can chat with Babs. Just let me know.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 11, 2009 12:26 PM in response to Open Thread

DIBS: Daddylover.com?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at March 11, 2009 12:19 PM in response to Open Thread

That should be "build" not "built".

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 20, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Commercial Klutch: February Edition

Question to you all ..

Who is going to buy that house that you suggest they sell and at what price will it go for?

If the mortgage on the home is higher than the sale price, which in many parts of the country it most likely is, those losses must be "eaten" by the banks that have the mortgage on their books or by the investors in the collateralized crappolla that the banks passed off as AAA rated by S&P.

Though I agree that market forces should be allowed to play themselves out here, if we really let that happen, the result will be a huge black hole of deflation, market collapse (real estate and securities) and long-term negative/no/very slow growth. Not something I want to deal with. I am as thrifty as they come, but I don't want to shoulder the consequences of that burden.

Nationalize the banks, write off their bad debts, fire their executives, fold the insolvent banks into the relatively healthy ones and sell them off. A painful move but one that Japan and Sweden - and the US during the S&L crisis of the 80's - know to be the best option.

As for the mortgages, reset all underperforming mortgages to a low fixed rate. If the homeowner still can't make the payments, let the market play itself out from there as those people are ion over their heads and must get out.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 13, 2009 12:28 PM in response to Housing Rescue Plan: For Some or For All?

Jaw: I here leeches are the problem.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 13, 2009 11:51 AM in response to The Blanching of 330 Park Place

JTB: Though I am "joking" with my press secretary role, I will say this:

"I will admit that I can sympathize with your anger. We are all angry with what is going on and feel powerless to change things for the better."

Though I try to be a proactive member of society, I recognize that my super powers have limits and, despite my best efforts, I cannot right every wrong. It is not an easy feeling for me and it doesn't stop me from being proactive, but it can be a hard pill to swallow some days.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 12, 2009 1:32 PM in response to Retail Sales Surprise on the Upside

11217: If you want to get back at sam, write a really long post. It will drive him crazy! ;-)

See, THL, I am controlling my diva side. It is killing me, but I am working on it.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 12, 2009 1:23 PM in response to Open Thread

Dave, my press secrtary duties are never done ....

"Dave,

I think your anger at the less fortunate is misdirected. A bigger problem, from my perspective, is the wasteful use of taxpayer dollars to support a morally and financially corrupt corporate culture that shows no remorse at taking your money and placing it in their Swiss bank accounts. Of course, this does not excuse the wasteful use of money on a small fraction of people who could and should get off public assistance and get a job to support themselves.

You should also consider the fall out of such an approach to publis assistance on the people who live in your neighborhood. Though one can never be certain how that would play out, there is the possibility that it could negatively impact the community.

I will admit that I can sympathize with your anger. We are all angry with what is going on and feel powerless to change things for the better.

Please ntoe I still have an obsession with other people's rectums.

Try to have a great day and know that this too shall pass.

The What."

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 12, 2009 1:04 PM in response to Retail Sales Surprise on the Upside

With the required set back for a drive way on a new POS, the house would be 2 inches deep!

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 11, 2009 3:05 PM in response to 566 Hancock Street's Seen Better Days

Barbara is doing quite well. She now lives in the neighborhood. Her store is between Putnam and Jefferson on the east side of Malcolm X.

I see the for rent sign. Let's hope it stays up until they tear down that illegal POS.

I heard about the Crown Chicken, but the space is not legal and would need serious upgrades to run that kind of business from the space. I seriously doubt Crown or any "restaurant" is moving in there.

As for the pink paint, who knows. Perhaps we have a gay tagger in the 'hood.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 11, 2009 2:49 PM in response to 566 Hancock Street's Seen Better Days

Do they accept Yuan for payment?

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 11, 2009 2:20 PM in response to Streetlevel: Asian Market for Wallabout

Now that Barbara's store has moved to Malcolm X, I haven't been up on the gossip. And I have been working long hours lately, so I miss the daily gatherings at the store.

Barbara had a party for the local GLBT community as part of the Super Bowl. We did not attend. I need to reconnect with Barbara & Co. when things settle down for me.

I have heard that shoe guy has been having some personal and financial problems. Let's hope he gets it together for his sake.

Posted by: Miss Chiff at February 11, 2009 2:17 PM in response to 566 Hancock Street's Seen Better Days

More organic produce, more affordable restaurants, less hipsters and less white people. Lets not be mistaken, its not about gentrification, it's about (white)ification. More white people come in, and gently push out the black folks and the families. It's a tight knit family community with a beautiful culture and history, it's disappearing...sadly...

Posted by: the_truth at August 27, 2009 10:50 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

More organic produce, more affordable restaurants, less hipsters and less white people. Lets not be mistaken, its not about gentrification, it's about (white)ification. More white people come in, and gently push out the black folks and the families. It's a tight knit family community with a beautiful culture and history, it's disappearing...sadly...

Posted by: the_truth at August 27, 2009 10:52 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?

less white people??!?!?!!

Yes that's EXACTLY what Bed Stuy needs more of:
more intolerance, fear and xenophobia.

THAT will make things better.

Posted by: bryanx at November 6, 2009 2:04 PM in response to What Does Bed Stuy Need?