Recommendations for Storage

eman, you are being too defensive. I don't think it is right you were called a maricon and Argentina has a point. Nothing changes unless it is brought to attention.

Posted by: Schultz at November 5, 2009 11:21 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

I have often admired the bricks on this building. They are very horizontal in appearance -- wide and short -- quite unusual, in addition to being a really pretty grey. The marble trim sets them off beautifully. The photo does not do them justice.

Posted by: Schultz at November 3, 2009 2:39 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 126 Greene Avenue, #2W

Where are the pro-Atlantic Yards commenters? What can they say in defense of it now?

Posted by: Schultz at November 2, 2009 11:28 AM in response to Uncertainty, Skepticism Around Arena Bond Offering

Nice house, sloppy listing, premium price. If they want 3 mill, you would think they could:
> move the trash cans in front of the house
> move the plastic trash bag leaning in the kitchen
> cleaned clutter up everywhere.

It basically shows no respect for the buyer. Good luck, I say.

Posted by: Schultz at October 29, 2009 3:30 PM in response to House of the Day: 902 Union Street

I think the best way to choose a paint color is to get pints of different color choices and paint patches on your wall to evaluate over the course of several days.

Posted by: Schultz at October 29, 2009 1:20 PM in response to Yellow With Wood

Why should it be too late? It could be made as a condition of renewal.

Why do you want the security deposit now after all this time? Do you like the tenant and want to keep them?

Posted by: Schultz at October 23, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Getting Sec Dep After 5 Yrs

Tell them to put a sweater on.

Are their windows sealed properly? Do they have drafts coming in from fireplaces or doors that you could take care of? There is a lot that can be done to make a place more comfortable besides turning up the heat.

Posted by: Schultz at October 16, 2009 10:04 AM in response to Temperature in Apt.

Good round up of articles -- clearly the NYT is not comfortable pursuing this story. I hope the opposition is successful and was glad to hear of the suit against the MTA.

Posted by: Schultz at October 16, 2009 10:01 AM in response to Atlantic Yards, the Nets, and the Times

I agree with MM comments (as usual). Your partnership with Pratt is so smart on so many levels. Congratulations.

Posted by: Schultz at October 15, 2009 12:15 PM in response to Inside Third & Bond: Week 105

I'll send her your link to get in touch with you. I highly recommend her and have worked with her.

Posted by: Schultz at October 4, 2009 10:56 AM in response to Garden Designer in NYT

Couldn't agree more. Beautifully written. Good luck in your apartment search.

Posted by: Schultz at September 30, 2009 10:14 PM in response to Exposed Brick Blues

I'm a landlord and I side with the OP, especially in this market. Tenants that are paying a good rent are to be valued. Besides, its just the civilian thing to do to leave a place in good shape. The landlord should just stipulate that in the future, other costs need to be approved before she reimburses. The amount is reasonable to me, especially if I was confronted with photos.

Posted by: Schultz at September 28, 2009 5:05 PM in response to Does the landlord have to clean?

In defense of the Clinton Hill house, if you compare the St James house yesterday that just sold for 1.4, listing this place at 1.9 doesn't sound outrageous to me. Overall, it has far nicer finishes, it is a larger, wider house with central air, etc.

Posted by: Schultz at September 25, 2009 2:28 PM in response to Open House Picks

Sure, they have a right, but I have a right to say look again. Brooklyn Friends does much to help the disadvantaged, including long-term programs that intensively work with educating underpriveleged kids. The current residents could do far worse in a multitude of ways for neighbors.

Posted by: Schultz at September 21, 2009 11:54 AM in response to Friends' Expansion Making Enemies on State?

I couldn't imagine a more benign neighbor than Brooklyn Friends School. Their community service is well conceived and executed. Students work in meaningful ways with nursing homes, homeless shelters, environmental projects, etc to name a few. And Brooklyn Friends has sporting events, activities, etc going on weekends and evenings as well. The opposition argument does not hold up in my opinion. If they felt the scale of the school was out of proportion to the neighborhood, I might understand...but this is not an organization like NYU.

Posted by: Schultz at September 21, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Friends' Expansion Making Enemies on State?

I think InsertSnappy's suggestion is good and I would add that if you can clean up all of the offending poop from your block and pour buckets of water with white vinegar mixed in on the most used areas just prior to posting the signs. The vinegar will dissuade the dogs and the clean block will let the dog owners realize that you are serious.

Posted by: Schultz at September 20, 2009 12:12 PM in response to Dog Poop

Almost any glass place will do it and install it. Call with measurements and get a quote.

Posted by: Schultz at September 17, 2009 11:56 AM in response to Mirror Mirror on the Wall...

Thanks denton and jdicnm. Denton, you are right, we found tons of storage places when we started to look around. We have been quoted a wide range of rates, so I thought maybe others might be willing to share any good leads they might have.

Posted by: Schultz at September 17, 2009 9:59 AM in response to Recommendations for Storage

3. Security

Posted by: Schultz at September 12, 2009 10:33 PM in response to Lights on Backyard

Thanks bxgrl, I agree with you.

Posted by: Schultz at September 3, 2009 11:24 AM in response to Dumping on Vanderbilt Avenue

We couldn't agree more with the MAC -- well deserved recognition. We love the flea and love how it is developing.

Posted by: Schultz at July 17, 2009 12:40 PM in response to Municipal Art Society Honors The Brooklyn Flea

We did the same as jg with the addition of a hotpot. We ate a lot of pasta.

Posted by: Schultz at July 15, 2009 7:23 PM in response to Compact Fridge/Cooktop?

I also have to wonder at the public subsidy per unit compared to what Atlantic Yards might eventually build and their public subsidy per unit.

Posted by: Schultz at July 14, 2009 10:36 AM in response to PACC Cuts Ribbon at 566 Gates Avenue

Check out consumer reports online. They are the perfect starting point for something like this. We have a dehumidifier in our basement and we empty 5 gallons of water a day from it in the summer.

Posted by: Schultz at July 9, 2009 12:31 PM in response to dehumidifiers

Love this photo, love the fountain!

Posted by: Schultz at July 6, 2009 4:57 PM in response to Monday Blogwrap

The MTA needing 600 million after giving away the rail yards to Ratner w/o any competitive review leaves me utterly speechless.

Posted by: Schultz at June 26, 2009 9:59 AM in response to Friday Links

The Atlantic Yards deal stunk before, now it positively reeks!! Who dares to defend it? I would like to see Ratner's apologists figure out a way to blame THIS on DDD. There isn't even a pretense of fooling the public at this point.

Posted by: Schultz at June 25, 2009 9:45 AM in response to MTA Ignores Fiduciary Duty, Approves Revised Yards Plan

I have always loved that block on Vanderbilt because of the sense of scale and the houses with porches.

Posted by: Schultz at June 19, 2009 1:36 PM in response to Open House Picks

Oops - got my Normans confused!

Posted by: Schultz at June 19, 2009 10:36 AM in response to Friday Links

Thank you Norman Perkins and Atlantic Yards Report.

Posted by: Schultz at June 19, 2009 9:25 AM in response to Friday Links

Well, it could be just me, but I would go for yesterday's HOTD on Grand in a second (given that there are no disasters lurking in the lack of info) before this one. I know the location is better, but come on.......

Posted by: Schultz at June 18, 2009 10:17 PM in response to House of the Day: 78 Douglass Street

Sam -- my point is that houses on this block have been selling for way over a million for at least five years.

Posted by: Schultz at June 17, 2009 2:29 PM in response to House of the Day: 385 Grand Avenue

Without knowing how many families, etc, this price is comparable to similar houses on the block from 2004 or earlier. This looks to be priced way under other houses nearby. Let the bears rush in.

Posted by: Schultz at June 17, 2009 1:37 PM in response to House of the Day: 385 Grand Avenue

So Biff, what came first -- the fabulous photo or the idea for the get together?

Posted by: Schultz at June 16, 2009 9:51 AM in response to Friends of Brownstoner Gathering

Oh Sam, too bad you posted this too late to be considered for QOTD, that was really very good.

Posted by: Schultz at June 15, 2009 5:43 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 152 Prospect Park West, #4B

lovely, lovely photo

Posted by: Schultz at June 15, 2009 5:40 PM in response to Monday Blogwrap

MM -- you are so spot on with this one.

Posted by: Schultz at June 15, 2009 3:46 PM in response to Quote of the Day

Although I am not familiar with that particular studio, I do know that building and it is immaculate. It is a block to the park and on a nice street. I think that building is a good value.

Posted by: Schultz at June 4, 2009 12:34 PM in response to Brooklyn Sales: Under a Million

Eastriver -- blame Ratner for being a complete manipulator about this project.

Posted by: Schultz at May 27, 2009 10:41 AM in response to Gehry Finito as Lead Designer for AY Arena?

Very well written. She clearly knows how to start a project with a good foundation for whatever she designs and produces. I look forward to seeing this develop.

Posted by: Schultz at May 22, 2009 12:46 PM in response to Prospect Heights Garden Build: Setting the Stage

Good post, but I thought you were out of here? Have a great time!

Posted by: Schultz at May 22, 2009 9:47 AM in response to Chase Turns Off Our Spigot—For Now at Least

Sam, your boosterism of Brooklyn Heights rivals 11217's of Park Slope.

Posted by: Schultz at May 20, 2009 2:13 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 30 Monroe Place, #5A

I'm with Bob on this one. And stop with the race/class accusations. That is just a fog to cover up the real issues -- no infrastructure planning, a giveaway to a developer, too dense, etc, etc, etc.

Posted by: Schultz at May 18, 2009 9:22 AM in response to Appellate Court Rules Against Atlantic Yards Opponents

Just a wild guess, but could this well have existed before your house was built?

Posted by: Schultz at May 15, 2009 10:37 AM in response to Backyard Reno Unveils Old Well in Fort Greene

Thanks Chaka.

Posted by: Schultz at May 14, 2009 11:56 AM in response to Brooklyn Ground Zero for Lead Soil Problems

Can anyone share the contact info for where Frank got his soil tested at Brooklyn College?

Thanks in advance.

Posted by: Schultz at May 14, 2009 11:33 AM in response to Brooklyn Ground Zero for Lead Soil Problems

Nicely resolved, Denton. You have many years of enjoyment to come from your hard work on your house.

Congratulations!

Posted by: Schultz at May 12, 2009 7:31 PM in response to Stair Rails

Rob -- unless they are totally paying for it with money they earned -- nothing given. Then I agree with you.

Posted by: Schultz at May 11, 2009 1:27 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 101 Lafayette Avenue, #17C

DIBs-- just because a man's brain is in his p*nis, it doesn't mean the same is true about a woman and her breasts....

Posted by: Schultz at May 8, 2009 9:44 AM in response to Rosie Revisited

Sort of off the topic- As someone who lived in NY her whole life I find it so weird that the OP called it the accent a "Bensonhurst" accent. In my day everyone in Brooklyn/All nabes had a "Brooklyn" accent. It was never differentiated by nabe.

Just an observation, not trying to make light of the post as I find the behavior of the store clerks sexist.

Maybe this should have gone under the "signs of gentrification" thread that was posted earier this week - The abscense of a Brooklyn accent as a sign of gentrification.

Posted by: italiana71 at November 6, 2009 10:15 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

"you should respect the values of the supply house when you go into their place of business, no matter how foreign it seems to you" - Are you kidding me???

If you're interviewing contractors and get any attitude that you don't appreciate (whether you're male or female), end the discussion there, telling them they just lost any chance of the job. Money - or the absence thereof - talks.

BTW....I work in construction, BIG construction, and spend lots of time on site with the trades. When I get attitude I remind them that I'm a representative of the people that pay their (very big) contracts. I don't mind being called "ma'am" when it follows "I'm very sorry."

Posted by: CHMomma at November 6, 2009 10:28 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

It's a real problem- maybe some women are more sensitive about it than others, but it is still a real issue. I deal with it depending on the person- some I'll joke back with. Others- I remind them who is paying whom. We had nightmare contractors from hell gut reno'ing the building next door and they treated us like we were totally stupid when we complained about things they were doing- like coming into MM's back yard and peeing against her wall. That stopped after a phone call to their boss with a rundown of who I knew and who I would call.

There are men who have no problem abusing or trying to intimidate women but would never dream of trying it with a guy. I'm dealing with such a situation now- and the sad part is some women buy into it too.

But I do find most people don't mean anything by it and especially with construction people, they like testing you. If the make you uncomfortable, walk out or fire them, if they compliment you, thank them and then get back to a discussion of business. If they tease you, tease back but make sure you set the limits. Mutual respect is genderless.

Posted by: bxgrl at November 6, 2009 11:50 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

I am going through the exact same thing with my renovation. I got estimates from numerous plumbers and electricians, and some of them only wanted to deal with my husband. Despite my telling them all that I was paying for and managing the entire renovation, and that I should be their point of contact and my husband had no decision making authority, some of them still couldn't get it through their heads that they should call me, not him.

Aside from it being annoying to be treated like an after-thought the contractors who acted like this didn't get hired because I could just forsee endless games of telephone in the future, where they called my husband for a decision, who would have to call me; who would call the plumber/electrician, who would then call my husband back instead of me. This has happened a few times to me before, and has caused needless delays and aggrevation.

I even had a company explicitly tell me that they would NOT come to my house to give me an estimate unless both me and my husband were home. Even though I told them that the house was in my name alone, and that I was the only homeowner, they still refused to deal with me without my husband being present. Unbelievable.

I'm just saying that this kind of nonsense happens a lot more than most men realize, and this attitude can have a substantive impact on your project. It's not just something that we should deal with and get over, it can cause serious delays that impact inspection schedules, quality of life, and have financial consequences when construction gets seriously behind schedule due to communication telephone tag.

/end of rant.

Posted by: brooklynstyle at November 6, 2009 11:52 AM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

I've worked for architecture firms, developers and a construction company. Things have gotten a lot better since the days when the head of the development firm I worked at called me honey all the time and constantly tried to give me shoulder massages, mostly in front of the other predominantly male staff, and wouldn't let me go out into the field without a male escort, often the oily staff of building managers. I remember applying for jobs and getting call backs and having firms hang up on me after they heard my voice (my real name could either male or female).

At work now, I definitely notice that construction staff talk more nicely around me than they do when they're with groups of guys, so they are guarded. It also probably stacks the cards differently that I'm now in charge of the project purse, but I've also noticed I've become alot more firm and decisive about how things are to be done.

I did have a recent problem with some Time Warner guys that came up on my low roof to do something for one of my neighborswith that spaghetti of wire they have draped everywhere. They were very rude and dismissive with me when I asked about what they were up to and whther all the wires were active; inexcusable!

Posted by: bessie2 at November 6, 2009 1:16 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

"where they called my husband for a decision, who would have to call me; who would call the plumber/electrician, who would then call my husband back instead of me."

Seems like your husband's fault here, lol. Why didn't your husband just tell the contractor you were in charge, and refuse to discuss it?

Ask him that tonight over dinner :-)

Posted by: denton at November 6, 2009 1:31 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

Hang in there Argentina. I have been lucky in that I have not had a problem with this with the contractors I've used (I'm a youngish woman). I have been asked many times by various tradespeople where/who my husband is, but it simplifies things that there is no husband, ha ha, so there's no option but to address things directly with me. I am also very hands-on, which over time has won the respect of some tradespeople (the rest probably think of me as the crazy lady who asks a lot of questions). Most of the people who worked in my house saw me there dirty in my work clothes painting, fixing, or building.

Posted by: BHS at November 6, 2009 1:40 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

BHS, you sound like me! except no matter how much I do, or 'prove', the dynamic only improves temporarily; then it's right back to the you're-just-a-female-attitude even when I have to explain to people how to do their own job... so ridiculous. But I look at it more like a stupid-people problem than a sexist-issue, even though I know there would never even be a discussion if I was male.

Posted by: townhouser at November 6, 2009 1:47 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

Townhouser, I think with certain people there's nothing you can really do to "prove" yourself and change their attitude. I was lucky enough to work with a GC who treated me with respect (that should not be a question, but I'm sure there are lots out there who might be problematic for a single female client). There may have been things said by the subs to the GC, that he thankfully dealt with and did not pass on. I see this all the time in the corporate world so I was pleasantly surprised with my experience with construction. I would certainly be up in arms if I had a husband involved in the project and he were treated differently than I was.

Posted by: BHS at November 6, 2009 2:05 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism

this reminds me of something that happened recently in my new nabe, Bay Ridge: I went to a hardware store on 3rd avenue to buy a bag of steel wool to plug up radiator holes. I walk in and the 20 something guy asks may I help you? I said, " I need a bag of steel wool please". He responded, "well what grade steel wool? What is HE planning on using it for? Because that makes a difference...." My jaw dropped! No way in hellz would anyone say that in my old 'hood (cobble hill) not even the old timers. And hellao, i'm in my 30's not some frail little old lady. Damn!

Posted by: bowl of dicks at November 6, 2009 3:33 PM in response to Contractors & Chauvinism