bowl of dicks's Profile
- 2000
- the beginning
- Bay Ridge
- Rental
- Architect
- Female
- 33
Author's Posts
Overnight Foghorn Noise
Anyone else kept awake in the wee hours by the foghorn down in Bay Ridge area? It was sounding roughly every 20 seconds for what felt like over an hour. And it wasn't even especially foggy out (I could still see bridge/SI from my window). Any guesses?
Hot/Cold Water Issues
I live in a pre-war, 4 story walk up rental building. It has 20 apts, 50% market rate and 50% rent stabilized (aging/elderly tenants). The owner is not stingy (plenty of heat etc) and the super takes a lot of pride in maintaining the building. However, I have a hot/cold issue with my shower that is getting worse over time. During the morning rush, and now all evening long, the hot and cold water from the shower fluctuates tremendously. Sometimes it goes to scalding hot or ice cold in less than a second. Other times it is gradual temp change. I never notice this in the faucets, only the shower. The time it takes me to shower is almost doubled because I am spending extra time adjusting the knobs or waiting for the temp to even out again. One time I almost slipped and fell trying to avoid getting scalded! I am concerned about the elderly people who can not react as quickly as myself. Anyway, I casually mentioned it to my super twice now, and his response was "the building is just old and there is nothing we can do."
Anyone have any thoughts or advice?
FWIW, they capped off and removed the tub spout during a recently "renovation" and I have two knobs (H+C)
Upholstery Cleaning
I have a small upholstered seat cushion that needs to be cleaned of overall dirt and small stains. The fabric cover unzips from the foam cushion. Where do I take this item....the corner dry cleaner? An upholsterer?
My search for "brooklyn upholstery cleaning" comes up with large scale commercial cleaners with no drop off service. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, BoD
Need recs for Park Slope tour
Just got off the phone with my parents who have decided to come visit for Thanksgiving. Mother said she wants to go walk around "that neighborhood I keep reading about in the times, Park Slope?" (oh gawd). Anyway, I am really only familiar with the retail avenues of the slope, but she wants to see some classic brownstone side streets. Can folks in the know please clue me into exactly which blocks are not to be missed? Thank you! BoD
Custom Framing Shop
Can anyone recommend a custom framing shop in Brooklyn that is reasonably priced? Thank You!
Just Moved to Bay Ridge
Okay so I just moved down to Bay Ridge 2 weeks ago. Mid 70's + 3rd Ave vicinity. Looking to hear from any of my new neighbors about which is the best deli, dry cleaner, tailor, take out, hardware store, etc etc in the area. Also, which restaurants are a must? There is so much stuff down here, I would love to weed out the crap. Thanks!
BoD
Rec: Call Paul to Haul
I hired Call Paul to Haul last week to move some large furniture pieces, and I have nothing but good things to say about him. He showed up on time (actually early), took care loading up my stuff in his van, and was very friendly. He had absolutely no problem schlepping my stuff up a 4th floor walk up apt and had VERY reasonable rates. www.callpaultohaul.com
Wall-Thru Unit & Allergies
Okay, I have those wall-thru heating/cooling fan units in my apartment. One in each room with seperate controls. Total electricity hogs, but that's another matter. Every time I run the unit in my bedroom, overnight, I wake up sniffly, puffy, sore throat etc. typical allergy symptoms. This doesn't matter if it's outputting heat in the winter, or AC in the summertime. Same symptoms.
The nights I don't have to run it, I NEVER wake up with these symptoms. But my bedroom is a corner room facing Southeast so 2 sides are not insulated by other interior spaces. It does get considerably colder / warmer than the rest of the apartment. Unfortunately, this forces me to use the thing more than I really want to.
The filter is removable and cleanable (not disposable), but even regular cleanings has not helped my situation. My only assumption is that the fan is just recirculating airborne dust all night and that's what's messing with me. yuck.
So, aside from leaving this apartment, (which I am actually considering and this is one of the cons on the list), does anyone have any ideas on what I could do here to help fix the situation?
Thanks!
BoD
Author's Comments
@ Who - I read the huge BB infestation within the last 5-7 years is attributed to all the foreign tourists who are coming here to vacation in droves since the dollar weakened sharply. Not sure I believe it personally, but that's where some of the blame is going.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 30, 2010 4:44 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
"put them in the oven at the lowest temp for an hour with the door open"
I think this method might kill more than just the BB's.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 30, 2010 4:40 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
Please post your address on the BB registry website. Every little bit helps.
I read somewhere recently that it's estimated 1 in 5 nyc apartments are infested by BBs? gak!
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 30, 2010 3:22 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
Glad you guys decided to bail. No cheapo apartment is worth your peace of mind and personal safety!!!!
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 29, 2010 6:19 PM in response to Are Boerum Hill Housing Projects Scary?
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Bean Post Pub on July 29, 2010 12:25 PM
this is the place where people go if the wait at Skinflints is too long. Apart from weekend nights, this is your typical bay ridge old man bar. Not that there's anything wrong with that!
aww quikazoid but you just moved here, buddy! giving up already? I have been here exactly 1 year and until only recently did I start meeting local people to hang out with at the local spots. BR royally sucked for me before having no one local to hang with. Now I don't ever find the need to leave. Eff all my friends from downtown bklyn who won't schlep down here.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 28, 2010 7:41 PM in response to Sponsor Sale - Condo Conversion with Rent Controlled Apt
bc, presumably, window units are only a seasonal installation.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 28, 2010 2:48 PM in response to Development Watch: 154 1/2 Washington Avenue
Agree on Tanoreen. Yallz need to get your butts there. Closed Mondays.
re: gourmet soda, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 28, 2010 2:20 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Cobble Grill on July 28, 2010 2:12 PM
Agreed. We used to get take out here quite often, and they never went wrong by us. Burgers and sandwiches delicious and reasonably priced. Nice and crispy french fries - even from the take out container. Always friendly staff and will put on extra this or that for no additional charge.
there are a great many more concerns living above a repair garage than a parking garage. For instance: the neumatic wrenches they use all day, vibrations from operating their lifts, exhaust fumes, and worst of all paint re-spray > those toxic fumes rise and linger for a *long* time.
Agreed on the gate/door vibrations of private parking garages.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 28, 2010 9:03 AM in response to Living Above a Garage
what kind of garage are you talking about - just a parking garage or an actual repair place?
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 27, 2010 10:45 PM in response to Living Above a Garage
there is a similar tudor style building - (albiet alot narrower) on Court St opposite the Queen restaurant or thereabouts. Where are the others?
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 26, 2010 3:35 PM in response to Building of the Day: 16 Nevins Street
"It seems as if instead of focusing on the very positives of the piece folks here are hung up on one silly off-hand comment from the film exec"
PdT, you must be relatively new to this blog!
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 26, 2010 2:31 PM in response to The Denizens of South Elliott Place
crap i just realized that i'm confusing hoyt with bond. Living on Bond means walking thru the PJ's from Bergen St F would be pretty much unavoidable. Honestly, I'd bail on the apartment. Sorry.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 26, 2010 12:31 PM in response to Are Boerum Hill Housing Projects Scary?
one more thing - carry some pepper spray.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 26, 2010 12:25 PM in response to Are Boerum Hill Housing Projects Scary?
I lived alone on Baltic between Smith/Bond when I first moved here 11 years ago. I am also female, and at the time 22 years old. I lived directly across from the school yard which was a magnet for every type of activity. I was told by the LL not to venture past "half way to Bond" after dark, and so I never did. But at that time, Smith St was still a little rough around the edges, honestly I never had any problems at night. Smith St area is a whole new ballgame now. If you carry yourself with some street smarts, you will be fine. Do what 11217 says and use Bergen to get home from PS. Otherwise you'll be coming from Smith 99% of the time (F train)
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 26, 2010 12:22 PM in response to Are Boerum Hill Housing Projects Scary?
i would actually kill to have a white palette kitchen like this (as long as it's not grungy, which yours doesn't look) people are right once you get your stuff in there it will be 100x warmer and less dated. I still wouldn't do anything major apart from door pulls until you've lived in the space for a while. Look on the bright side, my rental kitchen has that fake green marble formica. it's so nasty to look at no matter how clean it is. Plus it matches absolutely zero decor choices. LL's out there, stop using that stuff!
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 25, 2010 10:05 PM in response to Laminate Kitchen Mess
don't go to the trouble of doing anything to this kitchen until you've moved in, spent some time in this apartment to confidently come to a conclusion that indeed you are staying for a few years. This is a garden apartment and a zillion things could go wrong enough for you to get ticked off enough to leave sooner than later...bugs, humidity, heavy footsteps overhead, lack of light and bars on the windows (dungeon!), sidewalk noise etc etc.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 25, 2010 8:20 AM in response to Laminate Kitchen Mess
fugladoozie, that is.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 23, 2010 2:46 PM in response to 277 19th Street Out in the Open
ET, true. maybe it's the cost of the cosmos they are trying to recover.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 23, 2010 2:41 PM in response to Another Nail Salon For The Heights
i like that dashing diva chain.
they plaster you up with free cosmo's while getting a pedi or if there's a wait for manis. (at least the one on smith st did)
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 23, 2010 2:35 PM in response to Another Nail Salon For The Heights
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Skinflints on July 23, 2010 1:21 PM
bingo!
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Skinflints on July 23, 2010 1:11 PM
most ridge bars have the no tank top rule.
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Skinflints on July 23, 2010 12:12 PM
my favorite pub type place in the nabe, perhaps the boro. zero pretentions and *amazing* burgers for cheap ($7). Welcomes the drunks and families alike. Place gets packed during dinner, so plan to wait. Worth it tho.
stagazer read my mind. like hellao, at least there are no fedders. I'll take the kooky parapet gesture over fedders any day.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 22, 2010 9:51 PM in response to Relaunch at 272 19th Street
try the angle grinder and let us know how it works out. I didn't have one of those available - only the dremel and hacksaw. I removed 12 of these.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 22, 2010 8:30 PM in response to Removing Valance Mounts
the dremel tool will allow you to make a fine, and relatively precise cut close to the frame. the sawzall can not do this. I'd argue that a tiny hacksaw by hand would be the safest.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 22, 2010 4:04 PM in response to Removing Valance Mounts
yes the window frame is metal and the tabs are welded on in the factory - they are original components of the window.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 22, 2010 4:00 PM in response to Removing Valance Mounts
the ones I dealt with were welded directly to the metal window frame. the picture above also suggests that they are welded to the side of the window frame - which is naturally covered with layers upon layers of paint.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 22, 2010 2:49 PM in response to Removing Valance Mounts
forgot to mention: pry the metal out away from the wall with a screwdriver out so that you can make a clean cut w the dremel.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 22, 2010 2:32 PM in response to Removing Valance Mounts
I removed a bunch of these recently with a dremel tool using their typical cutting disk. I went thru half a dozen disks to cut thru each one. It's a method not to be tried by the faint of heart, but with patience, a steady hand, and some safety goggles it will work. Chip away at the paint / plaster to expose as much of the metal as possible before cutting. Patch as nessecary afterwards.
Good luck, Bod
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 22, 2010 2:28 PM in response to Removing Valance Mounts
can say that again.......
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 21, 2010 4:51 PM in response to Closing Bell: Hanco's vs. Henry's
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Elia on July 21, 2010 2:31 PM
As I said, they are playing catch up with the ridge ROTD's, and good. I remember when ROTD was either park slope or williamsburg every day for a year. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Elia on July 21, 2010 1:17 PM
probs bc there's a shyt load of good places in BR and bstoner has been failing to give the nabe any props....until now. Keep the ridge ROTD's coming, thanks!
is that cladding metal panel, stone, or ????? tough to tell in the pic
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 21, 2010 9:50 AM in response to Modern on Prospect Place
what dibs said. metal pan stoop is unfortunate.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 21, 2010 9:44 AM in response to Modern on Prospect Place
interior sux. poor decision to go loft-like. what a shame.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 20, 2010 12:52 PM in response to Rental of the Day: 56 Cambridge Place
"I don't think the Italians in Bensonhurst refer to the Chinese who have moved in there as "Liberal""
That's for damn sure!!!!
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 19, 2010 9:36 PM in response to Carroll Gardens Historic District May Grow
Sigh. I hope they don't change much. I really liked it - a respite from the other places on Smith. Okay fine, this was me and the ex's......."place". Alotta memories.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 19, 2010 2:44 PM in response to Streetlevel: New Management for Caserta Vecchia
this is seriously old news. this place has said to have BB's for years.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 19, 2010 10:22 AM in response to Bedbugs At The Pavilion?
no way in hell I would rent an outdoor parking spot in GH for $200 a month. Street parking is abundant there.
Hell, I pay half that in a very car-centric neighborhood.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 16, 2010 2:57 PM in response to Value of a Parking Spot
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Caputo's Fine Foods on July 16, 2010 12:06 PM
I realize it's an isolated incident, but we got some really off buffalo mozz from here, and it landed us both in the lich ER. This was about 5 years ago. Refuse to go back.
quick fix would be to put in those dual direction window fans at the uppermost part of the window(s), and set them to exhaust out....at least while you are cooking (can be removed after you're done) and at least until you can think of a more permanent solution....
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 16, 2010 9:18 AM in response to Kitchen Exhaust/Ventilation - Any Ideas?.
i'll gladly hate on this for you, Rob.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 16, 2010 9:03 AM in response to Closing Bell: Hipster Ice Cream
RE: Tree slasher....how can a guy "who suffered a career-ending hand injury and is now collecting disability" possibly pull limbs off trees? I'm pissed off more about the disability collection than tree vandalism.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 16, 2010 8:59 AM in response to Friday Links
bowl of dicks wrote a review about Ivy Bakery on July 15, 2010 11:18 PM
Thank you for posting this. Been looking for a local replacement to the Little Cupcake Shoppe on 3rd/91st street. As I find their cupcakes to be excruciatingly sweet. (yes sometimes it can be a bad thing!)
How do the baby back ribs at Ikea compare with those at Applebee's?
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 14, 2010 8:57 PM in response to Ikea Bike Lane Painted
this is so not a new concept. Been doing this in the (many) vacant storefronts along a few of the more "artsy" Hudson river industrial towns for a-g-e-s.....
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 14, 2010 8:53 PM in response to Closing Bell: Pop Up Gallery
RE: Milk Bar, they also close alarmingly early..something like 6pm on weekends. mmmmkay. And yes they are overpriced. NEXT!
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 14, 2010 8:51 PM in response to Brooklyn Food & Drink Round-Up
two words: brooklyn flea
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 14, 2010 8:48 PM in response to Consignment Recommendations
Responses to Author's Forum Comments
Yup. Already found the newyorkcityvsbedbugs.org site. That is where I got the Multiple Dwelling Law I quoted above (about LL being responsible in buildings with more than 3 units).
There are not any other weird exceptions, other than tenant negligence (which we definitely have not been... our apt is CLEAN)? Specific references to NY law would be appreciated (any lawyers / Real Estate professionals out there?).
The broker who reps the landlord is a REALLY slick / NYC type broker. Just want to make sure I am not walking into a gun fight with only knives...
Thanks again!
John
Posted by: jwa4378 at July 30, 2010 3:30 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
Didnt you verbally agree to the new lease and rent?
Has the LL said he wouldnt take care of the BB situation?
Why are you assuming the worst, why are you intending to proactively go back on what you said prior - it isnt the LL fault that you got BB is it?
How about you just ask the LL to take care of the problem, if he isnt experienced with BB maybe you could assist him with the proper protocol (btw most reports are that the dogs arent much use, especially when you already know you got them).
In short how about not starting this off by being the prick and assuming everyone is your enemy. You might find that LL is very responsive and helpful - a situation you may not find when you move to your next apartment (that can very likely have BB too)
Posted by: fsrg at July 30, 2010 4:04 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
fsrq - I am assuming the worst, because I know the landlord's broker. The landlord is great. 90 yo woman who minds her business. Its her broker who is the pitbull.
I never said it was the LL fault that we got bedbugs. However, I do not believe we introduced them. If anything, its a no-fault situation (I believe they migrated from next door / downstairs tenant).
We verbally agreed to the increase in rent, not to any lease term. And that was before we discovered the bedbug issue.
The landlord has not said that, but his broker pretty much said that when we moved in (i.e. - no bedbugs now, so if they come in, we would have to pay for mitigation). Nothing in writing, though.
Just doing due diligence before we meet tomorrow. I am not going in with a "prick" attitude. I am going to inform them of the problem and ask them to take care of it. If they refuse, we will threaten to walk after the lease expires and to report the address to the bedbug registry (which I doubt the LL will want happening). Just getting my ammunition in order in case the LL's broker backs us into a corner on the issue tomorrow.
Cheers!
Posted by: jwa4378 at July 30, 2010 4:14 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
I dont think you mean broker - you mean the LLs managing agent -
Posted by: fsrg at July 30, 2010 4:23 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
We are landlords and tenants at the same time - and my sister and my parents have both battled infestations in the last year and survived - so we see both sides of this. It's hell but you can get through it.
If you have good landlords who will move quickly to detect and eradicate the problem from the entire building then it might be worth staying. You might want to hire a detection dog yourselves if your landlords are slow to do so (like TOMORROW), as they are really accurate and worth the cost. They can tell you exactly where the bugs are.
After my sister's infestation we were concerned that we might have picked them up, so we hired a dog to inspect our loft (where we rent). Fortunately no bedbugs but the peace of mind was SO worth the $250!
Since these little f**kers tag along whether you stay in the apartment or move,
you will have to do a TON of work yourself -- washing ALL your clothes in hot water
and then drying them for at least 40 minutes on high heat and then bagging them, putting ALL of your belongings in heat (run a hair dryer on books, papers etc or put them in the oven at the lowest temp for an hour with the door open). Get a bed bug proof cover for your mattress ASAP to prevent spreading.
There is also a heater called a Pack Tite that you can use for your stuff: http://www.bedbugsupply.com/PackTite-Bed-Bug-Treatment-Device_p_33.html?gclid=COLjm4CJlKMCFRpTgwodcHFbmw
As landlords, we have sent our tenants lots of info on bedbugs, have asked them not to bring used furniture or clothing into the building, and to be very vigilant.
We done what we can in terms of prevention education, but if a bedbug hitches a ride on one our tenants and we start to get an infestation I feel we will have to deal with it ASAP, even though we didn't "cause" it. Shudder.
Posted by: dogpatch at July 30, 2010 4:24 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
quote:
I am assuming the worst, because I know the landlord's broker. The landlord is great. 90 yo woman who minds her business. Its her broker who is the pitbull.
so the broker is sweet, loving, looyal and likes to kissies? hahah. for future reference you should call refer to him as a labradoodle. those dogs be nasty ass.
*rob*
Posted by: Butterfly at July 30, 2010 4:29 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
the city just reinstated a bed bug task force.. which actually seems pointless.. it would be better / nicer if the city provided financial assistance to the owners / renters of apts infested.. also the MTA has seriously dropped the ball on keep the trains cleans.
never, EVER sit on any of the wooden benches in the subways. they are crawling with bedbugs. kid you not.
*rob*
Posted by: Butterfly at July 30, 2010 4:37 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
There has to be something people are doing to make bedbugs the current epidemic it is. What ever it is, its needs to be isolated and addressed. Bedbugs were an unknown problem in brooklyn a little over 5+ years ago.
So what has changed?
Unless someone gets to the bottom of the problem, I am concerned that bedbugs are going to get worse. Leaving one location going to another w/o resolving the initial problem increases the risk of spreading these pest.
Anyone know if a bed bugs are resistant to insect repellants?or if a bb resistant spray is available (similar to insect repellants?)
Posted by: The Who at July 30, 2010 4:38 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
"put them in the oven at the lowest temp for an hour with the door open"
I think this method might kill more than just the BB's.
Posted by: bowl of dicks at July 30, 2010 4:40 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?
Bedbugs will move between apartments in a single building, so it's important to do the whole building if you're going to do anything at all. That's part of the reason it's important that it's the landlord's responsibility. And I say that as a landlord. (please god do not send me bugs.)
If the bugs came from a neighbor's apartment, the neighbor will have to go through the same rigorous regimen that you do - if they don't you'll just get reinfested.
What the broker said about there not being bedbugs when you moved in so if you get them, it's your fault is not true and also not enforceable. He sounds like a peach, though.
Posted by: UnprotectedWrecks at July 30, 2010 4:43 PM in response to Bedbugs... Who is Liable? Tenant? Landlord?