David,I think you are ascribing an awful lot of "build it and they will come" theory to AY. If AY was the only area of building, what you say is true. But it's not. And brooklyn is an enormous borough. And as far as blaming a scaled down project for greater stress on the subway/mass transit system, what you're proposing then is that we not worry about the outer areas and their poor mass transit, but simply improve it for those who can afford to live in the AY. Which means those people further out will still need to rely on their cars, which they will drive everywhere, including into AY. A hub is not just the big station, its a central feed for the system and the problem is with the outlying lines.

and that doesn't change the fact that the outlying areas are going to remain heavily car dependent and polluted,while people who don't have the financial resources to live in the AY will be displaced further and further out. All AY is doing is overloading an already crowded area (around the yards) and putting increased strain on already strained transit hub, area resources and traffic.

Above and beyond the fact that people are not sardines, what kind of civic planning concentrates on overbuilding in one area creating new problems, while not addressing the old problems? Because one area will impact another. I don't see that scaling back the project is what causes the problem of people "who can't live/work in NYC"- that's happening because their neighborhoods are being gentrified and all the building going on seems to be luxury housing. Certainly not working class housing- but then neither will AY be.and while the biggest industry in NYC may be the financial markets, it's the working class that keeps the City running and it seems to me AY will not help their situation anyway.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 5:50 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

Anon 4:48- Fact: only one person can register as bx2bklyn on typekey. No one else can register as bx2bklyn through typekey. That's why Mr. B set it up. And on this matter I'm finished.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 4:52 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

tried both, and at this point why should I do that? That's exactly what the troll wants. I can only keep reminding people I don't post unless I'm signed in.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 4:46 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

4:27- you're misunderstanding what I said. I said I do not post unless I am signed into typekey. You will always see that icon if the post is really mine. I can't control someone using my name to post on brownstoner, only the way they do it. If there is no icon after my name, I didn't post it.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 4:40 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

and you'll notice that the troll has to post using my name but can't with the typekey icon because I registered.

But you already knew that since you're the one doing it.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 4:26 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

oops- 3:53.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 4:16 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

I don't argue that it's not, david. I never did. And if you bother to really remember all the previous discussions, most "anti-AY people have no argument with developing the area- it's how its done. I'm opting for quality over quantity because you and I both know that sheer quantity does not make for quality. Hope I made that simple enough for you to understand because if you can't grasp the slippery slope argument I can't help you. There's still is a great deal of validity in the argument, and I am quite well aware how it can be used both ways. However a school and an arena are 2 vastly different venues and if a society can't put a school at a higher priority than an arena, it gets what it deserves.

(note to 3:51 & 55- thanks, and sadly, 3:55 my life is not so exciting (if you're judging based on the troll's posted links.) those aren't my links, and I don't bother to click on them after getting tricked when the troll began posting them months ago).

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 4:15 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

Oh yeah- you're some spokesman for Bensonhurst and the pro-AY crowd. Your eloquence simply spoke volumes. NOT.As for your version of Brooklyn pride- what? A new Jersey team bought here and paid for by a midwesterner???? That's Ratner, av joe- your 4th point is not only a wonder of irrationality, but also schizophrenic.

You're no blue collar average Joe- those are hardworking, caring men and women who care about their families first and foremost, not a sports franchise, Frank Gehry or "best positioning " (and what the hell is that about??). Blue collar, by the way, refers to the shirt associated with certain jobs- it doesn't mean uneducated or unintelligent. I venture to guess you are no blue-collar worker but actually the "yuppie, uppity, know it all" you claim to despise. My best guess is that you are a Ratner PR flack and not a very capable one at that.

So if you are so desperate to celebrate Brooklyn Pride maybe you should check out all the stuff Brooklyn does have- the Gardens, the museums, Coney Island, Keyspan Park, etc etc etc. If you think Brooklyn pride is predicated on the Ohio-born Ratner and the New Jersey Nets, I highly doubt you live in Brooklyn at all.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 3:21 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

I most certainly do realize. Still doesn't make it right for someone to take someone else's property. And once you start down that slippery slope, how long before your neighbor decides he has a right to your house just because he could build a prettier one and we all know that a prettier neighborhood would be more to the public good? should I have to give up my house because you want to put a Mcdonalds there? all your arguments are doing is opening the door to taking away property rights of private citizens. And even more importantly, for not very good reasons. there is no justificatiopn for using eminent domain in the AY project- there is plenty enough space without stealing it (and I use the word intentionally in this case) from other property owners. So unless you are going to come up with a very narrowly defined set of circumstances and protections regarding eminent domain, you may as well just come right out and tell homeowners and businesses that they have no rights at all, especially when a huge private developer decides he wants their property.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 2:34 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

David- considering that supreme Court justices are just as prone to outside pressures (althought they'll tell you they are not) as any politician, a look at the history of the supreme Court will prove to you that even the intent of the original constitution can be corrupted and subverted. Do I think money plays a huge part in this? Yes. Political friendships? Yes again. The Supreme Court is about interpreting the constitution and I believe that those interpretations are based more on politics, money and friends, than on pure constitutional law. And it also seems to determine the definition of "public good." The Nets a public good? Well then by all means let give all sports teams someone's house to build on. And by all means let the taxpayers fund it. If its "entertainment" by all means, lets distract the public with entertainment.

Except, again, there is nothing in the Constitution that even comes close to considering that the AY project is a form of public good that deserves to use eminent domain.

By the way, contractor and developer are 2 very different people. I never used the word contractor, and it is incorrect anyway in the context of what i was saying.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 1:56 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

Both U-Haul and those "crappy" auto repair shops not only provide needed services, but also jobs. How nice eminent domain can be put to work for you by screwing a whole lot of other people, including the taxpayers who can watch their money fill your- and Ratner's- coffers.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 1:29 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

"Eminent Domain is not "stealing" - it is a process outlined in the Constitution and requires just compensation "- yes David, but that's not the enitre story. eminent domain was also defined so as to limit its use to specific areas. using eminent domain for private developers like ratner was never the intent. Not only is the use of ED for Ratner's project illegal if you go by the constitutional intent, but the end use will not be for the general public, but only for who can afford to pay Ratner for its use. A public road is for everyone. A bridge is for everyone. the Nets are for those who pay for the tickets, and the profit goes to Ratner, not the general public or the public project. So if using ed for private development is illegal, then "stealing" is the proper definition.

Public good has been increasingly broadly defined by those greedy for money, and power, and who seem to be increasingly smug in the idea that the public is so stupid it doesn't doesn't know when its being screwed. I would never underestimate the public, if i were them.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 28, 2007 1:19 PM in response to ESDC Forced to Cough Up Financial Docs on AY

Bk4life-

Now that what bubble? gave you what for, I'd also like to add what does your "typical renter" comment mean? I rent. Plenty of people rent- and guess what. Plenty of them pay rent which you homeowners need to keep your houses. With all that education you claim to have, you couldn't come up with a less ignorant comment than that?

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 23, 2007 1:04 AM in response to House of the Day: 1219 Bergen Street

I htink people are less "afraid" of odern design, primarily because its familiar. But like anon at 10:10 says, the problem is with the character and craft. Modern design can be classic- or vry cheesy- its very heavily dependent on the quality of the materials because a lot of the craft is hidden. When you see a gorgeous carved marble fireplace, the craftsmanship is up front/in your face. It seems to me antique furnishings or homes are as much about the artistry of the craftsman as about the finished product. You are meant to see it. Modern showcases the product more than the process- but you are supposed to recognize the quality of the product by what you don't see. The more "perfect" or "clean" looking it is, the better it is.

It really isn't easier to design in a modern style- it just looks that way because the lines are simpler. But to doing it well- that stands the test of time.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 23, 2007 12:48 AM in response to Brownstone Renos: A Contrast In Styles

Sorry Jack Slade- I'm a Bronx girl so just to do one last revisit- The bronx is huge and up until very recently no one paid much attention except to movies like Fort Apache, the Bronx, and to the infamous fire history (The Bronx is Burning). But maybe Mott Haven was landmarked before its time- if you don't know, the Bronx is justly renowned for the grand Concourse and its wonderful Art Deco era buildings, not for its brownstones. My family still lives up there, and like every other part of NYC some areas are better than others. But it is coming back if for no other reason than Manhattan is bursting at the seams and it has some fabulous housing stock with its deco apartment buildings.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 22, 2007 5:15 PM in response to House of the Day: 1219 Bergen Street

I had my bathroom floor done in concrete. bad idea. I guess the contractor screwed up the mix because the top layer was gritty and crumbled away after a few months. And it was cold and uncomfortable underfoot. Can't afford to redo it now, but this past wekend I bought those interlocking foam floor mats and put them down until I can fix the floor. They look great, were easy to put down and they feel wonderful. Now I am not sure if I will do tile or get something similar but in a better grade.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 22, 2007 4:19 PM in response to Brownstone Renos: A Contrast In Styles

Again posting for Crown Heights Proud:
d8, the Crown Heights North Landmark area is so large that when Landmarks designated the area, they divided it into 4 phases, each to be officially landmarked one at a time, over an unspecified amount of time. This house is in the first phase, and will be landmarked this spring. A couple of blocks over - Park Place, for example, will be landmarked in Phase 2, and other areas to follow.

This block is around the corner from the Children's Museum, and is a very nice, quiet block. While Crown Heights is by no means perfect, to intimate that this house is in the middle of a war zone is the usual crap that really is not accurate. Landmarks would not bother to designate an entire district if it was going the way of a Baghdad neighborhood, what a waste of time, money and effort that would be.

With AY breaking ground, PH, CH, and parts of BS too expensive, people are going to be in CHN in droves. Only jealousy, not some vague desire to "warn" the rest of mankind, would inspire this usual rant. We have beautiful blocks with beautiful homes. If you want to join us here, and help make it better for everyone, you are welcome.

CHP

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 22, 2007 3:55 PM in response to House of the Day: 1219 Bergen Street

FYI to all- I NEVER EVER post links to tinyurl.com and tell everyone do not click on those links. If you see Bx2Bklyn without the typekey icon- it ain't me. hate to spoil the troll's fun (or add to it) but those posts are not and NEVER have been mine.

I can't stop that piece of mentally deficient garbage from posting (and he will) but I will reiterate as often as necessary those links are not posted by me. And I don't often post these days because of socially challenged malicious twits like him. For all of you who think it's a matter of just ignoring him, when he associates my id with the links he posts, it's impossible to ignore.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 22, 2007 3:35 PM in response to Brownstone Renos: A Contrast In Styles

Sorry- the anon 2:00 post was me. for some reason it didn't post my typekey id

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 22, 2007 2:05 PM in response to Brownstone Renos: A Contrast In Styles

Crown Heights Proud asked me to post this -computer took a sick day :-) :
I'm with Mr. B. all the way on this. Modern can be great, but don't destroy a house with detail to get it. There are plenty that have been stripped of detail, and they often cost less for it.

In answer to "maybe there's hope" - it is quite possible to recreate the detailing through salvage. It just takes a great deal of time and money. There are plenty of people selling all kinds of salvage, but it certainly ain't cheap. If you were to go that route, be prepared to do it a little at a time, as what you may need for a certain room may not be available right away. Personally, I'd do as much of my salvage shopping as far away from the city as possible. The prices here are absurd. I buy little bits here and there, whenever possible, and love incorporating it into my home.

There is a wonderful, over the top book about people decorating with salvage. It's called Extraordinary Interiors by Brian Coleman and Dan Mayers. Coleman is an editor at large for Old House Journal Interiors, and is a consumate salvager. His apartment in the Village is in the book. My favorite spread is a house in SoHo almost entirely done in first class salvage elements. All very inspiring, and very, very expensive. But, like a good house museum, it's fun to look and get ideas.

While I would not want to live in a period perfect museum (my cats would certainly not allow it anyway), I admire those who are comfortable doing so. I think that is a lifestyle choice, and has as much value as someone who lives in an empty looking room with modernistic square furniture and all their personal belongings hidden. In my opinion, as much of a museum look, just a different museum.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 22, 2007 1:01 PM in response to Brownstone Renos: A Contrast In Styles

and wasn't it you, Eryximachus, who was whining the other day about how hard it is for 20-somethings who BARELY make "six figures" and whose parents are too poor to help, to find living space?

Shouldn't you should be heading out to that trailer park in Podunk?

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 16, 2007 11:03 AM in response to Friday Links

there's been a lot of great photos on this site. wish there was a way you could order a copy for framing. Maybe mr. B could set up a cafe press type thing?

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 16, 2007 10:53 AM in response to Thursday On The Record

Publically at a community board meeting? Oh yeah- that is really so public and really got the word out to the general public.

As has been said- this property really belongs to the people, despite you and the city bureaucrats' delusions of grandeur and stewardship. And CHP (thanks buddy!) is right- all smoke and mirrors on the Yard's part. but that's the role of petty bureaucrats- sit behind a desk, obfuscate, play little political games aand manipulate the truth (c'mon- you're in bed with George Bush, aren't you?) and basically do what they have decided the people want, without bothering to listen to the people at all. I'll give you that Ella, you're an excellent shill for the Navy Yard, albeit of limited capacity. I've dealt too long with your type of swiftboat deskwarmer. And I am sick of you.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 16, 2007 10:44 AM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

First of all, Ella, you know nothing about what I do, what I know or what I think. So all the assumptions are on your part. I happen to have a museum background and I have a very good idea about non-profits and how they work. in fact I work for one now. what I do know about the Intrepid is that yes, it's popular, and that translates into money- not just for the museum (which most likely still operates on grant funding I'm sure, and donation) but for the area as well. It's a tourist attraction- a huge one- it brings big bucks to the City that way. Many special, major events are held on the Intrepid that also bring in money.

See, Ella, creative people know how to take an important piece of history and look at ways of supporting it. Money people with vision know how to market it. Educators see a piece of history that they hope will inspire youth. And so it goes. The benefits are not necessarily monetary but they are very very real. Frivolous? Pretty Houses? How about ignorance and lack of education or pride.

As for the supermarket- how kind of you to become concerned after all these years. Your sudden concern for the community is about making money at your convenience.If you didn't have AR to tear down, I highly doubt you would be so "concerned" for the needs of the community.

It's all very well to jump and down insisting I'm wrong, but as the Basuto proverb says,""If a man does away with his traditional way of living and throws away his good customs, he had better first make certain that he has something of value to replace them."
and he doesn't mean a supermarket.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 16, 2007 1:00 AM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

Sorry, but no. I never post links to other sites and would caution everyone not to click on links that are not specifically real estate sites relating to the content on brownstoner. I also never post without signing into passport.

Rhana- yep. You leaving?

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 16, 2007 12:27 AM in response to Co-op of the Day: 125 Eastern Parkway 3 Bedroom

JoshK-

I never said "deserve"- I said "need" and that's a very differnt thing. I totally agree that no one needs to live in Manhattan (I tried it and hated it- ergo, here I am in Brooklyn).

But I think there is a further issue that too many people forget about city living. Business desperately needs employees to function. NYC has moved further and further way from any kind of manufacturing (indeed too expensive for them), and while kissing corporate butt is stifling the small mom and pop businesses which are an enormous part of the economic engine which employs hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. NYC has had huge increases in so-called service industries, which are heavily dependent on people rather than technology. Think what the economy of this city would be without restaurants, theaters etc.

The enormous salaries paid to those in the financial services extends to only a small sector of the labor market so the majority of people do fall in the lower to middle income area in terms of salary. The majority of workers, in terms of people, falls into the lower income levels. But however you slice it- business needs labor to function. And if labor can't afford to live without reasonable access to their jobs (that doesn't involve a 2 hour trip in both directions), they can't get to work, or they can't afford to get to work because of the travel expense. They can't afford to work for the salaries offered because everything is too expensive.

So businesses not only lose workers through high turnover, but replacing and training new people costs them. Big business is better able to absorb the cost but smaller businesses take a hit. Without the big business breaks corporations get, they are being forced out of business. That effects the economy because again, without small business the economic engine breaks.

It's the domino theory. One thing can't fall without setting off a chain reaction. Parts of Manhattan and the rest of the city have to remain affordable and liveable (please everyone- no comments about getting 6 roommates for a 1 bedroom in a rapidly gentrifying Harlem) for even lower income people.

So fix RC/RS- set income caps or whatever, but breaking it will do more than force out lower i come people. It hurts business.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 15, 2007 12:50 PM in response to $25 MacArthur Grant for Affordable Housing Research

Anon 11:35:
Good- Paris can breathe a sigh of relief. (Wish NYC had the same option)

Thanks CHP for the history- I think Eastern Pkway and the Grand Concourse are magnificent, assets not only to Brooklyn and the Bronx, but to the entire city as well..

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 15, 2007 12:17 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 125 Eastern Parkway 3 Bedroom

That's the real question, Jimmy legs. But the Bloomberg administration has a history of doing the forest before they figured out what the trees are.They will go for the big showy stuff (like Jet stadiums and Nets Arenas) but neglect the basic administration of even the most important agencies. Another example: the tremendous cutback in Fire Marshals at a time when suspicious are rising. I can't remember the exact numbers but it is on the order of a couple of hundred to less than 50. That's typical for this administration. Don't forget- he is a financial genius and businessman but not a civic one.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 15, 2007 12:06 PM in response to HPD: Understaffed, Incompetent or Both?

The Navy yard is owned by the City and the BNYDC, while a not-for-profit organization is hardly a charity. it is a managing agency

Granted the Navy Yard is fighting an uphill battle, but it is still an immensely historic area, and AR is a row full of historic buildings. If you think people aren't interested in military history or wouldn't be thrilled to do a tour of the Navy yard, then you obviously don't know what the Intrepid is. And if you think the Intrepid doesn't make money, you are delusional. If The BNYDC really looked into all these plans, as you claim, then the reason they could not make it work was that they were too lazy to make it work.

Yes the Navy yard is an industrial park, not a museum, but seeing as how successful it is (as asserted by the Mayor -http://www.gothamgazette.com/community/36/officialword) and is continued expansion, they cannot claim to be desperate.

Don't know how many of you remember the old South St. Seaport, before it became a theme park. It was full of character, odd, curious, alive with history. Old seamen used to be down there- incredible living history- what an education. Today it's the disney version, pretty, bland, and lifeless.Do your kids get educated at the food court? Or learn about whaling days in Williams-Sonoma? Not bloody likely. That's the real shame- you are all too willing to allow the destruction of an important piece of Americana, and of Brooklyn in order to give us...shopping! Sets a great example for the future. Just great.

You don't hold back the future by holding onto the past. You enrich it. And Ella- I'll throw out another literary quote you'll probably also dismiss: those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 15, 2007 12:31 AM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

Actually ella- if anyone is pontificating, it was you. As for people disparaging the City government, (in your opinion, those who don't know what they are talking about), in fact anyone who lives in this City and has been affected by the decision making of those " most moral, intelligent and imaginative people" you know, I bet dollars to donuts they know a lot more than you think. They see the results- like the school bus re-routing. That was an sign of intelligent life, just not in this universe. from all of my dealings with the City on issues, the decision-makers have developed a know-it-all arrogance that they feel entitles them to make decisions based on their friends, the money they can make and the need to stay in office. I've seen enough of it to know first hand how they work.

So just where are those intelligent, creative moral types if the best they can come up with is to tear down an important part of American history and put up a supermarket?

too bad you don't see the connection between what Margaret Mead said and CHP. Instead of disparaging her ideas, seems to me a creative, intelligent member of the City Government would have listened to her and tried to come with solutions that could keep everyone happy. Instead they went for the option most likely to produce an negative reaction and they knew it.

All that proves is that the person with the real brains and creativity is CHP. Sorry Ella- methinks you are mired in your muddy thinking.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 7:36 PM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

anon, 6:14- theres no reason at all except someone's greed

a-non- not nearly as much as they blew trying to get the Jets stadium built.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 6:23 PM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

'Meanwhile, 20 somethings like me who barely make 6 figures have poor parents will never be able to afford a place that is convenient to Manhattan."

You gotta love this guy's sense of humor.

If you can't make it on "barely" 6 figures the problem is you, not the market. Sorry about the parents too. Have you spoken to them about having had you when they really couldn't afford you?

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 6:11 PM in response to Brownstoner Reader Survey Results

I live near eastern parkway and the one thing it is, is a beautiful boulevard, much like the grand concourse. People who have been to Paris have told me it is so like boulevards there. No matter how beautiful a neighborhood is, places like Eastern Parkway and the grand Concourse have a grandeur about them that just can't be matched. It's a plus for everyone- and the City too.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 6:03 PM in response to Co-op of the Day: 125 Eastern Parkway 3 Bedroom

Perhaps some people should heed the words of Margaret Mead: "Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world - for indeed that's all who ever have" I'm sure CHP does.

Ella- you sound like a community board member with some sort of investment (political or otherwise) in this. As you should well be aware, politics is swampy ground. Don't bet too surely that what CHP and the rest of us want for Admiral's Row is a pipe dream.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 5:52 PM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

Of course it's not worth it- after all aren't we giving all that money to those who promise sports arenas? and how much money did our Mayor blow just trying to get a football stadium on the West Side. Oh- and what about all those tax write offs the City gives? And the breaks to landlords who are supposed to build affordable housing and then never do. Please.

Maybe if the City prioritized better, we'd all get what we need and still keep Admiral's row. Which, by the way, is hardly the only available space.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 2:05 PM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

SPer- very very right. the only thing I would say though is that while it is easy for the control/stabilization program to be abused, the majority of people on it are the ones who desperately need it. I don't see how it discourages construction because rent control and stabilization don't apply to new construction.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 1:48 PM in response to $25 MacArthur Grant for Affordable Housing Research

I think it's appalling that the City would do this. We spend so much money on crap in this City, (how much did they spend reworking the school bus routes, I wonder?) 25 mil - Bloomberg donates way more than that each year to arts organizations- it's pocket money to him. So why tear down a huge piece of this country's history, (and Brooklyn's as well?) But Bloomberg's history of dealing with these kinds of issues is not good. No money for Admiral's Row but millions for the Ratner Project? He must think we're all stupid.

I just contacted one of the veteran's organizations I do vollie work for and asked if this was something they could help with.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 12:53 PM in response to A Last-Ditch Effort to Save Admiral's Row

doesn't the visitor counter tally ISP addresses- in which case wouldn't that number be hits, rather than unique visitors?

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 12:50 PM in response to Brownstoner Reader Survey Results

doesn't the visitor counter tally ISP addresses- in which case wouldn't that number be hits, rahter than unique visitors?

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 12:49 PM in response to Brownstoner Reader Survey Results

Sorry- I only see them as pets. Obviously you have other interests- CACC will be arriving at your front door shortly to pick you up. Hope you get adopted before the 7 day waiting period.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 12:47 PM in response to Brownstoner Reader Survey Results

I think it's appalling that the City would do this. We spend so much money on crap in this City, (how much did they spend reworking the school bus routes, I wonder?) 25 mil - Bloomberg donates way more than that each year to arts organizations- it's pocket money to him. So why tear down a huge piece of this country's history, (and Brooklyn's as well?) But Bloomberg's history of dealing with these kinds of issues is not good. No money for Admiral's Row but millions for the Ratner Project? He must think we're all stupid.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 12:40 PM in response to City Trying to Demolish Admiral's Row

Sorry to disappoint. the Miss America Pageant people won't let me wear my banner because of copyright issues, and they take the tiara back when the next person wins. I don't do nude without that banner. However I'm sure any one of my cats will be more than happy to pose (even action shots!)totally in the buff for that. we all do what we can. :-)

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 14, 2007 11:57 AM in response to Brownstoner Reader Survey Results

It's also worth mentioning that the organization behind the drive to landmark the Crown Heights North neighborhood is the Crown heights North Association. they are the ones who began the process and have been getting it through the LPC. In addition they have been helping the school as well. Not only are preservationists being proactive about saving history, but helping to make the building safe and viable.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 13, 2007 10:59 AM in response to LPC Calendaring Considering Adventist Complex

Anon 5:10- sure it does. I'm comparing the money you spend for the amount of space you get. Never said my personal preference affected anything.And as it were, the conversation was about residential, not commercial rents.

Anon 10:30- a little late for the bandwagon aren't you? Been there, done that.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 13, 2007 10:52 AM in response to All-or-Nothing Brownstone Rental in Slope

Don't know why the above post didn't show my typekey id Bx2Bklyn - I was signed in when I posted.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 13, 2007 1:49 AM in response to A Couple of Things

what bubble?- I dunno, you could be right. I took it in the context of the rest of the blurb, which hardly sounded like fan mail. "bad" I get- never heard "sickest" used like this before, but then who can keep up? Seems other people took it literally too, except they thought it meant open season on the guy for wanting to rent instead of sell.

thanks amerileed for the history of the place. It's true- if you look at prices in Manhattan, 8-10K is not unheard of and for less space. I'd take a Brooklyn brownstone over a Manhattan apartment anyday.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 13, 2007 1:00 AM in response to All-or-Nothing Brownstone Rental in Slope

FYI- the lovely space in the photo just above the gorgeous triple window is what used to be the kitchen ( form the 70's I think.) Once water damamge rendered it unusable, they used the room for storing whatever.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 13, 2007 12:45 AM in response to House of the Day: Crown Heights Grand Dame

I have 15$ in my savings account you can have! Seriously- i wish there was a way to do it. A B&B seems to be the only way to use the whole house without redoing the entryway. Or a commune because to reconfigure the entry and staircase would be a crime. Now to relive the heartbreak again of seeing that wonderful old house and hoping the right person buys it.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 13, 2007 12:42 AM in response to House of the Day: Crown Heights Grand Dame

Wow- this must be the sickest thread on the web. So the guy wants to rent out the house- if you don't want to rent it, you're entitled but jeesh. You people carry on like he personally attacked you and destroyed your homes. And you jumped on the bandwagon too Mr.B. Why is this the sickest rental in Brooklyn? why can't he keep his property and choose to rent it out? I thought it was still a free country. There's always been this anti-rental thing going on on Brownstoner, but get a grip people.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 12, 2007 3:21 PM in response to All-or-Nothing Brownstone Rental in Slope

fixer upper is an understatement! I've been in that house and it was truly fabulous. That said, it had some serious structural issues, serious layout issues, serious living issues- you nme it, it had an issue. The basement was a wreck, there was an anormous of water damage there and in other parts of the house, the front wall was sagging (although from the picture this may have been shored up), and at least 5 dumpsters worth of junk. No kitchen to speak of - the 60's era (?)kitchen had been in the basement and badly damamged by water. No longer usuable ( or even entering). the ones upstairs all needed gut rehabs. Same for the bathrooms, but if i remember correctly there was a wonderful upstairs bathromm that had one of those full body showers, but it looked later than the original period of the house. The huge bay on the side also should be shored up- the list was endless. One could easily spend at least 750,000 on renovation and structural work. Did I mention new heating and electrical and plumbing?

The house originally was asking over 900,000 and went for around 650,00. I think there were actually 2 flippers- one who was in construction and intending to renovate for himself and his family, and then the present one who is flipping the house. Not sure if I'm right about that.

But I did weep over this one- whata beauty- and I think it will sit for a long long time before it gets sold again. menwhile it will most likely continue to deteriorate.

Posted by: Bx2Bklyn at February 12, 2007 3:09 PM in response to House of the Day: Crown Heights Grand Dame