cetus's Profile

  • jrcc
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • Brooklyn
  • Cobble Hill
  • Condo
  • attorney
  • Male

Author's Posts

August 17, 2009

Mosquitos

Help -- I can't go out in my backyard -- really it's ridiculous -- two minutes out there and I'm swarmed and my 2yo is covered with them -- I don't want to spray chemicals all over my herbs and tomatoes, but I'm planning a BBQ on Saturday. Any suggestions that really work?

July 28, 2009

6 Room & Board Enzo Chairs

I have 6 of these chairs to go -- they're $199 each and I'll sell them as a set for half off. They look completely new -- no defects no problems, just no room for them

May 18, 2009

washer dryer for sale -- must go

Ok so I have a two-year-old whirlpool duet stackable washer dryer, model #
GGW9250PW1

77 x 31 x 27

These units came with the house I bought and I had my own already. I tested them personally and they work perfectly. Some scratches on the front, but nothing serious.

Have to sell; I'll accept any reasonable offer.

April 28, 2009

washer / dryer for sale

two year old whirlpool duet around $1000 list -- need them out of my basement and am willing to negotiate bigtime

March 18, 2009

window cleaning rip off?

wtf I just got a call from my wife that some guy charged her $130 to clean the two street-facing windows and the garden-facing kitchen windows, completely leaving out the garden level. I'm so frustrated that it's ridiculous -- am I wrong? Window cleaning isn't exactly a skilled trade -- right?

February 7, 2009

metal entry intercom cover

does anyone know a good place to get a nicer intercom cover or new unit? I'd love to replace the plastic one that I have now.

February 2, 2009

Intentional Waste

I want to know what can be done about the falling-down brownstones in CObble Hill, especially the one on the corner of Henry and Congress and the adjoining carriage house. There's no doubt that it's a dangerous situation and after some digging, I discoveered that the owner purchased the property in 2001, put up that ugly scaffolding and has since done nothing.

What can I or we as a community do to force this jerk to do something before the building collapses or to sell it to someone who will?

I assume that it's landmarked -- would perhaps enough complaints to them force some sort of action?

I don't want to come off as some sort of busy-body, but it's really a shame to see such nice structures neglected. I should add that I was on a roof recently and the view from above is even worse -- roof is collapsing...

January 28, 2009

Burglar / Fire Alarm?

I'm moving to a new place in Cobble Hill in about a month and I really am confused about what burglar / fire alarm system to install. My contractors know nothing and I've heard awful stories about ADT. I'm installing motion lights in the front and on the garden, but want total protection. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

Author's Comments

they are front-loading whirlpool duet. I cannot find a model number on them, but they are large and have all the features you could possibly want -- they are in very good condition minus a few scratches on the top. Dryer is gas. They are in Cobble Hill.

Posted by: cetus at April 28, 2009 2:29 PM in response to washer / dryer for sale

they are front-loading whirlpool duet. I cannot find a model number on them, but they are large and have all the features you could possibly want -- they are in very good condition minus a few scratches on the top. Dryer is gas. They are in Cobble Hill.

Posted by: cetus at April 28, 2009 2:29 PM in response to washer / dryer for sale

You know I actually went to an open house at 1BPP in the fall and I think that the views from the Brooklyn side (at least from the fairly high-floor apartment that they were showing) were really cool. I was truly surprised how much I liked it and though I'm certainly going to get heat for this comment, it sorta reminded me of a high office in Paris that looked over all the rooftops.

Posted by: cetus at February 5, 2009 3:39 PM in response to Stribling Closes at 1BBP, Optimistic About Spring

I am just completing a three-month renovation of a Cobble Hill brownstone. The work included digging the cellar framing, plaster work, fairly extensive plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, painting, kitchen renovation and all sorts of other small and large jobs.

I used Tim Curran as a manager 917 450 8230. He handled all the fees, permits, architects and managed the contractor JCL Construction.

I can not say enough good things about Tim and James, the owner of JCL. They were absolutely always professional always hardworking and equally importantly, always available. I spoke to them on the weekends and at night and could not be happier with their work, attitude and price. Give him a call.

Posted by: cetus at February 2, 2009 10:36 AM in response to looking for contractor-recommend

What I really want is a nice system that can operate wirelessly, that can detect fire CO and unwanted intruders and will make a loud noise and perhaps turn on the lights in any of those events. I could probably be convinced to add card entry and maybe other fun gadgets that I've never even considered. I need a recommendation for a reputable company that can install or suggest equipment that I can have my electrician install. I am not going to reopen any walls and I don't really care about monitoring. Many thanks.

Posted by: cetus at January 27, 2009 5:44 PM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

what about options to force him to do something before it falls down? Any ideas or is it a lost cause? I assume it's a landmarked building.

Posted by: cetus at January 27, 2009 2:04 PM in response to LICH Liquidation Underway

wtf is up with that building ont the corner of Congress and Henry? I always assumed it was a LICH building that they were just letting fall apart -- I now hear that someone bought in back in 2001 along with the adjoining carraige house, put up the scaffolding on Congress, West of Henry and then did nothing. Is there anyway to force him to sell it or repair it? It's' a shame to watch these nice buildings fall apart...

Posted by: cetus at January 27, 2009 1:20 PM in response to LICH Liquidation Underway

Yeah dare I say, I almost prefer the Amity street house to the Warren Street complex -- certainly the brownstone itself. Man I want one...

Posted by: cetus at January 26, 2009 9:13 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

how come no one ever mentions this place - I can't stop looking at the listing and some one bought it...

http://www.brownharrisstevens.com/detail.aspx?id=910789

Posted by: cetus at January 26, 2009 8:39 PM in response to House of the Day: 213 Congress Street

Responses to Author's Forum Comments


While light may be an issue... the 1/2" thick steel sheet encasement would probably look really cool. Like having your own piece of the Jüdisches Museum Berlin.

Posted by: tybur6 at January 28, 2009 11:31 AM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

We have had a fairly simple ADT system for several years and found it to be okay.

Posted by: sallyz at January 28, 2009 1:25 PM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

our ADT system is all wireless - there are no cables. right?

Posted by: wine lover at January 28, 2009 1:43 PM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

There are two ways to go as I understand it, wither cheap up front and expensive monthly or money upfront an cheap monthly. Either way I strongly recommend :

Alarms R US
1812 76TH St
Brooklyn, NY 11214
(718) 236-1166

Bob is one of the nicest people ever and he is very honest.

Posted by: superstooper at January 28, 2009 3:02 PM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

There are two ways to go as I understand it, Either cheap up front and expensive monthly or money upfront an cheap monthly. You can also combine wireless and hardwired. Either way I strongly recommend :

Alarms R US
1812 76TH St
Brooklyn, NY 11214
(718) 236-1166

Bob is one of the nicest people ever and he is very honest. He is very knowledgeable and has very clever solutions.

Posted by: superstooper at January 28, 2009 3:03 PM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

super, who does the monitoring?

Posted by: denton at January 28, 2009 3:29 PM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

It is my understanding that the different companies have their own central stations. I could be wrong. Call Bob. The main thing is that he is not in bed with one company.

Posted by: superstooper at January 28, 2009 3:49 PM in response to Burglar / Fire Alarm?

I am an architect, specializing in sustainable design, and I've done a number of brownstone renovations in Park Slope and the Upper East side. I can highly recommend at least one contractor with whom I work over and over again. His name is Ronald Baker of RHB Design Build. He's a great guy to work with. Extremely conscientious and affordable. Email me directly at jim@urban-pioneering.com and I'll give you his info.

If you do not have an architect already, it sounds like you'll need one. I'm happy to come and visit the house and provide a free consultation and proposal.

Jim Hill
Urban Pioneering Architecture

Posted by: JimHill at February 2, 2009 1:01 PM in response to looking for contractor-recommend

I have worked with J Thomas Construction based in Brooklyn. My experience with them was nothing less than amazing - efficient, reliable, dedicated and the best customer service I've received. The owner is JT Stewart (917) 699-3810 and the website is www.jthomasnyc.com. The portfolio section speaks for itself...Give them a call.

Best of luck with your remodel!

Posted by: VF at March 12, 2009 12:25 PM in response to looking for contractor-recommend

I have worked with J Thomas Construction based in Brooklyn. My experience with them was nothing less than amazing - efficient, reliable, dedicated and the best customer service I've received. The owner is JT Stewart (917) 699-3810 and the website is www.jthomasnyc.com. The portfolio section speaks for itself...Give them a call.

Best of luck with your remodel!

Posted by: VF at March 12, 2009 12:25 PM in response to looking for contractor-recommend